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November 26th, 2014

DJK Custom Homes: Environmentally Friendly Home Builder

Categories: Custom Homebuilders | Tags: , , ,

a DJK Custom Home

DJK Custom Homes has been building in Naperville and Plainfield, IL since 1988. Their claim to fame is building highly energy-efficient homes that will last. Many of the high performance products used in DJK custom homes are made from recycled materials, making each home environmentally friendly and healthy to live in.

A member of the United States Green Building Council, DJK Custom Homes has built projects that received the Platinum and Emerald levels of NAHB Green and LEED certification, the highest levels available for both. In addition to reduced energy usage, healthy indoor air quality, lower carbon emissions, and reduced drafts, DJK also is mindful of the handling of waste on construction sites. Some of the things they do to preserve home sites are using silt fencing to prevent erosion, sorting and recycling scrap materials, reusing concrete forms, and preserving healthy trees on the property.

The builder has partnered with Independence Renewable Energy, one of Illinois’ leading solar installers, to bring Solar PV and Solar Thermal energy to their new custom homes. Further lessening the negative impact on the environment are their measures for reducing water usage in the home. Water-using appliances are Energy Star approved, and faucets and toilets are installed to use less water while still functioning appropriately.

The amount of thought and effort put into DJK Custom Homes for the environment and the homeowner don’t stop there. The indoor air quality of these homes is the icing on the cake, not only adding to the efficiency of the home but protecting homeowners from air contaminants that could lead to serious health issues. A DJK home will have less moisture and therefore less mold than the average home, as well as better filtering of dust, allergens, and pollen.

All in all, a DJK custom home is thoughtfully and carefully made with both the homeowner and the environment in mind. If you’d like to learn more about this Illinois green builder, visit www.djkhomes.com.

September 24th, 2014

Parry Custom Homes: Pittsburgh’s Custom Home Builder

Categories: Custom Builder News, Custom Homebuilders | Tags: , , , ,

Parry Custom Homes builds new homes in Pittsburgh, PA

 

Parry Custom Homes offers home buyers the truly unique experience of not only choosing their dream home’s features, but also being involved in the design process.

 

COMMUNITIES

 

The Parry team currently builds new homes in 21 communities around the Pittsburgh, PA area. If a buyer already has a lot in Western Pennsylvania outside of one of these communities and wishes to build a Parry custom home on their lot, they can do that as well.

Mountain Ridge Estates is a Parry Custom Homes community that offers residents the rare opportunity to enjoy the privacy of a wooded mountain atmosphere while still getting the amenities of a neighborhood. This 48-lot community is located in North Huntingdon, and is approximately 15 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.

 

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STANDARD FEATURES

 

Many of Parry Custom Homes’s standard features are usually considered extra costs throughout the homebuilding industry. Every Parry home owner will receive customized stone or brick on their foundation, energy-efficient construction, and a slew of other high-end features—including, but not limited to:

  • Plastered garage walls and ceilings
  • Gas fireplace with brick façade and custom mantel
  • Custom kitchen layout
  • Stainless steel appliances
  • Granite countertops in kitchen
  • Marble countertops in bathroom
  • Solid hardwood in kitchen and foyer

Included on Parry’s website is a helpful PDF download of all the specific standard features they offer.

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FLOOR PLANS & PRICING

 

Parry Custom Homes offers Pittsburgh residents a wide range of home designs, from traditional, pre-designed, two-story homes to fully custom homes. Their claim to fame is that they’re flexible enough to work within your budget to help you figure out how to build the custom home you desire.

Parry Custom Homes has also designed a series of exclusive floor plans that are only viewable in the privacy of their showroom. This is to ensure that Parry home designs remain unique and exclusive—no one else will be offering these particular plans.

 

FUN FACT

 

Parry Custom Homes is a family-owned-and-operated business. The founder, Keith Parry, built a strong foundation of construction knowledge with the Carpenter’s Union before beginning to build his own quality homes.

 

Parry Custom Homes builds new homes in Pittsburgh, PA

The Parry family

WANT TO SEE MORE?

 

See what customers are saying about Parry Custom Homes.

June 24th, 2013

San Antonio’s Premiere Custom Home Builder

Categories: Custom Homebuilders | Tags: , ,

WhiteStone Custom Homes is an A+ rated Better Business Bureau home building company based out of San Antonio. Since 1998, they have been bringing homebuyers their signature “Practical Luxury” style in both custom and inventory homes. Their floor plans are a mile above the rest thanks to their architectural detail and unique design.

The building process begins with your choice of community lot or your own purchased lot. In order to ensure a job well done and easily supervised, WhiteStone typically limits “build on your own lot” projects to a 5 mile radius of any of the eight communities where they build. They’ll have you lock in your homesite by way of a simple earnest money contract and then you’ll begin the design process.

As a home buyer, you will work with their design studio, a 15,000 square foot area where you will make an appointment to work on your floor plans. A sales counselor or community sales manager will help you navigate through the more than 40,000 choices on display in their studio and will help you decide how many bathrooms and bedrooms you want, what you want your home’s general aesthetic to feel like, and other general details. If you already have floor plans, their proprietary software program helps enter your information–at no extra cost–to give you an exact estimate of your dream home. WhiteStone has four model homes to help jog inspiration for those who want additional visual references.

After designs are submitted, you’ll work on a mortgage application and WhiteStone will help you fill out any building permits for your San Antonio home. Once the closing process is completed, construction on your home will begin!

Homes are usually completed around 7 months after the  Agreement of Sale contract is signed by both you and WhiteStone. San Antonio’s fantastic weather means you won’t have to wait for it to stop snowing or raining to keep your project on track. They are careful to schedule specific walk through appointments throughout the process to make sure each stage is up to your standards. You’ll visit the site at the home placement stage, when framing and planning is completed, before the last details are installed, and for a final walk through. Any changes or fixes at this point will be included in your closing costs.

WhiteStone Custom Homes has an extensive photo gallery online to give you an idea of the impressive standard of design and construction they hold themselves to. If their photos don’t convince you, make a point to check out these video testimonials from satisfied customers and realtors before moving on to the next builder.

If you’re ready to build your custom home in San Antonio, you won’t regret making WhiteStone your builder!

June 17th, 2013

Woodbridge Custom Home Communities in Olathe

Categories: Custom Homebuilders | Tags: , , ,

Woodbridge Custom Homes has a history of excellence and experience building quality new homes in the Kansas City area. Owners Jim Stark and John Geer have partnered up to bring clients unsurpassed customer service and the personal attention you deserve. As former production builders, Jim and John have chosen to focus on a smaller number of construction projects each year to ensure high quality and attention to every detail in the homes they build. Read on to learn about a few of the communities where they build custom homes.

Coffee Creek Crossing, developed by award-winning Saul Ellis and Mark Simpson, includes homes priced from the mid $400s to the low $500s. Floor plans and available homes in this community include 3 or 4 bedrooms and 3.5 or 4 bathrooms, though custom plans are available through Woodbridge Homes.Children living here will attend the highly desirable Blue Valley School District. To get to this neighborhood, take 69 Highway South and exit at 167th Street. Head west (right) and drive 1.2 miles to Switzer.

Located next to Olathe in Overland Park, Wilshire Farms encompasses 174 acres of stunning rolling land. Set near the intersection of 156th and Antioch, this community features homes ranging from the $400s to the $800s. Available homes are filling up fast, and include 4 or 5 bedrooms, 3.5 or 4 baths, and approximately 3,300 square feet of space. Many handy amenities are available to Wilshire Farms homeowners, like walking trails, a pool, community playground, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts, and parks. Children living here also have the opportunity to attend Blue Valley schools.

Homeowners living in a Woodbridge home at the Estates of Forest View enjoy a community cabana and pool, swing area, walking trails, pergolas with picnic tables and grills, a sand volleyball court, and more. Located just west of Highway 7 and 119th Street in southern Johnson County, homes here range from $400,000 to $650,000. If you’re looking for privacy, fantastic views, and a peaceful, nature-friendly setting, the Estates of Forest View are sure to be a good fit for you.

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a history, The Polo Fields in Overland Park can fit that bill. Formerly actual polo fields cut out of the woods, surrounding homes by tall trees, a winding creek, and plenty of privacy. Residents can send their children to Blue Valley schools and families and individuals alike will appreciate all that the surrounding community has to offer–entertainment, dining, and shopping. Check out The Polo Fields at 164th and Quivira. Homes here range from the $400s to the $800s.

Woodbridge Custom Homes brings you over 30 years of experience in home building and home insulation, along with amazing customer service that lets you talk to the owners directly throughout the building process. Contact them today to get started on your dream home.

 

June 10th, 2013

New Home Construction: Custom Builders vs. Production Builders

Categories: Homebuilding | Tags: , , , ,

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!

 

August 1st, 2012

Online marketing and CRM: Lasso’s solution

Categories: General | Tags: , ,

Most custom builders run a lean operation. That’s one of your best qualities, after all, working individually with your home builder through their entire process. Lasso CRM understands that, and their home builder software is designed with the custom home builder in mind. The role of  their team, they say, is to help you put CRM into practice to maximize the value and ROI of your investments. To do so they provide personal, knowledgeable service and help every step of the way.

Marketing and selling in the custom home building industry has a lot of moving parts. You’re finding and attracting leads, offering tours, creating relationships that lead from interest to closing. All in a highly competitive market, too. New home communities and lead follow-up mean there are plenty of priorities: are you always multitasking? Deadlines looming over you? Lasso home builder software supports your team from implementation to training, with constant support and innovation based on your needs.

Real people with real answers that care about your success and understand the real estate industry: every custom home builder is assigned an experienced Client Manager. They have extensive practical knowledge in real estate CRM, as well as IT and project management, to provide you with personal assistance, mentoring, and problem solving. When starting out you have the option of instructor-led online or onsite training; both are complemented by their built-in audio/visual e-Learning modules so you can learn or refresh your skills, at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Then once you’re up and running, you’ll get any question answered quickly by their knowledgeable team of Client Support Representatives via email or toll-free call. You’re also automatically enrolled in their unique Customer Success program, which keeps you updated on new features and maximizes your skill set with the program. Home builders have been collaboration partners in the design and functionality from day one. So if you have an idea for a new feature, or change to make it better? In their quest to make their home builder software “work the way you do”, they’ll incorporate your suggestions into future software updates. These updates are free and automatic.

If your marketing and sales team ever think they could benefit from home builder software, check out Lasso CRM for them. Their core purpose is to equip you to sell more real estate: “Faster. Easier. Profitably.” As a custom home builder, you shouldn’t miss out.

July 26th, 2012

Oak Tree, A New Community in Edmond

Categories: Custom Homebuilders | Tags: , , ,

Are you searching for a custom home in Edmond, Oklahoma? Don’t miss your opportunity to live at Oak Tree, a gorgeous new community by Tommy Huelskamp Homes.

Oak Tree is a gated, 24-hour security luxury community featuring custom homes. This golf & country club neighborhood offers residents a place to live where they play.

Children living in this neighborhood will attend the Edmond School District, including Cross Timbers Elementary, Sequoyah Middle, and Edmond North High schools.

Homes in this picturesque community start in the $750,000 price range.

Huelskamp Homes combines quality and style in order to construct amazing custom homes in the Edmond and Deer Creek areas of Oklahoma. Their unique personal attention to each project and client makes them a sought-after builder in the area. Let them build your custom home at Oak Tree.

July 26th, 2012

Custom building and home builder software

Categories: Homebuilding | Tags: , , , ,

As a custom home builder, you’re in close contact with your home owners and your prospective home buyers. Have you heard about Lasso CRM? Their home builder software is designed exclusively for real estate sales and marketing professionals, delivering all the tools you need to manage your leads, build lasting client relationships, and convert more prospects to purchasers.

Lasso’s system comes with plenty of benefits, including a pay-as-you go system that includes free weekly updates, a strong training and support team, free webinars, and, of course, major returns on you investment. Their home builder software has five major features:

Lead Management: As a custom homebuilder, you’re investing a lot of money into marketing to generate interest and leads. Use Lasso and you won’t have to worry about losing those leads, and it makes managing them almost effortless. You can capture, distribute, and track every lead from your web registration page, model home kiosk, iPads and other tablets, as well as online directories. Every online lead will automatically receive a personal, themed email acknowledging their interest. And a notification is sent to your sales agent. With such fast and personal follow-up, you’ve the beginnings of a relationship.

The agent’s dashboard is designed uniquely for real estate selling: new leads by project, prospects by rating category, and there are auto alerts to prompt the day’s (and future’s) to-do’s. With Lasso you can focus on your home buyers and sales without worrying about the ‘administrivia’.

Convert Prospects: With Lasso you can schedule systematic follow-up process, including automatic alerts. The net result is more appointments and so more conversions. Prospect profiles are comprehensive and easily updated with all contact history and notes. Quick reference is available wherever you go, at the office or on the road.

Lead Intelligence: Lasso’s special Lead Intelligence program provides critical information into the unique buying interests and preferences of your leads. Sales agents are also instantly alerted whenever prospects return to your website; follow-up is timely, personal, and tailored to their most recent interests. Lasso will pinpoint which media is delivering the best leads by source and publication. That way you can gauge the results of campaigns and media spending, moving around your budget to best maximize ROI.

Email Marketing: Naturally email marketing is built right into Lasso’s CRM. You can easily create and send professional mass mail campaigns to potential homebuyers and realtors, without the cost of external email providers. Target your email campaigns with any desired criteria, like sales rating or last visit. Lasso offers industry-specific templates to convey your project identity, home features, plan types, and more. Their system will even let you confirm RSVP’s and allow registrants to update their profile online. There’s real-time reporting on open rates, click-throughs, and forwards; effortlessly resend to all those who didn’t view the prior mailing.

Realtor Communications:  Do external realtors and brokers play a significant role in connecting home buyers to your new projects? With Lasso you can maintain the same level of communication with them as you would potential home buyers. With their realtor database you can track and manage your brokers, and alert them to upcoming project launches, open houses, and community events. It’s also a great tool to pinpoint the top performing external brokers.

Purchaser Tracker: Tired of spreadsheets? Reduce costly errors and save time and money with a single CRM database to view and track everything: all deal activity, inventory, pricing, and contracts. You can also prepare purchaser activity, broker assignments, deposits due, escrow amounts, and payment information. Use Lasso’s home builder software to automatically populate professional contracts to present to purchasers. It’s an easy way to create options and upgrade packages, plus will keep important documents in one place for easy reference. You’ll have digital storage of contracts, galleries, and floor plan ideas to offer your custom home buyer.

Reporting:  Lasso’s system has a variety of comprehensive reports: standard traffic, sales activity, purchaser and financial reports. All can be personalized to your vernacular and downloaded for presentations or offline analysis. They also design and develop custom reports for your unique operations. All of this information is easily available for informed decision making. Lasso supports industry standards like CSV and XML, so data can be easily exported for external reporting or integration requirements.

For a full list of Lasso’s home builder software features, check here.

As a custom home builder, you deserve custom software – programs adapted to your exact needs that empower you to turn potential custom home buyers into happy home owners. Lasso’s home builder software can make that happen.

July 12th, 2012

Copper Ridge in Austin

Categories: Custom Homebuilders, New Community | Tags: , , ,

Are you searching for a new home in Austin? Don’t miss your chance to live in Copper Ridge, a great new community by Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes.

Copper Ridge is a single-family home gated community located among the beautiful rolling hills and peaceful meadows of New Braunfels, just a short drive from Austin.

These Copper Ridge homes range from 2,797 to 3,947 square feet and include 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2 to 3.5 bathrooms, with options for 2- or 3-car garages. The prominent ridge line makes it unique and gives residents amazing views of the surrounding area.

This community features a pool, pavilion with fireplace, tennis and basketball courts, picnic tables, and walking trails. Local amenities include a waterpark, golf courses, caves, and, of course, all Austin has to offer.

Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes has been building homes in Texas for nearly 25 years. They are proud to be the recipient of the 2008 Number One Custom Home Builder in Central Texas, according to the Austin Business Journal. Their dedication to integrity, customer service, and design make them a great choice for a new home in Austin. Copper Ridge can be your new neighborhood today.

 

July 2nd, 2012

Terra Mont in San Antonio

Categories: Custom Homebuilders | Tags: , , ,

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.

 

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