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Water is a central element in the site plan development of BridgeWater, which was built on reclaimed phosphate-mining land and includes five deep, crystal-clear lakes. As a result, 90 percent of the lots in the community have a lake view. In brainstorming names for the lakes, the sales and...
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Company will offer up to $100,000 in incentives and bonuses to home buyers who sign contracts this weeked in 31 markets.
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In this segment, expert panelists cover current sales and marketing challenges, business plan predictions for 2008, and long-term prospects for the industry.
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Jeff Burton, president of American Dream Development, raised more than a few eyebrows when he bought the site of an old drive-in theater on Grant Avenue in Junction City, Kan., to build a townhome neighborhood. No one had ever built for-sale townhomes in Junction City, a community of about 19,000...
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Orland Park Crossing, 30 miles southwest of Chicago, has lots of what its target market—young professionals and downsizers—wanted, including good commuting options, top-notch interior features, and proximity to a new redevelopment area in the Village of Orland Park.
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The top executives of the two government-sponsored enterprises, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, told the House Committee on Financial Services today that they plan to offer programs to help homeowners facing delinquent subprime loans with opportunities to refinance and stay in their homes. Daniel Mudd...
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A slower pace, streamlined choices, and more education lead to higher options sales at Ryland Homes in Phoenix.
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Spring is always an important time for home builders, as nearly 40 percent of new-home sales take place between March and June. This year's spring season is more important than ever, as Wall Street, economists, and the industry at-large try to gauge whether the home building industry can bounce...
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How often do buyers enter a splendidly appointed model home and say, “I want that,” but are frustrated because the cost of those furnishings would bust their budgets, or they have no way of purchasing the products? Apparently too often for D.R. Horton, which is why the industry's largest builder is...
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Softplan once again proves why it's still one of the most popular architectural CAD programs among builders with its latest release, Version 13.
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KB HOME, THE INDUSTRY'S FIFTH-largest builder, accepted the retirement of its CEO and chairman, Bruce Karatz, after an investigation conducted by members of KB's board of directors concluded that he and two other senior-level officials were involved in a scheme to backdate stock option grants to...
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NOT SO LONG AGO, THE GARAGE door was a humdrum slab that lacked any style or design options. Today there are seemingly limitless options so home buyers no longer have to settle for the ordinary.
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MANY OF THE ITEMS YOU PUT IN your homes appeal to buyers on an emotional level—a luxurious whirlpool tub that takes buyers' breath (and stress) away or a state-of-the-art entertainment room with all the bells and whistles. Sure, these items are way cool and look great, but do they really make life...
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INSTEAD OF TRYING TO COMBINE ITS SALES EFFORTS AND DESIGN selection process at its multiple communities around Boise, Idaho, Hubble Homes centralized the latter function with a 10,000-square-foot showroom adjacent to its corporate headquarters. Once buyers sign a contract, they have 45 days to...
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Orleans Homebuilders hopes to attract active adult buyers in southern New Jersey with a first-floor master bedroom.
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When David Jenkins, owner of Suwanee, Ga.–based Winmark Homes, decided to add a design center to his garden of home-grown operations, he dug deep into the family-owned business' talent well. Five-year Winmark veteran Marty Milbrett was appointed design center manager and tasked to find a novel take...
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MOVE OVER, INFINITY TUBS AND WARMING drawers. Elevators are fast becoming the new status symbol in residential design.
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It's a rainy Saturday in February, and home buyers Lisa and Chuck Brousseau have an appointment at Creative Touch Interiors (CTI), in Landover, Md., to select the hardwood and vinyl flooring, carpeting, padding, and window coverings for their new 4,700-square-foot home. The task doesn't seem...
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Although the Florida market may not be softening too much just yet, Mercedes Homes is already sharpening its competitive edge. Recognizing its unique market position as a leader in hurricane-resistant technology innovation, the builder has decided to make more than a dozen features—more often than...
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Hardwood floors and countertops are among the most apparent product categories when it comes to opportunities to glean profits through options and upgrades. How about carpet upgrades?