Building a New Home in Maryland with the Mueller Process

May 16th, 2014

Building a new home in Maryland can seem like an overwhelming task. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. With Lifetime Series Homes and the Mueller Process, we’ll guide you step by step through the process, from initial planning all the way to breaking ground for your new home. Here’s how the Mueller Process works.

The Mueller Process

  1. Pre-Planning – In step one, we meet with you to discuss what you’re looking for in your new home. We’ll discuss everything from design to financing options, and get a general estimate of your budget for the project.
  2. Lot Selection – If you have a lot already, we’re happy to build on it. If you don’t have a lot picked out, we can help you find one with our home site assistance.
  3. Home Planning – Once we have a lot selected, it’s time to work out floor plans, elevations, and more detailed specifications.
  4. Blueprints – By this point we will have assembled all of the necessary information to put together finalized drawings for your new home. These blueprints are the final draft of what your home will look like.
  5. Construction Planning and Building Contracts – Now it’s time to review the documents concerning construction. With the blueprints complete, we’ll be able to give you a pricing figure and finalize the building agreement.
  6. Mortgage Commitment and Building Permits – This, the final step before construction, involves finalizing agreements concerning financing, and securing building permits. You can read about one of our financing options, construction permanent financing, here.
  7. Construction – It’s now time to begin the construction of your new home!

 

build new home Maryland

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

How to Get Help Finding a Home Site in Central Maryland

May 8th, 2014

If you’re looking for a home site in Central Maryland on which to build a new home, it can feel like an overwhelming task. There are resources available for home site searches, but the help of someone in the industry itself can open up possibilities that you might not have been able to access previously. That’s where we come in. Lifetime Series Homes uses our network of contacts in the industry to give you access to more than 2000 home sites in central Maryland. You can use our lot search assistance form to get started on the process, after which one of our team members will contact you within 24 hours for a more in-depth conversation. Let’s talk about our Home Site Acquisition Process.

  1. Budget – We’ll discuss your budget and the options that it makes available for you. We have several financing options available such as construction permanent financing, as well as preferred lenders that are well familiar with our process.
  2. Search Commencement – We use your criteria to provide you with a list of potential homes sites, updating the search daily with any new inventory.
  3. Home Site Selection – When you find a site that you’re interested in, we perform a lot evaluation, which entails making an estimate as to what to cost to build on this particular lot would be.
  4. Negotiation and Acquisition – After determining a price for the lot, we’ll prepare and negotiate the contract. Once you sign the contract, the home site is yours and it’s time to build your new home!

 

home site search Maryland

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

 

Morgan Brook Farm: Your New Carroll County Home

May 2nd, 2014

If you’re looking to build your new home in Carroll County, Morgan Brook Farm offers a great location. One of our featured properties that we’re very excited about, Morgan Brook Farm is located in Winfield and is actually adjacent to our Abell Ridge Community, which you can read about in our blog post here. There are seven home sits available, ranging in size from 3 to 50 acres. For those who are looking for a location where they can really stretch their legs, Morgan Brook Farm is perfect.

Located between Baltimore and Frederick, Winfield offers the best of both worlds. You can easily access both cities for work, and to take advantage of their many entertainment opportunities. But at the end of the day, you can retire to the expansive peace and quiet of Carroll County living.

Directions: Take Rt. 26 just a few miles west of the intersection at Rt. 32. Turn Right On Salem Bottom Road and follow until Salem Bottom splits with Baker Road and stay Left on Baker. Community is on the Left.

Are you interested in building your new home at Morgan Brook Farm in Carroll County? Contact us today to learn more about these beautiful properties and our many options for semi-custom homes.

build home Carroll County

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

 

What are the Benefits of Construction Permanent Financing?

April 23rd, 2014

Construction permanent financing is a means of financing the construction of and payment for your finished semi-custom home from Lifetime Series Homes. You can read about how construction permanent financing works in our blog here. In short, there are several structured payments during the construction of the home. Once the home is completed, the loan is converted into a permanent loan.

The Benefits of Construction Permanent Financing

Savings on Closing Costs

One of the parts of closing costs is transfer tax. With construction permanent financing, you close on the land before the house is even built. This means transfer tax is assessed on the lot only and not the construction of the home. This can save you a good deal in transfer tax and therefore closing costs.

Tax Benefits from Interest Paid of the Loan

Loan payments for the construction of your home are spread out in several payments. You only pay interest on individual payments during the construction of your home, as opposed to one lump sum, meaning your interest costs could potentially be reduced. (Always consult your tax adviser).

Lower Sales Price

When you use construction permanent financing, the builder uses the consumer rate for the line of credit, which is less than the commercial rate they would have used had it built the home on its own. The consumer rate is generally less than the commercial rate, so the builder will pass on these savings to you.

 

benefits of construction permanent financing

 

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

 

Source

http://www.lifetimeserieshomes.com/construction-perm-financing-basics.php

First Floor Master Plans from Lifetime Series Homes

April 17th, 2014

Homes with a first-floor master bedroom are gaining popularity, especially among those looking to downsize, but not willing to go to a single-story home. With the first floor master, you get the best of both world’s. First-floor master’s all the benefits that come with a two-story home, such as increased storage space and more flexibility, with all the benefits of a single-story home. These include great convenience and ease of movement about the house for homeowners with limited mobility, as well as less demand on heating and cooling (and lower costs), as homeowners can choose to only heat or cool the first floor. Let’s take a look at our two beautiful first floor master templates.

The Charlotte

This cozy plan has 2.5 beds and 2 baths, with an additional study on the first floor that could be converted into a spare bedroom if needed. The non-master bedrooms are located on the second floor for comfort and privacy for all.

charlotte

The Ellicott

First-floor master’s don’t necessarily have to mean downsizing, and the Ellicott takes this idea and runs with it. This design has more than 2,700 sq ft., with 4 beds, and 2.5 baths. Perfect for the large family and parents who want some privacy on the first floor.

ellicott

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

 

How Does Construction Permanent Financing Work?

April 11th, 2014

Construction permanent financing is a method of financing available for the construction of your new home.

 

How Does it Work?

Essentially, it works as a line of credit that the builder uses to construct your new semi-custom home in Maryland. It’s structured in phases, allowing construction to progress at a structured rate. For example, after phase one of construction is complete, the builder calls for a draw of funds. An inspector from the bank comes to the property, determines that the phase has been finished, and allows for a disbursement of funds to continue with the next phase of construction. This continues until construction is finished. When the semi-custom home is complete, the bank holds back 10% of the construction amount until the builder supplies necessary documentation and the county issues the use and occupancy permit. The bank then releases these funds, and the loan is converted into permanent financing.

 

How Does Construction Permanent Financing Benefit Me?

There are several benefits of construction permanent financing, many of them having to do with tax savings. (Make sure to always consult your tax adviser.)

This type of financing allows you to save on transfer tax, which is a part of the closing cost on any home. Because you are taking out a construction loan, you close on the property before the home is built. This means the tax is assessed on the price of the lot, not the construction, which results in significant savings compared to purchasing an already finished home.

Another tax benefit comes about as a result of the structured nature of the loan. Because the loan payment is structured in phases, you only have to pay interest on the amount drawn out per phase, not on the entire loan. You also save on a construction permanent loan vs. a commercial line of credit, because a builder would include the additional costs of the latter in the final sales price. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us today.

construction permanent financing

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

 

A Semi-Custom Home Builder in Central Maryland: Lifetime Series Homes

April 4th, 2014

If you’re looking for a home builder in central Maryland, you have a lot of options to choose from. You also have to have a lot of time on your hands. Building a custom home is a time consuming process, and if you’re like most homeowners, you want to move into your home sooner rather than later. This is where semi-custom homes come in.

With a semi-custom home, you get the benefit of a custom home while cutting out a lot of time and money that would have been spent in the initial design stages. This is because we have a variety of pre-designed home templates for you to choose from which already have a significant portion of the design completed. However, there is still plenty of room for you to customize your home the way you want it. As your central Maryland semi-custom home builder, Lifetime Series Homes will work with you to help you select the best template for your needs and wants, and then customize it accordingly. Save time and get into your central Maryland home sooner with a home builder that has already done the groundwork for you. Contact us today for more information.

central Maryland semi custom home builder

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

 

What Are the Advantages of Semi-Custom Homes?

March 24th, 2014

Semi-custom homes are a fantastic option for those who are in the market for a new home. By choosing a semi-custom home, you get the advantages that come with building your own home, and don’t have to spend the time or money that you otherwise would on building a home from scratch. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the advantages of choosing a semi-custom home, and why this is a great choice for buyers who are on the market today.

The Advantages of a Semi-Custom Home

Customization

We have numerous home templates available ranging from comfortable ranchers to spacious 3,000 sq ft layouts. The templates are pre-designed, but we work with you to customize the plans and alter the fit and finish of your home to suit your tastes. Our designs give you a focused point from which to start and expand on your ideas for your home. We’ll help you match your ideas with our experience for the perfect home for you.

Convenience

Perhaps the biggest advantage of a semi-custom home is convenience. Utilizing home templates allows us to shave 2-3 months off the process, saving you time and money. We also have a comprehensive approach to finding a home site for your new home, which locates the home site you desire based on your own criteria, all in a very reasonable time frame.

Current

Building a new home allows you to incorporate the newest technologies and home building methods into the process. A 10 or 20 year old house may not seem very old, but home building technology, especially energy efficiency, continues to improve every year. If you want a home with the latest features and most efficient design, a new home is the ticket.

semi custom home advantages

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

Semi-Custom Ranchers in Maryland

March 21st, 2014

Ranchers are great homes for those who are looking to downsize from a larger home. The kids have moved out, and taking care of a large house can be more of a burden than it’s worth. But, you don’t want to move out of your old house into just any house. You want a home that you can call your own, one that has your own personal touches. But you also want a home that can be built in a shorter period of time and at less of a cost to you. A semi-custom home fits perfectly in this picture. With a semi-custom home in Maryland, you get the personal feel and attention to detail you’re looking for, without having to go through a long building and planning process.

Lifetime Series Homes offers many semi-custom home templates which we build throughout central Maryland. This week, we’ll focus on our two rancher designs, The Alleghany and The Chesapeake.

The Alleghany

This 3 bedroom 2 bath home is perfect for homeowners who are looking to downsize, but who still appreciate a well-thought out design that conveys and open and warm feel. At 1,740 finished sq ft, this is a very manageable home.

allegheny

The Chesapeake

Ranchers don’t necessarily have to be small. At 2,188 finished sq ft, and with 3 large bedrooms, 2 full baths and a 3 car garage, you’ll have plenty of room in this beautiful one-story design.

 chesapeake

 

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.

 

Spacious Semi-Custom Homes in Maryland

March 14th, 2014

Semi-custom homes are fast becoming a very popular choice for home buyers in Maryland who want the personal input that comes with building a custom home, but want to save both time and money in the process. Lifetime Series Homes offers a variety of semi-custom home templates that come pre-designed but still offer plenty of room for customization on the part of the future homeowner.

This week, we’ll take a look at a few of our largest home templates for those whose needs include plenty of square footage, whether it’s for a big family, or room to spread out.

The Howard

At 3,623 sq ft, this is our most expansive template. With 3 bedrooms, a 3 car garage, and a first floor master suite, you’ll never run out of room in this home. The home also offers a 2 story overlook into the main living space, which opens up the space even further.

howard

The Harrison

A traditional colonial, The Harrison features 3,325 sq ft of living space, 3 bedrooms, a 3 car garage, and a 2nd floor common area. The master suite includes a separate sitting area as well as his/hers/ closet space.

harrison

Old Annapolis

For big families, The Old Annapolis offers 2,950 sq ft of space and 5 bedrooms, one of which is a first-floor private guest bedroom with its own bath.

old-annapolis

The Garrett

At just under 3,000 sq ft, The Garrett opens up into a high-ceiling 2 story entrance. Each bedroom has its own walk-in-closet, offering ample space for clothing and more.

garrett

 

For more semi-custom home designs, please see our home designs page.

About the Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes

The Lifetime Series Homes by Mueller Homes are a series of semi-custom house designs that were created with the intention of providing home buyers with new option when it comes to shopping for a home. The Lifetimes series includes 14 home templates including, 2 story, first floor master, and ranchers that are pre-designed and ready to build. Because they are ready to build, clients save significant time and money that would have gone into designing a custom home, yet with the Lifetime Series by Muller Homes, clients still get the build quality, attention to detail, and communication that comes with working with a custom home builder. We serve the central Maryland area, and also provide assistance with lot acquisition, evaluation, and home buying finance. Keep up with us on our blog as well as on FacebookTwitterGoogle+Pinterest and YouTube.