Water Conservation A New Attitude pg 6 Two words that are making their way into mainstream conversations
Build Green
pg 10
Mike Scarlett of Scarlett Custom Homes takes you inside the world of building net zero homes
Embracing Nature at The Estates pg 19 Your private retreat awaits you at The Estates at Greenspoint
Choosing Your New Home Builder pg 22 Randy Summers of ReMax Realty shares tips on how to select your new home builder
Homefront Highlight
Greenspoint – Collin County’s premier green built community
Texas Luxefront On the Cover The Model Home for Grand Homes at Greenspoint in Prosper
pg 14
pg 28
Deb Brown of Keller Williams shares how a unique partnership is strengthening the community one house at a time
We’ve met medical professionals who are making a difference in people’s lives. We’ve embraced nature with an entirely different attitude, and welcomed neighbors in an effort to bring our community together. We can’t wait to share these stories and their expertise with you.
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHERS Jason & Heather Reynolds EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Heather Reynolds PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jason Reynolds ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JD Lee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Clark Gullette Grand Homes Scarlett Custom Homes Chas Fitzgerald Randy Summers MjBrown Distinctive Homes PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS Gwen Guest Various PRODUCTION / DESIGN FIFTHKING MEDIA www.fifthking.com ADVERTISING / M ARKETING The Homefront Team www.txhomefront.com
© 2012 TEXAS HOMEFRONT M AGAZINE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED WORLDWIDE The title and all material within are protected by international copyright laws and are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Although the greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this magazine at the time of going to press, neither Texas Homefront Magazine nor FIFTHKING MEDIA can be held liable for omissions, inexactness or errors.
FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT : Texas Homefront Magazine PO Box 405 Prosper, Texas 75078 Ph: 469-481-2935 www.TXHomefront.com web: facebook.com/txhomefront em: jason@thetexashomefront.com
Welcome to Texas Homefront Magazine! As homeowners in Prosper, we are extremely excited about the continued growth in our area! We understand that with growth comes responsibility and opportunity. Our vision is to create a publication that is unlike anything else in the marketplace. Each month we will bring you cutting edge design, articles written by area contractors and business owners, and local featured highlights. The intent is to educate our readers, while offering contractors and businesses a professional publication in which to showcase their workmanship, service standards and ethics. Over the last several months, we’ve had the privilege of meeting and working with some of the most amazing professionals in their fields. We’ve had the opportunity to be on site during construction of an astonishing luxury home.
May is always full of activity, but please make time to come out and support the incredible efforts going on at Windmill Playground in Prosper. Volunteers are still needed during build week, May 14 – 20! Another great event you won’t want to miss is the 2012 Smiles Charity Concert and Family Festival! Come out to Adriatica in McKinney on May 27th, and enjoy the music – Lantic, Maylee Thomas Band and David Nail are performing. This charity event raises money to help deserving families realize the dream of home ownership. We’ve also learned about some amazing charities that are helping people every day in our area. Our goal is to support them through monthly editorials and updates of local events. We hope that you join us in that support – all of us together can do incredible things! Welcome Home! Jason & Heather Reynolds Executive Publishers
www.TXhomefront.com | 5
Written by Clark Gullette
Water Conservation, two buzz words that are making their way into mainstream conversations.
6 | Texas Homefront Magazine
Municipalities have found themselves behind the eight ball in consumer education, and as a result, must promptly educate residences about what Water Conservation entails. It is more than any one action or reaction. It is being pro-active instead of reactive. It is a lifestyle change.
Water supplies have become critical as of late and the future of Texas depends on these lifestyle changes. Our city water departments must find the resources to educate consumers. Those that have thrown caution to the wind, using water however and whenever they feel necessary. The idle way in which city facilitators have dealt with pending water shortages is over, and now those same city officials must take a hard line position on Water Conservation. Times have changed. Departments have taken a serious look at the lack of past education methods. They’ve begun to implement conservation education models from all around the world to try and deal with a growing water shortage. Texas is often plagued with a “feast or famine� type scenario, and municipalities are looking for ways to deal proactively with consumers.
www.TXhomefront.com | 7
Thinking Conservative means applying learned principles to every aspect of life. Being conscious of your environment and aware of wasteful habits will launch this New Attitude. 8 | Texas Homefront Magazine
Don’t be surprised if your local water department tries to give you A New Attitude, one that puts conserving water as the primary goal, either by education or by legal persuasion. If you are interested in finding out about water conservation education, visit the following websites: www.earthkind.tamu.edu www.twca.org www.texaswater.org
Cities are setting up water conservation seminars, websites and youth conservation programs. They’ve taken lessons from states like Florida, Arizona and California, introducing proven conservation methods and implementing them for lasting change. A list of growing resources, terms and jargon have poured their way into the everyday vernacular of city websites. Links such as earthkind.tamu.edu and twca.org can now be found squarely positioned on Home pages, where previously little or no mention of Water Conservation was made. As we approach the drought season of 2012, the lessons of the past will forever be the hard knocks of years gone by. No longer will education be the lacking component of Water Conservation.
10 | Texas Homefront Magazine
They leak cool and warm air out of every nook and cranny, have inefficient mechanical systems (that probably need a filter change), old light bulbs and water heaters, old windows, and not enough insulation. Compared to the advanced technology employed in today’s autos, our homes are still stuck in the technology and practices of the past. One of the important movements in the construction industry today is the focus to build what are called “Net Zero Energy” houses.
Most American homes today are energy pigs that, as fuel prices continue to increase, become more burdensome to their owners every year.
These Homes generate as much energy as they use, therefore requiring “zero” energy annually. This may sound a bit far-fetched, but Net Zero homes are currently being built all around the country. Scarlett Custom Homes & Remodeling has four major tools in their toolbox to achieve this sort of energy goal.
www.TXhomefront.com | 11
As always, the first stop is proper home design, then, conservation of energy by air-sealing and insulating to achieve a tight envelope. Third will be the heating and cooling system, whether it is a high SEER conventional system or a geothermal system. The last item is creating some of your own energy. The most popular way is by adding solar panels. These solar panel systems are very common in Europe, where energy costs are much higher than in this country. Our southern climate enables us to take advantage of its performance value. As the solar panel market increases in popularity, the price for panels is constantly declining in cost. To be clear, Net Zero homes are attached to the utility grid – you don’t have to worry about your batteries going dead while you are reading in bed. Power generation while grid-tied, requires “net metering.” Sometimes you are using the utility’s power, other times you are selling electrons back to them because your home is generating more than it is using. Wouldn’t it be nice to go to your mailbox and not be afraid of your electric bill in the middle of the summer?
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND OUR FREE SEMINAR TO GET MORE DETAILS ABOUT CUTTING EDGE HOME CONSTRUCTION AND ENERGY CONSERVATION PLEASE CONTACT US.
Currently Scarlett Custom Homes is finishing a 5,000 square foot Mediterranean home built with some of the high performance features mentioned above. The home will utilize Geothermal Heating & Air for the home, solar hot water heating system, foam insulation, back-up generator, and heating the pool utilizing the same geothermal system implemented into the house. Go to our website at www.scarlettcustomhomes.com to learn more about energy efficient homes and our below grade shelters.
12 | Texas Homefront Magazine
THE FREE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY JUNE 21ST, AT 6:00 PM AND SATURDAY JUNE 23RD AT 11:00 AM IN FRISCO. RSVP BY CALLING: 214.717.8232. SEATING IS LIMITED.
Bethlehem Place is a community ministry sharing food with residents of Prosper and surrounding towns in need. Recently kids from our Vacation Bible School helped with Bethlehem Place by sorting and delivering bags of rice and beans. Many organizations in Prosper, including the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, other churches and groups, and schools, as well as individuals, regularly support Bethlehem Place with volunteers, food and monetary donations. Food is distributed on Tues: the 1st and 3rd, 6:00-7:00 p.m.; the 2nd, 4th, and 5th, 9:00-10:00 a.m
Based in Prosper, Texas, Cornerstone Assistance Network of North Central Texas is a faith-based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Cornerstone’s mission is to unite with others to demonstrate Christ’s compassion by serving our neighbors in need. This is accomplished by sharing the Gospel and helping family units escape the cycle of poverty for good by providing resources, tools, and education. Advertisement
The Attic is a “resurrected” retail store located at 201 S. Main in Prosper, Texas. Cornerstone NCT’s vision is to unite with others to demonstrate Christ’s compassion by serving our neighbors in need. One hundred percent of The Attic on Randy Summers Main’s profits go to support ReMax Real Estate Agent Cornerstone NCT and the people it serves.
Nestled in a unique all-natural setting, lies a serene lakeside and country lifestyle with all the urban conveniences. Immediate access to Highway 380, Preston Road and the Dallas North Tollway, makes Prosper one of the most connected communities in Texas. 14 | Texas Homefront Magazine
While Prosper is poised for growth of new retail, schools and churches, community leaders have had the foresight to maintain the town’s quaint country charmOit’s the best of both worlds! As you approach the Greenspoint Community, you begin to feel yourself relax and breathe again. Spacious home sites, winding walking paths, bike trails and native landscaping enhance the beauty of the Texas countryside. The 27-acre Town Lake enriches your relationship with nature. Cast a few lures into the stocked lake, canoe or kayak in the open waters, or simply explore Mother Nature along the winding creeks. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of one of Prosper’s first city parks, while watching the turtles bask in the sunlight. Childhood memories and family legacies are created in this ideal spot for family get-togethers. Take a seat on the park benches strategically placed along the banks for the best, most tranquil views of the water. Enjoy feeding the fish, or watching the duck and geese flock by in the serene surroundings. Finish off your morning jog or quiet evening stroll at the dock, allowing time to watch the sun’s reflection off the water. The serenity is pure relaxation. At night, you can see forever into the big Texas sky, while shooting stars create an unforgettable light show.
www.TXhomefront.com | 15
The sounds of nature orchestrate a dazzling melody for all who stop to listen. This is Prosper living at its finest. Equestrian Trails wind through the community and around the lake, connecting with neighboring Whispering Farms and Prospering Farms Equestrian Centers. Greenspoint boasts elegant stone watering troughs to refresh the horses during their cross-country ride. Play a round of golf at the Gentle Creek Golf Club, offering 18 holes that will challenge even the most experienced player. This is a lifestyle of long weekends. It’s where legacies begin, one day at a time, at home with nature. In Greenspoint, we understand the importance of your child’s education. For peace of mind and added convenience, your child’s schools are all located less than two miles from home.
16 | Texas Homefront Magazine
Within Prosper Independent School District, children of all ages may take advantage of the latest technology, dedicated teachers, award-winning extracurricular opportunities and challenging athletic programs. We invite you to visit with school administrators, tour the attractive campuses, and discover why this growing school district will be one of the most sought-after in Collin County. For decades, the 27-acre lake was a private weekend retreat for scores of children, and friends. The farm was affectionately known as Collin County Canoe Club, and the canoe continues as the symbol for the Greenspoint Community.
When you get to know the history behind Greenspoint, you’ll discover why designing and building neighborhoods that enhance the quality of life means so much to the community founder. While developing this community, Wilbow Corporation utilized the proven principles of green building and site development. The result of this meticulous planning is a neighborhood that preserves the natural surroundings, provides unique amenities, protects the environment, and promotes longterm value for families to enjoy.
Today, available lots in Greenspoint are exclusively marketed by Grand Homes, designated America’s Best Builder in 2011. Grand Homes also received the 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2007 Consumer’s Choice Award for Business Excellence. With 14 different plans to select from, multiple elevations for each plan and over 5,000 selection choices at the Design Studio, your home in Greenspoint will be specific to you! Please contact LaRessa Cox or Cindy LaDue Wallets at 972.347.5775 for your tour today!
www.TXhomefront.com | 17
For those seeking an elegant residence in a refined country setting, look no further than The Estates at Greenspoint. Located in the rolling hills of east Prosper, an area dubbed the “Country Club District”, generously sized custom home sites await your dream home. This thoughtfully designed community incorporates your personal architecture set in rugged harmony with the pristine Texas countryside.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the neighboring equestrian facilities, golf amenities and the adjacent 27-acre Town Lake. Residents are welcomed at the private entrance by an elegant stone horse trough befitting a Texas ranch. Ranch style gates swing open to luxurious estate home sites that preserve the rural character of the unique setting. The Estates at Greenspoint boasts beautiful stone privacy walls, ornamental street lighting, and a private street. Home sites are fully improved with city water and sewer, underground electric and the conveniences you expect such as Atmos gas and ATT high-speed bundled – content fiber to the home. Creek side home sites are situated high along a wooded limestone bluff, and range in size from 1.0 – 1.6 acres. These sites enjoy spectacular views overlooking a tributary to Wilson Creek, which feeds Town Lake on the east border of the community.
Advertisement
Across Greenspoint Lane are approximately half-acre meadow home sites. This creek side community features large custom lots for sale to home builders and individuals. Fewer than forty homes will ultimately be built here, with home sites spacious enough to accommodate magnificent legacy estates and extensive outdoor living areas. Meadow home sites from the low $100’s, and Creek side acreage home sites from the low $200’s. For more information, visit www.greenspointtx.com or you can contact Chas Fitzgerald at 972.479.0697.
Written by Randy Summers
22 | Texas Homefront Magazine
Over the years in the Metroplex, we’ve seen homebuilders showcase their elegant open plans and fancy layouts. Left out of the equation was how homeowners could pay dearly in extra monthly cost for a gorgeous design that wasn’t practical to the wallet. However, over the last few years, indoor efficiency levels have finally caught up with that elegant design and exterior beauty.
Investing in a new home is a wise decision, due in part to the total value of what you receive from your net dollar. What do I mean by net dollar? Adding the efficiency element to the equation!
It is today’s modern floor plan designs that now meet comfort and monthly affordability. Energy Star Rated, eSmart Homes, Environments for Living, Green Built, HERS Index Ratings, and 24/7 Energy Efficiency; these are just a few components of what you may see in the Dallas New Home marketplace. To take it a step further, there are even some builders in the Dallas area that are so confident in their homes efficiency level that they guarantee you an average monthly bill for the first three years you’re in your home!
If your monthly bills are even a dollar over the charted estimate, they will reimburse you the difference at the end of the year. This should give you peace of mind that our Dallas area homebuilders are equally excited and concerned that your new home not only looks like a million bucks, it performs like a million bucks. Along with home efficiency, the other characteristic to look for in a builder is quality. So, what exactly defines quality in a builder? I have over 13 years of experience in selling New Homes for local builders here in the Dallas market, and there’s only one clear and concise way to identify a builder that meets your criteria and expectations. Seeing is believing. This can obviously only be achieved by visiting the model homes. www.TXhomefront.com | 23
Quality is much more than just a name on a homebuilder’s monument sign located in the lush landscaping of their model. It’s even more than their name recognition, reputation, awards and billboards. These are a great place to start, but to truly evaluate a builder; you need to consult with an experienced real estate professional and walk through the models and
communities yourself. Visiting a model home will solidify the confidence you need as you narrow down your choice of homebuilders. Here are a few tips to help gage quality as you visit model homes. First and foremost, keep in mind that Model Homes are a representation of the quality in which you will receive. You shouldn’t settle for anything less
than model quality as you’re having your home built. Be sure and look past the upgrades, personal choices and custom options/features. Try to zero in on workmanship and attention to detail. I understand that model homes can be confusing and overwhelming. If you choose to build a home, hold your personal builder accountable to the quality shown in the Model Home.
As you walk through the model, look at the cosmetic details of construction. 24 | Texas Homefront Magazine
Make sure that the corners of baseboard and door casing trim meet continuously with a clean precise finish out. Look at walls from an angle to ensure a consistent and overspray free finish of paint application. Pay close attention to columns, walls and art niches to ensure that sheetrock columns are not slightly twisted, walls are not bowed or at an angle and niches are level to the floor. As for Good Ole’ LocationObuilders conduct extensive research into the growth of a particular area before deciding to invest. This should give you the confidence you need in regards to the future growth of a particular area. I like to refer to this as being in The Path of Progress. All in all, a home is not just sticks and bricks, it’s a feeling! If the area, community and floor plans feel good to you, then you can’t argue with the way it makes you feel. Your family deserves to feel great every day! It doesn’t matter if you’re purchasing a new home worth $100,000 - $1,000,000, inspect what you expect. Quality should not vary due to price point, because quality is priceless. All of the builders in the Dallas areas are incredible, so what are you waiting for? Head out and visit a Model Home today! If you need an escort I will be delighted to join you and we can learn from each other!!! My motto is simple “It’s all about you, not me.” I will always put your interests before mine. Feel free to contact me anytime at 214.498.0083 or at randysummers@remax.net.
Randy Summers ReMax Real Estate Agent
Every client is unique and has special requirements in this changing home market. Building, buying and selling a luxury home requires special skills, contacts, and business expertise. Debra Brown is focused on the needs and wants of her clients and strives to deliver personalized service and expertise to each client.
The use of steel reinforcement in an MjBrown Distinctive Home under construction
A luxurious, authentic Tuscany style home
These years of problemsolving and analytical skills serve as a key role in her ability to understand the changing market, be attentive to details, negotiate effectively and be conscientious in listening to the needs of a buyer or seller.
An MjBrown built French Normandy Estate
From Left to Right: Mike Brown, Debra Brown, Heather Reynolds, and Jason Reynolds at the site of an MjBrown Distinctive Home project.
28 | Texas Homefront Magazine
Prior to becoming a Real Estate professional, Debra was a Mechanical Engineer in the Space Shuttle program. After completing a Masters in Telecommunications, she worked for Nortel for 5 years and then for AT&T as a Project Manager for another 6 years.
After much consideration, Debra decided to leave the corporate world to partner with her husband Mike Brown, in MjBrown Distinctive Homes, a luxury home building company. Her years of involvement in the design, building, and finish out selections, give her a unique and informed perspective in the Luxury Home Market.
Debra Brown sold my home during the recent economic downturn. I would recommend Debra without the slightest reservation as a person of the highest integrity and as a realtor with superior knowledge of the local real estate market. - Amy G. -------------------------------Debra Brown is a real estate professional in the best sense. Our appointments were always organized and productive. Not only does she listen to your wants and needs, she also takes the time to research and explain how that applies to the market. - Karen H. -------------------------------Debra Brown is a great real estate agent. She has helped us and several of our friends and family members. I have seen her close deals that no other real estate agent could close. - Keresa R.
Debra’s philosophy is, “I will work on behalf of my clients until we reach the goal.”
A French Chateau by MjBrown Distinctive Homes
www.TXhomefront.com | 29