Celebrate Cinco De Mayo With A New Home In Las Vegas...Cha-Ching!

Party Cinco De Mayo Style!

You are invited to join the Shea Team at the Ardiente Clubhouse from 2-5pm for a Cinco De Mayo Celebration and be the first to see the newly framed model homes!

Ardiente is located in convenient and private North Las Vegas. These Las Vegas new homes inside the gated, active adult community share a private 20,000 sq. ft. club house featuring two resort-style pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center, group exercise room, basketball court, billiard room and a multi-purpose meeting facility. Additional outdoor recreational amenities include tennis and bocce courts, six parks interconnected by 2.5 miles of walking and fitness challenge trails, and a challenging putting green.

New Homes Builder Las Vegas

Floor plans include:

• Rome - 1,406 sq ft of beautifully, functional space. It’s grand enough for inviting 20 of your closest friends over for dinner and intimate enough to use as a hideout when you want to escape from the social whirl. Model highlights include a huge kitchen that opens into the dining area, a spacious living room, an office option, a master bedroom with plenty of personal space along with a guest room. It’s a compact, yet spacious design.
• Monaco - 1,583 sq ft offers a great room, huge kitchen with angular eating bar and centralized island, informal dining space and rear-oriented den/library. A sprawling interior space is magnified by an outdoor room.
• Nice - 1,928 sq ft boasts a broad boundary of glass that creates total transparency between a huge and delineated outdoor room and interior spaces. There is a feeling of openness between the great room, kitchen, large dining area and flexible den space. A sizable master bedroom is coupled with master bath which showcases split vanities, large shower, and an abundance of built-in linen storage. A large secondary bedroom is as large as a master suite.

Shea Green Certified new homes are built with numerous energy saving features that will save you money and start in the mid-$100s.

RSVP today for The Cinco De Mayo tour at 702-643-1916.

New $10k California Tax Credit for New Home Purchase

New Homes – California

On March 25th, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into California law $100 million allocated for new home purchases becoming available May 1st. New homes must close escrow before December 31st of this year and the tax credit lasts only as long as the funds are available.

“We are urging prospective buyers that they should not wait until May to secure a home,” said Vanessa Linn, vice president of sales and marketing for Shea Homes. “Select your dream home today and reserve the tax credit starting May 1. Last year’s state tax credit lasted just a few months, so we are excited to start working with prospective buyers right away.”

Shea Homes, one of the biggest new homes builders in San Diego, offers new homes ranging from affordably priced condominiums and townhomes to traditional single-family detached homes and magnificent luxury residences.

New homes in San Diego are now selling at 11 neighborhoods throughout the county:

• Agave, Clover, Sapphire and Amber at Windingwalk in Chula Vista
• Estrella at San Miguel Ranch in Chula Vista
• Maravilla at San Miguel Ranch in Chula Vista
• Mosaic and Tapestry at Lomas Verdes in Chula Vista
• Chaparral Ridge in Escondido
• Maderia and Mandolin at Del Sur in San Diego

For more information, visit a Shea Homes neighborhood and talk to a sales representative.

Buy a New Home with No/Reduced Down Payment, Zero/Reduced Closing Costs and a Low Interest Rate!

New Homes Builder

Looking for a way to buy a home with no down payment or low down payment? How about with zero or reduced closing costs?

Shea Homes offers 100% financing and will even pay all of your closing costs allowing you to keep money in your pocket. Not only that, you can also get a low interest rate on your loan.

VA and FHA loans are available with Shea Homes. These loan programs offer flexible underwriting guidelines that make it possible for you to afford a new home.

Shea Homes that are VA/FHA approved include:

In Chula Vista, CA:

• Agave at Windingwalk
• Amber at Windingwalk
• Clover at Windingwalk
• Sapphire at Windingwalk
• Mosaic at Lomas Verdes
• Estrella at San Miguel Ranch
• Tapestry at Lomas Verdes

In San Diego, CA:

• Mandolin at Del Sur
• Madeira at Del Sur

In Escondido, CA:

• Chaparral Ridge

Shea Homes is making it easier to buy your new home!

North Carolina Condo Living - A New Concept for A New Home in Charlotte

New Homes North Carolina

Having the reputation as one of the most livable large cities in America, Charlotte is thriving with exceptional quality of life, a diverse, vibrant economy, and a very favorable climate. It is a dynamic city that blends world-class amenities with Southern hospitality. It is the nation's second largest banking and financial center and the headquarters of seven Fortune 500 companies.

Life in Charlotte is enhanced by great southern cuisine, excellent schools, more than 100 golf courses, 15,000 acres of parks, two major recreational lakes and a safe environment for the whole family.

In the market for condominium living?

A new concept for the Charlotte area, condominium living in Riviera offers extensive nature areas and a quaint village of beautifully designed triplex condominiums. Here, you’ll discover maintenance-free living in your new home providing you more time for your favorite activities and hobbiesl! Living in the Ballantyne & South Charlotte area brings the conveniences of nearby restaurants, shopping, spas and golf. Quick access to I-485 and great schools are just around the corner.

New Homes Builder

Riviera presents innovative plans where every condominium is an end unit with an attached garage! Choose from two, three or four bedrooms, and little extras such as gourmet kitchens, an optional fireplace in the living room, and garden tubs in the Owner’s Bath. Two-story plans or second level flats are available.

The above 2 bedroom, 2 bath loft (1,174 sq. ft.) 1 car garage condo features a quaint outdoor covered terrace. Oversized windows throughout almost every room bring in abundant natural light. Available options in the kitchen include granite countertops, tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances. The center island and 42” cabinets with crown molding ensure abundant storage space. The spacious Owner’s Suite includes a large walk-in closet and deluxe Owner's bath with tall vanities, dual sinks, and a separate shower and tub. Special features include a coffer ceiling in the master bedroom and optional gas fireplace in the Living room. Step out onto the private terrace to enjoy the outdoors in solitude, because with maintenance-free living, time is on your side. This model is priced from $139,250.

Four professionally decorated new home models are available for touring!

Energy Efficient New Homes

Energy efficient new homes that save money on utility bills, offer greater comfort and better performance, and help to protect the environment are available to homebuyers through a partnership with Shea Homes and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR Program.

"Shea Homes continually strives to provide environmentally friendly options for our home buyers increasing the value of our homes, and reducing our reliance on the earth's natural resources," said Ken Peterson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Shea Homes. "Partnering with the EPA's ENERGY STAR program is just another way for us to enhance the lives of our home owners. Not only are these homes ENERGY STAR rated, but they go hand in hand with Shea's initiative of Superiology to build homes which are energy wiser, eco-friendlier, designed smarter and built better."

ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-saving features like effective insulation systems, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products, and third-party verification of energy performance.

ENERGY STAR rated homes must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. To be considered ENERGY STAR rated, all homes must include improved insulation, high-efficiency HVAC systems, high-efficiency lighting and appliances, as well as Low-E, vinyl windows. And, homes at these communities will be tested and inspected to ensure they meet the requirements.

"Most homebuyers focus on what's outside the walls," said Sam Rashkin, National Director for EPA's ENERGY STAR Homes Program, "but they also need to look behind the walls for the energy-efficient features found in ENERGY STAR qualified homes that help ensure comfort, quiet, improved indoor air quality and low utility bills for years to come.

New Homes Builder

Shea Homes' ENERGY STAR rated communities are Granite Ridge and Mountain Shadows at Arroyo Mountain Estates in Litchfield Park and Entrada and Mountain View Estates at Vistancia in Peoria.

New Homes in Aliso Viejo, Ca - Model Homes Now Open

Glenwood Model Homes Now Open in Aliso Viejo!

These elegant new homes are located along the community's eastern edge, ranging from 3,096 to 3,597 square feet, with up to 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, attached 3-bay tandem garages. The exteriors of these new homes highlight Santa Barbara, Spanish and Early California architecture.

Glenwood is the new golf course master-planned community taking shape adjacent to the Jack Nicklaus-designed Aliso Viejo Country Club. With more than $20 million of community amenities, residents of Glenwood will experience a resort-inspired lifestyle. The 10,000 square foot Aliso Viejo Conference Center is planned to offer state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, three banquet rooms, three private meeting rooms and a romantic, view-enhanced wedding lawn with intimate gazebo.

New Homes Builder

And right now, for a limited time, a golf membership at Aliso Viejo Country Club can be yours when you purchase a Glenwood home.

Your membership will bring you numerous exclusive benefits:

• Unlimited golf for you, your spouse and your children (under 23 years of age)

• Use of the Club’s restaurant and bar,

• Complimentary access to the expansive fitness facilities in the Clubhouse,

• A wide variety of social activities including Happy Hours, Holiday Parties, Wine Dinners and Specialty Food Nights, and

• Complimentary golf and dining privileges at over 200 country clubs nationwide.

Membership is also available when you purchase a new home at Harbor Station, Pasadera and Vista Vallarta.

Purchase a new home at Glenwood and enjoy 4 acres of public parks, two tot lots and trails with fitness stations along with easy access to major employment centers in Newport Beach and the Irvine Spectrum, Laguna Beach, UC Irvine, Aliso Viejo Town Center, The Shops at Mission Viejo, beaches, excellent schools, Soka University, and the San Joaquin Hills Tollway.

For more information on new homes in the area visit www.SheaHomes.com.

New Homes of the Future: Upcoming SPACES Sneak Peek

In the future, new homes will be smarter. They will support your plugged-in lifestyle. They will emphasize efficiency; like built-in flat screen TVs. The will feel bigger by focusing on space you actually use. They will be as intelligent as today’s new home buyer. Be among the first to explore the first new-home concept of its kind, with the opening of SPACES at Reunion.

Come take a sneak peek as SPACES makes its Colorado debut!

When: Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Time: 7pm

Where: The Reunion Rec Center at 104th & Tower Road

17910 East Parkside Drive North

Commerce City, CO 80022

(follow signs from community main entrance on 104th)

Phone: 303-286-7601

Reunion Colorado is one of Shea Home’s newest master planned communities. Reunion offers new homes in a wide variety of styles and price ranges. As the premier master planned community in the northeast metro Denver area, Reunion provides convenient access to downtown Denver, Aurora, and is just minutes from E-470 and Denver International Airport (DIA).

The name Reunion was chosen to represent a deep appreciation for the past, a sense of wonder about the future, and a commitment to living every moment to the fullest.

New Homes Builder

Over time, Reunion will connect people through lasting friendships and create a place where each resident is free to pursue happiness - his or her own way. That makes Reunion something entirely new – a community created for the pursuit of happiness.

To help ensure the highest possible quality of life for residents, all of the planning efforts at Reunion were framed by the following four principles:

1. QUALITY COMMUNITY DESIGN

2. BRINGING HOME THE CLASSICS

3. CREATING NEIGHBORHOODS NOT SUBDIVISIONS

4. "NEW SUBURBANISM": PUTTING OLD IDEAS AHEAD OF THEIR TIME

New Homes by Shea Homes

New Homes Madeira Del Sur On Sale This Saturday

New Homes Builder San Diego

A reminder that sales at Madeira at Del Sur are scheduled to begin this Saturday, February 13th.

The model home complex has re-opened for sales information. Prices are expected from the low $500,000s and a new floor plan will be introduced in addition to the original floor plans that were sold out from the first 74 homes in the heritage-inspired master-planned community in mid-2008.

The half dozen two- and three-story floor plans range from approximately 1,785 to 2,269 square feet, with three to five bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms and two-car garages.

The new homes include courtyards or patios and great rooms adjacent to island kitchens. Select homes will incorporate roof-integrated solar electric panels.

Del Sur recreational amenities include eight proposed private parks and 18 miles of hiking trails spread out over 1,800 acres of dedicated open space. Del Sur will have an eventual 2,500 homes.

Visit www.SheaHomes.com for more information.

Release Of Five New Homes At Key Gate At Adeline Farms In Winchester, CA

New Homes Builder

On February 6th, Shea Homes will offer a fresh opportunity to own a brand-new home with a limited edition phase release of five homes.

With its unbeatable combination of large homes and small prices, Key Gate at Adeline’s Farm in Winchester has been a very popular choice among value-minded home buyers.

Ideally located within a half block of Field View Park, which is the recreational centerpiece of Adeline's Farm, the five two-story homes include one Residence Two with approximately 3,632 square feet of living space, three Residence Threes ranging from approximately 3,867 to 4,046 square feet, and one Residence Four measuring approximately 4,020 square feet. Prices start in the mid $300,000s.

Along with their spacious interior dimensions, these homes are located on expansive homesites measuring approximately 8,200 to 9,300 square feet, which provide plenty of room to add an inviting pool and patio. In addition, some homesites are large enough to accommodate RV parking.

With four to five bedrooms, three to four baths and garages that accommodate three or four vehicles, the homes comfortably accommodate large households. In addition, Residence Two features a downstairs master suite with sitting area plus a super game room and den; the Residence Three designs encompass a kid's studio, loft and den plus a super great room in one home; and Residence Four takes on the added dimension of a den and game room.

New Homes

All three designs are highlighted by an extra-large gourmet island kitchen with country-style casual dining area, granite countertops and a complete collection of built-in GE® stainless steel appliances. Additional touches of luxury extend throughout the homes, from lever-style interior door handles to elegant master baths with oval tubs, separate showers and ceramic-tile countertops.

Adeline's Farm is close to a wide variety of shopping and dining opportunities as well as popular fishing and camping destinations, spas and the tasting rooms of Southern California's wine country. In addition, the nearby Pechanga Resort & Casino offers gaming, dining and world-class entertainment. For families with children, the acclaimed schools of the Temecula Valley Unified School district offer educational excellence.

To take advantage of the opportunity to own one of the five homes in this phase of Key Gate at Adeline’s Farm, take Interstate 15 to Murrieta Hot Springs Road and drive east. Turn left on Winchester Road (Highway 79 North), turn right on Benton Road and follow the signs to Adeline’s Farm. The Information Center is open Saturday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m. The Information Center is closed Thursday and Friday. Additional information is available by calling Adeline's Farm at 951-325-5300. Further details may also be obtained by calling 866-OWN SHEA or visiting http://www.SheaHomes.com.

NEW HOMES SALES RISE

The Commerce Department may report on Dec. 23 that new homes sales rose 1.7 percent in November to a 438,000 annual pace, according to the Bloomberg survey.

Existing home sales reached a 4.49 million pace in January, their lowest level since comparable records began in 1999.

Purchases of existing homes rose 44 percent in November compared with a year earlier, the biggest increase on record. The median price fell to $172,600.

The number of previously owned unsold homes on the market fell 1.3 percent to 3.52 million. At the current sales pace, it would take 6.5 months to sell those houses compared with 7 months at the end of October. The ratio is the lowest since December 2006.

The share of homes sold as foreclosures or otherwise distressed properties was 33 percent, Yun said.

View Your New Home Virtually with Shea Homes

Technology is amazing...Imagine buying your next new home from the comfort of your current home!

Today's struggling economy is driving the use of innovative technologies in new home sales and marketing. A growing trend is the use of Virtual Model Home Tours to replace the use of expensive model home complexes in communities across America.

America's homebuilders are uncovering new ways to cost-effectively market new homes to a new price-sensitive homebuyer: Virtual model homes!

These highly-detailed 3D videos create the spatial experience of walking through a model home and visualizing every detail, before the home is even built. Though the price to create these tours is far less than their physical counterpart, high quality tours can easily cost $10,000 or more. "If you are going to replace the tactile experience of walking through a real model home with a virtual home, it had better be astoundingly realistic or you might have the reverse effect and turn off your prospective homebuyer," said Steve Ormonde, Co-founder of Focus 360, and the inventor of this technology.

The cost of this level of quality and detail has been out of reach of many homebuilders. This is why this week Focus 360 introduced a new more affordable "Value Line" that addresses this price/quality issue head-on. "The biggest obstacle to builders' use of virtual model homes in the past has been the price tag associated with high quality tours," said Ormonde. "Our goal is to provide builders with a solution that is not only more affordable, but one that provides the high quality needed to engage home shoppers and present a builder's product in the best possible light."

Can virtual model tour videos drive sales while decreasing a builder's investment in model homes? "Absolutely!" stated Adam Hieb, Director, Sales and Marketing for Shea Homes. "The days are gone when we could afford to put up multi-million dollar model complexes. Every new Shea home community is different but in general, our use of high quality virtual model tours will greatly reduce the number of model homes needed. Instead of four models for instance, we might be able to get away with one, with the remaining models represented in 3D virtual reality. In some lower profile communities, virtual tours may eliminate models completely - a sales office might suffice. And while we have used Focus 360 for many years for our bigger budget, high profile projects, we are excited that we can now afford them for all our projects."

For more information on Shea Homes visit www.SheaHomes.com.

Excerpts for this post provided by EarthTimes.Org. The full article can be viewed at http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/homebuilders-are-increasing-the-use,1087301.shtml

Green Homes are Red Hot!

New Homes Builder

According to Kevin Morrow of the National Association of Home Builders, green certifications of homes have jumped from 99 last year to at least 564 this year. "The interest in green building is driven by consumers. More people are doing it to save money on their heating bills," states Morrow in a recent USAToday article.

Shea Homes is a builder of new homes that are eco-friendly and energy-wise.

Whenever possible, Shea Homes uses certified wood products from sustainable forests, recyles construction materials and incorporates water-conserving appliances and fixtures into new homes in an effort to help reduce the carbon footprint of the home as well as benefit generations to come by helping reduce America's carbon footprint.

In addition, Shea Homes includes energy-saving insulation, energy-saving heating and air-conditioning systems, Energy Star appliances at most communities, efficient water heaters and dual pane windows with low-E glass.

To learn more about Shea Homes and their vision to help you live happier, safer and healthier lives, visit http://www.sheahomes.com/.

Chula Vista New Homes - Tapestry at Lomas Verdes

New Homes in Chula Vista

by Shea Homes

The inviting new master-planned community of Lomas Verdes at Otay Ranch in Chula Vista is the setting for Tapestry, a collection of uniquely designed tri-level detached condominium homes ranging from approximately 1,822 to 2,253 square feet with three to four bedrooms, three baths and a two-car garage. Most plans also features a loft on the third floor, and select plans offer kitchen islands and handy tech centers.

Learn more online at http://www.sheahomes.com

Now is a fantastic time to buy in CA. Government tax incentives for first time home buyers and existing owners exist! Visit a community representative today to learn more.

Shea Homes is the First National Builder to Launch Applications for iPhone and iPod Touch

Shea Homes, the nation's largest private home builder, is introducing an "App" for Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch. Shea Homes is the first national home builder to introduce an iPhone Application. The home builder is also working on Applications which would be available to other mobile device users and expect to have them by year-end.

(PRWEB) November 18, 2009 -- As the Apple iPhone continues to gain market share and more and more people are turning to their smartphones for information, Shea Homes, the nation’s largest private home builder, is introducing an “App” for Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. The Shea Homes App is a free download from the iTunes AppStore. Apps are available for the Shea Homes family communities located in Arizona, Colorado, Northern California, San Diego, and Southern California. Shea Homes is the first national home builder to introduce an iPhone Application. The home builder is also working on Applications which would be available to other mobile device users and expect to have them by year-end.

New Homes Builder

“We have always tried to be at the forefront of technological advances both in our products and how we communicate information to the marketplace. We have had success with Facebook, Twitter and blogs and we expect our iPhone App will do the same,” said Bert Selva, President and CEO of Shea Homes. “Our customers continue to embrace new technology. With our new App, customers will be able to find detailed information about all of our communities,” added Selva.

With over 50 million iPhone and iPod Touch customers and over 100,000 applications available, Apple far exceeds any of their competitors and garners 70% of the smart phone web access. To date there have been over two billion AppStore downloads with availability in 81 countries. All this is amazing considering the iPhone has only been available since the summer of 2008.

“Our app acts as a robust digital and interactive green brochure. With the increased use of mobile technology and the popularity of Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch, this was a natural transition that allows us to instantly share information any place, any time, and best of all, it’s free,” concluded Selva.

For more information about the Shea Homes iPhone or iPod Touch App visit http://itunes.com/sheahomeslimitedpartnership.

About Shea Homes
Shea Homes is an independent member of the Shea family of companies. Over the past 128 years, members of the Shea family and their companies have accomplished many extraordinary milestones, including completing work on the foundation of the landmark Golden Gate Bridge, working on San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) and serving as a managing partner for the construction of the Hoover Dam. Trilogy Active Lifestyle Communities is also part of Shea Homes. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.SheaHomes.com or contact us at 866-696-7432.

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MG Public Relations
MARY GARRETT
602-432-2010
E-mail Information

Home Buyer Tax Credit 3.0 - is Real... How does this affect Arizona new homes

Arizona new homes builders received welcome news Wednesday that the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit is being not only extended but expanded to include buyers who already own homes.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law a bill that extends the $8,000, first-time homebuyer tax credit set to expire Nov. 30. It also creates a tax credit up to $6,500 for buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years.

To qualify, buyers in both groups have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30.

"In our view, that's the kind of government action that needed to occur to continue to stimulate the housing market," said Greg Burger, co-principal of RL Brown Housing Reports. "We believe it will be a positive catalyst in the market moving forward through the end of this year and into next year. Prices are at historical lows ... and this would be some added incentive to go ahead and make the move sooner rather than later."

The first-time homebuyer tax credit has meant higher sales for Taylor Morrison, which has houses under construction at its Stratland Estates community in Gilbert.

"We've had a number of people who are taking advantage of it, and I think our closing numbers for the month of November reflect that," said Pierrette Tierney, vice president of sales and marketing. "Our largest month of the year, which typically is December, by far is going to be November this year ... with everybody trying to get in there before that Nov. 30 deadline."

The expansion opens the new homes market for more people, she said.

"There's a lot of people who are recognizing that right now, even outside of the tax credit, is a great time to buy, and then the tax credit is just the cherry on the top," Tierney said. "Our sales volume has remained quite steady into a longer period of time than we typically see in our kind of seasonal industry."

Buddy Satterfield, president of Shea Homes, said the tax credit increased his sales by 20 to 25 percent. Shea has numerous homes under construction across the East Valley.

"We saw a big drop-off in sales when we couldn't deliver (in time for the deadline)," he said. "That's the big problem for builders. You have to sell it and start the house, and deliver it by a certain date, unlike the resale market, where you can take it right up to the wire."

The tax credit has been good for the economy and helped create jobs in the construction industry, Satterfield said.

"I think (the expansion) will help," he said. "I think there's folks out there who, maybe this will be just enough stimulus for them to say 'we need that extra bedroom' or 'we want a different floor plan,' or 'a different location,' and it could spur them to make a purchase. We'll have to wait and see.

Obviously we prefer it to have been a larger amount, but we're grateful for it."

New Homes

Come Visit Shea Homes and see our latest New Homes deals available today!

New Homes by Shea Homes - New Homes Builder

New Home Prices and Sales are On The Rise

Guys, with all the tax incentives, discounted inventory, and the recent indication of a market upswing, sales are on the rise...and that means prices are too!

If you have been on the fence about when to move on a new home purchase, time to get it in gear. The days of discounts and free upgrades are coming to an end soon, especially at Shea Homes communities, where new home inventory is fast running out.

Get to Shea while there are still great deals to be had. And if you're an active boomer interested in a new home in an active adult resort retirement community, then check out TrilogyLife by Shea Homes, and find out what Shea Homes Active Lifestyle really means.

What To Look For in a New Home Builder

Most people don't build new homes often, so you really need the final product - your home - to be what you want it to be. Architects and interior designers agree that if you want to be happy with your new home you need to take time in the early stages of the building process.

Builders play a big part in those 'early stages' - they are the one's who are going to make what is down on paper a reality. They are the one's who provide the shell for everyone else to provide their services; without a builder you wouldn't need the electricians, plumbers and painters, nor would you have a home to live in!

When looking for a new home builder you will want someone who guarantees their work. In New Zealand you should check that the builder you employ is a Registered Master Builder. Only Registered Master Builder's can offer you the "Master Build New Homes or Alterations & Additions Guarantee", which covers a percentage of such things as loss of deposit or non completion (should this occur), as well as materials cover and a limited structural cover for up to 7 years. Having a guarantee in place will give you peace of mind.

A good home builder will also have quality check processes in place, where an assigned person carries out checks at several critical stages of the building process, to ensure that any issues which arise during this time are dealt with effectively and cost efficiently, after all you want the service you are paying for to be a quality one!

Look for a new home builder that has a good reputation, I hear you asking "How will I know this?", first of all you should ask to see their work, it's most likely that they will be in the process of building a house when you ask, so arrange a time to see how good their work is or alternatively ask if there are any showhomes which they have built, available to view. Secondly, you could ask around friends and family to see if they can recommend anyone to you. Thirdly, if they have one, check out their website for things like client testimonials and information about the company itself.

If you have employed the services of a design & build type company they will most likely have a builder or building company which they use. This saves you time having to find one for yourself and also keeps everything simple for you, by providing you with all the services in one package.

When you are searching for a new home builder it's important to keep in mind that they will be building your home, the place where you go to relax and be secure. Look for a quality builder and you will get exactly that!

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Article Provided By:

Paul Clarke is Managing Director of Landmark Homes, a multi award-winning residential home building company in New Zealand. Paul and his wife first started Landmark Homes in Tauranga 32 years ago and have built a reputation on honesty and quality in everything they do.

Why Square Footage Matters! Larger Homes Indicate Stable Values

Single Family home sales activity through May 31, 2009 indicates that Northeastern Queens property values are stable across various segments of the market. Covering the areas of Bayside, Beechhurst, College Point, Douglaston, Flushing, Little Neck and Whitestone, 2,750 sales since 2003 that sold for over $10,000 are included in this analysis compared to 11,724 sales for all of Queens.

Median Sale Price: Analysis of the Queens County Single Family home market indicates property values have declined 18% from 2008 and 21.3% since 2006. The sub-market of Northeast Queens indicates that property values are down 12.8% since 2006, with most of the decline occurring in 2009.

A more detailed analysis of the median sale price based on the square footage of the residence indicates an entirely different pattern of price value changes. When the sales data is stratified into the calculated rate per square foot based on sale price, the rate of change for Queens County is -10.58% since 2006 versus -21.3% based on the Median Sale Price. For Northeastern Queens the rate of change is -.37% versus -12.8%. The data clearly indicates that building size represents a significant impact relating to the value of the property.

Sales are stratified into 10 Building Size Groups in order to analyze the demand in the local markets. The most common property being sold is under 1,250 square feet representing 911 sales. This group of properties indicates a weaker overall value indicator which is 5% lower than 2008 and 9.9% lower than the peak of 2006.

Conversely, larger homes appear to be in demand and show no significant indication of property value declines. Houses from 1,750 to 2,000 square feet indicate an overall increase of 12.8% since 2006 with 286 sales analyzed. 2,000 to 2,500 square foot homes experienced a 5% overall since 2006 for a total of 374 sales. Both groups of properties indicate in increase in values from 2008 to 2009.

Overall larger homes appear to be holding stable with modest increases over the past three years when analyzed on a price per square foot basis. The greatest weakness in the market is homes under 1,750 square feet which on an overall basis declined by 13% since 2006, most of this occurring in homes under 1,250 square feet. This pattern appears to be consistent with other areas of Queens and New York City.

Property values in Queens County have declined 10.8% since 2006 based on the sales analyzed. Properties purchased in 2006 and 2007 represent a risk for longer recovery given the decline in values since 2006, but this does not apply to all areas of Queens. There is a definitive decline in sales activity since 2008; however as the peak selling season of May and June continues, sales activity is projected to increase and property values are projected to remain stable with modest increases. Northeastern Queens remains a strong area to live and property values are expected to remain stable into 2010.

New Homes

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Article provided by John Watch, President & CEO of http://www.AccuriZ.com

Article Source: John_Watch

When is The Time to Buy?

NOW! The market opportunities which are available right now will not be around forever. Interest rates are at historical lows (generational lows) as well the value that can be found in the New Homes market is amazing. New Home Builders are willing to help you get in your dream home and provide rates that we have never seen before. The programs available are providing a great opportunity for buyers today.

If you are asking yourself why you should buy a new home, the answer is simple - it's NEW! There is a warranty, the carpets and flooring is new, the roof is new, the plumbing and electrical is new and under warranty. Tread lightly with the "false opportunities" which have saturated the market... Short sales, and Foreclosures are NOT what they seem. Most have been mistreated and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to bring them up to a living standard that you will feel meets the value for you and your family.