Real Estate Wire/Green Trends News Wire

Apartment market conditions improved across all four indexes of the Q3 National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) Quarterly Survey of Apartment Market Conditions.  The market tightness (53), sales volume (53), equity financing (52) and debt financing (54) indexes all landed above the breakeven level of 50, indicating growth over the past three months. “The strong apartment industry run-up shows no signs of ebbing any time soon,” said Mark Obrinsky, NMHC’s SVP of Research and Chief Economist. “Markets remain pretty tight, even as new apartment construction continues to increase.”  Consumer demand for apartments increased for the seventh consecutive quarter, with the Market Tightness Index coming in at 53, compared to 61 last quarter. Only 16 percent reported loosening conditions. The Sales Volume Index remained unchanged at 53, indicating increased transaction volume from the previous quarter. The Equity Financing Index rose by three points to 52 — back above the break...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – LandSouth Construction, a Jacksonville, Fla. based general contractor specializing in multifamily, senior housing and mixed-use development has commenced construction on Integra Lakes at Concord Village, a $19,375,00 luxury apartment community in Casselberry, Fla. Integra Lakes at Concord Village is situated on 7.5 acres and is being developed by Integra Land Company of Lake Mary, Fla. The architect of the 203-unit, 284,628 square foot project is Associated Consulting International of Winter Park, Fla. “Great care is going into building a community that will seamlessly fit into Casselberry’s established surroundings,” said LandSouth CEO and President James Pyle. “Integra Lakes’ full array of amenities and open floor plans designed with quality finishes are consistent with high-end rental communities the developer has become known for.” Prominently located in downtown Casselberry at 88 Triplett Lake Dr., Concord Village is a new and innovative mixed ...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) has announced the official results of its 2015 Board of Directors elections.  The Board is comprised of 25 Directors, three representatives from each of eight affiliations, plus one representative from the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA). One seat in each category is elected annually by the FGBC general membership to serve a three-year term. Earning Board positions were: Stephanie Thomas-Rees, New South Access & Environmental Solutions, New Smyrna Beach - "At Large" Category Lisa Pearcy, All Elements Mechanical, Orlando - "Design & Analysis" Category Arturo Griego, itecdesign, Miami - "Development & Construction" Category Katrina Locke, Volusia County, DeLand - "Government" Category Barry Faske, Faske Enterprises, Hollywood - "Products" Category Bill Kachman, Retired U.S. Army, DeLand - "Public Advocate" Category Greg Hardwick, Ha...

(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 ...