Okay, so what really is Made In America, Built In Michigan?  It means using as many “made in Michigan” products as possible, with 100 percent of each home’s materials made in the United States and we get to help make this happen.  I don’t know what you think but I am thinking this is so COOL!

For us it is summed up by Rick Elkow, the owner of Elkow Homes, “for me, it’s all about putting people back to work.”  We have made it our focus to be a different kind of home builder and hopefully with this new project we can be a part of something fantastic that gives back.

Just a thought to ponder, Michael Stoskopf, BIA’s CEO, shared this “The National Association of Home Builders estimates that for each new home that is built, three new jobs are created”…

Now that is something we are very excited about.

If you did not see the new story on WDIV channel 4 news a few weeks ago, they called Lyon Township “Metro Detroit’s boomtown”.  With the beautiful rural feel of Lyon Township you can have the best of both worlds.  We are close to Detroit, Ann Arbor and even Lansing.  It is worth the visit.

With the housing market beginning to take on an upward momentum in Michigan, Lyon Township and other enticing communities will hopefully continue to see more new home buyers.

Well look at it now! 

That hole in the ground is being transformed into a gorgeous home.  You could move in this May.  One of my favorite features of this new construction home is the huge flex room on the second floor.  With kids at home my boys would love this to be their “hang out” room with their buddies.  It could be a toy room, reading room, home office or sewing room.  The options are endless.

The Harvard spec features

• Hardwood floor package
• Granite counter tops
• 2700 square feet
• Open floor plan
• May move in!

Remember this is one our newest floor plans available by Elkow Homes and we have a few more plans up our sleeve that we are working on.  There is still a little time to see The Harvard and choose your personal interior selections such as counter tops and hardwood floor colors.  Don’t delay…

Visit our Twin Pines subdivision for more information about Elkow Homes and our available communities in Oakland County.

At Elkow Homes, we are constantly looking at how we can better take care of our new home buyers, that and our extreme emphasis on customer service. You are a part of the home building experience and we wanted to give you another floor plan option. Come see the progress of our home building technique today by walking through this new available home.

Here are just some of The Harvard spec features

• Hardwood floor package
• Granite counter tops
•  2700 square feet
•  Open floor plan
•  May move in

We believe, you, the customer should be involved in the home building experience every step of the way and that is what makes Elkow Homes different. Come see The Harvard and you can make this house your home while you still have time to choose the interior finishes to it. Come visit our Twin Pines subdivision for more information and to find out what Elkow Homes is all about.

FHA Loans Advantages

• Easier to qualify
• Offered to buyers with less than perfect credit
• Low downpayment (3.5%)
• Competitive interest rates

Home buyers can obtain an FHA backed loan from traditional mortgage companies and simply need to inquire about this type of loan.  FHA loans are available in both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages.  Additional information is available on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s website.

Before you get caught up in the emotional roller coaster of purchasing a new home, consider your financing options and calculate a realistic budget.  Once you know what loans are appropriate for your new home, you’ll be able to calculate a true budget for the purchase.  This planning will allow the home closing and move in to be stress-free and much more enjoyable.

Local Michigan lenders offer online tools for reviewing mortgage options and selecting the right loan for your current financial situation.  One such lender is Quicken Loans.  Their website offers a good overview of mortgage options, as well as calculators for monthly payments.

As with most things in life, a little planning will go a long way.  Purchasing your new home is a perfect example of this old saying still having it’s place in our modern world.

This is an excellent time to purchase a new home if you meet the criteria set by the government. While the “rules” can appear confusion, much help exists to see if you qualify. A quick and easy way to review this act and the associated criteria is available at http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/2009/faq.php.

A simple fact is this – all manmade or manufactured products have an expected life span. Daily usage, normal wear and tear, and the weather all play a key role in determining a given product’s life span. Buying a home is no different.

This blogger will admit, 100 year old houses offer character and charm that is unsurpassed by new construction homes. They also offer leaky roofs, broken pipes, energy eating appliances, windows that require plastic in winter, and hours and hours of maintenance. As a result, new construction homes grow more and more desirable to America’s lifestyles and are becoming the mainstream.

As you walk through that builder’s beautiful model, look past the gourmet kitchen. Look at the energy efficient appliances, the up to date plumbing, and the low maintenance exterior. When buying your dream home, make sure you can have plenty of time to enjoy your dream home. This allowance for free time means staying focused on quality, construction, and focusing on purchasing new construction homes.

Let’s use Ann Arbor, Michigan as a reference point. While the latest monthly average for price per square foot was $124, the highest figure was closer to $500. This average was down from $130 a year ago and can still change dramatically based on the exact location within Ann Arbor. This number will also see larger shifts as a new home buyer moves out of the city to the quieter areas of Livingston county or Oakland county.

Regardless of your location, price per square foot is a good reference point to measure home builder against home builder. While the feature list, school district, and area crime rates will alter this number, it should not change significantly if the comparison is done in a relatively small geographical area and for the same level of home.

Elkow Homes utilizes price per square foot to measure the true value provided to new home buyers. Elkow Homes offers the lowest price per square foot for South Lyon and Lyon Township homes within the same home class. A $90 per square foot, home buyers receive their dream house at an economical and affordable price. This focus on value and quality is the focus of the Elkow Homes’ pledge.

New construction homes offer more advantages then merely less maintenance and upkeep. They offer large rooms and open floor plans, walk in closets, and energy efficient appliances. They offer beautifully landscaped surroundings, sidewalks, and premium school districts.

However, most important, a new construction home offers the opportunity to create your dream home from the ground up. Literally. It allows you and your builder to create your dream home. And when you find the right builder, this dream home will remain a dream for decades to come.

Elkow Homes’ premier community, The Heights at Elkow Farms, is the perfect opportunity to create your dream home.