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6 Reasons Why a New Home is a Smart Investment
If you’re in the market for a new home, there has never been a better time to choose new construction over an existing home. If you have questions about any of the information below, please feel free to call us at (214) 823-0033.
Interest Rates Near Historical Lows:
At the time of this writing, Bankrate. com’s local average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 4.33%, near historical lows. The less mortgages cost, the narrower the gap in payments between new and existing homes.
Space-Saving Modern Floor Plans:
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2011 Federal Tax Credits for Consumer
Several new residential energy systems now qualify for tax credits amounting to 30% of the system costs.
Sustainability of New Products:
Of course new products will usually outlive older products. But it isn’t just about avoiding replacement costs. More savings accumulate each year because of the warranties that come with a new home and the superior reliability of products and materials that custom builders use today.
Reduces Utility Costs.
A quality new home is typically superior to existing homes in every aspect of energy efficiency. Green design and materials, better lumber, improved insulation, efficient HVAC and electrical systems, and energy efficient appliances and fixtures all substantially reduce utility costs.
Properly designed home plans today feel larger than their actual square footage. They generally have clean, open layouts with larger rooms, including spacious kitchens and gathering areas. They also have adequate storage spaces and big closets to eliminate household clutter.
Lot Costs:
In our recent experience, lot costs are as low as we’ve seen in years. It’s a great time to buy a lot, and build the home of your dreams!
Su S an blatz is the dog whisperer of White Rock l ake. She started her business, a ll Dogs a ll Day, about 14 years ago, sort of by accident after her dog-sitting clients realized she had a way with dogs that came naturally to her. She has five dogs of her own at home, and she also fosters dogs, usually ones with severe behavior problems, and readies them for adoption. t he longtime l akewood resident recently filled us in on her business and tips for training pups.
What kind of training do you offer, and are there any specific breeds in which you specialize?
I do obedience classes, behavior issues and basic training. I see a lot of puppies after Christmas, but I see every kind of dog.
grab-bagLAUNCH
WHY DO PEOPLE HIRE YOU MOST OFTEN?
The most common issue, hands down, is potty training. The second one is basic manners — pulling on the leash, jumping up on people. Each dog is different. If you have a lab, you probably won’t be having potty issues. But if you have a Maltese, you are probably going to have a problem with potty. Smaller dogs have a harder time holding it, or they’re not as likely to let you know they need to go out.
SO HOW DO YOU TEACH POTTY TRAINING?
It’s training the owners. They have to learn to disengage and let their dog relax outside and just be about his business, but that’s the hardest thing to do sometimes. A lot of times what happens is the owner will go outside with the dog, and they come back inside, and the dog goes on the floor. And they think, “We were just outside!” but it’s because the dog got too distracted outside by a squirrel or a toy or anything else and didn’t do his business. So you don’t engage with them, you don’t look at them, and then you praise them after.
NO TREATS?
No. I don’t do treats. My dogs do what I say because they’re doing it for me. They’re not doing it for a treat. Treats are OK sometimes, but I never do treats for potty training.
DOG TRAINING IS EXPENSIVE, RIGHT?
Yes, but it’s well worth it because you’re looking at your long-term life together. Obedience class is always a good idea. It’s an investment, absolutely. I can show people where a dog is limited that they don’t see. People will always tell me, “The dog won’t come,” but I notice, every time they want the dog to come, they’re grabbing, or they’re yelling, or they’re shoving them in the crate. If they think “come” means they’re going to be grabbed, they’re not going to do it. “Come” should always be a good experience because then you always have a dog thinking about “come” in a positive way. Same thing with “sit”. Dogs are always wondering what’s the next step. So if you make it positive, your dog is always going to be looking at you and not what is the next step. Praise is the best thing you can give your dog.
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