RGV NEW HOMES GUIDE
Contents
DEC 2014/JAN 2015
PUBLISHER VIELMAssociates, Ltd.
VOLUME 23 ISSUE 1
Meet a builder you Meet can a custom builder you can trust with your trust with dreams. You too can have a home built that not your dreams... only fits your needs but also your budget. 04
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
WALDO HOMES
As a family-managed business, Waldo Homes’ owner Luis Jose Vielma Waldo makes it a point to be personally involved in every phase of the construction process to make sure quality
EDITOR standards areSENIOR maintained. His team of family members Barbara Zapffe maintains constant communication with homebuyers
Visit /OperationFinallyHomeRGV for photos and video of the “Notes of Love” throughout the construction process to guarantee satisfaction and a happy home-building event. You can also view photos and video of the “Surprise Announcement and Groundbreaking complete customer ADVERTISING MANAGER experience. Home shoppers are invited to visit with Luis SAVING YOU MONEY 08 Ceremony” that took place earlier in the month. If you would like to contribute to this heart- Waldo and his Jose R. Vielma staff for a free consultation to discuss their out how on utilities with Ken Sabe warming project and the work of OperationFind FINALLY HOMEtoinsave the money Rio Grande Valley, go to:the vision of a custom home. You’ll experience a feeling of Built to Save™ Program and energy efficient meeting a builder who very quickly understands your needs www.crowdrise.com/OFH-RioGrandeValley and can provide a variety of options to fit your needs and builders. CREATIVE DIRECTOR
04
budget.
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DE LA GARZA FAMILY
NOTES OF LOVE
An American hero and his family are showered with love and appreciation for their sacrifice in an Waldo Homes’ reputation for building superior quality homes Operation FINALLY HOME event that covered comes from years of construction experience resulting in a their future home with notes and expressions huge family of satisfied homebuyers who highly recommend of love. Waldo Homes to their relatives and friends.
LY.
Erika Sanchez
Jacob, his wife, Priscilla, and their two children, Jayden and Braelynn.
GRAPHICS / PHOTOGRAPHY Laura Soria
"At suc sup
INFORMATION SYSTEMS MGR. Chris Bailey
20 SIERRA TITLE TAMALADA At the center of Waldo Homes’
Founded by Luis Waldo, this
s,
family-owned company has quickly grown to become one of the finest custom builders in the Rio Grande Valley. The Waldo Homes team includes
n
Luis Waldo’s wife Teresa, their son Danny, and their daughter Karen
es
Waldo. In addition, only the area’s finest subcontractors that share the company’s vision and strict requirement
cal on
14
for superior quality materials and workmanship are hired.
s f en ty ome. ve make
04
right to refuse any advertising which we deem
you experience when you enter any of Waldo Homes was for honored to be recognized by their unsuitable our publication. Corpsman (Doc) was treating him, a Because of his commendable performance homes using the Built to Save™ the homes.” From unique exteriors with grenade landed near them. Despite hispeers during the recent 2014 RGVBA Parade of Homes by service, Sgt. De La Garza earned EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Program to build that are unusual designs and beautiful stone own injury, Sgt. Dehomes La Garza grabbed receiving an All award for their currentinmodel home inis the numerous awardswhich including is twodesigned real estate advertising this magazine the Corpsman and covered him with “Over $350’ssubject accents to impressive interiors with to the This Federal Fair Housing Act of furnished 1968 Category.” beautiful two-story Purple Hearts and the Navy and healthy, more comfortable, and money-saving. the Amendments Act ofRidge 1988 which makes his body to shield him from the blast. model homeand grand entrance foyers, custom-designed is located in the Pepper Estates Marine Commendation Medal with it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation “The Doc was the most valuable high ceilings, and natural stone accents Valor. He did three tours to Iraq of community in Texas, and available for viewing or Edinburg, discrimination based onisrace, color, religion, member of our squad aside from the throughout, one word fits all—eye-nine months each and one tour to sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, commanding officer and I felt it was or an intention to make any such preference, for two months until he catching. And your first impressionAfghanistan will my duty to protect him because we all limitation or discrimination.” This magazine will not was wounded. Sgt. De La Garza was definitely be WOW! knowingly accept any advertising for real estate depended on him,” said Sgt. De highly recommended as a candidate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are La Garza. for Operation FINALLY HOME by his hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in THE WALDO HOMES TEAM First Sergeant who served with him this magazine are available on an equal opportunity Sgt. De La Garza, a true American (Bottom - R to L) Luis & Teresa Waldo; basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD tollin Iraq and Afghanistan and singled hero and an inspiration to all, is free at 1-800-669-9777 or contact HUD’s regional Karen Waldo; Raul Aguirre. him out for “his exemplary character, now certified through the Amputee office in Ft. Worth, Texas at (817) 885-5521. The (Top) Allison Cavazos, and Danny Waldo. good conduct, leadership, selfless Coalition to help other amputees telephone number for the hearing impaired is service, and inspiration to many 1-800-927-9275. cope with the loss of limbs. His own wounded warriors with his ‘never give recovery has been enhanced by a The Rio Grande Valley New Homes Guide up’ attitude.” He also praised Priscilla, positive attitude and the motivation to is published bimonthly by: Sgt. De La Garza’s wife, for standing by make the most of life for himself and her husband’s side during his long and his family. He is truly deserving of a VIELMAssociates, LTD. 1601 N. 8th St. • McAllen, Tx 78501 difficult recovery. mortgage-free home from all of us.
tamales are here today & gone tamale!
2004
“
20
28 2005
13 2
Volume 23.1 2014/2015
THE homes RIO GRANDEfrom VALLEYthe AREA NEW HOMES “We build $150' to the $800' , and all have a ‘Wow’ factor that you experience when you enter any of the homes.”
28
“ good
e
Sierra Title celebrates its 35th year of hosting
success is their ability to provide superior GUIDE (NHG) is a bimonthly publication of annual Tamalada to show appreciation for In 2011, Corps Sergeant Jacob De craftsmanship with a talent for addingan s VIELMAssociates, LTD. s and is provided to its La Garza, a Rifleman in the Marines, readers free of charge. Unless otherwise noted, all elegant and luxurious details that give the continued support of their customers. It’s a was stationed in Sangin, Afghanistan, photography, artwork, and editorial content printed homebuyers a home they can be proud in NHG are copyrighted material and may not be now spans generations. on tradition his fourth andthat final deployment. The award of the Navy and Marine of. “We believe elegance and luxury have duplicated or reprinted without express written On May 21st, 2011, while on patrol, Commendation Medal with Valor to permission. NHG and VIELMAssociates, LTD. are to do with an eye for what materials Sgt. De La Garza was struck by an not responsible for typographical or production Sgt. De La Garza is a testament to work well together to create exciting improvisedFEATURED explosive device. TheBUILT blast errors, or for the accuracy of information SAVE™ BUILDER More importantly, you’ll leave feeling a senseprovided of trust hisTO character. It was awarded to him spaces that impress,“ says Luis Waldo. by the advertisers. Opinions expressed by writers resulted in a left leg below-the-knee for a courageous act at the time of and confidence that you’ve found Waldo—and taken the and contributors do not necessarily represent Meet WestWind Homes, a builder in the Rio “We build homes from the $150’s to the amputation and ended his military his injury. After Sgt. De La Garza was first step to constructing dream—a new customthe home. the opinions ofyour the publisher. NHG reserves service of over eight years.that is committed $800’s+, and all have a ‘Wow’ factor that Grande Valley to IED building wounded by the and while high the
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
(956) 971-9700
FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION: (956) 971-9700 • www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
from 1pm
can build
www.wa
To vie
www.rgvn
Meet a builder you can trust with your dreams...
Waldo Homes’ reputation for building superior quality homes comes from years of construction experience resulting in a huge family of satisfied homebuyers who highly recommend Waldo Homes to their relatives and friends.
Founded by Luis Waldo, this
At the center of Waldo Homes’
family-owned company has quickly
success is their ability to provide superior
grown to become one of the finest
craftsmanship with a talent for adding
custom builders in the Rio Grande
elegant and luxurious details that give
Valley. The Waldo Homes team includes
homebuyers a home they can be proud
Luis Waldo’s wife Teresa, their son
of. “We believe elegance and luxury have
Danny, and their daughter Karen
to do with an eye for what materials
Waldo. In addition, only the area’s
work well together to create exciting
finest subcontractors that share the
spaces that impress,“ says Luis Waldo.
company’s vision and strict requirement
“We build homes from the $150’s to the
for superior quality materials and
$800’s+, and all have a ‘Wow’ factor that
workmanship are hired.
you experience when you enter any of the homes.” From unique exteriors with unusual designs and beautiful stone accents to impressive interiors with grand entrance foyers, custom-designed high ceilings, and natural stone accents throughout, one word fits all—eyecatching. And your first impression will definitely be WOW!
THE WALDO HOMES TEAM (Bottom - R to L) Luis & Teresa Waldo; Karen Waldo; Raul Aguirre. (Top) Allison Cavazos, and Danny Waldo.
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Volume 23.1 2014/2015
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
(956) 971-9700
As a family-managed business, Waldo Homes’ owner Luis Waldo makes it a point to be personally involved in every phase of the construction process to make sure quality standards are maintained. His team of family members maintains constant communication with homebuyers throughout the construction process to guarantee complete customer satisfaction and a happy home-building experience. Home shoppers are invited to visit with Luis Waldo and his staff for a free consultation to discuss their vision of a custom home. You’ll experience a feeling of meeting a builder who very quickly understands your needs and can provide a variety of options to fit your needs and budget.
"At the center of Waldo Homes’ success is their ability to provide superior craftsmanship..."
“We build homes from the $150's to the $800's, and all have a ‘Wow’ factor that you experience when you enter any of the homes.” More importantly, you’ll leave feeling a sense of trust and confidence that you’ve found Waldo—and taken the first step to constructing your dream—a new custom home. Waldo Homes was honored to be recognized by their peers during the recent 2014 RGVBA Parade of Homes by receiving an award for their current model home in the “Over $350’s Category.” This beautiful two-story furnished model home is located in the Pepper Ridge Estates
from 1pm to 7pm daily or by appointment. Waldo Homes
community in Edinburg, Texas, and is available for viewing
can build anywhere in the Valley, on your lot or theirs. Visit www.waldohomesrgv.com for more information.
To view more Waldo Homes photos & video, visit:
www.rgvnewhomesguide.wordpress.com/waldohomes
A Home That’s Built To Save™ Will Do Exactly That.
U
ntil recent years, it was virtually impossible to predict how energy efficient your newly built home would be until you moved in and began seeing your utility bills. Often, it would be bad news and would continue to be bad news for the length of time you owned your home. But today, we have the ability to predict a home’s energy efficiency even before it is built, thanks to advances in building science which include a focus on analyzing building materials, technology, mechanical systems, and other areas that impact a home’s “envelope.” As a homebuyer, you no longer have to “cross your fingers” and hope you purchased an energy efficient home. With a Built To Save™ highperformance certified home, you know how energy efficient your new home will be—even before it’s built. Here’s what you need to know about the Built To Save™ Program.
BUILT TO SAVE™ High Performance Certification Built To Save™ (BTS) is a Program that awards “high-performance” certifications to new homes built to energy-saving standards that are above code. The homes are inspected and tested by an independent third-party HERS Rater and guaranteed to have met the Program’s qualifying criteria which has been designed to help build homes that are more energy efficient with tighter construction, properly-sized HVAC systems, and much more. In order to qualify for the BTS certification, a home must earn a HERS score of 76 or less. Additionally, an extensive checklist of items is required in areas pertaining to the home’s construction, such as walls, ceilings, floors, insulation, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. The requirements of Continued on pg. 10
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Volume 23.1 2014/2015
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
(956) 971-9700
Continued from pg. 8
the Built To Save™ certification focus on building a home with a construction process that will control air into and out of the home to provide for substantial savings in energy, consistent temperatures throughout the rooms, and improved indoor air quality. The HERS rater and the builder work together to make sure that all of the checklist requirements of the BTS program are fulfilled. Buyers will receive a Built To Save Certificate stating the home’s energy efficient HERS score, and this document may be useful in increasing the resale value of the home down the road.
HERS SCORE The key to knowing the energy efficiency of a home is in knowing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score. To find the appropriate score for your home, a RESNET certified HERS rater performs two tests on your home using special equipment after the home has been built. First, a Blower Door Test is performed which will measure the leakiness of the home’s envelope—how much air comes in and goes out through the home’s roof, windows, doors, etc. The second test performed is called a Duct Blaster Test and is designed to measure leaks in the ductwork of the HVAC system. The information is then entered into special software that calculates the home’s HERS score, a good indicator of how the home will perform with energy efficiency. Similar software is used before the home is built using only information from the blueprints to get a projected HERS score. The advantage here is that the builder can make adjustments before construction to ensure the home will meet the targeted HERS score after completion.
Built To Save™ Builder Allies Builders who are certifying their homes for energy efficiency through such programs as Built To Save™ or ENERGY STAR® should be commended for their commitment to building a better home than is required by current codes. These differentiated builders are leaders in the conservation of energy and make an extra effort and investment in building homes that will provide lasting savings and benefits long after they hand over the keys to homeowners. Lastly, if you want a guarantee that your new home will be energy efficient, don’t just take someone’s word—turn to a builder who is guaranteed by a third-party to build high-performance homes. Look for the Built To Save™ or ENERGY STAR® brands and buy a BRAND new home you can enjoy!
*
FIND A
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
www.BuiltToSave.org
HOME BUILDER
Need even more information on the Built to Save™ Program? Whether you are a home buyer, home builder, or supplier, visit the Built to Save™ website for everything you need to know about the program.
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Volume 23.1 2014/2015
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
(956) 971-9700
Buyers will receive a Built To Save Certificate stating the home’s energy efficient HERS score, and this document may useful in increasing the resale value of the home down the road.
OPERATION FINALLY HOME RGV CONTINUES WITH CONSTRUCTION OF THE MORTGAGE-FREE HOME FOR MARINE SGT. JACOB DE LA GARZA AND HIS FAMILY.
A
s a tradition, the national organization Operation FINALLY HOME hosts an event called “Notes of Love� when the framing stage of the home for its veterans has been completed. This new milestone was reached on Wednesday morning, Oct 28, 2014, in the construction of a mortgage-free home in the Rio Grande Valley for Sgt. Jacob De La Garza, an American hero wounded in Afghanistan. Project sponsors, contributors, friends, and family gathered that morning at the job site of the De La Garza home, and with permanent markers wrote expressions of love and best wishes for Jacob and his family on the studs and walls of the home. Hundreds of heart-shaped notes from local school children were delivered to the home and stapled to the walls. The Notes of Love event was a way for people to share their thoughts, best
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Volume 23.1 2014/2015
wishes, and other expressions of love for Jacob and his family. The idea is to cover the home with expressions of love and thanks before the walls are sealed so that Sgt. De La Garza and his family will always know that they are surrounded by love and appreciation for their service and great sacrifice. For those that could not attend, a virtual wall was available online serving a similar purpose. Later that afternoon, Jacob, his wife, Priscilla, and their two children, Jayden and Braelynn, arrived to view the home decorated with hundreds of loving expressions. A generous donation from H-E-B Food Stores was the initial inspiration for the De La Garza Operation Finally Home project in Edinburg, Texas. As the Title Sponsor, H-E-B has also stepped up to organize some of the milestone events in this project, including the Surprise Announcement and Groundbreaking Ceremony as well as the Notes of Love.
Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., a non-profit organization with a long history of building affordable homes in the Rio Grande Valley, volunteered to be the lead builder on this first home for Operation Finally Home in the Valley. Westwind Homes RGV, Solida USA, and Inter National Bank in McAllen, Texas, donated the lot for the De La Garza home. The local Rio Grande Valley Builders Association (RGVBA) with the generous support of its Builder and Associate members has been the cornerstone of many of the valuable donations that have been given by the local building community to help construct the De La Garza home. To date, over 50 local businesses have contributed materials and labor to make this home a reality. The home is expected to be completed in a few weeks, and the Dedication Event is scheduled for the end of January 2015.
Visit /OperationFinallyHomeRGV for photos and video of the “Notes of Love” event. You can also view photos and video of the “Surprise Announcement and Groundbreaking Ceremony” that took place earlier in the month. If you would like to contribute to this heartwarming project and the work of Operation FINALLY HOME in the Rio Grande Valley, go to:
www.crowdrise.com/OFH-RioGrandeValley
DE LA GARZA FAMILY Jacob, his wife, Priscilla, and their two children, Jayden and Braelynn.
In 2011, Corps Sergeant Jacob De La Garza, a Rifleman in the Marines, was stationed in Sangin, Afghanistan, on his fourth and final deployment. On May 21st, 2011, while on patrol, Sgt. De La Garza was struck by an improvised explosive device. The blast resulted in a left leg below-the-knee amputation and ended his military service of over eight years. Because of his commendable service, Sgt. De La Garza earned numerous awards including two Purple Hearts and the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with Valor. He did three tours to Iraq of nine months each and one tour to Afghanistan for two months until he was wounded. Sgt. De La Garza was highly recommended as a candidate for Operation FINALLY HOME by his First Sergeant who served with him in Iraq and Afghanistan and singled him out for “his exemplary character, good conduct, leadership, selfless service, and inspiration to many wounded warriors with his ‘never give up’ attitude.” He also praised Priscilla, Sgt. De La Garza’s wife, for standing by her husband’s side during his long and difficult recovery.
The award of the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with Valor to Sgt. De La Garza is a testament to his character. It was awarded to him for a courageous act at the time of his injury. After Sgt. De La Garza was wounded by the IED and while the Corpsman (Doc) was treating him, a grenade landed near them. Despite his own injury, Sgt. De La Garza grabbed the Corpsman and covered him with his body to shield him from the blast. “The Doc was the most valuable member of our squad aside from the commanding officer and I felt it was my duty to protect him because we all depended on him,” said Sgt. De La Garza. Sgt. De La Garza, a true American hero and an inspiration to all, is now certified through the Amputee Coalition to help other amputees cope with the loss of limbs. His own recovery has been enhanced by a positive attitude and the motivation to make the most of life for himself and his family. He is truly deserving of a mortgage-free home from all of us.
Volume 23.1 2014/2015
15
The Rio Grande Valley Building Community Supports
Operation FINALLY HOME
ABC SUPPLY CO., INC., completing the work quickly to ready the home for the Notes of Love Event. They also installed the windows of the home. (L-R Front) Cesar Hernandez; Gabriel Zamudio; (L-R Back) Rigoberto Vasquez; Jaime Barbosa; Carlos Barbosa; Juan Hernandez; Joel Gonzales; Miguel Lara.
wholesale distributor of roofing and siding materials, tools, and supplies based in McAllen, donated much needed roofing materials and supplies. (L-R): Jaime Rubio (Managing Partner/ABC Supply Co., Inc.) and Fred Munguia (AHSTI).
CANALI HOME COUTURE
CARROLL’S INSPECTION SERVICES
BARBOSA FRAMING contributed to the framing of the house,
Luis Hess, owner of HESS AIR, INC, made a 100% donation
Alejandra Canales, Interior Decorator and Window Fashion Certified Professional Expert, donated her services to the De La Garza family to help them coordinate the interior paint colors and finishes of their home. As owner of Canali Home Couture, Alejandra also agreed to donate custom-designed curtains for the De La Garza home. (L to R) Alejandra Canales, Priscilla and Jacob De La Garza.
of all heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning materials and installation for the De La Garza project. The home will be certified as an ENERGY STAR® home, so Mr. Hess went to the extra effort of becoming ACCA certified in order to qualify the home for the ENERGY STAR® Program. (L- R:) Jose Manuel De Leon, Javier Baron, Joaquin Ruiz, Juan Martinez.
Manuel and Lisa Chapa, owners of
RICARDO APARICIO DRYWALL INSTALLERS
GENERAL GARAGE DOOR SERVICE, INC.,
donated the full-size garage door for the De La Garza Home. The stylish and durable overhead door is fully insulated, offering exceptional strength, noise reduction, security, and energy efficiency. Lisa Chapa is shown above (center) surrounded by Jacob and Priscilla De La Garza in front of the installed garage door. 16
Volume 23.1 2014/2015
Ricardo Aparicio donated a portion of the labor required to install drywall to the framework of the home and ceilings. His crew also prepared the panels for painting by taping and finishing the joints, and smoothing out imperfections. (L to R) Jesus Tijerina; Cesar Lucio; Juan Jimenez; Luis Lucio.
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
(956) 971-9700
Chris Carroll, a RESNET certified HERS rater, donated his home energy rating service to certify the home as an ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE™ home. His service includes a preliminary thermal inspection after insulation is installed and a final inspection upon completion of the home with an array of tests including HVAC, duct leakage tests, and pressure testing to insure that the home complies with the strict energy efficiency standards and HERS rating of a high performance home.
HOW YOU CAN HELP. You can donate as little as $1.00 to help us build a home in the Rio Grande Valley for a wounded veteran. Go to www.crowdrise.com/ OFH-RioGrandeValley. If you are a professional in the construction industry and would like to donate materials, products, or labor to our projects in the RGV, please contact Jose R. Vielma, OFH/RGV Co-Chair, at (956) 971-9700 or email jose@vielma-associates.com
for more information.
FAIRWAY INDEPENDENT MORTGAGE, RIO GRANDE VALLEY, has donated $10,000 to furnish the
home for the De La Garza family. Nationally, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been helping wounded veterans receive mortgage-free homes by partnering with the Boot Campaign, another non-profit group addressing the needs of veterans. (L to R) Staff of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation Harlingen and Edinburg office: Ellie Ahumada; Ana Cabrales; Cindy Garza, Co-Branch Manager; Jacinto Oviedo; Minerva Simpson, Co-Branch Manager; Kristyne Simpson; Paty Cabrales.
SOUTHERN STONE, the largest natural stone supplier south of
San Antonio, donated natural ivory-colored limestone that accents the front elevation and complements the color of the home’s brick. The company’s owners, John and Sylvia Webber, are proud to support Operation FINALLY HOME. (L to R): Isabel Contreras, Melissa Martinez, Francesca Zamora, Nicolas Luna, Jose Perez (JP), Joe Cuellar, Jose Ariola, Mardonio Cuellar, Gabriel Alvarez, Ruben Cedillo, Roberto Garza, Gilberto Perez.
Jack Pollock, President of
FRONTERA HOMES,
agreed to buy and donate the whole-house security system for the De La Garza home. The gift of the home’s security system is very much appreciated by the De La Garza family for the tremendous peace of mind it will provide. Shown in the center is Jack Pollock surrounded by the De La Garza family.
JAIME’S ELECTRIC was the full-service electrical contractor for the De La Garza project, providing all the electrical components both inside and outside the home. (L to R) Victor Castellano and Miguel Villarreal.
VALLEY ENERGY SPECIALIST generously
donated the labor for the insulation of the De La Garza home and the blown-in insulation for the attic. The company’s founders, Robert Salinas, Jr. and his son Rob Salinas, were proud to help Operation FINALLY HOME build a comfortable and energy efficient home that will save Jacob and Priscilla money on their utility bills.
MENDOSA ENGINEERING
George Mendoza, P.E., donated his structural engineering services for the De La Garza home. His specialty in engineering is focused on the structural design of the home to ensure a strong, safe, and secure building that will withstand powerful winds and comply with all applicable code requirements.
HANSON BRICK, a division of Hanson Building Products North America, the country’s largest brick manufacturer, donated the brick for the De La Garza home. A beautiful Catawba brick was selected and delivered to the job site from the company’s McAllen location. (L to R) Walter Ince, Site Manager; Joanna Vargas, Sales Associate; Jose Lopez, Yard Supervisor.
MCALLEN VALLEY ROOFING CO. attended the Town Hall meeting early in the planning of the OFH project and quickly volunteered to donate their labor to help put a roof on the De La Garza home. (L-R) Brian McSteen, Owner; Pat Roth, VP of Sales and Operations; Ali Hernandez, Assistant Office Manager; Tony Coronado, Production Manager; Carlos Melo; Doroteo Morales; Jesus Morales; Humberto Morales.
Mario Betancourt of MAR-BET
As a member of the OFH Build Team, PROBUILD has contributed in a variety of areas for the construction of the home, using materials from its many discounted his services to Operation manufacturers and vendors. In the photo on the left, ProBuild is delivering roof FINALLY HOME. He is shown here shingles provided by IKO and BlueLinx (L-R) Gilbert Garcia and Gabriel Alvarez. (right) showing the De La Garza children, In the photo on the right, ProBuild driver, Sam Ysasi is shown delivering lumber Jayden and Braelynn, their room designs to the job site. while Jacob and Priscilla look on.
DRAFTING AND DESIGN
Fb.com/OperationFinallyHomeRGV
MORGAN’S MASONRY. Robert Morgan, a master bricklayer for over 35 years, helped by contributing a large portion of the labor for this 1,800 square foot home. His team of skilled bricklayers completed the home’s exterior using almost 7,000 bricks in addition to the natural stone accents. (L to R) Seferino Ybarra; Juan Garcia; Jose Padilla; Alfredo Garcia; Robert Morgan.
THEY WERE OUR BOOTS ON THE GROUND IN IRAQ, IRAN, AFGHANISTAN, AND OTHER RECENT DEPLOYMENTS. Now, they are our U.S. Veterans— men and women who risked their lives for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. Many are back home wounded, disabled, and needing help. IT’S NOW TIME FOR US TO BE THEIR BOOTS ON THE GROUND HERE AT HOME. PLEASE DONATE THROUGH OPERATION FINALLY HOME. (956) 971-9700
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
Volume 23.1 2014/2015
17
Wounded American Hero
Rio Grande Valley Builders Association Hosts
Inspires All By Example
“Meet The Veteran and His Family” Event
Center: Priscilla and Jacob De La Garza surrounded by the RGVBA Board of Directors (LtoR): Rafael Munguia; Eddie Garza; Marcy Alamia; Sandra Brown and Abraham Quiroga
A
t their November meeting, the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association invited the contractors and donors who have contributed money, materials, and labor for the construction of Operation FINALLY HOME’s first mortgage-free home for a wounded veteran in the Valley. Also invited to meet the people who have been working to construct their home was the veteran—Marine Sergeant Jacob De La Garza and his family: Jacob’s wife Priscilla, his mother Anita, and brother Javier with wife Olga. Major sponsors of the De La Garza project include H-E-B Food Stores (Title Sponsor); Affordable Homes of South Texas (Builder); Solida USA, Inter National Bank, and Westwind Homes (Lot Sponsors); Valley Land Title; and the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association. Over 50 businesses have contributed to the construction of this home, which is scheduled to be completed and dedicated in the last week of January, 2015.
M
H-E-B FIESTA MARATHON RELAY TEAM (LtoR): Rick Balli; José Vielma; Olga De La Garza; Sgt. Jacob De La Garza (with Priscilla); Linda Tovar
arine Sgt. Jacob De La Garza, the recipient of Operation FINALLY HOME’s first mortgage-free home in the Rio Grande Valley, competed in the Fiesta Marathon Relay recently in Edinburg, Texas. Jacob ran the last leg of a 26.2-mile course as part of a 5-person relay team sponsored by H-E-B Food Stores.
Marine Sgt. Jacob De La Garza was wounded by an IED in Sangin, Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of his left leg below the knee. Jacob’s determination to improvise, adapt, and overcome shows a warrior spirit that inspires all by example. Congratulations, Jacob, on your Marathon Relay success! And we are asking all of you who read this to please visit www.crowdrise.com/OFH-RioGrandevalley and donate $26.20 to Operation FINALLY HOME in honor of Jacob’s Marathon Relay event. Your donation will help Operation FINALLY HOME build more homes for worthy veterans and their families. For the complete story on the home being built for Sgt. Jacob De La Garza and his family, go to Facebook.com/OperationFinallyHomeRGV. To donate materials, supplies, or labor, contact Jose R. Vielma at (956) 778-3590 or email jose@vielma-associates.com
For the complete story on the home being built for Sgt. Jacob De La Garza and his family, go to Facebook.com/OperationFinallyHomeRGV. To donate materials, supplies, or labor, contact Jose R. Vielma at (956) 778-3590 or email jose@vielma-associates.com
To view video from the race, visit: www.youtube.com/AcrossMediaMarketing
(956) 971-9700
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
Volume 23.1 2014/2015
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Hosts 35th Annual Tamalada Spreading happiness and friendship with delicious HOT tamales for over 35 years! The photos on this page are a salute to Sierra Title Company’s 35th Annual Tamalada.
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tamales are here today & gone tamale!
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Sierra Title and its predecessor company have been helping Valley residents for more than 80 years, and this event, the Annual Tamalada, has become well known in the community. The Tamalada heralds the beginning of the holiday season and gives the Sierra Title family an opportunity to show customers and friends the company’s appreciation for their continued support. It is attended by 1,000 or so people who gather under a large circus-style tent in the parking lot of the company’s office in McAllen.
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2014 This year, the weather was unusually cold, with heaters having to be installed under the tent, a sight not very common in the last 35 years. The weather, however, just made the tamales taste that much better, and the chill was bearable thanks to the blessings of many warm friendships, as well as line dancing to great music.
2005
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CARPET • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • TILE • STONE • GLASS TILE • VINYL COUNTERTOPS • FAUX BEAMS • SINKS • BACKSPLASHES • CABINETS
Thank You Rio Grande Valley FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR!
Happy Holidays
Go to JDKrane.com to visit our online showroom 956-283-7740 912 W Ferguson Ave. Pharr • TX 78577 JDKrane.com
Excellence is Our Everyday Standard Monday - Friday 8-6 Saturday 10-4 Sunday: By appointment
BUILDER
Industry News
2014 SAN JACINTO TITLE Customer Appreciation Night
Title Services
S
an Jacinto Title Services – Rio Grande Valley hosted their annual Customer Appreciation Night on Wednesday, November 19, at their North 10th Street location in McAllen, Texas. Customers and associates of San Jacinto Title Services were invited to this event so that the company could show appreciation for their continued support throughout the past year. San Jacinto Title Services currently services 14 counties with three Rio Grande Valley locations (McAllen, Harlingen, and Brownsville). The evening’s highlights included delicious hors d’oeuvres and refreshing drinks, including Margaritas made by the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Texas State Chapter winners: “Coldwell Banker La Mansion” (First Place) and “Gold Financial” (People’s Choice). “Like” RGV New Homes Guide on Facebook to view more photos from the event.
BUILDER
Industry News
2014 CODE COMPLIANCE Meeting
A
code compliance meeting was held on November 20, 2014, at the Chamber of Commerce in McAllen, Texas, to discuss the 2009, 2012, and upcoming 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) requirements related to energy efficiency. The meeting was hosted by Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, Built to Save™ Program for New Homes, AEP Texas® High Performance Homes, and the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association’s GreenBuilt RGV Program. City of McAllen building officials Luis Vasquez and Robert Gomez spoke to a large group of local builders about code requirements for new construction. A powerpoint program was presented by Garrett Dorsey, AEP Texas® High Performance Homes Program, covering various aspects of the International Residential Code as they apply to energy efficiency and the construction of new homes. Some major changes to the IRC include a mandatory whole-house pressure test and thermal envelope checklist with a more stringent duct leakage test and a whole-house ventilation system. Homes with the ENERGY STAR®, Built to Save™, and GREENBUILT RGV certifications are third-party assurances from RESNET® certified Home Energy Raters to homebuyers that the home is a high-performance home guaranteed to exceed code requirements. The good news for homebuyers is that homes with the above certifications mean their homes will be more comfortable, more durable, and healthier to live in; in addition, these homes will provide more energy savings each and every month. “Like” Built to Save on Facebook to view more photos from the event.
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