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Blogs & Advice

Holland Homes has 30+ years of experience and wisdom to share with home buyers, first time builders, sellers, and families looking to build a new home. From pros and cons on specific home building locations, what to look for in home builders, and more, our active blog is full of advice that may be useful to the home buying experience through Holland Homes.

For YouTips
June 8, 2026

Your Guide to New Homes for Sale in Auburn, Alabama

Are you looking for a new home in Auburn, Alabama? At Holland Homes, we provide new homes for sale in Auburn with modern architecture, new appliances, and state-of-the-art designs that…
InformationalTrends
May 29, 2026

Why Move-In Ready Homes in Valley Are Perfect for Busy Families

Buying a move-in ready home in Valley is a big decision, and many families are choosing move-in ready homes in Valley for the convenience, quality, and lessened stress compared to…
TipsTrends
May 8, 2026

What Really Adds Value To Your New Home In Alabama

If you and your family are looking to build a new home in Alabama with Holland Homes but are unsure of what to add to your new construction home to…
Informational
February 27, 2025

The Advantages of Building a New Home in Alabama

Families looking for a new home in Alabama can face certain dilemmas. Every family’s needs are different, and it can be a challenge to find a home that checks every…
Tips
April 18, 2024

How to Choose The Right Neighborhood for Your New Home

When it comes time to buy a new home in Alabama, choosing the perfect neighborhood is an exciting but crucial point in the process. Ultimately, each city in Alabama offers…
Tips
February 21, 2024

Who is the “Best” Home Builder in Alabama?

Are you and your family embarking on the exciting journey of building your dream home in Alabama? Selecting the right new home builder is perhaps the most important decision you’ll…
Tips
February 6, 2024

How to Build a New Home in Alabama

From selecting the perfect location to choosing a custom floor plan, building a new home in Alabama is an exciting endeavor that allows you and your family to create a…
Tips
January 22, 2024

New Construction Design Trends in 2024

One of the greatest benefits of building a new construction home is the luxury of choice. From floor plans to paint colors, a new home provides the ability to finally…

FAQs & Resources

Many home buyers have the same questions, comments, and concerns about building a home for the first time. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions and see if Holland Homes can make you home buying or building experience smoother.

What is a Pre-Sale Home?

When you buy a Pre-Sale home you’re agreeing to buy a home that hasn’t finished construction yet. You’re buying a home that is either in construction, or hasn’t yet started.

Worried About Interest Rates?

We have preferred lenders who offer rate locks, which means when you start construction on your home you can lock in your interest rate

What is Rate Buydown?

A rate buydown is when you as the client spend extra money to buy down your rate based on the market rate. Your lender will provide you with a market rate as well as other options that you could buy down.

What is the Cost of a Rate Buydown?

The cost of a rate buydown depends on the day’s rate sheet. Everyday’s rate sheet will be different and your lender can discuss several different options with you to see if the cost of a rate buydown is justified.

What is OTAT?

OTAT is a courtesy trip we offer to help our homeowners keep their homes looking beautiful as long as possible. We reserve a time at the end of a warranty period to walk the home and note take any minor cosmetics we could address. OTAT is our way of letting our homeowners know how thankful we are for them.

What is an ARM?

An “ARM” is an adjustable rate mortgage, meaning it is fixed for a certain amount of time and it will adjust after that fixed period ends. Typically it is amortized over a thirty year payment, but the rate can adjust after that fixed period comes to an end.

What is a 10-6 ARM?

A 10-6 ARM means the rate is fixed for ten years. At the end of the ten year period the rate can adjust every six months based on the market.

What is a Rate Lock?

A rate lock is any time you secure your rate on the market with that day’s rate sheet. You secure the rate for enough time to get you through the contract closing rate. If rates rise after you’re locked in, you’re secured at the initial rate, protecting you from any market swings during the time of your contract.

What is a Float Down?

A float down is anytime you locked your rate, but the market has made a move to lower rates. If the market move is big enough then your rate can be renegotiated based on the current market.

Winterizing your Home

Protect your home from the cold weather by shutting off the irrigation valve and making sure any other exterior hose spigots are turned off. This will keep the valves from freezing and keep your home safe.

What are the Benefits of a Pre Sale?

The first benefit is that you are able to customize your interior finishes. Secondly, you are able to adjust your time frame, meaning our team will work with you to adjust the closing date to best fit your schedule. Lastly, for a full year you are covered under the Holland Homes warranty, so that you or your family may have a peace of mind.

What is a Pre-Sale vs Designer Home?

When you have a pre-sale home that means you are buying a home that has not been built yet. With a pre-sale home you are able to customize your finishes at our design meeting. Our designer homes are homes where our in-house design team has carefully curated the finishes and selections inside the home, resulting in a quicker move-in timeframe for your family.

What is the Build Time of One of Our Pre-Sale Homes

The build time for one of our pre-sale homes can be anywhere between five and a half to six months. If you are currently renting you do not have to wait until your lease is up to start thinking about the next steps of purchasing a home. Our team is here to assist you in the process of building your home.

How Much Money Do I Need to Put Down?

When building a pre-sale home the only money you need to put down is the initial builder deposit due at the time of contract. This amount ranges from only 1,000 to 5,000 depending on the community. Any mortgage payments will not be due until you have closed on your home.

What is the Homebuyers Process of Going to Contract?

To go to contract on your new home you’ll need to complete three steps. First, you’ll need to obtain a pre-approval letter from one of our preferred lenders or provide a proof of funds letter if purchasing with cash. Next you’ll have to review and sign the contract. Lastly, you’ll need to submit your community specific builder deposit, which secures your home and sets everything in motion for your new home to take shape.

What is the Holland Homes Standard?

At Holland Homes, we apply our standards of quality and excellence to every project.  We take pride in our craftsmanship, finding joy in seeing our customers move into their dream homes on closing day. We strive for your build to be on time, on budget, and meet the Holland Home Standard.

What is Our Process of Building a Home?

Once you’ve selected your home, our sales team will guide you through the contract and design process. Through the construction process, you’ll receive weekly updates from your project leader showing the ongoing process of your home. After the home is built, you will do a blue tape walkthrough to make sure any imperfection can be corrected by our production team. Finally, once everything is complete you will have your final walkthrough with our homeowner experience team and then you will receive your keys before and on closing day.