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.
With Valentine’s Day on a Monday, you might want to celebrate a little early. From parties to dinners, we’ve picked romantic Cypress-area locations where you can concentrate on that special someone. These places also make great date night locations. To be close, pick your new home in Marvida today.
Party Hearty
The Spicoli’s – 80’s Valentine’s Party
The Barn at The Frio
6 p.m. Sat., Feb. 12
$10 advance, $15 at the door, VIP packages available
Tease your hair, grab your acid-wash jeans and slip on those Doc Martens because it’s 80’s night at The Barn. The Spicolis will play hits from the 80’s while you enjoy sing-a-longs, cocktails, beer and a great time!
Couples Massage
Relax and rejuvenate side-by-side with your special someone. The Signature Massage offers tension release and your choice of scented massage lotion.
These extravagant packages are your ticket to romance. Pure Romance includes your choice of an aromatherapy or hot stone massage, facial, chocolate body therapy treatment from and chocolate-covered strawberries. Escape Together features a private sauna, massage and facial. Date Night provides a glass of wine or spa water to accompany your massage and sauna treatment.
Mint Body Med Spa and Wellness
Spend the entire day at the spa with a Duet Day package or half the day with the Date Nite package that includes champagne or wine, a fruit platter, facial, massage, body wrap and lunch.
Have Some Fun
$30 per person per room
Escape responsibilities and a locked room while having the time of your life. Rooms are private for your comfort and safety. You have 60 minutes to figure out the clues.
Times vary. Sat. and Sun., Feb. 12 and 13
$35-$58 per person
Spend the weekend in artistic endeavors. Date Night paint packages are for ages 18 and up. You paint one side; your partner paints the other. Don’t forget to bring a bottle of your favorite vintage.
Days and times vary
$20 per person
Take your romance to new heights. A single-day pass includes climbing, yoga and use of the fitness area.
$75 Two private lessons for new students
Get ready to tango, foxtrot or cha-cha with your loved one. No judgement and no worries. You’ll be tripping the light fantastic instead of on each other’s toes in no time.
Romantic Dinner
Marvino’s Valentine’s Day Dinner
3-9 p.m. Mon., Feb. 14
$69 per person for 3 p.m. seating
$79 per person for 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Enjoy a delicious three-course prix-fixe Italian dinner including appetizer, main course and dessert. Upgrade your dinner with Chateaubriand for two for $95.
Dario’s Steakhouse & Seafood Valentine’s Day
3-9 p.m. Mon., Feb. 14
$89 per person for 3 p.m. seating
$99 per person for 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.
What’s better than Surf & Turf for Valentine’s Day? Surf & Turf with appetizers and dessert!
If you are a stay-at-home mom or dad, chances are you are feeling a little isolated. As much fun as a baby or toddler is, they aren’t the most stimulating conversationalists in the world. That’s why many parents turn to playgroups. Playgroups provide parents with much-needed adult companionship and toddlers with opportunities to learn social skills. Can’t find one in your area? Here are some tips for starting your own.
What You Are Looking For?
Not everyone wants the same thing when it comes to a playgroup. Maybe you want to get together with parents of babies for stroller walks and advice on setting sleep schedules. Maybe you want to give your toddler an opportunity to socialize with others. Being honest with yourself will help when it comes to advertising your group and selecting members.
Indoors, Outdoors or Both
Where do you want to meet up? Toddlers are happy anywhere, but you should establish a regular meeting spot. Some groups enjoy rotating between members’ houses. Others like meeting at playgrounds. If you attend a local church that doesn’t have an established playgroup, see if you can meet there. Parents living in Marvida can meet up at clubhouses, pools, parks and splash pads.
Set Dates and Times
Prospective members should know if the playgroup will be weekly, bi-weekly or monthly and how long it will last. An hour to 90 minutes is plenty of time for parents to talk before toddlers start getting cranky. When deciding on a meeting time, take naps into account. Most babies and toddlers do better after they’ve had a chance to sleep.
How Many?
While it’s tempting to leave membership open-ended, that might not be the best policy. The more parents and toddlers meeting up, the more chaos there can be. Think about how much space you will have. If you meet at individual homes, four or five children are generally more than enough. Meetings at parks and playgrounds can accommodate more families.
Rules are Important
Set ground rules before your first playgroup meeting. Will parents be expected to bring snacks to share, or will everyone be responsible for bringing their own? Ditto for toys. How do parents handle disciplining misbehaving children? Will you allow them to discipline yours if they see something you don’t? What will be the policy if you can’t make it or have to cancel the meeting? What about when a child is ill?
Advertising
Once you have an idea how the group will run, it’s time to recruit members. Social media or creating a Meetup group is an easy way to go. The disadvantage is that you may be meeting up with a group of strangers who don’t share your parenting values. Consider seeking out neighbors with toddlers or parents that attend toddler story time at your local library. If your toddler seems to seek out a particular child, suggest a play date. If that goes well, suggest starting a playgroup.
Session 0
Meet with parents before bringing the children together. See if there is chemistry. Establish rules and guidelines. This allows parents to decide if they want to join before introducing children into the mix. Suggest a trial run. If everything works out, congratulations — you’ve formed a playgroup.
A home is more than four walls and a ceiling. A home reflects your family. Every family is different so every home should be. Tricoast Homes sees that. They understand that you don’t want a generic floor plan. You want a home that fits you.
Tricoast Homes is only two years old, but its founders have a combined total of 60 years in the homebuilding business. The team — consisting of Christian Sommer, President & CEO; Keith Blum, Executive Vice President & COO; and Van Nguyen, Executive Vice President & CIO — has worked for some of the biggest new homebuilders in the business. They’ve seen what works for families and what doesn’t. Their goal is to use that knowledge to build a home you can be proud of.
That starts with the floor plans. Tricoast designs make sense for modern families. They include large open kitchens, so you have room to prepare dinner and spend time with your family. Garages with plenty of room for your cars and storing your gear. Space is a priority these days, so many floor plans include flex rooms that can change as your family changes.
Options increase your ability to create the perfect home. Extended patios mean more room to entertain. Bonus rooms let you add a game or media room. Design choices allow you to add ceiling beings, sinks in the laundry room, mud room benches and more.
Even better, your home is designed with longevity in mind so you can make memories for years to come.
Sales of Tricoast homes in Marvida will be starting soon. Which means you will soon be moving into the home of — and community of — your dreams.
In Cypress, there are many locally owned businesses not far from a new home in Marvida. Who owns them? Your friends, your neighbors — maybe even members of your own family. Support them this holiday season by buying your gifts at their shops. It’s a great way to find a unique gift and support your community. We’ve put together a list of small business owners to get you started.
For the Kids
Find clothing as unique as your child at this cute boutique offering clothes for babies up to size 14 for girls and size 8 for boys.
Locally owned so every child can be greeted by name, this neighborhood toy store boasts a carefully curated selection of dolls, dress-up clothes, educational games, cars, trains, Legos and more.
Adult Clothes and Accessories
Need a gift for the fashionista in your life? This boutique specializes in clothing and accessories tailored to their individual style.
What’s not to love about a boutique housed in a cottage and owned by a mother-daughter team? The store features popular brands as well as artisanal candles and bags.
What will you find at Suburban Girl? What won’t you? The store stocks cute clothes, one-of-a-kind jewelry, home goods and beauty products.
Everything you need is at this one-stop shop specializing in name brands such as Kendra Scott, Gorjana, Waxing Poetic, Goodr, Brighton, Kissy Kissy, Tyler Candle Co., Corkcicle and Farm House Fresh.
Fashion that doesn’t break the bank is the specialty of this small boutique that offers a personalized shopping experience.
Distinctive Gifts
Copper Kettle Chocolate Factory
This Cypress favorite is the perfect place to find gifts for friends with a sweet tooth. Purchase individual pieces or put together a delicious assortment of treats.
The Age of Aquarius is alive and well in this store that features crystals, essential oils, salt lamps and items to help the gift recipient meditate.
Decorate your home for Christmas or any other holiday you celebrate. You’ll also discover fashionable clothes, decadent jewelry and other fabulous items.
Little Eclectic House
Need a hostess gift? Find it at this charming boutique located in a 100+ year old home carrying home decor items, furniture, custom furniture, clothing and jewelry.
Bike Barn
The cyclist in your life will appreciate bibs, gift cards, water bottles or — dare we say it — a gorgeous new bike!
Comic book fans rejoice, this ode to all things DC, Marvel, Dark Horse and other publishers is ready for you. The store also stocks figurines, Funk Pops and action figures.
Warm-ups, dance bags, hair ties, wall hangings, dance skirts and leotards are sure to brighten any dancer’s day, and this store devoted to all things dance is the perfect place to find them.
