Considering a new home in Austin Texas and need the perfect area? Then look no further than Streetman Homes The Enclave at Highland Horizons. Housing patio homes that start in the mid 200s, the Enclave at Highland Horizons combines the ruggedness of the Texas Hill country with urban sophistication. Here houses start at 1,400 to over 2,500 square-feet on 126 available home sites that are generally within cul-de-sacs or back to greenbelts. The community is also home to highly acclaimed Round Rock independent school district, including schools as Elsa England Elementary, Cedar Valley Middle School, and Round Rock High School; making it perfect for new or growing families. Other benefits to living in the Enclave is the scenery with mature trees and maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing luxury.

Conveniently located at the corner of Cornerwood Drive and RR 620 just east of Parmer Lane and within blocks of Loop 1 and SH 45, with easy access to premier shopping, restaurants, recreation, medical centers, vibrant entertainment, and business centers. To get there from I-35, go west on RR 620 for approximately 2.5 miles, turn left onto Cornerwood Drive. From Hwy 183 or Parmer Lane go West on RR 620/ Toll 45, exit RR 620, then turn left under Toll 45 staying on RR 620. In approximately 1 mile the community will be on your right at the southeast corner of RR 620 and Cornerwood Drive. Pull through the gates into the community.

Want to know more about this community or Austin Texas home builders?Click here for more info or to contact them today!

Here at Tennessee’s Magnolia Homes, building a house is done in several stages with precision and care. These seven phases include:

1) Foundation: All good things start with a strong foundation, including houses. Here heavy industrial tractors compact the soil to reduce settling or moving soil. This step is often overlooked by builders or developers but is essential to the strength and stability of the home and if not done properly can later show only after several years.

2) Slab: The “slab” is the first foundational element typically composed of concrete and steel. Here at Magnolia Homes, houses are built upon slabs with extra steel to strengthen the integrity of the slab and reduce cracks from earthly vibrations. Similarly, to avoid drainage issues, these slabs are built sixteen inches off the ground.

3) Aesthetics: Instead of allowing for muddy roads and construction site signage, Magnolia prides itself on immediately offering lux landscaping based on the needs and development of the community. Other elements like bridges, trails, and pools are also constructed well before a family is ready to move into their new home.

4) Step-by-Step Supervision: Both Karen and Reggie Garner–figure heads of Magnolia Homes—closely supervise the finishing process, where Karen oversees lighting and colors on non-custom and custom homes, as well as personally inspecting walls for any imperfections.

5) Warranty and Accountability: All new homes builders with Magnolia custom Homes are offered a ten year warranty. Here Karen and Reggie also personally handle all issues with new home buyers within their first year. In addition, MH offers a PWC 10-year warranty with every home. For more PWC info, click here.

6) Financing: Whether a new home buyer or moving into another house, MH consultants will set you up with the right program that best suits your needs. For more details, find your financial consultant below:

Gary Luzader
Regions Mortgage
6200 Poplar Avenue
Memphis, TN, 38119
PH: 901-580-5653

Jake Scott
Iberia Mortgage
7465 Poplar Avenue
Germantown, TN 38138
PH: 901-757-7179

Ryan Guess
Triumph Mortgage
5384 Poplar Avenue, Ste. 201
Memphis, TN, 38119
PH: 901-461-7215

7) Contacting Your HM Consultant: Magnolia custom homes possesses skilled real-estate professionals throughout the Memphis area that know what set our luxury homes apart. Get started on your dream home search today!

With 2014 right around the corner, predictions are being made as to the year’s trends in home design. The Voice of Color has announced the color of the year for 2014 as “Turning Oakleaf.” It is described, “like a butter cream, this color has a fullness to it, while remaining light enough to act as a neutral.”

Along with this pastel yellow shade, complimenting bright colors are going to be seen more often next year. Neil Kelly Design Consultant, Suzie Atkin, says cobalt blue is a particularly hot color. Paint is something easily changed, so don’t be afraid to go bold and paint that spare bedroom in a stunning red, or a dreamy turquoise.

While design trends for 2014 are leaning towards embellished showers and away from standard tubs, this might be one to reconsider. Go ahead and install that dual headed or waterfall shower into your new home, but consider installing a bathtub strictly for resale appeal.

Kitchen islands tend to draw everyone in while hosting events, and now is the time to install a bigger island. A grander kitchen island will guarantee plenty of room for cooking, while an attached bar makes room for entertaining guests.

The year 2013 geared more towards modern design, but this year it will head back in a more classic and relaxed direction. Neil Kelly says while stone, metal, and wood will still be popular, expect a more relaxed feel and rounded designs with earth shades and raw metal finishes. To accompany these more comfortable and warmer (literally) homes, are dual-sided fireplaces. Not only as a way to bring heat to multiple rooms in cold, winter months, but also as a way to open up adjoining spaces.

While building your new home in 2014, don’t forget that small additions can make big improvements to your overall home satisfaction. Having hidden storage benches line the wall, or adding U-Sockets that allow USB chargers to plug right into your wall socket will be helpful. Also consider adding a kitchen-like island into your master walk in closet. It offers plenty of drawer space, along with a convenient flat counter top for folding clothes or accessory storage.

Including one or several of these items into your new home will not only keep you on trend next year, but also increase the entire atmosphere of your custom home.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports that new home sales of single-family units are up 7.9 percent for the month of August, 2013. This figure translates to a seasonally-adjusted rate of 421,000 units in August, which is great news for production and custom builders alike.

These new figures come from the Department of Housing and Urban Development in conjunction with the US Census Bureau. August’s sales increase partially offsets a dip in sales from July, as homebuyers reacted to the new increase in mortgage rates.

Rick Judson, NAHB chairman and North Carolina homebuilder, further explained the chain of events. “Consumers are adjusting to the reality of today’s higher rates following a period of record-setting lows, and today’s sales report provides evidence of that.”

Judson continued, “We expect to see more buyers coming back to the market as the psychological effects of the rate gains continue to wear off, particularly since, even after the recent spike, mortgage rates remain exceptionally favorable on a historic basis.”

In August, NAHB reported that new home sales plummeted by 13.4% for the month of July, due to the recently-announced increase in mortgage rates. While rates continue to remain historically low, homebuyers are still getting comfortable with the new rate announcement in July. August’s nearly 8% increase in sales reflects a growing homebuyer confidence.

“Sales of new homes bounced partway back in August from an unusual low in July,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. Crowe furthered, “That said, we are only about halfway back to what would be considered a sustainable level of activity in a normal economy, and the ongoing housing recovery continues to be slowed by consumers’ concerns about interest rates, as well as weak job growth and uncertainty about what’s happening in Washington.”

The Midwest posted a sales increase of 19.6 percent, the South gained at 15.3 percent, and the Northeast posted gains of 8.8 percent. The West, as an exception to the rule, posted a 14.6 percent decline.

Custom builders should breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to the news of August’s sales increase. The overall new single-family home supply decreased by 5.0% in August, and builders can safely continue to construct new homes without worrying whether they’ll sell. NAHB reports that many metro markets are improving across the country as well.

If you’re on the hunt for a new custom home, you’ve come to the right place! Custom Builders is an online directory of the best homebuilders in locations across the United States and Canada.

However, it’s not an easy task choosing choose a builder when you’re looking at multiple impressive profiles at a time. We’ve come up with a short list to help you homebuyers select the right custom builder for your needs.

First, step back and figure out what your options are. Having financial and employment stability and determining a reasonable price range that will allow you to pay off a portion mortgage each month while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle are very important things to take care of. After all, you can buy a custom home, but if you can’t afford any furniture, why bother?

Once you have your affairs in order and your finances figured out, take a look at the builders in your area by using Custom Builders.com as a resource, along with a quick Google search of websites by homebuilders around your city.

Make a list of the companies that pique your interest and start researching each custom homebuilder individually. You’ll want to take note of locations where they build, warranty services they provide, standard features they include in each home, and the average price for their homes.

Rank your favorites from among these builders and start reaching out to them. This helps you two-fold: 1) it will allow you to get more information to make an educated decision, and 2) it will give you an impression of what to expect from them for customer service. If they are reluctant to provide you with information, never call back or reply to emails, and generally seem disinterested, that’s a red flag and you may want to focus your interest on a different company to build your new home.

When you contact these companies, ask about any model homes, check out their builder vendors and suppliers, and ask for any other detailed information you are interested in.

Your priorities should lie in quality and value, and the best way to get an accurate impression of a company’s homes is to talk to a few of their homeowners.

Word-of-mouth is one of the fastest, easiest ways to learn about a custom builder. If you have a friend, relative, or coworker who has gone with a builder you’re interested in, make sure to ask them how they like their home. If you don’t have any personal connections to a house built by a particular company, search for reviews on the internet or meet some potential future neighbors and knock on a few doors in a community where they’ve recently built.

What do you think is important to look for in a homebuilder? Leave us a comment below!

One of the few custom builders in Tennessee founded and ran by a woman, Magnolia Homes is proud to be different. President and Founder Karen Garner explains, “Success doesn’t come from the design or even the construction. It’s the owner’s commitment to uncompromising standards, and respecting the importance of your role in the lives of your homeowners.”

Garner’s right, and you can see the difference in the homes built by Magnolia. They’re solid, smartly designed, and offer a lifestyle like none other thanks to their construction and layout. Since 2008 they’ve been voted as the #1 Builder by Magnolia Homeowners. They’ve been a member of the Memphis Area Home Builders Association since 1987 and the Better Business Bureau since 1988.

These homes are built according to energy efficient standards and guidelines, reducing homeowner utility and replacement costs. Residents are satisfied with the utility costs. One happy client said, “Now that I have gotten through the summer months in my new home, to let you know my latest MLGW bill (for October), $64.09 was the damage. I can’t thank you enough. I think the highest MLGW bill for the summer was around $160-$170, which is remarkable for a home the size of mine.”

Each Magnolia Home comes with a 10 year warranty. Karen personally walks through each home before closing to ensure everything is up to code and up to her standards of satisfaction; the end result is that homebuyers have few warranty requests thanks to the diligence of both the contractors and Ms. Garner. The first year covers construction, year two includes systems (behind your walls), and years 3-10 cover structural aspects.

This Tennessee builder is proud to offer a military discount of up to 2% on their homes. They build in the Winstead Farms of Lakeland neighborhood, located just 30 minutes from the military base at Millington.

In addition to being near to the Millington military base, Magnolia builds near the exciting city of Memphis, named one of the Top 100 Most Fun Cities in the United States by Portfolio.com in 2010. With a low cost of living, good employment prospects, many young professionals, and plenty of cultural entertainment, Memphis is a perfect city for anyone looking to relocate.

For Magnolia homeowners, prospective buyers, or those interested in Memphis real estate, their blog is a easy way to stay updated. Once a week, you can check out a new post on their blog. Topics range from home staging tips, news on the housing market, reasons to buy/sell, and more. Their social media guru Jenna keeps their Facebook page, Twitter account, and Youtube videos up-to-date.

Whether you’re looking to relocate or looking for a new home in the Memphis area, Magnolia Homes has the right charm, price, and quality for just about any homeowner. Contact them today to get started on your dream home.

When it comes to choosing a new home, there are a multitude of factors that go into your decision. One important distinction to make is whether you want a custom-built home or a standard design. If you’re debating whether to buy a home from a production builder or a custom builder, take a look at these important considerations.

First, let’s differentiate between custom home builders and production home builders. Production home builders build on land owned by their company, while custom builders typically build on lots selected and purchased by their clients. Production builders may allow customers to choose a floorplan from a limited list of blueprints, or may allow for slight variations on a standard plan. With a custom builder, the client’s design “fingerprint” and personal tastes and needs become the blueprint used to create their one-of-a-kind home. Custom builders often take on a limited number of construction projects each year, usually no more than 25, while production builders take on larger-scale projects that might include constructing an entire neighborhood community.

When it comes down to it, many homebuyers find that their choice to build a custom home stems from their need to have a house that is perfectly tailored to their lifestyle. Production builders can’t offer the variety and flexibility in a single-family home that custom builders can. Custom builders offer client customization throughout every step of the homebuilding process, starting with choosing a lot and continuing through the final finishing touches. A custom builder can recommend a home site or features that would make your home compatible with your family and lifestyle. Custom homes tend to be high-end, luxurious homes and may be located in non-traditional neighborhoods.

In contrast, production builders design floor plans with minimal customizable options and are busy during most of the year, due to the large volume of construction projects they commit to. They build many types of homes: apartments, rental units, condominiums, townhomes, commercial residences, and single-family homes. This variety in construction means they can accommodate a wide range of budgets.

Customer service is one aspect of choosing a new home that should not go overlooked. Since production builders construct a limited number of floorplans, they are experienced in the options they offer; this means the process of constructing a home will be relatively quick. However, custom builders are known to pay attention to every detail their clients prefer and are dedicated to working with customers as a team and make sure to maintain strong lines of communication.

For more information about custom builders, production builders, and other methods of home construction, check out this National Association of Home Builders guide here. Choosing a builder for your new home can be a difficult process, and though there are multiple benefits to custom builders, we’ll leave it up to you to decide which style fits you best!

If you’re considering building a new custom home in the Oklahoma City area, it’s likely that you’re interested in a home that comes tailored to your needs and is built with you in mind. A custom home is constructed with you, the client, as an integral part of the process, so it’s important to find a builder that is a great match. Along with compatibility with a builder, you want to work with a company known for quality and who will be committed to the deadline. Whether you’re just now considering a custom home or already have a lot picked out, read on to find out more about some of the best custom builders Oklahoma City has to offer!

Landmark Fine Homes is dedicated to building energy efficient homes in the Oklahoma City Metro area. Named the America’s Best Builder by Builder Magazine in 2012, Landmark has constructed six communities all around the OKC metro area, each with special features and events like Carrington Lakes’ Mom’s Council, The Reserve at Valencia’s pool cabana, or the wooded lots at Cascata Falls. Don’t wait to take advantage of their open lots–they sell fast!

Sun Custom Homes‘ team has over 50 years of combined experience and has been building homes for more than ten years in the Oklahoma City area. They can work with any budget or home size, so whether you’re looking for 1,500 square feet or 10,000 square feet, have a budget of $150,000 or $2.5 million, they’ve got you covered.

Tommy Huelskamp Builders has been constructing custom homes since 1999. Their properties have been showcased on multiple home tours and span from Edmond to the Yukon and Mustang areas. Check out homes in any of their twelve communities to get an idea of their standard of luxury!

Heartland Homes is an Energy Star Certified Builder and incorporates an air purification system in each of their homes, which helps you save green while staying green. Their Custom Fit Program helps you personalize your home for your family’s specific tastes and needs. As one of the Top 5 Homebuilders in 2011 The Oklahoman’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Heartland is a leader in the industry.

Capstone Estates is one of few builders in the OKC area to construct new homes with walk out basements, traditional basements, safe rooms, and stacked garages. Along with security from the elements, they also build with energy efficiency in mind, making them Energy Star Certified. Building an average of 25 homes per year, Capstone homes are known for luxury: hardwood floors, granite countertops, built-in bookcases, and gorgeous exteriors.

Avalon Custom Homes was founded by two former friendly competitors, Tom Brumbeloe and Wayne Del Bosque. The two are passionate about building homes in desirable areas of OKC; lots with rolling hills and mature trees can be hard to come by, but Avalon finds a way. Their Builder Communicator program allows clients to communicate with the builder online and helps streamline communication on your project.

We encourage you to contact any one of these custom builders in Oklahoma City to start working on your dream home. For more custom home building companies in Oklahoma, search here.

If you’re ready to find a new home, be sure to check outSummerfield, a fantastic new community in Louisiana by Manuel Builders.

Located in the promising city of New Iberia, Summerfield is a great place to come home to relax and enjoy yourself. Its proximity to Main Street provides convenient access to dining, shopping, and more. Decorative, painted mailboxes and a Home Owners Association make this community particularly inviting.

Homes here boast spectacular curb appeal, with paved walkways, generous and wide lots with plenty of spacing, trees, and landscaping. Children living here will attend the New Iberia Parish School District, including Daspit Elementary, Belle Place Middle, Westgate High or Catholic High schools.

To get to this neighborhood, travel south on LA 182 and take a left on Darby Lane (near McDonald’s). Make a left on Highway 31 and then an immediate right on East Santa Clara. Follow Santa Clara to Dauspit and take a left. Turn right into Summerfield.

Manuel Builders is comprised of a passionate team that is dedicated to providing the customer with the highest quality communication, collaboration, design, and building technique. They strive to combine craftsmanship, connection, and service. Let them build your new home at Summerfield.

If you’re searching for a new home in Collierville, Tennessee, don’t pass up your chance to live at Village Park. This fantastic new community, built by custom builder Magnolia Homes, is a perfect fit for any lifestyle.

This neighborhood offers walking trails, a community pool, a convenient location for nearby schools and more, and the beautiful Johnson Park. These French Creole designed homes range from 2,950 to 5,000 heated square feet. Home sites start at 15,000 square feet.

Children living in this community will attend Crosswinds Elementary, Schilling Farms Middle, and Collierville High schools. High style, low maintenance, classic charm, and privacy all make this neighborhood so desirable and a great fit for most lifestyles.

Village Park is located just off the corners of Byhalia and Shelton Road in Collierville, on Cosner street.

Magnolia Homes was founded in 1987 and is known as the leading custom home builder throughout Memphis. They believe it’s important to take care of the customer as if they were family. If you’re ready to move to a custom home in Memphis, be sure to take a look at Village Park–don’t miss this opportunity to satisfy your family and your budget!