Energy-Efficient Options Remain High as Homeowners Downsize

Julie LaTerra Homes is excited to make available to you some key findings from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the 2nd quarter 2009.

Reflecting homeowner preferences, this survey focused on home design trends that are gaining popularity in the areas of home function, systems and products. Almost five hundred residential architects, covering all facets of the residential design profession, were surveyed on emerging design preferences of homeowners.

The study found with homes downsizing and prices shrinking, homeowners continue to choose energy-efficient options and low maintenance products while scaling back on special function rooms such as media rooms/ home theaters, exercise rooms, guest or kid wings, and three-car garages. Yet Julie LaTerra Homes’ buyers are still using their homes as passionately as ever. For instance, home offices, still the most popular ‘special function’ room, may be used to limit commuting to work, or as the principle office for a growing numbers of home-based self-employed workers and small businesses.

Energy-efficiency is tops on the list of homeowner’s requests. Double and triple glazed windows, low-maintenance materials, extra attic insulation and alternative home insulation (such as spray foam, structural foam panels or our favorite – healthy cellulose) continues to increase in popularity at Julie LaTerra Homes. Other popular home features such as first-floor master bedroom suites, elevators and ramps, and easy-to-use features such as door handles and faucets all improve accessibility within your home.

The survey found popular systems in homes focused on energy efficiency such as geothermal heating and cooling heat pumps are also increasing in popularity. Systems for energy management, water reclamation/graywater collection, and air purification were also high on homeowner’s popularity lists.

Water saving and conserving products, “green” flooring, and synthetic-based products (such as countertops, siding, trim and decking) are other products gaining popularity by a majority of homeowners and can all be found at Julie LaTerra Homes.

Reinventing Your Home

Recently I came across some statistics that I thought you might find enlightening, just as I did. A poll by AARP found that 84 percent of the population over the age of 50 would like to remain in their homes, but only 16 percent of them have modified them for safety or comfort.
Demand for suitable housing is expected to increase as baby boomers hit 65 in 2011. By 2050, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65, with the fastest growth in suburban areas, according to data from the Census Bureau.

Plan designers have been focusing on strategies to create age-friendly homes in what might be called boomer towns. Using universal design in new construction and remodeling existing homes is one way to keep people in their homes as long as possible. This allows people to “age in place.”

Some of these features include wide doorways, no-step entrances, and wider hallways, grab bars in the bathrooms and walk in showers. Other items in universal design include lower kitchen cabinets in certain areas in the kitchen, all the bedrooms on the main floor, and appliances that can be installed at varying heights.

The great concept of universal design in housing is that it is not just for the boomer generation. It has appeal to the Generation X’ers as well because they don’t have to lug strollers and groceries up the stairs, and children can easily use countertops that are a little lower than the normal height. Universal design in housing does not make a home feel or look like it is designed for “old people."

We invite you to check out our website http://www.julielaterrahomes.com/ or call 704.979.1188 to speak with one of our consultants about the design and amenities that you would like to include in your next home or for more information on remodeling your existing home.

ACT NOW! Mortgage Rates Fall as They Approach All-Time 50-Year Low

Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped below 5 percent this week as the Federal Reserve seeks to push mortgage rates lower. Homeowners see this as good news as they line up to lock in new mortgages at lower rates.

Freddie Mac reports 30-year fixed rate mortgages fell to an average of 4.98 percent. One year ago, 30-year mortgages were averaging 5.87 percent.
Nancy Vanden Houten, economist at Stone and McCarthy Research Associates, believes we have “found bottom” and that interest rates will hover between 5.00% to 5.25% for a while.
Market watchers report adjustable rate mortgages are also down from rates one year ago, however, there is little difference in rate to cause buyers to choose this riskier mortgage product.
And on the refinancing market? The Mortgage Bankers Association reports refinance applications jumped 30 percent last week. Refinance of existing mortgages in January jumped to their highest level since 2003. The expectation is that refinancing demand is likely to continue this summer as a new federal program to help homeowners lower their monthly payments kicks in allowing people to refinance and get out of high-rate mortgages. Shop around for the best rate.
There’s never been a better time to be building your new home. With competitive pricing and low interest rates, now is a great time to consider purchasing your new home. Take action now while rates are at 50-year lows. If you’re wondering if interest rates will go up, ACT NOW! – a 50-year low is a pretty great rate!

Building on a Budget

Your construction budget may be smaller than it once was, but that doesn’t mean your house can’t be big on style. In today’s market, the new homes that are selling are those that offer something unique--be it an unusual front entry, a clever built-in storage solution, a one-of-a-kind accent piece, or a feature that makes a small space infinitely more functional. Putting that extra something into a house doesn’t have to cost a fortune. And even if it costs a little more than vanilla, it can often yield a significant return on investment.

Do the No-Brainers

Got a little dead space in your plan? Bring it to life and put it to good use like the homeowners did with this under-the-stair storage nook. This is an example of great use of space at a minimal expense. With Julie LaTerra Homes, we look closely at your “Made from Scratch” design and are able to suggest creative and inexpensive ways you can maximize those spaces.

Be Counter Intuitive

Granite is beautiful and everyone wants it, but it’s not cheap. There are other, more economical countertop materials that can be just as handsome and infinitely more customizable--not to mention memorable. Take concrete, that humblest of materials, which designer Fu Tung Cheng has elevated to an art form.

“Concrete brings a level of craft back to the equation that is doable. Working in concrete gives builders a chance to do work that is edifying and allows them to differentiate from things that are manufactured.” Even better? Such distinction comes at an irresistibly low price in today's tough market.

You really don’t have to sacrifice style to have the home and the storage that you desire! Please visit our website at http://www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com/ and see some of the ways that we have added storage into our floor plans.

Bring the OUTside IN with Julie LaTerra Homes New Home Design Options

In new home design there are several “Industry Phrases” that get said all the time. One of the “Industry Phrases” that you may have heard is a term that encourages you to “Bring the Outside In”, but what does this truly mean? Many cookie cutter production home builders will tell you that this can be accomplished by allowing extra windows in certain living spaces. Unfortunately they are telling you this because that is all they offer to help you accomplish this. What they are not telling you is that there is a whole line of products that exist which can help you “Bring the Outside In”.

At Julie LaTerra Homes you can have it all, and if you truly desire to “Bring the Outside In” then you may want to consider more than just adding a few extra windows into your new home plan. There are several different ways that you can accomplish this. Consider the natural resources that are on your land. Does your home site have soaring pine trees? If so, then you may want to consider the use of pine paneling for a ceiling, or as a decorative trim on your outdoor patio. If you have a lot of exposed rocks on your property, then some stone accents in the kitchen or on the fireplace might work well. Have an endless view of the ocean or maybe a great painting like this one by national artist Trisha Witty? Consider some color accent on your walls or ceiling which you can paint to match the soothing colors of this painting (or maybe the great view you get to see out of your window), be it blue to match the water or a shade of white to compliment that beautiful beach.

Sometimes there is nothing more soothing than a nice walk in a park or a vacation on the beach! Now can you imagine living in a home that brings the same sense of relaxation and de-stressing that you experience while on those walks? Your home can be designed in such a way that when you retreat to it at night you can experience that same sense of relaxation that you enjoy on those dreamy vacations. The colors and materials that go into your home are a big consideration.

Before you build your next home, be sure that you visit with Julie LaTerra Homes to discover how our endless design options can help you accomplish that home you have been dreaming of all along. At Julie LaTerra Homes we take the time to get to know you and help you build the perfect home to suit your needs. Remember to visit us at http://www.julielaterrahomes.com/ to learn more about our custom design- build approach to custom home building. Have a great day!

Homeowners Build Smaller Houses as They Commit to Energy Efficiency

Today’s consumers are looking for different things in their homes than the buyers of the building boom. Everyone is trying to stretch their dollars in every area and home efficiency is one place people are looking at.

The recent surge in fuel costs last year has many concerned about the costs of heating and cooling their home. Homeowners are living in their homes much longer and are judging a home’s efficiency not only in terms of how comfortably it lives today but also in its ability to save money and energy tomorrow.

Julie LaTerra Homes has many ways that homeowners can build energy efficient homes affordably. Smaller homes are one way that people are looking at reducing costs. Square footage that is not necessary is a great place to trim back.

Energy- conserving and environmentally friendly features such as energy efficient appliances, programmable thermostats, well-insulated homes with energy-efficient doors and windows, compact fluorescent lights, comfortable improved air quality and family friendly paints that emit less toxic fumes are all important features for your new home.

Julie LaTerra Homes…Our homes live well! For more information on how you can build an energy-efficient home affordably, call 704.979.1188 or visit us on the web at www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com

Secret Home Ingredients for a Better Living Home

Many prospective home buyers are looking for innovative new home ideas for their families. Our ‘Secret Home Ingredients’ make a noticeable difference in the way your home ‘lives’.

At Julie LaTerra Homes, it’s not one magical ingredient that separates us from other builders, but several. It doesn’t matter whether you’re building your first home or last home, before you make an investment of your time, energy, and money, make sure your new home includes some of these Secret Home Ingredients for a recipe for success.

Lower Your Blood Pressure – When a man comes home from work, his blood pressure drop, yet when a woman comes home, she is coming home to her second job…and her blood pressure goes UP… several points! At Julie LaTerra Homes we eliminate stress by designing a rear foyer entry – no dirty laundry for everyone to see!

The Importance of Natural Light – Did you know natural light reduces blood pressure, improves our ability to absorb calcium, reduces cholesterol, reduces headaches, makes us less irritable, and better able to concentrate? Julie LaTerra Homes places natural light in kitchens and in the MBR bath.

We Provide for Those with Pets – Clean pets mean clean homes, and who wants to mess up the bathtub when we can provide a pet zone feature in your new home? Shower your pets with care with our Pet Shower and Pet Zones.

Have You Ever Enjoyed an Oversized Shower at a Luxury Resort? - Now you can have that same relaxing experience in a 5-foot shower with twin seats, plus integral soap shelves. Imagine relaxing beneath two showerheads and choose full or massage body spray patterns.

Spend a Little Less Time Cleaning – Women spend an average of more than 14 hours per week on household chores. A Toe-Kick Dust Pan, installed in the cabinet toe kick in the kitchen- is activated by a toe switch, making sweeping dirt into the dust pan and central vacuum system of the home a breeze!

Where Will My Personal Space be in the Home? - Think soaking tubs, little bump bays for a sitting area to curl up with a book, how about a gift wrap center, a paint area for your daughter, potting area...all these thoughtful touches can be added to your new home.

Let Us Help You Relieve Stress in Your Life in the MBR Bath - You want more storage for king size sheets, towels, etc. You want a walk in shower with no door. It’s easier to clean. Problem is…it’s cold. Solution? Radiant floor heat or a heat lamp.

Brighten Up Those Winter Blues – Build on Your Lot for Spring!

Need a little sunshine in your life? What could be more perfect than building a new home on your lot at today’s record low interest rates? Whether a custom home in Charlotte, or a sparkling mountain or coastal retreat…with today’s interest rates and aggressive pricing, there has never been a better time to build!
Imagine building your dream home on the home site where you want to live. Our clients tell us one of the most compelling reasons they want to build on their own lot is to get away from exorbitant home owners association fees.

You and your family can live free in the community you choose and build your dream home that will suit your unique lifestyle. No more constraining covenants, codes and restrictions. Enjoy the comfort and privacy of building on your own lot.

Designed with plenty of storage, flexibility for your changing needs, and areas to entertain and relax, we think our plans are something you have eagerly looked forward to. We anticipate what you want before you even ask.

And as a new home builder in the Charlotte area, Julie LaTerra Homes sees a growing trend towards energy-efficiency. People are anticipating staying in their homes longer, and understand that a green and energy efficient home will save them money on their utility bills…monthly!
Add a little sunshine to your life by planning for the warm days ahead. A wonderful mountain or lake home get-away is just the thing for you and your family to enjoy!

Check out our website at www.JulieLaTerra Homes.com or visit us at our design center across from Concord Mills Mall. You can also contact us at 704.979.1188 for more information.

Homebuyers Discover Julie’s Jewel Box Collection – Small Homes for a Simpler, Eco-Friendly Way of Life

At Julie LaTerra Homes, we are known for our women-focused approach to homebuilding. Today we are announcing our newest collection of homes, 'Julie’s Jewel Box Collection' – small homes for a simpler, greener, more cost-efficient way of life. Homes from this unique, new collection range from 800-1,500 square feet. Smaller, less expensive and lower maintenance costs make this collection of coastal cottages and mountain retreats a perfect solution in today’s second home real estate market. These delightful plans are also attracting first time home buyers.

“As a leader in trends and what women want, we saw an increased desire for weekend retreats where people could ‘cocoon’ and get-away,” explains Charlotte custom home builder, Julie LaTerra. “Call it a sign of the times, but cookie-cutter, puffed up ‘marshmallow’ homes are a thing of the past and it’s easy to understand why.”

Today’s changing economy has caused a paradigm shift for America’s homebuyers as they consider their options for a second home or vacation home. High energy prices have tempered people’s enthusiasm to pay for conditioned space and square footage they don’t need. Tighter banking requirements have left homeowners with the ability to build less. Julie’s Jewel Box Collection is the ideal answer to a changing economic environment for baby-boomers, expanding or blended families, or single professionals.

First time home buyers say they don’t need a great room and a living room or a dining room and a breakfast nook. Many prefer smaller homes that take up less room and use less energy. As equity builders, these flexible plans have 'growth' options allowing expansion for the future.

But building the weekend retreat as a haven in the mountains or beach requires a fresh approach. We asked, "What do people do when they go to their mountain or water retreat?"



You responded overwhelmingly...
"I need an escape...I'm stressed out."
"I'm coming with kids OR I'm not coming with kids."
"We definitely want an area for entertaining...a place to have meals and a glass of wine...I'm here to relax."
"A second bedroom is essential."
"My vacation home needs flexible space for my changing needs as life goes on."
"Make sure I have a washer and dryer...in case the baby spits up. You never know."
"Yes, give me an owner's closet, a private place for storage, so I can rent it out."
"I'd love a porch with a couple of Adirondack chairs! I'm going to snuggle with my favorite book."


Julie’s Jewel Boxes are not only baby-doll cute, jewel box cute; they are also affordable. And these little gems are superbly functional! Well-designed around the way you live, these homes boast front porches large enough to serve as outdoor living rooms, built-in niches for pictures and knick knacks, and loft areas to create the illusion of space while maximizing storage. These right-sized homes live bigger than their size.


Smaller houses also require less maintenance, saving you time and money so you can do the things you enjoy! Energy efficiency keeps your monthly utility expenses down.

“Our Made from Scratch™ homes are well-built with attention to detail, quality and value,” says Julie LaTerra. “From Craftsmen to Victorian, these bungalow homes are the perfect haven for people who need less space and want to relax. Give your family the opportunity to take pleasure in a second home experience and enjoy the mountains or coastline.”


For more information, visit us at http://www.julielaterrahomes.com/ or call us at 704.979.1188

Meet Mandy!

I am so excited to be a part of the Julie LaTerra Homes blog team. My name is Mandy Singleton and I have the best job in the world. Having been in the new home sales industry for about 15 years, I have the incredible opportunity as the sales manager of Julie LaTerra Homes to work with some of the most talented and well-trained group of people every day. Our team of sales consultants and designers are each uniquely gifted and are committed to the mission statement of our company which is to “enhance people’s lives.”

Part of my responsibilities is to train, coach, motivate and inspire my team to be the best that they can be in their chosen profession. This is easy to do working at Julie LaTerra Homes!! We are aware that buying a home is one of the biggest financial investments that you can make and our goal is to make this process both fun and exciting – the way home buying should be. We want you to be more than satisfied; we want you to be a raving fan of Julie LaTerra Homes.

Because Julie is a boomer -focused and woman -focused builder, I get the privilege to bring you a weekly blog that focuses on the diverse and unique needs of these groups. As a woman focused builder, we know that 91% of the buying decisions are made by women, therefore, we are constantly learning so that we can offer you the best and most up-to-date techniques, service and products available. We will bring you more information about this in upcoming blogs.

We will also talk about the boomer generation. This generation is the largest demographic in history and they are redefining many things in the market place. Get ready for some interesting topics that will help you understand more about this generation.

2009 - The Best Year Ever!

The other day, I was listening to a conversation between two people who were talking about how they could not wait for 2008 to end. Their hopes are that 2009 will be better. One of the ladies recounted all of the bad things that had happened personally to her, such as having had skin cancer removed; her mother had been hospitalized; she tore a ligament in her knee, etc. As I listened to her I thought, “Wow, what a negative perspective. The cancer was not melanoma, her mother’s health improved; while a torn ligament is painful, it did heal; and the other incidents that she described turned out well in the end.” Her perspective on the entire year was so negative. It made me wonder how many of her 40 plus years were viewed from that negative perspective.

As we look back at 2008, we know at Julie LaTerra Homes that we had a great year and as we look forward to 2009, we do so with eager anticipation that it will be the best year ever. You may be wondering how a custom homebuilder can view 2008 in a positive light. We believe that despite what the media says, now is a great time to buy a brand new home. Pricing is very aggressive and there is definitely increased availability in the marketplace. I came across a statistic the other day that said for the first time in 40 years, we are seeing both low interest rates and low pricing. How awesome is that! With aggressive pricing and historically low interest rates already in place, 2009 will be the best year ever.