Real Estate Wire/Green Trends News Wire

(Reprinted from Modular Home Coach) I just asked the ultimate source of knowledge in the Universe, Google "What is a modular home?" In less than a 1/10 of a second Google returned the following definition. This is their definition, not something I pulled from a website.  "A modular home is simply a home built to local building codes in a controlled, environmentally protected building center using precise and efficient construction technology. They are built to the same codes as a site built home." Google  Let's break this down into smaller pieces and see if they have it correct. "A modular home is simply a home built to local building codes" Yes, it is built to meet or exceed ALL Federal, State, IRC, Energy and local codes you could possibly think of including codes that are written specifically for modular housing. Site builders would have a hard time meeting all the codes imposed on modular housing which means home buyers that choose modul...

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. -- Generation Homes will begin construction later this month on The Marshall, a 1,920 square foot beach cottage in Magnolia Dunes in St. Augustine Beach, Fla., the perfect blend of elegance and a family-friendly beach home. The home encompasses all the style, graciousness, versatility and quality Generation Homes conveys to today’s homeowner. The one-story home will have three bedrooms, two baths and an oversized bay garage for more room to hang and store. The spacious design features great room living with formal dining areas, welcoming front porch entry, state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen and an amazing grow home optional space for a home office or den. The family centric living room is accented with a magnificent fireplace and built in cabinetry, picture perfect as a social setting or private retreat.  The flowing floor plan opens to the separate dining room leading to the spacious well-appointed kitchen. A chef’s delight with with En...

The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) has announced it selected the state’s top 15 builders of sustainable homes to honor as part of the group’s 15th anniversary celebration. “These builders are being recognized for their conscientious green building efforts in creating healthier and safer homes and a more sustainable Florida,” said Suzanne Cook, executive director of FGBC.  “As FGBC marks its 15th anniversary, we're pleased to salute their contributions to creating more resilient communities and protecting Florida’s natural resources.” FGBC certified homes complete a technically rigorous building assessment and construction process to promote design and construction practices that reduce the negative environmental impacts of the building, improve occupant health and well-being, and reduce operating costs for the owner.  The Top 15 builders, selected based on the number of FGBC certifications, will be recognized at GreenTrends, the annual two-day conference that br...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- LandSouth Construction, a Jacksonville, Fla. based general contractor specializing in multifamily, senior housing and mixed use developments, has begun construction on the third and final phase of American House, a $13,834, 644 senior living community in Bonita Springs, Fla. With Phase III scheduled to open in the fall of 2016, American House is being developed by nationally known American House Senior Living Communities. Progressive Associates is the architect. Phase three of the project is a Tuscan style three-story building featuring 88 independent one- and two-bedroom private apartment homes, in addition to two-bedroom apartments with a den.  In addition to convenience and location, residents will enjoy modern trim and finishes including European cabinetry and quartz countertops. “This is really upscale independent senior living. Large residences with fashionable finishes, concierge service, dining facilities and a large veranda that offers ...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.   -- LandSouth Construction, a Jacksonville, Fla. based general contractor specializing in multifamily, senior housing and mixed-use development will soon begin construction on Integra Junction, a $28 million apartment community in Odessa, Fla. just 30 miles from Tampa. Integra Junction is being developed by Integra Land Development of Lake Mary, Fla. Charlan Brock and Associates of Maitland, Fla. is the architect. Completion is scheduled for March 2017. “LandSouth Construction has been creating extraordinary multifamily communities for nearly 17 years, and we are thrilled to announce groundbreaking for Integra Junction, which will demonstrate the workmanship, quality and value that we have become known for,” said James Pyle, president, LandSouth Construction. With an impressive array of features and amenities, there will be 322 garden style apartments in eleven four-story buildings with elevators. Residences will be available in eleven uniqu...

Builder confidence in the market for newly constructed single-family homes rose three points in October to a level of 64 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). This month’s reading is a return to HMI levels seen at the end of the housing boom in late 2005. “The fact that builder confidence has held in the 60s since June is proof that the single-family housing market is making lasting gains as more serious buyers come forward,” said NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo. “However, our members continue to tell us there are still pockets of softness in some markets across the nation, and that they face challenges regarding the availability of lots and labor.” “With October’s three-point uptick, builder confidence has been holding steady or increasing for five straight months. This upward momentum shows that our industry is strengthening at a gradual but consistent pace,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “With ...

The Florida Home Builders Association installed Ray Puzzitiello as its 66th President on Saturday during the FHBA Fall Leadership Conference at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.  Puzzitiello is the Master Builder and Managing Member of Puzzitiello Builders in West Palm Beach, Florida. “Ray is a strong believer in creating a better business environment for the building industry,” said Rusty Payton, FHBA CEO/Chief Lobbyist. “He has a clear understanding of the issues facing builders and trade partners, and will challenge the FHBA to go above and beyond for its members this year.” Puzzitiello is a third generation builder from Cleveland Ohio who grew up working in the family home building business. He brings with him the experience of more than four decades as a builder, master craftsman, and contractor.  He also served as the 2015 FHBA Vice President/Treasurer and the 2014 FHBA Secretary. This, coupled with his leadership role in the Gold Coast ...

JEAN SUMMERS PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla.  – Realtor®  Jean Summers has earned the Nocatee Certification giving her access to exclusive meetings with the community’s developers and builders’ site agents to stay on top of new opportunities and incentives for her clients. Developed by the PARC Group, Nocatee is the third fastest growing community in the nation. The certification program is designed to prepare agents to better assist clients when considering buying in the popular community. “The certification really benefits the buyer because we have the latest real estate information from inside the growing community. It’s changing every day. For buyers interested in the Nocatee area, a certified agent is a great place to start,” noted Summers. “There are many advantages to using a Realtor who is Nocatee Certified. Located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Summers has been through specific training to become an expert on the Nocatee. As part of her training, she is familiar...

NEW YORK, – More Americans are planning holiday-related purchases this year than in 2014 – and those who plan to shop will spend more over a longer period of time.  The 2015 International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Consumer Forecast shows 90 percent of Americans are planning holiday purchases this season, up from 82 percent last year. And overall, 80 percent of shoppers plan to spend the same or more this holiday season than they did in 2014. Holiday shoppers will spend an average of $702 this season – up from $677 in 2014 – allocated as follows:  $575 on holiday gifts;  $127 on all other holiday-related items, such as decorations, greeting cards, etc. On average, the highest income group polled ($100k+) will spend $1,062, and those with incomes less than $35k will spend an average of $500. “With gas prices and unemployment down, and housing prices up, holiday shoppers are heading into the season with increased confidence in their spending power,” s...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (October 10, 2015) -- LandSouth Construction, a Jacksonville, Fla.-based general contractor specializing in in multifamily, senior housing and mixed use developments has announced the addition of Jeff Ryan as project manager. Ryan will oversee and supervise projects from inception to completion.  His duties include oversight in contract administration, vendor negotiation, purchasing, project planning and overall project supervision. With nearly 20 years in the industry, Ryan has management experience in multiple construction markets ranging from multifamily construction to cold storage refrigeration. Ryan began his career in 1997 as a project engineer on an eight-story oceanfront condo and has been involved in various sized and types of construction projects using conventional bid-build and design-build contract delivery methods.    His experience includes federal government contracting. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Building ...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  -- The First Coast Apartment Association (FCAA) has kicked off their annual canned food drive to help tackle hunger in Northeast Florida. “As an organization we believe that what we do every day matters. The apartment industry strives to make a positive impact in the community. The annual food drive reconfirms that commitment,” said Holly Fox, FCAA board member and co-chair for the drive. Collection boxes are being set up in apartment communities and offices to collect canned food for the Clara White Mission. FCAA members and community residents are encouraged to contribute to this worthy cause.   “We encourage all FCAA associate and community members to make this important endeavor a success by donating and urging residents to help take up the fight against hunger. The canned food drive is a simple but effective way to tackle hunger here at home,” said co-chair Shannon Gregory, regional director at WRH Realty Services. FCAA volunte...