The name Westin Homes has been synonymous with luxury, beauty and function for more than two decades.
Dedicated to providing affordable sophistication, Westin Homes’ designs offer unique architecture, such as their signature triple-tiered rotunda, sweeping staircases and floor-to-ceiling bay windows. And that’s only the start.
Westin Homes’ kitchens are spacious with ample cabinet and counter space. Islands are large enough to serve multiple functions, including food preparation, working from home, studying and entertaining. In the family room, a cathedral ceiling and wall of windows create a home that is airy, bright and beautiful.
Westin also stays on trend, equipping homes with convenient smart home features that allow you to turn on lights with your voice or close the garage door via an app. Westin also utilizes state-of-the-art building practices to ensure your energy bills are low.
Westin offers 11 designs in Marvida. Homes range from 2,995 to 3,267 square feet and are priced from the $560,000s. Homes include island kitchens, game rooms, covered porches and patios, mud rooms and two-car garages. Some floor plans feature media rooms and wet bars. Available options include indoor and outdoor fireplaces, additional bedrooms and studies.
Visit Marvida today to learn how Westin Homes can beautify your life.
Houseplants are a simple, yet effective, way to breathe new life into your home’s décor. They add color, texture and focus to any room. As a bonus, plants provide health benefits in the form of increased oxygen and stress relief. You don’t even need a green thumb. If you are ready to bring the outdoors inside your new Marvida home, here are a few botanical tips.
Remember, It’s Alive
Plants are living things. They require more upkeep than a throw pillow. Evaluate your lifestyle. Make sure you have time to water and fertilize your plants. Evaluate your space for sunlight, temperature and functionality. You want your plants to thrive.
Start Small and Easy
If you’ve never owned a houseplant, it’s best to start small. Purchase a few low-maintenance plants and build from there. Check with experts at your local gardening center who can help you choose the right plants. Favorites with beginners include ZZ plant, snake plant, spider plants, pothos, any succulent and bamboo.
A Plant for Every Room
Match your plants with your room. Bathrooms tend to be humid so fill them with ferns or orchids. Some plants prefer the shade. If you have a dark corner in your game room, brighten it up with dark-leaved plants such as calatheas or nerve plants. If you don’t use your study very often but want a little green, fill the shelves with cactus plants.
Create Contrast
A plant by itself looks lonely and sad. A group of plants looks lush and inviting. Place plants of varying heights and leaf shapes around seating areas to encourage guests to sit and relax. Group the plants in odd numbers as studies have shown people find that more pleasing than even numbers.
Go Big in Your Home
Plants make great focal points. If you have a corner that needs a little extra something, consider an ornamental tree. As an alternative, place a medium-sized plant placed on a plant stand.
What About Windowsills?
If you are lucky enough to have box windows (check with your Marvida builder to see if you can add one), you have the perfect frame for medium plants. Sun-loving, tall plants contrast nicely with the outside view. Keep in mind that the temperature around windows fluctuate more than the rest of your home. Remove plants during cold snaps and heat waves.
Pretty Pots
The containers you use to display your plants should fit with your decorating style. They should also be functional, allowing you to care for your plants properly. Terracotta offers the best drainage, but if you aren’t into the rustic look, you can find more modern pots and stands at gardening centers.
Add a Dash of Color
Dot your spaces with flowering plants to add a dash of color to your burgeoning jungle. Favorites include African violets, bromeliads, kalanchoe, and begonia.
Go Vertical
Small spaces shine with the addition of hanging plants. Plants can be hung from the ceiling in macrame holders. You can also craft a living wall utilizing various materials that allow you to hang plants on a vertical surface.
Fill In Shelves
Even the most devoted bibliophile has to admit, the monotony of rows and rows of books could use a little breaking up. Use plants to partition books or simply to fill shelves. They provide contrast and color.
A new home is your future. It’s where you will make memories. It’s where you will entertain the neighbors. It’s an investment. When it comes to building that future, you need a name you can trust. You need D.R. Horton.
Founded in Fort Worth, D.R. Horton has been America’s builder since 1978. They are the nation’s largest homebuilder by volume with thousands of happy customers. Since 2002, more homebuyers have chosen D.R. Horton than any other national builder.
D.R. Horton has one guiding principle — they believe in a value-first dedication to the individual needs of each and every homebuyer. Only the highest quality building materials are used so you can be sure your home will stand the test of time. But D.R. Horton doesn’t stop there. They back the homes they build with a robust 10-year limited home warranty.
The builder is always searching for ways to improve your lifestyle. That’s why they offer a Home Is Connected® home automation package in every home. The package provides the smart home features families want most, including a Honeywell smart thermostat, Amazon Echo Dot, Kwikset front door lock, smart light switch and Skybell smart doorbell.
The true secret of the builder’s success is the value they provide. D.R. Horton homes are affordable, making it easier for you to achieve the American Dream.
D.R. Horton offers six new home designs in Marvida. Homes range from 2,460 to 3,171 square feet and are priced from the mid $400,000s. Standard features include four bedrooms, three full baths, studies, formal dining rooms, island kitchens with pantries, covered patios and two-car garages.
Build your future with D.R. Horton and Marvida today.
Chesmar Homes has a passion for building born out of a belief that customers like you are part of the Chesmar family. As part of that family, Chesmar team members will do everything they can to craft your dream home in Marvida.
Family members don’t try to upsell you on options and upgrades you don’t need, and neither will Chesmar. They take a “no smoke and mirrors” approach to designing your home. The Chesmar model home isn’t loaded with fancy options you will need to pay more to get. It’s as close to the base level as possible. Does that mean it’s boring? Not all. Many of the features some other builders consider upgrades are standard in a Chesmar home, features such as stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, 2-inch white faux wood blinds in all windows and more. In the bathrooms, tile extends to the ceiling. Your Marvida home will sport walk-in closets in all bedrooms, a covered patio and an island kitchen.
Of course, there are options and upgrades available if you want them. You don’t even have to go to a distant design center because the Chesmar model home is the design center. Once you’ve toured the model you can speak with a non-commissioned design expert who can tell you on the spot how much your desired upgrades will cost, allowing you to make an informed buying decision.
Chesmar doesn’t want you to stress out over your new home purchase either. That’s why they have partnered with CLM Mortgage and N-Title to provide everything from pre-approval to closing. It’s one-stop shopping at its finest.
Chesmar Homes offers 10 floor plans in Marvida. Designs range from 2,366 to 2,988 square feet and are priced from the $430,000s. Many designs boast studies, game rooms and three-car garages.
Visit Marvida and talk with a Chesmar Homes sales representative today. You both have something in common — a passion for building your new home.
Ready to buy your first home? Not without a loan. What type of loan? First-time buyers often have unique needs. Maybe you don’t have the usual 20 percent down payment. Maybe your credit score is less than stellar. That doesn’t mean your new home dreams can’t become reality. It just means you will need to do a little shopping around. Here are some tips so you can get moving on your new home in Marvida.
What is a First-time Buyer?
The term “first-time buyer” conjures images of a young couple eagerly searching for a small starter home. While that is true, it isn’t the only definition used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
To qualify as a first-time buyer for loans, HUD says you must be:
- An individual who has not owned a principal residence for three years. If you had a home but sold it and moved into an apartment more than three years ago, you qualify as a first-time buyer. If you have a home but your spouse has not owned one for three years, you qualify together.
- A single parent who has only owned a home with a former spouse while married.
- A displaced homemaker who has only owned with a spouse.
- An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations. A manufactured home might qualify, for example.
- An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local, or model building codes — and that cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.
What Are Your Best Bets for Loans?
There are six types of loans that tend to work best for first-time buyers. These loans often require a smaller down payment or have looser credit rating requirements. There is no guarantee that you will be approved for any of these loans. Work with a qualified lender who can help you decide which is best suited to your needs.
FHA Loans – These loans are guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. First-time buyers are eligible for down payments as low as 3.5 percent. A 20 percent down payment on a $200,000 home would be $40,000. With an FHA loan it would only be $7,000. To qualify, you can have a credit score as low as 580. Ten percent down lowers it to 500. You will have to purchase mortgage insurance to ensure the lender is protected in case you default. This comes as an upfront fee at closing and then an annual mortgage insurance premium, which is spread out across your monthly payments. The upfront fee can be sizable — $3,500 on a $200,000 loan.
Conventional 97 Loan – If your credit rating is good and you would rather not be locked into monthly insurance payments for the life of your loan, a conventional 97 loan might be right for you. This loan only requires 3 percent down. However, you need a credit rating of 620 or above. You will have to purchase mortgage insurance but there is no upfront fee, and you can cancel the insurance after you’ve gained enough equity in your home.
Fannie Mae HomeReady and Freddie Mac Home Possible – Two other loan types that allow you to put as little as 3 percent down are offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Like the Conventional 97 you can cancel your mortgage insurance when you have gained enough equity. You need a credit score of 620 to qualify. The Home Possible loan allows you to use gift funds for up to 100 percent of the down payment. With a HomeReady loan, you can include a co-signer’s income and any income from a roommate or boarder. However, your income cannot exceed more than 80 percent of the median income in your area.
USDA Loan – If you’ve found a home you love in a small town or rural area, you might qualify for a USDA loan. You can find out if the property you are interested qualifies here. If it does, you won’t have to put any money down. You will have to buy mortgage insurance, but the cost will be very low. Your interest rate will be much lower, as well.
VA Loan – If you or a spouse are or were in the military, this may be your best option. No down payment is required. There is no ongoing mortgage insurance. Lower credit scores are allowed. Borrowers do pay an upfront VA funding fee.
Good Neighbor Next Door Loan – If you are a teacher (pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade), firefighter, law enforcement officer or emergency medical technician, you may qualify for this loan offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. There is no income requirement, but you must commit to buying a home listed for sale by HUD in a “revitalization” zone. You must also live in the home for a minimum of 36 months.
Programs You Should Know About
There are state- and county-level programs that can help you step into a new home. The
Texas Homebuyer Program offers flexible down payment assistance programs, a Mortgage Tax Credit Program (MCC) and support from an experienced network of mortgage and real estate professionals. In Harris County, where Marvida is located, the Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP) can provide financial assistance.
As if amenities you can use the day you move in and access to highly regarded Cypress-Fairbanks ISD schools aren’t enough, Marvida’s great Cypress location provides access to convenient one-stop shopping at major retailers. Look at what’s around the corner.
Everything, All at Once
26270 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77429
281-256-8038
25901 Highway 290
Cypress, TX 77429
281-256-8116
26960 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77433
832-653-4576
Groceries
17455 Spring Cypress Road
Cypress, TX 77429
281-304-0859
24224 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77429
281-758-1100
For Your Home
28820 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77433
281-758-0102
25839 Highway 290
Cypress, TX 77433
281-373-5687
24340 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77429
346-254-6424
25525 Highway 290
Cypress, TX 77429
281-758-0892
Clothes and More
28820 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77433
281-758-0102
25891 Highway 290
Cypress, TX 77429
281-256-8332
Hardware
17928 Spring Cypress Road
Cypress, TX 77429
281-304-1956
Sports
28616 Highway 290
Cypress, TX 77433
832-773-6300
Arts & Crafts
25715 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77429
281-758-0014
Fur Babies
25829 Northwest Freeway
Cypress, TX 77429
281-256-2760
Home Office
25821 Highway 290
Cypress, TX 77429
281-304-1579
Traditional building companies move over — CastleRock Communities is the future of homebuying. Why? Because CastleRock offers more than the traditional homebuying experience, innovating in ways that only a younger company can.
CastleRock has been building homes for less than 20 years, but the company is already considered one of the top 50 in the nation. More than 13,000 families across Texas are currently making memories in CastleRock homes. The builder emphasizes partnerships with their customers, employees, contractors and suppliers. These partnerships ensure a happy, healthy home.
You can see that partnership every time you enter a CastleRock Communities model home or talk to a CastleRock employee. You don’t even have to do it in person. How? CastleRock makes it easy for you to purchase a home with just a few clicks.
The builder’s online homebuying program is a convenient way to view models, speak with sales representatives and sign all that new home paperwork. Community web pages show available floor plans, move-in-ready homes and virtual model homes. You can even take digital tours.
If you find a home you like, an online sales consultant can guide you along your new home journey. They can even schedule a virtual appointment if you can’t come in person. During that meeting, you can easily discuss the surrounding community, floor plans, design options and pricing all from the comfort of your home. Once you’ve found the perfect home, you can sign the purchase agreement online. Simple, huh?
Another innovation is the builder’s Free Credit Repair Enrollment program. The program puts you in touch with the builder’s team of experienced mortgage specialists who can help you raise your credit score so you can qualify to purchase a beautiful new CastleRock home.
Ready to start your homebuying journey with CastleRock Communities in Marvida? The builder will soon offer eight floor plans from its popular Silver Series. Homes range from 1,651 to 2,959 square feet and feature up to four bedrooms, covered patios, upscale kitchens, studies, formal dining rooms, game rooms and two-car garages.
Whether you a first-time buyer or a veteran homeowner, pre-qualification for a loan can mean the difference between getting a home and getting the home of your dreams.
Pre-qualification is a document that tells a seller how much a mortgage lender is willing to lend you. It isn’t a guarantee that you will get the loan, but it is a good starting place. To become pre-qualified, you have demonstrated that you are financially able to pay back your loan. Pre-qualification confers several advantages, and in this seller’s market, you need all the advantages you can get.
You’ll Know What You Can Afford
Pre-qualification is an informal process, but it is better than sitting at the kitchen table crunching numbers. You will meet with one or more lenders who will walk you through the process of applying for a loan, including giving them your financial information. The lender will give you an estimate of how much you can borrow. That gives you a budget. You might even discover you can afford more home than you originally thought.
You Won’t Be Stressed (Well, Not as Much)
Home buying is stressful, but being pre-qualified lessens the stress because you know how much you can spend. You can spend more time figuring out where you want to live, what schools your kids will go to and what upgrades and options you want.
The Seller Will Love You
When it comes to homes for sale, inventory is low right now. That means you need a competitive edge. Pre-qualifying can get you that edge. If you place an offer, you’ve already demonstrated to the seller that you are serious. If someone else makes an offer but isn’t pre-qualified, the seller is more likely to choose you because you’ve already done the hard work.
You Can Negotiate
Think you can’t negotiate a better price or for the upgrades you want? Think again. Pre-qualification carries weight with sellers. They want you to buy their home because they know you can get the loan you need to buy the house.
Once You Are Pre-qualified
Remember that pre-qualification is not pre-approval. You still must get the loan. It should be easier because you’ve already jumped through some of the hoops. Shop different lenders to get the best deal. Then it’s time to shop for your dream home. We suggest you start with Marvida. Our builders offer great floor plans, and they love pre-qualified buyers.
Ashton Woods wants to do more than build you a home. They want to inspire you. They start with balanced designs that meet the needs of modern families. Then, they provide a range of décor choices to personalize them. The end result? A home crafted by you, for you.
Ashton Woods’ homes start with good design principles. Homes boast open floor plans to encourage flow, kitchens designed with plenty of cupboards and counterspace, covered patios for outdoor entertaining, large primary suites and convenient utility rooms.
Once you’ve chosen your floor plan, it’s time to visit The Studio by Ashton Woods. Here, professional designers will collaborate with you to create a home that speaks to you. Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of making so many design choices? Ashton Woods makes it easy by offering easy-to-love design palettes across a wide variety of styles curated by our very own designers.
Ashton Woods offers seven designs in Marvida. Homes are priced from the $340,000s to the $420,000s. The three- and four-bedroom floor plans range from 1,747 to 2,890 square feet. Standard features include island kitchens with granite countertops and oversized oak finish cabinets, black Whirlpool® appliance package, covered patios, air-conditioned walk-in closets and more. Some floor plans offer studies, game rooms and formal dining rooms.
Visit Marvida and let an Ashton Woods sales representative inspire you today.
Is your current home good for your family’s health? You’d be surprised how often the answer is no. From poor ventilation systems to carpets that emit harmful chemicals, your home can be affecting your health. Unless you chose to build with KB Home.
KB Home takes the health and wellness of its customers seriously. They use the latest technology to reduce your exposure to pollutants, pollens, molds, bacteria and toxins.
When it comes to ensuring the quality of the air you breathe, KB Home includes high-performance ventilation systems that regularly introduce fresh outdoor air into your home. Bringing outdoor air in reduces indoor air pollutants. Premium filters are installed to further reduce the introduction of pollen, allergens and other impurities into your home and lungs.
KB Home is also one of the few builders to offer low- or zero-VOC products in carpeting, paint, insulation and cabinetry in every home. What does that mean? Fewer chemicals and toxins. The carpeting is Green Label Plus and Cradle-to-Cradle Certified,™ a globally recognized measure of safety and more sustainability. All homes are painted with UL GREENGUARD-certified paints. These paints are formulated to reduce indoor air pollution and lower the risk of chemical exposure. They also meet rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards.
Afraid to touch your doorknobs these days? Not in a KB home. All doors feature Kwikset® hardware with Microban® 24/7 antimicrobial product protection. Microban technology inhibits the growth of microbes such as bacteria, mold and mildew on product surfaces. It lasts a lifetime and means you won’t have to wipe down those doorknobs quite as often.
Have you thought about healthy lighting? KB Home has. All homes sport Traverse II LED downlights. These lights have a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 90. This is important because the higher the CRI, the better because it’s producing light that matches a natural light source. The more natural your lighting, the better your mental health can be.
KB Home offers eight beautiful floor plans in Marvida. Homes range from 1,675 to 2,936 square feet and are priced from the high $200s. The one- and two-story homes feature up to four bedrooms, island kitchens, flex rooms, game rooms and convenient utility rooms. Home buyers can personalize their homes with options such as covered patios, volume ceilings, fireplaces and more.
Visit Marvida and speak with a KB Home sales representative today to find out how you can live your best life in a KB home.
