When hearing the term “curb appeal”, you would probably assume it just deals with whether a house is visually attractive or not.  While this is true, there is a lot more that goes into the curb appeal of a home.  There are things a new homeowner can do, like painting the front door a warm color, planting flowers, or including a comfortable bench on the front porch.  However, there are also things that can be included into the overall design of the house during building and design stages.

Designing a new home requires a keen eye for detail, and there are many subtle things you can do to enhance the overall appearance during the building stage.  Trees and even minimal landscaping can drastically improve the look of a new house.  Builder wrote that, “a recent study at the U.S. Forest Service in Portland, Ore., found that street trees can add close to $9,000 to the price of a home.  What’s more, homes within 100 feet of a home with street trees sell for more than homes in areas with no trees”.

The same can be said for neighborhoods with varying roof levels, sidewalks for pedestrians, and homes with front porches.  Varied roof levels make the neighborhood appear more aesthetically appealing and less rigid. Sidewalks encourage healthy lifestyles, as well as an open route of communication between neighbors.  A front porch is generally the standard for an open and inviting home.  However, any form of outdoor seating area promotes the same idea of a place where neighbors can gather and catch up, while their kids play in the front yard together.

All of these things provide a feeling of comfort, and transform them from house into livable homes.  Even in new developments it pays off to vary the models that are being placed next to each other.  When purchasing a new home, most people are investing in their future as well. People want to raise a family in an area that is warm and inviting and promoting a sense of community is an added bonus.  Builder adds, “even with a rebounding housing market, you have to make your work stand.  Whether you’re building one house or 1,000, being street smart will help you get ahead”.  Adding these small enhancements to their custom home will definitely raise the curb appeal, as well as the client’s overall happiness.

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.

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 narrowing down options for a custom home builder in Texas, it’s easy to make Bella Vita your first choice.

Bella Vita Custom Homes builds on single lots and in numerous smaller communities and neighborhoods around the Texas metropolitan area. Their commitment to maintaining a reputation of quality, honesty, and integrity has helped them become a premiere custom builder in Texas. They take their role as a custom builder seriously, meaning you’ll end up with the best a custom homebuilder could offer.

Their experienced sales team has sold nearly $80 million in custom homes; this high number doesn’t come simply from the drive to sell homes, but also from taking each individual customer’s needs and preferences seriously. Their management team is dedicated to negotiating on your behalf so you get the greatest value for your expenses and their attentiveness to customer’s wishes makes them a dream to work with.

Bella Vita has communities around Austin, Dallas, and Houston and currently has open lot listings in the Dallas communities of Highland Park and Preston Hollow.

Bella Vita is passionate about working hard, listening attentively to customer needs, and constructing only the best quality custom homes. You can make them your custom home builder in Texas today.

Are you searching for that perfect new home? Look no further thanThe Ranches at Olde Tuscany, an amazing new community build by Landmark Fine Homes.

This neighborhood, located in Oklahoma City in Southwest Oklahoma, boasts one to two acre lots and each home is minimum of three-thousand square feet. A single entrance to this community of 30 lots gives residence a sense of privacy and security.

Available homes include 3.5 baths and 4 bedrooms, 3,328-3,344 square feet, and start in the mid-$400,000′s.

To get to this neighborhood from the intersection of I-35 and I-40, head west on I-40. Take the exit for I-44 west and travel south. Take the southwest exit at SW 119th Street and go west to Rockwell Avenue. Head north on Rockwell and in a quarter-mile turn east on SW 113th where you will find The Ranches.

andmark Fine Homes is a custom home builder around the Metro OKC area. Their commitment is to build energy efficient, high quality, crafted custom homes. Their building area includes Carrington Lakes’ city Normal, and Edmond, Moore, Mustang, Piedmont, Deer Creek, Choctaw, Guthrie, Yukon, Noble, Tuttle, Newcastle, and Oklahoma City. Their superb work earned them the 2012 America’s Best Builder by Builder Magazine.

For more information on Landmark Homes or a home at The Ranches at Olde Tuscany, contact them here.

Are you searching for a new custom home in Austin? Villa Montana, a Jimmy Jacobs community, boasts amazing luxury lakeside living in Comanche Canyon Ranch.

Villa Montana has 98 beautiful sites to choose from, each featuring stunning lake and canyon views. This community was designed to capture the architectural charm and grace of a European hillside village. Antique lanterns line pedestrian sidewalks and timeless sculptures and landscape designs uphold the beauty of this residential area.

Residents receive 24-hour on-site concierge service and access to their own private park. Minor maintenance work, area beautification, and gate security are just some of  the amenities provided in this community. This neighborhood is conveniently located minutes from golf courses, marinas, grocery stores, and shopping centers. Children living in this neighborhood will attend schools in the Leander Independent School District.

Homes in this community begin in the $450,000 range. Builder Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes has been a leading builder in central Texas for over 20 years. They are proud to be the recipient of the 2009 & 2010 Number One Custom Home Builder by the Austin Business Journal. Make their community at Villa Montana your new home.

Are you searching for a custom home in San Antonio? Look no further than Terra Mont, a new community by Diamante Homes.

Terra Mont is a 290-acre gated, guarded community featuring a swimming pool, tennis and sports courts, walking trails, a nature park, a private pavilion, and more. Homes sit on 1-3 acre lots and can be entirely custom-built to your preferences and specifications.

Nearby shopping, dining, entertainment, employment, healthcare, and more make this an ideal location. Set on the hills near La Cantera, these homes give residents views of the city skyline or the spacious interior park and natural hills surrounding them.

Children living in this neighborhood will attend the Northside School District, including Julia Newton Aue, Hector Garcia, and Louis D Brandeis schools.

To get to Terra Mont from IH10 West, take Camp Bullis to Babcock Road, then on to Terra Mont Way. If you’re traveling from Anderson Loop 1604, take Babcock Road outside the loop to Terra Mont Way.

Homes here start in the $400,000 range.

Diamante Homes has been building custom homes in the San Antonio area for more than 20 years. They focus on customer service and value, making the client’s satisfaction their number one priority. If you’re looking for a custom home builder dedicated to customer satisfaction, make Diamante Homes your new custom builder in Terra Mont today.

If you’re ready to move to a new home in Austin, be sure to check out Highland Horizon, an amazing new home community by Streetman Homes.

Located just east of Highway 183 on Rural Route 620, this neighborhood gives residents a small-town feel while still allowing them the proximity and conveniences that Austin has to offer. A community lake, park, recreation center, community gathering center and sparkling pool all welcome homeowners.

Area shopping at the Lakeline Mall, fine dining, golf courses and entertainment are nearby. Children living here will attend Elsa England Elementary, Cedar Valley Middle, and Round Rock High Schools.

Homes here range begin in the mid $300,000 price range.

To get to this community from I-35 North, travel 2.5 miles west on RR620 and take a left at Great Oaks Trail. From there, make a right on Meridian and a left on Southern Cross Drive. The model home will be on your right at 204 Southern Cross.

Streetman Homes boasts over 120 years of combined experienced; their seasoned team has built a gamut of different homes and structures in varying conditions, meaning you can be confident that they’ll get the job done well. You can make this special community your place to call home.

If you’re searching for that perfect custom home, don’t miss your opportunity to build or buy at the Gables at Stoney Point, an amazing new community by SR Homes.

This neighborhood hosts 77 home sites nestled among tall pines and majestic oak trees. Streets have been carefully paved and a custom two-story clubhouse and sparkling pool greet residents as they wind through the neighborhood.

Homes include impressive wainscoting, granite kitchen countertops, double vanities, and inviting front porch entrances. Open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, and professional landscaping make these homes special.

Children living here will attend Forsyth County Schools, including Shiloh Point Elementary, Piney Grove Middle, and South Forsyth High.

To get here, take GA 400 North to exit 13 for Peachtree Parkway. Go right past the Avenue Forsyth Shopping Center & South Forsyth High School. Make a right on Stoney Point Road. Travel one mile and the Gables at Stoney Point will be on your right.

Builder SR Homes is committed to constructing top-quality luxury homes in Georgia. If you’re ready to move, give them a call today!

Are you looking for a new custom home? Shaddock Homes presents their new home community, Pearson Farms.

These gorgeous homes showcase the Old World architectural style and range from 2,600 to 5,000 square feet. Many wonderful features are available for these custom homes, including 3-car garages, granite countertops, covered patios and porches, and much more.

Nearby amenities include a shopping mall, restaurants, and area schools. Conveniently located off the corner of Teel and Stonebrook streets, this Frisco neighborhood is family friendly and includes a pool, playground, open park space, and a scenic pond.

Children living in this new community will attend the Frisco Independent School District, including Allen Elementary, Pioneer Heritage Middle, and Frisco High School. Homes in this community cost between $370,000 and $460,000.

Shaddock Homes has been constructing custom homes in the Dallas Fort Worth area for over 40 years. Their team works diligently to ensure each homes is built to perfection, meaning you’ll move in to a home built not only to your standards but also built to last. You can make Pearson Farms your home in Frisco today.