Thursday Dec. 22 2016
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Natural-Bourne Builder
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Local home builder John Bourne has 40-plus years of experience in the industry
By The Staff at The News
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ohn Bourne has been building houses in Clovis for 44 years. By his estimate, that’s close to 1,000 homes.
While most of these homes are located in northeast Clovis, there’s a custom-built home on Alabama Street that he completed early in his career, plus several homes in the Almond Tree subdivision. Bourne has developed five subdivisions: Foxwood Estates, Jonquil Park, Jonquil Park East, Raintree and Providence. Raintree’s final phase has been completed with a few home lots still available for a custom John Bourne home.
Bourne was born in Oklahoma and moved to Clovis as an infant when his father, who was a railroader, started working here. John and his wife, Marilyn, recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary. Their children, Tony and Chris, have moved away from Clovis; Tony recently relocating to Oregon with his job with Intel, and Chris owns, among other things, Capital Pizza in Lubbock. “Chris just won Best Pizza Place in Lubbock” Bourne said with a grin, “who knows, maybe he’ll catch up with my ‘Best of’ wins.” Dad has won Best Home Builder in the newspaper’s “Best of Clovis” balloting 14 times. Bourne said he takes pride in the homes he builds. “High quality insulation is important,” he said. “We make sure that our homes exceed energy standards.” He also likes to keep everything local – from subcontractors to building materials. Sometimes it is necessary to go outside of Clovis, but for the most part Bourne makes sure he supports the local economy.
system and lawn.” In the Providence subdivision, you can find another Bourne home complete and ready for purchase. The house at 704 Providence Circle is 2,442 square feet, with 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and a 3-car garage. It also features granite countertops in the kitchen, laundry room and baths plus tile, wood and carpet flooring. It’s listed at $349,900. Bourne recently started framing a home at 208 Dominion Way, also in the Providence subdivision. This home will feature 4 bedrooms, 3+ baths and a 3-car garage. “This home, like the others in this subdivision, will include a covered front patio and covered back porch,” Graham said. Bourne also has two homes in the Raintree subdivision that are listed for sale. The residence at 2217 Briggs Ave. features 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, an office and a 3-car garage. The 2,324-square-foot home is listed for $317,000. Meanwhile, 3805 Ethan Ave. has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, a 3-car garage and 2,176 square feet for $298,000. “Briggs and Ethan are my grandsons,” Bourne said. “Another street in Raintree is named after my granddaughter, Amanda. In the Foxwood subdivision, Calan Court is named after another grandson.” Before he started building homes, Bourne spent about five years designing homes for other builders. There are homes in Colonial Park made from his designs.
There have been many notable home builders in Clovis, but there is one whose work stands out to Bourne. Pointing to the beautiful, knotty alder cabinets in his new“I’ve always admired Hiram Dearconstruction home at 100 Providence Circle, Bourne says, “These man’s homes,” Bourne said. “I never cabinets are all custom built here in Clovis.” The woodwork met him but he did really good work.” around the fireplace of the same home was also done by a loBourne and his wife have seen cal man. “Raymond Acrey built this fireplace. I really admire his the many ups and downs in new construction over the years. “I work.” remember one time, CCC had a couple homes built by students and Wes Graham, owner and broker of RE/MAX First Place those were the only new construction homes available,” he said. Realtors, says that the home on Providence is a showplace of Serving Clovis and the surrounding areas for 35 years, GraBourne’s work. ham has seen many Bourne home listings come through his office. “This is an incredible home,” he said. “All four bedrooms “When we have a listing that is a John Bourne home, you can be feature walk-in closets and the master suite offers a sitting area sure that information will be in the comments about the home.” plus a large bath with an over-sized shower with two shower heads Graham’s RE/MAX First Place Realtors has offices in both plus massage jets. The separate whirlpool tub is a feature that more and more home buyers are looking for in a new construction Clovis and Portales. He is the past president of both the State Realtor›s Association and the Clovis/Portales Board of Realtors. home.” He also has been one of RE/MAX’s top producers in New Mexico The 2,673-square-foot home also features a formal dining for 20 years. room, breakfast area and a kitchen that will please any cook. It Graham invites anyone interested in seeing one of the John includes a double-wall oven, built-in microwave, ample cupboard Bourne homes – or any home in the Clovis/Portales area – to give and counter space, an island plus a 27.2-cubic-foot refrigerator with French doors. Another feature are the built-in cabinets at the him a call at the office at (575) 763-3729 or on his direct line at (575) 935-9903. His offices are located at 817 E. Llano Estacado base of the fireplace in Clovis, or in Portales on the Square at 120 S. Avenue A. You can that can house elecalso email him at wesgraham@remax.net. tronic equipment that connect to your televi All of their current home listings in Clovis and Portales are sion. listed on their website at: www.clovishomes.com. “All your cables are out of sight, and the flat screen TV fits above the fireplace,” Graham added, “and is listed at $369,000. All pricing on a Bourne home include sprinkler
Page 2B • Thursday, Dec 22, 2016
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Home decor: The hottest colors of 2017
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New neutrals dominate the color trends of the upcoming year
rom furniture to walls, new homes to remodels, cool grays have dominated home design palettes for the last five years. Look to 2017 to gently shake things up with a focus on fresh neutrals that bring warm and cool tones together to create versatile color with timeless appeal.
One of the most notable trends of the year is the transition of neutrals from monochrome gray to warmer hues, including complex taupe, beige, khaki and brown colors. These warmer tones create an inviting feeling, and while grays will continue to be popular, look for hybrid hues that blend the best of gray with warmer undertones for colors that are unique, yet familiar. The perfect example of this trend is Poised Taupe (SW 6039), the Sherwin-Williams 2017 Color of the Year. Earthen brown combines with conservative gray resulting in a weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that fits well in virtually any room. “Poised Taupe celebrates everything people love about cool gray as a neutral, and also brings in the warmth of brown, taking a color to an entirely new level,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “Not cool or warm, nor gray or brown, Poised Taupe brings a sense of coziness and harmony that people are seeking.” If you’re looking to refresh your space with this new color trend, there are countless opportunities. Here are four stunning home decor themes using this up-and-coming color:
Cornflower hues With its cool-yet-warm vibe, Poised Taupe is an ideal complement to cornflower hues. For example, when paired with the faded indigo of Stardew (SW 9138), it creates a charming palette ideal for French countryside aesthetics. This fun twist on a classic is sure to produce timeless results in the kitchen or living spaces.
Organic re-imagined Create an updated nature-inspired palette in your home with citrus green, weathered bronze, mustard yellow and light, cooltoned blue paired with earthy neutrals like Poised Taupe. This contemporary organic look is perfectly re-imagined for the modern cent of vine-ripe fruits, dramatic wine colors and deep blues. Balworld with just the right amount of visual appeal. ance this mysterious palette with a neutral like Poised Taupe and you’ll have a look that is unexpected and gorgeous. Wine and taupe Yellow pop Saturated color pairings that evoke deep moods are gaining popularity. Taking cues from baroque and romanticism designs, the Gray tones always provide a clean, modern base, but conSherwin-Williams Noir palette is rich with colors that are reminis- trasting these hues with vivid colors allows you to transform any room into a contemporary paradise. Try using the deep teal of Marea Baja (SW 9185) and sunny hued Bee (SW 6683) alongside Poised Taupe to create a graphic look perfect for the office or kids rooms. Ready to make this the year you update your house with fresh designs and stunning colors? To learn more about top trends for 2017, visit www.sherwin-williams.com.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 • Page 3B
Budgeting basics for first-time home buyers
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ou wouldn’t dream of going somewhere you’ve never been before without first getting directions. So, why would you go through life without a plan to help meet your financial goals?
Periodically reassess your budget. Life is full of changes, such as fluctuations in income and shifting priorities. It’s important to go back over your budget from time to time to help ensure you are on track to achieve your financial goals.
“An ongoing household budget is essential, whether it’s helping you save for retirement or buy your first house,” says Eric Hamilton, president of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. “A budget can help you avoid common mistakes along the way by helping you live within your means while planning for the future.”
Determine if you are financially ready to support a new monthly mortgage payment with Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance’s budget worksheet. Download a copy at www.vmfhomeloan.com.
Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., 500 Alcoa Trail, Maryville, TN 37804, 865-380-3000, NMLS #1561, (www. If you’ve never had a budget before, you may be unsure how to begin. Building a budget can be easy as long as you follow nmlsconsumeraccess.org/), AZ Lic. #BK-0902616, Loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license, a few simple steps: GA Residential Mortgage (Lic. #6911), Illinois Residential Mort Establish your financial goals. Do you want to be debt free? gage Licensee, Licensed by the NH Banking Department, MT Lic. Buy a new home? Build an emergency fund? Save for retirement? #1561, Licensed by PA Dept. of Banking. Setting financial goals can help guide the budgeting process. Determine your total monthly household income. This should include net income (the final amount of take-home pay after all taxes and deductions) for every working member of the household, including any government aid received, child support, alimony, pensions, etc. Knowing the total income gives you a starting point for your budget. Calculate your monthly expenses. It may be helpful to break expenses into categories, such as home, utilities, long term debt, medical, auto, groceries and personal. Personal can include items like clothing, entertainment, dining out, etc. It is helpful to review your cash spending, bank statements and receipts over the past few months to give you a better idea of your spending habits. Check with your bank for tools offered, such as online banking or a mobile app to track of spending on the go. Identify where you can reduce spending. After you’ve assessed your spending habits, you might be surprised to find areas where you can cut back. Small changes in your lifestyle can make a big difference to your budget. For example, instead of buying lunch every day, you could take your lunch to work or school. Less spending means saving more money. Be sure to set aside these new freed-up funds and allocate them toward your goals. If you’re trying to save for a new home or down payment, view your personal savings as a must-pay fund that’s as important as your rent or car payment.
Page 4B • Thursday, Dec 22, 2016
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
4 tips to help keep your home warm, comfortable and energy efficient this winter
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ith winter comes the holiday season, a time that’s supposed to be associated with “comfort and joy.” But how joyful will it be if pests invade your house, or if your home is cold and drafty? Help stay warm all winter long by addressing factors like air leaks from gaps and cracks that can make your home feel uncomfortable. “Drafts and heat loss are common problems in the winter, and they affect homes of every age, size and construction,” says Gary Parsons, fellow at The Dow Chemical Company. “Those factors can seriously affect your home’s energy efficiency and how comfortable it feels. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to deal with issues like air leaks and insulation, and doing so can significantly improve your home’s function and livability.” Parsons suggests these steps to help ensure a draft-free, pestfree and comfy home this winter season:
Seal cracks and gaps
Have the ducts inspected and seal any leaks. Be sure to Gaps and cracks throughout the home allow hot air to escape change air filters regularly, per the system manufacturer’s recommendation for filter type and frequency. According to the U.S. Deand cold air and pests to enter. Energy Star estimates that homes can have a half mile or more of cracks around doors, windows and partment of Energy, dirty air filters restrict airflow, making HVAC sill plates alone, and those aren’t the only places in a home where systems work harder and consume more energy to heat your home. gaps can exist. Air duct joints, points where piping enters a home, and anywhere wood meets concrete (such as around the foundaDon’t overlook little things tion) are locations where cracks and gaps can occur. Sealing cracks can help prevent air leakage, improve a home’s overall energy efficiency and block out pests and insects. In fact, homeowners can save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling by air sealing their homes and adding insulation, according to Energy Star. Even do-it-yourself novices can easily and quickly seal cracks and gaps in their homes. Products like GREAT STUFF(R) Gaps & Cracks and GREAT STUFF(R) Pestblock Insulating Foam Sealants are specially formulated to seal gaps and cracks, blocking out air, moisture and even pests. The ready-to-use insulating foam sealants can fill gaps up to 1 inch. When using the product, be sure to follow safety guidelines, including covering all skin, using gloves and safety goggles, and keeping the work area well ventilated.
Check insulation Insulation is like a blanket that your home wears to help keep everyone inside warm and cozy. If your home doesn’t have the right amount or type of insulation for your climate, it can lose heat, energy efficiency and comfort. About 90 percent of existing homes don’t have enough insulation, according to the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association. Follow Energy Star’s guidelines for more information on how to check your insulation to see if your home could benefit from adding more.
Take care of the HVAC system If your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system isn’t working as well as it could, you’re sacrificing comfort and increasing your energy bills. Make sure to check the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall to ensure they are operating efficiently.
Things as simple as a forgotten window left cracked in summer months or neglecting to close the flue in your wood-burning fireplace can all affect the amount of heat and comfort that escape your home in the winter. Before the weather turns very cold, make a sweep through your home and check for these minor but important points: Windows: Are all your windows closed? If you’ve recently sealed around windows, you probably opened them for ventilation. Double check to be sure you remembered to close them. Thermostat: Is yours properly programmed to optimize energy use by adjusting the temperature when you’re out of the house? Proper use of a programmable thermostat can cut energy bills by nearly $200 per year, according to Energy Star. Ceiling fans: you can use ceiling fans to supplement your furnace during the winter, but you have to remember to reverse the air flow. Most ceiling fans have a switch that allows you to reverse the direction of the fan blades to spin clockwise, which pushes warm air down from the ceiling during winter.
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS
Real Estate
Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 • Page 5B
6 holiday-friendly home design features
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hether you’re shopping for a new traditional, manufactured or modular home or just attempting a renovation project, it’s important to consider the functionality of key spaces like kitchens and living rooms. These most-frequented rooms will host meals, family gatherings, movie nights, homework sessions and holiday celebrations, so they need to include features that facilitate all these uses and more. If the layout of your current apartment or house isn’t working for you as well as you would like, it can seem even more unlivable during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. As you consider which home elements will be the best investment for your money, the home experts at Clayton suggest keeping these features in mind:
Sweeping technology: With all the cooking and entertaining you’ll be doing in the kitchen, crumbs and spills are inevitable. The last thing you want to do with a houseful of guests is wrestle with a full-sized vacuum cleaner or risk having a hand vac prove inadequate for your needs. Sweeping technology like a central dirt-removal vacuum system can make cleanup much quicker and easier. The central dirt-removal vacuum system unit installs at the base of a kitchen cabinet, and you simply use a broom to move debris in front of the unit. A tap of the toe turns the vacuum on, and the unit sucks the dirt inside a pull-out pan. You can open the drawer and ditch the dirt immediately, or leave it for later while you entertain guests. Central dirt-removal vacuum systems are an optional kitchen appliance in select Clayton home designs. Fireplace: Few home features are more appropriate for the holidays than a fireplace that will add warmth and ambiance to any celebration, no matter how large or small. Gas log fireplaces set a festive atmosphere with the flick of a switch. It’s possible to install one in virtually any style home, from site-built to manufactured, and some versions can even work on interior walls of a home. Many homes will even feature a hand-laid stone or tile fireplace for a stylish, sophisticated look.
Pet-friendly features: Four-legged friends are part of the family – and every holiday celebration. Homebuilders now offer a variety of features to make life more pleasant for pets and easier for homeowners. Clayton Built™ homes can be customized with a pet dish drawer that allows you to hide feeding dishes when they’re Kitchen island: With the exception of galley kitchens, virtu- not needed. A windowseat or hideaway cubby can be the perfect escape spot for pets who feel overwhelmed by holiday activities ally every kitchen can benefit from an island. Kitchen islands are and guests. And a built-in grooming station in a mudroom or utility the perfect spot for serving Christmas morning breakfast, setting room makes it easy to primp your pet before holiday guests arrive. out dishes for a Thanksgiving buffet, food prep for a New Year’s celebration or a staging area for an all-night wrapping party after Single-level construction: If you’re thinking of getting into the kids are in bed. Utilize generous under-island cabinet space to store large items like a crock pot or large serving bowls. The island a new home in time to celebrate the holidays, remember that a single-level design and an open floor plan will make holiday enteralso makes a great space to add additional seating if you are extaining easier and more enjoyable. Having all rooms on one floor pecting guests. ensures guests never have to climb stairs to find a restroom or go to Farmhouse sink: Also called apron sinks, farmhouse-style bed. Plus, an open floor plan allows you to work in the kitchen and interact with guests – or keep an eye on kids – in the living room. sinks are perfect sinks for holiday entertainers and very trendy in new homes. Larger and deeper than standard under-mount or topChoosing a manufactured home can be a smart, affordable mount sinks, a farmhouse sink gives you plenty of room for wash- way to get all the holiday-friendly features you want – and be in ing large kitchen items. The baking sheets you used to whip up a your new home before the New Year. Because a manufactured batch of holiday cookies, the big pot where you simmered chili and even the racks from your oven will fit easily into a farmhouse home is constructed indoors, bad weather won’t delay the construcsink. What’s more, farmhouse sinks give any kitchen a comforting, tion schedule. A manufactured home can be completed and set up on-site in a matter of weeks. To learn more, visit www.claytonhomey, yet elegant look. homes.com.
Page 6B • Thursday, Dec 22, 2016
Real Estate
THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS