Spring Forward And Come Home

Spring is a Special Season

A time of fresh beginnings; a season of new life; spring is a season of celebration.  

Spring is also a time to think about a new home.  

If the above statements seem contradictory to you, maybe you would do well to stay put in the home in which you presently live.  Do some spring-cleaning, start watering your lawn, and get your flowerbeds growing.  However, if in reading the article title and its opening statements, you experienced a sense of restlessness and a desire for a fresh start in a new home, keep reading.

Take a look at your home and ask a few questions: Does it seem increasingly small?  Does your neighborhood seem a little cold or unfriendly?  Do you know your neighbors' names?  Do you ever imagine living in a small town or a more traditional neighborhood where you know your neighbors by name?  As one asks and answers these questions, it's probably apparent to many that they might do well to consider buying or building a new home.

Nostalgia, Anyone?

Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND's) pose somewhat of a conundrum - meticulously planned, 21st-century developments, with a nostalgic feel that hearkens back to images of Norman Rockwell, Truman and Ike, Mayberry and soda fountains.  On paper, many of the features of these TND's seem almost antithetical:

Square feet: Homes in many TND's range in size from 1,300 sq. ft. cottages to multi-story homes in excess of 5,000 sq. ft.
Amenities: Most developments offer homes with floor plans and options, such as home theatre rooms and creative landscaping, that would make most residents happy to "just stay home."  But the neighborhoods offer parks, playgrounds, some boast a community pool (or pools), others offer tastefully appointed restaurants, and other pleasant gathering places in central courtyards or an old-fashioned community halls.
19th Century Style - with Wi-Fi: One feature that brings all these seeming "contradictions" together in a TND is the architecture.  Most Traditional Neighborhood Developments offer traditional 19th century styling for home exteriors and interiors.  At the same time, these new homes offer the latest in building and computer technology.
Price points: Many of these neighborhoods across the country offer homes ranging in price from "starter" homes in the low 0's to upscale homes in the high 0's – all within a carefully laid out neighborhood and a close-knit community.

If you are in a position to look at Lubbock, TX homes for sale, you should visit Vintage Township, in South Lubbock.  If you live elsewhere, use Google to search for a Traditional Neighborhood Development in your community.

Is Now a Good Time?

Newer homes require less maintenance and upkeep than older homes in older neighborhoods.  Traditional Neighborhood Development homes are built to exacting specifications that ensure their residents will move into quality homes in quality neighborhoods.  

If you happen to be reading this article in early April of 2010, you might consider moving quickly.  If you can "get your house in order" you still might be able to take advantage of the Federal Tax credit for new homebuyers (up to ,000) or the new credit for homeowners who are upgrading (up to ,500).  The pertinent deadline dates are April 30th and June 1st.  Contact your tax advisor to see if you qualify.