Why buying New is the “new normal”

These are unprecedented times, but that doesn’t mean your plans to become a homeowner, upgrade to a larger home, or downsize to a home that makes more sense for your lifestyle have to be put on hold. In the Chattanooga market, we’ve seen a drop in inventory across the board, but here at Pratt Home Builders, business is booming. Here are a few reasons why we think new construction is the new normal.

Apprehensive Sellers

The bottom has fallen out of area inventory, and it’s understandable! Sellers are choosing to protect themselves and their families during this uncertain time as experts continue to learn more about COVID-19, but this means there are fewer resale opportunities for hopeful buyers to choose from. Many sellers don’t want to invest in remodeling and updating their homes not knowing the future. Others do not feel comfortable allowing buyers and Realtors inside their homes for the sake of their health. Job uncertainly, for some, is also contributing to putting plans on hold.

New Homes

When you buy new construction, you don’t have to worry about the history of the home. It’s new, fresh and clean! Whether you purchase a market home or choose to build, it’s sanitized and ready for you.

Customer Warranty

Little expenses can add up quickly in a resale. Sometimes these make sense when they help increase the value of the home, but other times these expenses are needed to simply maintain and prevent deterioration. The great thing about buying new construction with Pratt Home Builders is that we provide a 10 year warranty. That’s 10 years of additional expenses you get to save. Not only do you save on the materials, but you save on the labor since our warranty department will handle any repairs. It’s great peace of mind in uncertain times.

Built-in equity

When you build, you put down your deposit but you get to lock in a purchase price months before you close! This means you basically lock in a home at a lower rate than it will be by the time you close! In this dynamic market, you can most likely expect the value to continue to rise – which means in all probability, your home will be worth more when you close than you actually paid for it.

Desirable locations

So, if you’re still confident about your work, want to take advantage of lower interest rates, less competition, and essentially make money when you buy in this dynamic market, it is still a great time to consider homeownership.

Why buying New is the “new normal”gmwebservices2020-05-30T20:58:16+00:00

Design Details: Interior Doors

Interior Doors are easy to overlook – until they’re not. You know the old, hallow, orange-wood doors at Grandma’s house that match the wood paneling accent wall in their basement? Those are not the kind of statement interior doors that are breaking into 2020. We are talking about the modern and trending interior doors that everyone should be buying this year.

Sleek and simple is the name of the game at the start of this new decade, which is why we are starting with the classic stile and rail, or panel, door. These classic two, four or six paneled doors have been a popular choice since the mid-1900’s. While this style door has been around for quite a while, it is a classic style that is taking on new, leaner features that allow it to stay relevant. The panels have become much simpler over time and the ornamental details have minimized. Even the six panel doors have taken on a more modern design than they once had, giving them a step up from something trending that will be out of style in a few years. While six panel doors are still an active player in the game, the two-panel door remains the star of the show.

While it’s never a bad idea to go with a classic, sometimes the edgier, more trending interiors pull at homeowner’s heartstrings. If this is you, an exterior mounted sliding-track barn door might be right for you. This interior element acts as an architectural detail, framing cased openings as the center of attention in any room. The spotlight cannot help but shine on this feature, as it silently claims all attention.

This is not your ordinary interior door—the metal frame of the door adds an industrial look and depending on what door you choose, anything from a modern to farmhouse to traditional look can be achieved. Some opt for a rustic look to match interior farmhouse style décor. To achieve this, add a pop of Barn-wood red paint on the door or use old, reclaimed wood to tie in the rustic feel of the other interior design choices.

If your style is a little more modern or industrial, look for a two-panel shaker style door—for extra pizzazz, use glass inserts on the recessed panels of the door. Frosted glass can make a huge impact if you’re wanting something more streamline than wood but don’t want to lose the privacy of a solid door.

Interior doors are something that are easy to forget about but can make a lasting impact if the details are not overlooked. Remember when selecting interior accents and décor to find a theme or color pallet you love and can stick to long-term. This will help your home feel cohesive and well put together. Choose accents that follow similar themes, materials, textures and colors that will allow your home to host a complex environment that is layered with pieces you love. Doors are just one piece to the puzzle!

Design Details: Interior Doorsgmwebservices2020-04-05T23:57:17+00:00

PHB Home Stories: Dave and Reba

“We looked for three years… and we couldn’t be any happier with Pratt and with our home.”

PHB Home Stories: Dave and Rebagmwebservices2020-01-06T20:59:53+00:00

Five Advantages of Single Level Living

In the new home construction industry around Chattanooga, Tennessee, we are seeing a resurgence in Single Level Living. Many homebuyers of all ages are finding that a home on one level would accommodate their needs throughout the years. Pratt Home Builders offers a Single Level home plans in every community.

Accessible

It’s not surprising Single Level homes are among the most popular, as many Baby Boomers are downsizing from multi-level houses and seeking homes without stairs.

Versatile

In-laws visiting? Small children? Multiple levels can present challenges for a variety of people.

Lower-Maintenance

The right floor plan and the right finishes will make for spending less time working and more time living.

Convenient

Pratt Home Builders offers a variety of single level home plans with a wide range of square footage, so you can choose the right size for your lifestyle needs.

Options

To compliment the various Single Level home plans we offer, barrier-free design options are also available.

Five Advantages of Single Level Livinggmwebservices2019-09-16T18:42:27+00:00

New Construction FAQs: “How do I finance my new construction home?”

One of the most common questions hopeful new home buyers often ask is: “Do I need a new construction loan?” You may be surprised to learn the answer is no. How is that possible when you’re buying a new home that’s under construction, or when building from the ground up? By the time you actually close on your home, the work will be complete.

While Market Homes and Pre-Sales have a few differences when it comes to selections and timeline to move in, the financing is the same for both – and standard lending products are welcome. Here’s a quick overview of the differences in what money you’ll need upfront to start your respective process, and of the types of financing we often see in New Home Construction.

Getting started: In some cases, the money needed upfront can be among the determining factors in deciding whether to buy a Market Home or build. Market homes are for sale at all stages of construction and require only a small earnest money deposit to proceed with a purchase agreement. In order to participate in our Pre-Sale process (choose the plan, site and finishes), buyers must provide a little larger deposit.

*Please note, down payment is different than the deposit. The deposit is made payable to the builder and is ultimately applied toward the purchase price of the home ot towards the down payment at closing. The down payment is part of the lending process, and although also is applied toward the purchase price, this is the requirement to fund the loan and paid to the title company or bank.

FHA

An FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan is among the most popular financing choices, especially for first-time homebuyers, since the credit score and down payment needed to qualify are low. The FICO score must be 580 or higher, and the down payment can be as low as 3.5 percent of the sales price.

VA

The VA (Veterans’ Administration) is available to current and former military and National Guard members, and is one of the best if you qualify, and it’s among the most popular choice for Pratt Home Builders customers. There is no money down in many cases, no PMI, and the loans are assumable if you sell. VA loans in Hamilton and Bradley counties can currently be funded up to $453,100.

Conventional

The most common loan is the conventional loan, these can vary significantly to adjust to the buyer’s needs and can be the least restrictive in some regards. A conventional loan generally requires more money down and a higher credit score, but often offers lower interest rates. They typically require between three and20 percent down, and the down payment determines whether a PMI (private mortgage insurance) is required. A 20% down payment will eliminate the PMI.

THDA

The THDA (Tennessee Housing Development Authority) loan was created by the government to boost home ownership in certain areas, so it’s not a lending option in all Pratt communities, but is available in some. There are certain parameters for the home price and the buyer’s household income. In general, THDA loans are for first-time home buyers but there may be some exceptions so it’s always best to check with a lending professional.

PMI

PMI is an insurance policy that protects the holder against loss resulting from default on a mortgage loan. Insurance requirements are sufficient to guarantee that the lender gets some pre-defined percentage of the loan value back, either from foreclosure auction proceeds or from PMI.

To learn more about what new home financing option is ideal for you, contact Pratt Home Builder’s Preferred Lender, Blake McPherson.

https://prattliving.com/homebuyers-corner/financing-options/

New Construction FAQs: “How do I finance my new construction home?”gmwebservices2025-07-31T17:29:02+00:00

Age in Place: Universal Design for Barrier-Free Living

At Pratt Home Builders, we talk with hundreds of prospective home buyers per month and a growing trend we see with home buyers of all ages is the desire to include design features that are conducive to “aging in place” in their new construction home. Regardless of what age you are, barrier-free living is very desirable and for good reason – after all, anyone can sprain an ankle or be in a position where a floor transition that was previously never thought about suddenly seems treacherous. Whether you want to ensure there are fewer tripping hazards for young children, you want to be proactive about whatever unknown the years ahead may bring, or you want to plan for open and easy-to-use spaces that feel inclusive to all your friends and family, we have options. With 43 home plans and options galore, at Pratt Home Builders we can make home plan edits that are universally user-friendly without sacrificing style. In fact, if you aren’t looking for them – you may not even notice these features.

Below we have outlined some of the helpful options we have available to make your lifestyle easier, whether you have an injury, illness, or simply an armload of groceries!

Home plans – Perhaps one of the easiest ways to be prepared for anything life may throw your way is to consider a one level home plan, or a two story with a master on main. We have both one and two story options available in all communities.

Wider doorways – In many cases, interior doors can be upgraded to 36″ which is the required clearance for ADA. Our large cased openings are nice and easy for wayfinding.

Walk-in showers – Walk-in showers are a popular choice, and these are available with no transition, along with shower benches. We also offer grab bars in multiple sizes and can install them horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Counter height adjustments – With most of our plans, we also provide ample clear floor space in the kitchen for maneuvering around the island. There are also a variety of handles and hardware available. Upgrades like the pot filler faucet below can aid in cooking ease.

Flooring – Our floor transitions are virtually seamless. Moving from hardwood to tile is completely smooth, which is easy on the eyes and the body.

If you are ready to start the conversation about buying or building a home that will meet your needs for many years to come, get in touch with us to learn more at prattliving.com or call 423-757-7687.

Age in Place: Universal Design for Barrier-Free Livinggmwebservices2025-07-31T16:45:15+00:00