How do you get more home for your money?

Buy when mortgage interest rates are low. And right now, they are very low.

In mid-May, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 3.28 percent. A year ago, that rate averaged 4.07 percent. For a homeowner with a $300,000 loan, that means your monthly mortgage payment is about $134 less — a potential savings of around $1,609 a year!

You could save that money — perhaps use it for new furniture for your new home — or you could keep the higher monthly payment and purchase a home for $30,000 more. Buy a larger home or add upgrades such as an outdoor kitchen, a media room, accordion doors out to the patio or more upscale interior finishes to make your dream home even dreamier.

If you’re worried about missing out on the low mortgage interest rate, your Realtor or one of our builders can recommend a mortgage lender who can help you research the right mortgage for you and lock in the low rate. If you think rates might fall further, ask for a float-down option.

Bryson has a number of new inventory homes priced below $390,000 that — with a down payment — puts you well within the $300,000 mortgage scenario or even below it. Lennar has several homes under construction, including a three-bedroom, 1,707-square-foot home at 2309 Upchurch Street priced at $315,605 and a larger two-story home at 724 Mallow Road that offers four bedrooms and 2,872 square feet of interior space for $339,790. Chesmar Homes has started work on a 2,520-square-foot three-bedroom home at 825 Heartleaf Drive for $384,030.

Prospective home buyers also have the option to build from the ground up with Bryson builders offering nearly 100 floor plans with prices starting in the $280,000s.

Don’t risk not getting the home you want in a community where life moves a little slower, neighbors always have a smile and friendly wave, and sipping tea on the front porch is a favorite pastime. Start your home search now.