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10 New Homes, 2 Award Winning Waterfront Communities, 1 Weekend

 
 

Discover 10 quality new homes in two award winning waterfront communities this weekend in Founders Pointe and The Riverfront at Harbour View, located just 12 minutes apart. Founders Pointe is located in the Carrollotin area of Isle of Wight County, located ten minutes from the historic town of Smithfield, Virginia. The Riverfront at Harbour View is located in the northern part of Suffolk and both communities are convenient to both the Peninsula and southside Hampton Roads.
East West Communities, the developer of both Founders Pointe and The Riverfront, is celebrating its 25th year anniversary in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. For more information, visit www.founderspointe.com and www.the-riverfront.com.



           
Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West is also celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club, a riverfront club/restaurant and pool complex with a 68 slip marina adjacent to the town of Smithfield, Virginia. Visit an East West Realty Sales Center today.

New Home Sales are Up in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia

There's plenty of signs recently that the housing market is gaining momentum and starting to see the surge which was predicted in late 2013 by several economists and many new home industry strategists. New homes sales are also up at Founders Pointe and The Riverfront at Harbour View, both are waterfront communities located in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia by East West Communities. (The homes pictured below left are were recently sold  in Founders Pointe by Norman Miller Builder, Inc. (left) and by Stephen Alexander Homes (right)).

 

A Housing Wire article reports this week that new single family home-builders saw the biggest jump in sales last month in 22 years. The article reports that "sales of new single-family houses in August 2014 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 504,000, up from July’s printing of 427,000, the fastest rate in six years and the biggest monthly jump since January 1992".

Founders Pointe also reports four new home sales in the past 30 days, three of which were pre-sold custom homes by Sasser Construction in the new section which borders Batten Bay in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Eric Sasser, President of Sasser Construction, has seen an increase in consumer interest in the past few months and has eight new homes under construction in Founders Pointe, and has sold five new homes recently in The Riverfront at Harbour View, located in the northern part of Suffolk, Virginia.



The Wall Street Journal also reports that home-builder optimism surged in September to the highest level since late 2005, a sign that home construction will continue to rise in the coming months.

HousingWire.com reports that "Millennials are now the key driver behind housing confidence" and "A recent report from The Demand Institute found that millennials are finally moving out of their parents’ homes, but rather than buying their own homes, they are choosing to rent." The article also points out that "Almost two-thirds, 65%, of millennials said they agreed with the statement that owning a home is necessary to living the “good life” and is central to the American dream."

With low interest rates, and an increased demand for new homes, it won't be long before we see a significant rise in new home prices. When asked about the home prices, Sasser added "they have are beginning to see indications of future price increases in materials".

Don't delay and miss the good values that are still available. Sasser Construction is currently building in both East West Communities and will open a new furnished and decorated model in Founders Pointe next month. Seven other builders have showcase homes available for sale from $434,900 to $649,900. Founders Pointe overlooks Batten Bay and the waterfront lots offer marsh and water views and distant views of the James River. Founders Pointe is located just ten minutes to I-664/Harbour View, and ten minutes to the Peninsula. Visit www.founderspointe.com for more information.



           


Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West is also celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club, a riverfront club/restaurant and pool complex with a 68 slip marina adjacent to the town of Smithfield, Virginia. Visit an East West Realty Sales Center today.

7 Reasons to Buy a Home in The Riverfront at Harbour View

What's unique about the best selling new home community in the Hampton Roads area in the last decade?

The Riverfront at Harbour View, a master planned community developed by East West Communities, was recently awarded the Stanley Hall of Fame award from the Tidewater Builders Association for having the best quality community development and achieving unprecedented success in our region. The golf course waterfront community has received multiple "Community of the Year" awards and numerous other awards for its new homes and amenities.



What are some of the reasons the community has attracted over 1,000 families since it's grand opening in the spring of 2000? Seven of the unique reasons are listed below:

1. Location- Besides the natural beauty of the property, it has it all from a community development standpoint. It has the hottest location in the Hampton Roads area, if not in all of Virginia. It has shopping, restaurants, and an increasing number of employment centers nearby (located in the heart of Hampton Roads, central to both the Peninsula & Southside) with easy access to I-664.
The Harbor View region has become one of the fastest growing areas for population and job growth increases in the past decade.



2. Resort style amenities - Golf course, two swimming pools, two riverfront parks, and Residents' Club with programmed activities year round. A full time Activities Director oversees our club operation.

• 18-hole championship Riverfront Golf Course with breathtaking views of the Nansemond River
• Elegant Residents' Clubhouse with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and gazebo Cabana Bar
• The Riverfront Swim Club with Junior Olympic swimming pool, and 100 foot water slide
• Two waterfront parks with piers and gazebos
• 43-acre lake with walking / jogging paths
• Two tennis courts and volleyball courts
• Lakefront amphitheater with gazebo and picnic area
• Two children's playgrounds
• Leisure / biking trails connecting lakeside amenities through an underground tunnel
• Lakeside infinity pool, overlooking 26-acre Eagle Lake
• Village Square Park, a two-acre landscaped park with waterfalls and babbling brook

3. Diversity in housing styles, type, and price range- There is something for everyone.From one of the single family condominium homes at Gables at The Riverfront, with prices starting in the $270's range to one of the custom homes from 8 quality homebuilders with new home values ranging in price from the $500's to over $2 million. Lots in the new Village Square Place and Summerhouse Drive section start in the $130's, several lakefront lots remain from $200,000. and a few select golf course and riverfront lots are available for a limited time.



4. Distinctive Architecture- The Riverfront has one of the most distinctive streetscapes in our region for offering a unique blend of new home styles, from the French County, English Cottage, and Craftsman styles, to timeless Traditionals and Transitionals with European architectural influences. Homebuyers can build the dream hoem they've always wanted or selct one of the Showcase Model Homes built for sale. Currently Sasser Construction and ABT Custom Homes have two furnished models available. Norman Miller, Birdsong Builders, Les Ore Construction, Sadler Building Corporation, and Rowe & Weldenfield Custom Homes have new homes in varying stages of construction.



5. Beauty- It is truly a spectacular parcel of land which borders the Nansemond River, with unparalleled views up the James River. Nearly two thirds of the property also offers a premium view of the water (lake, creek, marsh, or river) or the golf course. Highly elevated land, the waterfront lots offer panoramic views, with scenic sunsets on the river.

6. Memorable experiences- One of the unique benefits is the access to water that we give our residents. You don't have to live on the water to appreciate it. Two parks with gazebos and piers have been built at prime riverfront locations for residents to enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or just sit back and watch the sun set. We've also built two other waterfront amenities- the second swimming pool with an inifinity edge, and the lakefront amphitheater (which also has a playground). An underground bike tunnel also connects the pool to the lakeside park.

7. Timing-
It's a last chance opportunity to custom build your dream home in The Riverfront. We've just opened our last section of single family homesites- the last golf course and riverfront lots are now available. Only 8 riverfront lots remain, and a handful of golf course and lakefront lots remain. With over 1,000 new homes built, the last lots just released, and interest rates still near record lows, now's a great time to explore your new home construction choices and achieve your goal for the dream home you've always wanted.

The East West Realty Sales Team- Tina Manrique, Priscilla LeMoine, Mark Edwards (single family custom homes) and Jasmine Feliu & Jeni Millikin (Gables at The Riverfront condominiums)
Information Center is open daily. (757)-638-9100

           

Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West is also celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club, a riverfront club/restaurant and pool complex with a 68 slip marina adjacent to the town of Smithfield, Virginia. Visit an East West Realty Sales Center today.

Lane Stadium 50th Season Trailer

What's Hot in New Home Sales Today?

Want to Know What's Hot in New Home Trends Today? Start by visiting one of your popular new home communities to see what builders are including in new homes today. Times have changed, and people aren't living in their homes the way they did 5 to 10 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 several of our new home communities in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.

 
It's exciting to see the resurgence in new home sales in our Hampton Roads' area of Virginia. Builders are paying closer attention to what buyers' really want in a new home. It is vitally important to listen to what our homebuyers are telling us.

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".) Craftsman Cottage style homes, like the one pictured below, are very popular today.

2. 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.

 

Some builders are adhering to EarthCraft requirements which exceeds 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, 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 pace (Builders often raise theFamily 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 materialssuch 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 materials such 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 treatments including 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 more outside living rooms, 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.



      
Discover the best in lifestyle communities at Founders Pointe, Liberty Ridge, and The Riverfront at Harbour View. East West is also celebrating its 25th anniversary of the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club, a riverfront club/restaurant and pool complex with a 68 slip marina adjacent to the town of Smithfield, Virginia. Visit an East West Realty Sales Center today.

Simply Smithfield: Ham, battlefields and more make perfect weekend getaway - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Regional Travel

Simply Smithfield: Ham, battlefields and more make perfect weekend getaway - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Regional Travel

East West Realty Sells Gatling Pointe in Smithfield

East West Realty Sells Gatling Pointe

Thinking about relocating in 2014? Allow East West Realty to help with your real estate needs in the Gatling Pointe community in Smithfield, Virginia. I've listed a few reasons below why East West Realty is the neighborhood expert for selling homes in this award winning community, developed by East West Communities.

  
East West Realty is a member of both REALTOR® Associations (VPAR & HRRA) and will input your home into the area’s Multiple Listing Service, REIN  (Real Estate Information Network), which covers the entire Hampton Roads area. East West Realty is also the only realty firm that maintains a website to promote the Gatling Pointe community- www.gatlingpointe.com

East West Realty also maintains an active Facebook page for Gatling Pointe and the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club. Social media marketing is a large part of the overall marketing plan. Also, visit us on Twitter @EastwestHRVA and also check out our slideshow videos on youtube.

 

 

 

East West Realty is the #1 realty firm for selling the most homes in Gatling Pointe in the past 25 years. East West Realty has sold over 300 resale homes in Gatling Pointe and Gatling Pointe South since 1990. We are your neighborhood realty firm. Three East West Realty agents are Gatling Pointe residents and are  all full-time REALTORS®- Mark Edwards, Donita Frantz, and Tina Manrique.

 

East West Realty specializes in selling homes to homebuyers searching for a planned community with lifestyle amenities. We maintain a referral system between the three locations to network and find the right home for our customers. We are attracting many relocating buyers looking for a place like Gatling Pointe.  Since 2000, many buyers purchased our resale listings in Gatling Pointe after initially finding us through The Riverfront, Eagle Harbor, and Founders Pointe. 

 

  

 

East West Realty sales agents are professionally trained REALTORS® and are your neighborhood experts to sell the features and benefits of the Gatling Pointe planned community. Our agents understand that demonstrating the riverfront club restaurant, marina, & pool at the Gatling Pointe Yacht Club is an important part of helping prospective homebuyers get comfortable with their new neighborhood. Treating our customers and co-broke agents to lunch is a wonderful way to show off the riverfront advantage.   

 

Since 1973, East West has developed 25 communities providing homes for more than 20,000 families. East West Communities has expanded from its beginnings and is now actively developing numerous communities in the the Hampton Roads region & Greater Richmond.

 

East West Realty of Hampton Roads, Virginia represents the East West Communities of The Riverfront at Harbour View, Founders Pointe, Liberty Ridge, and also is still active in the Gatling Pointe community in Smithfield, VA.