Showing posts with label Julie LaTerra Homes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julie LaTerra Homes. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Weatherize Your Home BEFORE You Start Feeling the Chill

So the weather is STILL all over the place in the Carolinas, LOL. You've got the heat running in the morning and overnight, then the afternoon heats things up to 75+ and you've got the AC going! With all that in mind, it sure does make you think about where all the energy's going. For instance, I just spoke to a friend who found out that an automated fan in her attic was sucking all the warm air out from downstairs ... thus the $300 heating bill! And when you realize that, on average, half of the energy used in a home is for heating and cooling, you start to see how things can really add up.

Check this out: http://julielaterrahomes.com/finishing-tips-and-resources.aspx to learn some tricks of the trade to keep your power bill cool, and your living areas warm this season.

In the meantime, I'm saving money on energy costs by opening up my windows and blinds, and letting the sun light up my workspace, and not to mention, keep me comfortably warm. Oh how I love the fall season!

And don't forget about "After-Hours" tonight. My online office hours will be from 5:30 to 7:30. I'll be here on Blogger, as well as Facebook and Twitter. Just check it all out at http://www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com/ !

Monday, October 19, 2009

Got Curb Appeal?

Recently, we have had several customers visit us at Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center who are considering building a brand new custom home. They do have to sell their current home and are in the process of doing all of those things necessary to get their home market-ready.
As you know, curb appeal is so important and you want your home to stand out from the others. If you are in this situation, one of the things that you need to do is to prepare your lawn and now is the perfect time to do that. You need to aerate, put down grass seed and fertilize. Also, water your lawn for a few minutes daily for the first week. Within a week to ten days you should see new grass growing and the rest of your lawn will look lush and green.
With just a little bit of effort, your home will have much better curb appeal and will sell a little faster and you can start designing and building your brand new Made from Scratch custom home with Julie LaTerra Homes!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

After-Hours Consulting ... Free!!

Don't forget about tomorrow night's After-Hours consulting session! We're utilizing social media in a whole new way - by using it to offer free consulting! Join us HERE every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 for free after-hours consulting with Julie. You've asked - now you shall receive! Pitch discussion topics and questions by contacting us at www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Achieving Customer Satisfaction


Have any of you read the book called The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn? The main point of the book is that no matter what your job is, there are things you can do to provide excellent customer satisfaction. He used his mailman as the example of this and, yes, his name is Fred.
I am always on the lookout for excellent customer service and recently had a fabulous experience that I wanted to pass along to you. Of all places, it was at the grocery store, which was where I least expected to experience it. I was in a hurry to check out as I was running late to my next appointment. I had some cases of water in my cart and was going to put them on the platform to speed up the process. Before I had a chance to do this, the cashier explained that her scanner could do this with the items still in the cart and that I did not need to remove them. As she scanned all of my items, she asked me about my day, and made sure my groceries were packaged the way that I like. She also made sure that someone helped load the groceries into my car. She definitely exceeded my expectations!
All of the cashiers are trained the same way at this store, but she went above and beyond to make sure that I was satisfied. I am a frequent shopper at this particular store and the cashiers do not always provide the same level of service. She genuinely came across as being interested in making sure that I had a pleasant shopping experience. It created a memorable experience for me and when I am at this store, I always look to see if she is working so that I can go to her line. We actually gave her a “Fred Award” for her outstanding service.
As a custom homebuilder, it has always been very important that we give our customers the very best in customer service. As a matter of fact, it is part of the ongoing training program at Julie LaTerra Homes for our team of designers and sales consultants. Our company’s mission statement is “Enhancing People’s Lives,” and one of the ways that we do this is by providing excellent customer service to our customers throughout the entire build process and beyond.
If you can, you should put this book on your reading list. It definitely makes you think about things that you can do in your job or with your family that will enhance their lives.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Julie & Julia


This past weekend I went to see the movie “Julie and Julia” and loved every moment of it. If you haven’t had the chance to see this yet, please put this on your “Must Do” list. Meryl Streep is phenomenal as Julia Childs! There is a scene in the movie where Julie, who has decided to cook through every recipe in the Julia Child’s cookbook in 365 days, has a complete meltdown in her kitchen. She is living in an apartment that is 900 square feet, so you can imagine how small the kitchen is.
I am sure we can all relate to that feeling of needing more cabinet space to store the appliances, dishes, and other cooking utensils. We all know the desire to have a pantry that allows us to find things quickly and where we can stay organized. We all know the desire to have more countertop space where we can master that complicated and complex meal preparation. We need to spread out, but are so limited and it can definitely cause frustration. We all know when the kitchen is too small, and when more than one person is in this vital room, the feeling of claustrophobia that overcomes us. All of these factors create so much frustration and emotional disturbance, to say the least.
Julie LaTerra Homes, Charlotte’s custom home builder, has a team of designers who can help you design the kitchen of your dreams. Imagine having pull out shelves where you can easily reach your desired item. Imagine a walk-in pantry where you can properly arrange those canned items and find exactly what you need. I know you can imagine having enough counter space to work efficiently, and have multiple tasks going on at the same time and not feel over crowded. Let your imagination run wild. Please visit our website, www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com, and make plans to visit our state of the art design center which is here to inspire you in your custom home design.

Monday, August 17, 2009

What's Cooking in the Kitchen


Throughout the years of being involved in the custom home building industry, we have discovered that the most favorite room in the home is the kitchen. That is not too surprising since it is the place where family and friends gather to share meals, engage in conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee and reconnect at the end of the day. Because of the versatility of this room, there are several things that you will want to consider when planning your ideal kitchen.
One of the things that you will need to analyze is your budget. The majority of the costs will be spent on flooring, appliances, cabinets and countertops. You need to consider the way you live and what items are most important to you. If cooking is not that important to you, you may not want to invest in the top of the line appliances. On the other hand, if you are an aspiring Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray, state of the art appliances might be exactly what you need.
Another item you will want to consider is how you use your kitchen. Is it the gathering place for your family and friends? Do you want separate work areas and gathering areas so that everyone can have enough space and feel comfortable? Is a smaller cozier kitchen more appealing to you?
You will also want to think about the type of flooring you want in that room and how that will fit into the rest of your home. Ceramic tile tends to be harder on the feet and not as forgiving when you drop something unexpectedly however; it gives a classic look and there are so many incredible textures, colors and designs available! Hardwood flooring is another option that is easy to maintain and has a fabulous presentation. Think about how your family lives and the things that are important to you in your kitchen so that you can stay within the budget you desire.
The design team at Julie LaTerra Homes is available to ask questions and listen to what is important to you in your new home so that you can have the most important room in your home turn out just like you envision.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Julie LaTerra Homes Healthy Tips

The other day, I read an article in Southern Living Magazine about 6 things that you can do for a healthier, happier you. These are some practical and fun ideas for a family or individual. The only one I would have to give some serious consideration to is item #5 on the list! I hope you enjoy these and can incorporate these into your lifestyle.
1. As the kids head back to school, help whip their minds into shape by playing board games with them. It’s true: Brain-stimulating memorization games can make you smarter. These activities increase skills such as reasoning and problem-solving. So get out that game of Concentration or Memory (if you can remember where it is).
2. While schedules may be picking up, don’t forget to pencil in some family time around the table. Teens who dine with their families five or more times a week are less likely to use drugs or alcohol and more often earn better grades. The fact is teenagers actually want to eat dinner with their families--even if you’re having leftover meatloaf surprise.
3. Enjoy summer until the very last sun drop. Spending 10 or 15 minutes outside gives you enough vitamin D to lower your chance of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up around the lining of the arteries, causing a decrease in the flow of blood and oxygen. While doctors don’t yet know exactly how vitamin D is linked to lower occurrences of PAD, it seems that a daily dose of heavenly sunshine is part of the ideal prescription for artery health.
4. Be sure to schedule some time for you too. Meditating for 20 minutes a day can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, as well as increase your energy level and strengthen your immune system. As a bonus to you and your family, meditating can also reduce anxiety, depression, and anger.
5. Recent research shows that drinking 2 cups of beet juice a day may reduce blood pressure. This powerful root veggie contains nitrate, which has also been proven to fight colon cancer and protect against heart disease. Now I just can’t see myself chugging down “straight up” glassfuls of the tangy, purple-red liquid, but maybe I’ll try to find a recipe for a beet smoothie. Yum!
6. Here’s a sunny thought: You may be able to delay biological aging by up to 12 years by doing aerobic exercises (and having healthy habits, of course). Sticking with a workout regimen throughout life helps increase metabolism, which normally slows in middle age. Aerobic exercise also allows you to maintain strength, balance, and coordination, which help deter injuries or illnesses.
All of us at Julie LaTerra Homes, Charlotte’s premier custom home builder, hope you enjoy the last days of summer with your family. For more exciting tips, please visit our web site at www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Julie LaTerra Homes Designs Center on Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers looking for a different approach to custom homebuilding in Charlotte, NC have a unique opportunity to own a new home designed around their lifestyle needs. The Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center, conveniently located near I-77 in Huntersville, NC, offers a variety of home plans and features that are specifically tailored to Baby Boomers.
Julie LaTerra Homes offers a unique custom homebuilding method based on the concepts of livability and aging in place, which allows aging homeowners to continue living in their home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level. With 72% of the population 45 and older wanting to remain in their own home as they grow older, Julie LaTerra Homes has developed the Built for Baby Boomers collection of home plans offering selections and options that allow the home to grow with the homeowner.
The Built for Baby Boomers collection of floor plans is designed to provide this generation of homeowners the ability to "right size" instead of downsize. Many Empty Nesters and Baby Boomers look forward to the day when the children have left the nest and their homes become totally catered to their needs. It's an exciting time offering these buyers groups' endless possibilities to customize their world.
The key to being able to design the perfect home for this type of buyer is to identify the changing needs of the individual or couple and to maximize the design for the possibilities of aging in place. At Julie LaTerra Homes we have the expertise to guide our clients with identifying their changing needs and to help them 'right size' instead of downsize using our unique floor plans and options. All plans include additional storage space, relaxation areas, formal and casual entertainment space and flexible rooms that can change along with a homewoner's particular need during any stage of life.
Julie LaTerra Homes has created the Design Center to showcase a variety of custom home options to accomodate the needs and lifestyle of today's Baby Boomers. Homebuyers interested in building a custom home are invited to visit the Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center for a free consultation to explore the opportunities to own a new home from the Baby Boomers collection.
Personal design consultants are available to help homebuyers choose from hundreds of design ideas or thousands of decorator solutions to customize a home that will fit their lifestyle and personality for many years to come. The designers at Julie LaTerra Homes cinsider all of the features and components important to Baby Boomers while informing buyers about the finish and feature options. Homebuyers can choose from the Built for Baby Boomer home plans or work with a design consultant to develop a personalized home plan.

Friday, July 31, 2009

Recently, I have been thinking about the different stages of life, infancy, childhood, adolescence, early, middle and late adulthood. As humans we are either growing or dying. There may also be times in all of our lives where we plateau and don't do anything to cause us to become better or improve. We stop pushing ourselves to become better and we become stagnant. We just coast along and don't do anything to stretch ourselves.
When you don't set goals, you become stagnant. It reminds me of looking at a Petri dish in science class that is filled with water that has not been able to circulate. It is stagnant and has the appearance of mold and algae growing in it. Definitely not a pretty picture and definitely not where you want to be, I am sure.
Several years ago, I realized that I needed to start setting goals and experienced the great feeling of happiness when I achieved my goals. When you reach your goals you are growing and maturing and bearing fruit that, otherwise , you would not bear.
I encourage you to take some time and examine your life and your work. Where are you in the growth cycle? Choose to move towards growth. If you want to own a brand new custom home, but need to sell your existing one and can't bear the thought of getting your home ready to put on the market, take one small step in that direction. Then tomorrow set another goal and another one the day after that. Before you know it, you will be living in your dream home.
At the Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center, our trained staff of professionals can help you in setting those goals to get your home market ready as well as assisting you in the ideal design for your Made from Scratch custom home. Please visit our web site at www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com today or call us at 704.875.3980.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Blood Drive


The staff at Julie LaTerra Homes, Charlotte’s premier custom home builder, had the opportunity to participate with the Huntersville, North Carolina American Red Cross in their “Give a Pint Get a Pint” Blood Drive on Thursday, July 9, 2009. Ben and Jerry’s gave a pint of free ice cream to all who donated a pint of blood and the turnout was excellent! It was such a great opportunity to meet and get to know the staff and volunteers of the Huntersville, North Carolina American Red Cross. It was also a great opportunity to meet so many people from all different walks of life who donate not only their blood, but take the time out of their busy schedules to help with such a worthy cause.
It had been quite a while since I donated blood and I was a little nervous at first because of the prick of the needle. Fortunately, there was nothing to it and for 15 minutes of my time; I got a free T-Shirt, a free pint of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, free tickets to a Charlotte Knight’s baseball game and a coupon at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I haven’t even mentioned the great snacks they served afterwards. This was a first class and well run blood drive and I would encourage anyone who hasn’t donated to think about coming to the Huntersville American Red Cross which is located at 9800 Kincey Ave. Suite 110, Huntersville, NC 28078.
After you have donated your blood, please stop by the Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center which is located in the same business park at 13801 Reese Blvd. Ste 110, Huntersville, NC 28078 or visit our web site at http://www.julielaterra/homes.com

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Versatile Color Blue

Color matters. Studies show people put a higher importance on color over touch, smell or hearing. Did you know your eyes would blink less frequently when exposed to the color blue as opposed to the color red?

Blue jeans and blue skies; blue feels and smells clean. Think of pastel sky blue and you will feel passive, even dreamy. Blue can express trustworthiness, reliability, confidence, intelligence and belonging, which is why it is frequently the color of police uniforms. First place contestants receive blue ribbons and a ‘blue power suit’ is the traditional suit worn in the business world. Blue depicts coolness, consistency, dependability, quietness, and freshness and is the favorite color of most people.

My favorite flower, the blue hydrangea, makes me think of blue skies, peaceful oceans, and favorite summers spent in Nantucket. The deep blue petals of the iris, the lacey light blue of a hydrangea, or the dramatic blue of violets imply faithfulness and can bring calmness to our hectic worlds. Perhaps this is the reason why so many of us choose blue flowers when we want to send a message of peace and tranquility.

Blue plays a significant role in other cultures. In ancient Persia ‘Blue’ was a sacred color symbolizing paradise. In Egypt, the color ‘Blue’ was a symbol of the Nile and related to crops and fertility. In early Europe, warriors painted their faces ‘Blue’ prior to going to battle. Finally, according to Western tradition, ‘something borrowed something blue’ is representative of faithfulness and loyalty.

Here is some ‘Blue’ trivia. Have you heard the saying ‘once in a blue moon?’ The Farmer's Almanac describes a blue moon as the phenomenon of a full moon occuring twice in one calendar month.

You ask ‘How do I use ‘Blue’ in home décor?’ Well, the Blue Room at the White House is used for receptions, receiving lines, and small dinners. A blue room can be grand and majestic like the White House or calming, where time passes slowly and you will not feel rushed. Colorful farmhouse blues and yellow combine well and work perfectly in a room. Use Nantucket Blues and white accents for a breezy, nautical feel. Fun and whimsical blues can make a fine addition to your new home. Make bold statements in your home with blue walls. Whether bold and bright, or soft and soothing, versatile blue is calming in any shade.

At Julie LaTerra Homes monthly Girls Night Out, color is one of the topics we frequently explore. To find out more about this fun-filled entertaining night, contact us at 704.979.1188 or visit us on the web at http://www.julielaterrahomes.com/

Saturday, April 18, 2009

How To Design the Perfect Room in your Brand New Home

After years of working in the new home industry there are a few things that have become very apparent to me. The best homes seem to have a room where everyone gathers and enjoys each other’s company. This room has enough space for everyone to get comfortable, yet it keeps people close enough to each other so that no one has to raise the volume of their voice to be heard. This “Perfect Room” has windows that allow in natural light and provides serene views of the great outdoors! The big question seems to be, “How do I design this perfect room?”

Answer: The perfect room isn’t exactly a set of dimensions and window sizes that create the perfect space. In fact, when I refer to “The Perfect Room” I do not think of a definition or exact set of rules that make this happen. “The Perfect Room” is not universal; it is something that needs to be custom tailored to suit the needs of those enjoying it. The only way for you to truly get the perfect space is to sit with a design consultant who can help you design this room in your new home. Julie LaTerra Homes has been helping our highly valued customer’s design rooms like this for over 24 years.

The only way to get your perfect room is by considering the number of people that you envision enjoying this room. Then consider the type of furniture that you like, is it a couch? Is it a reclining sofa seat? Then consider where the home is located and how you want to position it on your land so that the sun is shining through the windows at the perfect angle for you to enjoy those relaxing evenings. Finally consider what rooms come within reach of this special space, it could be that you want the kitchen near-by for snacks, or a wet bar area to serve drinks and snacks. Perhaps a crackling fireplace would be a great way to bring in that warm cozy feeling, or even doors that open up to a large covered patio?

Whoever you are, however you live your life, and no matter what your unique needs are; Julie LaTerra Homes is the builder who can help you have the home of your dreams. For over 24 years we have been building homes that enhance people’s lives and it is because we pay close attention to every detail in the new home building process to ensure that you get the exact home that you deserve. Contact us today to begin designing your brand new Made From Scratch™ Custom Home! Call 704-979-1188 or visit us online at http://www.julielaterrahomes.com/