Builder confidence in the new-home market rose to its highest reading in nearly 9 years, according to the latest reading from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. September marked the fourth consecutive month that builder confidence has been on the rise.

When most people talk about real estate, they envision buying an already-built house on already-landscaped property. However, buying vacant land and building a new home is a great way to ensure that you get the home that you want in the location that you want.

The economy seems to be finally turning, and home loan interest rates are still historically low. Real estate values are starting to climb as well, all of which makes for a growing opportunity for new homeowners to get into the market before it gets too expensive again.

The real estate market has picked up in many parts of the country. Although many buyers are shopping, the inventory is still on the low side in many areas. No one knows how long this may last. However, Home Builders, small and large, are buying up land, drawing plans and breaking ground on new homes.

You should already have your SecurityNational Mortgage lender that you trust, who will be watching the rates for you and helping you to know what you can really afford to spend on that new home. When to lock that rate in based upon the market and they would have pre -qualified you for how much you can afford on your new home.

A lot of our lives happen in the kitchen. A lot of activity revolves around the kitchen: Cooking, preparing a snack, eating breakfast or a 3-course dinner with family or friends. Not only do we socialize in the kitchen, getting together with family and friends over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, the kitchen is one place that needs to be both beautiful and functional. This raises a double challenge of do’s and dont’s in kitchen design. Here are 10 mistakes we should avoid in order to achieve both practical and elegant kitchen design.

Some housing experts are concerned that the housing recovery seems to be stalling. Some are blaming the increase in mortgage interest rates since the first quarter of last year. Others are pointing at an economy that is improving but only at a snail’s pace. Still, others are questioning whether homeownership is even considered by some to still be part of the American Dream.

A home appraisal is an independent opinion of your home’s value, performed by a licensed home appraiser. Appraisals are part of the traditional home purchase process, and most lenders require them.

After 40 years and two down turns in the real estate industry, Dave Clark, Founder, President and CEO of Liberty Homes, celebrates the 20th anniversary of Liberty Homes this year after providing thousands of new homes for Utahans and looking forward to building thousands more.