What Homebuyers Should Look for in a Planned Community Today

Are you looking for the "right" home or "right" price? How about finding the right neighborhood too? It seems that many real estate agents and buyers visiting our communities in the past year are locked into finding the home with the best deal or best price. We like to remind them that they should also be looking for the "right" community! "Oh, you mean we should pay as much attention as to what the community offers as we do the house? What a concept!"

YES! In this price-conscious home buying market, everyone involved should also focus on finding the right place to live- that being the location or community. What should you look for in a planned community?
Prospective homebuyers generally decide within 30 seconds of driving into a community as to their potential interest in relocating there. When shopping for a new place to live, the first impression is vitally important. Which is why planned communities like The Riverfront at Harbour View, Gatling Pointe, Eagle Harbor, Liberty Ridge, and Founders Pointe spend a lot of attention at the front entrance and streetscape architecture.

• Homebuyers today definitely appreciate a sense of arrival and they notice the meticulous landscaping and the seasonal planting found at the front entry monument. 
• Distinctive architectural home styles and quality homebuilders are other important parts of distinguishing a neighborhood.
• Do the builders pay attention to the streetscape?
• Are the homebuilders sensitive to the buyers needs and how long have they been in the business? Do your Featured Builders have a proven track record and have good reputations?
• Are the homes unique enough yet offering a nice blend of architectural styles?
• Variety and pleasing color palettes are also important components in most planned communities.
• If you're selling an exciting "lifestyle community", then your amenities better have something worth selling the sizzle over. (Under promise and over deliver is always a good policy)
• The amenities need to appeal to the target market for the community.
• What do people want today? Are walking trails and parks more appealing to today's buyer than tennis courts? Surveys and focus groups can help you decide.
• Investigate the other communities a developer has done in your area if you're looking at a new neighborhood in the early stage of development.

Research and feedback from your present and past customers helps to guide us in our decisions of what to include and what to leave out in our new home communities. Every market is different, but there are trends as to what consumers value today than what they wanted 10-20 years ago.

Differentiation and an effective overall marketing and sales approach will help a community accomplish its goal- to develop and create a quality neighborhood that appeals to the appropriate target market and blends well within the local community. Developers and builders need to work together to offer the right product types for the buyers the neighborhood attracts. If the neighborhood is appealing to a wide market segment (like Founders Pointe, Eagle Harbor, or The Riverfront), then there needs to be a wide variety of home styles, sizes, floor plans, and price range.

East West Communities will often work closely with 5 to 10 builders in a single community. This allows an opportunity to offer an interesting diversity of home styles and also have strategic Featured Models for sale to appeal to the relocating buyer. It also helps to shape the "look" of the community and accomplish sense of community early on in the development stage of a neighborhood. The sum of all of the above elements helps to develop a community that will attract many buyers in the future and helps to give current homebuyers confidence in their resale value down the road.

What are some of the important features that you look for in a new home community?
Check out www.eastwestcommunities.com for information about our planned communities in Virginia and Florida.

      

7 Top Trends in Today's New Homes

Times have changed, and people aren't living in their homes the way they did five to ten years ago. There are some new "old" features that builders should try and incorporate into their new homes today if they want to stand out and appeal to today's homebuyers. Of course, there are still certain things that the different buyers want in their new home- an empty nester buyer doesn't necessarily want what a young family considers important, but I've put together a list of 7 Top Trends that we've seen in our four new home communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

1. Outdoor Rooms in Home Design An increased interest in entertaining friends and family at home has encouraged builders to incorporate outdoor spaces with the overall home design. The yard and garden become a part of the floor plan when sliding glass doors lead to patios and decks. These outdoor "rooms" may even include kitchens with sophisticated sinks and grills.  Outdoor living spaces with fireplaces and outdoor cooking become an attractive backyard creation that's appealing to many of today's buyers. It becomes the perfect family retreat. (The Southern Living Showcase Home built in The Riverfront at Harbour View community pictured above by Sasser Construction shows the ultimate "Twilight porch".)


2. Earth-Friendly and Energy Efficient Home Design - Perhaps the most exciting and most important trend in home design is the increased sensitivity to the environment. Architects and engineers taking a new look at ancient building techniques that used simple, bio-degradable materials. Many of today's homes are proving comfortable, economical, and rustically beautiful. Local building codes have changed and now require more efficient HVAC systems, higher SEER ratings, better insulation requirements, and other engineering/structural requirements that weren't required before.   



Hohmann Builders recently built the first EarthCraft (and Energy Star) certified home in our County. This Founders Pointe home (pictured above), certified under the EarthCraft and ENERGY STAR programs, should be 30% percent more efficient than an identical home built simply to code. It will also provide better indoor air quality and reduce the home's carbon footprint.

Since the EarthCraft requirements include and exceed all of the ENERGY STAR rating requirements, the two designations are always earned together. Both green programs focus on energy efficiency, but the EarthCraft program also includes durability, sustainability in products used, and indoor air quality requirements. EarthCraft combines requirements with a point system to allow versatility in building with sustainable products. The homeowner benefits by receiving an extremely durable, green, healthy home with lower maintenance costs.


3. Return of the Drop Zone and larger Laundry/Utility rooms- One of the most popular features that we see in almost every new home today is the drop zone area usually found between the Kitchen/Utility Room/Garage. Drop zone and cell phone charging areas, mudroom seating, cubbies, and other interesting uses for nooks inside the home help make a house feel more like a home. Our homebuyers are responding well to this new "old" feature.

 

4. Expandable Space and More Storage-  New home plans are also incorporating more storage areas that are easily accessible and even more walk up attics. In communities like Founders Pointe, The Riverfront, Eagle Harbor, and Liberty Ridge, the builders are offering expandable space for homebuyers in case of growing families or for better resale potential. Many relocating families used to a basement, love having the flexible third level. Newer homes feature enormous walk-in closets, spacious dressing rooms, and plenty of easy-to-reach built-in cabinets. Vaulted ceilings are not as popular because families prefer more usable space (Builders often raise the Family Room ceiling to 10' or 11' to get a feeling of openness and add the coffered ceiling). The rooms above the Family Room make the perfect Media Room or Children's Retreat. Unfinished areas with access doors gives today's homebuyers smart storage space. A builder that offers that extra space wins big points with buyers looking at every detail before they decide which home is "right" for them.

5. Greater use of natural and hand-crafted materials such as wrought-iron gates and antique doors. Many are using reclaimed wood, beams and mantels milled from trees cleared from their lots. Old photos were used in door panels from an old house in Virginia. They were displayed in our Berkshire Pointe model built by Newhall Construction in Founders Pointe (Virginia). New buildings aren't always entirely new. A desire to protect the environment and to preserve historic architecture is inspiring architects to re-use, older structures. 



Unique flooring materialssuch as reclaimed wood, walnut, other exotic hardwood finishes are becoming more popular. Pebbles are being used on shower surfaces, offering a foot massage while showering. And, a herringbone pattern is being used for outdoor brick pavers to create greater character and warmth.

6. Functional and Fabulous kitchens- with features such as cabinets with glass doors, and a center island with fold-away table. Larger floating islands are often a different color and wood and resemble an old peice of furniture. The islands are also closer to the Grand Room where families can connect easier.

• Unique use of lighting such as pendant lighting, smaller chandeliers hung over dining rooms tables rather than a single large one. 
• Live-Work Spaces such as desk-top work surfaces in the kitchen. Work spaces at counter height rather than desk height
• Maximizing space with built-ins  (Shelves under a staircase or at the ned of an island is an easy area to inlcude a built-in shelf)
• Fabulous ceiling treatmentsincluding medallions with trim detail, coffered ceilings, and materials typically used for floors applied to the ceiling.                                                                 
• Creative use of color with bright yellows and reds, and deep chocolate among the more popular shades.

7. Flexible Floor Plans in Home Design- Changing lifestyles calls for changing living spaces. Tomorrow's homes have sliding doors, pocket doors, and other types of movable partitions allow flexibility in living arrangements. Dedicated living and dining rooms are being replaced by large multi-purpose family areas, family rooms are becoming larger and now referred to as Grand Rooms which are very connected to the Kitchen with a large floating island. In addition, many houses include "flex space" rooms that can be used for office space or be adapted to a variety of specialized needs. Third and fourth bedrooms can be set up as fitness rooms/home offices/guest rooms. The media room is also not required to be huge home theater room from a few years ago; the media room can be smaller but designed with cabinetry/shelving or a well positioned wet bar.




    


 For more information about new home communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, check out www.eastwestcommunities.com.

 For more on top trends in new homes....http://architecture.about.com/od/buildyourhous1/tp/homedesigntrend.htm
          

Discover Ultimate Privacy and Luxury in this new custom home neighborhood in Williamsburg, VA

This weekend, you can tour two million dollar model homes, now available for sale in the new Liberty Ridge custom home community in Williamsburg, Virginia. See the latest in new homes trends and interior design. You'll also discover the beauty of the pristine, three acre wooded homesites in this estate lot neighborhood, located just 10 minutes to Colonial Williamsburg.

Liberty Ridge is another quality neighborhood by East West Communities, a community developer creating Virginia's best places to live and play since 1972. To find out more about our other communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, visit www.eastwestcommunities.com.

         

Rediscover a small town way of life in Smithfield, Virginia

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city? Then you need to check out the historic town of Smithfield, Virginia. Originally a Colonial seaport town established in 1750, Smithfield is noted in the Virginia Landmark's Registry as having one of the best preserved historic districts in the country. For a list of attractions and upcoming events in this Hampton Roads' community, CLICK HERE.

 

Located in Isle of Wight County, Smithfield has a population of approximately 8,100 (2010 Census population - 8,089) and is approximately 10.1 square miles in size. Smithfield offers residents a small-town atmosphere, interesting antique shops, a historic downtown, and great places to eat like Smithfield Station and The Smithfield Inn (built in 1752). According to the Virginia Review, Smithfield is "without a doubt, one of the prettiest towns in Virginia."

SMITHFIELD VIRGINIA'S PERFECT DESTINATION

Smithfield, Virginia is a quaint river-port town with a rich history.  Stepping into the Historic District is in essence stepping into a time gone by where the charm of a simpler world awaits.  In the heart of historic Smithfield on the banks of the Pagan River sits Smithfield Station, offering guests a superb spot to enjoy the solitude of this river-port town.  This one-of-a-kind waterfront inn combines fine amenities, unique conference space, on-site dining and a fully equipped marina all within walking distance to art galleries, specialty shops, historic attractions and a diverse array of dining options.

 

Smithfield and surrounding Isle of Wight County are as old as Virginia itself, having been first colonized in 1634. Located on the banks of the Pagan River, and lying on the opposite shore of the James River, across from Jamestown, the area was soon discovered by Captain John Smith and other early settlers. Smithfield and surrounding counties saw action during the Revolutionary War and Civil War, mainly because of its proximity to the James River.

Smithfield has a vibrant award-winning historic downtown. Several festivals and parades are held throughout the year in the downtown area. In 2002, Smithfield celebrated its 250th Anniversary. For more information about annual events and parades, please visit The Smithfield and Isle of Wight Convention and Visitors Bureau. We also take pride in our tourism industry. There are several antique shops and other unique specialty shops along Main Street. The new Windsor Castle Trail Park is a beautiful trail system that winds you through the historic property along the river of Arthur Smith's homeplace.

 

For information about homes for sale in the Smithfield or Hampton Roads area of Virginia, visit www.gatlingpointe.com, http://www.founderspointe.com/, and www.eagleharborva.com. Gatling Pointe is a waterfront community featuring quality custom homes, a 68 slip deep water marina, clubhouse & restaurant, and a riverfront pool complex. Homes range from the $300's to over $1 million.

What helps make a Subdivision a Neighborhood? Just ask the Residents at Founders Pointe.

At Founders Pointe, the residents enjoy more than just a quality custom home privately located in a waterfront community, nicely removed from the congestion of the surrounding cities in Hampton Roads. They enjoy all of the fun activities at their neighborhood clubhouse- the Founders Pointe Residents' Club. Founders Pointe is a new waterfront community in Isle of Wight County, VA, near the historic town of Smithfield.

 

This spring, they've enjoyed numerous parties, socials, and good old fashioned fun. The year kicked off with the polar bear plunge (brave souls who slid down the 112' water slide on New Year's Day). Then there was a Soup Cook-off, Super Bowl Party, a KiDZ Club Field Trip to the Virginia Air & Space Center, after school activities, a Princess Party, and a wine tasting event...just to name a few.
There is a Nature Watch Program, Summer Kids Camp, Scapbooking, Bunco groups, Fitness groups (Zumba classes), Swimming lessons, Book club, and many other opportunities for social interaction with your neighbors. It's amenities like those found at Founders Pointe that helps make a subdivision a neighborhood. Resident Alyson Miles comments, "The activities and events at the clubhouse made it easy for us to get to know our neighbors when we first arrived and continue to be a great source of enjoyment for us."



The centerpiece of Founders Pointe are the exceptional resort-style recreational amenities the community has to offer.

• Residents' Club with swimming pool and 112′ water slide
• 844′ observation pier offering panoramic views of Batten Bay and the James River 
• Three miles of biking/walking trails, sidewalks
• Playground and sand volleyball court
• Full-time activities director coordinating year-round events for all ages.

 To see what fun is in store, visit the Founders Pointe Resident's Club website. To hear what residents say about Founders Pointe, CLICK HERE.



Bunco Group and the Blue Bird House Construction project (part of the Nature Watch program)
In addition to hosting sporting and fitness activities, the clubhouse serves as a center for holiday celebrations, themed social events for adults, and special interest clubs. A full-time Activities Director keeps the community's social calendar full with a year-round schedule of exciting events.

The clubhouse's swimming pool and waterslide is augmented by a children's playground and sand volleyball court. Both children and adults make use of the network of nearly three miles of sidewalks and walking trails that wind throughout the community. An observation pier overlooks Batten Bay, with views reaching to the James River and the Hampton Roads. Founders Pointe provides a nurturing environment in which children can thrive and adults can relax. Whether you are young, or simply young at heart, going outside to play is conveniently rewarding.



Distinctive Traditional style architecture is featured in Founders Pointe. This classic, Cape Cod style home is currently listed for sale with East West Realtyfor $585,000 on a one acre wooded homesite on Founders Pointe Trail. For more information on the custom homes, visit www.founderspointe.com.




 East West Realty ~ 1302 Founders Pointe Trail Carrollton, Virginia 23314 ~ (757) 238-9009 

3.2 for the 32 Remembrance Run at Virginia Tech. April 16th- We will never forget...

 
Saturday, April 16, 2011
3.2 Run in Remembrance
 
The 3.2-mile Run in Remembrance will once again be held on the 2011 Day of Remembrance to remember the 32 Hokies who lost their lives in 2007. We hope this event will allow you to be with fellow Hokies, to feel the support of the community and to celebrate the lives of our friends and family members. On behalf of the 4.16 Student Planning Committee, thank you for your support and participation.
The event will start at 9:40am along the Alumni Mall near the North Main Street entrance of campus and finish on the Drillfield. Participants may run or walk. There is no cost to participate in the event. Following the run, join together for a "3.2 for 32" group photo on the Drillfield by the April 16th Memorial and the Community Picnic.

  Video Tribute- "We Remember"

Moving speech by poet and author Nikki Giovanni "We are Virginia Tech"

 
The photo above is a picture of last year's runners participating in the Remembrance Run for the 32. Tomorrow, over 9,000 registered runners will run in remembrance of the 32 lives lost just four years ago.
The April 16, 2011, Day of Remembrance will honor the 32 people who lost their lives on April 16, 2007, and will focus on their commitment to helping others and bettering society.

The emphasis on service for the 2011 Day of Remembrance and beyond, was part of the plan directed by the 2009 April 16 Steering Committee. In response, the 4.16 Student Planning Committee has created an initiative entitled "32 for 32" for the 2010-11 academic year and are challenging Virginia Tech students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to pledge 32 hours of service to be completed by April 16, 2011.
Participants may use and record any service hours completed since July 1, 2010 and should include special and ongoing projects through campus, community, church, and school organizations.
To pledge and/or record hours of community service by, April 16, 2011, please visit the VT-Engage website at www.engage.vt.edu. The following list of events is found on the Virginia Tech official website:

• Midnight: Ceremonial Candle Lighting - April 16 Memorial
  A candle will be lit by members of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and representatives of the student body at midnight. The Corps of Cadets will stand guard for 32 minutes.  The candle will remain lit for 24 hours.  
• 9:40 a.m.: 3.2 Mile Run in Remembrance - Virginia Tech Campus
  A 3.2 Mile Run in Remembrance will start at Alumni Mall near the North Main Street entrance of campus and finish on the Drillfield. Participants may run or walk. Commemorative T-shirts will be provided to the first 4,000 people who register online. There is no cost to walk or run in the event. Get more details and registration information for the Run in Remembrance. Download the run route (PDF).
• 11:30 a.m.: Community Picnic - Drillfield
  An event designed to embrace the relationships between colleagues, friends, and family both on and off campus.  There will be food from local vendors provided at the event; however we encourage you to bring additional food and picnic blankets if possible.
• 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (unless otherwise noted): Expressions of Remembrance
• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Reflection and Music - War Memorial Chapel
  The chapel will be available for private reflection and remembrance. Musicians will perform. In addition, candles will be available to light in memory of lost loved ones.
  
  • 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.: 2nd floor Norris Hall Open House
    The Center for Peace Studies & Violence Prevention, the Dr. Liviu Librescu Student Engagement Center, and the Norris Hall Art Gallery will be open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
  • 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Remembrance Through Arts Showcase - Burruss Hall
    Presented by The Contemporary Dance Ensemble of Virginia Tech, a student run organization.This showcase was inspired by the artistic talents of the victims of April 16 , incorporating performing arts that will include different styles of dance, vocal performance, instrumental performance, spoken poetry, presentation of photography, and displays of April 16 artwork. The majority of acts will be performed by current Virginia Tech students and alumni. The event is free to the public. Questions about the showcase can be directed to the Contemporary Dance Ensemble Memorial Director, Adrienne Ginter (aeginter@vt.edu).
  • A Community of Learners, a Legacy of Achievement - Second Floor (Learning Commons) Newman Library
    This display highlights the academic achievements and interests of the 32 victims of the April 16, 2007 tragedy, and their shared legacy which will be cherished and celebrated for years to come.  Through their academic and professional pursuits, each contributed in a unique way to the indomitable culture of our Hokie Nation. Included in the display are photographs, publications, program descriptions, representations of academic awards/citations, and a variety of other items that showcase various achievements and interests. The display can be viewed on the second floor of Newman Library, from April 11th - 18th, 2010.
  • Memorial Exhibit and Slide Show - Holtzman Alumni Center
    The Virginia Tech Alumni Association will display in the Alumni Museum selected memorial items presented to Virginia Tech in the days and weeks following April 16, 2007. A memorial slideshow, depicting images taken around the world that represented the outpouring of support after the tragedy, will be shown in Assembly Hall. Questions may be directed to the alumni association at (540) 231-6285. Get directions to the alumni center.
  • Video of the April 17, 2007 Convocation - Auditorium, Graduate Life Center
    A videotape of the convocation will be shown in its entirety throughout the afternoon.
  • A display of framed photographic images taken on and after April 16, 2007 - Old Dominion Ballroom, Squires
    This was part of the show curated for the one year anniversary of 4/16 that was held in the Perspective Art Gallery. The display takes a historical approach portraying images ranging from those captured by press on that tragic day and the days, weeks, and months that followed.
  • Elizabeth Wallace Pastels of the 32 Hokies lost on April 16, 2007 - G. Burke Johnston Student Center Hallway
    Moved by the tragedy, Ms. Wallace, an artist in California, originally created a set of 32 pastel portraits for each person killed on April 16^th, which was either sent to each person's family or is being kept in storage. Charles Steger commissioned Ms. Wallace to create a second set of pastels for the university community to keep in perpetuity.
  • Quiet Places for ReflectionRead descriptions on each place and find them on the campus map.

7:30 p.m.: University Commemoration & Candlelight Vigil - April 16 Memorial
A university-wide commemoration and candlelight vigil will be held on the Drillfield at the April 16 Memorial. The program will recognize the 32 students and faculty who lost their lives that day. The event will be coordinated by Virginia Tech students representing a variety of student organizations.
Following the candlelight vigil, candles will be collected to repurpose for the 2012 candlelight vigil. 11:59 p.m.: Extinguishing of Ceremonial Candle - April 16 Memorial
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will stand guard for 32 minutes prior to the 11:59 p.m. extinguishing. The candle will be extinguished and the light will be carried back into Burruss Hall, representing the commitment to never forget.

We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears and through all our sadness.... We will prevail....-- Nikki Giovanni, University Distinguished Professor, poet, activist

The Grand Opening of Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg, VA continues- Don't Miss the Art Show in May

Sixteen featured Virginia artists will be on display. (20% Off Gallery Pricing)

On Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, an Art Show and open house will be held at the furnished Liberty Ridge model by Charles Ross Homes and the Breakwater model by Michael C. Brown Custom Builder. at LIBERTY RIDGE, Williamsburg, Virginia. The event will be open from 12 noon to 6:00 pm both days.

Developed in partnership with one smART gallery, an art events company representing over 300 artists throughout VA, Liberty Ridge is proud to present "Tradition with a Twist", a showing of original art including contemporary & traditional paintings, sculpture and furniture. Works of art by 16 featured artists will be displayed in both homes and buyers that weekend will pay 20% less than traditional gallery prices for every piece on display. Pieces of art completed by Williamsburg area students in the Fine Arts Program at Warhill and Lafayette High School will also be displayed. To support the continued growth of art and music in these two local high schools, donations will be accepted.

Additional happenings this weekend include:
· Food demonstrations and samples by Wolfe Appliances
· Meet the builder Charles Ross Homes and Michael C. Brown Custom Homes
• Home entertainment and security system on display from OPTECH

• Two million dollar homes open for tour

· Decorated model by A. Dodson's

Browse through the original art pieces and purchase at 20% off gallery pricing. Featured artists include:
Miki Aalseth (acrylic & oil. landscapes & stills)
Judith Anderson (trains and pleins - oil on panel)
Dan Bartges (landscapes and still lifes, oil on canvas)
Joshua Barber (paintings of modern icons and landscapes)
Paul Bertholet (plein air Virginia Landscapes in oil)
Ellie Cox (watercolors that feature color and light in the landscape and garden)
Todd Hale
Diana Jamison (fine art oil paintings of scenes around Virginia)
Tobin Karicher (fine art paintings in oil. still life, dreamscapes, nocturnes and portraits.)
Emma Lou Martin (watercolor paintings)
Carol Meese (landscapes and figuratives in oil)
Linda Phillips (Virginia wildlife and landscape paintings with depth and detail)
Andrew Pitts (contemporary furniture made from Virginia hardwoods)
Turner Sculpture (Wildlife in Bronze & Silver by William H. Turner and David H. Turner)
Charles VanDenburgh (fine art oil paintings of scenes around Virginia)
Christopher Wynn (watercolor paintings of contemporary realism)
David Zuck (Virginia landscapes, oil paintings)

East West Communities · 3400 Liberty Ridge Parkway • Williamsburg, VA • 23188 Phone: (757) 565-1100 or toll free 1-877-558-1188

 

   Obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.











Come see our two new model homes at Liberty Ridge and see some of the finest art in Virginia. Both new home models are listed for sale with East West Realty.