Welcome to our Blog “On the Home Front”

A good spring cleaning sets the stage for company and entertaining, and nothing seems as welcoming as an immaculate household. Now that the weather is warming and pollen season is over in Hampton Roads, the time is ripe to declutter and thoroughly clean your living spaces. Use our DIY checklist to make sure the job goes smoothly and efficiently—from entryways to interiors. Then sit back, relax, and say hello to summer!

Locking in a mortgage rate has become vitally important in today’s housing market. Home builders, buyers, and sellers in Virginia are experiencing a sales frenzy. It started a few years ago, as more people moved from big cities for life in small, rural communities—including those in Hampton Roads. Houses are selling so fast here; it is hard to get your foot in the door, make an offer and have it accepted. If you are in the market to build a home or buy a resale home, move quickly and “lock” your mortgage rate early.

Excited for new home design ideas for 2022? Interior designers have been busy with their forecasts, and we’re seeing some terrific, creative ways to rejuvenate your home in the year ahead. Many recommend the use of muted colors, calming textures, and natural light throughout the house. The idea is to create mindful spaces to make you feel good and be more productive in your abode. This all sounds great to us, and many of their concepts work well with the traditional home styles and floor plans we offer at AB Homes. The following design suggestions caught our eye. We think you will like them too!

We have a soft spot for The Kitty Hawk floor plan—and so do our buyers. Named for the North Carolina coastal town where the Wright Brothers took flight, it evokes a warm, cottage vibe. From the optional stone accent wall on the front, to the board-and-batten siding and metal roof, it’s a classic custom-built home plan you’ll love flying home to. Step inside, and see for yourself. With 2,166 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, and 2.5 baths, The Kitty Hawk floor plan is a real crowd-pleaser.

Knowing who to contact – warranty provider, manufacturer, or builder – can save you time and frustration. “Who should I call for a home repair?” This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from homeowners. From their standpoint, it may be hard to tell if the repair is a warranty issue or the responsibility of the manufacturer. Maybe it’s time to call the builder? Most builder warranties (like ours) cover certain repairs for the first year or more. It depends on the exact issue and how long you’ve owned your home. From time to time we receive calls about home repairs, so we thought the following information would help in determining who to call—and when.

We’ve worked with many buyers who decided to retire and build their forever homes in Suffolk. They chose the area for its waterfront views, small town charm and slower pace over some of the larger cities in Southeastern Virginia. Combined with an affordable cost of living, Suffolk is growing in popularity as a place to put down permanent roots. Take it from us; this is a lovely area to live, no matter your age. But for retirees especially, there are wonderful reasons to consider Suffolk.