“John Wieland Homes feels very fortunate to have acquired this unique location,” says John Wieland, the company’s founder and CEO. “Now we’re excited to offer spacious homes at a great value and on these really large homesites – that’s something that’s almost non-existent in this kind of location.” When the neighborhood first began, homesites alone were selling for more than $400,000. New John Wieland homes at Lenox View will be priced from the high $500s and offer at least 4000 square feet of finished space with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, three car garages and optional third floor walk-ups. Plus, all John Wieland homes at Lenox View will be protected by the exclusive Wieland 5 Year – 20 Year Warranty.

Residents of Lenox View also have access to the Roxboro Valley Association Pool and Tennis Club which offers a large 25-meter heated pool, a newly renovated baby pool, a picnic pavilion and lighted tennis courts. Less than one mile from I-85 and just 5 miles from GA 400, The Enclave at Lenox View is ideally located inside the Perimeter minutes to the shopping, dining and entertainment of Buckhead. Lenox Mall and Phipps Plaza are just two miles away.

Onsite sales are now open daily at Lenox View. For more information, visit jwhomes.com/lenoxview or call Licensed Sales Professional Adrianna Angelone at 404-841-9699.

Authored by, Jennifer Nilsson, Director of Marketing for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods

“We are excited,” says John Wieland. “It’s one of the most outstanding developments in Atlanta, and we are proud to have the opportunity to continue it.” Current plans call for more than 100 new single family homes and townhomes to be constructed on the site, all thoughtfully designed to enhance the current character of the neighborhood and provide a variety of living options for new home buyers. In addition, all new John Wieland homes at Woodstock Downtown will be protected by the exclusive Wieland 5 Year – 20 Year Warranty, homebuilding’s best. Prices are expected to begin in the $200s.

John Wieland has named Jacquie Tracy to handle onsite sales for the new construction at Woodstock Downtown. Tracy comes to Wieland with a 20 year career background in real estate sales and management at Coldwell Banker. “As I drove through Woodstock,” says Jacquie, “I had feelings reminiscent of my childhood and the pleasures of community living. I am excited to have the opportunity to offer John Wieland homes in this great neighborhood location. ”

Woodstock Downtown is conveniently located just one block off of Main Street and Arnold Mill Road in Woodstock. The neighborhood offers an easy commute to Atlanta with convenient access to I-575 and is just minutes to Kennesaw State and Chattahoochee Tech. John Wieland is currently accepting VIP reservations for new homes at Woodstock Downtown and expects to be open onsite for sales by the end of July. For more information, visit www.jwhomes.com/woodstock or call 770-996-6065 or 1-800-DRM-HOME (376-4663).

Authored by, Jennifer Nilsson, Director of Marketing for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods 

Time is short!  To take advantage of the tax credit a homebuyer must have a binding contract in place by April 30, 2010 and the sale must close by June 30, 2010.  Finally, the government will allow you to purchase your home in 2010 and claim it on your 2009 tax return. 

Act now!  Now is the best time to purchase your new home.  The federal tax credit combined with historically low rates and low home prices offers a unique opportunity to purchase your dream home.  For more information on the tax credit visit FederalHousingTaxCredit.com.

Authored by Jeff Sickeler, Sales Manager for WFS Mortgage, LLC an Affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Since the housing recession began, almost four years ago, land values have dropped to pre-boom levels.  So what does that mean?  More affordable new homes!  The demand for housing has been fairly consistent; we simply saw the more affordable resale homes capture a larger share of the market.  The value of new homes was overburdened by high land cost.  However, the correction in the market has brought new home prices back down and now is the best time to purchase a new home.  

 So Why New? 

1. New homes offer up-to-date plans and features for your lifestyle.
2. A new home provides the security of a warranty, which eliminates hidden costs or unanticipated repairs.
3. New home efficiency saves you money.
4. New home purchasers often enjoy savings on homeowner’s insurance premiums.
5. Today’s more stringent construction standards mean new homes meet tougher structural requirements.
6. Up-to-date electrical means safer operation, more outlets and the ability to handle the latest in computer, cable and phone service. 

So Why Now? 

1. Interest rates are at an all time low but will not stay there forever.
2. Banks have normalized credit requirements and 95% loans are available.
3. FHA loans are great solutions, requiring only a 3.5% down payment.
4. The federal tax credit has been extended and expanded, which dramatically helps with cash down payments.  The tax credit expires April 30, 2010.
5. Pricing has stabilized as inventory has come into balance.  The fear of down side has been nearly eliminated.
6. The ‘Honey Do’ time can be reinvested in your families, your hobbies or just being you.

So don’t miss this opportunity.  Buy new and buy now.

Authored by, Jeff Kingsfield, Sr. VP of Sales for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods 

To date there are about 13,800 registered lenders in the country originating FHA loans.  The new proposed rule increases the net worth requirements for these lenders.  As the rule stands, it would eliminate about 93% of currently approved mortgage lenders.  Although the rule has not yet been implemented, it is already changing the lending industry.  For instance, many brokers are now making the decision to either shut down or move to another company to originate FHA loans. 

So what can you do to protect yourself as a new home buyer?  Research your lender before committing to financing with them.  Consider asking your lender the following questions:

1. Are you owned by a bank? If they are, they typically will meet the new net worth requirements. 
2. Do you meet the new FHA net worth requirements?  The safest bet is to look for a well-known name for lending. With this ruling, safety comes in the size of the lender.

In the end, it is important to do your research.  Ask questions and be informed.  

Authored by Jeff Sickeler, Sales Manager for WFS Mortgage, LLC an Affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

In her article “Beyond the mortgage payment”, MarketWatch writer Amy Hoak points out that homeowners need to “expect the unexpected.”  For instance, furnaces typically last 12-15 years and can cost anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand dollars installed, while water heaters typically last 10-12 years and can cost from $350 up to more than $1,000.  These are just two examples of major home components that wear out over time.  Other minor repairs like small leaks that are not fixed in a timely manner can lead to major bills for things like wet or rotting floors, walls and ceilings.

Experts suggest that homeowners should have at least 1% of the value of their home, but preferably 2-3%, set aside in savings for home improvements or unplanned home-related expenses.  Few owners have that safety savings, especially new homeowners, who often put most or all of their savings into their down payment.  One exception to that savings rule of thumb is for those who are buying a new home with a new home warranty.

John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods offers the best new home warranty in the business, a 5 year - 20 year warranty that no other builder can match or beat.  Having a new home warranty can save you thousands each year compared to purchasing a resale or foreclosed home that comes ‘as is’.  In today’s market make sure you take all factors into account to find your dream home and don’t end up with a nightmare. 

Authored by, Barry Gittleman, VP of Land and Strategy for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods

Driven by the trifecta of the extended/expanded federal tax credit, historic low interest rates and low home prices (down at least 20% from their peak), homebuyers realize that now is the time to buy.  However, it is only a buyers’ market if you buy, and the combination of rates, prices and selection will not last through the spring.  This is your moment to buy a new home from the builder you trust before the market edges higher.  Thank your government for the incentive and make the move, now is the time.

 Authored by, Jeff Kingsfield, Sr. VP of Sales for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods 

In addition to expanding the tax credit to current homeowners, the legislation increases the income caps for eligibility.  Single taxpayers who earn up to $125,000 are eligible for the total credit amount, which is considerably higher than the previous income limit of $75,000.  Single taxpayers who earn up to $145,000 are eligible to receive a partial credit.  Married taxpayers filing a joint return who earn up to $225,000 are eligible for the total credit amount.  Those who earn more than this cap will receive partial credit up to $245,000.  

So what types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?  Any home that will be used as a principal residence.  This includes single family homes and townhomes.  The only requirement is that the home purchase price must be less than or equal to $800,000.   

When it comes to your new home purchase, the time is now!  To take advantage of the extended and expanded tax credit you must be under contract by April 30th, 2010 and close no later than June 30, 2010.

When you combine the historic low interest rates with competively priced homes and a tax credit for purchasing, you have a once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase your new home.  For more information on the tax credit visit FederalHousingTaxCredit.com.

Authored by Jeff Sickeler, Sales Manager for WFS Mortgage, LLC an Affiliate of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

In recent years, luxury shower accommodations have gained favor in the move-up home buyer market and for good reason.  Simply put, Americans are more likely to shower than bathe.  Furthermore, shower technologies have advanced with rain-shower heads, temperature controls, body spray jets and water-efficient designs.

As new homes offer advanced shower applications and the shower expands its presence, we are left to wonder, “Should the whirlpool tub remain a part of the owner’s bath experience?”  In some cases, the bathroom configuration can be improved by removing the large tubs and using a smaller garden tub and gaining a larger shower area.  In other cases homeowners have asked to remove the tub altogether, opting for a bathroom design centered on a luxury shower.  Nevertheless the option is yours when you purchase a new home. 

So what do you think?  Is the whirlpool tub a must-have in your owner’s bath?  Or would you prefer a garden tub?  What about no tub at all and a larger luxury shower?  Email us your thoughts at BlogFeedback@jwhomes.com.

Authored by, Shane Roach, VP of Homebuilding Operations for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods

1. Today’s best: New homes offer up-to-date plans and features for your lifestyle.
2. Rest easy: Foreclosures have hidden costs. Unanticipated repairs and renovations come out of your pocket.
3. Greater efficiency: Built for a greener world, new home efficiency saves you money.
4. Lower insurance: New home purchasers often enjoy savings on homeowner’s insurance premiums.
5. Quality construction: Today’s more stringent construction standards mean new homes meet tougher structural requirements.
6. Wired for today: Up-to-date electrical means safer operation, more outlets and the ability to handle the latest in computer, cable and phone service.
7. Warranty: New homes come with a warranty that will cover the home ownership costs that can be as simple as touching up nail pops and paint or as major as roof leaks and air conditioning system repairs. Only a John Wieland home offers you the industry leading 5 Year – 20 Year Warranty.
8. Personalize your home for you: If you buy a new home that is almost finished, you can often customize paint, flooring, countertops and cabinets to your taste. If you build a new home from scratch, you can often change anything you want, including moving walls and rooms to fit your exact needs.

Authored by, Barry Gittleman, VP of Land and Strategy for John Wieland Homes and Neighborhoods