Julie La Terra Homes for Sale in NC

FAQ’s

How do I get started?
Can I make changes to my floorplan?
What’s the difference between the A la Carte and Distinctive features?
I’m excited about my new home. Can I visit my site at any time?
Will my new home look exactly like the model?
Can I use my own Trade Partners?
What an awesome Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center! Can I come in for a tour?
When do I choose my Personal Colors and Selections?
Can I make changes later?
Have you visited our Fitting Room?
Once I sign contract, do I need an appointment to visit the Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center?
Can I bring my children with me or should I make arrangements for a sitter?
How much will my closing costs be?
What is mortgage insurance (sometimes referred to as PMI or MI)?
What is the Homeowner's Insurance Protection Act of 1998 (S.318) and how will it affect my mortgage?
What is a loan-to-value ratio?
Why do I need a market analysis or appraisal?
What are the next steps after I submit my application?
Should I do a rate lock on my loan?
If my application is pre-approved, does this mean I have the mortgage loan?
We had a home inspector come and inspect our new home prior to our homeowner orientation. Will you correct the items before closing?
I reported some ‘cosmetic damage’ or ‘maintenance items’ on my home at my 30-day or 11-month warranty request. Will you correct these items?
Who should I contact for emergencies involving plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical or appliances, who can I call to get immediate response?
When should I seal my deck?
How do I clean my hardwood floors?
Are cracks in my concrete normal?

Sales Process

Julie LaTerra Homes invites you to enjoy a truly rewarding home buying experience. Hold onto your dreams. Stretch your imagination! Discover how Julie LaTerra Homes can make all your dreams come true!

How do I get started?
First, call or visit our Design Center. You may drop in or make an appointment with our New Home Sales Professional.

Next, decide on a plan and your New Home Sales Professional will prepare the necessary paperwork. Several forms, Home Purchase Agreement, and addendums are used when you purchase a Julie LaTerra Home.
Bring a deposit made payable to Julie LaTerra Homes. The amount of the deposit is determined at the community level. If purchasing a home under construction, this deposit will take your home off the market.
Ask any questions you may have as you go through the entire building process. We will provide you with a Homeowner Manual to help answer questions and guide you through the process.
Once financing is in place and all documents are signed and accepted by Julie LaTerra Homes management, we will begin the construction of your new home.
Ask our team any questions you may have throughout the building process. Give us the opportunity and you’ll see the difference our team makes!

Can I make changes to my floorplan?
Yes!! At Julie LaTerra Homes you have options. We’ll take your ideas and design your plan to be as individual as you are.

What’s the difference between the A la Carte and Distinctive features?
It’s all about choice! Choices and the options are yours with Julie LaTerra Homes. For customization and value, our A la Carte menu gives you choices and lets you choose only the options you want.

Our Distinctive collection includes unique options that add good taste and character to our home designs. Crown moldings, tile backsplashes, a variety of lighting choices, pillars, tray ceilings, and a mixture of brick and cedar shake styling are some of the Julie touches that make these homes so remarkable. We listen, understand, and anticipate what you want!

Construction Process

Julie LaTerra Homes wants you to enjoy the construction process. The information below may be slightly different if you are purchasing an existing home.

Pre-Construction and Meetings
You will enjoy your pre-construction meeting with your personal Project Manager which will take approximately one to two hours. This meeting will give you an opportunity to ask questions and will help confirm any change orders to your home and Design Center consultation. Your personal Project Manager will do a complete review of your final plans, specifications and changes as well as the construction process itself. At this time we will update you on the targeted delivery date of your home.

Meeting Locations – Meetings are held at the Design Center
Meeting Times – Appointments for our meetings are scheduled from Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Meeting Notes – Once your meetings are concluded, your personal Project Manager will document any concerns, questions or changes that need to be addressed.

I’m excited about my new home. Can I visit my site at any time?
The construction of your new home is an exciting time but it can also be dangerous. Safety is a priority and we require that you call Julie LaTerra Homes prior to visiting your site.

Will my new home look exactly like the model?
No two homes are exactly alike. Many variables can come into play like decisions by local building departments, architectural review boards, updated plans and features, and even changes and updates in materials can cause a model home look different than the home delivered to you.

Can I use my own Trade Partners?
In order to ensure you the Julie LaTerra Homes Seal of Approval, only authorized vendors, trade partners, and Julie LaTerra Homes employees are permitted to work in your home. Personal touches you may want to add are welcome after you close and take possession of your home.

Design Process

What an awesome Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center! Can I come in for a tour?
Of course! Come chat with our New Home Professionals, have a drink and enjoy one of our fresh from the oven cookies. Here you’ll personalize selections and choices for your new home. Many of these selections can be included in your mortgage. Click on our Upcoming Events for future seminars and events.

When do I choose my Personal Colors and Selections?
Part of the fun of buying a new home is choosing your colors and finish materials. A professional Design Consultant helps you personalize and choose the features you want to give your home that special personal touch. All selections that pertain to your home must be finalized prior to our releasing the home into the production schedule.

Can I make changes later?
Yes, if feasible. Making changes after this date may affect the availability and construction stage of your home and you may incur additional costs and delays in your construction.

Have you visited our Fitting Room?
We invite you to tour our Fitting Room and highlight the items you are thinking about. This virtual dressing room provides a place for you to ‘try on’ colors and options in the privacy of your home. Email your friends and relatives your floorplan and color selections. Make notes of any questions you may have for your visit with your Design Consultant.

Once I sign contract, do I need an appointment to visit the Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center?
Yes, in order to provide you with the undivided attention and service you deserve, our New Home Specialists will be happy to make an appointment for you. Here is some general information about the process in making your design selections at the design center.

Wish List – Bring your wish list of all the features and choices you’d like to see in your dream home. Bring pictures and pages from magazines to show your Design Consultant. It’s also a good idea to bring fabric swatches, paint swatches and accessories you want to use.
Lifestyle Solutions - Designs by Julie LaTerra Homes are centered on lifestyle solutions for the way you live today and into the future! Think of your current and future lifestyle as you envision yourself in your home. For flexibility, will you use a bedroom for an office? Consider additional outlets and phone jacks. When entertaining, will you need additional counter space? An island? Additional lighting? When de-stressing, would you like to indulge in a spa bath? How about watching TV while soaking? Would kids enjoy a media room or computer room? Thought about your favorite pets? Fun for all, choose our Pampered Pet Package. Are energy savings and your family’s health and well-being concerns for you? Our high-performance homes save you money and help protect the ones you love. Personalization and choice are yours at Julie LaTerra Homes.
Appointment Times – Appointments are held Monday through Friday at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm and are approximately two hours long. Should these times not be convenient for you, we will make every effort to accommodate your schedule. Please confirm your appointment and plan to arrive on time.
Who Should Attend? – We invite you to bring friends, family and your realtor during the Preview Tour. This will give you plenty of time to browse. However, your Design Appointments with your Design Consultant are limited to two people and both signing buyers must be present. At your final appointment, you and your Design Consultant will confirm all your selections. Please do your best to make arrangements for children.
Options Deposit – Please bring your checkbook with you to the Design Center as a typical 20% Options Deposit is usually required on the items you select and is held with your Release for Production Deposit. Deposit amounts can vary depending on selections made and mortgage status. This is different from a Change Order which requires a 100% payment at time of selection. Please contact your mortgage representative prior to your design meeting to discuss your options. All deposits made in the Design Center are non-refundable.
Homeowner Manual – Please be sure to bring your Julie LaTerra Homes Homeowner Manual to all of your appointments.

For answers to questions not answered above, please go to Ask Julie to email your question.

Can I bring my children with me or should I make arrangements for a sitter?
The selection process is an important time during your Design Center visit. You will want to give your undivided attention during this several hour visit. We encourage you to make your appointment without children so you can make the best use of your time.

Loan Process

Our Home Purchase Agreement requires that you make a loan application within five business days of the date of contract. Throughout the construction process, we will check with your lender to track your loan progress.

How much will my closing costs be?
Depending on your location, closing costs generally average 3 to 4 percent of your loan amount.

What is mortgage insurance (sometimes referred to as PMI or MI)?
Mortgage Insurance (MI) or Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is collected when your loan amount is above 60 to 80 percent of the value of your home (loan-to-value) or based on the type of loan you have. It is insurance to protect the lender if you fail to pay your mortgage payment. It should not be confused with life insurance that pays off your mortgage in case of death.

What is the Homeowner's Insurance Protection Act of 1998 (S.318) and how will it affect my mortgage?
President Clinton signed the Homeowner's Protection Act of 1998 on July 29,1998. The Act became effective July 29, 1999 and requires mortgage lenders cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) when certain criteria are met.

What is a loan-to-value ratio?
Your loan-to-value ratio compares the purchase price of your home to the current loan balance to determine the percentage of equity you have in your home.

Why do I need a market analysis or appraisal?
You need a market analysis or appraisal to verify the current value of your home. Should you need PMI, a market analysis or appraisal will be necessary at the time of a request for deletion of PMI. You also need it to confirm a property has not declined in value since origination.

What are the next steps after I submit my application?
Your lender will mail state and federal regulatory disclosures for your review, contact you to discuss interest rate “lock-in” options, order an appraisal from a licensed appraiser, and request any additional information necessary to process your application.

Should I do a rate lock on my loan?
No one can predict what will happen with interest rates. The decision to lock an interest rate is your decision alone. We recommend you proceed with caution as the target delivery date of your home is an estimate and can have many influences to change it.

If my application is pre-approved, does this mean I have the mortgage loan?
No. Full approval depends upon verification of your income and assets, an appraisal of the home, and additional factors. Once your lender receives necessary documentation to support your income, assets, and appraised value, you will receive a full approval. Your lender will then send a follow-up letter.

Closing Process

Time is a commodity you can’t afford to waste. Our proven building systems have streamlined the building process enabling us to shorten construction times without sacrificing quality and excellence in construction.

However, there are things that can slow down the construction of your home such as:

Weather delays on constructing your foundation
Shortages in materials and/or labor
Customer delays at different stages of construction (lending requests, change orders, selections).

Warranty Process

One #1 goal is to ensure you enjoy living in your new home. Our multi-level warranty and our entire Customer Care department is committed to bring quick satisfaction to you. Here are some key points:

Warranty Hours

Customer Care Department	Monday through Friday, 10:00 to 5:00
Inspection Appointments	Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:00
Service Appointments	Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 3:00

Warranty Period
Though we strive to create long-lasting value, sometimes your home may require customer service. When it does, we will correct items per the warranty. The warranty period on your home varies depending on the component. Most components are covered against defects in workmanship and materials for one year. Items that show wear and tear (for instance paint, mirrors, and floor coverings) and items that require maintenance (for instance grass and landscaping) are not covered. Third-party warranties may apply for individual components (for instance roofing and windows). Major structural defects are covered by the 2-10 Residential Warranty for a period of up to ten years. You will receive detailed guidelines in your new home documentation. All requests for warranty service are documented and a trade or vendor partner is contacted. Many items are able to be corrected immediately. Requests that require a trade partner, material or parts may take longer.

30-Day Warranty Request
Julie LaTerra Homes 30-Day Warranty Request allows you ample time to settle in and use components repeatedly in your new home. Please note items on a warranty request found on the web or submit a warranty request found in your Homeowner Manual.

11-Month Warranty Request
Near the end of your eleventh month, you should submit an 11-Month Warranty Request for any items that need attention. During this time, we can answer any maintenance questions you may have. You may access Maintenance Tips from our website as well as an Annual Maintenance Checklist.

We had a home inspector come and inspect our new home prior to our homeowner orientation. Will you correct the items before closing?
Julie LaTerra Homes encourages inspections. Prior to your homeowner orientation, your home will have gone through a 300-point inspection as well as inspections by third-party and local inspectors. Julie LaTerra Homes will make repairs based on code requirements and guidelines found in your Homeowner Manual and NAHB Guidelines book.

I reported some ‘cosmetic damage’ or ‘maintenance items’ on my home at my 30-day or 11-month warranty request. Will you correct these items?
Our multi-tiered warranty covers numerous items in your new home. Maintenance items or cosmetic damage occurring after you move into your new home is the responsibility of the Homeowner.

Who should I contact for emergencies involving plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical or appliances, who can I call to get immediate response?
During business hours (Monday through Friday, 10:00 till 5:00), you may contact our Customer Care department. After business hours, weekends, or holidays, contact the warranty phone numbers for the trade partners that built your home. These numbers are located on a sticker on the inside of your kitchen sink base cabinet. Please call the trade partner to set up a service call. Follow up with a call to our Customer Care department so we can ensure all work is done.

When should I seal my deck?
A wood deck should have an application of a quality water repellant stain as soon as you move in for ultimate protection.

How do I clean my hardwood floors?
Hardwood floors should be cleaned with a product specifically made for hardwood floors. NEVER use water to clean hardwood flooring. Please refer to your hardwood care guide found in your Homeowner Manual.

Are cracks in my concrete normal?
It is normal for concrete to crack to some extent. Expansion and contraction joints are used to help control and minimize cracking. See your Homeowner Manual and NAHB Guidelines for warranty and additional information.