Monthly Archives: November 2011

Not so Green

I am expecting to get some criticism on our down play on Green construction.  We have found, especially in our local market (Miami and Boca Raton), if Green costs more it is a tough sell.  If the Green product saves energy or has a better life expectancy our clients will at least listen.  However, just because something is Green does not do it in our market.  We have had several clients inquire about the Green side of construction but inevitably  it comes down to dollar choices that most are not willing to do in these tough economic times.  Upgrading insulation and energy efficient windows and doors are still high priorities.  It is an added benefit if they are Green but not if it costs more.

Harry Hollub president of Hollub Homes

Bright White

Whether you enjoy trend-spotting or wrinkle your nose at the very thought, recurring trends are worth paying attention to, if for no other reason than what they say about the public taste vis-a-vis the times we’re living in. We’re talking about the return of the white kitchen, and if you’ve been in the business long enough, you’ve seen the trend before. So, why now? Depending on your point of view—and your clientele—explanations vary. Economic: In a downturn, moderation prevails, and a white kitchen plays to a bigger variety of tastes than a red one. Strategic: A kitchen that’s all white probably makes a home easier to sell. Stylistic: If, faced with all that white, there’s a craving for color, a white kitchen makes it easier to add a splash of orange or apple-green. Psychological: In anxious, tumultuous times, white is calming. Continue reading →

The Joys of Homeownership

Today’s experts spout off the latest statistics about long-term wealth, home values, and interest rates, yet there’s a much more sentimental side to homeownership. In fact, many home buyers are drawn to homeownership for these warm and fuzzy reasons.

Owning a home allows you to put down roots, both figuratively and literally. On one hand you become part of a neighborhood and community. When you rent, neighbors come and go as quickly as leases renew. Homeowners, however, tend to stay put longer.

What does this mean for you? You can develop, many times, lifelong relationships. This also means your home will see you through many of life’s important milestones.

It makes sense. Many people enter the realm of homeownership as young couples looking to build a nest. They plan on starting their own family and need room to expand and grow. These family homes will see many firsts and will be the container of countless memories. Additionally, homeownership gives families more room to entertain and this means extended family will also share in building memories. Continue reading →