ISSUE 28.5 — NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020
ONLINE ISSUE
W W W. R G V N E W H O M E S G U I D E . C O M /
BLING FOR YOUR HOME, SMILES FROM YOUR WALLET PG. 32
SHOPPING GUIDE
Trends to make your home stand out! | PG. 48
MATERIALES EL VALLE Palmview / Mission, TX • Edinburg, TX • Donna, TX www.MaterialesElValleInc.com E Materiales El Valle Inc
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One-Time Close Construction Loans • One Qualification Process • One Set of Closing Costs
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NOV. / DEC.
Volume 28 Issue 5 PUBLISHER Across Media Marketing, LLC
Contents
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jose Vielma SENIOR EDITOR Barbara Zapffe
VOL.28 ISSUE 5 — NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020
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SALES MANAGER Jose R. Vielma CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Soria GRAPHIC DESIGNER Karla Garza ADVERTISING SALES Ken Sabe IT SPECIALIST Nadine Sabe
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DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ken Sabe, Jr.
HOMEBUYING ADVICE 4
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An ideal choice for comfort, convenience, and
Why Buy New
great savings on utility bills, along with a bonus
Should you buy a new home or an existing home?
on natural gas appliance purchases.
Not a tough choice, really. Find out why.
8
HOME SPACES
Shop For Your First Home Learn 5 important things you should focus on when you are shopping for a new home.
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REAL ESTATE NEWS
This is the single most important factor that will
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Ten Tips For Getting A Mortgage Loan Valuable tips to ensure your success at getting the mortgage loan that is right for you.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY 24
Get Informed
42 44 46 46
you won’t be shocked later.
MVEC Creates Scholarship for TSTC Jonathan Sloss Joins MVEC Mrs. Estella G. Lopez’s 75th Anniversary RGVBA Parade TV Giveaway Winner RGV SHOWROOMS
48
Materiales El Valle, Inc. NEW HOME COMMUNITIES
Find out what you must know before you buy or build a home. Be an informed home shopper so
Trending Products Unique, stylish products on the market today.
Know Your Credit Score determine if you qualify for a loan, and what type.
Your Perfect Choice: Natural Gas
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New Home Community Maps
THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AREA NEW HOMES GUIDE (NHG) is a bi-monthly publication of Across Media Marketing, LLC. and is provided to its readers free of charge. Unless otherwise noted, all photography, artwork, and editorial content printed in NHG are copyrighted material and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission. NHG and Across Media Marketing, LLC. are not responsible for typographical or production errors, or for the accuracy of information provided by the advertisers. Opinions expressed by writers and contributors do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher. NHG reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this magazine is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Amendments Act of 1988 which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” This magazine will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD tollfree at 1-800-669-9777 or contact HUD’s regional office in Ft. Worth, Texas at (817) 885-5521. The telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. The Rio Grande Valley New Homes Guide is published bi-monthly by: Mailing Address: 3000 Melinda Drive, Edinburg, Tx 78539
FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION: (956) 778-3590 www.RgvNewHomesGuide.com
See color-coded maps and listings of new ISSUE 28.5 — NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020
BLING FOR YOUR HOME, SMILES FROM YOUR WALLET PG. 32
MATERIALES EL VALLE
See Pg. 32-37; 48; Back Cover SHOPPING GUIDE
Trends to make your home stand out! | PG. 48
MATERIALES EL VALLE Palmview / Mission, TX • Edinburg, TX • Donna, TX www.MaterialesElValleInc.com E Materiales El Valle Inc
Q MaterialesElValleInc
home communities in the Upper and Mid
COVER FEATURE
ONLINE ISSUE
W W W. R G V N E W H O M E S G U I D E . C O M /
Rosalio Espinoza Owner (See back cover)
Rio Grande Valley.
56
New Home Communities
Flooring product on cover photo:
At a glance, look at everything you need to
“Biology” by Lamosa.
know about popular new home communities in the area. Downloadable information available.
/rgvnewhomesguide @rgvnewhomes @rgvnhg
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WHY BUY NEW If you’re in search of a new home, you’re likely debating the benefits of a newly built home versus an established one. There are several factors you should consider before you start your search. Too many people pass up an opportunity to build their own home without thinking about the pros of new construction. Let us give you some thoughts to ponder.
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ENEFITS OF BUILDING A NEW HOME Imagine for a moment you get to decide everything about your new place. These are the benefits of being able to build new and choose every aspect of your new home’s design:
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Easier to Maintain: Since everything from your roof to the HVAC system are brand new, you don’t have to worry about what will stop working. You get new warranties with new construction. This will help guard against major repair costs. It also means you won’t have to save as much money for when something like the water heater needs repair.
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More Efficient and Healthier: For example, take the Built to Save™ program—you can connect with contractors who know how to build energy efficient homes. They also understand which building materials are healthier. For instance, they can help you choose low and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) building materials and paints that are better for your indoor air quality.
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Floor Plan: In a new home, you get to select how you want your house laid out. If you want a formal dining room, you can have it. If you want an open floor plan with floor to ceiling windows, you get to decide that, too.
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Personalized Materials: A new home allows you to decide on special features. For instance, you can choose the type of flooring or countertop material you want to use.
Location: New homes tend to be built in communities that are designed for lifestyles, such as proximity to parks, schools, or public transportation. That means you can choose your new house based on a neighborhood that best suits what matters to you.
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Timing for Moving: It takes about five to six months to complete a new home build. This will give you time to plan for your move to take the pressure off of the process.
Remember, a new home might seem to have a higher price tag, but being able to personalize your home and save money over time will be worth the cost in the long run.
HOMEBUYING ADVICE
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SHOP FOR YOUR First Home Sweet Home Your idea of the sweet life in your own home may be very different from that of someone else. So many things can vary—architectural style, the materials used, the floorplan, the size and number of rooms—the list is virtually endless. But there are a few things that apply to everybody, across the board: rules that each and every person who is considering buying a home should know and follow in order to be a wise homebuyer and a happy homeowner.
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The THREE most important things in real estate are location, location, and location. That’s because location equals value. It’s up to homebuyers, of course, to determine what “value” means to them— and specifically what they value most. For instance, some homebuyers want to keep their commute short and live close to where they work. Others with school-age children might prefer areas with high-quality schools and a family-friendly atmosphere. While those who are nearing retirement might put a priority on the proximity of medical facilities and communities or neighborhoods with services, facilities, and amenities that cater to seniors. In addition, safety and security are frequently major issues for many. It’s relatively easy to find out about local and area crime statistics, as well as the proximity of police and fire protection to neighborhoods you are considering). Location also strongly impacts your financial investment in a home. Therefore, a smart thing to do is to begin your search for a home in areas that are prosperous and/ or growing.
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Good signs of this are property taxes and desirable school districts—they both contribute to property values. If you want to learn more about a school or a school district’s ranking, go to the Texas Education Agency’s website: www.tea.state.tx.us. Finally, location will make a difference in whether you personally feel comfortable and happy in a neighborhood or not. In order to get a feel for what it might be like to live in an area you are considering, drive around at different times of the day and night, during both the week and weekends. See what traffic is like at peak traffic hours. Observe if homes and landscapes are nicely maintained. Think about things like the convenience of supermarkets and shopping. And don’t be afraid to get out, walk around, and talk to a few residents. Ask them what they like and dislike about the area. By the time you’ve done your homework, you’ll have key insights and an overview that will truly be useful in making a very important homebuying decision.
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Determine how much of a financial investment you can afford. Here’s a list of things you need to consider in order to come up with a realistic number. There are several mortgage calculators available on the internet at no charge. They can provide you with estimated payments on the price range of homes you think you might be able to afford. Just keep in mind that these calculators, while helpful, are only very generalized estimates and do not include other factors that should be considered—like the cost of owning the home. They may not also include things like taxes and mortgage insurance. Include other monthly financial responsibilities you have—such as car payments, credit card bills, daycare, utility bills, and any outstanding debt you may have. A lender will take all this into consideration before approving you for a loan. Ask your lender for a mortgage pre-approval letter which will show that you are a serious homebuyer as you shop for a home (See TIP# 4 on page 21 for more information on
a pre-approval letter). Don’t forget that most loan programs will require a down payment. Find out from your lender how much you will need. If you would like to purchase a lot and have a home built, find out about the “One-Time Construction Loan” program available from Thrive Mortgage (see inside cover). This unique loan program will save you money on closing costs and give you the convenience of only having to qualify for one loan that includes both construction and permanent financing on your home. If you are buying a newly constructed home, don’t underestimate what your annual tax bill might be. Remember, most newly built homes are usually not taxed at their full value the first year. That’s because taxes are assessed on only the “unimproved” property prior to construction. Don’t be shocked when you get the following year’s tax bill, which then taxes the land and the “improvements” (the new home).
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
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You must be ready to commit to the expense and time necessary to maintain and own a home—inside and out. In addition to the monthly mortgage and taxes, you have a commitment to your neighborhood to maintain your lawn, as well as your landscaping. You will also have to protect your home’s exterior (think roofing, painting, and so forth) against the occasionally harsh South Texas weather and climate. Then, there is the inside of the home. Beyond monthly bills, there will sometimes be repair and replacement costs associated with plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and major appliances.
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Don’t settle for a home built to minimum code. Building codes represent the bare minimum required for a home to pass building inspections. In the state of Texas, the building code should follow the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)—by law. Unfortunately, many municipalities do not enforce the 2015 IECC, and as a result, a newly built home may not be in compliance with Texas law. What does this mean to you? It means you may be buying a home that is not as energy efficient as it should be. The good news is that here in the Rio Grande Valley, there is a program called BUILT TO SAVE® that certifies homes to higher standards, and if you find a new home that has been certified as BUILT TO SAVE®, you will have the best proof that you are buying a high-performance home that will provide more energy savings, as well as offer better indoor air quality and comfort, to name a few of the benefits. More importantly, you can rest assured the home was built to standards that are higher than minimum code requirements and above what is required by Texas law. Go to www.BuiltToSave.org for more information or to see a list of builders enrolled in the BUILT TO SAVE® program.
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Enjoy your success of home ownership. Owning a home is often referred to as the “American Dream,” and it is one that the majority of Americans strive for. It is achievable, especially in today’s market with historically low interest rates and competition among lenders. Follow your dream, take the right steps, and you’ll soon join the ranks of proud homeowners.
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KNOW YOUR CREDIT SCORE to Score a New Home When you decide you want to buy a house, what’s the first thing you should do? If you said “go house hunting,” that’s the wrong answer. The right one? Find out what your credit score is. Why is this important? Well, because your credit score will determine your interest rate, the type of loan you can qualify for, how much your monthly payment will be, and, most important— whether or not you can qualify for a loan. The short of it is that the higher your credit score, the less you will
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pay over the life of the loan. And to be clear, typically with most lenders, you will need a credit score of 620 or higher to qualify for a loan. The worst scenario would be if your credit score was just high enough to qualify for a loan—but the mortgage payments and the interest rates would be outrageous, so you could well be making your financial situation go from bad to worse. Therefore, knowing your credit score BEFORE you start shopping for a new home is critical.
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event that happened recently— but not enough placed on the years of good credit history. And one model, for instance may conclude that you are a good risk for a car loan but not for a home mortgage. And to be clear, the accuracy of the information on your credit report might be questionable because the process of checking the information is not perfect.
WHAT EXACTLY IS A CREDIT SCORE AND A CREDIT REPORT? If you want to understand the history of credit reporting, go to www.howstuffworks.com. There, you can get a detailed explanation of how credit reporting got started way back when there were oldtime general stores. Type “Credit Reports” in the search box, then look for “How Credit Reports Work.” The website has everything you’ll need to know about how your credit report works. If you are interested in how things work today, you only have to go back to the 1980’s. That’s when credit scores came into wide use. Lenders standardized three basic decision processes by using a point system that scored several factors on a consumer’s credit report. Statistical models were then developed that measured the variables in even more detail. So now a system exists that measures your “credit-worthiness.” 16
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And pretty much everyone— including retailers, credit card companies, and mortgage lenders—uses the credit report. Mortgage lenders, in particular, use your credit report as the first in a list of reasons to qualify or disqualify you as a borrower and to determine which lending products and programs they are able to provide you. If you want a more detailed understanding about credit reports and credit scores, go to www.truecredit.com which offers a lot of very helpful information. IS THE CREDIT REPORTING AND SCORING SYSTEM TOTALLY FAIR AND ACCURATE? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, because it takes personal or individual bias out of the decision. And no, because it’s based on mathematical models where the variables change every day. For example, there might be too much weight put on a bad financial
So knowing about the possible pitfalls—and if you are a wise consumer—you’ll understand how important it is to check your credit at least once every year. Because if your credit report is incorrect or incomplete, it’s your responsibility to correct it, and that can sometimes be a long and frustrating process. WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR CREDIT? There are three national credit bureaus that provide credit reports. Here’s how to contact them: Experian (1-888-397-3742) www.experian.com Equifax (1-800-685-1111) www.equifax.com TransUnion (1-800-916-8800) www.transunion.com Normally, you have to pay a fee to get your credit report. However, once a year, anyone can order a free copy of their credit reports from these credit bureaus at www.annualcreditreport.com.
WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION ABOUT YOU IMPACTS YOUR CREDIT SCORE? Here are some main factors: how many late payments you’ve made, and how late they were; the type, number, and how long you’ve had the accounts; your total amount of debt; and how many recent inquiries or applications for credit you’ve made. Here’s what is not taken into consideration in your credit report or score: bank account balances; race; religion; health (unless medical bills show up as debts); criminal records (unless public filings and judgements appear); income; and driving records. ARE YOU A HIGH OR LOW SCORER? Get your FICO credit score at www.myfico.com to find out. If yours is below 640 and you’re trying to get a mortgage, shop for a mortgage broker that works with a re-scorer. By the way, the fastest
way to improve a poor score is to pay off any large credit card accounts and then ask for a re-score. WHAT DOES YOUR SCORE INDICATE? The higher the score, the better. Credit scores usually range from 400 on the low end to 800 and over on the high end. Here’s how a mortgage lender would interpret your score: 720 and over—you are a mortgage lender’s dream. You’ll get the best rates and terms on your mortgage. 700 to 719—you’re in excellent shape and will have no problem getting a loan. 680 to 699—you’re going to do fine, mortgage wise. 660 to 679—you’re okay. 640 to 659—you’re on the borderline. Hopefully, everything else in your financial picture is strong. 620 to 639—you are in a weak position. The rest of your financial picture must be perfect.
600 to 619—you’re in a difficult position. You will need to improve your financial situation or shop for a special program in order to get a mortgage. Below 600—you’re in trouble. You will absolutely have to work on your credit score. IF YOU ARE MARRIED, WILL YOUR CREDIT REPORT AND SCORE BE THE SAME AS THAT OF YOUR SPOUSE? No. Here’s why. You are separate individuals, with separate Social Security numbers. So you will have six credit scores (3 per individual, per major credit bureau).Which means that if you plan to get a mortgage and buy a home together, and one spouse has a poor or bad credit score, it could definitely affect your chances as a couple of getting a mortgage loan. THE GOOD NEWS: NOW IS THE TIME TO APPLY FOR A MORTGAGE LOAN. Interest rates are at an all-time historical low right now. Many mortgage lenders have relaxed their requirements to be more competitive and may be more willing to work with you. But remember, a low credit score means your interest rate may be higher and you will pay more over the life of the loan. The best advice is to know your score before you go shopping for a new home.
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
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TEN TIP-OFFS For Obtaining A Terrific Mortgage If you’re considering buying a new home, and have not done this before, the process may seem a bit overwhelming—especially the part about home mortgages. The more you learn about mortgages, the more prepared you will be to make the right decisions and succeed at getting the mortgage loan that’s right for you. Here are some helpful tips that will give you an advantage when shopping for a home loan. This will not just prepare you for the application process, but will potentially save you thousands of dollars. More importantly, if only one of these tips helps you achieve homeownership, it will be Game Won!
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1 RAISE YOUR CREDIT SCORE Your credit score is the single most important factor lenders will use in determining a) whether or not you qualify for a loan; b) your interest rate if you do; c) the type of loan they can offer you. See page 15 in this magazine and read “Know Your Score to Score a New Home.” You’ll learn everything you need to know, and the importance of monitoring your credit score. Remember that raising your credit score will lower the interest rate on your loan more than reducing your debt. So if your choice is putting more money down on a loan or paying off your credit card debt, pay off the debt. It will raise your credit score. Go to www.nerdwallet.com and set up an account to get a free credit score that updates every week. Start early. Apply for credit and always pay all your bills, including rent and utilities, on time to build a good credit score. A final note about credit reports: according to Fannie Mae guidelines, credit reports are only good for 120 days, so if you’ve gone through the process of getting pre-approved (see TIP #4) and find a home after 120 days, a new credit report will be required.
2 KNOW YOUR DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO A red flag for lenders is when the applicant has a high debt-to-income ratio (DTI) that is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income and shows what percentage of that income goes to paying your debts. Some lenders may work with a ratio higher than 43% but, ideally, a good debt-to-income ratio is 36% or less. The best advice: lower your debt. This will also help raise your credit score.
3 FIND OUT HOW MUCH HOME YOU CAN AFFORD TO BUY Before you start shopping for a home and consequently go shopping for a mortgage loan, you should know the price of a home you can afford to buy. This will make your house-hunting more efficient and avoid heartache when you fall in love with a property you can’t afford. It is generally agreed that about 28% of your gross monthly income should go to your mortgage payment and home expenses, and under 36% of your income should go to paying off debts like credit cards, car payments, and other loans. NerdWallet’s website has a home affordability calculator that can help with this, and there are many others on the web. Remember to add taxes, insurance, and other expenses that may not be factored into the calculators you are using, ones that are only good for getting a “ballpark” estimate. The best way to find out how much home you can afford is covered in Tip #4 and is highly recommended. Remember, the sales price of a home is never the true cost. To get a realistic monthly amount that you will need to pay, you will need to take the monthly mortgage payment and add all the other costs associated with owning the home. This is another reason why you shouldn’t use the amount shown on any pre-approval letter as your price point. 20
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You’ll most likely have property taxes, mortgage insurance, home insurance, utility costs, maintenance and repairs, and if this is your first home, chances are you will need to buy furniture, appliances, and have a host of other expenses. Make sure you budget these in to get the true cost of the home.
4 GET A MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL LETTER FROM A LENDER When you are ready to seriously start shopping for a new home, a mortgage preapproval letter from a lender will set you apart from other shoppers who don’t have one. The letter is proof to your builders, real estate agents, and home sellers that you are a serious buyer. Your lender uses your credit report and your other documents that verify income and debt to issue your pre-approval letter, which is their offer to loan you a specific amount based on their conditions. You should know that you can get a pre-approval letter from more than one lender as long as it is done within a limited time, like 30 days, typically without affecting your credit score. A word of caution: do not be misguided by the amount shown on your pre-approval letter. The worst thing you can do is think that this is the price of the home you should be shopping for. Set a price that you are comfortable with—one that works within your budget and won’t lead you into trouble down the road. As for budgeting, follow the popular 50/30/20 rule: 50% of your budget should go to recurring monthly bills; 30% toward miscellaneous needs; and 20% should go to savings and debt repayment. It is also a good idea to always shop below your limit so you have room to negotiate if you need to.
5 SHOP AROUND FOR THE BEST LENDER Not all lenders are created equal. Make sure you choose the one that is right for you. You may find differences in their rates, their loan programs, their funding sources, their requirements, and, of course, their experience. If you are a first-time buyer, you want a lender who will gladly and patiently walk you through the complicated process of getting a loan without making you feel less than smart. Compare interest rates. Even a small rate difference can mean a large saving or large cost to you. The good news is that today, interest rates are at historical lows (hovering near 3%)—meeting or beating the record low of 3.31% in November of 2012. Compare this to 1981 when interest rates were as high as 18.5% and you can see this is a great time to get a loan. Because of that, and the large number of consumers in the market for a mortgage loan, you’ll find lenders today will be more flexible to get your business. Shop around.
6 STUDY YOUR LOAN OPTIONS The loan options on the market today are many, and each varies in the required down payment and qualifying requirements. Finding the one that is right for you will depend on many factors that change from consumer to consumer. The best advice is to do your research and rely on your lender to guide you in the right direction. November/December
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The most popular mortgage loans available are the following: Conventional Loans are the most common, and are funded by private investors and then sold to the government-sponsored corporations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Some first-time buyer programs may be available that require only 3% down. Jumbo Loans are not backed by the government and are for loans that exceed the limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Used primarily to finance luxury properties and high-end homes, they are loans that exceed $510,400 or $765,600, depending on where the property is located. FHA Loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and can offer low down payments of as little as 3 to 3.5%, low closing costs, and easy qualifying with credit scores of 580 or less depending on the lender. USDA Loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and are typically for homebuyers in rural areas. Down payments are often not required, and applicants may be able to qualify with a low credit score like FHA loans. VA Loans are available for current or veteran military service members who meet the eligibility requirements of the program. The loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and require no down payment or mortgage insurance. The minimum credit score requirement is generally 620.
7 IMPORTANT LOAN OPTIONS YOU WILL NEED TO CHOOSE Loan Terms: In addition to choosing a mortgage loan option, you will need to make some decisions about the terms of the loan. Generally, you will need to decide if you want to go with a 15-year loan or a 30-year loan. There are pros and cons to each. Obviously, the 15-year term will require higher monthly payments, and it will mean you will have less cash every month. But your home will be paid off much sooner than the 30-year option. If you choose the 30-year option, it doesn’t mean you have to pay off the loan in 30 years. You would be surprised how many years you could shave off and how much money you would save in interest if you sent in an extra $100 a month and directed it to your principal. Even rounding up the amount to the next hundred dollars would make a difference, or sending in one extra payment every year. However, check with your lender first to make sure there are no penalties or fees if you pay off the mortgage early. Adjustable or Fixed Mortgages You may also have the option of choosing an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) or a Fixed Rate Mortgage. With an adjustable rate mortgage, you may be given better terms initially, but remember that the rate can be adjusted yearly. If you don’t plan on living in your home for very long, this may work for you. A fixed rate mortgage will lock in the prevailing interest rate. As low as rates are today, this may be the best option, but remember, a fixed rate mortgage doesn’t necessarily mean your monthly payment will remain static, because your mortgage may include an escrow account that collects extra cash for taxes and insurance. And if these go up, so will your monthly payment. 22
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8 THE ONE-TIME CLOSE SECRET If you are looking at custom-building your new home, here’s a loan that can be perfect for you: the One-Time Close Construction Loan. Like the name implies, if you are building a new home, you only get one loan, and you only close one time. Unlike the conventional route where you have to get a construction loan first to build your home and then have to re-qualify and close on a second permanent loan to move in, the one-time construction loan does everything in one step. What that means is that you won’t have two sets of closing costs—just one. And once you get approved for the loan, you don’t have to worry about credit issues that could happen like you do if you have to get approved for a second permanent loan. You’ll save time and money. The best news: you only need a credit score of 640 and a low down payment of only 3.5%. Check out a local company that offers this unique loan option: see Thrive Mortgage’s ad on the inside cover of this magazine or call/text 956-279-7320.
9 IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING A MORTGAGE LOAN Here are some things you should focus on:
d.) e.) f.) g.) h.)
a.) Know what your credit score is b.) Work on improving your credit score c.) Reduce your debt Shop around and compare lenders Get a mortgage pre-approval letter from a lender Figure out what your budget is Save money for a down payment Get a list of the documents your lender needs
10 MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION Take your time. Do your research. Don’t just rely on what your lender or other advisors are telling you. Try not rush into getting a mortgage loan just because you don’t want to miss out on historically low interest rates. Buying a home is the single most important, and typically the largest, investment you will make in your lifetime. One that will affect you the rest of your life, either positively or negatively, depending on the decisions you make. So—remember these tips, follow them closely, and you will be ready and well-prepared to buy the home of your dreams!
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NOBODY LIKES TO BE UNINFORMED. Especially When It Matters. Really Matters. Like when you are buying a home! Unfortunately, that is often the case when people are making one of the most important financial decisions in their lifetime—buying a home. And it’s not so much that people are uninformed, but rather that they more than likely assume that the home they are buying has been approved, tested, inspected, or verified by someone with higher authority than the builder, and that that authority would never allow a poorly built home to be sold to unsuspecting consumers. Well guess what? That’s wrong, and it’s up to every homebuyer to do their homework.
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
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ost of the time, the buyer only has another person’s word—the builder or the seller—that they are buying a quality-built home with excellent energy efficiency performance. You would think there would be more supervision over the production of a product, like a home, that often requires all of a person’s life savings to buy. But there isn’t. Take, for example, the individuals that cut your hair, or the individuals that do your nails. They are required by the State of Texas to have a license—yet builders are not. Shocking right? And you would think that municipalities all across Texas would enforce the law (HB 1736) signed by the Governor in 2015 and applied to homes built after August 1, 2016. While local jurisdictions may issue building permits and pass inspections on homes using an older version of the code, builders should know that they—and not the city—may be exposed to potential liability in the future. The law requires that builders comply with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code and other code changes in the areas of electrical, plumbing, and so on. But sadly, as of today in the Rio Grande Valley, the majority of cities do not. Go to www.EEPartnership.org and search for “Code Adoption Tools” to see a listing of Texas cities that have/have not adopted the 2015 code. Remember that adoption doesn’t necessarily mean they are enforcing the law. Also, the list may not be current since it is dependent on the municipality to update its information. The bad news for builders that were never required by their municipality to comply with the 2015 IECC is that every 6 years, the building codes are updated, and guess what? The 2021 code is now available for adoption and will, most likely, be adopted by the State of Texas when the legislature convenes in March or April of next year. The state will then allow a few months before mandating the 2021 code that promises to be the most efficient building code to date, projected to result in an estimated 10% or more energy efficiency improvement in residential and commercial buildings.
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The good news, however, for builders and homebuyers is that there is a program that you can participate in to be sure that— a) you are building or buying a home that is compliant with Texas Law, no matter what building code the city is enforcing; b) you are building or buying a home that not only meets code standards, but exceeds them (even 2021 code standards when they become effective next year); and c) you are able to rest assured that your home was tested and inspected by a licensed third-party home energy rater to verify that the home is certified as a high-performance home. That program is called BUILT TO SAVE®, and it will do more than just save you money on utilities. If the health and comfort of your family in your new home are more important than money, then you’ll love the BUILT TO SAVE® program’s requirement for better indoor air quality, enhanced home comfort, and a healthier living environment. Go to www.BuiltToSave.org to find out about all the other good things the program provides homebuyers and to see which builders in the Rio Grande Valley are enrolled in the program. Now, if your builder is still just using words to convince you that your home is quality-built and will be energy efficient, that leaves a lot of room for being uninformed. Ask if the home is a BUILT TO SAVE® certified home. Then ask to see the certificate as proof. You can also find the addresses of the homes that have completed certification in the program on the BUILT TO SAVE® website. (Please allow at least 3 weeks for documents to be processed and for homes to be added to the list online.) Email BUILT TO SAVE® at info@builttosave.org for any questions, or to request more information on this excellent program.
MEET OUR BUILT TO SAVE™ BUILDERS
L OOK F OR T HE S IGN OF AN E NERGY E FFICIENT H OME
Affordable Homes of South Texas (956) 687-6263 www.ahsti.org Alpha Construction (956) 467-7702 www.ConstructionByAlpha.com Divine Custom Homes (956) 467-1111 www.DivineCustomHomes.net RanMar Construction (956) 472-8624 www.RanmarConstruction.com Sersa Home Builder (956) 330-1268 FB.com/Sersa-Homes Sorrento Fine Homes (956) 648-4637 / (956) 821-1527 www.SorrentoFineHomes.com Treasure Builders (956) 821-9710 www.TreasureBuildersllc.com ww Treviño Construction (956) 800-8700 www.TrevinoLuxury.com
Don’t take anyone’s word that your home was built to “above-code” standards.
Villa Del Sol Construction (956) 739-0262 FB.com/VillaDelSolConstruction Villa Homes (956) 584-7711 / (956) 431-0376 www.VillaHomesRGV.com Villanueva Construction (956) 800-8889 / (956) 800-8999 www.VillanuevaHomes.com Waldo Homes (956) 466-8590 / (956) 466-8227 www.WaldoHomesRGV.com
Ask to see the BUILT TO SAVE™ certificate or check our database of certified homes at
www.BuiltToSave.org
HOMEBUYER BENEFITS:
• More Durability
• Lower Utility Bills
• Less Maintenance
• Enhanced Home Comfort
• Higher Resale Value
• Better Indoor Air Quality
• Lasting Peace of Mind
• Tighter Home Construction
• Third-Party Inspected & Tested
To find more builders with BUILT TO SAVE™ certifications in progress, go to www.BuiltToSave.org
Magic Valley Electric Coop is a proud sponsor of the BUILT TO SAVE™November/December Program.
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YOUR PERFECT CHOICE: Natural Gas When we take the plunge and buy or remodel a house, we hope it will be our “Home Sweet Home.� Additionally, we hope the energy bills will be low, and that we will have a dependable energy source in bad weather. Happily, there is an answer to this: affordable and reliable natural gas. Installing or upgrading appliances to natural gas can make a home cozy, improve its value, and help us save money. How about some useful facts?
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ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY Efficient natural gas appliances are the building blocks for long-term money, energy, and environmental savings. Did you know that for every $1 spent, customers get $1.35 in benefits? Using natural gas instead of electric appliances results in lower energy bills, which means more money in your pocket. In fact, Rio Grande Valley households can save approximately $416* each year by using natural gas instead of electric for heating, cooking, and clothes drying. In addition, if your home (or business) is equipped with a natural gas-powered backup generator, you have the advantage of not losing power when the electricity goes out during severe weather events. MONEY NOW! And how about immediate money in your pocket? Energy efficiency rebates for qualifying Texas Gas Service customers in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties can help you save money through eligible natural gas appliances. Rebates are available for natural gas ranges, dryers, water heaters, generators, and other appliances if you decide to put them in your home. ENSURING A THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMY Natural gas helps reduce household expenses and provides the comfort that makes your house a home. But did you know that natural gas plays an important role in our local economy and supports community programs intended to improve our quality of life here in the Rio Grande Valley? For example, local businesses such as restaurants, hospitals, and grocery stores rely on natural gas for sterilizing equipment, processing heating, fueling vehicles, and backing up power generators. Because of its superior energy efficiency, natural gas helps businesses reduce costs and save money. HELPING TEXAS MEET ENERGY DEMAND Did you know that many Texans rely on natural gas for their electricity needs? That’s right, natural gas is the dominant source for powering the Texas electrical grid, which is vital due to an increasing power supply demand. So not only can natural gas help you in your home or business, it also helps our economy and our state. Let’s face it, natural gas is an excellent choice for all! (*source: Energy Solutions Center residential calculator)
CTX EE Annual Report 2019 About Texas Gas Service Texas Gas Service provides safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas to more than 65,000 customers in 34 cities within Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. For more information on other RGV Program rebates and eligibility, please visit: www.TexasGasService.com/rebates or call 512-370-8256.
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Phase II
El Pacifico Ave
29th St
38th St
Now Open for Sales! 93 lots
Ware Rd
Coming Soon!
Monte Cristo Rd
FM 107
McAllen, Tx
LOTS FROM THE $46’s
PHASES I & II LD SO LD SO LD SO LD SO LD 19LD SO 20 21LD SO 22LD SO 23 24 25 26 SO
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LD 27 SO
SAINT PATRICIO DR.
SAINT HONORE DR. 18LD SO
Phase I Phase II
PHASE II
Now Open for PRE-SALE
RESERVE YOUR LOT TODAY
» High-speed internet » Walking distance to Texas A&M University and IDEA Academy » Minutes from the University of Texas — Rio Grande Valley
LOT SALES: (956) 313-8113 | VendomeHomes.com | Christina@VendomeHomes.com
“ ”
Our company’s success is a result of our long-standing relationships of honesty and integrity with our vendors and our customers. - Rosalio Espinoza, Owner
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COVER FEATURE: MATERIALES EL VALLE
Bling
FOR YOUR HOME
SMILES FROM YOUR WALLET
First opened in 1986 by Rosalio Espinoza, Materiales El Valle has been the leading supplier of building materials for the residential and commercial building industry in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. Almost 100% of the builders who have won awards over the years in the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association’s annual Parade of Homes competition are listed as customers. And there are many reasons for that.
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t the top of the list of Materiales El Valle’s popularity are its millions of square feet of product inventory and thousands of square feet of showroom space with beautiful full-sized displays and samples of products including brick, ceramic tile, glass mosaic tile, handmade Saltillo tile, roof tile, porcelain, marble, Travertine, Cantera, engineered stone, and wood flooring. If a product makes your home stand out from the ordinary, the company almost certainly has it in stock— and in large supply. And what could go better with the largest inventory? How about the best prices! The company’s longstanding history with name brand manufacturers is a major part of its success. Because of those relationships, Materiales El Valle is able to not only offer lower prices; more importantly, the company is able to introduce the latest trending products, which may explain why so many builders win awards for homes that use product that are often new to the market. No matter how good products are and how inexpensive they may be, shoppers, however, tend to place greater value on how they are treated and if they can rely on their vendor to be there for them. And that’s where the company excels— customer service. Combined with their many years of knowledge and experience, Materiales El Valle’s staff provides a friendly, personal service that makes buyers feel like family…because in the company’s eyes, they are. And that keeps customers coming back. w u w
We’d love to see your creativity using “Materiales El Valle” products. Tag @MaterialesElValle and @RGVNewHomes on Instagram for a chance to be featured! 34
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From Pinterest to
THESE 5 RIO GRANDE VALLEY BUILDERS ACHIEVED PE WITH MATERIALES EL VALLE PRODUCTS
Classy NEUTRALS WHAT TO BUY 1 BOREAS 11x11 - Floor & Wall Tile 2 HD-88 - Backsplash
HOME BY: ANH CONSTRUCTION
1
www.FB.com/ANHconstructionLLC
Rustic FEEL WHAT TO BUY 3 KENTUCKY PINE 6x36 - Floor Tile 4 DIVERSO 3x15 - Shower Tile
HOME BY: DIVINE CUSTOM HOMES
www.DivineCustomHomes.net
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VISIT MATERIALES EL VALLE FULLY-STOCKED RGV SHOWROOMS!
COVER FEATURE: MATERIALES EL VALLE, INC.
Real Life–
FIND ALL OF THESE PRODUCTS AT MATERIALES EL VALLE SHOWROOMS IN: PALMVIEW, EDINBURG, AND DONNA. SEE BACK COVER.
ERFECTION
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PALMVIEW, TX: 1020 W. Palma Vista Dr. (956) 581-1109
DONNA, TX: 931 West Expwy. 83 (956) 464-5152
EDINBURG, TX: 3910 S. Jackson Rd. (956) 994-8550
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COVER FEATURE: MATERIALES EL VALLE, INC.
Monochromatic MASTERPIECE WHAT TO BUY 6 IMPRESSIONS WHITE - Backsplash
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7 CARRARA POLARIS PULIDO 24x48 - Floor Tile 8 FLAGSTONE BLACK 24x48 - Shower Wall 9 18FBGPB-CARRARA-GLS - Shower Floor Tile 10 AVALON ARGENT 8x48 - Floor Tile 11 ASTRA BRILLO 12x24 - Shower Wall Tile
HOME BY: CLASSIC HOMES
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www.FB.com/Classic-Homes-104792584440761
Contemporary MEETS MODERN WHAT TO BUY 12 AERIAL NATURAL - Backsplash
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13 CANTERA PACHUCA - House Exterior 14 SALONICA GRIS 22x22 - Floor Tile 15 ASTRA BRILLO 12x24 - Shower Wall Tile (Left) 16 ASTRA CHIC BRILLO 12x24 Shower Wall Tile (Right)
HOME BY: MARAM CONSTRUCTION
www.FB.com/MARAM-Construction-113831817005747 36
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If you are building a new home or just want to give your current home a facelift, Materiales El Valle is the “go-to” place for you. Imagine being able to touch and feel the products you are considering, or being able to see a full display of how they look after installation. Imagine, too, having a personal consultant who can give you advice and ideas on what would work best for your project. Imagine having a place that you could go to for inspiration that you can feel, and not just see on a computer screen. Well, that place exists at Materiales El Valle. In fact, there are three showrooms in the Valley that you can visit:
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PALMVIEW | 1020 W. Palma Vista, Dr. EDINBURG | 3910 S. Jackson Rd. DONNA | 931 West Expwy. 83
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Most recently, Materiales El Valle has expanded store locations outside the Valley by opening iTile located in Houston, Texas. The company also has plans to open a fifth location in Round Rock, TX, thus bringing its innovative products to brand new markets. From small kitchen or bathroom tile to exotic marble tile as large as 4 feet by 8 feet, you will be amazed at what Materiales El Valle has for you. See a full gallery of homes that used the company’s products online at www.rgvNewHomesGuide.com and get inspired to add some bling and excitement to your next building or remodeling project.
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@ VISIT OUR BLOG TO VIEW MORE GALLERIES AND CLOSE-UP IMAGES OF THESE PRODUCTS: W W W. R G V N E W H O M E S G U I D E . C O M / B L O G
November/December
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HOME SPACES
RETAIL Finds 1 Barbet Rattan Papasan Chair - $190 The armless, non-upholstered chair has a solid and intuitive rattan frame design that’s minimal and comfy at the same time. Throw a cushion on to lounge in comfort with your favorite book or TV show.
2 16” X Base Glam Round Side Table - $64.49 Pop it by the couch, sneak it by your entertainment console, or slip it in your bedroom. While some assembly is required, breaking your bank isn’t.
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3 39” 8-Light LED Adjustable Iron Farmhouse Pendant Oil Rubbed Bronze - $245.99 This pendant is ideal for your modern farmhouse, rustic kitchen, or industrial interior design. Features eight Edison-style LED bulbs inside a black-bronze metal diamond-patterned basket shade.
4 Set of 2 Decorative Wood/Metal Bowls Blue - $123 Add artistic charm to to your kitchen or tabletop with this set of 2 decorative bowls on pedestals with natural wood trim. Each white bowl is filled with blue-glazed hexagrams and blue decorative borders around each base.
5 Set of 3 Woven Seagrass Basket Planters Black - $160.99 Bring earthy hues and rustic textures to your outdoor space with this set of 3 round seagrass basket planters.
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8 Set of 2 Flam Dining Chairs with Wooden Legs - $249.99 Scandinavian Style: Eiffel legs made of wood, clean style, natural look… These chairs have everything to please! They’ll look amazing around your table!
Cologne Tufted Track Armchair - $401 With a nod to the classic Chesterfield design, the Cologne features deep tufting detail on the seat, arms, and back and offers distinguished and comfortable seating.
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9 8.8oz Medium Jar Candle Serenity & Calm - $5.49 This lavender thyme glass jar candle helps create a relaxing atmosphere in any room of your home, while adding a sleek touch of style with its simple design.
10 Set of 2 Modern Tin/Glass Open Design Candle Holders - $78 Light up your space in industrial style with this set of large metal and glass candle lanterns with handles. The metal handles can also serve as hanging devices where it it safe to burn candles.
23” x 13” Faceted Ceramic Planter in Wood Stand White/Brown - $70 Whether you’re looking to update your living space with sleek modern style or simply want to add a touch of greenery to your entryway decor, this white and brown planter is the perfect solution. November/December
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THIRD-PARTY VERIFIED: Enhanced Home Comfort Lower Utility Bills Better Air Quality Peace of Mind
Insulation
HVAC
Being told that your home is energy efficient is not the same as getting written verification from a home energy Rater licensed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Home Energy Raters are trained home energy inspectors who use specialized equipment and software to inspect, test, and verify that a home has met the requirements of high-performance home programs like BUILT TO SAVE™.
Lighting
Windows
Water Heating
PROFESSIONAL HOME ENERGY RATERS ASK YOUR BUILDER IF YOUR NEW HOME HAS BEEN CERTIFIED
Chris Carroll (956) 455-7779 chris@carrollsinspectors.com www.carrollsinspectors.com
Luis Barrera (956) 284-6867 Cell (956) 645-1213 lbarrera@esquarehersrating.com
Jorge Maldonado (956) 271-2322 jm-92@outlook.com
Jose L. Garcia (956) 519-9593 prestigiousenergy@sbcglobal.net
Certifications: Home Energy Rater; ENERGY STAR™ and BUILT TO SAVE™ Certifications; ICC Energy Code Ambassador; Level 1 Thermographer; TREC Property Inspector; RESNET Member; RESNET Green Rater; LEED Accredited Green Rater; Building America Partner, & DOE Zero Ready Verifier.
Certifications: Home Energy Rater; ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE™ Certifications; HERS Rating for City Code Testing: Blower Door & Duct Leakage; Certificate of Occupancy (C of O); HVAC Heat Load Calculations for Manual J, D, & F; Valley-wide Service.
Certifications: Home Energy Rater; ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE™ New Home Certifications, IECC Energy Code Building Inspections; Blower Door & AC Duct Testing; Weatherization Inspections.
Certifications: Home Energy Rater; RESNET Member; HVAC State License No. TACLB21614E; ACCA Quality Assured V3 (New Homes) Contractor. ENERGY STAR®; City Code Testing (Airflow & Air Balance Testing); Manual J Preparation and Review.
RESNET license #2431025
RESNET license #529893
RESNET license #4046057
TREC license #7061 | RESNET license #0003953
The Blower Door Test and the Duct Blaster Test are used to calculate a home’s Energy Rating Index (ERI—also referred to as the HERS score). Like miles per gallon (MPG) which measure the fuel efficiency of a car, an ERI (or HERS) score is an excellent predictor of a home’s energy efficiency—the lower the score, the higher the efficiency.
BLOWER DOOR TESTS measure the leakiness of the home’s envelope— how much air comes in and goes out through the roof, windows, doors, and other openings in the home. Required by code after Sept. 1, 2016.
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DUCT BLASTER TESTS measure leaks in the joints and seams of the ductwork in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Required by code after Sept. 1, 2016 unless in conditioned space.
ONE TYPE OF INSULATION IS SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHERS—
...An Investment With A Huge Return!
Lower, remarkable HERS scores Energy efficient and airtight home envelope Protection from moisture infiltration Cleaner and healthier indoor air quality Quieter interiors with protection from outside noise Less pollutants, insects, rodents, and other pests Enhanced interior comfort--all year long
Call / Text / Email us for a FREE ESTIMATE or CONSULTATION. (956) 638-3594 | rob@valleyenergyspecialist.com | www.InsulateRGV.com
3500 N. Birch St., Pharr, Tx 78577
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
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REAL ESTATE NEWS
REAL ESTATE NEWS
MVEC Management Team and TSTC Staff
MVEC Creates Scholarship For TSTC Electrical Lineworkers Program MAGIC VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (MVEC) has partnered with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Harlingen, Texas, to support its Electrical Lineworker Technology program. MVEC presented the College with a $20,000 donation to establish a scholarship fund for students enrolled in the program. The funds will help students with tuition, books, and tools to help them achieve their dream of becoming Electrical Lineworkers. TSTC currently offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Lineworker Technology and a certificate in Electrical Lineworker Technology, both of which prepare students for careers in the industry. TSTC’s program provides hands-on training, giving students the experience and skills to safely climb poles, operate utility bucket trucks, and everything needed to install, maintain, and repair electrical distribution lines. General Manager at MVEC, John Herrera, points out that the company is committed to empowering the communities it serves. “When TSTC reached out to us about investing in their Electrical Lineworker program in the form of a scholarship fund, we did not hesitate. This partnership aligns with our fifth and seventh cooperative principles: Education, Training, Information, and Concern for Community,” he said. 42
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According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas tops the list of states that have the highest employment opportunities for electrical lineworkers. The statistics also indicate that the demand for lineworkers will grow by 8 to 9% through 2022 as the number of retirements increases in the coming years and as the quantity and strength of powerful storms continue to grow.
TSTC students practicing pole climbing.
Visit www.tstc.edu/programsElectricalLineworkerTechnology for more information.
New Gated Community in Weslaco Open for Lot Sales!
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LOTS FROM
$42,500
• Private Gated Community • Quiet Countryside Environment • Lot Sizes from 6,000 to over 12,000 Sq. Ft. • Home Requirements Include a Minimum of 1,200 Sq. Ft. (Living) • 1 or 2 Car Garage Minimum • Brick or Stucco Exteriors • 30-year Composition Shingles (selected colors) • Reserve Your Lot with $1,000 (non-refundable) • Architectural Controls and Homeowners Association • Close to Weslaco ISD Schools, Hospital, and Medical Offices • Minutes from the Progreso International Bridge
RESERVE YOUR LOT TODAY!
$1,000 Deposit
Bus. 83 S International Blvd.
1
CAMINO REAL VIEJO ROAD
BLOCK 2
S. INTERNATIONAL BLVD. (FM 1015)
Builders Welcomed!
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Manuel Cantu
Camino Real Viejo Rd.
(956) 821-8180
N
riocantu@yahoo.com
NOW SELLING homesites:
THE MONTECITO
Call to reserve yours today!
A private, gated residential community in North Edinburg.
40’S
BLOCK 1 $ lots from the
Maximum Privacy & Security Minimum of 1,500 Sq. Ft. Liv. (Block 1)
BLOCK 1 6
Homeowners Association
Edinburg School District Homes from Fine Builders:
Average Size Lot 63’ x 128’
Easy Access to Expressway 281 (I-69)
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Architectural Controls Brick, Stucco, & Stone Exteriors 30-Year Composition Shingle Roofs Landscaped with Sprinkler System
Minutes from UT-RGV
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Manuel Cantu • (956) 821-8180 • riocantu@yahoo.com
Builders Welcomed! For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
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REAL ESTATE NEWS
Johnathan Sloss Joins MVEC JOHNATHAN SLOSS HAS RECENTLY JOINED Magic Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) as its Business Development Representative. He is now the contact person for Key Accounts and new commercial development activities, and is also tasked with overseeing MVEC’s distributed generation program of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. As well, Johnathan Sloss will be managing the various MVEC rebate programs, including incentives for builders who participate in the BUILT TO SAVE® program which provides third-party verification that a home is built to above-code standards. Homes in the program are certified as high-performance homes, verified to use less energy and save homeowners money over a similar home built to minimum code requirements. Johnathan Sloss received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from the University of Texas- Pan American. He brings with him extensive heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) knowledge from his previous position at Lennox where he was the Store Manager with responsibilities that included working with local access dealers and building brand awareness for the company throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Visit www.magicvalley.coop for more information—and also to welcome Johnathan Sloss as MVEC’s newest Business Development representative. Magic Valley Electric Cooperative was founded in 1937 by a small group of farmers in the Rio Grande Valley, and today has more than 5,300 miles of power lines serving more than 110,000 members, providing them with safe, affordable, and reliable electric power. The Cooperative continues to provide the latest in technology to its members as evidenced by the introduction of “MVEC Connect” which went live in June of this year. MVEC’s Connect Portal offers a dynamic online and mobile experience that makes energy management easy and convenient for the Co-op’s members.
RGVBA Thanks Its 2020 Parade of Homes Judges THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION would like to extend its appreciation to the 2020 Parade of Homes judges who determined the winners of this year’s Parade competition. It was undoubtedly a challenging task to organize and hold the Parade this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The Association is grateful for the support of the Parade judges who generously gave of their time and talents to make this a successful event despite the constraints of the pandemic, which required the Parade to be a virtual event. The judges were recruited from outside our market by Leslie Shey (2-10 Home Buyers Warranty), and they were able to review the entries’ virtual tours online. With the exception of the “People’s Choice” award that was determined by viewers who toured the homes online and rated the homes, all of the other awards were determined by a compilation of all of the judges’ scores. Judging the 2020 Parade of Homes were the following: Ana Leyva, Office Manager – RE Signature Homes, Laredo, TX; Jerry Garcia, Owner/Builder – Hacienda Construction, Corpus Christi, TX ; and Rick Adams – Building Official, Port Aransas, TX. The panel of judges had a good understanding of the building industry with the majority of their experience in residential construction and design. Completing the judging staff for the 2020 Parade of Homes was Scott Martin, manager of Energy Rating Solutions, an Energy Consulting firm in Corpus Christi that provides an extensive array of rating and inspection services. Scott is a RESNET certified rater with 12 years of experience in the rating industry and over 37 years in the HVAC industry. He was the perfect choice for judging the winner of the “Most Energy Efficient Home” award, which this year was given to two builders who tied for the award: Villanueva Construction and Divine Custom Homes. 44
www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
VISIT OUR NEW MODEL HOME: James Court - 2720 Essex St., Edinburg, Tx
Classic Beauty, Style & Value www.CLASSICHOMESRGV.com | JOAQUIN GONZALEZ (956) 792-7246 B U I L D O N YO U R LOT O R O U R S • CO N S T R U C T I O N F I N A N C I N G AVA I L A B L E
Lord & Gonzalez L.P.
DON’T BUY A NEW HOME LIKE YOU BUY BACON. As long as there are customers who believe what they see, low quality products packaged to make them look appealing will continue to sell. It’s no different when shopping for a new home. Don’t just look at the home’s bling: the beautiful flooring, exotic granite countertops, and designer ceilings to name a few. Ask about what’s behind the walls and if the home was inspected, tested, and certified by a third party to get a certificate of high performance from BUILT TO SAVE™ or the ENERGY STAR® program. Get the skinny on your new home--not the fat! Ask for proof that your home was built to highperformance, above-code standards. Ask to see the BUILT TO SAVE™ certificate.
Go to www.BuiltToSave.org to find a builder.
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
45
REAL ESTATE NEWS
SIERRA TITLE
Photo by: Cliff Ranson
Mrs. Estella G. Lopez Honored by Sierra Title Company IN SEPTEMBER OF THIS YEAR, ESTELLA G. LOPEZ was recognized by Sierra Title of Hidalgo County, Inc. for reaching a milestone: the 75th anniversary of her employment with the company. To say that Mrs. Lopez has dedicated her life to her job would be an understatement. During her seven and a half decades with Sierra Title, she has achieved much of which she and those in the company and the title industry can be proud. But what stands out the most is what she has been able to accomplish by her loyalty and devotion to her work. The passion for what she does and what she brings to work every day—and has for 75 years—is an inspiration to staff and customers alike. Sierra Title Company’s owners, managers, and staff are proud to congratulate and sincerely thank the employee with the longest employment history in its family: Mrs. Estella G. Lopez. Her exemplary professionalism and her unyielding devotion to her job for the past 75 years can certainly be referred to as Mrs. Lopez’s “life’s vocation,” and for that, Sierra Title is eternally grateful.
Photo from 2019 Tamalada Event
SIERRA TITLE OF HIDALGO COUNTY, INC. 41 st ANNUAL
TAMALADA IS CANCELLED
Due to COVID-19 and everyone’s safety, we are cancelling our 41st Tamalada, but we are looking forward to seeing you next year with double tamales! The management & staff wish you a safe Holiday Season.
Congratulations To The 2020 RGVBA Parade of Homes TV Winner! THE LUCKY WINNER OF THE TV GIVEAWAY sponsored by Sierra Title Company in the 2020 Rio Grande Valley Parade of Homes was Priscilla Quintanilla who had registered online and rated one of Esperanza Home’s models that had participated in the Parade. The winner was randomly selected from the names of everyone who downloaded the RGVBA Parade app and rated the homes they viewed in this year’s virtual Parade. The TV Giveaway prize was a 55” flatscreen TV with the latest technology. Presentation of the TV took place at Sierra Title’s office in McAllen. 46
(L to R): Winner: Priscilla Quintanilla; Matt Wilson (Sierra Title, Vice-President of Escrow); Avi Samtani (Esperanza Homes, Sales Manager at Tres Lagos)
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
47
RIO GRANDE VALLEY SHOWROOMS
SHOPPING
guide
TELLO The bold, rustic wood-effect pattern in “Tello,” a porcelain tile with variegated hues, imitates the cozy look of wooden floorboards in a family farmhouse.
THE LATEST TRENDS IN BUILDING MATERIALS
SUNKEN The visually spacious herringbone pattern of this wood-effect porcelain tile named “Sunken” creates a warm inviting space, a welcoming landscape for family and friends.
Find trendy tiles at: MATERIALES EL VALLE
8x48 Porcelain
7.6x35 Porcelain
Mission, TX (956) 581-1109 Edinburg, TX (956) 994-8550 Donna, TX (956) 464-5152 E Materiales El Valle Inc. Q MaterialesElValleInc
MANGATA
OLD FASHIONED
Utilizing plank styling reminiscent of the hominess of country farmhouse floors, the “Mangata” wood-look porcelain tile glows with rustic warmth and charm.
The name is deceiving: this wood-effect porcelain tile called “Old Fashioned” is a new fashion, adding a bit of the outdoors and nature into a modern design.
8x48 Porcelain
7.6x35 Porcelain
HAVE A SHOWROOM IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY? We'd love to feature your products! Email us at info@acrossmediamarketing.com
E RGV New Homes Guide
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Q RGV New Homes
D RGVnhg
P RGV New Homes Guide
z RGVNewHomesGuide.com/Showrooms
MVEC
SAVE BIG
ER
MEMB
SIVE EXCLU
S SAVING
PURCHASE YOUR FAVORITE NEST THERMOSTAT
SAVE $100
SAVE $70
99
149
$
$
Retail price is $169 (Available online only)
Retail price $249
GOOGLE NEST LEARNING THERMOSTAT
GOOGLE NEST THERMOSTAT E
TO PURCHASE, VISIT: Any MVEC Office
magicvalley.coop
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RGV New Homes Guide Highlighting Beautiful New Homes in the Rio Grande Valley rgvnewhomesguide.com
South Texas
Get your daily inspiration fix! Follow us on Instagram @rgvnewhomes to see the beautiful homes from some of the top builders in the Rio Grande Valley. #rgvnewhomes
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
49
2021 LEADING ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDERS FEATURE
Coming February 2021
All Builders Claim They Build Energy Efficient Homes. Find Out Which Builders Actually Do– In Our Next Issue. The 2021 Leading Energy Efficient Builders Feature will focus on a special breed of builders–those with the confidence in their work to have their homes inspected and tested by an independent third-party RESNET licensed Rater who verifies that their homes’ energy efficiency performance is “above code.” These builders invest MORE TIME AND MONEY, not less, on their homes so you can enjoy lower utility bills, more comfort, better indoor air quality, less maintenance, and a higher resale value.
To find out more about BUILT TO SAVE®, visit www.BuiltToSave.org or call (956) 778-3590 for details.
WHICH ARE THE ORGANIC BANANAS? Exactly. It’s hard to know without a label. That’s the same problem people have when they are shopping for a quality-built, high performance home. One that will provide a comfortable interior along with superior energy efficiency, durability, and peace of mind. That’s why BUILT TO SAVE™ was born, to differentiate superior homes that are better for you from those built only to minimum code standards. To assist BUILT TO SAVE™ with its mission, the New Homes Guide will now require that its builder advertisers be enrolled in the BUILT TO SAVE™ or another high-performance home program. If our company’s mission is to help shoppers make better home-buying decisions, then limiting the New Home Guide’s advertisers to only those builders who build superior, energy-efficient homes makes perfect and ethical sense. Not doing this would be bananas.
www.BuiltToSave.org
www.EnergyStar.gov
ASK IF YOUR HOME IS BUILT TO SAVE™ OR ENERGY STAR® CERTIFIED. ASK FOR PROOF. Vist BuiltToSave.org for a list of builders and supplier members of the BUILT TO SAVE™ Program.
1601 N. 8th St. McAllen, TX 78501 | (956) 971-9700 | info@rgvnewhomesguide.com E RGV New Homes Guide
Q RGVNewHomes
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Find Your New Home, Builder, or Community with Just One Click. Go now to: rgvNewHomesGuide.com SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER! Stay up to date on the latest new home trends, up-and-coming neighborhoods, and more!
+
FURNISHED MODEL HOMES
There is nothing like actually walking through a home. These builders have their homes furnished and ready for you to tour. Stop by and see which one FEELS like home.
ADDRESS: James Court 2720 Essex Edinburg, TX
www.ClassicHomesRGV.com \\ See page 45
ADDRESS: Mission Valley 2816 Thompson Dr Edinburg, TX
HOURS: By Appointment
www.DivineCustomHomes.net \\ See page 47
SALES: Joaquin Gonzalez: (956) 792-7246 lord.gonzalez@yahoo.com
HOURS: By Appointment
SALES: Olga Treviño: (956) 467-1111 olga@divinecustomhomes.net
Mission
A L D O
H O M E
S
ADDRESS: Spring Valley 1510 Sandstone Dr. Mission, TX
SALES: Luis Waldo: (956) 466-8590 luiswaldo@yahoo.com
HOURS: By Appointment
www.VillaHomesRGV.com \\ See page 3
ADDRESS: Stewart Gardens 1707 E. 28th St. Mission, TX HOURS: By Appointment
Mission
W www.WaldoHomesRGV.com \\ See page 1
Mission
Edinburg
BUILT TO SAVE™ & ENERGY STAR® Certifications represent homes with lower ownership costs, and require less energy for heating and cooling.
SALES: (956) 431-0376 info@villahomesrgv.com
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
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29th St
Palmhurst Taylor Rd
Shary Rd 8 1/2 Mile
Ware Rd
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Bentsen Rd
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Taylor Rd
Mile 7
Taylor Rd
Shary Rd
Glasscock Rd
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23rd St
309 Glasscock Rd
Mile 9
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Monte Cristo Rd
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McColl Rd
1 Mile S. Rd
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Mission Stewart Rd
Get directions to a new home community at: www.rgvNewHomesGuide.com/All-Communities
Ware Rd
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Griffin Pkwy
Stewart Rd
Mile 4
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23rd St
N Bryan Blvd
Mayberry Blvd
Conway Rd
Trosper Rd
Los Ebanos Rd
Inspiration Rd
Moorfield Rd
La Homa Rd
To add a New Community on this map, call (956) 778-3590
Taylor Rd
Mile 2
5
Bentsen Rd
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Alton
Shary Rd
107 Bryan Blvd
Mile 5
Shary Rd
495
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Shary Rd
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Los Ebanos Rd St Jude Ave
Mayberry Blvd
501
Conway Rd
Trosper Rd
354
Conway Rd
Trosper Rd
Los Ebanos Rd
Inspiration Rd
Moorfield Rd
La Homa Rd
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Stewart Rd
316 Los Ebanos Rd
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300 Inspiration Rd
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Schuerbach Rd
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Monte Cristo Rd
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El Pacifico
225 127 S
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Freddy Gonzalez Dr
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Trenton Rd
Alberta Rd
Dove Ave
Minnesota Rd
Nolana Ave
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495 Pecan Ave
Hackberry Ave
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Canton Rd
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Sioux Rd
Stewart Rd
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Eldora Rd
Westgate Dr
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Curve Rd Texas Rd
Pleasantview Dr.
Closner Blvd
Edinburg
Cesar Chavez Rd
Raul Longoria Rd
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Tower Rd
University Dr
Alamo Rd
E Richardson Rd
Taylor Ridge.............................217 ....G-11 The Coves at La Sienna ................211 ....B-12 The Heights on Wisconsin ............220...H-12 The Hills at Chapin .................. 212 .. D-12 The Montecito 215 .. C-10 Monte Cristo..................... Rd Villas de Santa Cruz II..............209...A-13 Villas las Fuentes.....................213....H-10 Windsor Estates.......................221....C-10 MISSION Crystal Estates III .....................316....L-2 Davila Estates ..........................318....L-2 Del Oro at Bentsen Palm ................300...O-1 El Legado.................................320 ...M-5 107 Glenwood Oaks .......................321....N-5 Inspiration Heights ..................317 ....L-2 Las Villas Del Rio Groves/Shary ....312....I-5 Martha’s Vineyard ...................311 ....K-5 Mirabelle .................................303 ...P-6 Mission Valley..........................301....K-6 Shary Oaks ..............................310....K-5 Sommerset Court Estates........304 ...L-5 Spring Valley ...........................307 ...L-4 Stewart Gardens......................314 ....M-5 Stewart Oaks ...........................306 ...L-5 Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm ........315....P-1 Villa Centenario .......................319....P-5 Villas de San Gabriel ...............313....O-6 PHARR Brentwood Estates ..................405 ...O-11 Country Gardens .....................400 ...P-10 Maria Elise Estates ..................403 ...J-11 West Oak Manor ......................401....J-11 lt Rd Estates..................402 ...K-11 Ridge ooseve RWest ALTON Alton Pointe .............................501 ...I-2 SAN JUAN Garden Ridge ..........................600...O-13 ALAMO Cartagena Estates ...................700 ...O-14 PALMHURST Hidden Pond............................800...J-5 WESLACO Citrus 674 ................................900...P-18 King Estates.............................901 ...O-18 Mira Vista ............................ 902.. P-19
Mile 4 Rd.
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Chapin St
Bridge Ave.
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Texas Blvd
281 Chapin St
M Rd
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Russell Rd
Alamo Rd
Cesar Chavez Rd
Rogers Rd
Border Ave
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MCALLEN Auburn Estates ........................129....H-7 Auburn Hills .............................100 ...H-8 Bentley Estates........................102 ...I-10 Coronado Estates ....................121 ....P-6 Ensenada at Tres Lagos ................103....C-6 Escondido at Tres Lagos ...............104....C-6 Estancia at Tres Lagos ..................105 ...C-6 Hibiscus ...................................117.....H-7 Mile 17 1/2 Rd Hidden Cove............................106 ...K-6 La Floresta Phase I & II ............125....G-8 Marbella Mile 17 Rd ..................................108 Mile 17 Rd ...M-6 Orangewood North .................109 ...H-9 Quail Crossing .........................116 ....F-8 Silver Creek107 .............................120 ...J-7 Silverado Trail on Auburn Hill ..124....H-6 Spanish Oaks...........................114 ....H-9 Stone Ridge Estates ................123....H-8 The Embers .............................126....H9 The Gardens at Trinity Oaks ..........110 ....F-7 The Vineyards .........................127 ....E-7 Trinity Oaks..............................112 n Rd ....F-7 Anderso Vendome ............................. 107 .. D-7 Villagio.....................................119 ....G-8 Rd Canton Villanueva Estates at Trinity Oaks ...118 ....F-7 Villas at La Vista ..........................113 ....L-10 in Rd....I-8 Villas De Santiago ...................115 Wiscons Westwood One ........................128....H-7 EDINBURG Rd Trenton Alberta Village .........................218....I-12 Camden Village .......................200...G-9 Rd Alberta Canton Village .........................216....H-11 Hacienda San Roman ..............214....E-15 Jackson Heights ......................201 ...G-10 James Court ............................210 ...G-10 Las Villas..................................225 ...D-7 ta Rd Minneso Los Lagos Golf Club.................202...H-13 Lumen at Los Lagos Golf Club ..........203 ...G-13 d Earling R Madison Park...........................222 ...H-10 Monte Cristo Golf Club ............219....B-13 d ...E-14 Rio Vega Ranches ...................204 Eldora R Russell Park .............................205...D-11 Santa Cruz at La Sienna ...............224 ...B-12 Sonador Trails..........................223 ...D-12 Sugar Oaks ..............................206...H-10 Summerfield Manor.................207 ...I-11 495 Summerset Estates .................208 ...J-11
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NEW HOME COMMUNITIES
new home
communities
CITY COLOR CODE McAllen Edinburg
Alton
Weslaco
HOW TO USE THIS COMPREHENSIVE NEW HOME COMMUNITIES GUIDE MAP LISTING NUMBER
This number identifies the community on the locater maps.
PRICES & PROPERTIES FOR SALE
Prices or price ranges are shown for lots, homes, or a combination of both. Prices subject to change without notice. Call advertiser for more information.
CITY COLOR CODE
Cities are coded by color. Each color represents a different city.
QUICK LOCATER MAP
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SCHOOL INFORMATION
Find Independent School District telephone numbers and names of related schools.
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VIEW OUR DIGITAL MAGAZINE www.issuu.com/NewHomesSouthTX
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RGVNewHomesGuide.com | Nov / Dec 2020 | Vol. 28.5 | For advertising call (956) 778-3590
NEW HOME COMMUNITIES
VENDOME (PHASES I & II)
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Lot Prices from $42,500
Chapin Rd
69C
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The Montecito, Red Rock Development’s latest new home community, is now available for lot sales in North Edinburg off Monte Cristo Road. This private gated community features affordable lots in Block 1 from the $40’s with homes from 1,500 sq. ft. A Homeowners Association and architectural controls ensure that the beauty of the neighborhood is maintained. Located minutes from UT-RGV with easy access to Expressway 281 (I-69). Edinburg Schools and all city utilities apply.
EDINBURG N
Monte Cristo
ISD: Edinburg - (956) 289-2300 | Elem: Truman | Mid: B.L. Garza | High School: Edinburg North
CAMINO REAL VIEJO ROAD 28
281
Call or text: Manuel Cantu (956) 821-8180 | riocantu@yahoo.com
Lot Prices: Block 1 from the $40’s
902
A gated neighborhood just minutes from UT-RGV. This newly developed community offers residential lots in a privately gated community in quiet North Edinburg. It is located minutes from the University of Texas RGV, shopping, dining, and entertainment, with quick access to Expressway I-69. Lots are available from $48,000. Architectural restrictions and a Homeowners Association will ensure the beauty of the neighborhood and the value of your property. A minimum of 1,500 square feet of living area is required. Download our lots sheet and choose your favorite lot today.
EDINBURG
THE MONTECITO
BLOCK 1 1
53 52 51 50 49 48
THE HILLS at Chapin
ISD: Edinburg - (956) 289-2300 | Elem: Lincoln | Mid: B.L. Garza | High School: Edinburg North
215 6
Contact: (956) 313-8113 | (956) 316-0777 | vendomehomes.com | christina@vendomehomes.com
Call or text: Manuel Cantu (956) 821-8180 | riocantu@yahoo.com
Lot Prices from the $48’s
BLOCK 3
FM 107
ISD: Edinburg - (956) 289-2300 | Elem: Anne Magee | Mid: Elias Longoria | High School: Vela | Charter: IDEA
ONLY A FEW LOTS LEFT!
1
El Pacifico Ave
Now Open for PRE-SALE
Lot Prices from $46,900
212
N
PHASE II
122
120 RSVD VD RS VD RS VD RS VD RS VD RS VD 118 RS 89 RS 90 91 92 93 94 117 119 VD
5LD SO 4LD SO3LD SO2LD SO1LD SO
Phase I Phase II
VD 124 RS
121
VENDOME DR. SO6LD
VD 131 RS
152 VD RS 151 RSVD
Monte Cristo Rd
Sugar Rd.
15LD SO
69
Gated community. Call to reserve your lot today. Take advantage of discounted pre-construction prices on lots in Vendome, a planned gated community on North Ware Road in McAllen. Vendome is located within walking distance to IDEA Academy and to Texas A&M University and is minutes from the University of Texas RGV. This privately gated and fenced neighborhood features a walking park and high-speed internet. Pre-construction pricing starts at $46,900. PHASE II now open for sales!
(Bus. 281) Closner Rd
51
132
VD 153 RS
McColl Rd.
50LD SO
LD 46 SO
VD 141 RS
9
MIRA VISTA Weslaco’s latest new home community is now open for lot sales and features 56 homesites in a variety of lot sizes—from 6,000 sq. ft. to over 12,000 sq. ft. Enjoy a quiet countryside area of town, near schools, medical offices and hospital, and a short, straight drive to the Progreso International Bridge. Home requirements include a minimum of 1,200 sq. ft. (living) and brick or stucco exteriors with a 30-year warranty on composition shingles in selected colors. A $1,000 non-refundable deposit will hold your lot until you are ready to build. Reserve yours now!
WESLACO Bus. 83 S International Blvd.
LD 47 SO
29LD SO
VD 106 RS
SAINT PATRICIO DR.
28LD SO
16LD SO
VD 105 RS
R.
17LD SO
VD 78 RS
T RO CH D
VD 70 RS
SAIN
49LD SO
N. 36th St.
LD 48 SO
N. 37th St.
LD 27 SO
29th St
133
SAINT HONORE DR. 18LD SO
MCALLEN
38th St
71 72 73 74 75 76 77 140 139 138 137 136 135 134 RSVD
LD SO LD SO LD SO LD SO LD 19LD SO 20 21LD SO 22LD SO 23 24 25 26 SO
Ware Rd
107
83
Camino Real Viejo Rd.
N
10 BLOCK 3
Call or text: Manuel Cantu (956) 821-8180 | riocantu@yahoo.com
ISD: Weslaco - (956) 969-6500 | Elem: Margo | Mid: Cuera | High School: Weslaco East
For advertising call (956) 778-3590 | Vol. 28.5 | Nov / Dec 2020 | www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com
57
ATTENTION DEVELOPERS! Sell your lots 24/7 without making sales calls. Collect serious leads to potential buyers with a community ad for as little as $525* for 2 months. • MVEC communities receive a $75 rebate • No long-term contracts (2 month contracts only) • Available only for New Home Communities • Drone videos available for your website or social media *ONE-TIME ART FEE OF $195 APPLIES
Chec kout our media kit at:
rgvNewHomesGuide.com
info@acrossmediamarketing.com
For Keeping Us Safe And Healthy DONATE COVID-19 PLASMA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has indicated that those who have fully recovered from COVID‑19 may be able to help patients currently fighting the disease by donating plasma. These individuals’ plasma contains antibodies that helped fight off the virus, and may be able to help others fight off the disease, as well. For more information on how you can help, please visit the FDA’s Donate COVID‑19 Plasma website:
www.fda.gov
A public service announcement courtesy of:
LARGEST SELECTION. BEST PRICES.
EDINBURG, TX
PALMVIEW, TX
DONNA, TX
3910 S. Jackson Rd.
1020 W. Palma Vista Dr.
931 West Expwy. 83
(956) 994-8550
(956) 581-1109
(956) 464-5152
VISIT OUR FULLY-STOCKED SHOWROOMS ESPAÑA TILE | LAMOSA CERAMIC TILE | CONCRETE | ROOF TILE | SALTILLO TILE | TRAVERTINE MARBLE | HARDWOOD FLOORS | GRANITE | LIMESTONE | CANTERA COLUMNS | CANTERA FOUNTAINS
www.MaterialesElValleInc.com | (956) 581-1109