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Ameris Bank: 7 Ways to Buy a Home with Little or No Money Down

The economy is strong, rates are still low, and the real estate industry is hot. For people wanting to purchase a home but struggling to scrape up the down payment, there is hope. Many people are aware that they do not need a 20% down payment. But, what you might not be aware of is that there are many programs available that require little to no money down. Below are seven ways for buyers with limited funds to participate in the dream of home ownership.
1. USDA Rural Housing Loans
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development department offers […]

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How to Shop for a Seasonal Florida Home

Are you a seasonable Florida resident or wannabe?

Once summer humidity retreats and leaves began turning brilliant colors, do you dream of bicycle rides on the beach? Shirtsleeve weather in January?

Do you vacation for extended periods in the Sunshine State, or frequently, and dread leaving?

Sounds like seasonal residency might be for you.

Whether you’d like to become a snowbird or just pop down any time you like without reservations, second-homeownership is a great way to go. The hassles of renting or hotel stays are no more, and you can create your own home away from home. The key is owning instead […]

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How to Maximize the Helpfulness of ICI Homes’ Online Sales Consultants

If you’re searching for a new custom Florida home and you’ve discovered us at ICI Homes, you have an instant secret weapon you may not even realize.

It’s our online sales consultants, who field your first email inquiries and phone calls, then direct you forward. These folks aren’t genies in bottles. They’re real members of our sales staff and you’ll see their friendly faces pop up as you peruse our website.

But how best to strike up a productive relationship that will lead you to your new Florida home?

Follow along as we demonstrate how to maximize the helpfulness of ICI Homes’ […]

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Practicality with Panache: Four Fun Ways to Outfit Your Bathroom

Who said one of the most necessary areas of a new custom Florida home must look strictly functional rather than inviting?

Sometimes customers choose bathroom design elements and materials based on how difficult those elements are to clean and maintain, rather than how aesthetically pleasing they’ll look. We won’t steer you in the opposite direction, but there’s a happy medium that allows you to enjoy design AND minimal upkeep. And you won’t have to over-pay for it, either.

In fact, some of these tips are downright thrifty! Others simply involve making the right choices for you and your household.

Here are four fun […]

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Three Benefits to Living in an Active Community

Warp-speed societal and cultural changes during the past two decades have changed way most working-age adults view their careers and retirement planning.

For instance, most of us will continue working part-time or full-time past the age when our own parents retired. That’s partly due to financial and business changes, but also because many people want (and sometimes need) to work into their 60s and 70s. Either because they enjoy their careers, or finally want to do work they’ve always wanted to do.

What’s the effect of all that? Retirement no longer means parking on the rest-home porch at age 60. Baby […]

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How to Showcase Your Art in Your New Home

Preparing to move into a new custom Florida home?

It’s an exciting, though busy, time and you’ll probably have moments when you have no idea what you’ll do with your all belongings, nor where to put them.

That’s normal and part of almost everyone’s moving experience (also a good reason to declutter). Once your new home nears completion and your moving date looms, you’ll probably decide where to place furniture, then stage critical things like kitchen utensils so you can unpack those first — hello, got to eat.

“Decorating,” is probably last on the list.

We at ICI Homes get it. Unless your […]

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Live Like a Floridian: Plan Your Outdoor Fire Feature

“A fireplace in Florida?” you say.

We at ICI Homes say a resounding, “Yes!”

Outdoor fire pits and fireplaces are an ever-popular element in outdoor living spaces. They’re also a timeless design feature. In fact, gathering around dancing flames is a timeless tradition, and the crackling conversation, calming effect and perhaps some toasty marshmallows are pretty nice too.

But can you do this in Florida? Absolutely. The Sunshine State’s comfortable winters are punctuated by occasional chilly days, and cooler autumn and early-spring evenings are perfect times to light a match or gas flame.

Even after the cooling effects of a late summer thunderstorm, […]

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Moving to a New Home? How to Avoid a Steady Diet of Takeout

It’s an awesome time when you move into a new custom Florida home, but there are some realities you have manage. Like packing up all your belongings and sending them across city limits, county or state lines.

Once they and you arrive at your new address, domestic chaos usually reigns until you can tame the cardboard fortress in your garage and living areas.

One of the first questions someone will ask is, “What’s for dinner?”

People have to eat, and trying to grocery-shop and cook while in the throes of a move can be madness, especially with kids and elderly family members […]

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Cool, or What? Creative Features for Custom Homes

When you’re designing a new custom Florida home, you’re usually concentrating on the elements that work best for you and your family, and the must-haves you know must be in your floorplan.

It’s easy to overlook out-of-the-box thinking to solve design conundrums, or to add a little architectural pizazz to your new pad.

Fear not. We at ICI Homes have your back. Here are a few creative features for custom homes.
Incorporate a drop zone with a mini-home office
You’re probably aware of the popularity of mudrooms or “drop zones.” They’re entrances off the garage where each family member has an individual space […]

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Live Like a Floridian: How to Light Up Your New Backyard Oasis

Building a new custom Florida home? We at ICI Homes hope you’ll include outdoor living space so you can enjoy the Sunshine State’s great weather year-round.

Outdoor spaces are natural playgrounds, whether it’s a cookout or impromptu social gathering, and there are few nicer ways to observe a sunset than kicking back on your lanai or back porch to view it.

Go whole hog with a summer kitchen and a pool. Or, tend vegetable gardens and flower pots. But, regardless how you use your outdoor space, think carefully how you’ll light it. There’s no need to flee indoors when the sun […]

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