Contact :

Stephen James Homes

9 James Crt
Kangaroo Flat 3555
VICTORIA
AUSTRALIA

Phone : +61 03 5447 2848
Mobile : +61 0418 571 716
Fax :        +61 03 5447 2049

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Home Buyer Questions

We understand that you have many questions before deciding on the home that is perfect for you. We hope this will be of help while considering your home investment choices. Choose from a topic of interest below.

Don't see a question you'd like answered?
Let us know!

Building a Home

 

Financing

 

New vs. Used

 

Moving

 

Support

 

 

Building a Home


How can I obtain a list of recent customer references?
Please visit our Testimonials page, Stephen James homes has many repeat clients. Alternatively contact us and we will contact you personally to discuss our clients.
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I'm interested in building a home. What should I do next?
Please fill out the form and we can send you some information.
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How quickly can I move into an Stephen James home?
The average time to build a new home is six months from pre construction to final walk-through. Stephen James Homes always endeavors to help the client in any way possible
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How will I be able to customize the home I build?
Your new home will be built according to your personality and style. Personalized choices include floor plan, elevation, roofing type, siding, brick work, windows, cabinetry, countertops, wall colors, faucets, plus many more! And you won’t be on your own. Stephen James Homes will guide you through the process.  You will find top brand names to help make building your dream home a pleasant experience.
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Where can I find information about the home building industry.?
Stephen James Homes our proud to be associated with the Housing Industry Association, Master Builders Association and the Building Commission of Victoria. You can find quick links to these organizations in our Resources section.
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Should I choose a home model first or a block of land?
Stephen James Homes can help you best with the process, however, it is usually easier to choose which model you like first and then move to the property selection. Different properties offer different building possibilities and it is important to know which model you desire before deciding which block of land works best for you and the model you’ve chosen. Nevertheless, if you have your heart set on a particular lot you should move quickly to secure it.
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How do I choose a block of land?
Think about your lifestyle, surrounding properties, pricing and the type of home that will be built on the block of land.
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Can I build a home on a block of land I already have?
Yes! You've found the perfect location, let us help you pick the perfect house. You can choose any of the innovative, quality built designs offered by Stephen James Homes, while still receiving our full warranty.
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What materials does Stephen James Homes use when building a home?
Stephen James Homes uses only the best building materials available whether your home will be built in timber or brick we will source whatever materials you require.
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Do I need a real estate agent to buy a new Stephen James home?
No, you do not need a real estate agent to purchase a new residence. Our experienced sales staff can assist you throughout the home buying process.
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Once I choose a floor plan model, do I have any other options?
All floor plan have several different options so that the home we build for you is customized to meet your needs.Yes! There are several other options that are available to you to personalize your home. At time of contract, you will be asked to make your structural selections. These are items that will effect your foundation such as room extensions, fireplaces, and fittings. Shortly after that, you will have the opportunity to make your color and interior selections including, but not limited to, flooring and cabinets. No matter what, Stephen James Homes will be there to assist you through all of these selections.
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How much money will I need at closing?
Your closing costs will depend upon the sale price, the amount of your down payment and the various fees connected with the purchase of your home. Closing costs include prepaid taxes, attorney’s fees, title fees, etc.
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What kind of warranty will I receive with my new home?
Your new home comes with a full warranty. If anything ever fails to meet your expectations, one quick call to Stephen James Homes will fix it!
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Financing


How much of a difference does a large down payment make?
The amount of down payment will affect your monthly payment and the type of loan that will best meet your needs. Please contact Stephen James Homes and we can advise you on the best alternatives.
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What are the pros and cons of getting an adjustable rate mortgage?
Pros: If your ARM has a quick reacting index, you can take full advantage of dropping interest rates.  An Adjustable Mortgage can lower your payments during the first year so you can use the money to make home improvements.  If you don't plan to own your homes for an extended period you could take advantage of the lower interest rate.  Instead of agreeing to a fixed interest rate, you would pay interest rates as they fluctuate in the market.  This type of mortgage works out very well if interest rates drop during your mortgage period. 

Cons: Consider the ARM risk factor; your second year may have much higher interest rates than your first if the market goes up. Instead of agreeing to a fixed interest rate, you would pay interest rates as they fluctuate in the market.  If interest rates rise, then you could end up paying more than you would with a Fixed Mortgage. However, lenders do limit how much your interest rate can rise. 
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What mortgage expenses are associated with buying a home?
Your loan company or Bank will provide you with a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) after you have applied for a loan. This disclosure outlines all costs associated with the loan closing. Many lenders charge an origination fee and a processing fee. Other fees associated with a loan closing may include, but are not limited to, your attorney’s fees, filing fees, mortgage taxes, title search and title insurance.
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Should I wait to buy a home if I currently have debt?
No. There are four major factors when considering an application: your employment and income, your assets, your credit record, and the value of the home you wish to purchase. All these factors are considered when making a credit decision. Please don't hesitate to apply.
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How much money will I need at closing?
Your closing costs will depend upon the sale price, the amount of your down payment and the various fees connected with the purchase of your home. Closing costs include mortgage insurance, prepaid taxes, attorney’s fees, title insurance, etc.
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New vs. Used


Are new homes built better than older homes?
According to the Housing Industry Association, yes. Because of better windows, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, better control of air infiltration, and greater use of insulation, new homes consume half as much energy as homes built prior to 1980. Old homes tend to be drafty and less comfortable. Also, frost and condensation are more likely to appear on windows of older homes, drip down, and cause deterioration of wood trim and walls.
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Do newer homes have a better resale value?
According to the Housing Industry Association, yes. Occupants of new homes are much less likely to die from fire than occupants of older homes. New homes have hard-wired smoke detectors that operate even when the power goes out. Space heaters and wood stoves, the second leading cause of fire deaths, are not needed in new homes because of more efficient central heating systems and better insulation.
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What other points should I consider when deciding?
Price: Older homes usually cost less per square foot but at a sacrifice of layout and function. Fewer bathrooms, smaller rooms, less storage space and floor plans that aren't open are all hallmarks of older homes. Deciding to remodel an existing home is costly and will end up costing more per square foot than a new home. New-construction homes employ more efficient, innovative uses of square footage and property.

Location:

Older homes are located in a town's center which may or may not be a nice area. New houses are located in communities that have newer schools and shopping areas and are away from the noise of bustling traffic.

Customization:

In a new house, you can pick your own color schemes, flooring, kitchen cabinets, appliances, custom wiring for TV's, computers, phones and speakers, etc., as well as have more upgrade options. Modern features like media rooms, extra-large closets and extra-large bathrooms and tubs are also more attainable in ground-up construction. In a used home, you rely largely on the previous resident's tastes and technological whims, unless you plan to spend thousands in remodeling and rewiring costs.

Neighborhood amenities:

New home developments offer centrally located swimming pools, playgrounds, bike and jogging trails, neighborhood facilities and picnic venues for residents, older homes offer none of these amenities.

Safety:

Builders have to follow very strict guidelines in new-homes and additions. In general, new homes are usually more fire-safe and better accommodating of new security and garage-door systems.

Energy Efficiency:

Bear in mind that your renovations may never meet the energy-saving standards of today's new homes .Considerable advancements in building materials and technology have freed present-day architects. New-home designers can use new building materials such as glazed Energy windows, thicker insulation and other technology that will lower future energy costs for the owner. Most states now have minimum energy-efficiency requirements for new construction. Kitchens and laundry areas in new homes are designed to house more efficient energy-saving appliances. Older homes, unless they have undergone an energy retrofit, usually cost much more per square foot to air-condition and heat.

Maintenance:

Our homes come with a full warranty for the repair of any major problems that develop as the house settles into its foundation. In older homes, the quality of construction depends on the virtue of a long-gone builder. The charm of an older home often goes hand in hand with increased maintenance, especially if the previous owners were not vigilant in upkeep. Building materials may be harder to replace or match in an expansion or remodeling.
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Moving


Do I need a real estate agent to buy a new Stephen James home?
No, you do not need a real estate agent to purchase a new residence. Our experienced staff can assist you throughout the home buying process.
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Should I sell my home before or after I find a new home?
You can select a model and lot and choose all your options. The home and options will set on provisional and when your old home sells, you can move right in!
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Support


How do I request a service call?
You can email us here
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