Haven's March 2023 Issue

MAKE YOUR MOVE YOUR NEW HOME IS WAITING.

Drees Homes offers open and spacious plans with statement-making style and flexibility to meet your needs. Build your own home or choose a home already under construction in several communities throughout greater Indianapolis. You can even build a Drees home on your own lot. Get started today!

AVON

STONE HAVEN

Paired villas from the low $300s

BROWNSBURG

BRENTWOOD

From

CARMEL

ALBANY VILLAGE

From the high $500s

ALBANY VILLAGE - VILLAS

Paired Villas from the high $300s

M c CORDSVILLE

VINTNER’S PARK

From the mid $500s

Amy Wood | (317)268-2988

awood@dreeshomes.com

NOBLESVILLE

SHAFER WOODS

From the mid $400s

STONY BLUFFS

From the mid $500s

PLAINFIELD

TRESCOTT

Coming soon!

WESTFIELD

BELLE CREST

Paired villas from the mid $300s

CARRAMORE

Coming soon!

WOOD WIND - SOUTHWIND

From the low $500s

24 Lovely Lighting: How the Right Kind of Lighting Can Completely Transform Your Outdoor Space

GREENIMAGE LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

25 Outdoor Shades: Your Questions Answered DRAPERY STREET

26 Hardwood and LVP: Flooring Styles to Fit Any Home Decor

AC o

28 Making Your Backyard Beautiful BPI OUTDOOR LIVING

35 What is a Natural Stone Supplier?

NORTHSTAR SURFACES

36 Bigger Is Better & Variety Is Key: Exterior Building Trends in Custom Homes G&G CUSTOM HOMES

38 HOA Common Areas & Amenities: Are They Excessive?

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS

40 Seriously Next-Level Garages

AC o

44 Moving Beyond Smart Devices to A Truly Smart Home PRO SECURITY & AUTOMATION

45 Made By Man, Inspired By Nature STONE MART

47 Explore The Entremaker Program: Hands-On, Real-World Learning for the 21st Century HUB & SPOKE

48 Making Your Backyard Beautiful M c COMB WINDOW & DOOR CO.

J.A. YANCY & ASSOCIATES INC.

50 Progress Report: Your Personal and Professional Goals for the Year HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA

53 Debunking Industry Myths About Concrete FLATMADE CONCRETE CO.

54 Directory of Home Services

58 Spring Into Action! Prepare Your Home for Spring Market

Upcoming Events

March 2023

Home Artisans of Indiana Meetings

March 9th & every other Thursday

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E 106th St., Fishers, IN

March 2nd & every other Thursday

Indiana Design Center – 200 S Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN Home improvement professionals experience common challenges on their journey to success. Home Artisans is a curated community of like-minded business leaders dedicated to personal and professional growth and guided by a commitment to superior quality, value and outstanding customer service. Visit homeartisans.com

Haven 2023 March Luncheon

Wednesday, March 15th 12:00-2:00pm

Vive Exterior Design – 11071 E. 126th Street, Suite A, Fishers, Indiana

Join our hosts, Vive Exterior, at their showroom for a luncheon to celebrate Haven's March 2023 Back to Nature Issue. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited so RSVP today!

RSVP havenhome.me

April 2023

Home Artisans of Indiana Meetings

April 6th & every other Thursday

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E 106th St., Fishers, IN

April 13th & every other Thursday

Indiana Design Center – 200 S Rangeline Rd., Carmel, IN

(see March listing for description)

Haven 2023 March Cover Party

Thursday, April 13th, 5:30-7:30 pm

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E. 106th Street, Fishers, IN

Join Haven Magazine and Teachers

Credit Union in celebrating the March 2023 cover feature!

RSVP havenhome.me

Hub & Spoke Institute Entremaker Program

April 11th-May 13th: Youth Ages 14-17

Hub & Spoke – 8100 E 106th St., Fishers, IN

This course provides students with both the academic knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in the industry. Visit hubandspoke.works/workforcedevelopment/entremaker-program/

WORKING TOGETHER

BAGI PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It is truly an honor to serve as this year’s President after coming off an incredibly successful centennial year. Having been a prior BAGI scholarship recipient, it’s humbling to be in a position that allows me to give back to an organization that has given me so much.

Over the past few years, the groundwork for our Impact Teams has been laid and refined. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to check out an Impact Team – just one time to explore and see if it saves you time and effort in your business compared to figuring it out from scratch on your own.

ANNOUNCING THE 2023 BAGI BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Cameron Knox*, Lennar | President

Tatum Hill*, Compendium Group, LLC | 1st Vice President

Christian Rector*, Arbor Homes | 2nd Vice President

Geoff Horen*, The Lifestyle Group | Treasurer

Keven Means*, 84 Lumber Company | Secretary

Tom Bedsole*, Frost Brown Todd | Parliamentarian

Steve Lains, BAGI | Chief Executive Officer

Andrew Brindley*, H·E Homes

Jason Ells*, Custom Concrete Co., Inc.

Todd Pyatt, Pyatt Builders, LLC

Diane Ashlock, Citizens Energy Group

Matt Dunn, D.R. Horton

Tim Eckert, Weber Concrete Construction

Doug Elmore, Gene B. Glick Co., Inc.

Ryan Geltz, Pro Security & Automation, LLC

Albert Gonzalez, Teachers Credit Union

Patrick Gray, Executive Homes

Karen Karr, Midwest Remediation

CAMERON KNOX

Lennar Construction

Kim Kelly, Centerpoint Energy

Jerrod Klein, Pyatt Builders

2023 BAGI Board President

Rather than reinvent the wheels that are already on the track and starting to work exactly as intended, my goal as your 2023 President is to refine what we already have and help us work together as an industry to move through a slowdown in our market.

Volatile mortgage rates, a lack of affordability, and ongoing supply chain realities, have left us all in a time of uncertainty. As an industry, we need to provide confidence to buyers by locking arms and working to navigate through these choppy waters. I am confident that unifying and working together will allow us to emerge on the back end of the slowdown and better serve our market.

In 2023, the BAGI Board has committed to improving communication to all its members by meeting you where you are at. Whether you prefer to hear from us through email or text, we will communicate with you through the medium you choose so we can make your membership experience even better. We have also heard your need for updated market information and established a page on the BAGI website, bagi.com/market-updates, where you can find industry-specific market updates from other members and submit updates of your own.

I’m excited to see what we accomplish together over the next year and I look forward to helping us reach our goals!

Jeff Langston, Old Town Design Group

Ryan Lee, McComb Window & Door Co.

Rique McPheron, Lee Supply Corp.

Michael Mercho, Integra Builders

Helen Metken, FC Tucker

Jeff Morgan, Green Square Design | Construct Inc.

Jim Morris, Habitat for Humanity

Lisa Myers, Classic Stone, LLC

Julie Pinson, Plumbers Supply

Ty Rinehart, Lennar Homes

Patrick Scott, Lennar Homes

Penny Siml, Carrington Homes

*Executive Committee

STATE of the INDUSTRY

Dear Industry Members & Consumers,

This letter serves to provide an update on the current state of the Indianapolis area housing industry, building on the updates provided in the Builder’s Association of Greater Indianapolis’ State of the Industry Letter in Fall 2022. This update provides valuable information regarding the systemic issues in the residential construction industry that were, and still are, disrupting job schedules and project pricing in the construction market.

Our industry experienced a slow-down in new consumer purchases in the last 90 days of 2022 driven by inflation, fuel prices, and rising interest rates. We saw a 23 percent decrease in 2022 permit activity

compared to 2021, but a housing slowdown itself was not shocking given the unprecedented rate of growth that occurred in the housing market in both 2020 and 2021. As context for this current market, we must remember that the housing market was healthy and functioning efficiently in the pre-pandemic environment. Following the initial pandemic shut down, the market accelerated almost 50% in just two years — activity that was not anticipated.

While we continue to experience the issues identified in previous State of the Industry letters, such as labor shortages, limited lot availability, price increases, and low inventory of new and existing homes, there are several economic shifts that continue to contribute

to a slowdown while consumers adjust to the new affordability of new home construction.

PROMINENT SHIFTS INCLUDE:

 INFLATION – Currently beginning to slow, but we continue to see rising costs for consumer goods and services.

 MORTGAGE RATES – While slowly increasing from historical lows, and fluctuating over the last few months, they are now approaching 7% which compares closely to the approximate average rate in the US since the late 1980s.

Given these realities, BAGI members are anticipating permit activity to slow and stabilize to levels similar to those seen in 2022, resulting in a decrease in sales of approximately 25% through 2023 from the peak level experienced in 2021. This trend can be seen in Central Indiana’s recent single-family home building permits report shared this month. However, there is no need for concern as the fundamentals of the new construction housing market bode well for a healthy market through 2024 and beyond. Most notable of these factors are the low inventory of finished new construction homes, continued historical low levels of existing homes, increasing household formation, and continued interest in new homes in both millennials and empty nesters — the country’s largest demographic populations. Keeping in mind that the market was vibrant in 2019, the next 24 months could bring the market back to a more stable position of supply, demand, and production. Based on this, and the positive housing market fundamentals, we do not anticipate that we will experience the “housing bubble burst” that some in the media are reporting. Indianapolis has historically been a market that has seen steady home price growth. In fact, the housing prices in Indianapolis have continued to increase over the last 5 decades, a period that includes the 2008 housing recession.

While we have and continue to face challenges, we remain confident that this slowdown is not a recession, but a correction – a change in the market that will see price growth slowing, a continued stable supply of new homes, and increased product/labor availabilities. This, in turn, should provide greater opportunity for hopeful Hoosiers to obtain their goal of owning a home.

Rest assured that BAGI will continue to remain steadfast in our mission to support homebuilding professionals and consumers by providing the education, advocacy, and promotional resources they need. We will also continue to share market updates if the market conditions and changes dictate. Members of BAGI are committed to building and remodeling quality homes in central Indiana, and in turn, to help grow our local economy. The housing market is always changing, yet it is still a great time for investment in remodeling or building a new home.

Sincerely,

Steve Lains

and learn about additional resources available to you on the Market Updates page of the BAGI website at bagi.com/market-updates

BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS

for our members to experience growth and success,” said Steve Lains, CEO of BAGI. “We are proud to offer these scholarships as a way to empower deserving students to pursue a career in the construction industry without financial burden standing in their way.”

To everyone at BAGI, there’s nothing more rewarding than promoting Central Indiana’s new-home construction and watching BAGI members succeed. Part of that process includes helping the young, ambitious individuals who have dreams of working in residential construction.

To support the future of the industry, BAGI has established three scholarships in honor of its past leaders that encourage students who have an interest in careers within Central Indiana’s homebuilding industries to pursue a higher education.

“Part of the BAGI mission is providing the best resources, opportunities and partnerships possible in order to develop the skilled workforce necessary

$417,350 in funds given to students

$842,100 raised by donors

341 scholarships provided

BAGI’s three scholarship funds, the H.F. Tim Hines Scholarship, the Richard Sapp Scholarship and the Alan J. Goldsticker Scholarship, are awarded to high school seniors who are in good standing with their respective school, have prior work experience in the field of construction technology, specific career goals and impressive recommendations from faculty or employers.

HELP US SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY.

The support these students receive from those within their dream profession and community instills a sense of belonging and motivation that carries well past their secondary education. BAGI’s scholarship efforts result in quality graduates from esteemed colleges and universities who bring immediate value to their respective industries. This helps grow Central Indiana’s homebuilding community and the industry as a whole.

“We want to do our part to ensure passionate students have the chance to explore building as a future vocation and excel in their studies,” Lains said. “There’s nothing more rewarding than uplifting the next generation and watching our industry thrive.”

For information about the scholarship program and how to make a donation, visit bagi.com/scholarships.

BAGI's annual Industry Awards Gala is a time for members to gather, celebrate another year of incredible achievements, and honor members who have gone above and beyond to better the homebuilding industry. We greatly appreciate all our members for being so dedicated to our organization and helping us achieve our mission each and every day. Your efforts never go unnoticed.

We proudly present our 2023 Industry Award winners:

ESPIRIT DE CORPS AWARD

Patrick Gray, Executive Homes

BUILDER MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Andrew Brindley, H·E Homes

ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Rique McPheron, Lee Supply Corp.

FIRM FOUNDATION

84 Lumber

MIKE BOEKE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Jerrod Klein, Pyatt Builders, LLC

MAKING AN IMPACT AWARD

Ryan Geltz, Pro Security & Automation

Congratulations to all on another successful year!

EXCITING THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT BAGI

CHECK OUT OUR UPDATED EVENT CALENDAR!

Be sure to keep up to date with everything happening at BAGI by checking out the event calendar on the BAGI website! From special gatherings and Impact Team meetings to golf outings and professional development opportunities, there are plenty of member-exclusive events to look forward to!

ARE YOU SUBSCRIBED TO THE PUNCH LIST ?

SCAN HERE FOR THE LATEST BAGI EVENT INFORMATION

The Punch List is BAGI’s official podcast! Join us each month as BAGI CEO, Steve Lains, discusses market trends, challenges and other important insights with local and national industry leaders to help build a stronger homebuilding community. We’ve had some great guests the past few episodes, so catch up and stream even more on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen and subscribe today!

WHY BAGI?

PROMOTE, EDUCATE & NETWORK

Over 500 members strong, BAGI works with other organizations and advocates on behalf of you and your business, supporting initiatives that enhance our industry by:

PROMOTING Central Indiana’s newhome construction

EDUCATING both our members and consumers on the homebuilding industry’s standards, practices and happenings

Providing NETWORKING opportunities to encourage members business opportunities and success

AN INDIVIDUALIZED APPROACH

We meet our members where they are and work to get them where they want to be, allowing you to drive engagement, commitment and opportunities at the level YOU desire.

PROMOTION NETWORKING

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ADVOCACY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

PERSONALIZED RESOURCES

Our INTEREST GROUPS and IMPACT TEAMS allow you to stay up to date with news and opportunities that speak to your interests, while providing a forum where you can build relationships, learn from one another, share resources and discuss industry challenges and successes.

FIELD SUPERINTENDENTS

URBAN & DEVELOPMENT

SALES & MARKETING

SUBURBAN BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING & DEVELOPMENT

REMODELING

ASSOCIATES

THE BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS IS DIFFERENT.

David in a Field of GOLIATHS

In the world of big box lifestyle home stores, RG Décor stands alone like David in a field of Goliaths. At RG, it’s about so much more than just selling furniture.

RG has quite a buzz around Indianapolis. Owner, Karen King highlights the foundation of their success. “Our family owns a few businesses in the home service industry,” says Karen. “I focus on leading the design team and buying for RG Décor. My husband, Tom and I travel 3-4 times a year to market. I really strive to keep the best quality furniture and decor in stock.”

Their service companies, Sani-Bright Carpet Cleaning and Oriental Rug Cleaning of Indianapolis are led by the Kings’ oldest son, Jordan. Meanwhile, youngest son Kyle operates his own landscaping company.

“We just love the home service and design industry,” Karen enthuses. “We like to say, if you can clean, maintain, repair, design or sell it for your home, we do it. For us it’s all about partnering with clients to help their vision for their homes come alive.”

The RG Décor design team plays an important role in bringing those client visions to life.

According to Karen, “While I’m the face that you see on commercials and in advertising, it’s our design team and staff that are the heartbeat of RG.”

“Beth is just finishing up an amazing remodel of a 1980s estate home in Zionsville. The bathrooms are just gorgeous,” says Karen. “I had a chance to be there on the install day and the furnishings and bedding are amazing.”

Karen recently collaborated with another team member, Heather on helping a young couple furnish their cabin out of state. “We had about half of the furnishings in stock and the rest we are special ordering,” she says. “Heather had some great ideas and is so fun to work with.”

Meanwhile, designer Allison just completed a multi-location project that needed office updates. According to Karen, “She did a wonderful job meeting the client’s request to lose the traditional office furniture feel by softening it up and making it comfortable.”

There are even more exciting things in the works at RG Décor. “We recently purchased Wicker Works of Brownsburg,” says Karen.

“I’m excited that Kelli Pawolski with Wicker Works is joining us. Wicker Works will retain its own identity. They are Indiana’s largest casual furniture store, and we are privileged to have obtained them.”

They are also looking forward to another exciting collaboration according to Karen. “Tom and I met last week with our 2024 Home-A-Rama builder. That’s going to be an amazing project with Hamed Homes,” she says. “Our partnership with Indy’s top builders at the

The RG Décor Team

LIGHTING AS PART OF YOUR DESIGN

Lighting has become even more of a focal point in homes

mount lighting that makes a statement

that not all woods or metals match Instead, they complement each other to create a cohesive design.

matches; rather, the focus is about what you like,” says Karen.

STYLE THAT BRINGS COMFORT

When we ’re faced with stress and anxiety, we seek comfort, homes “People want their home to be a haven,” says Karen

a decorative item, a piece of art, or something that’s been handed down through the generations like grandma’s China saucer or crocheted blanket

GIVING NEW LIFE TO OLD TRENDS

As far as design trends that seem to have faded away, Karen

with a mostly grey home Karen says you need not panic “Some warmer tones complement each other and provide warmth for a fresh, updated look,” says Karen there pieces you want to incorporate? How’s the room going to be lived in?

Home-A-Rama puts our work on full display. It takes everyone on the RG team to make it happen, it’s a highlight every year.”

CHECK OUT OUR WORK

Long term, who knows what will be next for RG. “I never want us to lose the coziness of our current showroom, but we need more space,” Karen says. “I am excited to see what we become in the next 3-4 years.

answers provide direction on how the design will come together.

“At the end of the day, everyone wants to step inside their home, take a deep breath, and think, ‘I love it here,’” says Karen, whose goal at RG Décor is to provide just that.

For now, RG Décor is dedicated to serving a diverse clientele. From the individual who comes in looking for a new sofa, to the family who wants help furnishing a few rooms, to empty nesters who are building and want a total design vision or even a builder who needs them to walk through the process of selections during construction. RG can help design and plan it all.

When asked, what is one thing she wants clients to know, Karen says, “It’s important to me, our team, and our family that you are greeted warmly, whether it’s on the phone or in person, that you are listened to, and ultimately served well. We are out to earn your trust every day and, in the process, make some new friends.”

“We want your dreams to come alive and for you to love what we create together!”

Visit rgdecor.com to learn more, find inspiration, or even tour past project homes.

RG DÉCOR

4341 W. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.733.1200 rgdecor.com

Karen King, owner, RG Décor

“For us it’s all about partnering with clients to help their vision for their homes come alive.”

– KAREN KING Owner, RG Décor

YOUR GREAT ESCAPE: Back to Nature

by Allie Moffett

back to nature

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that making your home a comfortable, relaxing space to disconnect is key for happiness and wellbeing. We have, in many ways, reverted to simpler forms of satisfaction: tending to plants, having a quiet space to take in the outdoors, and investing time and effort into making home just that – your home. Ensuring it checks all of the boxes for what your family needs, whether it be a pool to splash in, a cozy den to curl up in, or a patio to lounge in the sun. Here are a few ways to embrace nature in your home.

EVER HEARD THE PHRASE, “LET’S SHINE A LITTLE LIGHT ON THAT”?

By focusing on the item or topic at hand, we can better see it for what it is, details and all. Adding proper lighting not only highlights the beautiful details of your home and landscape, but also easily adds hours to the time you can spend in your outdoor space. The GreenImage team ensures that this small detail is not overlooked and encourages their clients to invest in lighting, whether it be the sole project or just one piece of the project.

THINK BIG PICTURE.

While clients can often get caught up in the nitty gritty of installing an outdoor feature like a pool, grill station or fire pit, a quality landscape and outdoor living contractor will focus on creating an entire layout that supports the vision for the feature. If you hope to host large gatherings, you will need more space for seating and if you want a more low-key space, perhaps you will invest in a luxurious pergola.

“Landscape architects are very similar to interior designers who ask about your living room, kitchen, dining room, etc., so they can pull it all together,” says Ryan Coyle, owner of Vive Exterior Design “We do the exact same thing with the exterior.”

The life of a pool or outdoor entertainment space does not come down to just how well it is constructed, it relies on functionality

and ease of using the space. Not able to tackle all of your projects at once? Professionals like Vive and BPI Outdoor Living can help plan the space in phases.

“The BPI team coordinated every aspect of the project when we put in a pool, a new spa, and a new patio,” shared Wally Brant, BPI Outdoor Living client. “When we installed a lakeside retention wall to secure our lakefront, J.D. at BPI designed it so that we were able to expand our yard and garden. Each time, his designs made the landscape fit perfectly.”

by taking an image of a natural stone’s veining pattern and printing them directly on the man-made material slab. You can’t get closer to the real thing than that!

LET YOUR WINDOWS DO THE HEAVY LIFTING.

At the end of the day, an easy way to add natural elements to your space is by simply giving yourself a view of the outdoors.

Joe Garcia of G&G Custom Homes shared that he has seen an uptick in homeowners seeking out large doors with windows for both the front door and patio spaces. “You used to just have a single door going to the outside porch,” says Garcia. “Now you have doors that are four-panels wide to let light flow in.”

MAN-MADE FINISHES, INSPIRED BY NATURE.

UTILIZE

While natural materials can get the job done, they may not always be the right choice for the modern-day family. With busy lives and precious free time, many families simply don’t have the time to tend to natural stones such as marble.

That’s why stain-and-scratch resistant options like quartz and porcelain are so popular with clients, as Kaelyn Van Camp of Stone Mart explains. “Quartz is known for being low maintenance, but that, combined with the ability to create depth that mimics natural stone, is definitely a game changer.”

Quartz, along with porcelain, have come so far in mimicking natural stone. This is often accomplished

Allowing more natural light into the home instantly connects the indoors to its exterior surroundings. Windows act as a frame to the natural “art” outside the home. Living in an area with all four seasons, we can watch our surroundings evolve throughout the year – interactive art, so to speak! No matter how you wish to incorporate nature into your space, there are local professionals ready to guide you through the process.

VIVE EXTERIOR DESIGN:

Thinking OUTSIDE the POOL

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

It’s always fun to stare out the back window of your home and daydream about putting in a pool. Before you pull the trigger, however, it’s wise to meet with a seasoned landscape architect who can help you plan out and pull together the entire space, including pool, hardscape, landscape, and lighting.

“Oftentimes people are focused so much on the pool itself and not how everything around that pool should function,” says Ryan Coyle, owner of Vive Exterior Design.

When Coyle meets with clients, the first thing he asks them is how they plan to use the space. Will they entertain regularly? How many people? Do they prefer a modern or rustic style? During that initial meeting, Coyle gathers an understanding for the client’s overall vision for the space.

“Landscape architects are very similar to interior designers who ask about your living room, kitchen, dining room, etc., so they can pull it all together,” says Coyle. “We do the exact same thing with the exterior.”

It needs to be more than just placing a pool and patio in your backyard and this is where we can help with the process.

“Landscape architects and designers think about the overall function of the entire backyard,” says Coyle. And while you do need to think about the orientation of the pool as you want it facing south for best lounging, there are a number of other things to consider as well. “The planning, design, and style is really important upfront when planning your pool.”

Once he knows a client’s vision, he asks about budget so that he can gauge how to properly design a space.

“If you have a $100K budget, but you’re envisioning a pool, pool deck, fire pit, and pergola, you’re talking about a $200K project,” says Coyle. This isn’t to say that you can’t get all you want, however. The project may just need to be completed in phases.

“If you tell us you want A, B, and C but currently only have $150K on a $200K project, we can design a full master plan and complete it in phases,”

“I’ve got three big jumping boulders that sit straight on the edge of my pool. My boys love it!”

– RYAN COYLE Owner, Vive Exterior Design

says Coyle. “That master plan is essential because the last thing you want is to put a $150K investment into your backyard and then in phase 2 have to tear some of that out because you didn’t plan properly.”

Primary elements for phase 1 would be the pool, some landscaping, and your hardscape, whether concrete or pavers. Pergolas and firepits are often secondary items for phase 2. Lighting can be put off until phase 3 because it’s easy to add later, as is landscaping.

“Again, the whole idea is to think outside the pool,” says Coyle, who softens the space by incorporating natural elements like boulders into the design, including jumping boulders by the pool.

“Years ago, diving boards were popular but no more,” he says. “They aren’t attractive the way natural elements are. I’ve got three big jumping boulders that sit straight on the edge of my pool. My boys love it!”

In addition, all drainage has to flow away from the

pool. Coyle’s team will get creative with dry creek beds that the drainage goes into, which is seamlessly incorporated into the landscape.

Given that Indiana homeowners tend to use their backyards in the spring, summer, and fall, Coyle suggests putting in landscaping that offers continuous bloom such as ornamental grasses, perennials that bloom all season long, and hydrangeas that have a nice white bloom throughout the summer.

“People love a continuously blooming or changing landscape,” he says.

If you would like to build a beautiful backyard vibe, call the team at Vive Exterior Design to help make your vision come to fruition!

For more information, call (317) 773-9933 or visit viveexterior.com

PRO TIP: When designing your pool, think about what will be surrounding it. Ledges, boulders, lounge spaces and even landscaping all play an important role in enhancing your outdoor space.

Game Changer!

MONT SURFACES: THE SYNTHESIS SHOWER SURROUND SYSTEM

by Shari Held

Imagine that your new shower could be installed in as little as one day – and you could use it the next day! Now it can. That’s great news for contractors and homeowners alike! The patent-pending and contractor-friendly Mont Synthesis porcelain shower surround system eliminates many of the hassles and steps involved with a traditional installation, while resulting in a beautiful custom shower for your home.

“This is an industry game-changer designed to expedite installation,” says Kathleen Cannon, senior account representative for Mont Surfaces. “The Synthesis kit contains the integral parts and pieces necessary for installation.”

EASE OF INSTALLATION

With this revolutionary system, interlocking large-format porcelain panels are secured to a stud frame. No application of thin-set, grout, or backer board, which comes already adhered to the porcelain panels, is necessary. It shaves substantial time off the traditional installation process. The traditional installation process can take anywhere from four to five days or longer.

Currently this innovative system is designed to fit a standard 60" x 36" shower and can be customized to fit smaller showers. Synthesis can be used for a

new-build or remodel project. Kits are manufactured and assembled in the USA and typically ship within a week to ten days.

BEAUTY PLUS LOW MAINTENANCE

The porcelain panels come in 13 colors and designs that simulate natural stone and concrete, ranging from dramatic veining to more subtle patterns. The result is an elegant, low-maintenance, custom shower you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Want to learn more about the game-changing Synthesis shower surround system? Call (317) 875-5800 or visit MontSynthesis.com for more information.

Also, check out Mont’s Live Inventory at inventory.montsurfaces.com.

5945

ALEX CALACATTA

Mont’s Synthesis Shower Surround System features a revolutionary installation process.

Lovely Lighting:

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

The idiom “the difference between night and day” is used to describe a striking change. The same expression could be used in a literal sense when remarking on the difference between a dark yard and a well-lit landscape. Dan Weingart, owner of GreenImage Landscape & Design, has seen homeowners take note of this transformation time and again.

“People see a space in the daytime. Then it goes dark and there’s nothing there!” says Weingart. “When you light it up, however, that adds a ton of depth and character.”

Sometimes homeowners tackle outdoor projects in phases –choosing to install, say, a patio and pergola, then a pool or firepit. They plant trees and other landscaping. The last thing to be installed is typically lighting, and that’s why they’re blown away at the difference between darkness and the light.

“Oftentimes, what we find is that lighting gets forgotten,” says Weingart. “But once someone has it installed, they’re like, ‘Wow! How did we ever use this space without lighting?’”

If you spend a significant amount of time in an outdoor space, it’s wise to light it for functional reasons (e.g., so you can see a step). But what many homeowners don’t realize is how light penetration, fixture placement, viewpoint, and Kelvin temperature choice can completely transform their property. For instance, spotlighting a tree, fountain, waterfall, or some other feature makes the space seem bigger than it actually is because it adds depth to the entire property.

Homeowners can choose from a number of outdoor lighting options that can all be controlled from the convenience of your phone. For example, you can zone it to where you turn off the backyard lights but leave on the front yard or cut the lights to the trees but keep light on the patio. Lighting can also be dimmed and colors changed with the touch of a button.

Weingart notes that sometimes people go about lighting up their house in the wrong way. For instance, some homeowners install flood lights on the soffit in an effort to make their home less prone to burglars.

“You don’t need to make your home look like an airport runway,” says Weingart. “You can create a secure environment with lighting while still making it look aesthetically pleasing.”

If you are looking for a landscape lighting plan to highlight the best features on your property and push out the darkness, connect with GreenImage Landscape & Design today.

DRAPERY STREET:

OUTDOOR SHADES Your Questions Answered

Our outdoor shades make outdoor living spaces more comfortable year-round, and for that reason are quickly becoming one of our most popular products. Are they the right solution for your outdoor space? The answers to our most frequently asked questions can help you decide.

What are the major benefits of Drapery Street’s outdoor shades?

 Keep blinding sun out of your eyes so you can actually enjoy your views

 Provide privacy so neighbors can’t see onto your porch but you can still see out

 Reduce wind

 Bug screens prevent insects from entering your porch

 In spring/summer, outdoor shades keep your porch cooler by blocking powerful UV rays

 In fall/winter, outdoor shades help retain heat from outdoor heaters and fireplaces

 Fully retractable so when they aren’t in use, you can’t tell they are there!

 Comes in a variety of custom colors to perfectly match your home’s exterior

What kind of structure can I install outdoor shades on?

Our outdoor shades are perfect for covered porches,

pergolas, lanais, sunrooms, and underdecks.

Are they motorized?

We have motorized and non-motorized options. Our motorized outdoor shades are compatible with most home automation systems.

Are they durable?

Yes, we proudly offer the most durable outdoor shades. They have:

 Extruded aluminum housing & tracks

 Rubber sealing under the weight bar that seals better against grout lines, pavers, & uneven surfaces

 Stainless steel fasteners to prevent rust

 Powder-coated aluminum to prevent chipping, peeling, or bubbling of paint

 Wind-tested and resistant up to 50mph

 Super heavy-weight bar for smooth operation

When should I install outdoor shades?

Outdoor shades can be installed during the home build process or after your home is built. If you are building a new home, we recommend getting the conversation started early so we can work with your builder

to pre-wire and ensure the best plan for your outdoor space.

How do I get started?

Ready to improve the comfort of your outdoor living spaces with outdoor shades?

Give us a call to speak to our outdoor specialist.

HARDWOOD AND LVP:

Flooring Styles to Fit Any Home Decor

Hardwood and luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are two of the most versatile – and beautiful – flooring options on the market. They make themselves perfectly at home in any home, able to fit any decor from contemporary and cottage core to traditional and transitional. Yours included.

ACo has a few helpful tips for selecting the right hardwood or LVP to suit your home.

COLORS

There are some hardwood and LVP stain colors that are on-trend for 2023, including pale pine, bleached oak, espresso, and mid-tone browns. But beyond the shade of the moment, think about hues that complement and enhance your decor. For example, in a Modern Farmhouse, Cottage Core, Scandinavian, go for lighter stains such as a natural, white wash, or gray mix. In a Contemporary, Minimalist, or Mid-Century your palette may be a lot darker: think espresso, dark walnut, or ebony.

PLANK LENGTH AND WIDTH

Part of the versatility of hardwood and LVP is thanks to the plank length and width. You can use your floor to enhance the style of your home. For example, narrow planks have more lines or visual breaks, which works well in large rooms and/or in traditional decors. In smaller rooms, a wider plank opens the area.

Length is also important; if you have wide, short planks, for example, it can make your floor look choppy. A longer plank elongates the room. More and more we are seeing longer and wider planks.

EDGE STYLE

The edge of the hardwood or LVP flooring impacts how it will look when it is put together. For example, a square edge blends seamlessly and minimizes visual interruptions. It’s great for a polished, upscale, and traditional look. A microedge makes the seams a bit more pronounced and works well with more relaxed eclectic, cottage core, or coastal styles, for example. For a casual, rustic, or Farmhouse feel, you can opt for a beveled edge, which has distinct grooves. If you want a lot of distinction between planks, microbeveled and scraped edge options are worth considering.

GRAIN

The lovely grain is a big part of what makes hardwood so versatile and beloved. LVP is manufactured to evoke the same natural appeal. Think of the grain as a pattern created by both the species of tree, its growth, and the method by which it is processed into lumber. And just like zebra stripes, no two grain patterns are exactly the same.

Typically you will find a more subtle grain in modern, minimalist, or even coastal style homes. A dramatic grain pattern will look perfectly at home with cottage core or other more rustic designs.

VISUALIZE YOUR FLOORS WITH ACO

Long, narrow walnut planks in espresso stain with subtle grain and a square edge… Red oak with a light stain, pronounced grain, and a microbeveled edge… Or what if you switched to a less dramatic beveled edge? The options are nearly endless! This is why it is so helpful to visualize your floor before making any decisions.

With ACo’s Flooring Visualizer you can experiment with different looks by uploading a photo of your room to see what various options will look like in your home. You can select from different products that feature a wide variety of stains, plank widths and lengths, edges, and grains that will add just the right touch to your home.

Visit liveaco.com/flooring/flooring-visualizer to play around, experiment, and explore your options. Find inspiration, and connect with our team of experts for guidance, suggestions, and ideas that put you one critical step closer to your vision of home.

Beveled Edge

Making Your Backyard BEAUTIFUL

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

The only thing better than building your dream home is extending that dream into your backyard. Twenty years ago, Wally Brant and his wife, Kathy, built a gorgeous custom home on Crystal Lake. With such a dynamite view, they were eager to create a beautiful backyard oasis. As is the case with many homeowners, the couple chose to build their backyard in phases in order to make it more manageable and affordable.

They approached J.D. Durst, partner and president at BPI Outdoor Living, to ask for his expert advice. He and his team came up with a three-phase design that included the upper terrace patio, walls, and steps (phase one), pool patio level, lawn, and plantings (phase two), and lake-level structural walls, patios, and plantings (phase three).

“As our needs have changed over the years, J.D. and his crew worked with us to meet our plans and incorporate existing landscaping into new designs,” says Brant. “Each time, the designs made the landscape fit perfectly.”

The upper patio includes a Chilton natural stone and Indiana limestone fireplace, large pergola, harvest table, and an outdoor kitchen. Colfax natural stone steps lead to the pool patio with bocce court. The natural stone steps continue to the lakeshore’s lower paver patio.

In addition, the retaining wall, which is grounded to the

lake with native plantings, is both structural and aesthetic.

“The combination of both manmade and natural materials creates a solution that is timeless and functional,” says Durst. “Our client can forge memorable experiences here, and the legacy of the space will be upheld through the timeless design solution, style, and materials we used.”

The Brants are thrilled not only with the end result but also with BPI’s dependability, accessibility, creativity, and professionalism.

“Their work is the best I’ve seen,” says Brant. “We couldn’t be happier with the results!”

If you’ve been thinking about beautifying your outdoor space, contact BPI Outdoor Living today to request a consult so you, too, can be on your way to living your best outdoor life!

BPI OUTDOOR LIVING:

/ photos by The Home Aesthetic

TEACHERS CREDIT UNION:

TCU Offers T.L.C.

MAKING THE CONSTRUCTION LOAN

PROCESS SMOOTH & SEAMLESS

by Christy Heitger-Ewing / photos by Adam Gibson

Building a house is an exciting adventure –from picking out the perfect lot to hiring a builder and making exterior and interior selections. Whether that all goes smoothly has a great deal to do with the construction loan process, and no one is better versed in this area than the team at Teachers Credit Union (TCU).

TCU is Indiana’s largest Credit Union, with more than 50 branches throughout Indiana and southwest Michigan (nearly 20 of which are in central Indiana). Founded in 1931 for teachers, TCU is not just for teachers anymore. Anyone who qualifies can join if they live/work within a certain geographic location. TCU offers traditional financial services including checking, savings, mortgages, and credit cards, as well as non-traditional services such as investments. Since its inception, TCU has focused on making a positive impact on its members and the community. For 26 years, Albert Gonzalez has been working in mortgage origination, and never has he felt more at home than at TCU.

“TCU is the best lending partnership I’ve had in my career,” says Gonzalez, who joined the team in 2021. Roughly 80% of his work is financing new construction homes. When he gets a referral from a potential client, the first thing he does is pick up the phone to personally connect.

“We have an online application option, but I prefer a call so we can get to know each other,” says Gonzalez. “I fill them in on fun things to do in Indianapolis. If they’re moving to, say, Chatham Hills in Westfield, I’ll talk about Grand Park and some of the amenities there.”

In that initial call, he goes over standard questions about income, assets, credit, and employment. Gonzalez then determines whether the loan will meet approval requirements, then sends the client a list of things they’ll need such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement statements, and homeowners insurance. Once he gets the green light to move forward, the builder, who is selected by the homeowner, provides a contract. Following that contract, TCU requests plans, specs, and drawings.

Albert Gonzalez with sons Vinnie and AJ

Once the appraisal is ordered through TCU’s construction appraisal panel, one of TCU’s select four expert construction appraisers takes a photo of the site and provides sales comparisons for homes that have sold that are in like size, shape, condition, and proximity.

For construction loans, TCU often uses a cost approach value on an appraisal report, which adds the cost of the lot and the cost to construct the home to obtain a total acquisition number. Throughout this entire process, the homeowner is in close communication with TCU’s mortgage construction coordinators Meghan Johnson and Heather Friesner. When TCU gets the clear to close, they send closing instructions to the title company. Two to three days prior to closing, Friesner sends electronic closing documents via Snapdocs, an e-closing platform that mortgage lenders use to manage their closings. This gives homeowners plenty of time to review the documents and electronically sign them. Being able to sign 90% of the closing documents prior to closing means that on the day of closing, clients only have to sign the documents that need to be recorded within the county (e.g., mortgage, note, closing disclosure, name affidavit, and property exemption paperwork).

“I’ve found that our members love this process,” says Gonzalez. “The convenience is such a huge selling point.”

TCU is one of only a handful of lenders in state that utilizes this platform.

Another convenience TCU offers is mobile closings at remote locations.

“I just did a closing at a physician’s house because she had to work late,” says Gonzalez. “Not everybody offers that.”

Speaking of closings, TCU also does a one-time close on the front side of construction. Another huge plus is interest-only payments during the construction phase, which means that the homeowner only pays interest on the money that has been dispersed to the builder.

“For example, if we close on a $2M loan and that first draw is $200K, you only pay interest on the $200K until the next draw,” says Gonzalez.

Once the loan is closed, the home building begins! Over the course of the next 30-60 days, the builder requests a draw so he can begin pouring

AR HOMES

the foundation or building the basement. TCU sends an email to the client for authorization. Megan Snyder, a construction mortgage processor from TCU, and Lindsay Eastman, a mortgage construction coordinator, handle most of the draw requests. Once the borrower authorizes the draw, TCU distributes funds to the builder. These draws, by the way, are released within 24 to 48 hours after client approval, which is lightning fast compared to others in the industry.

“Builders love that,” says Gonzalez, who is proud to work closely with the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI), the Greater Indianapolis Mortgage Bankers Association (GIMBA), and the Metropolitan of Indianapolis Board of Realtors (MIBOR).

“These three associations are instrumental in advising people where to go for resources, guidance, direction, membership, and community involvement,” says Gonzalez.

The next step involves sending an inspector to the property to be sure the draw matches the progress of the home. Once the draw schedule is completed and all draws

have been made, a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Often a consumer will own a home with significant equity in it; once they sell that home, they can transfer that equity or pay down the principal balance and TCU will re-amortize their monthly payments to reflect that lower principal balance.

“That’s a nice amenity we offer,” says Gonzalez.

In certain situations, a home is unable to be completed – say, in the wintertime when a driveway can’t be poured, or sod can’t be planted. Such items can be pushed to the spring and TCU will hold those funds in escrow until it’s weather appropriate.

Again, it’s all part of TCU’s commitment to making a positive impact on its members and the community.

TCU has nearly 20 locations in and around the Indianapolis area. Get started on your construction game plan by calling Gonzalez directly at (317) 605-3383 or by visiting tcunet.com/agonzalez to apply online. The TCU team can be reached at (317) 572-2326.

Equal Housing Opportunity. NMLS #686706

Subject to membership requirements. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms vary depending on loan to value ratio, credit evaluation and underwriting requirements. All Credit Union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to credit approval and may change at any time without notice. Private Mortgage Insurance, flood and/or property hazard insurance may be required. Payments examples do not include taxes or insurance premiums; the actual payments will be higher. Rates provided are based on current market rates and are informational only. Construction loans are construction-to-permanent, with construction period up to 24 months. Interest only payments during construction period. Fees may apply for extended rate lock. Builder qualifications subject to lender review. Payment example after construction assumes 20% down on a fixed-rate loan of $1,000,000 for 30 years at 6.875% rate (6.893% APR), will have payments of $6,569.29. Payment doesn’t include the interest-only construction phase period.

“I just did a closing at a physician’s house because she had to work late. Not everybody offers that.”

– ALBERT GONZALEZ TCU

AR HOMES

Albert Gonzalez

NORTHSTAR SURFACES:

What is a NATURAL STONE SUPPLIER?

by Lora Leon

If you’ve remodeled or purchased a new build, then you’ve probably taken time to look at various countertop options. But how does natural stone get a perfect cut and beautiful shape before it is put in your home?

NATURAL STONE SUPPLIERS VS STONE FABRICATORS AND CONTRACTORS

Many people who have remodeled a kitchen are familiar with stone fabricators and contractors. But these are not the same as a natural stone supplier. The supplier is the seller of raw materials. Basically, they sell very large slabs of stone that will later be cut and installed by a fabricator and/or a contractor.

You as the customer can go to a supplier to select raw materials that aren’t quite ready for installation. A fabricator or contractor will then work with the supplier to get your customized slab to you. This involves a lot of work, so let’s get some insider’s information from an actual stone supplier right here in central Indiana.

A LOCAL NATURAL STONE SUPPLIER WEIGHS IN

Indiana local, Nehal Dhruve, of Northstar Surfaces has some great insight on how natural stone suppliers operate. One of the first questions often asked by consumers is if they can directly purchase from the supplier. The short and simple answer is no. And the number one reason is safety.

Working with large stone slabs is dangerous. A single slab can

weigh up to a ton. It involves large equipment and must be done with industry safety standards in mind.

Suppliers work using a business-to-business sales model, so you’ll likely visit a supplier with your contractor and/or fabricator. They’ll be able to tell you which slabs are within your budget. At Northstar, slabs are categorized alphabetically by price (with A being the least expensive and Z being the most) to make it the easiest experience for the consumer.

The best thing about visiting a natural stone supplier yourself is that you’ll be able to select the actual raw material that will end up in your home. You can look at the intricate detail of the marble, quartz, granite, etc and pick out your favorite piece. And you will get that exact piece and custom cut for your space.

Ask your contractor or fabricator about visiting Northstar Surfaces in Greenfield to find the perfect slab for your next project.

G&G CUSTOM HOMES:

BIGGER IS BETTER VARIETY IS KEY

&

EXTERIOR BUILDING TRENDS IN CUSTOM HOMES

by Christy Heitger-Ewing / photos by The Home Aesthetic

In fashion and in home design, what’s old becomes new again. While bell bottoms and high-waisted jeans have made a comeback in the fashion world, when it comes to custom home building, giant doors are once again all the rage. Nearly 40 years ago, my family built a new home and the builder designed a big, gorgeous, intricately carved wooden door. Custom builders today report that enormous doors are back, though not of the carved wood variety.

“The trend now is to have a front door as big as you can possibly get,” says Joe Garcia, owner of G&G Custom Homes. “And people love glass doors to let the light flow in.”

Exterior modern pivot doors are popular as they offer a distinctive contemporary vibe. Ideal for large panels, these doors rotate on a pivot box in the floor and top jamb rather than traditional door side hinges.

It is not just front doors getting the super-size treatment these days. Many homeowners elect to install expansive glass panel doors to access their patio or deck.

“You used to just have a single door going to the outside porch,” says Garcia. “Now you have doors that are four-panels wide. I’m doing a house now with a door that’s 10 ft. tall by 12 ft. wide, and it’s all glass.”

Garcia is also currently building a house with a back patio two-panel door in which there are two pieces of glass that open up. Whether the doors are closed or open, such a design truly maximizes the views out back.

Another option gaining traction with homeowners are panel doors that slide up against each other. Some are multi-slide doors while others are bi-fold doors. You may have a 12-ft. wide space or larger and the doors fold back into a pocket creating what feels like a single space and blurring the lines between indoors and out.

There are some pretty amazing options available that can be customized to fit your vision. And of course, that comes with a price.

“I’ve been in this business for nearly 20 years,” says Garcia. “One single door today can cost more than some of my whole window packages in the houses I was doing when I first started!”

Homeowners say it’s money well spent.

Another trend in exterior options is incorporating a variety of elevation textures. Gone are the days of an all-red brick house. Garcia points out that it used to be that a house had four walls with maybe a porch that protruded out a bit. Now, however, a part of a house may stick out three feet further than the main wall and adding different materials gives the home’s exterior more dimension and visual interest.

Many modern homes include a mix of stucco, stone, and an accent of wood tones. Or they may opt to use metal materials that look like wood.

“This adds warmth, color and, depth to the home without having to worry about maintenance,” says Garcia, who notes that the varying textures element extends into the roof as well.

“The days of just a regular asphalt shingle are gone,” he says. “Some homes have a composite shake look, or we’re doing one now that’s an authentic clay tile Spanish roof. The fireclay brick lay gives another added texture to the house.”

Protruding sections and interesting angles are also incorporated into the roof line. You may see a shed style or dormer metal roof highlighted against the regular asphalt shingle. According to Garcia, it’s all about bringing more color and texture to the home’s façade.

If you’re looking to build a bright beautiful home that’s both trendy and homey, contact Garcia and his team to start the conversation.

“The trend now is to have a front door as big as you can possibly get.”

– JOE GARCIA Owner, G&G Custom Homes

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS:

HOA COMMON AREAS & AMENITIES: ARE THEY EXCESSIVE?

Almost two-thirds of new homes started in 2021 are part of community associations, and some 74.2 million Americans live in Home Ownership Association (HOA) neighborhoods. Their surging popularity must come from the amenities, right?

According to data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), however, the majority of homebuyers do not want them. The NAHB discovered that the most desired features are a suburban setting, nearby parks, walking paths, proximity to retail space, and, for millennials and younger buyers, playgrounds.

As Deborah Goonan points out in Independent American Communities, “Suburban locations preferred by most homebuyers already tend to have commercial and public land uses that provide those most desired neighborhood preferences.”

Drake Branda, CEO of Building Partners of Central Indiana (BPCI) and Director of Government Affairs for the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis (BAGI) says this is an issue, particularly among younger buyers. “They move in and don’t want to pay extra fees when the municipality already has an amazing public park system. That’s where you see some disconnect – in terms of the amenities required in an HOA that already exist.”

ARE REQUIREMENTS FOR HOA COMMON AREAS AND AMENITIES EXCESSIVE?

Build Indiana Roots Build Indiana Roots

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS

6510 Telecom Dr., Suite 185

Indianapolis, IN 46278

BuildIndianaRoots.com

Branda explains it costs $65,000 a year to mow and maintain common areas in his 334-residence community, not including snow removal, playground upkeep, pool/ pond maintenance, insurance, etc.

Megan Vukusich, Director of Planning & Zoning for the City

of Fishers, says, “Our standards are written to be flexible and adaptable. We don’t want it to be just a checkbox that developments have to hit but that are actually a benefit to the community.”

74.2 million Americans live in HOA neighborhoods

Branda says while the intention is to provide a better quality of life, requirements “unfortunately also add to the costs for developing that community.” And, indeed, for living in it.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD VIBRANCY GRANT

To help defray costs, Fishers offers a Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant - a 50% match for neighborhood projects up to $5000. With $100,000 earmarked for communities around the city, Vukusich and her counterparts place a heavy focus on improvements that reduce maintenance costs in the long run.

Creative solutions exist when stakeholders come together to develop vibrant neighborhoods that meet residents’ needs now – and in the future. This is how we build strong Indiana roots. Learn more at buildindianaroots.com.

SERIOUSLY NEXT-LEVEL GARAGES

You can never have enough storage space they say. And if you are going to invest in extra space, why waste it on boring storage where everything is out of sight, and out of mind. Why not get more space with a next-level cool factor?

How about a condo for your car? How about a seriously cool man cave? With a cigar room…or a wine cellar…or a multi-media center…or all of the above. Your very own private, in-town getaway, and the perfect space for celebrating your collection or hosting events for your friends, colleagues, or family.

For any of those needs and so much more, look no farther than Motor District Garage Condos in Westfield. Jay Farmer, owner and developer of the 150-garage complex, says it’s really about building a community of enthusiasts who have a variety of hobbies and passions.

The $40 million project sprawling across 12 acres will eventually include retail space, a boutique car dealer, and more. The gated campus will be well-lit and include security cameras. Meanwhile, the individual condo garages range in size from about 1,000 square feet to about 3,000 square feet. All are two stories, with the top level about half the square footage as the bottom.

So, once you’ve chosen your unit, how do you make it cool?

You ask Carlie Suski of ACo, a Fishers-based flooring, cabinet, kitchen, and bath retailer and remodeler whose mission is to ensure homeowners “love where they live.”

“Or in this case,” Suski says, “love where they play.”

Whether you’re building a new home, remodeling an existing home, or designing a cool garage condo, it’s an overwhelming process, Suski says. “People need help knowing what to do with the units.”

So Suski and ACo are here to offer their guidance. They can help garage condo owners design their space with 3D models, then build out that design. “It’s like you’re building a small home,” Suski says. Variations of possible buildouts might look something like this:

by Tracy Kemp / photo courtesy of Motor District

An owner might choose to have a half bath and a bar and/or kitchenette. They’re mainly focused on storage but know it would be nice to also have a place to lounge with a few upscale amenities.

Or they might want to amp things up a little and turn it into a space where the whole family wants to hang out. They might want a full bath and a full kitchen; perhaps even a bedroom

READY TO BUILD your garage condo, but not sure where to start? ACo’s design team is here to help with the process using 3D modeling. “It’s like designing a small home,“ says Carli Suski of ACo.

“What’s cool about Motor District is they’re creating a community of fun for people.”

– CARLIE SUSKI ACo Design & Sales Consultant

upstairs. Or it might be a great place for a second office.

And if they really want to impress their new garage condo neighbors, they might add a spiral staircase, pool tables, a full-blown sports bar with 9 different screens. How about a movie theater? Want to really show off that car? Add a turnstile for it to spin on and gasoline alley doors. Or add a storage unit inside so large you can park motorcycles on top to show them off.

“You can do just about anything imaginable,” Suski says. And she’s seen a lot of what people can imagine.

“What’s cool about Motor District,” Suski says, “is they’re creating a community of fun for people.” Some just want extra space but others want to show off their cool toys.

That sense of community will include regular events like car shows, cigar and bourbon nights, custom clothing nights, live music, and more, Farmer adds. And there’s an open house every Saturday.

Visit motor-district.com to learn more or to connect with Justin Steill, of Homes with Steill, for information on units ready to purchase and those coming soon.

PREMIUM GARAGE CONDOS THAT YOU OWN, CUSTOMIZE AND ENJOY WITHIN THE UNIQUE HAMILTON COUNTY AUTOMOTIVE COMMUNITY.

What started off as a passion for motorsports and vehicle collecting has now grown into a successful automotive enthusiast community of private garage condominiums. The Motor District Garage Condos will become the “place to be” for all motorsports enthusiasts in Hamilton County, providing owners with not only a comfortable place to house their collections but also to access to an engaged community of like-minded enthusiasts.

COLLECTIONS & COMMUNITY

As members of the Motor District Garage Condos, we take your car collecting passion seriously. Join a community of like-minded enthusiasts just like you that share a common passion.

SPACE YOU OWN & CUSTOMIZE

Use your garage condo as a second office, a place to entertain clients, family and friends. Best of all it becomes your private in-town getaway.

GATED & SECURED SPACE

A secure location for storing your collector cars, RVs, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, other collectibles and more. The campus will be gated and video monitored.

Moving Beyond Smart Devices to A TRULY SMART HOME

by Tracy Kemp

When you think of a “smart home”, what comes to mind? Is it a smart audio system that you can turn on with a command? Or maybe a smart refrigerator that tells you when you are low on milk or eggs? Or even drapes that are controlled by a remote or timer?

In reality, these are just individual smart devices connected to the internet that

can be remotely controlled. These days, there are 1000’s of options for smart devices and navigating the interoperability between devices and apps can be extremely time consuming and expensive. This myriad of smart devices can quickly become a complicated endeavor, even for a tech savvy homeowner.

A true smart home should be a system of interconnectivity throughout your home. It should provide safety, security, and peace of mind. A smart home should make every day living easier and more convenient in a way that you don’t even have to think about it. And it shouldn’t be a luxury.

“Every home should be a smart home,” says Ryan Geltz,

CEO of Fishers-based Pro Security and Automation.

With several packages to choose from and customize, Pro Security knows a “one size fits all” approach doesn’t work. Geltz works closely with each homeowner to identify their individual needs and wants, so Pro Security can seamlessly integrate a home’s systems, devices and users to deliver the best smart home experience possible.

“If you’re going to put in a deadbolt, why not put in a smart deadbolt?” Geltz asks. Especially if that deadbolt can turn off your alarm and turn on the lights when you disengage it while carrying bags of groceries inside.

There is a lot of cool technology today. Geltz says the question is: “What are we going to see down the road?” A selfproclaimed tech nerd, he sees the possibilities of the future in terms of technology and compatibility and notes, “we’re future-proofing your home.”

From security to audio, video, and every automation in between, the ways in which a smart home can make your life a little easier are endless. Just ask the experts at Pro Security and Automation. Call (317) 900-1021 or visit prosecurityandautomation.com to learn more about their smart solutions to make your life safer, simpler and more convenient.

MADE BY MAN, Inspired by Nature

by Shari Held

Stain- and scratch-resistant quartz and porcelain, long valued for their lowmaintenance properties, are two of the most popular engineered materials. Today, their extensive designs and color palettes rival those of stone created by Mother Nature herself.

If you haven’t considered an engineered material for your latest project, now is a great time to learn more about these top materials.

PERENNIALLY POPULAR QUARTZ

“The quartz market is continuing to grow year after year,” says Kaelyn Van Camp, Marketing Manager for Stone Mart. “Quartz is known for being low maintenance, but that, combined with the ability to create depth that mimics natural stone, is definitely a game changer.”

Stone Mart carries a variety of quartz brands. Delivering a consistently high-quality product is at the core of Optra Quartz. Quantra Quartz is noted for a beautiful array of muted off-whites, grays, and browns found in the environment. International artist and industrial designer, Arik Levi, used nature for the inspiration of Compac’s Genesis Collection, while Compac’s Unique Collection is known for its depth of color and realistic veining.

THE VERSATILITY OF PORCELAIN

Porcelain is a durable, yet lightweight material that’s perfect for many applications. Stone Mart offers a wide variety of colors with different textures to choose from, ranging from subtle to dramatic.

Have your heart set on marble but want something with less

maintenance? Images are printed directly on a porcelain slab, producing a similar look while maintaining its durability.

“Printing gives the porcelain exceptional depth of color, one of the more difficult things to reproduce in manufactured materials,” Van Camp says.

Learn more about both quartz and porcelain at stonemartmarblegranite.com or visit the experts at Stone Mart to see these stunning options in person!

HUB & SPOKE:

EXPLORE THE ENTREMAKER PROGRAM: Hands-On, Real-World Learning for the 21st Century

by Katie Mientka /

by Adam Grubb Media

Recently, Hub & Spoke and Ivy Tech partnered to host a Maker Career Exploration event, held at the Maker Playground in Fishers. Business owners, employers, and the chair of Ivy Tech’s building and construction trades department served as panelists, sharing real-life success stories related to their diverse pathways into the construction industry and offering insights on necessary skills and credentials for a high-powered career.

Stacy Atkinson, Ivy Tech Chancellor, says, “Our partnership with Hub &

Spoke will continue to provide opportunities for innovation that translate into programming, events, and impact across Hamilton County.” The Entremaker Program is an exciting next step.

Hub & Spoke Institute, Fishers Maker Playground, and Ivy Tech Community College have come together to create the unique Entremaker Program. This five-week, 40-hour introductory construction course is geared towards folks interested in a career change. Participants will work to build both academic

knowledge and technical skills that will set them up for success in an exciting, forward-moving industry. The course covers:

 Basic Safety Skills

 Introductory Construction Math

 Intro to Power & Hand Tools

 Basic Rigging

 Material Handling

 Construction Drawing

 Essential Communication Skills

 Fundamental Employability Skills

The Entremaker Program is your chance to develop the skills – and the confidence and connections – you need for

an in-demand, well-paying, and highly-satisfying career in the construction industry. And if you’re worried about the cost of taking an intensive 5-week course? It's free thanks to the following sponsors: ACo, Meyer Najem, Ivy Tech, Maker Playground, BDA, and Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling.

photos

to start down your own unique pathway? Learn more about the free Entremaker Program at http://hubandspoke.works/workforce-development/entremaker-program – or better yet, register online for your spot.

It’s All About the RIGHT FIT

by Christy Heitger-Ewing

Whenever a potential client reaches out to Jeff Yancey or his building consultant, Natalie Zaun, to inquire about building a custom home with Yancey Homes, they encourage a meeting, even if the client has not yet selected design plans or a lot. It’s the start of what Yancey refers to as “the dating phase.”

“Spending that time together gives us the opportunity to ‘date’ our clients and for our clients to ‘date’ us,” says Yancey. “Unlike buying a refrigerator, this is a longer process where we’ll be married to them as they will be to us for a stretch of time during construction. It is about the right fit that allows everything to fall into place.”

Last summer Yancey and Zaun met with potential clients to discuss a project from the ground up.

“We worked alongside them during the design process, gave them pricing guidelines, as well as the opportunity to reach out to past clients to see some of our work,” Yancey says. “We are now contracted with them and will start building this month.”

A seasoned builder for more than 20 years, J.A. Yancey & Associates Inc. has built five to six custom homes per year primarily on the north side of Indianapolis. Since 2001, he has developed a number of long-standing relationships with suppliers and vendors, including a vendor that’s also a right fit. Yancey uses most of McComb Pella’s wide range of products because in the custom world, the sky’s the limit.

“A customer may want an arch above a window. That instantly takes you from one classification to another,” he says. “There are just so many things that they can do custom-wise that really determines which package to use. For instance, if a customer wants blinds between the glass, that will put them in a certain category immediately. If a customer has no special needs for a window, however, then there is no need to put them in a more expensive class when the other class would meet their criteria and save them money.”

From the get-go, one of their clients who lives on a property that overlooks a ravine made it clear that their top priority was building a light, bright home with lots of big windows to let in ample natural light. Their vision was to make it feel like a wall of windows in the back of the home. So, Yancey set up a meeting with a representative from McComb Pella to look at plans, designs, and windows. Ultimately, it’s the windows that make this transitional, modern style ranch in the woods so appealing and unique.

The great room is not the only room of the house that has windows that wow. The sprawling transitional ranch also includes a giant 8 ft. x 6 ft. window above the kitchen sink as well as uniquely placed black-rimmed windows in the master bath. Plus, they installed a huge 10 ft. tall by 16 ft. wide door in the back of the house.

“What’s great about Jeff is that clients will ask him for his opinion and while he’ll guide them from an engineering/quality/ cost/efficiency perspective, he’s mindful not to overstep with regard to offering opinions on design and decorating because everyone has a different perspective on what they want,” says Zaun. “We always remind our clients that this is their home to design how they like.”

These days, when it comes to custom built homes, it really is all about the windows letting the natural light shine in. Connect with McComb Window & Door or J.A. Yancey to start the process on a custom home that brings the beauty of nature indoors.

PROGRESS REPORT:

YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL GOALS FOR THE YEAR

by Katie Mientka

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?

Let’s see how we’ve fared when it comes to the resolutions we made so eagerly and excitedly at the beginning of the year:

 Go to the gym five days a week a month. Nailed it.

 Eat heathy…Ish. Go me.

 Take time for myself and my personal growth.

Well… Tomorrow. I’ll start tomorrow.

There’s a reason resolutions are typically swept away with the rest of the NYE party debris: We put so much pressure on ourselves to become a completely new person in the new year, as if once the clock strikes midnight, we’re going to magically have the answers, insights, and motivation to make sweeping changes.

There is a difference between resolutions and goals – and it goes far beyond semantics. It’s a matter of recognizing that we are all works in progress.

The question is, are you making progress?

1. REMIND YOURSELF OF YOUR GOALS

What did you want to accomplish?

What did you identify as an area for growth?

An exercise that can be helpful is to make a More/Less list. On a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle. In one column, write down what you want to do more of at work and in life. In the other column, write down what you want to do less of. How does this list match up with the goals you’ve set? How can you adjust so they are more in line with what you really want in your personal and professional arenas?

2. EVALUATE YOUR GOALS

Ask yourself if your goals are SMART:

 SPECIFIC. If your goal is vague – I want to be better. At everything – it is all too easy to misinterpret and to get lost in. Dial it in. My goal is to train for a marathon.

 MEASURABLE. How are you going to track your progress? I’ll train three days a week and use data from my fitness watch to see how I’m progressing.

 ATTAINABLE. Is your goal achievable? Realistic? I did a half marathon last year and have been exercising and eating well.

 RELEVANT. Is the goal aligned with your values? Ambitions? Dreams? I value my health and fitness, and I want to push myself at all stages of life.

 TIME-BOUND. Set a timeline for completion. I signed up for the marathon in my city in November. I’ll be ready.

No matter what your personal or professional goal, apply the SMART method to see if it really makes sense for you at this point and set yourself up for success!

3. DID YOU HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE TO MEASURE PROGRESS?

You may have noticed that we’ve mentioned measurement a few times. This is intentional! A goal is no good if we are not tracking our progress. How will you do that? It depends largely on the objective you’ve set for yourself. Define what constitutes evidence that you are making positive strides forward. Whatever it is, tracking the right metrics allows you to see what’s working and what’s not.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Checking in with yourself regularly is key to achieving your most important – and ambitious – goals. It is an opportunity to evaluate your progress, hone in on what really matters to you, and course correct if you find that you’ve wandered off your path.

Remember, while your goals may be highly individualistic and very personal to you, you are not alone in your endeavors. Visit Home Artisans of Indiana and learn how we build better businesses together.

CHECKING IN WITH YOURSELF REGULARLY IS KEY TO ACHIEVING YOUR MOST IMPORTANT – AND AMBITIOUS – GOALS.

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA homeartisans.com

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Home Improvements?

Home Improvements?

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Building they can rely on our Choose the latest Cabinetry and

Zionsville (317) 870-8011

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Greenfield 317) 467-0710

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www.Sims-Lohman.com

DEBUNKING INDUSTRY MYTHS ABOUT CONCRETE

by Lora Leon

Curb appeal is your home’s first impression, so the materials you choose for your steps, driveway, patio, or other hardscape can make a major impact. While concrete is always a solid choice, several pervasive myths may give some homeowners pause. Let’s breakdown the truth behind those myths and look at why concrete may be the right choice for you.

COMMON CONCRETE MYTHS

MYTH #1 – Concrete cracks.

First things first, cracking can happen no matter what material you choose. But there are some steps to help prevent cracking. This is where having a good contractor comes in. Preparation, pouring, finishing, and

curing methods are important for keeping concrete in its best possible shape.

MYTH #2 – Having concrete installed will leave a mess and damage your property.

The concrete industry is known for being “sloppy and destructive.” This is another reason choosing the right contractor is so important. Ben Driskell of Flatmade Concrete Co explains that pouring concrete is a naturally messy process, and some amount of demo is required. But Flatmade (and any decent contractor) takes pride in protecting your valuable assets as part of their preparation and invests time in cleanup at your property after the project is completed.

MYTH #3 – Concrete is more expensive than asphalt.

Many people believe that asphalt

is cheaper than concrete. However, Ben shared with us that, “due to rising oil prices, concrete can be cheaper and easier to get.” The bang for your buck is also better with concrete, as it’s more durable and lasts longer than asphalt (an estimated 20 years longer).

MYTH #4 – Concrete is boring and unsightly.

When we think of concrete, we usually picture a simple, gray surface. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Companies like Flatmade offer a variety of options that make concrete look downright stunning. It can be polished to enhance natural character or even stained to add beautiful color.

Concrete can also be stamped or stenciled to mimic stone pavers, brick pavers, or even wood. Exposed aggregate reveals small stones at the surface for a natural look. Sand matrix finishing leaves a gritty texture that sparkles in the sunlight.

Concrete is quite versatile, and can really enhance your home’s curb appeal. It all starts with choosing the right contractor to get lasting results that you’ll love for decades. Contact Flatmade Concrete to learn more about concrete options for your next project.

If you would like to be included in this directory, please contact Julia Layman at 317-403-9160; Julia.layman@havenhome.me

ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

HOME ARTISANS OF INDIANA

CABINETRY

COUNTERTOPS/SLABS

ADAM GIBSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Architectural Photography 317.345.1311

adamgibsonphoto.com

ASSOCIATIONS

We Build Better Businesses Together homeartisans.com

BANKING

ACo Love Where You Live 8100 E. 106th Street, Suite 130 Fishers, IN 46038 317.575.9540 LiveAco.com

CONCRETE

MONT SURFACES

The Best Quality Products Money Can Buy

5945 West 84th Street, Ste. A Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.875.5800 montsurfaces.com

BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF GREATER INDIANAPOLIS Promote. Educate. Network. 6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 185 Indianapolis, IN 46278 317.236.6330 bagi.com Build Indiana Roots Build Indiana Roots

BUILD INDIANA ROOTS

Together We Grow Thriving, Sustainable Communities 6510 Telecom Dr., Suite 185 Indianapolis, IN 46278 BuildIndianaRoots.com

THE NATIONAL BANK OF INDIANAPOLIS

Elite Banking With Exceptional Service and Local Decision Making 317.261.9000 nbofi.com

FLATMADE CONCRETE CO.

Concrete Made Right 15290 Allisonville Road Noblesville, IN 46060 317.446.5549 flatmadeconcrete.com

TEACHERS CREDIT UNION

Valuable Banking Solutions

317.572.2326 tunet.com

SIMS-LOHMAN FINE KITCHENS AND GRANITE

Fine Kitchens and Granite Zionsville – 317.870.8011 Lafayette – 765.474.4900 Greenfield – 317.467.0710 sims-lohman.com

FLOORING

LANDSCAPING/ OUTDOOR DESIGN

STONE MART

Unique Experience, Exquisite Materials

8215 Zionsville Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.991.4253

MAKE THE MOST OF HOME

stonemartmarblegranite.com

COWORKING

ACo

Love Where You Live 8100 E. 106th Street, Suite 130 Fishers, IN 46038 317.575.9540

LiveAco.com

GARAGE CONDOS

J.A. YANCEY & ASSOCIATES INC.

A Positive Building Experience 25 Forest Bay Lane Cicero, IN 46034 317.710.7074

jayanceyhomes.com

HOME SECURITY/ AUTOMATION

GREENIMAGE LANDSCAPE & DESIGN

Spectacular Landscaping for Homes

4195 Millersville Road Indianapolis, IN 46205 317.288.2921

greenimagelandscape.com

HAVEN

Create. Connect. Inspire.

8100 E 106th St., Suite 260 Fishers, IN 46038 317.975.0305 havenhome.me

DECORATIVE LIGHTING, PLUMBING & APPLIANCES

MOTOR DISTRICT

Premium Garage Condos 1 Motor District Circle Westfield, IN 46074 317.763.0167

motor-district.com

HOME BUILDING

PRO SECURITY & AUTOMATION

We Have Your Smart Solutions 8100 E 106th, Suite 260 Fishers, IN 46038 317.900.1021

prosecurityandautomation.com

INTERIOR DESIGN

VIVE EXTERIOR DESIGN

Your Experts in Outdoor Living 11071 E. 126th St., Suite A Fishers, IN 46038 317.773.9933 viveexterior.com

ORGANIZATION/ STORAGE

FERGUSON SHOWROOMS

Ferguson Can Help!

200 S Rangeline Rd., Suite 101 Carmel, IN 46032 317.705.0794

fergusonshowrooms.com

DREES HOMES

90 Years of Experience Building Beautiful Homes 317.268.2988

designgalleryhomes.com/ Indianapolis

RG DECOR Home Furnishings Redined 4341 W. 96th Street Indianapolis, IN 46268 317.733.1200 rgdecor.com

THE TAILORED CLOSET OF INDY

Local Home Organization Experts

9856 North By Northeast Blvd. Fishers, IN 46037 317.842.4272

tailoredcloset.com/near-me/indy-in/

G&G CUSTOM HOMES

Built for Living

15530 Shining Spring Dr. Westfield, IN 46074 317.418.7665

ggcustomhomes.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

BPI OUTDOOR LIVING

Outdoor Life: Styled 7802 E. 88th St. Indianapolis, IN 46256 317.259.4062 bpioutdoorliving.com

REAL ESTATE

SEARS AND SYRUS REALTY GROUP

Real Estate Professionals 317.527.1644 searsandsyrusrealty.com

WINDOWS & DOORS

HOMES WITH STEILL

Real Estate Brokerage and Lifestyle Company

4630 Lisborn Drive Carmel, IN 46033 317.538.5705 homeswithsteill.com

THE MARINA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

Exclusive Waterfront Lots 11695 Fall Creek Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46256 317.845.0270 Ext. 104 marinalimitedland.com

MCCOMB WINDOW & DOOR CO.

PELLA EXPERIENCE CENTER

Discover the Pella Difference 4705 E 96th Street, Suite 27 Indianapolis, IN 46240 317.981.3720 PellaIndianapolis.com

WINDOW TREATMENTS

HUB & SPOKE

Shop. Work. Make. Fusing Industry, Education, and Community.

8100 E 106th St. Fishers, IN 46038 HubandSpoke.works

DRAPERY STREET

Modern Window Treatments. Custom Design. 200 South Rangeline Road, Suite 109 Carmel, IN 46032 317.399.1746 draperystreet.com

To access this directory online, visit Haven’s website at havenhome.me, or scan the code.

Spring Into Action! Prepare Your Home for Spring Market

by Allie Moffett

SEARS AND SYRUS REALTY GROUP

317.527.1644

searsandsyrusrealty.com

Spring is here and it’s time to spruce up your home to hit the market! While there is excitement to tackle renovation projects and find your new home, it may also seem so daunting that you’re not sure where to start. Here are a few tips from the Real Estate advisors at Sears & Syrus:

5 FACTORS IN YOUR HOME YIELD THE GREATEST RETURN:

 Master bath

 Kitchen

 Flooring

 Paint

 Fixtures

Focus on making sure these spaces and items are in top condition and show ready. A fresh coat of paint, replacing broken or dated fixtures, and a clean, wellstaged space will help you see the biggest return in a short-time.

BEING PROACTIVE IS KEY

Communicate NOW vs. later. If you hope to sell your home in the first half of the year, it is important to get plans in place sooner than later for updates. The Sears & Syrus team can help guide the process through one-on-one consultations, data analysis, strategic planning for repairs and updates, and staging assistance. Following this method will increase the likelihood of homeowners selling at the top end of the market.

“Spring is historically strong, but what most consumers do not know is the quickest speed of sale is in May but the highest return is in June,” said Lindsay Sears, realtor and broker on the Sears & Syrus team. Do the heavy lifting now and enjoy the fruits of your labor upon selling your home.

BRING IN THE EXPERTS FOR UPDATES

If your home needs improvements, let the Sears & Syrus team connect you with quality, reasonably priced contractors featured on their preferred contractor list. The team also offers Compass Concierge, a loan program that covers upfront costs like painting or remodeling. It’s a win-win – it increases your equity position and increases your asking price. Schedule a consultation with Sears & Syrus now at searsandsyrusrealty.com for a home analysis and custom selling package.

REFRESHING the master bathroom or installing new flooring can yield returns when preparing to hit the spring market.

Spring Market is Here.

Prepare your home for the spring market with Compass Concierge. Exclusive to our clients, Compass Concierge fronts the cost of services to prepare your home for market, from staging to cosmetic improvements and more. No hidden fees, no interest charged - ever. Contact Sears & Syrus Realty Group for information about this incredible opportunity.

Prepare your home for the spring with Compass Concierge. Exclusive clients, Compass Concierge fronts cost of services to prepare your for market, from staging to cosmetic improvements and more. No hidden no interest charged - ever. Contact & Syrus Realty Group for information about this incredible opportunity.

compass.com/concierge/

compass.com/concierge/

“Getting ready to sell my house was confusing and scary. I have so much equity in my home but access to those funds is tricky and usually come with financial penalties. I knew I could get top dollar with a few updates. After I began working with Sears & Syrus, I learned about Compass’ Concierge service. The process was so simple and I had access to the funds instantly. After a 5 minute online application I was ready. I could not recommend the Concierge Service enough, and Sears & Syrus made this all possible for my family to get our dream home!” -

“Getting ready to sell my house was confusing scary. I have so much equity in my home those funds is tricky and usually come penalties. I knew I could get top dollar with updates. After I began working with Sears I learned about Compass’ Concierge service. process was so simple and I had access instantly. After a 5 minute online application ready. I could not recommend the Concierge enough, and Sears & Syrus made this all my family to get our dream home!” -

Brad Hudgins

Brad