• Menu
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

NewHomeSource

  • Learning Center
  • Just For You
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • 55 Plus
    • International Buyers
    • For The Military
    • Single Women
  • Home Types
    • Custom Homes
    • Condos & Townhomes
    • Luxury Homes
    • Tiny Houses
    • Manufactured Homes
  • Resources
    • Home Buying Tools
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Home Affordability Calculator
    • Trustbuilder Ratings & Reviews
  • Learning Center
  • Just For You
    • First Time Home Buyers
    • 55 Plus
    • International Buyers
    • For The Military
    • Single Women
  • Home Types
    • Custom Homes
    • Condos & Townhomes
    • Luxury Homes
    • Tiny Houses
    • Manufactured Homes
  • Resources
    • Home Buying Tools
    • Mortgage Calculator
    • Home Affordability Calculator
    • Trustbuilder Ratings & Reviews

Lew Sichelman

Lew Sichelman is a nationally syndicated housing and real estate columnist. He has covered the real estate beat for more than 50 years.

About Lew Sichelman

Lew Sichelman is a nationally syndicated housing and real estate columnist. He has covered the real estate beat for more than 50 years.

saving money

What to Know About Builder Allowances

November 30, 2022 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

If your builder offers you allowances, like on flooring that you plan on purchasing elsewhere, it’s important to know the limitations of these deals.

What to Know About Builder AllowancesRead More

confused man

To Buy or To Sell First, That is The Question

July 9, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Figuring out if you should sell your current home before you buy your new home can be stressful, unless you create a plan of action.

To Buy or To Sell First, That is The QuestionRead More

A framed house under construction

What is Single-Close Financing and Why You Should Consider It When Building New

February 24, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman 1 Comment

A construction-to-permanent financing automatically switches to permanent financing once your home is completed. It’s important to choose the right builder before you take on such a loan.

What is Single-Close Financing and Why You Should Consider It When Building NewRead More

escrow

Escrow Accounts Explained

May 20, 2022 //  by Lew Sichelman 4 Comments

Most people wonder why escrow accounts are necessary. An escrow account allows homeowners to pay bills, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance, over a 12-month period, rather than in one lump sum.

Escrow Accounts ExplainedRead More

lagoon

Crystal Lagoons: The Next Great Amenity?

January 16, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

NewHomeSource explores Crystal Lagoons, a cutting edge amenity, poised to take new home communities by storm.

Crystal Lagoons: The Next Great Amenity?Read More

home inspection

What to Expect at Your New Home’s Final Inspection

April 26, 2022 //  by Lew Sichelman 3 Comments

Many builders allow for a final walkthrough inspection for you to identify any issues or concerns in your new home. Do you know what to expect in yours?

What to Expect at Your New Home’s Final InspectionRead More

cluster mailbox

What to Know About Neighborhood Cluster Mailboxes

August 17, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman 40 Comments

Pressure from USPS has caused some new home communities to install cluster mailboxes. NewHomeSource has everything you need to know about cluster mailboxes.

What to Know About Neighborhood Cluster MailboxesRead More

Exterior shot of small white house with maroon door and trim.

Average House Size Falls in Second Quarter

September 9, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Typical size of a new single-family house fell in the second quarter, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Average House Size Falls in Second QuarterRead More

A light box that reads "TAXES" lying on top of a stack of paper money.

What Do the Latest Tax Changes Mean for Homeowners?

September 7, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

NewHomeSource breaks down what the 2018 taxes mean for homeowners.

What Do the Latest Tax Changes Mean for Homeowners?Read More

calculate credit score

Your Credit Report: A Vital Step in Obtaining a Mortgage

July 9, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

A key to successfully navigating the mortgage application process is to check your credit report to ensure it’s accurate. If it isn’t, you can take action to get it corrected.

Your Credit Report: A Vital Step in Obtaining a MortgageRead More

Miniature house on top of a calculator.

What Should You Put On Your Mortgage?

September 9, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

In the process of buying your new home, have you considered purchasing some items, such as appliances, to save money on your mortgage? It might be time to reconsider that idea.

What Should You Put On Your Mortgage?Read More

retirees getting ready to move

Home Financing Options for Those Over 55

February 24, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman 2 Comments

Questions about home financing options for those over 55 need not stop you from buying and building a new home.

Home Financing Options for Those Over 55Read More

How to Buy a New Home Floor Plan

January 8, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Need a hand with your new home building process? We’ve got a simple, step-by-step guide to choosing the perfect floor plan for you.

How to Buy a New Home Floor PlanRead More

cat on a lawn

Help Your Lawn Get Off the Ground

January 8, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Whether you start with seeds or lay down sod, a new lawn requires a lot of work, but the results are worth it, we show you how to get your lawn growing.

Help Your Lawn Get Off the GroundRead More

Person holding up five 0 bills.

Home Shopping? Get Preapproved First

May 6, 2022 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Getting pre-approved for a home loan is preferred over a pre-qualified. Why? Because pre-approval puts you one step closer to purchasing the home of your dreams.

Home Shopping? Get Preapproved FirstRead More

flood

Do You Need Flood Insurance?

May 20, 2022 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Do you need flood insurance? NewHomeSource breaks down the factors you should consider before you get flood insurance.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?Read More

School desk

How to Evaluate Schools When Buying a New Home

January 8, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

If you have children, or are planning on having kids, evaluating community schools is important when shopping for a new home.

How to Evaluate Schools When Buying a New HomeRead More

umbrella over piggy bank

How to Shop for Homeowner’s Insurance

April 19, 2022 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

When you buy a new home, you will need homeowner’s insurance. We show you how to shop for the right homeowner’s insurance for you.

How to Shop for Homeowner’s InsuranceRead More

selling a house

Buy-In Companies Work With Home Sellers to Get Them Into New Homes Fast

May 10, 2021 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

If you’re selling your house before you move into your new home, buy-in companies like Offerpad and Opendoor can help get it off the market before your move.

Buy-In Companies Work With Home Sellers to Get Them Into New Homes FastRead More

model houses on coins

HELOC Interest Still Deductible

January 8, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Changes in the tax code have some homeowners wondering what they can deduct, fortunately HELOC interest can still be deducted.

HELOC Interest Still DeductibleRead More

Great credit score

How to Repair Your Credit So You Can Get a Mortgage

July 9, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Building or repairing your credit score means learning to use credit cards responsibly. An improved credit score means better rates on mortgages.

How to Repair Your Credit So You Can Get a MortgageRead More

USA flag on a beach

Military Homebuyers Have Strong Preference for Newly Built Homes

June 9, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman 4 Comments

VA Home Loan programs make it easier for our service men and women to buy homes, and they have a clear preference for newly built houses.

Military Homebuyers Have Strong Preference for Newly Built HomesRead More

woman shushing

Don’t Ignore the ‘Quiet Period’

December 18, 2019 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

It’s important that you don’t take on any new debt or make other changes to your financial profile during the “quiet period” — the time between your mortgage approval and the date you actually close on your house.

Don’t Ignore the ‘Quiet Period’Read More

lease

Getting Your Security Deposit Back

December 17, 2019 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

NewHomeSource has some tips and tricks to get your security deposit back from your landlord as you move into your first home.

Getting Your Security Deposit BackRead More

house in hands

Who Really Owns Your Home?

December 17, 2019 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Before you decide how the title for your home will be held, you should explore all of your options and make sure you fully understand each.

Who Really Owns Your Home?Read More

moving boxes

Deducting Moving Expenses

December 6, 2019 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Moving can mean some tax deductions, but it’s important to know when those deductions apply to you.

Deducting Moving ExpensesRead More

Areal picture of neighborhood

Living in the HOA: Most Home Owners Like Their Home Owner Association

September 15, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

A recent study found that those who have a home owners association are quite happy with their community, citing HOA rules as a way to protect property values.

Living in the HOA: Most Home Owners Like Their Home Owner AssociationRead More

Planner

When is the Best Time to Close on a New Home?

December 4, 2019 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

You’ve decided to buy a new home, NewHomeSource breaks down when is the best time to actually close on the house.

When is the Best Time to Close on a New Home?Read More

small-dog-outside

Here’s Why Building Green is the Future of New Homes

November 20, 2019 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

Green building is the future of the new home building industry. NewHomeSource explores why builders who don’t go green will get left behind.

Here’s Why Building Green is the Future of New HomesRead More

cash money

First-Time Homebuyers Have Access to Many Downpayment Assistance Resources

July 30, 2020 //  by Lew Sichelman Leave a Comment

If you’re a first time homebuyer, there are a wide range of down payment assistance programs that can help you get into your dream home sooner than you might have thought.

First-Time Homebuyers Have Access to Many Downpayment Assistance ResourcesRead More

  • Go to page 1
  • Go to page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Search new homes

Footer

Quick Links

  • 55+ Communities
  • Condos & Townhomes
  • Custom Home Buyers
  • First-Time Buyers
  • Luxury Homes
  • Manufactured Homes

Related Sites & Resources

  • Learning Center
  • CasasNuevasAqui.com
  • HomLuv.com
  • Real Estate Professionals
  • NewHomeSource App
  • Trust Builder Ratings & Reviews

Helpful Links

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Builders: List your homes!
  • Unsubscribe
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

Copyright © 2023 · Builders Digital Experience, LLC. All rights reserved. NewHomeSource.com is a trademark of Builders Digital Experience, LLC and all other marks are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.