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Getting a home loan can seem like a difficult task for many home buyers. There is a great deal of confusion surrounding credit scores, down payments, and debt that buyers will come across when shopping for a mortgage. Whether you are pursuing your first home loan, or you have had a mortgage in the past, these 5 simple explanations will help you understand mortgages and get you started on the process with confidence.

Myth 1: Getting Pre-qualified is the Same as Being Pre-approved

You might think that if you are pre-qualified that you are also pre-approved, but with mortgages, that is not the case. Pre-qualification is a quick process done by answering questions about your finances. It’s your step one. The pre-approval process is your second step. Pre-approval will require you to fill out a mortgage application and provide documentation from your financial institution, the last two years of W2s and federal tax returns, and a month of pay stubs. If you’re approved, you’re given a maximum loan amount based on how much the bank is willing to loan you.

Myth 2: Home Buyers Need Exceptional Credit

Don’t let the idea that you need perfect credit stop you from pursuing your dream home. There are many ways to go about getting a loan. Your interest rate for your home loan, however, will be determined by your credit score. Doing everything you can to raise your score is important, but a less-than-perfect score won’t keep you from buying a home. Our preferred mortgage broker, Arch Capital, will be able to answer all your questions, as well as shop around for the best program to suit your individual needs.

Myth 3: Home Buyers Can’t Have Any Debt

Carrying debt will play a part in securing a home loan, but it won’t necessarily prevent you from getting a mortgage. The type and amount of debt you have impact your opportunities, but the most important contributing factor is the amount of debt related to your total income or your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Your DTI determines whether you can afford to take on another payment and the lower the percentage, the better.

Myth 4: Home Buyers Need to Put a Large Amount of Cash Down

In the past, potential home buyers needed to put as much as 20% down, but in today’s market, that number could be as low as 3 or 3.5% down. It all depends on the loan program you qualified for. The money for your down payment can come from your savings or money from the sale of your current residence or even in the form of “gift money” from your family.  Lenders will source your funds to identify where the money came from.  Contact your mortgage consultant for further explanation.

Myth 5: Home Buyers will Hurt their Credit by Shopping for Lenders

Most credit scores are not affected by multiple inquiries from auto or mortgage lenders within a short period—usually 30 days. In these cases, multiple inquiries will be treated as a single inquiry, and this will have little or no impact on your credit score.

However, shopping around for interest rates usually means you’re preparing for a big purchase. To best protect your credit, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Apply for the same type of loan for the same amount. It’s fairly evident on a credit report that when five lenders pull your credit for a $300,000 mortgage loan, you’re not buying five $300,000 homes.

Conduct your business as quickly as possible. While the 30-day grace period is no myth, you might want to treat it as a weeklong grace period. Figure out which lenders you want to check out and do all your applications within a few days.

Do not apply for other forms of credit during this time. Applying for too many loans or lines of credit at once could make you look like a higher risk to creditors.

The whole process of getting a mortgage can seem daunting, but don’t let it keep you from reaching your dream of homeownership. Begin with a free no-obligation consultation with Almont Homes’ preferred lender, Arch Capital. Whether you want to purchase a new home or refinance your existing home, Arch Capital is proud to work with the nation’s top lending resources to provide their customers with the appropriate financing at the best possible terms.

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season underway, don’t forget to get your faithful furry friends something special this year. With many pet owners returning to work, why not find the perfect gift to ease the transition. We’ve gathered our favorite pet gifts to help guide your shopping. Take a look!

Petcube Bites 2 Lite Interactive WiFi Pet Monitoring Camera with Phone App and Treat Dispenser

Your pet is sure to appreciate the occasional treat to help pass the time until the family gets home. This interactive pet monitor includes two-way audio and night vision. Plus, you can access it with a phone app.

UFO Treats Frisbee & Dispenser

For all the multitaskers out there, the UFO treats frisbee might be the perfect entertainment for your pet! Use it for an interactive treat time or as a frisbee.

Pet Dog Umbrella & Leash

This next gift on our list is ideal for all the furry four-legged friends who do not enjoy being in the rain. This particular pet umbrella is perfect for small dogs. Plus, the transparent material allows you to keep watch over your pet. The detachable handle makes the umbrella quick and easy to store.

Yeti Dog Bowl

Hot on the market this season is the Yeti Boomer Dog Bowl. This stainless steel, BPA-free bowl is dishwasher safe and has a non-slip ring on the bottom to prevent sliding. Buyers are raving about how long their pets’ water stays cold in these double-walled bowls. Check around online for various bowl sizes, including 4 and 8 cups.

Schwinn Rascal Pet Trailer

Pack up your pet and hit the riding trails with a Schwinn Pet Trailer. The trailer’s doggy door makes it easy for your pet to get in and out and, the 16-inch wheels create a smooth ride. Plus, the non-slip liner can be removed and washed.

PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge

This last gift that made our list is for our feline friends. With over 15,000 reviews on Amazon and a 5-star rating, cats and cat-lovers appear very pleased with this interactive scratch and stretch play lounge. It’s reversible and advertised to promote healthy nails and relieve stress.

Pet parents have many options to pamper their four-legged companions this holiday season. Show your pets just how much you appreciate them and put a little something extra in their stocking. Those tail wags and purrs will always be priceless!

For more than several years, Almont Homes has been proud to foster dogs with Angels Among Us Pet Rescue. This organization has rescued more than 19,000 animals since 2009. If you are interested in pet adoption, visit angelsrescue.org for more information.

If you are already exhausted or anxious just thinking about cooking Thanksgiving dinner this year, why not consider ordering a fully cooked and prepped meal! Whether from the local grocery store, farmers market, or in-town restaurant, you can get the delicious meal of your choosing. No mess, no stress, and spend more time with your family and friends this Thanksgiving. Take a look at these places around Gwinnett where you can buy fully prepared Thanksgiving dinner if you don’t feel like cooking this year.

1. Whole Foods Market

Pre-order a classic Thanksgiving dinner at your local Whole Foods with just the click of a button. The holiday menu includes options for appetizers, entrées, sides, and desserts. Customers can order online by November 23^rd to pick up their Thanksgiving dinner in-store. But you’ll want to hurry because Whole Foods meal reservations are while supplies last.

2. Publix Deli Fully Cooked Turkey Dinner

The Publix Deli offers a Thanksgiving dinner package that serves 7-10 people. The best part – all you need to do is purchase, unpack, and heat up! The turkey dinner includes:

One 10 – 12lb Butterball fully cooked turkey

2 ½ lb. stuffing

2 ½ lb. mashed potatoes

32 oz. Publix gravy

28 oz. Publix marshmallow delight

16 oz. Publix cranberry orange relish

3. Kroger Holiday Dinner Bundle

While supplies last, customers can order holiday dinner bundles online with Kroger. Meal options include smoked and oven-roasted turkey, prime rib, and sweet sliced ham dinners. Dinner bundles include green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, turkey gravy, 12 Kings Hawaiian rolls, and a pumpkin pie. Prices for holiday meal bundles begin at $60. Plus, Kroger has made it super easy to add extra a la carte sides and proteins.

4. Cracker Barrel

Back by popular demand, Cracker Barrel is offering its Thanksgiving Heat N’ Serve Feast with serving options of 4 – 6 and 8 -10 people. Orders are available for pick up between November 20^th and 27^th. With tons of add-on options, including yeast rolls and pecan pie, Cracker Barrel is a favorite go-to for Thanksgiving dinner.

5. Boston Market

This popular chain offers whole spread heat and serve Thanksgiving meals that serve up to 12 people! Just pre-order and pick-up. Boston Market also offers Thanksgiving catering if you want your meal hot when you pick it up or have it delivered. And, of course, you can choose other sides from the many a la carte choices.

6. Mary Mac’s Tea Room

You’ll need to order at least 24 hours in advance and pick it up by November 24^th to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at this Atlanta favorite. The beloved restaurant is offering holiday dinners for 4 or 10 people. Meals include carved turkey, green beans, whipped potatoes, cornbread dressing and gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet potato souffle, yeast rolls, and sweet potato pie. Ham and whole turkey options are also available along with many other side dishes and desserts.

7. Fresh Market

Get your order in by November 22^nd and pick up your Thanksgiving feast between November 22^nd – 25^th to take advantage of the pre-made holiday meals at Fresh Market. Organic options are available along with bundles for Thanksgiving brunch. Fresh Market’s site advertises meals that serve anywhere from 3 – 14 people. Dessert options include Italian Rum cake, crème brûlée cheesecake, and good old-fashioned apple pie, to name a few!

8. Sprouts Farmers Market

Get natural and organic turkeys at your neighborhood Sprouts Farmers Market. Or get your fully prepared holiday meal and just heat and serve. The natural turkey dinner meal includes homestyle stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, homestyle gravy, creamed kale and spinach, cranberry sauce, and authentic French Brioche petite rolls. Other meal options include spiral-sliced ham, USDA Choice boneless beef rib roast, roasted boneless turkey breast, and field roast hazelnut & cranberry vegan roast. Holiday meals serve between 2- 8 people and are only available for order while supplies last.

Did you know that November is National Native American Heritage Month? This month is a time to celebrate and appreciate Indigenous peoples’ resiliency, history, culture, and traditions. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 4.5 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives in the United States today. Georgia has a rich Native American history, with historical sites spread across the state. In addition to visiting these sites, here are some other ways you can honor Native American Heritage Month.

Visit a Native American museum exhibit or cultural center.

Explore the incredible art, music, and the historical and contemporary influence of the Creeks and Cherokees at the Native Lands exhibit at the Atlanta History Center. If you’d rather keep it virtual, PBS is spotlighting Native American heritage all month long!

Explore authentic Native American cuisine.

Try a new recipe and let your taste buds come alive! Decolonized diets are popular among native people and have many health benefits. You might even start a new tradition and add an American Indian dish to your Thanksgiving menu. From Kohlrabi and Apple Slaw and Grilled Corn Salad to Blue Cornbread and Sioux Indian Pudding, experience the flavorsome cuisine of Native Americans.

Celebrate Native film and performance art. 

Watch powerful stories unfold and celebrate the best of Native film. Tune in and watch the Native Cinema Showcase by the National Museum of the American Indian. This year’s annual celebration is November 12-18, 2021. Featured films include Waikiki, Beans, The Song of Butterflies, and What Happened to the Bees?.

Plant native plants and flowers and connect with the land.

Spend time appreciating and caring for the earth. You can plant native trees, plants, or flowers in your backyard or a local community garden and learn about Native Americans’ reverence for mother earth. A simple search online can help you find plants native to your area.

Visit historic Native American heritage sites and learn about the Native tribes in your area.

The Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee and the Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe are two tribes currently in Georgia. Take some time to explore past and current native tribes in Georgia online or at your local library. Plus, Georgia has many great parks and sites that chronicle the stories of Native Americans in the area. You can take a day trip or go on a camping adventure! Here are a few places around Georgia:

Etowah Indian Mounds

The Funk Heritage Center

Chief Vann House

New Echota

Ocmulgee National Monument

Kolomoki Mounds State Park

Be sure to take advantage of the many opportunities right here in Georgia to explore and honor the culture and contributions of Native Americans this month.

From the vibrant colors and sweet scents to the cool breeze and falling leaves, there is so much to enjoy about Fall in Gwinnett. Explore the variety of family-friendly activities in the area and close to Almont Homes communities.

Buford Corn Maze

Get lost in the fun at the Buford Corn Maze. This local Gwinnett favorite was named one of the top 33 corn mazes in America by Country Living Magazine. Its seasonal attractions include the beloved corn maze and kids’ corner. Add some fright to your night with a stroll through the haunted forest. Daily tickets and season passes are available for purchase online or in person.

Randy’s Pumpkin Patch

Pick your perfect pumpkins and enjoy bungee jumping, train rides, and a host of inflatable activities at Randy’s Pumpkin Patch in Lawrenceville. Parking and admission are free, and the pumpkin patch is open 7 days a week.

AuburnFest

Grab the family and head out to create some sweet memories at AuburnFest, Auburn’s annual Fall Festival featuring arts and crafts, food, inflatables, and live music. Plus, enjoy pie baking and quilting competitions and the annual Trains and Flames Backyard BBQ competition. Hosted at the Whistlestop Shops, the festival will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, 11am-6pm.

Harvest Festival

Enjoy good food and fun times at the Harvest Festival at the Lawrenceville Lawn. The festivities will include a petting zoo, pumpkin painting, live entertainment, and hayrides. Saturday, November 6^th, 1-8pm in Downtown Lawrenceville.

Train or Treat

The Southeastern Railway Museum is hosting Train or Treat, a family-friendly event featuring trick or treating in the museum and a costume contest for kids 12 and younger. Plus, live music, prizes, and plenty of treats. October 23^rd, 11am-3pm, admission is $12-$18.

Movies Under the Stars

Break out your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy family movie night in the Village at the Mall of Georgia’s Movies Under the Stars series. Every other Saturday, live music and concessions begin at 6pm followed by the featured movie at 8pm.

Make the most of the refreshing cooler temps and be sure to explore the many Fall activities around Gwinnett and near Almont Homes communities. For information about new homes by Almont Homes visit www.AlmontHomes.com.

Welcome to Almont Homes.

We hope you find AlmontHomes.com to be a useful resource in your new home search. Buying a new home can be an intimating process so we have provided you with all the information you will need to learn about Almont Homes and our 50+ years of new home building experience in the greater Atlanta area. Our website has all of our available homes, available floor plans and communities plus mortgage tools, our latest promotions, galleries of photos and videos and many more new home buying resources.

Please take some time to explore our website and learn more about Almont Homes.