Gifts for the New Homeowner

Thinking of gifts for the new homeowner in your life? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of fun and practical gift ideas that will cheer even the biggest Grinch on your list.

Seasonal

-        “Our New Home” ornament

-        Welcome mats in holiday colors

-        Christmas kitchen towels or serving ware

DIY

-        A basic tool set

-        Flashlight – never have enough!

-        Lightbulbs

-        Surge protector

Cleaning

-        Hand soap

-        Scrub brushes

-        Dust buster

-        Microfiber cloths

Décor

-        Candles

-        Cozy throw blanket

-        Photo frames

-        Pillows

-        Coffee mugs

What do you recommend for the new homeowner on your gift list this year?

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Christmas Décor Safety

Trimming the Christmas tree, hanging lights along the rafters, pulling down the kids crafts from over the years; decorating for Christmas is a tradition we love.

While you’re singing along to your favorite carols and hanging garland, keep these few tips in mind to ensure a healthy and safe Christmas season.

Christmas Tree Safety:

-        Make sure your tree is away from heat sources like fireplaces, candles or heat vents

-        Keep the tree stand full of water

-        Decorate with only non-flammable materials

-        Use only one extension cord per outlet

-        Use only three strands of lights per extension cord

-        Check lights for any broken or non-functioning sockets

Decorating Safety Tips:

-        Always have help when decorating outside especially when using a ladder

-        Do not hammer tacks or nails into electrical cords when handing lights. Use clips

-        Only use outdoor approved extension cords when decorating outside

-        Put cords in low traffic areas to prevent tripping

-        Ensure that blow up decorations are secured properly and deflated when you are not home or asleep

-        Don’t throw wrapping paper in the fireplace

-        Keep candles away from curtains and high enough children cannot reach

What safety tips do you have for decorating this holiday season?

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Happy Thanksgiving

This time of year there is so much to be grateful for.

Much comes to mind such as a free country to do business in, service members across the globe who protect our lives and our freedoms, co-workers and contractors who make our work better.

We are especially thankful though for you – our homeowners.

You’ve allowed us to build your most precious investment. The place where you and your loved ones will gather in this holiday season. A home means so much especially this time of year. Allowing us to be a small part of that experience makes us extremely grateful.

So enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday, whether traveling or home, surrounded by friends and family or quietly with a loved one. And Happy Thanksgiving from all of us.

Here’s a favorite recipe from our family to yours:

Pumpkin Pound Cake

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups sugar

1 cup canola oil

3 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin

Confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine sugar and oil until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves; add to egg mixture alternately with pumpkin, beating well after each addition.

2. Transfer to a greased 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake 60-65 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack. Remove pan and cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

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Now is the Time to Buy

If you haven’t noticed that the holiday season is in full swing all you need to do is enter one of the many retail locations offering a mix of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas décor. And although it may seem like time is going by at an alarming speed there is still time to get into the home of your dreams for the holidays!

A new home can be great for so many reasons

-        More room for overnight guests

-        Open concept for entertaining

-        Warranty coverage for any unexpected home issues

-        Brand new bathrooms

-        A welcoming entryway just prime for decorating!

-        Walk-in closets, linen closets and extra storage

If you want a new home in time for those Holiday guests and parties, now is the time to buy!  To speed up the financing process obtain pre-approval before making an offer on a new home.  Work with your builder to understand the construction time frame and if it will meet your needs.

A new home is a great way to celebrate the Holidays – so don’t wait!

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Some Perspective on Mortgage Rates

Interest rates are rising and economists predict they will continue through the end of the year. While this can intimidate buyers it is important to keep these increases in perspective. Even if mortgage rates reach 5 percent as predicted this is historically low. Mortgage rates between 1979 and 1990 consistently averaged above 10 percent.

So what does this mean for today’s home buyers?  There are ways you can counter the increase in mortgage rates. If you have the ability, put more money down which will decrease the amount borrowed.

Work on ways to improve your credit where possible. With a credit score above 760 it is possible to get the lowest available interest rate on your home loan.

Already on the market for a new home? Act quickly! With interest rates expected to rise through the end of the year the faster you can lock in your loan and save yourself some money! 

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Keep Your Home Germ Free

I’m sure you’ve seen the signs out everywhere – Get Your Flu Shot Here! Flu Shots Available Now!  Flu season officially runs from October to May and while it’s not time to panic, there are things you can do around the house to make your home less hospitable to cold weather germs. Here are a few ideas:

-        Pay special attention to germ hot spots and clean them regularly – this includes the sink, children’s toys, cell phones and door knobs.  Don’t forget the remote contol!

-        Use fans in high humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.

-        Wash your sheets, towels and other bedding on high temp every week.

-        Don’t forget to clean ceiling fans, air filters and vacuum to keep the air fresh and free of dust.

-        Be sure to clean your cleaning tools so you aren’t pushing germs around – this includes dust rags, mop heads and sponges.

-        Put the toilet seat down when you flush to keep germs from coming out and landing on other bathroom surfaces. Mop your bathroom floor once a week.

-        Clean the kitchen sink with bleach or vinegar and don’t forget to wipe down the faucet handle.

What tips do you have for keeping your home free of unwanted germs?

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Quality Craftsmanship and Attention to Detail are What We're About

At C and C Builders we are known for our quality craftsmanship and attention to detail which we put in every home we build. Give us a call today to learn more about getting in your new C and C Builders built home. Check out our website candcbuilders.com #newhomescolumbia #newhomebuilders #CandCBuilders