10 Tips for a Better Web Site Redesign
If your Web site is easy to navigate, has current, up-to-date information and you get multiple e-mail leads each day, you might feel good about it. But if you think you are ready to take a breather, think again. Forward-thinking home builders are already introducing the next generation of Web sites.
Classic Spanish Revival: 2006 BALA Award Winner
This 10-unit cluster celebrates classic Spanish revival architecture of the 1920s and 1930s eras. The community incorporates historic courtyards with entries facing common areas to continue the Spanish revival theme. Plan 8 takes advantage of its panoramic views of Long Beach, Calif.
2007 Color Forecast Calls for Earth Shades
Choosing the right color for a model living room or an entire development entails more than just flipping through paint swatches. Color consultants will tell you that color has enormous effect by distinguishing a model home, making it more memorable.
How Home Builders Can Generate Positive Press
Despite the avalanche of bad press about housing, it's still possible for builders — even small ones-— to generate good news. Customers like to do business with builders who have a good reputation
Live/Work Lofts: 2006 BALA Award Winner
Santiago Street Lofts is the first transit-oriented live/work loft community for California's Orange County. Built on a 4.3-acre infill lot, these lofts take advantage of the proximity to the Regional Transit Center and I-5 freeway.
The Impact of Speculative Investors on Home Building
Just as quickly as the Gold Rush came and went, it seems the escalating real-estate market has done the same. Some blame speculators. Some blame builders. Regardless of who was out to make a quick buck, the reality is that housing sales are down.
Unearthing a Crisis
Home building recently gave new meaning to the term skeleton crew: sites recently being excavated in Texas by Lennar Homes and in Pennsylvania by Pulte Homes turned up long-forgotten graves. In Texas, there are approximately 50,000 cemeteries, according to the Texas Historical Commission. With statistics like this, it's easy to understand how a builder could encounter remains.
Coastal Craftsman: 2006 BALA Award Winner
This second-home retreat near the emerald shores of Panama City Beach, Fla., caters to move-up buyers, empty nesters and families seeking a vacation home.
Remington Homes: In My Own Words
Greg Rose, general sales manager of Remington Homes, shares the products they prefer to use in the homes they build.
The New Democratic Congress Impact on Builders
Builders have a keen eye on the new Democratic-dominated Congress because they could hold the cards for their future workforce. Many in the construction industry anticipate Congress' shift after a long GOP reign that might bring housing issues to the forefront and conclude others.
