Where Mortgage Rates are Headed in the Near Future

Happy young couple getting keys of their new house. Close up of female hand receiving keys from house broker. Closeup of the hand of a real estate agent who give the house keys to a woman while her boyfriend signing a contract.

Happy young couple getting keys of their new house. Close up of female hand receiving keys from house broker. Closeup of the hand of a real estate agent who give the house keys to a woman while her boyfriend signing a contract.

Thinking of buying a home? Wondering when is the best time to apply for a mortgage in order to get the best possible rate? Mortgage rates are relatively volatile when compared with interest rates of other loan types. Since mortgages are typically such large sums, the rates are often an indicator of the current economy and a predictor of the future economy. Mortgage rates affect the overall housing market, referring to the average prices of homes bought and sold during the current year. If you plan to buy a new house in Greensboro, NC, this year, consider the rate predictions to help you determine the optimal time.

Mortgage Rates Stand to Move Soon, Act Now

According to The Mortgage Reports, mortgage rates have been at record lows this year, and that trend has continued into the fall. However, rates are likely to go up in the foreseeable future. Rates at or below 4 percent are likely to rise at least half a percent by the end of the calendar year. This means that if you’re thinking of buying a home, it would be wise to act quickly. If you’ve been planning to build your dream home, applying for a mortgage now is the best way to lock in a low rate. Mortgages typically have 30 year terms, and while you may have the option to refinance down the road, locking in a low rate now means you may not have to.

Now is the Time to Build your Luxury Custom Home

Do you have a vision for your dream home? Is it stylish and spacious and reflective of who you are? Before you buy a new house in Greensboro, NC, consider a custom home. Custom building allows you to plan and design your home just the way you want it, down to every last detail. Every luxury, every feature that you’ve always wanted in a home can be yours. Your ideas, wants, and needs come together when master designers create a truly original home just for you. From the blueprints to the finished product, you are a part of every decision and option. And the final result is a home you can be proud of, make memories in, and live life to the fullest.

Take Advantage of Low Mortgage Rates and Build a Home with R&K Custom Homes

Your money should go toward adding luxuries and beauty to your new home, not to the bank in the form of mortgage interest. With rates low but poised to move, this is your time to take action. Get a low rate locked in now before the rates rise. Then simply enjoy the custom design process. R&K Custom Homes makes designing your dream home a truly wonderful experience. Ready-to-build home sites are available now in some of the finest neighborhoods in Greensboro. Call (336)643-3503 to schedule a consultation.

4 Secrets to Building your New Dream Home

Tools on BlueprintDo you have a vision for the home of your dreams? You can picture it, can’t you: the inside, the outside, the yard? Well the time has come to make that vision a reality. Working with premier building contractors in Greensboro, NC, you can design and build your dream home just the way you want it. To make sure you are completely satisfied with the final product, you need to know the 4 secrets to building your new dream home.

  1. List your “must haves.” Make a prioritized list of features or details that you absolutely have to have in your dream home. Whether it’s a wrap-around front porch, a finished basement, a 3 car garage, or a state-of-the-art kitchen, these are the things you cannot do without. It’s the big and little things that fulfill your dreams when it comes to your home, so add to the list as you go to make sure you don’t leave anything out.
  2. Plan for the future. When designing your dream home, plan for the future as much as the present, because if there’s any certainty in life, it’s that change is inevitable. You might plan 4 bedrooms because you have 3 children now and don’t plan to have any more. But things change, people age, grandparents move in, surprises happen. You can never be sure of the future, so build in some room for flexibility.
  3. Be willing to compromise. This does not mean giving up on the dream home you want, but it does mean there will be situations during the design process where compromise will be necessary. Know your budget well, otherwise you run the risk of building yourself into financial hardship. Some of your less important items may have to be sacrificed in order to have some of the more important features.
  4. Trust your builder. When you work with an experienced, reliable building contractor in Greensboro, NC, you should trust their advice. Your builder will make recommendations along the way that can save you money and improve design choices. Choices like which materials to use and what brand names are best are wisely left up to your builder who has worked with the products and built many homes. If your builder thinks something may not be a good idea, take the advice. He will likely offer you a workaround that will be much more pleasing in the end.

Build Your Dreams with R&K Custom Homes, Premier Building Contractors in Greensboro, NC

Put your dreams in the hands of someone you can trust. R&K Custom Homes are the building contractors in Greensboro, NC, that are behind award-winning homes in the finest neighborhoods. State-of-the-art building technology, stylish design features, and quality materials and craftsmanship go into every R&K home. The dream house you have always wanted for the future can be yours sooner than you thought possible. The time is now. Call (336) 362-5225 to get started on your dream home design.

Benefits to Living in the Riverside at Oak Ridge Community

Riverside Lot 54If you’re looking for a new neighborhood that’s out in the beautiful countryside, yet close to the city, check out Riverside at Oak Ridge. As its name suggests, Riverside is a growing home community near Haw River. A luxury community, Riverside offers many amenities. In an excellent location with top schools and close proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to love about Riverside. And there are available, ready-to-build new home lots in Oak Ridge, NC, now. Enjoy all the benefits of living in Riverside Community.

  1. Natural setting. Riverside provides convenient access to parks, golf courses and more. Drive along the country roads between rolling fields and lush forests and know you’re in a good place. If you’re tired of crowds and traffic and city noise, build your home in a community where you can escape all of that. Go back in time and experience life like it was before people got in such a hurry.
  2. Convenient location. Even though Riverside is out in the country, it’s just a short drive to reach all of the conveniences of Kernersville and Greensboro. A reasonable commute to work, shopping and dining close by, and plenty of things to do whether you’re looking for outdoor or indoor entertainment. Grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores and more are just around the corner. You can have both convenience and beauty in your life.
  3. Premier custom builders. Some of Greensboro’s best builders are designing and constructing the new homes in the Riverside community. R&K Custom Homes puts your needs and desires into a home design that encompasses all of the features and details that you want. Your R&K original home will be truly unique, reflecting your very own style and personality. Quality craftsmanship and the finest materials go into every R&K home.
  4. Pool and tennis courts. And the icing on the cake is the resort-like amenities. Play a match on the tennis court or take a dip in the pool and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation every day. Views of the trees and rolling fields are a gorgeous backdrop to these activities.

Spacious Home Lots in Oak Ridge, NC, at Riverside are Available Now and Going Fast

Such a desired neighborhood with beauty and convenience fills up fast. Home lots in Oak Ridge, NC, are selling quickly as more residents of Greensboro and the surrounding areas look for a community like Riverside, a beautiful escape from city dwelling. Just beyond the neighborhood itself there are parks, golf courses, shopping centers, and restaurants. Medical facilities and emergency services are close by and the schools in the area are top notch, both public and private. If you’re ready to find a new community where you can build your home your way, on a piece of land you choose, call R&K Custom Homes: (336) 362-5225.

Reasons for You to Choose Custom Homes Instead of Spec Houses

exterior of custom homeIf you’re about to invest in your first piece of real estate, one of the things that you should consider is what kind of house you would purchase. Is it going to be a spec home, or would you prefer to have something more customized? What exactly is the difference between the two?

Design Factor

The most glaring difference between production or spec homes and custom homes is the approach in design. A production house applies a template design, commonly found in suburban homes. There is an element of uniformity to them, from the driveway all the way to the interiors.

If you are in search of a property that would have the basics, and you don’t really want to fuss all too much with personalized features, then this is a good option for you. It’s already built and ready to move into.

As for a custom house, it follows no other template but yours. As the homeowner, you must work in close coordination with the contractors in order to communicate your design plans and ideas. With their knowledge, skills, and expertise, they can then guide the design process to ensure quality in both aesthetics and functionality.

Advantages of Custom

Sure, choosing a custom home can mean more work since you will have more opportunity for input of its design. However, if you work with experienced and expert home builders, the process will go smoother than you probably expect.

If you have seniors or individuals with special needs living with you, you can take their needs into consideration. A bedroom on the ground level, for example, could be convenient for senior residents because then they won’t need to climb stairs. This not only minimizes their physical exertion, but also mitigates the risks of an accident.

Special features such as a sunroom, home theater, game room and more can also be included to cater to your family’s interests and needs.

Dream Come True

If you’ve been dreaming up the perfect house all this time, your best bet at turning it into reality is by getting it custom built. Put your creativity to good use and enjoy the privilege of having a blank canvass to draw up your dream home design.

Professional contractors such as R & K Custom Homes can help you bring your design ideas to fruition. Turn your dream house into a reality. Get started by consulting with the pros for your design. Call R & K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225.

Consider these Features to Make Custom Homes Even More Convenient

Great Room View from CeilingIf you are looking for a new home for your family, consider a custom home. With a custom home you will be able to choose many features that are suited for your family and lifestyle. That’s because with custom homes, you can say goodbye to compromises.

When you choose to have your home designed according to your tastes, you get the opportunity to include features that fit your family. This is especially true when it comes to home features that you may not see in existing homes for sale in your market. To give you a bit of inspiration, here are some brilliant house features that you can have added when you choose to customize your new home:

Keeping Room

The keeping room is like a cross between a dining room and living room. Typically located just off the kitchen, the keeping room is a spot where family can gather and have a casual get together. What’s great about this space is that you can keep conversing with people even while you’re busy preparing a meal. It also makes for a great entertaining space when hosting an intimate gathering at home. You can choose to serve your appetizers here then invite your guests to your dining room for the main course.

Hidden Storage Space

What homeowners tend to discover over time is that there is never enough storage space in their home, which is why they resort to purchasing small storage containers. As an alternative, you can opt to have more storage space cleverly installed all over your home. It can be under the stairway or even behind the walls themselves. 

Pet Bathing Area

You love your pets, but isn’t bathing them a challenge? With your very own pet bathing station, you never have to struggle with getting your furry pals in and out of your own bathtub again. If you happen to have large pets, you can opt to have a large high-walled basin installed so that you and your pets can be comfy during grooming time.

If you have been looking at a number of possible new homes and nothing seems to suit your taste, consider getting one custom built for your family. This way, you get the house that you have always dreamed of. And as you might guess, there’s really no better feeling than being able to walk into a home that you are proud to call your own.

Call R & K Custom Homes at (336) 362-5225.

Fun Things to Do in Greensboro

Custom Luxury Home ExteriorPlanning to visit or relocate to the Greensboro, NC, area? There’s lots to do that will stimulate the mind, body, and spirit that are a lot of fun too. Greensboro is an ideal city for families, with job opportunities, great schools, and a reasonable cost of living. Before you move, consult with Greensboro builders about custom home building opportunities in the area. New home neighborhoods with ready-to-build home sites are available in highly desired areas. Once you move to Greensboro there are plenty of attractions to keep you occupied that are fun for the whole family.

Greensboro Science Center

Complete with an outdoor zoo and indoor aquarium, the Greensboro Science Center offers fun learning opportunities for all ages. The outdoor zoo includes tigers, wolves, lemurs, barnyard animals, and more. The aquarium includes penguins, otters, sharks, fish, and even a touch pool for some marine creatures. Indoor exhibits include dinosaurs, weather, human body systems, and floating exhibits that change from time to time. Sail the seas on the play pirate ship or in the yellow submarine. There’s even a special area for the smallest scientists to play safely.

International Civil Rights Center and Museum

This museum stands in honor of 4 African American college students who sat down at the “whites only” lunch counter at Woolworth’s on February 1, 1960, the action that ignited the sit-in movement of the civil rights campaign. This location has been restored to look as it did on that important day in our nation’s history and serves as a museum where people of all ages can learn about the civil rights movement when it first began and its progress even now.

The Greensboro Arboretum

Enjoy 17 acres of gardens, floral displays, plant collections, and other greenery. Stroll around the grounds and take in the beauty and delicious scents of hundreds of different flowers. Learn about a variety of plant types and rest on the many scenic benches. The gazebo and fountain complete this picture-perfect collection of nature in Greensboro.

Local Flavor in Greensboro

When you visit Greensboro, you can’t forget to sample the local brews and food. Natty Greene’s beer is brewed in Greensboro at the brewery on West Gate City Blvd where the tasting room serves freshly crafted beer on tap. The Greensboro brewpub is located on South Elm Eugene Street offering beers and a full menu of burgers, wings, BBQ, and more. The Kitchen and Market is on Yanceyville Street, housing “the butcher, the baker, and the beer maker.” Located at the Historic Revolution Mill with an in-house butcher and baker, the Kitchen and Market is known for delicious food that is made from scratch on-site. A trip to Greensboro just isn’t complete without a trip to some of the areas great restaurants.

Searching for Greensboro Builders who Design and Build Custom Homes?

If you’re moving to Greensboro and want to find Greensboro Builders who deliver quality craftsmanship and reliable service, look no further than R&K Custom Homes. Your wants and desires for your dream home can be made a reality through expert design and building technique. R&K is currently building in the top neighborhoods in Greensboro. Call (336) 362-5225 to schedule your free consultation today.

Some Design Trends to Consider for Building Custom Homes This Year

A couple reviews a architect's drawingComing up with plans for a new home in Greensboro, NC, is always an exciting process. The biggest advantage of working on a brand new house is that it’s your own blank canvass. As the homeowner, you have the opportunity to build a home that suits your lifestyle.

That said, it’s best to entrust the final design decisions to professional contractors. They’ll know how best to approach turning your vision into reality. They’ll know which design concepts are possible and which are not, and they will know which choices may lead to unforeseen problems. And experienced custom home builder will know how these decisions will affect your final cost.

Feel free to throw some of your ideas their way for consideration, especially if you are like to keep up with the latest trends in custom home design such as the following.

Efficient Space Usage

It could be from a conscious effort to use space efficiently or because smaller homes are more economical. Whatever the reason, people are looking for smaller spaces. Every inch of space, therefore, should be used wisely, meanwhile the amount of foot traffic and storage space requirements must be considered.

Keep It Clean and Modern

Another trend to consider is clean and modern lines, especially since the minimalist trend in design allows more leeway for interior options.

You can also go for more classical designs such as French or Mediterranean as these are very safe design choices. Whatever you end up with, the important thing is to pick a design that best reflects your needs and preferences.

Metal Accents

Look into adding a bit more metal to your interiors if you want to add some eye-catching features to your home. It can be in the form of brass trimmings or accents, or backsplashes in your kitchen. It’s an easy and surefire way to create a unique look for a room.
Interior design trends frequently change, however, so you may want to think long and hard before settling on a particular design element. You’ll be stuck with it for a while after all.

When it comes to custom homes, it’s much better if you entrust the design and build to professional contractors such as R&K Custom Homes. Set an appointment soon so you can start to plan out the details of your dream home project.

Landscaping Ideas for Your New Home

Backyard PatioWith a brand new home, the possibilities for landscaping are wide open. There are so many ways to beautify the land that your home was built on. When you have a new home built by custom home builders in NC, your outdoor spaces should be an equally important part of your home design. Consider the latest trends in home landscaping and get some great ideas for your yard.

  • Low Maintenance Plants. With busy lifestyles becoming the norm, many people are looking for low maintenance landscaping that won’t require much upkeep from week to week. Plants that are hearty in dry conditions and won’t need extra watering are popular for convenience and economic reasons. Let landscaping experts recommend plants that work well in the region where you live.
  • Vegetable Gardens on Display. Growing your own veggies is becoming common practice again as organic foods offer health benefits. What’s changing most is that your garden doesn’t have to be in the backyard out of sight. Your veggies can be planted in the front yard among other attractive flowering plants which not only offers aesthetic benefits, but cross pollination benefits as well.
  • Flowing Water. The serenity from moving water makes it a valuable investment. Fountains, fish ponds, waterfalls, and more are popular additions to many yards and patios. Zen gardens are all the rage with water scenes for peaceful meditation.
  • Outdoor Kitchens. This concept is by no means new, but it continues to be a staple for backyard patios. Elaborate grilling and outdoor cooking areas combined with comfortable patio seating, often under and pergola or pavilion, is ideal for outdoor family dining and entertaining.
  • Indoor Comforts Outdoors. Thanks to advances in outdoor furniture design, it’s possible to have indoor-quality furniture outside. Waterproof and fade-proof fabrics, as well as durable materials, make it possible to have stylish, cozy outdoor furniture that holds up to the elements.
  • Stone or Tile Steps and Paths. Direct the flow of traffic in your yard with stones, tiles, or concrete pads. Create pathways and stepping stones to take guests on an adventure through your beautifully landscaped backyard, or lead them right to your front door without damaging the grass.

R&K Custom Home Builders in NC Include Landscaping as Part of the Custom Building Experience

Landscaping does not have to be an afterthought once your home is completed. Your plans for your outdoor spaces and plants should be part of your original home design. In order to make the best use of the lay of the land, patios, decks, plants, ponds, and other features should be planned for from the beginning. R&K Custom Home Builders in NC have the expertise to incorporate your landscaping ideas into the overall design of your home. From outdoor patios with pergolas to screened-in porches, these spaces are just as important as the home itself. Trust your whole home to R&K Custom Home Builders. To get started planning your dream home today, call (336) 362-5225 to schedule a free consultation.

Top 5 Questions You Should Ask Your Custom Home Builder

View from front of houseIn your search for the right custom home builders in North Carolina, there are many things you need to consider. Of course, the style of home plays a large part, as does location. But by the time you have reached this point, you will most likely already have a list of home builders in mind for the project. There are several very important questions you should ask any custom home builder you are thinking about using.

1. How Long Have You Been Building Custom Homes in NC?

Hiring custom home builders in North Carolina is similar to hiring a team of long-term employees. You would not hire an employee without a resume and references, so why would you hire a builder without doing the same. You need to know about their work history, how many years they have been in business, what special skills they bring to the table, and that they are fully familiar with all local codes and regulations.

2. How Long Will Building My Home Take?

Before you decide which contractor to hire, you should ask them to provide you with a start and finish date in writing. Along with this, the contractor should be able to give you a complete list of the major milestones in the construction project. This will allow you to check on the progress of your custom home at any point and address any variances before they become a major problem.

3. What Happens If I Make Changes to the Original Plan?

When you sat down and put together the plans for your dream home, you probably thought you were done. However, during construction, you might find you have to make a few modifications. You need to ask the contractor how they handle these changes and if those changes will cause work to stop while you hammer out the details. Be sure this information is all included in the contract to avoid issues down the road.

4. Do You Handle the Entire Project

This one is very important as not all custom home builders in North Carolina do their own work from start to finish. Many use a number of sub-contractors for things like wiring, plumbing and climate control. While there is nothing wrong with this, you need to know how much time the contractor will spend on-site during the project and who will be supervising the construction of your home when he is not there.

5. Why Are You the Right Custom Home Builder for Me?

Making the right choice of custom home builders in North Carolina is vital to a successful outcome. Having a custom home built represents a major financial and personal investment. Be sure to ask every builder you are considering what sets them apart from the rest, what makes them unique, why they think they are the best choice to build the home you and your family plan to live in for many years? Each builder has their own philosophy, this is a good time to make sure theirs and yours mesh so that you are comfortable with them constructing your new home.

Top Benefits of Custom Building your New Home

Custom home built by R and KWhile there are plenty of previously-owned homes on the market today, there is nothing quite like walking into your first custom-built home. There are many advantages to having the best home builders in Greensboro working with you to create your dream home. A new home allows you to personalize it to meet your needs and desires, while at the same time enjoying many years of low-maintenance living. Here are several major advantages of having your next home custom-built just for you.

A Personalized Home

When you are looking at new homes today, most are built to a predetermined set of plans. For example, if you walk through a new housing development, all the houses are built using a very limited number of floor plans. The best home builders in Greensboro will work with you to create a floor plan that best fits your family’s needs. You decide what rooms go where, how big they are, how many bedrooms and bathrooms your house will have. You also choose all fittings and fixtures, cabinets, color schemes and more. In other words, you have the final word in making your house into a home your family will love.

Increased Energy-Efficiency

The cost of utilities such as electricity, gas and water will likely only go up. Modern homes are being built using the latest in “tight construction” techniques with the most energy-efficient insulation materials. They are airtight and designed to keep in heat and air conditioning better than at any time in the past. New custom homes come with energy efficient appliances, low-flow showers and toilets, and LED lighting designed to maximize light and minimize power usage. All of this will help keep your utility bills under control.

Built for Special Needs

Do you need wheelchair access, special bathroom fixtures to help an elderly family member? What about extra space for elderly family members like an “in-law” apartment. Having the best home builders in Greensboro add these in while building your home is far more cost effective than buying an existing home and then having to pay a contractor to modify it.

Reduced Maintenance Costs

When you buy a previously owned home, you could be investing in a wide range of hidden problems that are likely to show up in the months after you move in and cost a lot of money to repair. With a new home, your maintenance costs are likely to be far less. Most custom home builders in NC offer a warranty. Depending on the nature of this warranty, it might cover things like the furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, appliances, windows, doors, roof and more. This can save you a lot of money in repairs compared to if you bought an existing home.

Working with the best home builders in Greensboro puts you in the driver’s seat. You never have to deal with the hassle of house shopping and making repairs as you are moving in. This may be one of the least stressful moves you and your family will ever make.