I don’t know if these closet doors are my bag. However, they defineitely add more than a splash of color. The doors are manufactured by Spazzi, which actually has some pretty cool design options. For more information, check out Trendir.
03
Dec 09
STILL A HISTORIC TIME TO BUY
| Tax credits and low rates continue. On November 6th, President Obama signed into law an extension and expansion of the first time homebuyer credit for contracts executed before April 30th. The new law will increase the qualifying income levels for couples up to $225,000/year, an almost $55,000 increase. Furthermore, the credit will be expanded to include existing homeowners that have owned their current primary residence for 5 of the previous 8 years. These individuals will be eligible for a tax credit up to $6,500. For more information about the credit, you can visit federalhousingtaxcredit.com. If $8000 of free money wasn’t enough to get you interested in shopping for a new home, maybe extraordinary low interest rates will do the trick. Interest rates continue to hover around all time lows. The 30-year fixed rate mortgage is currently averaging about 5% (5.11% APR**) and the 15-year fixed rate mortgage hovers around 4.5% (4.538% APR**). These interest rates will probably not hold much longer. Many economists speculate that the Federal Reserve will begin to raise interest rates in the 2nd quarter of next year. |
02
Dec 09
New Patio Homes in Rice Military
Developer: Acqua Homes
Builder: Habitat Construction
Number of Units: 1st phase complete (2 units), 2nd phase has not started (1 unit)
Price: $315,900
Size: 2100 SF
Architectural Style: Contemporary/Modern
Developer Info: Acqua Homes is a local Developer that has built successful projects in the Rice Military area. Their projects have consisted of mainly 3-story contempory patio homes. This development offers an open floor plan, spacious kitchen, large rooftop deck with downtown views, and excellent quality. Acqua Homes offers an affordable alternative in Rice Military while still providing an attractive floor plan and finishes. Definately worth a look.
25
Nov 09
Fresh Finishes – Bath Time
I’ve never been one for baths. I’ve always been a shower man myself. However, I think I this tub could change my attitude. I wouldn’t spending some quality time with some candles and bubbles in this tub by Pearl Baths.
Check out some of the cooler tubs we found in new construction homes in Houston:
25
Nov 09
Almeda on the rise
A recent article in the Houston Chronicle outlined the opportunities and challenges related to development on Houston’s Almeda Avenue in the Museum District. If you haven’t been down Almeda between 59 and MacGregor lately, you should. It has truly been transformed. The intersections have been paved in brick. Many of the strip centers have totally been renovated. Now that the Mosaic condominium project has found a new partner in Starwood Corp, the area will more than likely continue its upward trend.
23
Nov 09
New Townhomes in the Museum District
Builder: Carmel Builders
Neighborhood: Museum District
Number of Units: 7 total, 3 left
Price: $399,990 – $554,900
Size: 2264 – 2652 SF
Architectural Style: Traditional
Builder info: Carmel Builders is subsidiary of McGuyer Homebuilders, Inc. which has offices in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas/Ft. Worth. Their other brands include Pioneer Homes, Plantation Homes, and Coventry Homes. The Carmel brand is a relatively new brand that has focused more on inner city townhome developments. The townhomes at 4900 Caroline feature a stucco and stone exterior, 3-sided fireplaces, and hardwood floors. The kitchens feature custom maple cabinetry, stainless steel Wolf appliances, and granite countertops. This development is located just minutes away from Downtown, The Texas Medical Center, and Hermann Park.
20
Nov 09
Green Home – American Clay
American clay is a natural earth plaster that can be used in a variety of applications. Non-toxic and made in the USA, these plasters are an alternative to cement, acrylic and lime plasters, offering superior color, richness, texture and depth not found with other finishes. It comes in a variety of colors and finishes. It is applied similar to other plaster products using a trowell. Although home owners may have better performance hiring an experienced installer, detailed instructions are available for the handy home owner. See samples of this product and it’s application at New Living on Kirby in Houston.
More info can be found HERE
18
Nov 09
New Patio Homes in the Museum District
Architect: Intexure Architects
Builder: Mod Fab LLC.
Neighborhood: Museum District
Number of Units: 5 total, 1 left
Price: $375,000-$525,000
Size: 1850-2400
Architectural Style: Contemporary/Modern
Architect/Builder info: This is the 2nd phase of modern patio homes designed by Intexure Architects which a very hands-on architect/builder. These homes can be custom designed to fit the buyer’s needs. Intexture has been designing and building homes since 2001 and many of their designs have been featured in the AIA home tour.
16
Nov 09
New Townhomes in the Museum District
Builder Name: Daybreak Custom Homes
Development Name: Wichita Village
Neighborhood: Museum District
Number of Units: 5 total, 3 left
Price: $349,950-$549,950
Size: 2200-3300SF
Architectural Style: Mediterranean
Builder Info: Daybreak has been building custom homes and townhomes since 2000. In addition to their townhome developments in the inner loop, Daybreak also builds custom homes in Royal Oaks, Fort Bend County, and many other parts of Houston. Wichita Village features traditional design elements like hardwood floors, granite counter tops, custom cabinets, 12′ ceilings, and stainless steel Bosh appliances. Daybreak takes many of the design features and finishes that are typical in their $1 million and above homes and applies it successfully in this project.
13
Nov 09
EXTENSION & EXPANSION OF THE HOMEBUYER CREDIT IS ON ITS WAY
As you may have heard, the tax credit for First-time homebuyers was set to expire at the end of this month. This deadline has caused a lot of prospective homebuyers to rush to find a new home in the past few weeks and many will not make it. Also, there has been a lot of concern that the expiration of the First-time Homebuyer credit might put a halt to the recovery currently going on in the new residential construction market.
The Senate, in their benevolent wisdom, has passed a bill that will extend and expand the tax credit. In its current form, the bill will extend the $8000 tax credit through April 30th of next year. Also, it will increase the qualifying income levels for couples up to $225,000/year, an almost $55,000 increase. Furthermore, the credit will be expanded to include existing homeowners that have owned their current primary residence for 5 of the previous 8 years. These individuals will be eligible for a tax credit up to $6,500. The bill still needs to work its way through the House of Representatives, and some of the details might change. However, this action is a good step in the right direction for prospective homebuyers. For more information about the Senate Bill, go here.