Shopping in Charlotte

Recently I went to the store to look for a new purse.   Ladies you know how important that accessory is!   You want it to look just right and you really don’t want to regret the choice that you make.  Fortunately, a knowledgeable sales person assisted in the decision I made.  She knew what I wanted and answered all of my questions to my satisfaction.  She pointed out all the features and I walked out of the store with my new purse feeling like I was on top of the world and that I made the right choice.

When you are considering building a brand new custom home, it is so important that the sales consultant have the answers to all of the questions you have.  They need to answer them fully so that you can walk away feeling that you are making the right choice for your custom home builder. 

At Julie LaTerra Homes we have had so many of our home owners make the comment that we knew what they needed before they even asked.  That is the type of experience that we want for you, so if you are considering making a new home purchase, please visit our website at http://www.julielaterrahomes.com or call us at 704. 875.3980to schedule an appointment with one of our sales consultants

Energy-Efficient Options Remain High as Homeowners Downsize

Home Offices Most Popular 'Special Function' Room

Julie LaTerra Homes is excited to make available to you some key findings from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the 2nd quarter 2009.

Reflecting homeowner preferences, this survey focused on home design trends that are gaining popularity in the areas of home function, systems and products. Almost five hundred residential architects, covering all facets of the residential design profession, were surveyed on emerging design preferences of homeowners.

The study found with homes downsizing and prices shrinking, homeowners continue to choose energy-efficient options and low maintenance products while scaling back on special function rooms such as media rooms/home theaters, exercise rooms, guest or kid wings, and three-car garages. Yet Julie LaTerra Homes’ buyers are still using their homes as passionately as ever. For instance, home offices, still the most popular ‘special function’ room, may be used to limit commuting to work, or as the principle office for a growing number of home-based self-employed workers and small businesses.

Energy-efficiency is tops on the list of homeowner’s requests. Double and triple glazed windows, low-maintenance materials, extra attic insulation and alternative home insulation (such as spray foam, structural foam panels or our favorite – healthy cellulose) continues to increase in popularity at Julie LaTerra Homes. Other popular home features such as first-floor master bedroom suites, elevators and ramps, and easy-to-use features such as door handles and faucets all improve accessibility within your home.

The survey found popular systems in homes focused on energy efficiency such as geothermal heating and cooling heat pumps are also increasing in popularity. Systems for energy management, water reclamation/graywater collection, and air purification were also high on homeowner’s popularity lists.

Water saving and conserving products, “green” flooring, and synthetic-based products (such as countertops, siding, trim and decking) are other products gaining popularity by a majority of homeowners and can all be found at Julie LaTerra Homes Design Centers.

After-Hours Consulting … Free!!

Julie LaTerra, the C.E.O. of Charlotte’s premiere custom-homes builder, is utilizing social media in a whole new way – by using it to offer free consulting! Join us HERE every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30 for free after-hours consulting with Juli…e. You’ve asked – now you shall receive! Pitch discussion topics and questions here, or by contacting us at www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com!

Round 2 “After Hours with Julie”

Just wanted to remind you that this evening from 5:30-7:30, we will be hosting “After Hours with Julie” and we would love to have you join us. Visit www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com to submit topics, ideas or questions. Follow the links on our website to join the discussion from Charlotte’s premier custom home builder, Julie LaTerra

After Hours With Julie

Starting tonight (and every Wednesday hereafter) at 5:30 and goin until 7:30 we will be right here to take your questions. This week we will be covering (but NOT limited to) stepping into the housing market. It is an exciting time to be in the housing market and we want to help make YOU a part of it. SO, join us tonight and every Wednesday, right here, 5:30 to 7:30 for ‘After Hours with Julie’!

Achieving Customer Satisfaction

Have any of you read the book called The Fred Factor by Mark Sanborn?  The main point of the book is that no matter what your job is, there are things you can do to provide excellent customer satisfaction.  He used his mailman as the example of this and, yes, his name is Fred. 

I am always on the lookout for excellent customer service and recently had a fabulous experience that I wanted to pass along to you.  Of all places, it was at the grocery store, which was where I least expected to experience it.  I was in a hurry to check out as I was running late to my next appointment.  I had some cases of water in my cart and was going to put them on the platform to speed up the process.  Before I had a chance to do this, the cashier explained that her scanner could do this with the items still in the cart and that I did not need to remove them.  As she scanned all of my items, she asked me about my day, and made sure my groceries were packaged the way that I like.  She also made sure that someone helped load the groceries into my car.  She definitely exceeded my expectations!

All of the cashiers are trained the same way at this store, but she went above and beyond to make sure that I was satisfied.  I am a frequent shopper at this particular store and the cashiers do not always provide the same level of service.  She genuinely came across as being interested in making sure that I had a pleasant shopping experience.  It created a memorable experience for me and when I am at this store, I always look to see if she is working so that I can go to her line.  We actually gave her a “Fred Award” for her outstanding service.

As a custom homebuilder, it has always been very important that we give our customers the very best in customer service.  As a matter of fact, it is part of the ongoing training program at Julie LaTerra Homes for our team of designers and sales consultants.  Our company’s mission statement is “Enhancing People’s Lives,” and one of the ways that we do this is by providing excellent customer service to our customers throughout the entire build process and beyond. 

If you can, you should put this book on your reading list.  It definitely makes you think about things that you can do in your job or with your family that will enhance their lives.

Julie & Julia

This past weekend I went to see the movie “Julie and Julia” and loved every moment of it.  If you haven’t had the chance to see this yet, please put this on your “Must Do” list.  Meryl Streep is phenomenal as Julia Childs! There is a scene in the movie where Julie, who has decided to cook through every recipe in the Julia Child’s cookbook in 365 days, has a complete meltdown in her kitchen.  She is living in an apartment that is 900 square feet, so you can imagine how small the kitchen is. 

I am sure we can all relate to that feeling of needing more cabinet space to store the appliances, dishes, and other cooking utensils.  We all know the desire to have a pantry that allows us to find things quickly and where we can stay organized.  We all know the desire to have more countertop space where we can master that complicated and complex meal preparation.  We need to spread out, but are so limited and it can definitely cause frustration.  We all know when the kitchen is too small, and when more than one person is in this vital room, the feeling of claustrophobia that overcomes us.  All of these factors create so much frustration and emotional disturbance, to say the least.

Julie LaTerra Homes, Charlotte’s custom home builder, has a team of designers who can help you design the kitchen of your dreams.  Imagine having pull out shelves where you can easily reach your desired item.  Imagine a walk-in pantry where you can properly arrange those canned items and find exactly what you need.  I know you can imagine having enough counter space to work efficiently, and have multiple tasks going on at the same time and not feel over crowded.  Let your imagination run wild.  Please visit our website, www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com, and make plans to visit our state of the art design center which is here to inspire you in your custom home design.

What’s Cooking in the Kitchen?

Tuscan Design

Throughout the years of being involved in the custom home building industry, we have discovered that the most favorite room in the home is the kitchen.  That is not too surprising since it is the place where family and friends gather to share meals, engage in conversation, enjoy a cup of coffee and reconnect at the end of the day.  Because of the versatility of this room, there are several things that you will want to consider when planning your ideal kitchen.

One of the things that you will need to analyze is your budget.  The majority of the costs will be spent on flooring, appliances, cabinets and countertops.  You need to consider the way you live and what items are most important to you.  If cooking is not that important to you, you may not want to invest in the top of the line appliances.  On the other hand, if you are an aspiring Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray, state of the art appliances might be exactly what you need.

Another item you will want to consider is how you use your kitchen.  Is it the gathering place for your family and friends?   Do you want separate work areas and gathering areas so that everyone can have enough space and feel comfortable?  Is a smaller cozier kitchen more appealing to you?

You will also want to think about the type of flooring you want in that room and how that will fit into the rest of your home.  Ceramic tile tends to be harder on the feet and not as forgiving when you drop something unexpectedly however; it gives a classic look and there are so many incredible textures, colors and designs available!  Hardwood flooring is another option that is easy to maintain and has a fabulous presentation.  Think about how your family lives and the things that are important to you in your kitchen so that you can stay within the budget you desire.

The design team at Julie LaTerra Homes is available to ask questions and listen to what is important to you in your new home so that you can have the most important room in your home turn out just like you envision. 

Healthy Tips from Julie LaTerra Homes

The other day, I read an article in Southern Living Magazine about 6 things that you can do for a healthier, happier you.  These are some practical and fun ideas for a family or individual.  The only one I would have to give some serious consideration to is item #5 on the list!  I hope you enjoy these and can incorporate these into your lifestyle.

1. As the kids head back to school, help whip their minds into shape by playing board games with them. It’s true: Brain-stimulating memorization games can make you smarter. These activities increase skills such as reasoning and problem-solving. So get out that game of Concentration or Memory (if you can remember where it is).

2. While schedules may be picking up, don’t forget to pencil in some family time around the table. Teens who dine with their families five or more times a week are less likely to use drugs or alcohol and more often earn better grades. The fact is teenagers actually want to eat dinner with their families–even if you’re having leftover meatloaf surprise.

3. Enjoy summer until the very last sun drop. Spending 10 or 15 minutes outside gives you enough vitamin D to lower your chance of developing peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD occurs when fatty deposits build up around the lining of the arteries, causing a decrease in the flow of blood and oxygen. While doctors don’t yet know exactly how vitamin D is linked to lower occurrences of PAD, it seems that a daily dose of heavenly sunshine is part of the ideal prescription for artery health.

4. Be sure to schedule some time for you too. Meditating for 20 minutes a day can reduce the stress hormone cortisol, as well as increase your energy level and strengthen your immune system. As a bonus to you and your family, meditating can also reduce anxiety, depression, and anger.

5. Recent research shows that drinking 2 cups of beet juice a day may reduce blood pressure. This powerful root veggie contains nitrate, which has also been proven to fight colon cancer and protect against heart disease. Now I just can’t see myself chugging down “straight up” glassfuls of the tangy, purple-red liquid, but maybe I’ll try to find a recipe for a beet smoothie. Yum!

6. Here’s a sunny thought: You may be able to delay biological aging by up to 12 years by doing aerobic exercises (and having healthy habits, of course). Sticking with a workout regimen throughout life helps increase metabolism, which normally slows in middle age. Aerobic exercise also allows you to maintain strength, balance, and coordination, which help deter injuries or illnesses.

All of us at Julie LaTerra Homes, Charlotte’s premier custom home builder, hope you enjoy the last days of summer with your family.  For more exciting tips, please visit our web site at www.JulieLaTerraHomes.com.

Julie LaTerra Homes Designs Center on Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers looking for a different approach to custom homebuilding in Charlotte, NC have a unique opportunity to own a new home designed around their lifestyle needs. The Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center, conveniently located near I-77 in Huntersville, NC, offers a variety of home plans and features that are specifically tailored to Baby Boomers.

Julie LaTerra Homes offers a unique custom homebuilding method based on the concepts of livability and aging in place, which allows aging homeowners to continue living in their home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. With 72% of the population 45 and older wanting to remain in their own home as they grow older, Julie LaTerra Homes has developed the Built for Baby Boomers collection of home plans offering selections and options that allow the home to grow with the homeowner.

The Built for Baby Boomers collection of floor plans is designed to provide this generation of homeowners the ability to “right size” instead of downsize. “Many Empty Nesters and Baby Boomers look forward to the day when the children have left the nest and their homes become totally catered to their needs. It’s an exciting time offering these buyers groups’ endless possibilities to customize their world.”

“The key to being able to design the perfect house for this type of homebuyer is to identify the changing needs of the individual or couple and to maximize the design for the possibilities of aging in place. At Julie LaTerra Homes we have the expertise to guide our clients with identifying their changing needs and to help them ‘right size’ instead of downsize using our unique floor plans and options” according to Julie LaTerra. All plans include additional storage space, relaxation areas, formal and casual entertainment space and flexible rooms that can change along with a homeowner’s particular need during any stage of life.

Julie LaTerra Homes has created the Design Center to showcase a variety of custom home options to accommodate the needs and lifestyle of today’s Baby Boomers. Homebuyers interested in building a custom home are invited to visit the Julie LaTerra Homes Design Center for a free consultation to explore the opportunities to own a new home from the Built for Baby Boomers collection.

Personal design consultants are available to help homebuyers choose from hundreds of design ideas or thousands of decorator solutions to customize a home that will fit their lifestyle and personality for many years to come. The designers at Julie LaTerra Homes consider all of the features and components important to Baby Boomers while informing buyers about finish and feature options. Homebuyers can choose from the Built for Baby Boomer home plans or work with a design consultant to develop a personalized home plan.