Easy on the Eyes and the Environment
Environmentally friendly features are gaining popularity both among buyers of new homes and owners undertaking remodeling projects, notes Ray Tonjes of NAHB. A total of 13,224 green homes were constructed in 2002 alone, compared to 18,887 built between 1990 and 2001. Unlike conventional dwellings, green structures are more energy-efficient, incorporate recycled materials and have better indoor air. The "greenest" home in Florida, according to the Florida Green Building Coalition, is located in Palm Beach Gardens' new Evergrene development. Its features include permeable pavers that prevent stormwater runoff; barrels that save rainwater for use in the garden; a swimming pool that uses sodium instead of chlorine for cleaning purposes; concrete walls to guard against high winds; expandable attic insulation; and an outdoor compost bin. The home also has a recycled-glass backsplash, bamboo floors, light and faucet sensors, a central vacuum, a tankless hot water heater and dual-flush toilets. These green features account for $75,000 of the home's $400,000-plus price tag, but WCI Chief Executive Al Hoffman Jr. believes the costs will decline as green techniques catch on with more production builders. Demand for green homes has prompted builders in Atlanta to create a green remodeling program, and NAHB plans to release national green building guidelines sometime this year. (www.csmonitor.com)
Christian Science Monitor (03/03/04) P. 11; Gardner, Marilyn
[ Go to Top ]
Florida Retirement Village Tops List of Top-Selling Communities in U.S.
The Villages — spanning Florida's Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties — recorded the most sales of all master-planned communities in the nation last year, according to Maryland-based Robert Charles Lesser & Co. With a 69% boost in sales to 3,823 in 2003, The Villages pushed Las Vegas' Summerlin development out of first place for the first time in six years. The Florida retirement community has 20,000 homes and 35,000 residents today, but it will encompass 55,000 homes and 100,000 residents on more than 20,000 acres when it is completed in 2014. The dwellings range in price from a little more than $90,000 for a villa to close to $342,000 for a 3,627-square-foot home. Robert Charles Lesser & Co. Marketing Director James Raby notes that almost half of the 20 fastest-selling communities cater to retirees; and all but one of those 20 are located either in Florida, Arizona, Nevada, California or Texas. (www.starbanner.com)
Ocala Star-Banner (FL) (03/03/04) Curry, Christopher
[ Go to Top ]
San Francisco Rejects Prop. J for Affordable Housing
The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce has rejected the Proposition J initiative that was designed to create more middle-income housing by offering incentives to city developers. The so-called Workforce Housing initiative was backed by Chamber Senior Vice President Roberta Achtenberg, Mayor Gavin Newsom and U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, among others who had hoped the creation of more affordable housing would keep middle-class workers like teachers and firefighters from leaving the city for less costly destinations. However, opponents — including Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzales and a number of interest groups covering the whole political spectrum — said the proposed housing would not be affordable enough and that the Chamber did not adequately involve community members in the planning. Critics additionally charged that Proposition J's complicated language and proposed changes to the city planning code favored developers rather than neighborhood interests. While supporters of the Workforce Housing initiative plan to continue campaigning, other are suggesting alternative solutions to San Francisco's housing crisis. (www.sfgate.com)
San Francisco Chronicle (03/03/04) Hetter, Katia
[ Go to Top ]
To Stay: Home Kitchens and Bathrooms Lend Themselves to Warmer Design Innovations
Today's home owners want their kitchens and bathrooms to appear warm and cozy, especially since many of them are spending more time at home with family and friends. Wood cabinets, recessed lighting, tumbled marble backsplashes, taupe and pecan finishes, stainless steel appliances, a mixture of open shelves and various-sized cabinets, and islands are bringing warmth to the kitchen. Also upping the comfort level is the increasingly common absence of dividers between the kitchen and dining room. As for the bathroom, a growing number of home owners are opting for sinks made of vessel bowls dropped into antique bureaus and dressers; granite, marble or Corian countertops; glass showers; and decorative mirrors. Home owners also are trending toward separate bathroom appliances as well as heated, radiant flooring. Lighting improvements are playing a major role in both rooms, meanwhile. For example, large windows with plenty of glass — which bring home owners closer to the outdoors — are gaining in popularity. (www.post-gazette.com)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (03/03/04) P. S6; Taylor, Lynda Guydon
[ Go to Top ]
Hovnanian February Contracts Rise 70 Percent to $485.6 Million
Home builder Hovnanian enjoyed a surge in February business compared to the year-earlier period. The company reported that contracts for the month mushroomed 70% to a value of $485.6 million, while the number of net contracts vaulted 58% to 1,673. The value of home contracts was up 76% in the Southwest, 67% in the West, 58% in the Southeast and 38% in the Northeast.
(cbs.marketwatch.com)
CBSMarketWatch.com (03/03/04) Kilgore, Tomi
[ Go to Top ]
Identity Checker Hopes to Curb Financial Fraud
TransUnion and Acxiom have unveiled a fraud management platform that should help financial services companies crack down on identity theft and other forms of financial deception. The new technology makes use of the multiple reference databases of TransUnion and Acxiom to check the identity of consumers at call centers, Web sites, credit applications and other points of sale. Top officials from the two companies announced the new fraud management platform last week during Acxiom's annual executive symposium. Losses from identity theft grew to $1.5 billion in 2002, according to the Federal Trade Commission, which projects fraud losses to rise to $8.6 billion by 2006. (www.inman.com)
Inman News Features Online (03/02/04)
[ Go to Top ]
Life at the Top
High-rise and mid-rise condominium towers are gaining popularity in Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix and other cities across the country, with many such projects sparking urban redevelopment. These luxury units often are as large as single-family homes, and some boast price tags approaching $10 million. The so-called "vertical lifestyle" encompasses location, design, security, personal service and top-notch amenities. Units in these skyscrapers generally include upscale finishes and materials, breathtaking views, media rooms, studies, family rooms and spacious laundry areas, among other amenities. The towers might also offer 24-hour security, sophisticated monitoring systems, personal elevators, conference rooms, fitness centers, restaurants and concierge services. According to Jamie Marquez of The Landmark in Scottsdale, AZ, "Vertical living draws buyers who want maintenance-free living in a care-free lifestyle, where they can walk to shopping, drop off a request with the concierge, enjoy hotel-like services in their own home, cater a party, make travel arrangements and still 'lock n' leave' on a moment's notice." Buyers range from wealthy young professionals to active baby boomers and retirees who want to live in the city without sacrificing space and amenities. (www.uniquehomes.com)
Unique Homes (03/04) Vol. 33, No. 2, P. 68; McLaughlin, Camilla
[ Go to Top ]
Home Buyers Show Taste for Kitchen Amenities
An NAHB survey shows that kitchen amenities top the list of features most desired by home buyers. A walk-in pantry was the most popular amenity named in the "Housing Facts, Figures and Trends 2004" survey, with 78% of respondents giving it a high desirability rating. Buyers also indicated a preference for island work areas and wood cabinets in their kitchens; and many said that if such features were not included in the purchase, they would add them within the first year of moving. NAHB reported new-home buyers spending an average of $8,905 to improve their properties, with buyers of resale properties spending an average of $3,766. The poll also noted that the last decade's steady gains in new-home sales reached a record high of over 1 million sold last year, as the national average price for both new and existing residences also continued to rise. (www.copleynews.com)
Copley News Service (03/01/04) Woodard, James M.
[ Go to Top ]
Urban Redevelopment Hits Real Estate Snag
Urban infill development is gaining popularity as more people relocate closer to downtown districts and as planners seek out strategies to offset suburban sprawl. However, lamented industry experts attending a recent Urban Land Institute forum, infill developers are hindered by a number of factors that prevent them from acquiring and cobbling together separate tracts of land from different owners. Those influences on land assembly include soaring costs, a trim inventory of land, long chains of title, the need for time-consuming zoning revisions in some cases and the stubbornness of some property owners who do not want to give up their land. As a direct result of these factors, explained ULI's Maureen McAvey, "much potentially usable land in close-in areas is bypassed because it is cheaper and easier to build further out." One forum participant, Allan Mallach of the National Housing Institute, cited eminent domain as one solution for facilitating urban redevelopment in older communities. "However," he warned, "local officials must be able to effectively sell what they are doing to their constituencies." While McAvey noted that land assembly is not a popular political agenda, she said the issue demands attention as municipalities mine for new ways to generate revenue and meet fiscal challenges. (www.inman.com)
Inman News Features Online (03/01/04)
[ Go to Top ]
Weigh Pros, Cons of One- Vs. Two-Story Dwellings
Demand is on the rise for new, one-story homes, especially among baby boomers and parents with young children. At the same time, however, new research from NAHB shows that the availability of one-level dwellings in new residential developments is declining. Most of today's new houses — more than 50% — have at least two stories, compared to just 14% in 1970. Despite the dearth of such units, there are still some builders that produce one-level models — particularly in new communities that cater to the preferences of an older clientele. Prospective home buyers should search diligently if they have their heart set on a one-story home; but they should not automatically rule out two-story structures. Not only do these properties generally provide more space, but house-hunters also will discover that many two-story floor plans are designed in such a way to mitigate the hardship of having to climb stairs constantly. For example, buyers of two-story houses can opt for one where the master bedroom suite is located on the first floor — which will prove especially useful for residents who aim to age in place. Many two-story homes also are being designed with the laundry room off the kitchen or near the bedrooms to avoid frequent trips up and down the stairs. (www.pioneerplanet.com)
Saint Paul Pioneer Press (02/28/04) P. 6J; Martin, Ellen James
[ Go to Top ]
Boom or Bust for Home Market?
Some economists fret that purchase mortgages and refinancing transactions — which have driven the U.S. economic engine in the past three years — may have crested and could be headed for a collapse. Based on a recent poll by global market research firm Ipsos-Insight, however, many Americans are still planning to buy a home, tap into their equity or refinance an existing loan. The company's survey of 1,001 consumers indicated that 12% of respondents intend to purchase a residential property this year — an existing home for 57% and a newly built home for 43%. Moreover, 48% of those who said they would purchase a home in 2004 currently do not own one, making them first-time participants in the owner-occupied market. Even those Americans who own homes and are not planning a new purchase this year appear eager to take advantage of continued attractive borrowing costs, which Ipsos-Insight Senior Vice President Greg Mahon says are expected to remain stable for the next six months. psos-Insight reports that 7% of poll respondents stated that they have plans to dip into their equity via home equity loans or lines of credit; while 9% said they intend to refinance this year. "While most experts have predicted 2004 home sales will drop off from the all-time record sales seen in 2003, consumer intentions seem to indicate that if there is in fact a sales decrease, it may only be a slight decline," according to Mahon. "It's important to note that we are expecting, from a historical perspective, 2004 to be a very strong year again for mortgages." (www.upi.com)
United Press International (02/26/04)
[ Go to Top ]
Home View/Basement Blitz
Architects and interior designers say they are seeing more demand for residential basements in markets that previously offered very little support for this amenity. In Manhattan Beach, CA, for example, 90% of the luxury residential projects designed by architect Grant Kirkpatrick of KAA Design Group involves a basement — up from practically zero such projects 10 years ago. Southern California traditionally has ignored basements, since a ground that does not freeze means basements are not needed to properly found a house. Basements also are gaining popularity in Florida, where the high water table has long presented a barrier to basements. However, many home owners are turning instead to "above-ground" versions for their oceanfront properties. Waterfront homes are required to be constructed 17 feet above sea level to prevent flooding. That building approach leaves empty space, which owners are filling with concrete-reinforced storage rooms, bowling alleys and lounges. (www.wsj.com)
Wall Street Journa (02/27/04) P. W12; Reed, Danielle
[ Go to Top ]
A Hole in the Wall With a Hot Look
Restaurants and hotels were the first to embrace minimalist fireplaces, but home owners now are installing them to complement their contemporary furniture and architecture. The popularity of the loft has fueled the barely-there fireplace trend, and designers are rushing to meet demand. Home owners can opt for fireplaces made of granite, metal and other materials as well as those shaped like diamonds, glass pillars or sculptures. There also are novelty fireplaces that can be built into the floor or hung from the walls. (www.wsj.com)
Wall Street Journal (02/27/04) P. W12; Mechling, Lauren
[ Go to Top ]
Cybersecurity Concerns Grow for Small Business
Viruses, worms, spying, identity theft and other forms of cyberattacks have moved beyond technology problems that result in wrecked computers, erased hard drives and corrupted data to business problems that involve extortion, stolen information and trade secrets. Without sufficient protections against cyberattacks, businesses stand to lose customers, productivity and their ability to communicate. According to Phoenix-based cybersecurity consultant Cindy Donaldson, "The biggest challenges for small businesses are awareness and financial resources needed to protect themselves." Donaldson recommends a security assessment so companies can pinpoint their specific risks. Threats can range from sophisticated off-site attacks to someone entering the office and stealing equipment, both of which could hurt businesses if passwords, trade secrets and private customer data get into the wrong hands. Security assessments let consultants determine the assets in need of the most protection and help businesses install the necessary safeguards. (www.phoenix.bizjournals.com)
Phoenix Business Journal Online (03/01/04) Hernandez, Ruben
[ Go to Top ]
For Peace of Mind, the One-Button Backup
Several easy-to-use backup devices for PCs are now available that are designed to prevent the loss of important data files due to damage, loss or corruption. At the press of a single button, these devices can back up computer data without interfering with regular PC functionality; they can also be programmed to automatically back up data at regular intervals. Models include the Western Digital Media Center With Dual-Option Backup, the Maxtor One-Touch external drive and the Seagate External Hard Drive, which are about the size a large book. Data can be backed up en masse or selectively; users have options at installation about what and how often the data should be replicated. Back-up rates are affected by such factors as U.S.B. connection, computer processing speed and the volume of data to be processed. An alternative type of back-up device is the Mirra Personal Server, a network device that relies on the Linux operating system and uses mirroring technology similar to that used for Web site back ups. All of the above devices range in price from $180-$500 and are available at such stores as Best Buy. (www.nytimes.com)
New York Times (02/26/04) P. E5; Fitzgerald, Thomas J.
[ Go to Top ]
Vonage Makes Phoning Through the Internet Convenient and Cheap
New Jersey-based Vonage lets broadband users make phone calls over the Internet while using their home phones and retaining their current phone numbers. After purchasing the digital adapter to link their phones and computers, users shell out only $15-$35 per month for a local and long distance plan, voice mail, caller ID, call waiting and other features that cost extra with traditional phone companies. Unlike traditional carriers, Vonage allows users to choose a new phone number with any area code; use their adapter box and service plan from any location; and select "virtual phone numbers" with different area codes so certain incoming calls are considered local. However, there are some drawbacks, including the inability for 911 operators to immediately identify the user's location, the absence of Vonage numbers from the phone book and limited local area codes, among others. (www.wsj.com)
Wall Street Journal (02/26/04) P. B1; Mossberg, Walter S.
[ Go to Top ]
|