Archive for New Homes and Builders
What Do Home Buyers Really Want in Their New Highlands Ranch Home?
What do buyers want in a new home, and also what are buyers ready to leave behind in a new home in 2013? A new study released by NAHB, was designed to answer those questions and to provide a current and accurate info on buyers preferences.
The first answer is that buyers want Energy Efficiency:
- 94% want Energy Star Rated Appliances
- 91% want an Energy Star Rated Whole House
- 89% want Energy Star Rated Windows
- 88% want Ceiling Fans
Buyers Want their homes Organized:
- 93% want a Laundry ROOM
- 90% want a Linen Closet in the bathroom
- 86% want space in the garage to store bikes, sports equipment or gardening tools
- 85% want a Walk-In Pantry
But, what do buyers NOT want, or unlikely to buy:
- 70% do not want a home with an Elevator
- 66% do not want to live in a golf course community
- 56% do not want a Dense community
- 48% do not want a gated community
- 44% do not want a mixed use community
- 43% do not want a Two Story Family room
- 38% do not want a Two Story Entry Foyer
- 31% do not want a Full Outdoor Kitchen
These are new trends, of which next year, may have new ideas for new homes. Give me a call, at 303-888-2488, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net to discuss your home in todays real estate market, you will be surprised.
New Home Buyers in Highlands Ranch Want New Layouts In Their Homes
In 2012, the market for new single family homes picked up considerably, and the trend is still upward for the foreseeable future. The Denver Business Journal discussed the market condition with 4 homebuilders to see what new layouts for our new times for buyers of 2013 and into the future. Below are some of the highlights of that discussion.
Building permits in the 7 county Denver metro area were up 32% over the same period from 2011 to 2012.
According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data, inventory levels for reslaes are at a 10 year low.
New home trends will include an emphasis on:
- Continued emphasis on energy efficiencey
- Homes will be smaller than those built before the recession
- More outdoor living spaces incorporated into the home design, this is a Colorado thing
- De-emphasis on formal living and dining rooms and an emphasis on “great rooms”
- Laundry rooms that have migrated from the main floor up to the second floor.
- Replacing the master bathroom tub with a larger shower or adding more cabinet spaces
- Adding a covered patio as a major option
- A really nice BIG island
- Main floor ceilings heights at 9 foot vs the traditional 8 foot ceiling
- Incorporating finish work in the basement, and have the cost added to the mortgage
To discuss more real estate, or your concerns about a new home community, call me at 303-888-2488 or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net. We also have a buyers packet on the Top 20 items to watch for in a NEW HOME.
Future Community near Highlands Ranch, “Sterling Ranch” Loses in District Court
A Colorado district court judge has denied a request from the developer of Sterling Ranch to reconsider his order that reversed the Douglas County commissioners’ approval of the proposed 12,050-home development.
18th Judicial District Judge Paul King’s order on Friday states he followed the letter of a 2008 Colorado law when ruling the board “exceeded its authority” in approving Sterling Ranch’s development plan without requiring the company to prove an adequate water supply for the entire development. He denied the development company’s reconsideration request and denied the motion to remand the case back to Douglas County so it could make the water adequacy determination.
King’s original ruling caused the southern metro Denver business community to ask him to reconsider the ruling, saying it could hurt future development.
As described in our blog in 2011, the Douglas County commissioners in 2011 approved a zone change clearing the way for the planned 12,050-house, 3,400-acre development in northwest Douglas County. That allowed Sterling Ranch’s developer to prove its water supply as each platting was approved.
But the Chatfield Community Association filed a lawsuit against the board, challenging its approval of Sterling Ranch LLC’s development plan.
King ruled that the county Board of Commissioners had “exceeded its jurisdiction and abused its discretion” by approving Sterling Ranch’s water plan. His ruling stated Colorado law requires all developers to prove they have enough water to serve the entire development before any construction starts.
His Friday order stated pursuant to the 2008 law (Section 29-20-301), “our legislature has determined that securing an adequate supply of water for development can have a broad regional impact and it is imperative that local government be provided with reliable information concerning the adequacy of a proposed development’s water supply to aid local government in the exercise of its discretion.” He also restated his position that the law defines “adequate” as “a water supply sufficient for build-out of the proposed development in terms of quality, quantity, dependability and availability.”
Sterling Ranch “confessed that they did not submit proof of a water supply to the Board during the lengthy approval process,” Friday’s order stated.
Chatfield Communities attorney Jim Kreutz applauded the judge’s order.
For more discussions on one of the newest home communities, call me at 303-888-2488 or email at mcgmhg@earthlink.net.
Last Weekend to View the 2011 Parade of Homes
All 63 new homes on display from the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver will be open for the last weekend starting today, Thursday, thru Labor Day. The price is affordable as it is Free, but you will have to do the driving and navigating around Denver to each of the 19 front range cities and towns.
The price ranges are from 146,100 to 1.6 million, and there are 7 custom dream homes priced over a million at Heritage Hills in Lone Tree.
For a detailed list of the homes to see, click on 2011 Parade of Homes. If there are any of the homes or communities you wish to view or buy into, best to have a real estate professional on your side, and I can help. Call me at 303-888-2488, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net.
Douglas County Board of Commissioners approves Sterling Ranch
In a unanimous vote, the Commissioners approved the new developement with 8 conditions and 2 amendments.
Artist rendering of single family cluster housing in Sterling Ranch
If the developement builds out to its proposed goal of 12,000 homes, it could feature up to 30 miles of trails for mixed use from horse trails to biking and hiking use. One of the main contentions was the water source and water supply.
Artist rendering of Eastern Border of Sterling Ranch
The boards approvals of the Sterling Ranch planned development and water appeal are still contingent upon the changes to the proposals and are set for ratification on May 31, 2011.
Our previous blog on Sterling Ranch has more information about the development. In comparison, Highlands Ranch to the east of this development with 8100 acres of open space, 22 parks and 97,000 people.
The planned development has a 15-20 year build out.
Artist rendering of Willow Creek Open Space in Sterling Ranch
For more information on new home development in the south part of Denver, call me at 303-888-2488, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net.
HGTV 2011 Green House 3D tours
The tours don’t begin until May 5, to see the HGTV 2011 Green House in Stapleton, but we do have a link for you to see some of the rooms that they have designed.
Click on the HGTV 2011 Green House 3D tours, and don’t forget to click to order your $20 HGTV 2011 Green Home entrance ticket to see the home in person.
Of course you can always try and win the home through their sweepstakes, by clicking on Win a HGTV 2011 Green Home sweepstakes.
For guidance, and buyer broker real estate representation on any new home, email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net, or call me on my cell at 303-888-2488.
HGTV 2011 Green Home Tours in Stapleton begin May 5th
HGTV’s Green Home 2011 in Stapleton will have tours from May 5th to July 3rd, but you must have a ticket, and they cost $20 each. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets early.
The hours of tours will be Thurs. to Sat. from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday’s from Noon to 5pm, and will start at the Stapleton Discovery Center at 7706 Martin Luther King Blvd, not at the home itself.
For info, you can call 1/855/GO4-TOUR, or Reserve Your HGTV 2011 Green Home Tickets.
To discuss any aspects of new homes, and or the Green home, email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net.
Clocktower at Highlands Ranch March update
Clocktower at Highlands Ranch has been busy with their new townhome construction, and also on the first condo building. The following is an update of what is available.
The first condo building will be Building 5B, and they are busy with the basement garage foundation.
Looking west at the basement and parking for Condos
The townhomes have 3 buildings that have available units as 2 or 3 bedrooms, interior or end units:
Building 15 is near drywall installation and has 3 of the 4 units still available. The left unit is sold.
Building 15 with available townhomes at Clocktower
Building 10 and Building 7 are in the dirt moving stage, but building 10 has 5 of the 6 units available. The unit that will be constructed on the west side of the building is the one that is under contract. Building 7 on a mini corner location has 3 of the 4 units still available, as one of the end units already has a hold.
Moving dirt for buildings 10 and 7
For more information on these new townhomes and condos in Highlands Ranch, email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net, or call 303-888-2488.
Denver 2011 Parade of Homes Announces Dates
The 2011 Denver Parade of Homes tour, that will feature many Million dollar homes, scattered from Longmont down to Castle Rock has announced the dates for 2011. Save the weekends of August 11 thru Labor Day (Sept. 5th). Besides the weekends add on the Thursdays and Fridays in between for a total of 16 days to drive to all the different homes.
This event is sponsored by the Home Builders of Denver.
All the homes will be for sale, after you have viewed the homes and you see one you like, we can always meet to discuss purchasing your dream home. Email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net, or calling 303-888-2488.
Verona at Highlands Ranch Models have Plumbing and Electrical
Just came back from viewing the inside of the Verona Models: the Albero, the Barone, the Capello, and the level of completion is to the stage that the plumbing and the electrical have been installed. That will leave the insulation, then the drywall, and then the interior finishes.
As I was walking thru the models, some things were noticed. All the units have interior sprinkler systems, which is a nice luxury amenity not found in the suburbs. The construction also has a lot of 2×6 exterior wall construction, even between the units. What this means, is more insulation, and better sound proofing, which is always a concern of buyers.
Since the walls have gone up, the builder on many of their walkthru’s, have made wonderful changes that improve the flow and makeup of the units. This community will still be 55 and above, but they will make early concessions (***). Unfortunately the base price has risen since our last blog, viewed here discussing the 3 Verona models.
Email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net or call me at 303-888-2488 and I can let you know about the changes.
Spaces at The Ranch, Featured Home, Plan 3002, available soon
We just received the word that Shea Homes has an available home ready next month, at 9811 Dunning Circle, at a price of around $265,043. This will be 1734 square feet, a 2 sleep (bed), 3 splash (bathrooms) 2 story home.
3002 floor plan 3002 Artist rendering
Also comes with these features:
- Main-floor office
- Stainless steel appliances
- Solatube day lighting
- Cultured white marble countertops with integrated sink at all splash spaces
- 40″ flat-panel TV
- Wood-style laminate flooring throughout main floor
- European-style cabinetry in sable brown
- Stone backsplash at the kitchen
- Upgraded tile in the master splash
- Deck with stairs overlooking yard and garden-level basement
- Mountain and city vistas from master bedroom
Check out our quick video of Driving into The Spaces at the Ranch subdivision.
Contacting a buyer broker to help when buying a new home can save you thousands. Email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net, or call 303-888-2488.
HGTV Green home in Stapleton to be open in May 2011
HGTV has announced the times that the 2011 Green Home built in Stapleton will be open for viewing tours. This will be from May 5, 2011 to July 3, 2011, from about 10am to 6pm. There will also be fundraising to benefit Urban Peak organization.
You can view the outside by video at our previous blog with details of the materials used to build the green home.
As always you can call me at 303-888-2488, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net to discuss your new home build.
Clocktower at Highlands Ranch January 2011 update
Dirt is starting to turn over at Clocktower at Highlands Ranch, as the builder, Cardel has started 3 townhome buildings and finally started digging the basement/garage for the first condo building.
Digging the basement and garage for Clocktower
The condo building is located at the corner of Bristle Pine, and Lucent Blvd, and this building will be 4 levels, along with underground parking.
Having fun like using Tonka Trucks to move dirt
Some interior features will include:
- Slab granite counters
- 42″ maple cabinets
- Air conditioning
- 6 appliances (stove, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and dryer
- Window blinds
- and more features yet to come.
Townhome update:
Building 16: is all sold out
Building 15: all 4 units are available
Building 12: 1 unit sold, 2 on hold and 1 is still available
Building 10: 5 of the 6 units are still available
Take a look at our previous blogs about Clocktower at Highlands Ranch, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net. You can always call 303-888-2488 and order a copy of our report on how to buy a new home in Highlands Ranch.
Verona at Highlands Ranch has 3 townhome floor plans to choose
Verona at Highlands Ranch has 3 townhome floor plans to choose from at their new home community of low maintenance living for the 55 + active adults. This development is a concept living community. This will be a Tuscan townhome style condominiums nestled along the Highline Canal, with its miles of trails and access to dozens of parks. This is the perfect place for bike riding, jogging, or strolling along at sunset.
Picture yourself taking daily walks along the canal
The Capello floor plan is the smallest with 1411 square feet on the main level, and 948 square feet finished in the walkout basement, for a total of 2359 square feet finished. There will also be another 468 square feet of unfinished space in the basement.
The Albero floor plan is on the end with 1559 square feet on the main level, and 1168 square feet finished in the walkout basement, for a total of 2725 square feet finished. There will also be another 396 square feet of unfinished space in the basement.
The Barone floor plan is the 2 story floor plan with 1998 square feet on the upper levels, and 859 square feet finished in the walkout basement, for a total of 2857 square feet finished. There will also be another 175 square feet of unfinished space in the basement.
Base prices start at $408,000, and along with the many standard features, can be customized to your liking. A few of the standard features are:
- Slab granite kitchen counters
- Brushed nickel hardware
- Wrought iron balusters
- Cat5 wiring
- 8 foot panel doors
- Tankless Rinnai hot water system
- Air conditioning
- 9 foot tray ceilings in the lower level
To save money it is best to have a real estate broker on your side as your buyers agent. Call me at 303-888-2488, or email me at mcgmhg@earthlink.net. On my website we have a great report on the Top 20 items to watch for in a NEW HOME.
Grand Opening for the models of Spaces at The Ranch is January 22, 2011
The models are shaping up nicely at Spaces at The Ranch by Shea Homes, and they just announced that the grand opening will be January 22, 2011. They advertise that this is the first new-home concept of its kind, and will be available to view all finished from 10am to 6pm. Hello future.
Main model entrance of the 4 model homes at Spaces at The Ranch
westerly model, plan 3001 Spaces at The Ranch
We always recommend having a real estate broker as your advocate when purchasing a brand new home. Call me at 303-888-2488, or email at mcgmhg@earthlink.net to set up a time to discuss your needs.
When purchasing a brand new home it is wise to have our Top 20 items to watch for in a NEW HOME things to watch out for.
Model 3006 plan with a flat backyard
View o model 3004 plan with a garden level basement
