NAR’s affordability index gauges whether a median-income family could qualify for a conventional mortgage loan on a median-priced, existing single-family home. The index takes into account mortgage interest rates and assumes a 20 percent down payment and a monthly principal and interest payment not exceeding 25 percent of the gross median family monthly income.

An index value of 100 means that a median-income family has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage covering 80 percent of the cost of a median-priced home, while an index above 100 means that family has more than enough income to qualify.

In the first quarter, the quarterly composite index posted a record high level of 205.9 — the first time on record the index has risen above the 200 mark. NAR began tracking affordability in 1970.

“For those with good credit, we’ve never seen better housing affordability conditions or market opportunities than we see at present,” said Moe Veissi, NAR’s president, in a statement.

This means that you will never find a better time to purchase a Bestfield Home than right now.  Take advantage of our record low prices along with one time incentives to get into the home of your dreams today.  Contact Guy Waites at 250-2001 or log onto delawaresgreenbuilder.com for more info.

At the Broker’s Open, we held a contest with a giveaway and we want to congratulate Dave Litz from Keller Williams Real  Estate who was the winner of the giveaway.  As you can see from Dave’s huge smile, he likes to win.  We look forward to working with all of our Realtor partners in our outstanding community of Brenford Woods so bring your buyers so that they can encounter Bestfield’s “Your Home, Your Way” buying experience.

Time is running out to secure your new home in the fabulous community of Brenford Woods.  Location, location, location is the old saying but it is also the new reality.  Brenford Woods offers great value and convenience.

Bestfield Homes, Delaware’s Green Builder is announcing closeout specials so don’t be left out.  Visit our model home in the community of Willowwood and ask Charlie or Kim how you can get into one of our eight different incredible house plans at incredible prices and special incentives.  Hurry, because we are running out of lots.

For more info, visit www.bestfieldhomes.com or www.delawaresgreenbuilder.com

Bestfield Homes, Delaware’s Green Builder is excited to announce the addition of two new members to the sales team for Brenford Woods.  Charlie Hinkle and Kim Ferrell from ERA Harrington Real Estate have joined the Bestfield family of sales associates.  Charlie comes to us with many years of real estate experience and has consistently ranked among the top agents in the Kent County market.  Kim is known to many of our friends through her outstanding work with the Home Builders Association of Delaware in the Green for Green Program.

Brenford Woods is one of Bestfield’s finest communities and we are pleased to announce a “Grand Closing” of the community.  Due to the success of this outstanding neighborhood, we only have a handful of choice lots left.  Do not delay and miss out on this sales event, stop by our sales center at Willowwood and say hello to Charlie and Kim and be sure to ask about the exceptional values remaining in Brenford Woods.

• Make sure your landscaping is tip top, weed the beds, re-mulch and prune the trees and shrubs.
• Check the foundation, walks, steps and patios for cracks in the concrete.  Apply a concrete caulk to seal them.
• Repair and repaint loose siding, shutters and and caulking.
• Add some colors by planting showy annuals to those beds or in pots near your front entrance.
• Re-seal your asphalt driveway.
• Apply some fresh paint to your front door.

If you do these simple things to improve the homes curb appeal, the house will not only sell quicker but you will get top dollar for it.  Stay tuned for a future post where I will outline some tips to improve the interior of your home.  Remember that Bestfield Homes, Delaware’s Green Builder stands ready to assist you with getting that old home ready to sell so that you get start to enjoy that new home!

In a recent article in Bloomberg.com, there were three interesting items:
1. The year 2011 was the worst year on record for new home sales.
2. Builders are now making money once again.
3. All of the builders surveyed were “optimistic” about the spring selling season.
What does this mean to Bestfield Homes customers? There is no better time to by than now! Take advantage of our aggressive discount programs before they disappear. For more info, contact Guy Waites, Sales Manager for Delaware’s Green Builder at 250-2001 and buy your new home now before prices increase.

In the new year, lower prices and near historic mortgage rates have made owning a new Bestfield Home more affordable.

The benefits of owning a home include federal income tax deductions and the satisfaction of not paying rent to a landlord, says Justin Lopatin, vice president of residential banking at Baytree National Bank & Trust in Chicago.

“The money you pay on your mortgage may be slightly higher,” he says, “but at the end of the year, you get the mortgage interest write-off, so you get money back — and you get to own your own property.”

As most economists are predicting a better economy in 2012, price increases are coming. You can take advantage of the low pricing we are offering now on our Green Certified Homes in our communities of Fairways at Odessa National, Brenford Woods or Knollac Acres. Please visit our website for more information at www.bestfieldhomes.com or www.delawaresgreenbuilder.com,

We want to wish a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to all and may everyone have a happy and prosperous New Year!

Current conditions are a win-win for both potential homeowners and long-term investors, others say. “For households, the priority should be on meeting their shelter needs at the best price — which may not entail ownership at all. – and appreciation, if any, should be viewed as a bonus,” says Patrick O’Keefe, director of economic research at J.H. Cohn LLP in Roseland, N.J. “For investors with longer-term staying power and property management capability, conditions are attractive.

Whats more, rents are on the rise closing the gap between the cost of renting versus owning. To find out how to maximize your buying power, contact Bestfield Homes’ New Home Sales Manager, Guy Waites at 302-250-2001.