Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Park Ridge Builders.

Thank you for making 2013 a wonderful year and we look forward to working with you in 2014!

Christmas Entertaining

This time of year often means getting together with friends and family. When you own a new home, often you become the host as curious well-wishers are excited to get a peek!

Take some of the stress out of hosting by serving some of these easy holiday appetizers! Then enjoy celebrating the season in your brand new home!

Organize your cheese tray into the shape of a Christmas tree!

Make a grinch out of grapes, strawberries, bananas and a marshmallow!

Fill up bread bowls with spinach dip and use Rye bread to form the hat!

Don't forget to invite Santa to the party! Use ricotta cheese, crackers, capers, pepperoni and celery to form the jolly old St. Nick!

See For Yourself

Here's a new virtual tour of our home in The Preserve.  Move-in Ready!

This gorgeous home features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and almost 3,000 square feet!

Click on the image below to see more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A very Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Park Ridge Builders. We so value our home buyers and the relationships that we have made through the years. Thank you for choosing Park Ridge.

Builder Confidence

Each month for the past 25 years the National Association of Home Builders and and Wells Fargo send out a national survey to builders trying to gauge their confidence levels in current and future sales.  Builders are asked to determine how they see the housing market now and how they predict it will be in six months.

November's numbers are in and builder confidence has stabilized after dropping off the past two months. Even with the lower numbers the past two months, the previous 6 months in a row saw more builders optimistic about the market than before.

Consumer interest in new homes remains steady because of low interest rates and pricing although it has been dampened by policy and economic uncertainty.

Increased builder confidence is a positive sign for the recovering housing market at this time and going forward into 2014.

Thanksgiving Safety

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and plans for the big meal are well underway!

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving Day is the busiest day for home fires, of which the leading cause is cooking.  Keep your holiday safe and happy this year by following these tips below.

- Stay in the kitchen when you're cooking. Don't leave food unattended.
- Keep children away from the stovetop - by at least 3 feet
- Wear short sleeves while cooking
- Have pot holders and kitchen towels sit away from heat sources
- Make sure the floor is clear from toys and pocketbooks
- Keep all lit candles above the reach of children and make sure they are blown out when the evening is over
- Test all smoke detectors and fire extinguishers

Follow these safety tips and keep your home and family happy this Thanksgiving! 

708 Mural Lake - The Hamptons

Bath Design

The bathrooms of yesteryear were often overlooked as functional rooms without much style.  That has changed greatly over the years with the importance of the master bathroom following only the kitchen in resale evaluations.

So what to today's baths look like?  Here are some of the trends builders and remodelers across the nation are reporting.

White and off-white remain the top color schemes followed by beige or brown. Rising in popularity are colors in the grey family.

Granite has typically been the go to surface material but quartz is narrowing the gap dramatically.

Ceramic tile flooring remains the most popular floor option followed by natural stone flooring.

New bathrooms are better lit - both with natural and artificial light.

Grab bars, once only installed on an as-needed basis are being requested more frequently. Many at-home accidents occur in the bathroom and as the Baby Boomers age they are planning ahead with safety in mind.

His and hers vanities are extremely popular even in smaller baths. Storage options are essential with more drawers and dividers being incorporated into the layout.

What would your dream bathroom look like?

Designer Kitchens

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. It remains one of the most important areas in home design and warrants a lot of thought before building your custom home.

Some trends designers are seeing in kitchens these days are:

• More square footage. Kitchens are getting larger as they become the focal point for entertaining.
• Increase in detail. Molding, millwork and paneled doors are some examples of how to dress up the kitchen.
• Designer islands. More than just functional space, islands are taking on a life of their own with a unique style or color that stands apart from the rest of the kitchen.
• Less clutter. Kitchens are being designed with extra storage space to hold rarely used appliances and free up precious countertop space.
• Glamorous lighting. While some elements of the kitchen are becoming more clean and streamlined, buyers are adding in touches of upscale decor in chandeliers or oversized light fixtures.

What are your ideas for your custom kitchen space?

Hosting This Halloween?

Hard to believe but there are less than two weeks until Halloween!  Once you get settled in your new home it's natural to want to show it off - maybe with a Halloween or Fall Party?  Here are some easy but eye-catching Autumn recipes to use at your big event!

Click on the images below to get step-by-step instructions!

What are some of your favorite recipes?

Choosing a Color Palette

Building a custom home involves many decisions, maybe none more important or difficult than choosing your color palette.  Here are some tips from the experts on how to make that decision just a little easier.

• Start with your formal areas first - dining room, living room and entry way. 
• Rule of thumb - use darker colors on the floor, medium shades on the wall and lighter colors for the ceiling
• Think about the colors you wear. People typically buy clothes in colors they like or look good in. Keep these colors in mind for your home as well.
• Use this ratio - 60 percent dominant color, 30 percent secondary color and 10 percent accent color
• Work within the same hue if you find a color you love
• Consider your lighting. Observe your room or space in morning, afternoon and evening light. Light will greatly affect paint colors.
• Decorate for yourself. It's okay to get opinions from friends or family but ultimately it's your home and you have to live there. Choose what you like even if other people don't.

Available Home For Sale

752 Mural Lake Court
Grovetown, GA 30813

4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath Home
2908 Square Feet
Study and Office on the Main Floor
Double Wall Oven
Spacious Pantry
Kitchen Island with Sink
Granite Countertops and Stainless Steel Appliances
Great Room with Fireplace and Built in Book Shelves
Mud Room with Bench
Owner's Suite with Tray Ceiling
Outdoor Living Area

$234,900

Contact Travis Nunnally with Meybohm Realtors
706-863-8218 or click HERE

Plans on Saturday?

Saturday at 5 p.m. join supporters of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raise funds to cure blood cancer at the Evans Towne Park.

This year's walk will feature Live music, face painting, temporary tattoos, playground and inflatable slide as well as a Remembrance Ceremony and White Balloon Reception.

The walk begins at 7:30.

For more information visit the site for the CSRA walk here.

Fall Yard Maintenance

Sunday is the first day of Fall - a very important season for your lawn health. That's right, if you prepare your lawn for going dormant this winter you'll be rewarded in the spring with a lush vibrant yard!

Mowing and watering are still important tasks to keep up in the fall. Temperatures are cooler but if you aren't receiving regular rainfall you will need to continue to water your lawn.  Mow on a higher setting to provide some extra insulation for your yard before the winter sets in.

Fall is also time to plant your spring bulbs, reseed the thin patches in your yard and go after those pesky weeds.

Once the leaves start falling make sure to rake them up so they don't cut off your lawn's supply of sunlight and oxygen.

What lawn care tips do you employ to take care of your yard for the Fall and Winter?

Selling a home this Fall

Need to sell your current home before you can buy your new Park Ridge home?  You may have picked a good time. Mortgage rates are low and home values are going up. Potential buyers are looking to be settled before the Holidays.

Here are some tips for selling during the Fall season.

1. Strong Web Appeal
Home buyers are going online to search for homes. Make sure you have plenty of photos and information available about your home. As always keep the clutter to a minimum so the potential buyer can get a good look at each room.

2. Move-In Ready
Today's buyers want the home in move-in condition. Take care of any minor improvement issues before buyers come to see your home. This includes issues with paint, flooring, and the exterior. Curb appeal is so important!

3. Lots of Light
Let the Fall light and fresh air inside! Open your blinds and windows if the weather permits. Keep the overall home temperature comfortable.

4. Create Cozy
The Fall is the perfect time to take advantage of all those cozy things that make us feel at home. Purchase a lightly scented candle, accentuate your fireplace if you have one, decorate the entryway with some potted plants.

What are you doing to sell your home this Fall?

Closing On Your New Home

Once you’ve found your new home and construction is almost complete, it’s time to start thinking about the last step in your home buying journey – the real estate closing or settlement.

At the closing is where ownership will be transferred from the seller to the buyer.  This involves some time, patience and paperwork, but if you plan ahead you can make this a smooth process.

Talk with your Lender or Realtor about a week before closing to make sure you understand what paperwork you are responsible for bringing.  If there are costs involved such as a down payment, escrow or mortgage fees, you may need a certified check so find out the exact amount you will need to provide. 

Give yourself plenty of time! You’ll want to review the documents and make sure there are no typos or errors.  Allowing for a good block of time will help to alleviate some of the stress of that process.  Also, in case of delays, don’t arrange for your moving truck on too tight a schedule. Create some overlap so you don’t have to be out of one house the same day as you move in to another.

Remember, once you finish signing that mountain of paperwork you’ll be the owner of a brand new home!

Housing and Labor Day Travel

As hard as it is to believe it is Labor Day weekend – the unofficial end to summer.

This Labor Day, AAA is predicting that 34.1 million Americans will hit the road and travel at least 50 miles this weekend, making it the busiest Labor Day in the last four years.

Part of the reason for this increase in travel is actually – housing.

According to the AAA study, consumer confidence is increasing as their home values increase. With the improvement in the housing market, consumers feel that their largest asset, their home, is more valuable. This increase in confidence leads to more spending and this weekend – more travel. 

This is just another piece of evidence that points to the importance of the housing market in our overall economic recovery.

Will you be traveling this Labor Day?

Rainy Day Home Maintenance

It's been a wet summer.

Don't let those rainy days get you down. There are some great home maintenance items that can be done when the weather has you trapped inside.

• Check smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed
• Clean out dryer vent
• Make an itemized list of valuables, electronics, etc in case of emergency. Take photos and get model information.
• Read through the instruction manuals on your home appliances and systems

Then relax and enjoy the sound of the rain!

What home maintenance items do you like to take care of on a rainy day?

Coming Soon!

Park Ridge Builders is pleased to introduce its newest neighborhood, The Hamptons. Homes will start in the $190's. Check back to our website for more information as it comes available.

Buying Power

If you've done any research into buying a home you've probably come across the term "buying power". Simply put, "buying power" is your ability to maximize your money when purchasing a new home.

Interest rates greatly affect your buying power. Historically speaking, today's interest rates are extremely low. This means that the money you pay in order to
borrow money for your home is much less than it was in the past. With lower interest rates your monthly payment is lower and you can afford a more expensive home than you could before - thus your buying power has increased.

Interest rates are going to slowly rise and as they do it will erode some of your buying power. Now is the time to buy, before rates go higher!  You'll be able to afford more home than you thought possible while the interest rates remain low.  They won't be this low forever so don't miss this opportunity to maximize your buying power!

Available Homes by Park Ridge

Available Homes in Cotswold Place

Located off Boyscout Road in Augusta, less than a mile from Washington Road and I-20.

Homes feature Old World European design and open, inviting floor plans. Amenities include wood flooring, granite countertops, tiled bathrooms and two-car garages.

4 Bedrooms
3 Bathrooms

Cotswold Place is convenient to shopping, dining and the medical district.

For more information call Woody Trulock at Blanchard and Calhoun

 706-877-3757

Grilling Season

Grilling is a great way to keep your kitchen area cool and cut down on those high summer utility bills. To help out all the summer grill masters here are some easy and quick recipes to keep the heat out of the kitchen this summer. Click on each recipe header to view the full recipe and instructions.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled Pork Chops

Honey Glazed Grilled Pineapple

Improving Markets Index

The National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index increased again in June to now include more than 70% of the U.S. metro areas.

The Improving Markets Index or IMI is a list of metropolitan areas that have shown improvement through the areas of housing permits, employment and house prices for at least the past six months.

Twenty-nine new markets were added to the list while twenty-four previously listed markets were removed. This fluctuation is a product of a slow recovery and confirmation that the housing industry still has challenges to face.  However the IMI list is three times larger this year than last year according to the NAHB.


For a full list of improving markets visit the NAHB's website HERE.

Home Safety

It's the time of year when many Americans hit the road for a well deserved summer vacation.  Before you go, it's important to prepare your home for your absence. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind before getting out of town.

1. If possible have someone come by while you're gone. Ask a trusted friend to peek their head in the neighborhood when possible, maybe water a few plants and just walk through the home every few days.

2. Make sure to stop your mail. This is a free service provided by the post office and in most areas the request can be submitted online.

3. Like above, if you receive the newspaper, make sure to stop delivery while you're gone. You don't want a stack of newspapers piling up while you're gone.

4. Unplug your coffee maker, computer and any other small appliances that won't be making the trip. Don't leave the washing machine or dishwasher running before you go.

5. It seems simple, but make sure all the doors are locked and blinds are closed. Double and even triple check. Especially those doors that aren't used as often.

What are some tips you have on keeping your home safe while you're away?

Builder Confidence Increases

According to the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, builder confidence increased by eight points in June bringing it to the highest level since April 2006.

Any number over 50 is an indicator that builders view the housing market more favorably than negatively. This eight point gain in June is the biggest one-month increase since 2002.

NAHB Chairman Rick Judson attributes the growth in new home sales to an increase in home buyers and a low inventory of existing homes.

To read the full article click HERE.

Move-in Ready

This has been a busy spring and early summer! We've only got one finished home available and other homes under construction.

If you are looking for a quick move-in home take a look at our home in the popular Northridge neighborhood in Evans.

412 Northridge Circle
3100 sq. ft.
3 bedrooms
2 full baths

Home features study, one bedroom on main level, open floor plan, 10' ceilings, heavy molding, hardwoods on first floor, owners suite with separate vanities and 2 large walk-in closets. Kitchen includes granite, upgraded cabinetry, island and stainless steel appliances. All lawn maintenance included in HOA.

Find out more HERE

Featured Home

Located in Jones Creek Plantation
1060 Emerald Place

This home is located in the heart of Evans, in a gated, private community just minutes from the Evans Fitness Center, government complex and shopping centers.

3788 Square Feet
5 bedrooms
4 full baths

Included features:
Hardwoods on the first floor
Master bedroom on first floor
Granite countertops
Open floor plan
GE appliances
Media Room
Office nook located on second floor
Decorative trim throughout

Schools:
River Ridge Elementary
Stallings Island Middle
Lakeside High

For more information contact Debbie Borne at 706-284-8991.

Community Spotlight

Tucked away off busy Washington Road in Evans is a local coffee shop serving up more than just your usual cup of joe.

Bean Baskette Coffee by day and Tavern at the Bean by night, is a gathering place for coffee enthusiasts, musicians and neighbors looking to catch up over a sandwich.

Before 3pm Bean Baskette Coffee specializes in fresh brewed, whole bean coffee, teas, made-to-order breakfast foods, lunch items and dessert. After 3pm the cafe becomes Tavern at the Bean, still offering coffee but alongside a stocked bar and dinner menu.

Live music is featured Thursday and Friday nights. Saturday is Karaoke night.

The Bean Baskette is located at 4414 Evans to Locks Rd. Visit their website to learn more. 

Maximizing your cooling power, without breaking the bank!

Memorial Day was the unofficial kick off to the summer season and the temperatures are here to prove it!

Here are some tips for how to keep your utility bills from getting out of control while you try to stay cool!

• Remove debris from around your outside air conditioning unit. Look for grass, weeds, dirt and leaves.
• Change the air filters in your home regularly.
• Use your ceiling fans and make sure they are blowing the right way. The air should be blowing down.
• Close the registers in unused rooms to keep from cooling unoccupied space.
• Use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature for when you're home or away.
• Make use of drapes and blinds to keep out some of the sunlight.
• When replacing light bulbs, choose LED lights that give off less heat.

What tips and tricks do you use to keep cool during these southern summers?

New Home Sales Up in April

There's more good news for the housing market and new homes in particular.

According to HUD and the US Census Bureau, sales of new, single-family homes rose by 2.3 percent in April. Regionally, new home sales rose 3 percent in the South.

A quote from an article by the National Association of Home Builders reinforces this positive message. “Today’s report is further evidence of the gradual, consistent improvement we have been seeing in housing market conditions over the past year,” noted NAHB Senior Economist Robert Denk. “We’re now about half-way back to what could be considered a full recovery, and we do expect to see continual, solid gains in both starts and sales of new homes going forward.”

Interest rates remain low and house prices are trending upwards and inventory remains tight.  Now is the time to buy!

To read the full article from the National Association of Home Builders please click HERE. 

Evans Towne Farmers Market

Columbia County has a new source of fresh seasonal food items - the Evans Towne Farmers Market.

Located on the grounds of the new Columbia County Library, the market takes place on Thursdays from 4:30pm-7:30pm.

The market began in March and though originally was only schedule to run through June, the demand for the market has caused the founders to look at expanding until later in the year.

The market includes fresh seasonal veggies, fruit, bread, eggs, honey, meats and more.

To learn more about the market visit http://www.evanstownefarmersmarket.com/

New Photos

We're excited to share some new photos of our most recent work with you.

Take a look!

Home Spotlight

Available home from Park Ridge Builders

Located in the neo-traditional neighborhood Northridge, in the heart of Evans.

412 Northridge Circle
3100 sq. ft.
3 bedrooms
2 full baths

Home features study, one bedroom on main level, open floor plan, 10' ceilings, heavy molding, hardwoods on first floor, owners suite with separate vanities and 2 large walk-in closets. Kitchen includes granite, upgraded cabinetry, island and stainless steel appliances. All lawn maintenance included in HOA.

Learn More

Neighborhood Spotlight

Park Ridge Builders is excited to be one of the select builders involved in Northridge - a traditional community located in growing Evans.

Northridge features several community building elements including sidewalks, a neighborhood park, and classic home designs that remain true to the period feel of the neighborhood.

The neighborhood was designed to allow for rear garage access on private lanes and includes community storage for boats and trailers.  Northridge is also within walking distance to the Evans Town Center, Park, Library, and Lady Antebellum Amphitheater.

Be a part of this exclusive community by working with Park Ridge Builders.  Learn more at: http://www.northridgeaugusta.com.

Real Estate Regrets

Trulia released the results of a consumer survey asking homeowners what they regret about their current home purchase or home buying process.

Home buyers this Spring are facing a market with limited inventory and stiff competition for homes. This environment creates the potential for buyers to make rushed decisions that they may later regret. The goal of Trulia's survey is to inform current buyers about the most common regrets in hopes that they can be avoided.

Here are the findings from the survey about top 5 homeowner regrets:

• 34% wish they had chosen a larger home
• 27% wish they had done more remodeling on the home that they did
• 22% wish they had more information on the home before they purchased
• 18% wish they had put more money down for the down payment
• 16% wish they were more financially secure before they made their decision

For a full list of homeowner regrets and analysis by Trulia visit this LINK

What if any regrets do you have from previous home buying experiences?

It's Masters Week!

It's that time again - the azaleas are blooming, the hotels are full and the golfers are here - Masters Week in Augusta!

If you aren't one of the lucky few who have tickets this weekend, why not host a Masters viewing party at home? Enjoy the tournament from the comfort of your living room while spending time with friends.  Here are a few ideas for making your Masters party a hole-in-one!

 Eats:

• Pimento Cheese Sandwiches   
• Chicken Salad Sandwiches
• Sweet Tea
• Lemonade

Decor:

• Potted plants with flags 
• Green tablecloths with argyle accents
• Golf balls as vase fillers    

Desserts:

• Cupcakes with green icing and a golf tee topper
• Donut "holes-in-one"
• Chocolate brownies or chocolate chip cookies

What ideas would you add for Masters theme party? Or....are you going to the tournament?

Natural Mosquito Control

As the weather...gradually...warms up it's natural to want to spend more time outdoors enjoying the Georgia spring and summer temps!

Don't let mosquitoes ruin your outdoor environment. Here are some all natural tips to help keep the buzzing bugs at bay!

1. The Citronella plant.  This distinctive smell hides you from mosquitoes. It's the same fragrance used in citronella candles but the actual plant is stronger and more effective.

2. Change your lighting. If you have outdoor lights  change your bulbs to a yellow or orange shade. This glow seems to attract less mosquitoes as opposed to bright white bulbs.

3. Remove sources of standing water. Mosquitoes breed in still pools of water so look for any overturned tubs or containers that may be catching rain water.

4. Camouflage yourself. Wear light or neutral
colors, limit perfumes and lotions. Use a ceiling fan to keep air circulating.

Featured Home

Brand new home in The Preserve at Stevens Creek
403 Preserve Trail, Martinez

5 Bedrooms
4 Baths
3600 Square Feet

Great Room with Fireplace
Dining Room with Coffered Ceiling
Kitchen with Granite Countertops
Media Room

$359,900

Directions

Take Stevens Creek To Watervale Rd. Turn Onto Watervale Rd and the Preserves Will Be On the Right. Turn Into the Preserves and Take Right Onto Preserve Trail. Home On Left.

Spring Plantings

Spring is just around the corner and it's that time of year when the world seems to explode with color!

You can bring some of that color into your life with container plants.  This time of year when the weather can still turn cold, container plants allow you to avoid a damaging freeze by bringing the plants indoors.

So weather you prefer bright flowering plans or lush green foliage, here are some tips to keep your container plants happy and healthy!

• Make sure that whatever container you use, it has a drainage hole at the bottom for water run off. 
• Larger pots are better because they allow for more soil and a more extensive plant root system. Smaller containers will need to be watered more frequently.
• It is not necessary to pat down the soil after filling your container. Simply water and the soil will settle how it needs to.
• For the strongest and healthiest plants make sure to include a fertilizer mixed in with or on top of the potting soil.

What type of plants do you like to grow in containers?  Do you have any tried and true growing tips?