Columbia Homes Magazine - Summer 2020

COLUMBIA HOMES New Homes Offer Buyers Unrivaled Benefits, Both Inside and Out BUILDING WITH AMENITIES

Community Service is Creating a Better Community BUYING A NEW HOME VIRTUALLY A TIME OF GREAT CONCERN AND GREAT OPPORTUNITY

SUMMER 2020 AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

31ST ANNUAL REGAL AWARD WINNERS biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

Home is not a place ... it’s a feeling.

home, there’s no place like it.

Now more than ever, home is your sanctuary. Our family would be honored to build for yours. We’ve been making houses homes since 1954.

www.mungo.com

put your heart in a mungo home. biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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An Official Publication of the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina

COLUMBIA HOMES PUBLISHER Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina 625 Taylor St., Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 256-6238 biaofcentralsc.com PRESIDENT Thom Chumney VICE PRESIDENT Stan O’Brien ASSOCIATES VICE PRESIDENT Jennifer Cannon SECRETARY/TREASURER Mike Cancilla IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Jennifer Harding

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he Building Industry Association of Central SC (BIA) has provided support to our community for over 60 years. As an organization we assist Builders, Developers and the Community to provide housing opportunities in the Midlands.

This Community is our HOME! We believe in giving back. Our Charitable Foundation actively searches for opportunities to invest in our communities: providing picnic shelters for our soldiers and their families at Ft. Jackson, providing books for elementary school students, funding for local food pantries, emergency funding for the American Red Cross, and scholarships for college students, just to name a few.

Home has never been as important as it is now. The Building Industry recognizes this importance and continues to build and sell homes, albeit in a different way than before.

We are leading the charge in innovative methods of building including social distancing measures for the safety of the industry professionals, the community and you, the customer. Go home shopping now and you’ll notice differences such as private home tours, online virtual tours, sanitizing stations and other safety-conscious measures throughout the entire process. We are in this together!

Our goal with this publication is to provide an opportunity for you to begin your New Home buying experience in a positive manner. And when you make the decision to buy or build a new home, or renovate your present home, please remember the members of the Building Industry Association of Central SC. We care for our Community.

Respectfully,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Earl E. McLeod, Jr. DIRECTORS Kimberly Branham Patrick Bukszar Andrew Cole Kevin Connelly William Flowers Jeremy Gould Richard Hitchler Greg Howell Tammy Jur Kristen Meetze Trevor Michael Scott Morrison Matt Mungo Kevin Steelman Shelton Twine Kenny Wagster Charley Weir PRODUCED BY Free Times 2101 Gervais St., Columbia SC 29204 (803) 765-0707 PUBLISHER Chase Heatherly GRAPHIC DESIGN Lisa Willis © 2020 Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina.

All rights reserved. Copying or reproducing of this publication in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, however, the publisher cannot guarantee such accurance. Advertising is subject to omission, errors and other changes without notice.

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Thom Chumney President, Building Industry Association

ON THE COVER: Venado by Edge City Homes, Saluda River Club

CONTENTS 6

New Homes Offer Buyers Unrivaled Benefits, Both Inside and Out

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A Time of Great Concern — And For Potential Homebuyers, Great Opportunity

1 6 18 20 1 2 22 26

Steps to Buying a New Home Virtually

2 3 3 3 34 38

Making Your Home Office Work For You The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Buying a New Home Universal Design: Homes that Work for Everybody Building with Amenities Columbia Homebuilders: Community Service is Creating a Better Community Choose a Professional When Building Your New Home The CHiP Home Program Meet Columbia’s Top Ten REGAL Builders 31st Annual REGAL Award Winners

Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

A Custom Home as Individual as You BLYTHEBUILDINGCOMPANY.COM | 803-749-2112

Winner of the BIA of Central SC Custom Home Builder Awards 2019 biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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The Torrey Pines home at Northwoods Villas at Woodcreek Farms by Executive Construction Homes

New Homes Offer Buyers Unrivaled Benefits, Both Inside and Out

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n the Northwoods Villas community northeast of Columbia, the homes come with sparkling kitchens outfitted with stylish countertops and fixtures, handsome exterior brickwork, and hardwood floors that gleam under recessed lighting. But there are also plenty of perks that potential buyers don’t see — from spray-foam insulation and energy-efficient appliances, to the latest in exterior sheathing.

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Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

They’re just some of the benefits of new construction, which can be found all around a Palmetto state whose population is booming due to transplants and an increased manufacturing presence.

New homes can save residents money, thanks to more energy-efficient appliances and building materials, and the need for fewer repairs. They can also offer a more desirable style of living, thanks to the open floor plans and modern fixtures preferred by many homeowners today.

No wonder, then, that so many types of home buyers are choosing new

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“Today’s efficient construction methods include features like Zip System exterior sheathing, Icynene spray foam insulation, natural gas and tankless water heaters.

These additional features add tremendous value and monthly savings for today’s homebuyer.”

NICOLE DAVIS, EXECUTIVE CONSTRUCTION HOMES

Mungo Homes

construction —from seniors who want a low-maintenance home, to transplants who don’t have relationships with contractors or repairmen in the area, and more.

“I’ve seen the most notable traffic for new home sales from active and retired military, as well as first-time millennial home buyers. Active and retired military love the convenience of many of the new home communities vicinity to major highways, as well as community amenities such as pools, tennis courts, and 8

community gathering places where they can get to know other families because they are new to the area,” says Shayla Riley, 2019 Sales Executive of the Year with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

“Millennial buyers are taking full advantage of the low cost of living in the Midlands, in part due to the city’s push to encourage the talent retention of recent local college graduates by creating new job opportunities in the tech and food supply industries. New construction is also attractive to the 24-40 age demo-

Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

graphic because many homes include smart-home features like the ability to synch door locks and lights to mobile devices. Millennials love the high-tech features of many new home construction options.”

Good financial sense New home communities typically offer updated floor plans that maximize open concept living, along with elegant kitchens set around a large island ideal for gathering. New homes also often come

Cobblestone Park Ranch & Two-Story Homes

Up to 5 Bedrooms from the mid $200’s

Recipient of The Phoenix Award and the Community of the Year Award by the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina.

5 Links Crossing Drive Blythewood, SC 29016 803-333-8105

This gated community in Blythewood offers resort style living for the whole family. Community amenities include golf, tennis, pool, fine dining, parks and more! Located just minutes from Downtown Columbia and I-77.

Kingsley Downes Ranch & Two-Story Homes

Up to 5 Bedrooms from the low $300’s 111 Highborn Way Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 683-7276

At Kingsley Downes you will discover expansive living spaces with luxury features included throughout the homes. This central location includes easy access to I-20, shopping, dining, and recreation plus award winning Lexington 1 School District including River Bluff Highschool.

Home and Community information, including pricing, included features, terms, availability and amenities are subject to change and prior sale at any time without notice or obligation. Pictures, photographs, colors, features, and sizes are for illustration purposes only and will vary from the homes as built. Buyer should conduct their own investigation of present or future availability of school districts and assignments. D.. Horton has no control or responsibility for any changes to school districts or assignments should they occur. biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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Sterling Ponds by Eastwood Homes

with sought-after benefits like a master bedroom on the ground floor and a flex room, which older homes built years earlier — before such layouts became popular — typically lack.

But the benefits extend well beyond the floor plans. “New construction homes are built with the most up-to-date building codes for safety, they are significantly more energy efficient, they include new appliances, and they include new home warranties,” says Nicole Davis, 2019 Sales Executive of the Year at Executive Construction Homes represented by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

“Today’s efficient construction methods include features like Zip System exterior sheathing, Icynene spray foam insulation, natural gas and tankless water heaters. These additional features add tremendous value and monthly savings for today’s homebuyer.”

Lived-in homes also carry the potential for replacing big-ticket items like an HVAC unit, water heater or roof, which can run into the thousands of dollars.

Most new homes come with a “2-10”

warranty that covers appliances and mechanical systems for two years, and the structure through year 10. Builders will often include a first-year warranty on many interior features, Riley says.

“New homes typically benefit buyers financially, mainly because the warranties take care of many of those first couple of years of major repairs,” says Riley, based in Columbia. “Also, the

Northwoods Villas by Executive Construction Homes

10 Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Loans subject to approval, including credit approval. NMLS 408043.

Synovus Bank, Member FDIC. Loans subject to approval, including credit biacolumbia.com approval. NMLS 408043. | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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Great Southern Homes

Pool at Cobblestone Park

warranties are transferrable if they need to sell (the home) in the future. And new home communities generally appreciate in value quarterly, so many new home buyers have the ability to move in with equity and really take advantage of their return on investment when they go to sell their home.”

An abundance of amenities Amenities are often what bind a neighborhood together, and new home 12

communities offer no shortage of them.

While older neighborhoods may have a community pool, new construction communities are built with living in mind. Toward that end, they can feature everything from parks and walking trails, multiple pools and playgrounds, to even schools and some retail and restaurant offerings adjacent to the neighborhood.

“Not only do new communities offer physical benefits, but they offer the

Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

experience of creating new friends and long-term relationships,” says Davis, based in Elgin. “As a community grows from the beginning stages, homeowners create lasting memories together in the neighborhood. These experiences are what bring people together and what truly make up a neighborhood.”

Some new home communities even include golf courses, private docks, computer centers, and event venues for happenings like weddings and baby showers. There are also the subtle amenities, Riley says, like sidewalks and common areas with pet waste stations that enhance your quality of life but are often missing from older neighborhoods.

From things to do outside the home to the design of the home itself, new home communities offer a degree of flexibility that’s hard to find elsewhere. “New home construction gives buyers the freedom to create their home designed to fit their style and function, versus trying to fit into someone else’s idea of how a home should look and feel,” Riley says.

“Buying new locks in your value, and protects home shoppers from increasing home prices in hot real estate markets.

Whether they are relocating or on a tight budget, new home construction gives buyers the opportunity to control their costs by choosing the options they need and want.” u

biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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A Time of Great Concern — And For Potential Homebuyers, Great Opportunity

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ith South Carolina still struggling to stamp out the coronavirus and millions of people impacted by job losses and business closings, it hardly seems like the ideal time to buy a home. And yet, record low interest rates and other enticements make this a prime opportunity for those looking to buy a house — rather than just hide in one.

“Strangely enough, based on how the mortgage rate environment works, concern can create a great opportunity for optimal mortgage financing terms,” says Kimberly Branham, 2019 Mortgage Lender of the Year (loans over $400,000) for Synovus.

“Since bond yields are the foundation for most long-term mortgages, when uncertainty and concern are present, you

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traditionally see bond yields decreasing based on people or entities buying treasuries as a classic flight to safety. So when this happens, rates generally stabilize or decrease, creating better payment options for many. If a person is comfortable in their employment, then getting a mortgage in a time of concern might be a very good thing.”

Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

That may seem like surprising news, given that sales of previously lived-in homes dropped 17.2 percent in April, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors, marking the largest single-month fall in nearly a decade.

And yet despite the economic tumult caused by the coronavirus, listings are still attracting buyers, and the average on-market duration of 27 days in April was up just three days from the same month in 2019.

“I am being told by the Realtors in the Midlands that this is a great time for sellers,” says Shawn Daughtry, 2019 Mortgage Lender of the Year (loan volume $300,000-$400,000) for Ameris Bank. “The inventory is low and houses are moving at extremely rapid paces, and with multiple offer situations being very common.”

Lower rates, lower payments But even though home sales prices are continuing on their upward trend, there are still deals to be had for buyers thanks to historically low interest rates. Interest rates are currently anywhere from .625 percent to 1 percent lower than they were before the pandemic, Daughtry says, which “will give customers great buying power resulting in lower payments, or the ability to afford more expensive houses without overstepping on their budgets.”

The interest rate drop applies primarily to conforming loans, which can be sold on the open market, as opposed to “jumbo” loans of more than $424,000, and whose rates are more dependent upon the lender. With the continuing volatility in the market, Daughtry says, the expectation is that the lower conforming rates will continue through the remainder of the year.

And even though the tax code was amended in 2017, there remain several tax benefits to home ownership. Most homeowners can deduct the interest paid on their mortgage, the money paid in property taxes, and any payments for

private mortgage insurance, which is typically charged when the buyer puts down less than 20 percent of the mortgage amount at purchase.

“We have always advised people to consult with their tax preparer to properly gauge any specific tax strategy with mortgages,” says Branham, based in Columbia. “However, most have the ability to use the mortgage interest paid on their home, or deduct similarly on an investment property, along with taxes and insurance — providing less possible taxable income.”

Deductions made due to mortgage interest and property taxes are often more helpful to taxpayers than the standard deductions allowed by the IRS, adds Daughtry, who works in Lexington.

And even if the tax savings turn out to be minimal, “the equity that you build in a house versus paying rent is a no-brainer,” he says. “Why build wealth for someone else when you can start building your own?”

Maintaining personal space Mortgage lenders are also making it easy to navigate the loan process at a

“Strangely enough, based on how the mortgage rate environment works, concern can create a great opportunity for optimal mortgage financing terms.”

— KIMBERLY BRANHAM, SYNOVUS

time when social distancing is advised and many people are cautious of being too physically close to others they don’t know. Electronic document signing software, online portals for transferring necessary documents, and even good old-fashioned telephone calls help prospective buyers secure funding while maintaining their personal space.

“The entire loan process has moved to remote processing of documentation,” Daughtry says. “Most customers are glad to handle their loan this way, and love the convenience of handling everything electronically. I do have some customers that still prefer to meet in person, and

we are always glad to do so. The trend is definitely moved to a more streamlined process with the ability to handle everything paperless now.”

Although not every lender employs the same level of type of technology, most are able to use secure methods to process documentation online. The lone bit of business that still needs to be done in person is closing, because “many states or counties and lenders have not adopted the ability to close a loan remotely,” Branham says. “Witnessing and recording the instruments are still done with wet signatures. (Remote closings) could be the future, though.” u

biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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Steps to Buying a New Home Virtually

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CAROL MORGAN, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, DENIM MARKETING

pring is the time to start searching for a new home, and finding a home today is easier than ever. If you are worried about being exposed to COVID-19 (coronavirus), and not yet ready to leave home, then don’t worry, it is easy to search for your dream home from the comfort of your current residence.

The bulk of the new home search can be completed online before getting in the car and looking in person. Here are steps for getting started.

Hire an agent. Depending on your level of comfort with the homebuying process, you probably want to work with a buyer’s agent. Your agent will act as a sounding board while walking you through the process and answering questions.

Get prequalified for a home loan.

Knowing how much home you can comfortably afford is crucial. Understanding this can steer the search in the right direction and price point. Most mortgage

companies and banks can complete this step 100% virtually.

Determine where you want to live.

Pick the city, county, and maybe even the neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and budget. This includes thinking about what community amenities are musthaves. Does your family want access to a neighborhood pool and walking trails?

Or will your outdoor fireplace be enough of an amenity combined with the nature preserve down the street?

Narrow your search to a specific builder, community, and home.

Look at the home builder’s website and

start selecting communities and floor plans. Review videos of communities and homes. Take time to dig into renderings and floor plans. Once you have narrowed the field to a few choices, review all interior selections and options to determine which ones you like and what is in your budget. Some builders offer extensive options, and others offer packages.

“Verify that they have options or don’t have options,” Kevin Weitzel, business development director for Outhouse (a virtual reality company), said. “Most builders with inventory homes can offer a realistic view of what they offer via virtual reality tours. If you are working with a custom builder, you need to know what those options are and the costs.”

Take a virtual tour. ‘Walk’ through the homes that interest you the most via Matterport or other virtual reality technology. As you walk through them online, think of how that feels to you and how the home flows, as well as how you’d live in it. Some builders offer interactive floor plans with space planning and the ability to add furniture. This is an excellent way to see if that king-sized bed fits or determine which room works best as a home office.

Use live chat. As you narrow your

choices to the perfect home, reach out with your questions to each builder through the live chat on their website.

Many builders employ an online sales counselor who knows the ins and outs of each community and is familiar with all the home plans. They can answer your questions about homes, schools, and nearby amenities, as well as tell you about any promotions or incentives that may apply.

Schedule a tour with the agent on site. Now that the search is narrowed Most of the initial work in searching for a new home can be done online.

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Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

to just a few homes, reach out to the respective community agent and schedule

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

a real-time, video walk-through. Before the meeting, make a list of questions to ask. As you work with the onsite agent, take communication into account. Is the onsite person easy to text, call, and communicate with? You will be working with them a lot, so make sure that the relationship is comfortable and that they will communicate via your preferred method.

Make an offer. Once you are comfortable with your dream home selection, work with your agent (or the builder’s onsite agent) to make an offer. Again, this is something that can be done 100% virtually.

Attend your virtual closing and move in. Work with your agent and

lender to make sure all forms are submitted, then close on your home and pick up the keys! Of course, picking up the keys and moving in are going to happen in-person, but the rest can happen online.

Technology has enabled transactions that were once face-to-face, to happen virtually. u

Atlanta’s most popular real estate news blog. Her Carol Morgan, president Atlanta Real Estate Forum of Denim Marketing, is Radio podcast launched in one of those women who 2011 and features the movers seems to do a million things and shakers in the Atlanta effortlessly: she runs her own real estate industry, as well successful marketing firm; as nonprofits, attractions and she has an award-winning things to do on the Around radio show; she’s written Atlanta edition. four books; she’s served as Carol served as one of chair of the National Home CAROL MORGAN, NAHB Chair Greg Ugalde’s Builders Association’s DENIM MARKETING advisors in 2019. She is Professional Women in Second Vice Chair of the Building Council; and she’s Associates Council and past Membership won multiple professional awards. She Chair and past chair of NAHB’s also manages a 20-acre farm; rides Professional Women in Building Council; dressage; and is a mom. And she makes Carol was awarded the prestigious 2016 it look easy!

Woman of the Year from the Professional Day-to-day, Carol focuses on Women in Building. She is a graduate of marketing strategy and integrating Oglethorpe University and the recipient public relations, social media, content of the 2008 Spirit of Oglethorpe Award, and creative to tell engaging stories for PRSA Georgia Chapter’s George clients that garner measurable traffic Goodwin Award, the Greater Atlanta and show ROI. Home Builders Association’s 2008 Carol is the author of four books, Associate of the Year and 2012 Council including her latest “Social Media Chair of the Year. Carol holds the MIRM Marketing for Your Business,” published (Masters in Residential Marketing), CAPS (Certified Aging in Place Specialist)

by Builder Books. She is the creator of and CSP (Certified Sales Professional) the nationally-ranked and award-winning designations from NAHB. www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.comSM

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Making Your Home Office Work For You

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any people were enjoying the benefits and dealing with the downside of working from home long before social distancing became a common phrase in the American lexicon.

Knowing that you won’t have to fight your way through rush hour traffic is an awesome feeling, but you still need the persistence to complete the work you need to get done.

The coronavirus pandemic forced millions more to do their job from home.

Some of them already had an ideal place to get down to business, while others

“We’ve already built home offices into many of our plans, and some of our plans have more than one,” said Kimberly Metler, product design and drafting manager at Mungo Homes.

She pointed out that flexibility is the key. For example, adding French doors can turn a formal living room into a nicesized office. She added that most of Mungo’s 90 to 100 base plans offer an option of a bonus room either upstairs or over the garage, and that a sitting room off the master bedroom can also become an office — especially if one spouse already

An ideal home office is in a relatively spacious room located in as quiet a place in the house as possible, with both natural and artificial light, a door for privacy and maybe even a calming view of the backyard. had to be flexible and innovative in their efforts to stake a claim to a comfortable and at least reasonably private place to work in their house, condo or apartment.

At least one builder was offering its clients some viable options before COVID-19 began hogging the headlines.

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has a home office elsewhere in the house.

“We even have a handful of plans that have a third-floor option with bonus space,” she said. “There’s tons of flexibility built in, even if a room is not designated as an office. We generally try to incorporate some type of bonus space, from our smallest to our largest homes.”

Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

Builder Jennifer Nettles of Epic Homes explained that an ideal home office is in a relatively spacious room located in as quiet a place in the house as possible, with both natural and artificial light, a door for privacy and maybe even a calming view of the backyard. She said a bonus room being used as an office can be as large as 300 square feet, while an office can be bedroom-sized as well — around 11 feet by 12 feet.

Nettles said many of her clients who require a home office are requesting recessed lighting or a ceiling fan with a light fixture. Some homeowners also want built-in desks, computer stations and bookshelves.

Metler pointed out that spaces designated as ‘organizational’ or ‘flex’ rooms typically near the kitchen can be anything from a craft room, homework space, or pocket office, which is more and more common.

She added that whenever she lays out a floor plan, she always imagines where furniture might be placed in a specific room.

“I’m going to consider where the doors and windows go to give our clients the opportunity to build bookcases if they want to,” she said.

You can have the quietest and most comfortable office in the world, but you probably aren’t going to do your job without the technology to connect you with the outside world. Matt Dosch, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Comporium, said those who work from home should be sure their internet provider offers symmetrical speeds — both uploading and downloading at 100 megabits per second, for example.

“If you’re passively surfing, most of the data is coming down. But if you’re in a Zoom conference call, now you’re sending just as much information as you are receiving. That consumes upload bandwidth,” he explained.

He said the location of your office is an important factor in determining the speed and reliability of your internet connection, and that common household appliances can interfere with your signal as well. The closer you are to the router, the better your service will be. If it’s not nearby, he pointed out that installing a device that repeats the router’s signal in your office will help solve that problem. u

Celebrating 20 Years Building in the Midlands!

Designing and Building Custom Homes On Your Land Specializing in High Performance Homes Incorporating Elements of Universal Design

Stan O’Brien

President and CEO

803.600.4237 / www.ParadimeConstruction.com

biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Buying a New Home

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ome buyers have the choice of two types of houses on the market: resale or new.

Home buyers planning to buy a brandnew house or condominium often cite energy efficiency, open layout, a warranty, and being able to select appliances, flooring, paint colors and other design elements as factors driving their choice.

But builders say that buyers can be drawn to a new house for reasons that aren’t so obvious. Here are a few more benefits of a brand-new home that you may not see in the sales brochure.

Building a Community Together A brand-new community is one of the built-in benefits of many new homes.

When families move in to a subdivision at the same time, they often form lasting

bonds of friendship and neighborliness right away. Nobody is the “new kid on the block,” and many home builders host community parties in new developments to help owners meet and connect.

Popular amenities like pools, walking trails and tennis and basketball courts offer additional opportunities for interaction among neighbors of all ages.

Often new communities are comprised of home owners in the same stage of life, such as young families or active retirees, so neighbors can get to know each other through carpools, PTA meetings, tennis matches or golf games.

Entertaining Throwing a party in an older home can be a challenge because smaller, distinct rooms make it difficult to entertain

guests in one large space. Today, new home layouts feature more open spaces and rooms that flow into each other more easily. While you are preparing dinner, you can still interact with guests enjoying conversation without feeling closed off. The feeling of spaciousness in today’s new-home layouts often is enhanced with higher ceilings and additional windows that bring in more light than you would find in an older home.

A Clean Slate For some buyers, parking the car in a sparkling-clean garage or being the first to cook a dinner in a brand-new kitchen is part of the appeal of new construction. In addition, you won’t have to spend time stripping dated wallpaper or repainting to suit your own sense of style — creating your own home décor from the get-go!

The advantages of being the first owner extend to the outdoors. Instead of inheriting inconveniently or precariously placed trees, or having to tear up overgrown shrubs, you can design and plant the lawn and garden you want.

Outlets, Outlets Everywhere

The feeling of spaciousness in today’s new-home layouts often is enhanced with higher ceilings and additional windows that bring in more light than you would find in an older home.

20 Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

Homes built in the 1960’s and earlier were wired much differently than houses today. Builders had no way of anticipating the invention of high-definition televisions, DVRs and computers that we enjoy today — and the very different electrical requirements they would introduce. New homes can accommodate advanced technologies like structured wiring, security systems and sophisticated lighting plans, and can be tailored to meet the individual home owner’s needs.

Anyone who has ever lived in an older home can also attest to the fact that there are never enough outlets, inside or out!

Today, home builders plan for the increased number and type of electronics and appliances used by today’s families, so you can safely operate a wine cooler, Christmas lights and your laptop — and more. u

Universal Design: Homes that Work for Everybody regardless of the user’s experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

Examples of universal design include: • Providing at least one step-less entrance into the home; • Designing wider doorways that are easier to navigate (whether for a wheelchair or carting playpens from room to room); • Using sliding doors or barn doors for closets and/or bathrooms that can remain open without impeding space; Northwoods Villas at Woodcreek Farms features the Sawgrass, a Certified Universal Living home

by Executive Construction Homes.

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he majority of U.S. homes today are designed to work best for the sensory skills, size and capabilities of an able-bodied, 170-pound, five-foot, nine-inch male.

What if homes were instead designed to be accessible to anyone, regardless of age, ability, preference (e.g., right or left handed) or size? That’s the idea behind universal design.

Understanding home design and remodeling options can be confusing, especially when some terms seem to be used interchangeably. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), aging in place and universal design have overlapping concepts, but each offers a distinct approach to home design.

The BIA of Central SC has made the process of building and remodeling for people of all ages and abilities easier with their Universal Living home certification.

The program consists of an easy-to-follow checklist with many elements of accessible features to Universal Design features.

Builders and remodelers can choose which features to include in a project to attain a bronze, silver or gold level certification for that home. If you’re

working with a local builder or remodeler on your home, ask them about including a Universal Living certification from the BIA of Central SC. If homes today are designed for the average, five-foot, nine-inch male, then that is going to limit the ability of others to use those homes efficiently and effectively.

Just 3.5% of all U.S. homes included features such as grab-bars or handrails in the bathroom, extra-wide hallways and doors, and a bedroom on the entry level.

Even simple remodeling projects can go a long way toward making a home more accessible to everyone.

Universal design elements can benefit those who want to age in place by improving visibility and functionality, which is why the terms are often used interchangeably. However, universal design is more comprehensive in its approach by ensuring people of all abilities — even young children — are able to access things they may need.

No matter the specific elements incorporated into a newly designed home, the design should be easy to understand,

• Incorporating handles that are easy to grip so drawers and doors are easier to open; • Providing easy-touch rocker or hands-free light switches; • Installing appliances, such as sideby-side refrigerators with handles running the length of the door, so that people of varying heights can easily access them; • Incorporating colors that provide a contrast, especially for troublesome areas such as wall corners and countertops.

It’s always a great time to start thinking about universal design, aging in place and similar concepts. u

To find a builder or remodeler in your area, visit BIAofCentralSC.com or call (803) 256-6238.

To learn more about the Universal Living home certification program, visit CertifiedUniversalLiving.com.

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BUILDING with AMENITIES

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menities can be an excellent selling point for developers. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend a summer afternoon at a sparkling pool, burn off calories on a wellshaded walking trail or take the kids to a fancy new playground, all without leaving the friendly confines of their own neighborhood?

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Mungo Homes’ new Bluefield community in Lexington features a large pool and cabana.

“There have always been pools and playgrounds, but, these days, if there’s a pool, it also has to have a splash pad.

We have to make sure we provide what the customers want.”

GREG LEHMAN, LAND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER, MUNGO HOMES

It’s all about competing with other builders and developers and offering that extra touch that homeowners can’t find in other neighborhoods, especially those that were built decades ago.

“Typically pools and playgrounds have always been provided as an amenity in neighborhoods of 200 lots or more, but, these days, if there’s a pool, we usually

add a splash pad/sun deck and we always provide Wi-Fi,” said Greg Lehman, land development manager with Mungo Homes. “We want to make sure we provide what today’s customers expect and will enjoy.”

Lehman pointed to Mungo Homes new Bluefield community in Lexington, that amenity complex offers a 3,000-square foot pool with a lazy river, a 2,900-square foot cabana with covered outdoor seating for more than 50 people. There’s also a serving kitchen in the cabana which makes the cabana great for homeowners to reserve for special events. In addition, residents can enjoy the adjacent playground and also take their best friends to the community’s dog park.

According to Lehman, Mungo Homes has budgeted $1.5 million for the amenities in the Bluefield community. These amenity costs are distributed over the lots and do add to the price of every home.

“We carefully weigh the benefits and the costs to make sure that we build communities that our customers can comfortably afford to live in. Because although the amenities do help sell homes they eventually must be maintained by each community’s homeowner’s association.”

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He pointed out that in larger communities such as Bluefield, which eventually will be built out to 788 lots, that cost is spread out over a much greater number of homeowners. At Sterling Bridge, where Mungo also is building, there are only 258 lots. That community has a clubhouse with a serving kitchen, and a swimming pool, but it does not have a lazy river or a dog park.

“If a developer wants to put in a pool, it might cost $300,000, and that goes to the cost of the house,” said Shelton Twine, chief operating officer at Great Southern Homes.

Mike Satterfield, the chief executive officer at Great Southern, added that providing a pool in a community of, say, 150 homes, would increase the price of the lots by $2,000 to $2,500 each.

“For us, its project specific,” Satterfield pointed out. “There are certain markets where you need a pool. You need at least 150 lots to make the math work. But it depends on what’s in the market and who you are competing against.”

“In a small community, the end buyer might be looking at several thousand dollars per year in HOA payments,” Twine added. “It doesn’t make financial sense for a lot of them.”

Above and right: The clubhouse at Mungo Homes community Portrait Hill in Chapin.

Other amenities include include a Jr. Olympic pool, amphitheater and walking trails.

According to Twine, pools and tennis courts are excellent sales tools, but only 15% to 20% of homeowners actually use them. He said Great Southern prefers to offer amenities that encourage people to spend time outdoors in other ways, such as sidewalks, open spaces, picnic tables and dog parks.

To Great Southern, location is an amenity. For example, its Park West neighborhood in Chapin is adjacent to

Crooked Creek Park, a facility that offers an indoor gym and tennis courts, as well as soccer and baseball fields, “a built-in amenity right in their backyard,” Satterfield pointed out. Residents of two other Great Southern Homes neighborhoods, Hidden Cove and The Cove, can access Lake Murray from their communities’ kayak launch.

Lehman mentioned one more important amenity related to the impression

people get when they enter a Mungo Homes community for the first time: “We take great care in the design and construction of our community entranceways. They provide a sense of arrival, and no matter whether a homeowner lives in a 1,000-square-foot house or a 5,000-square-foot house, they can be proud when they enter their neighborhood.” u

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Columbia Homebuilders: Community Service is Creating a Better Community

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ommunity service is one of the hallmarks of the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina. They are not just supporters of projects but active participants in several ongoing community projects that will benefit everyone.

Whether it’s a park for families and soldiers at Fort Jackson, a camp for kids with disabilities near Columbia, recognizing the unsung heroes of the construction industry, or creating a school of study at Clemson University, members of the building association are working to make the world a better place.

At Centennial Park at Fort Jackson, home builders have helped construct

Sheila Brown, right, is honored for launching two Girl Scout troops and leading more than 1,000 young women over the past 20 years.

six picnic pavilions open to families and their Army soldiers. The park is a gathering spot in a central location at Fort Jackson and will eventually house an amphitheater where military ceremonies and community events will be held, such as promotions, retirements and Army Band concerts.

The park will honor more than five million soldiers who have completed

their initial training on the base. Five home builders have contributed labor, materials, and in-kind donations: Covert Homes, Mungo Homes, Essex Homes, Hood Construction, and Great Southern Homes. Centennial ‘s fundraising efforts continue, including the sale of black pavers for anyone wanting to contribute to the construction efforts. These will be placed on the Pathway of Patriots, along with two soldier statues, landscaping, and memorials throughout the park.

Community builders

Home builders cut the ribbon at Centennial Park at Fort Jackson.

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When Mungo Homes founder Michael J. Mungo died he left behind a foundation to carry on his lifetime of quiet philanthropy. Mungo lived by the Biblical exhortation that to whom much is given, much is expected.

On the 60th anniversary of Mungo Homes in 2014, the company honored its founder’s legacy by honoring “community builders,” individuals in the Midlands who quietly dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others. Partnering with WIS-TV Channel 10, an unsung hero is selected twice monthly and featured in a TV news segment. Mungo

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biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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BIA Executive Director Earl McLeod unveils plans for amenities at Centennial Park.

Essex Homes won BIA’s Chili for Charity in October. The event raised $6,600 dollars for Camp Cole in just a few hours.

contributes $1,000 to the charity of each honoree’s choice.

Charity is nothing new to Mungo Homes, which has demonstrated a commitment to philanthropy since its founding in 1954.

While the company is known for its support of Harvest Hope Food Bank, Pawmetto Lifeline, United Way of the Midlands, Palmetto Project, WIS-TV’s Families Helping Families Christmas fundraiser, and too many other charitable works to mention, most of its community contributions are performed behind the scenes.

In the six years that the station has run the segment, more than 150 people have been

recognized and more than $150,000 donated to charities by the Michael J. Mungo Foundation.

One honoree was Eddie Dunning, a man whose work nearly every Midlands resident has seen, even if they don’t know the man.

A groundskeeper at Williams-Brice Stadium, Dunning for 33 years, painted the giant gamecock on the football field. In his spare time and on his own dime, Dunning picked up food weekly from Harvest Hope Food Bank in Columbia and brought it to his Brown Chapel AME Church in Cameron, Calhoun County for distribution to those in need. Over the 15 years he carried on this ministry, the food bank

“This is the Lord’s work, not my work.”

EDDIE DUNNING, MICHAEL J. MUNGO FOUNDATION HONOREE

Eddie Dunning, center, was recognized by the Michael J. Mungo Foundation for bringing food to the needy.

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says, Dunning is singlehandedly responsible for bringing more than four million pounds of food to his rural community.

But he would take no credit for his work. “This is the Lord’s work, not my work,” he said when surprised on the field

by Matt Mungo and a camera crew.

Camp Cole When two families were united by a camp for children with cancer, they realized the Columbia area needed a camp for kids with all illnesses and disabilities.

While the dream has taken time to come to fruition, organizers hope that construction will be completed in 2021, with many thanks to the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina.

In addition to being a camp, Camp Cole will also serve as a conference center and meeting space for all types of community organizations. It will be able to shelter 250 guests, have a cafeteria, meeting spaces, medical facility, art shack, pool and much more.

The BIA’s Sales and Marketing Council hosted Pour Wars in September which raised over $10,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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“I wanted to further the cause for the Building Science degree in the College of Architecture because it perpetuates our business, and I like to give back to things that have helped me.”

MICHAEL NIERI ON HIS AND WIFE ROBYN’S $5 MILLION GIFT TO CLEMSON UNIVERSITY

Robyn and Michael Nieri of Great Southern Homes were awarded the 2020 Hearthstone BUILDER Award.

The BIA has helped Camp Cole grow awareness in the community, build relationships with small and big businesses, and reach its fundraising goal of $10 million.

Several CEO’s — Great Southern Homes, Executive Homes, and Hood Construction — are on Camp Cole’s Board, providing deep knowledge and

guidance in regards to the planning and construction of Camp Cole.

Giving Back to Clemson This past year, Michael Nieri, founder, owner, and president of Great Southern Homes, and his wife, Robyn, chose to gift $5 million to Clemson University’s Construction Science and Management Department. In turn, Clemson

BIA members present a $34,000 check to support Camp Cole.

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named the department The Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management. It is the only named department in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Humanities and one of just four named departments at Clemson, according to the company.

For that, he was awarded the 2020 Hearthstone BUILDER Humanitarian Award that has recognized home builders since 1999 who demonstrate a lifetime commitment to public service. Hearthstone has contributed more than $6 million to the winning builders’ charities, making it the largest philanthropic award program in the home building industry. Hearthstone is the leading private investment partner in for-sale housing in America.

“I wanted to further the cause for the Building Science degree in the College of Architecture because it perpetuates our business, and I like to give back to things that have helped me,” explains Nieri. “I’m just happy that whatever little bit of influence I may have is going to help move our program to the top of the college heap nationally.”

Nieri started his career at Clemson, and then worked for 10 years in the field before establishing his own company in 1996. Over the years, Nieri has chosen to contribute to educational institutions that helped shape him, like Clemson University, and to local charities that will create a positive impact in the community in which he builds, such as Camp Cole and the Building Industry Charitable Foundation. u

Staying Safe at Home New homes offer the latest safety features to keep you secure.

Learn more about buying and owning a home at nahb.org/consumers. biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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Choose a Professional When Building Your New Home

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nyone interested in buying a new home wants to find a quality house built by a professional. While professionalism may mean different things to different people, generally there are guiding principles by which home building professionals conduct business. Look for these qualities in any home builder you choose to build your dream home.

• Building professionals believe that homes should be well designed, well constructed and well located in attractive communities with accessible educational, recreational, religious and shopping facilities.

• They feel a strong responsibility to their customers and their community.

• Honesty is their guiding business policy, and they believe in dealing fairly with their customers, employees, subcontractors and suppliers.

• They try to build high standards of health, safety and sanitation into every home.

Builder associations encourage their members to research and develop new materials, building techniques and equipment, and improve methods of home financing so that home buyers receive the greatest possible value for their money.

An important indicator of professionalism is whether or not the builder or contractor belongs to the Building Industry Association. Becoming a dues paying member of a building industry association typically means that a builder

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is an established member of the community. Builder associations encourage their members to research and develop new materials, building techniques and equipment, and improve methods of home financing so that home buyers receive the greatest possible value for their money.

Builder associations and their members care about their industry and building a quality product that will serve the homeowner and community for years to come. The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the building professional that constructs it. You should evaluate your builder as carefully as you would select the options and features of your new home. When you buy a new home, you are purchasing more than just a structure-you are buying a package of services, and the quality of those services will have an important effect on your enjoyment of the house.

You will communicate frequently with your builder during and after the construction process, so choose a builder with whom you will feel comfortable working and you feel best understands your needs.

One of the best ways to find out about the professionalism of a builder is to ask previous customers. Visit some of the builder’s previous communities and ask homeowners about their experiences. By doing your homework, you will be able to shop for a home with a sense of confidence and the knowledge that will help you to make the correct decision for your family.

For many people, buying a new home will be the single largest purchase you’ll ever make. Make sure that you protect that investment by buying your dream home from a qualified professional builder. For more information about professional builders in the Columbia area, visit www.BIAofCentralSC.com or call the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina, (803) 256-6238. u

The CHiP Home Program

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he green home certification program of the High Performance Building Council of the BIA of Central SC is the Certified High Performance (CHiP) Home Program. This program is based on the ANSIapproved National Green Building Standard™ (ICC 700-2012).

The first certification was awarded on April 24, 2012 and there are now over 7,000 CHiP Homes.

In the CHiP Home Program the house is certified, not the builder. Each house has to reach minimums across seven different areas to qualify for the certification. The builder has flexibility in how to reach each of these goals, which lends to affordability and ease of use. However, the work must be checked by a third-party verifier before the home is certified.

What Do Building Certification Programs Do? Building certification programs like our CHiP Home Program exist to promote sustainable practices and changes to our built environment that bring our buildings into and/or closer into balance with the limits of our natural resources and planet’s ecosystems.

Why Should I Certify My Home?

The answer to this question varies from person to person.

Most people, whether they are building professionals or owners involved in the construction of a new home, use certification programs for help in the design process to ensure that they are considering and incorporating all the design and building principles appropriate to their home.

Some, whether occupants or building professionals, are clearly looking for scientific testing and an independent, third-party verification that their home is achieving green standards.

Some seek certification as they believe it will be of value economically through reduced operations and maintenance costs and/or because a healthier indoor environment should translate to better health.

Many feel that incorporating high-performance building practices are important to the health of our planet and to future generations.

Visit our Website To learn more about the program, please visit CHiPHomeProgram.com or call (803) 256-6238. At the website you’ll be able to see a map of homes in the program, download the CHiP Verification Tool, see builders who have built to the program and more. u

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Meet Columbia’s Top Ten REGAL Builders

The top ten builders in the Columbia area were honored in February. Pictured are (L-R): John Nichols, Eastwood Homes; J.J. Nettles and Jennifer Nettles, Epic Homes LLC; Charlie Barber, Essex Homes/Stanley Martin Homes; Eddie Yandle, Executive Construction Homes; Heather Holbrook, DR Horton, Inc.; Shelton Twine, Great Southern Homes; Andy Evans, Mungo Homes. Not pictured – Edge City Homes, Hurricane Builders.

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he Building Industry Association’s Sales and Marketing Council Congratulates the Top 10 Builders in the Midlands of South Carolina — based on the 2019 calendar-year closings.

DR Horton, Inc.

Eastwood Homes

West Columbia, S.C. Publically Held Year Founded – 1978 Officers – Donald Horton, Owner; Rob Haney, City Manager Homes Sold – 413

Privately Owned Year Founded – 1977 Officer – Kevin Lane, Division President Homes Sold – 97

Our homes for sale in the Columbia area are located in unique communities that feature everything from beautiful brick finishes and carriage-style garage doors to spacious floor plans that will accommodate friends and family. You can find affordable starter homes or luxury homes — a home for every stage in life.

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They are currently building single family homes in 13 communities in the Columbia area. The company is proud to be both the builder of choice and employer of choice. Celebrating 40 years of industry success and commitment to our homebuyers, Eastwood continues to ensure that each and every home is “Built with Care.” At Eastwood Home, Built with Care is more than just a slogan; it’s what drives us every single day, and what makes a difference for our buyers.

Epic Homes LLC Lexington, S.C. Privately Owned Year Founded – 2015 Officer – Jennifer L. Gerben-Nettles, Owner Homes Sold – 15

A designer construction company, Epic Homes specializes in building a new home on your lot. Run by Jennifer Gerben-Nettles, the company works with architects to design that truly custom home — no two are alike. Because of the care with siting the home on your lot, the design work and attention to detail, homebuyers will be delighted when they walk in the door of their new home.

Essex Homes/ Stanley Martin Homes Lexington, S.C. Privately Owned Year Founded – 1993 Officers – Karl Haslinger, CEO Walter Arnold, CFO Mike Cancilla, Division President Homes Sold – 494

Essex Homes was founded in 1993 by Karl Haslinger and has grown to cover five regional markets in two states and was recently acquired by Stanley Martin Homes from Reston, Virginia. Stanley Martin will be providing the same impeccable service and designs while bringing incredible opportunities to the building community and new homeowners. Homes range in price from the mid $140s to the $400s plus. Decades of experience paired with award-winning designs and strong land positions is a great combination.

Executive Construction Homes Elgin, S.C. Privately Owned Year Founded – 1989 Officer – Eddie Yandle, Owner Homes Sold – 39

Since 1989, Executive Construction Homes has been building homes in Columbia, SC. As a leader in innovative housing and designs, owner, Eddie Yandle, has utilized his many years of experience, education, NAHB credentials and SC Master Builders Certification to deliver housing products that consumers are looking for. From their Classic Series of affordable homes with modern features to their niche Villas Series that specializes in luxury details with universal design concepts, Executive Construction Homes has a new home location for all Columbia area residents. Homes are available from the $180’s to the $800’s in Richland, Lexington and Kershaw Counties.

Great Southern Homes Irmo, S.C. Privately Owned Year Founded – 2004 Officers – Michael Nieri, Owner/President Mike Satterfield, EVP/CEO Shelton Twine, COO Homes Sold – 770

Great Southern Homes has built over 9,000 homes over the past two decades and is currently ranked the 44th largest homebuilder in the country. A combination of green construction and smart-home features sets Great Southern Homes apart. We understand the importance of open floor plans with large living spaces, spacious owners’ suites, and fabulous kitchens. We are currently building in over 50 communities throughout the midlands of South Carolina with home prices ranging from $149,000 to over $500,000.

Hurricane Builders West Columbia, S.C. Privately Owned Year Founded – 1999 Officers – Jose Romero, President Greg Howell, CEO Homes Sold – 152

“With over 20 years in the business and 2,000 homes built, we are the premier home builder in West Columbia. We specialize in building quality built, affordable homes, with energy efficient features and smart home technology, at no additional charge.”

Mungo Homes Irmo, S.C. Subsidiary of Clayton Properties Group Year Founded – 1954 Officers – Steven Mungo, CEO Geoff Shiley, COO Stephen Johnson, CFO Chris Condon, Regional President Homes Sold – 761

The Mungo family started building new homes in Columbia, South Carolina in 1954, and now builds in Markets throughout South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. While still family-run, Mungo Homes proudly became part of the Berkshire-Hathaway family of companies in 2018, and remains dedicated to its foundation of quality and innovation found in each and every home.

Mungo Homes was named America’s Best Builder 2012 by Builder magazine – an award for overall excellence in homebuilding based on finance/ operations, design/construction, customer service/quality, community/ industry service and marketing. That same year, the National Association of Home Builders honored Mungo Homes as the National Green Advocate of the

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Year for hauSmart, Mungo’s exclusive energy-efficiency program. The company was also recognized as the winner of the 2008 National Housing Quality Award and is the only South Carolinabased builder ever honored with this prestigious award.

Mill Road in Lexington. The award-winning community is known for its exceptional amenities and a stunning variety of homes, ranging from the $200,000 to over $1.0 Million.

INDEX OF

ADVERTISERS Blythe Building Company.................... 5 The Building Center, Inc.....................43 Capital Kitchen & Bath......................... 17 Cool Care Heating & Air.....................43 Dominion Energy...................................19 DR Horton.................................................. 9 Exceed Landscape...............................36

McGuinn Hybrid Homes: Edge City Homes Lexington, S.C. Privately Owned Year Founded – 2006 Officers – Andy White, Managing Partner Andrew White, Certified Master Builder Homes Sold – 25

Edge City’s innovative approach to lifestyle design provides our discerning clients a platform to express themselves through their homes. We manage home construction for Saluda River Club, an established master-planned community along the Lower Saluda River on Corley

West Columbia, S.C. Privately Owned Year Founded – 1985 Officers – Wade McGuinn, CEO; Mike Kelly, COO Homes Sold – 181

Great Southern Homes......................... 2

We’re local and have built more than 4,500 homes in the Midlands since 1985. We develop neighborhoods with an eye toward lifestyle — the quality of the schools, the proximity to everything people need, and the added value of a home that’s priced reasonably and built exceptionally.

International Construction Services, Inc............................................13

Guild Mortgage......................................39 Hartwig Moss Insurance Agency/ Southeastern Insurance Consultants.............................................27

Mungo Homes......................................... 3 Paradime Construction, Inc................19 Southern Traditional Homes.............29 Stanley Martin Homes........ back cover Synovus......................................................11 Tailored Living........................................39

Twenty-two years have taught us how important continuity and time are to a landscape project. Using our vast experience and state-of-theart equipment and materials, our team works to ensure your project will be done on budget, on design, and on schedule.

And that is why you can find our designs at some of the Midlands’ most prominent homes and businesses.

ExceedLandscapeSolutions.com 803-776-8089 | Columbia, SC 29250

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Flexible Space for a Life at Home Home is now our offices, our schools and our playgrounds.

Learn more about buying and owning a home at nahb.org/consumers. biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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31st Annual REGAL Awards

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he 31st REGAL Awards Gala — Havana Nights — was held on Saturday, February 15, 2020, at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

In addition to the many awards presented, attendees enjoyed live entertainment, cigar rolling, dinner, drinks and dancing throughout the evening. The Sales & Marketing Council would like to congratulate all REGAL Circle and REGAL Award Winners and once again thank our gracious sponsors. See the REGAL Circle Awards at the SMC page at BIAofCentralSC.com.

2019 COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Pavilions at Centennial Park, Ft. Jackson Great Southern Homes, Mungo Homes, Essex Homes, Hood Construction and Covert Homes 2019 BEST WEBSITE Mungo Homes 2019 BEST MOBILE WEBSITE Mungo Homes

2019 BEST OVERALL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN DEVELOPER: Saluda River Club BUILDER: Great Southern Homes – Best Builder 2x/3x In a Row! INDIVIDUAL: Jeff Lawler, REALTOR® – Free Times Best of Columbia 2019 2019 BEST LOCAL CHARITABLE EVENT Coldwell Banker – Dancing with the Stars 2019 BEST INTERIOR MERCHANDISING

2019 BEST SPECIAL PROMOTION

$200,000-$275,000

C. Great Southern Homes – 100K Give Away

Hurricane Builders – Spring Meadow $275,000-$400,000

2019 BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN Saluda Hill

Mungo Homes at The Roland – Bluefield $400 & UP

2601-3000 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

Great Southern Homes – The Azalea CUSTOM BUILDER:

Saluda River Club – The Venado 3001-3500 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

Great Southern Homes – The Camden II OVER 3500 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

Great Southern Homes – The Gardenia II 2019 BEST PRODUCT DESIGN / ATTACHED UNDER 1500 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

Great Southern Homes – The Destin CUSTOM BUILDER:

Saluda River Club – The Hillside

2019 BEST USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Saluda River Club – The Venado

LawyerLisa, LLC BUILDER: Essex Homes INDIVIDUAL: Jeff Lawler, REALTOR®

2019 BEST PRODUCT DESIGN / DETACHED

2019 BEST RADIO COMMERCIAL

Great Southern Homes – The Myrtle

2019 BEST HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOME Great Southern Homes – The Underwood C (328 Berlandier Lane)

1501-1800 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

2019 COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR

Mungo Homes – Allerton – Sterling Bridge 40

SINGLE COMMUNITY

ASSOCIATE:

ASSOCIATE: LawyerLisa, LLC – Choose Your Attorney

Essex Homes – Let Freedom Ring BUILDER:

2019 BEST ADVERTISING VIDEO Cobblestone Park, DR Horton Mungo Homes – Home Is Where the Heart Is

UNDER 1500 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

1801-2200 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

Essex Homes – Winston 2 2201-2600 SQUARE FEET PRODUCTION BUILDER:

Eastwood – Fenwick

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2019 BEST OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE Saluda River Club

Great Southern Homes – Blythewood Crossing MASTER-PLANNED

Cobblestone Park by DR Horton 2019 PHOENIX AWARD Cobblestone Park by DR Horton

Congratulations!

Mortgage Member of the Year Beth Gardner Walker

Mortgage Lender of the Year

$200,000 to $250,000 (Average Loan Amount) Athena Leventis

Regal Circle Winners Darrel Long Lauren Sawyer Foster David Hyatt Athena Leventis Beth Gardner Walker

Guild Mortgage Company is an Equal Housing Lender; Company NMLS ID 3274 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Athena Leventis NMLS#474220, GA License #6268; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee; GA MLO Lic#50653. Beth Gardner Walker NMLS#918759, GA License #6268; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee; GA MLO Lic#50705. Lauren Sawyer Foster NMLS #346619, GA License #6268; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee; GA MLO Lic#32502. 1751 St. Julian Place, Columbia, SC 29204.

David Hyatt NMLS#119619; Darrel Long NMLS#953286. Winners were announced at the 31st annual REGAL Awards gala of 2020 by the BIA of Central South Carolina. http://www.biaofcentralsc.com/get-involved/councils/sales-and-marketing/regal-awards.html.

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31st Annual REGAL Awards Sponsors PLATINUM SPONSORS Essex Homes Great Southern Homes Harvey & Vallini Mungo Homes DIAMOND SPONSORS DR Horton Eastwood Homes Hanson Law Firm EMERALD SPONSORS McDonnell & Associates, PA Movement Mortgage Saluda River Club Synovus CORPORATE SPONSOR The State Media Company

GOLD SPONSORS Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cool Care Heating & Air Dominion Energy Guild Mortgage Hurricane Builders Midland Mortgage Corporation New American Funding

LOUNGE SPONSOR Great Southern Homes

SILVER SPONSORS Clark’s Termite & Pest Control First Community Bank Home Pest Control Company

CIGAR BAR SPONSOR Robert Rice Insurance Agency

BRONZE SPONSORS BMC Southern Traditional Homes

RESTROOM SPONSOR Clark’s Termite & Pest Control and Irmo Lock Company

40 Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

DESSERT SPONSOR Ameris Bank BAR SPONSOR Essex Homes STEP & REPEAT SPONSOR Mungo Homes and Live Big!

PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR Executive Construction Homes, LLC

31st Annual REGAL Award Winners Columbia’s Best in New Homes Sales and Marketing

2019 SMC MEMBER OF THE YEAR

2019 CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

2019 MORTGAGE MEMBER OF THE YEAR

2019 ATTORNEY MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Susan Brownlee

Mary Morgan Kerlagon

Beth Walker, Guild Mortgage

Gary Pickren, Blair Cato Pickren Casterline

2019 MARKETING PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

2019 SALES SUPPORT SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

2019 INTERNET LEADS SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR

Denise Henderson, DR Horton

Faith Felix, Mungo Homes

2019 CLOSING COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR

Susan Longshore, Essex Homes

Chelsea Hawkins, Mungo Homes

biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes Magazine

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31st Annual REGAL Award Winners Columbia’s Best in New Homes Sales and Marketing 2019 Sales Executives of the Year

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR UNDER $160,000

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR $160,000 TO $200,000

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR $200,000 TO $250,000

Units Sold – 24 Dollar Volume Closed – $5,267,702

Deborah Anderson, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Leisha Smith, Essex Homes

Emily P. Smith, Re/Max Purpose Driven

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR $250,000 TO $300,000

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR $300,000 TO $350,000

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR $350,000 TO $400,000

2019 SALES EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR OVER $400,000

Nicole Davis, Executive Construction Homes

Willette Wilson, Essex Homes

Shayla Riley, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Kathy Johnson, Eastwood Homes

Rachel Lovaas, Mungo Homes

represented by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

2019 Mortgage Lenders of the Year

2019 MORTGAGE LENDER OF THE YEAR / $200,000 TO $250,000

2019 MORTGAGE LENDER OF THE YEAR / $250,000 TO $300,000

2019 MORTGAGE LENDER OF THE YEAR / $300,000 TO $400,000

2019 MORTGAGE LENDER OF THE YEAR / OVER $400,000

Athena Leventis, Guild Mortgage

Tricia Vinson, Ameris Bank

Shawn Daughtry Ameris Bank

Kimberly Branham Synovus

42 Columbia Homes Magazine | Summer 2020 | biacolumbia.com

Take your farmhouse look to new levels with these beautiful custom products from The Building Center: Custom millwork, cabinetry and shelving, a rustic timber mantel, and a shiplap accent wall to pull it all together.

Come see us as 205 Wattling Rd. West Columbia or call 803-939-9290.

www.thebuildingcenterinc.com CHARLOTTE • ROCK HILL • GASTONIA • COLUMBIA • GREENSBORO TBC Columbia Custom Work.indd 1

biacolumbia.com | Summer 2020 | Columbia Homes5/1/2020 Magazine 43 8:16:36 AM

Live your best life now…

New homes from the mid $100s to over $400s Columbia is the perfect place to purchase your dream home. Whether it is a main-level living or expansive two-story design, Stanley Martin Homes has a floor plan to fit every need. Tour our communities, browse through the floor plans on our website, compare our features and find the perfect home for you!

For over 53 years, Stanley Martin Homes has been building homes with the homeowner in mind. Learn more at StanleyMartin.com or give us a call to schedule a personal tour and experience the Stanley Martin Difference for yourself! We can’t wait to welcome you home.

Call 803.500.3236 to schedule a virtual or private tour today!

StanleyMartin.com | 803.500.3236 Prices, features and incentives are subject to change without notice.

See a Neighborhood Sales Manager for details. ©Stanley Martin Companies, LLC | 06/2020 | A-6577