RGV New Homes Guide Vol. 23 No. 5 (August 2015 - September 2015) by New Homes South Texas

RGV NEW HOMES GUIDE

Contents

AUG/SEPT 2015

PUBLISHER Across Media Marketing, LLC

VOLUME 23 ISSUE 5

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jose Vielma

w homebuyer 411

EIGHT OVERLOOKED EXPENSES Smart home shoppers are very aware that the cost of buying a home is not just the sticker price of the home. Read about the total cost.

SENIOR EDITOR Barbara Zapffe

08 NEW TEXAS ENERGY CODES

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erika Sanchez

ADVERTISING MANAGER Jose R. Vielma Ken Sabe

The Texas Legislature has passed new building code regulations that go into effect on September 1, 2016. HB 1736 will improve the energy efficiency of new homes in Texas.

House Bill 1736 How will This New Texas Law

BUILT TO SAVE®

High Performance SUPPLY Certification MIXER 13 MATT’S BUILDING Built To family-owned Save® (BTS) is a Program that awards One of the Valley’s oldest “high-performance” certifications to new homes built to energy-saving standards that are above building materials companies held a Customer code. The homes are inspected and tested by an independent third-party HERS Rater and guaranteed Appreciation and Business Mixer at its to have met the Program’s qualifying criteria which has been designed to help build homes that are newest location in Palmview. Guests enjoyed more energy efficient with tighter construction, properly-sized HVAC systems, and much more. refreshements and plenty of prizes.

Affect You?

Law Effective

September 1, 2016

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 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.

25 ENERGY STAR REVISION 8

GRAPHICS / PHOTOGRAPHY Laura Soria INFORMATION SYSTEMS MGR. Chris Bailey

Let’s be friends! /rgvnewhomesguide /rgvnhg /rgvnewhomes

Duct Blaster Test

SEEHOMES INSIDE THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AREA NEW GUIDE (NHG) is a bimonthly publication Across BACKofCOVER Media Marketing, LLC. and is provided to its FOR LIST OF readers free of charge. Unless otherwise all HERSnoted, RATERS photography, artwork, and editorial content printed in NHG are copyrighted material and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written INDEX permission. NHG and Across Media Marketing, LLC. are not responsible for typographical The Residential Energy or production errors, or for the accuracy ofServices Network (RESNET) information provided by the advertisers. Opinions is a non-profit organization Score expressed by writers and contributors do not recognized in the United States as apublisher. national standards-making The key to knowing the energy efficiency of a home is in necessarily represent the opinions of the authority for building energy knowing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score. NHG reserves theDoor right Blower Testto refuse any advertising efficiency ratings and certifications To find the appropriate score for your home, a RESNET certified which we deem unsuitable for our publication. for home energy raters. RESNET is HERS rater performs two tests on your home using special credited with developing the Home equipment after the home has been built. First, a Blower EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITYEnergy Rating System (HERS) Index, Door Test is performed which will measure the leakiness of All real estate advertising in this magazine is the industry’s standard which has become the home’s envelope—how much air comes in and goes out subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. through the home’s roof, windows, doors, etc. The second A home builtmakes to building code minimum test performed is called a Duct Blaster Test and is designed and the Amendments Act of 1988 which standards will receive a HERS score of 100. to measure leaks in the ductwork of the HVAC system. The it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation Homes thatreligion, are less energy efficient than a information is then entered into special software that calculates or discrimination based on race, color, home built to code will score higher and those the home’s HERS score, a good indicator of how the home will sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, built to more energy efficient standards than perform with energy efficiency. Similar software is used before or an intention to make any such preference, code will score less. Unlike the gas mileage the home is built using only information from the blueprints limitation or discrimination.” This magazine not number means efficiency scale wherewill a higher to get a projected HERS score. The advantage here is that the knowingly accept any advertising forefficiency, real estate better fuel in the HERS score index, builder can make adjustments before construction to ensure lower number means the home will meet the targeted HERS score after completion. which is in violation ofthe the law.theOur readers arethe better the energy of theadvertised home. The in HERS score ends at “0” hereby informed that efficiency all dwellings (a home with this score means the home uses no TEXAS MANDATORy HERS SCORES this magazine are available on an equal opportunity electricity—meaning the home is producing its basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD tollown energy through solar, wind, or other free at 1-800-669-9777 or contact HUD’s regional sustainable technology). . office in Ft. Worth, Texas at (817) 885-5521. The telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced a revision to its ENERGY STAR Program effective immediately but mandatory for homes applying for permits after after July 1, 2016.

HERS

T 08

26 FURNISHED MODEL HOMES

Essentially, all new homes will require that blower door and duct aster tests be performed after construction to insure that the andated requirements for energy efficiency are met. Blower door nd duct blaster tests are designed to measure the leakiness of r in a home. Additionally, every home will be required to have a ome energy rating and obtain a HERS score of 65 or less. A HERS ore is nationally recognized as an excellent predictor of how well home will perform with regard to energy efficiency.

While the 2015 IRC and IECC require a HERS score of 54 or ss, Texas amended this provision to a set of scaled scores that ill increase over time. The HERS scores will also vary according specific climate zones. Climate Zones 2 & 3 HERS score quirements, which apply to homes in the Rio Grande Valley, will ecome stricter in coming years, beginning with a 65 or lower om September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2019. A HERS score of 63 lower will be required from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 022. Finally, a 59 or lower will be mandatory after eptember 1, 2022.

Volume 23.5 2015

See a listing of models available for touring. Visit with on-site consultants who can answer questions and share valuable information.

House Bill 1736 also includes a statement that the State of Texas will not adopt another edition of the IRC for another 6 years. That means the next major changes will result with the adoption of the IRC of 2021.

Building codes are designed to ensure the use of proper components, materials, and systems to meet energy efficiency requirements and to ensure public safety with quality construction and proper installation of systems, while protecting our natural resources. Programs like ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE® are two “above code” programs in the Rio Grande Valley that have been differentiating builders who go the extra effort to ensure their homebuyers are getting the most energy efficient home—one that will provide more comfort, tighter construction, cleaner indoor air, and valuable savings on utility bills every month. As code requirements become stricter, so do the requirements of ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE® programs to remain “above code.” When builders certify homes as ENERGY STAR® or BUILT TO SAVE®, they hire third-party inspectors to verify claims of energy efficiency and above average construction, thus providing a guarantee of high performance to their homebuyers.

13 2

HERS

or lower

Effective Sept. 1, 2016

26 www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

65 63 59

(956) 971-9700

or lower

Effective Sept. 1, 2019

or lower

Effective Sept. 1, 2022

Note: Some municipalities in Texas have adopted the stricter HERS requirements of the 2015 IRC Code, ranging from HERS scores of 51 to 54 for climate zones 2, 3, and 4.

The Rio Grande Valley New Homes Guide is published bimonthly by: Across Media Marketing, LLC. 1601 N. 8th St. • McAllen, Tx 78501 FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION: (956) 971-9700 • www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

8 NEW HOMEBUYER 411

Commonly Overlooked New Home Expenses.

If you’re planning on buying your first home, you’re probably already educating yourself about the obvious costs involved: the “sticker price” of the home, the mortgage, the down payment, the earnest money, the fees for credit checks, closing costs, inspections, and so forth. But if you’ve been an apartment dweller, you may not have considered the other costs that figure into the purchase process—or the ones that continue to affect you long after you’ve moved in. So now’s the time to get out your calculator and get a reality check. After all, you’re making what is quite likely to be the biggest investment of your life, and this is the time to be the wisest, most informed consumer that you can possibly be. Let’s start with moving costs. There’s the cost of the moving service or rental moving van and gas. Plus boxes, packing tape, and pizza for the family and friends who lend you their muscles and time. Next, the utilities—water, cable, electricity, gas, garbage service, telephone, etc. Perhaps when you lived in an apartment, some or all of these things were covered in your monthly rent. But when you’re a homeowner, you’re responsible for your own utility bills—and some of them will require a deposit. Of course, your water, electric, and gas bills will vary from month to month and from season to season because of the weather. The size of your home, your appliances and electronics, and your personal choices regarding comfort levels in heating and air conditioning will also make impacts on your monthly utility bills.

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Will you need to purchase major appliances? More than likely, your apartment was furnished with a refrigerator and stove, a microwave, a dishwasher, and access to a washer and dryer. But you’ll probably need to set aside funds to buy at least some of these items for a new home.

check to see if your new home comes with a one-year home warranty—which might take care of big things like the air conditioner going out. You might even be able to pay extra and have the warranty cover the small machinery—as well as give you an option to renew it after one year.

Consider what furniture you’ll Figure in homeowners insurance need in a new home. Chances are, and property taxes. There’s no getting you’ll have more space and more rooms around these two things—they’re absolute to furnish in a home than you would in an essentials. It would be a good idea to get apartment. And you might want a fresh a realistic estimate of what property taxes design or “look” that coordinates with the will run—you don’t want any unpleasant, style and architecture unexpected surprises of your new place. So come tax-paying time! ...you may not have think about budgeting for considered the other As for homeowners this. But wait until after insurance, it protects costs that figure into you’re actually a signedyour home in case it’s sealed-and-delivered the purchase process... destroyed by fire or other homeowner before you calamities. A standard make any furniture or appliance purchases policy should cover at the very least the on credit. That’s because you don’t want any value of your home and/or the mortgage “big ticket” purchases to show up on your loan amount. You also need to purchase credit report. Mortgage lenders take into flood insurance if your home is within a flood consideration all of your debt when they run plain; it’s a requirement as a condition of a credit check. So wait until after you move in closing. before you start filling up the house. Landscaping, security, and Remember that the “joys” of upkeep costs have to be considered. home ownership include home Putting in a lawn, shrubbery, trees, and maintenance and repairs. An air flowers—then maintaining them year conditioning and heating system needs ‘round—not only require work, but money. annual or bi-annual service to keep it running You might also want to consider things like efficiently and to extend the life of the unit. a sprinkler system, and a lawn/garden care That can translate into several hundred service—if you don’t plan on buying a lawn dollars a year. And that doesn’t cover mower and other gardening tools and doing breakdowns and the subsequent cost of it yourself. As for a security system, insurance repairs. Plumbing maintenance and problems companies see it as a good idea. So good, in should also enter into your budgeting. In fact, fact, that a monitored security system can it’s smart to put aside money every month sometimes get you a nice-sized discount on and create a fund for just such things. Also, your homeowners insurance. Not to mention some peace of mind. (956) 971-9700

Cont’d on page 24

Volume 23.5 2015

new homebuyer 411

House Bill 1736 How will This New Texas Law

Affect You?

Law Effective

September 1, 2016

exas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1736 into Texas law on June 16, 2015. The bill means Texas will adopt the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC), which is identical to the requirements of the 2015 International Energy Conservation code (IECC). The new Texas law which goes into effect in September 2016 sets minimum energy requirements for new homes in the State and will have a tremendous positive effect on the energy efficiency of new homes. Essentially, all new homes will require that blower door and duct blaster tests be performed after construction to insure that the mandated requirements for energy efficiency are met. Blower door and duct blaster tests are designed to measure the leakiness of air in a home. Additionally, every home will be required to have a home energy rating and obtain a HERS score of 65 or less. A HERS score is nationally recognized as an excellent predictor of how well a home will perform with regard to energy efficiency. While the 2015 IRC and IECC require a HERS score of 54 or less, Texas amended this provision to a set of scaled scores that will increase over time. The HERS scores will also vary according to specific climate zones. Climate Zones 2 & 3 HERS score requirements, which apply to homes in the Rio Grande Valley, will become stricter in coming years, beginning with a 65 or lower from September 1, 2016, to August 31, 2019. A HERS score of 63 or lower will be required from September 1, 2019, to August 31, 2022. Finally, a 59 or lower will be mandatory after September 1, 2022.

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

House Bill 1736 also includes ® a statement that the State of Texas will not adopt another edition of the IRC for another 6 years. That means the next major changes will result with the adoption of the IRC of 2021. Building codes are designed to ensure the use of proper components, materials, and systems to meet energy efficiency requirements and to ensure public safety with quality construction and proper installation of systems, while protecting our natural resources. Programs like ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE® are two “above code” programs in the Rio Grande Valley that have been differentiating builders who go the extra effort to ensure their homebuyers are getting the most energy efficient home—one that will provide more comfort, tighter construction, cleaner indoor air, and valuable savings on utility bills every month. As code requirements become stricter, so do the requirements of ENERGY STAR® and BUILT TO SAVE® programs to remain “above code.” When builders certify homes as ENERGY STAR® or BUILT TO SAVE®, they hire third-party inspectors to verify claims of energy efficiency and above average construction, thus providing a guarantee of high performance to their homebuyers.

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 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. TEXAS MANDATORy HERS SCORES

65 63 59 or lower

Effective Sept. 1, 2016

or lower

Effective Sept. 1, 2019

Duct Blaster Test

SEE INSIDE BACK COVER FOR LIST OF HERS RATERS

HERS INDEX

The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) is a non-profit organization recognized in the United States as a national standards-making authority for building energy Blower Door Test efficiency ratings and certifications for home energy raters. RESNET is credited with developing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, which has become the industry’s standard for measuring a home’s energy efficiency. A home built to building code minimum standards will receive a HERS score of 100. Homes that are less energy efficient than a home built to code will score higher and those built to more energy efficient standards than code will score less. Unlike the gas mileage efficiency scale where a higher number means better fuel efficiency, in the HERS score index, the lower the number means the better the energy efficiency of the home. The HERS score ends at “0” (a home with this score means the home uses no electricity—meaning the home is producing its own energy through solar, wind, or other sustainable technology). .

or lower

Effective Sept. 1, 2022

Note: Some municipalities in Texas have adopted the stricter HERS requirements of the 2015 IRC Code, ranging from HERS scores of 51 to 54 for climate zones 2, 3, and 4.

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

MATT’S BUILDING MATERIALS

thanks its customers

att’s Building Materials hosted a Customer Appreciation & Business Mixer in partnership with the Mission Chamber of Commerce on July 16, 2015, at the company’s newest location in Palmview, Texas. Over 150 people attended the event, which featured refreshments, snacks, and many giveaway items including cash prizes.

(LtoR): Luis Mancillas (COO, Matt’s Building Materials), Jeff Schmatz (Owner, JS Media), Oscar Sandoval (Co-owner, Matt’s Building Materials), Donna Schmatz (Account Executive, KRGV).

(LtoR): Diana Smith (Owner, Matt’s Building Materials), George Gonzalez (Owner, Dream Homes). (LtoR-Back): Fidel Trevino, Joel Garcia, Noe Hernandez. (LtoR-Front): Diana Garcia, Angie Garcia, Penita Hernandez.

In 2002, Danny Smith purchased Matt’s Building Materials from Ira Matt, who founded the company in 1969, beginning with the first store in San Benito, Texas. (LtoR): Rose Antonio & Mila Gutierrez (Employees, Matt’s Building Materials).

The Pharr location opened in 1972 and just this year, the third store in Palmview, Texas, opened to serve the Upper Valley.

Matt’s Building Materials (LtoR): Danny Smith (CEO); Ben Smith (Store Manager / VP); Isaac Smith (VP of Purchasing).

Today, Danny Smith’s three sons, Jeremy, Isaac, and Ben, handle the day-to-day operations, each one with their own store. Together, this family-owned business continues to meet the

(LtoR): Adan Moraida, Hugo Sarabia, Moises Gamboa, Joselito Hernandez (Palmview City Councilman).

“We decided to turn the Chamber’s business mixer event into a more elaborate customer appreciation event to give many of our customers who did not attend the Grand Opening in Palmview an opportunity to come visit our newest store,” said Danny Smith, owner and CEO of Matt’s Building Materials. “We owe what we have today to the loyal support that our long-time customers provide us, and it is always a pleasure to show them we care about them.”

(LtoR): Joel Garcia, Leo Lopez, Fidel Trevino. (LtoR): Leonel Lopez (Director of the Palmview Chamber of Commerce), Gracie Flores (Palmview City Councilwoman), Jerry Perez (Mayor of Palmview), Rosalio Espinosa (Owner, Materials El Valle / Former Chamber Director).

Rene Tapia (Owner, Senor Frog).

(LtoR): Betty Campa, Nathan Cain (Marketing Director, Matt’s Building Materials).

(LtoR): Brent Thorton (Owner, Rio Truss), Danny Smith (CEO, Matt’s Building Materials), Lonnie Berry (Owner, Berry Homes).

needs of the area’s building professionals and the general public. Even through the toughest of recent economic times, Matt’s Building Materials has not just survived, but has thrived and continues to grow every year. The cornerstone of the company’s success continues to be its reputation for offering quality lumber at lower-than-average market prices. Most importantly, Matt’s Building Materials caters to both professionals and do-it-yourself customers, providing a personal service accommodating the bi-lingual population in our communities. The end result is that Matt’s Building Materials can be proud of a long history of satisfied customers.

(LtoR): Luis Mancillas (COO, Matt’s Building Materials); Ricky Garza, Roberto Garza, and Fernando Gonzalez (Skuadra Construction); Oscar Sandoval (CFO, Matt’s Building Materials).

Volume 23.5 2015

Find a participating homebuilder at SouthTXSaves.com

Better Energy Performance, Built In. High-Performance and ENERGY STAR® new homes have energy efficiency built right in, so they use 20%–30% less energy than typical new homes. That means you’ll save energy and money from day one. These homes offer all the features you want, plus energy-efficient improvements that deliver more comfort, better performance and energy savings. Benefits of High-Performance and ENERGY STAR homes:

Volume 23.5 2015

•

Lower energy costs

•

Greater comfort

•

Improved safety and indoor air quality

•

Energy-efficient products and appliances

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

•

High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment

•

Independent testing and inspection

•

Better for the environment

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 23.5 2015

BUILDER I n d u s t r y N e w s

materiales el valle TO OFFER GREAT BARGAINS!

Annual “Blow Out”

$ale

Saturday, August 15, 2015

If you are a builder or contractor, or just want to remodel your home, you will want to MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Materiales El Valle’s ONE DAY ONLY SALE on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at their Mission store located at 1020 W. Palma Vista Dr. off Expressway 83. Hundreds of top quality building products from

leading manufacturers will be on sale from 7am to 6pm. This Annual Blowout Sale will offer an added bonus this year with an opportunity for customers who buy to register and win a tablet and a large flat screen TV to be given away that same day. Customers do not have to be present to win.

see you There!

08/15/15

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

Take advantage of tremendous offers with large discounts and huge savings on ceramic tile, porcelain, marble, travertine, Cantera columns, and more. Bring the family and enjoy food and refreshments served throughout the day. Have fun and save on your next building project!

a Vista 1020 W. Palm Mission, tx

Dr.

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 23.5 2015

Cont’d from page 4

If your home is in a restricted or gated community, you may also be required to pay Homeowners Association membership and/or maintenance fees. And don’t forget to check your deed restrictions before you move large things like your boat or your RV to your new home. You might find that they’re not allowed, which means you’re going to have to pay to store them elsewhere. Still think being a homeowner is the smart way to go? Well, you’re right—it is. Yes, it may be a little overwhelming at first. And sure, it can be a costly proposition. But there are definitely rewarding reasons for owning your

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

own home—especially financially. For instance, when it comes to investment value, it really beats renting (think of all that money spent with nothing to show for it). And keep in mind that a house is a marketable commodity; in some cases, it could be a much safer investment than many stocks and bonds. Besides, the advantages of home ownership really stack up high in the long run. You’ll have proof of that come April 15th--Tax Day.

BUILDER I n d u s t r y N e w s

EPA ANNOUNCES REVISION 8 TO ITS ENERGY STAR速 VERSION 3 PROGRAM The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a revision to VERSION 3 of its ENERGY STAR速 Program in response to a variety of concerns expressed by its Partners regarding the ENERGY STAR certification process. Most of the changes pertain to the collection of supporting documentation and the verification process required to obtain an ENERGY STAR certification for a new home. Many of the responsibilities for documentation have shifted from the Home Energy Rater to the builder to streamline the process. For example, the Water Management documentation, which had to be collected by the Rater, is now the responsibility of the builder, who now is not required to submit the documents but to have them on file. This also applies to documents relating to heating, cooling, and

ventilation (HVAC) systems such as Manual J, Pressure Balance, and Air Flow. While these areas still require verification by the Rater and documentation by the builder, submission of the documents is no longer required. A variety of revisions to the required checklists in the various components of construction were introduced to compensate for variables in the size of rooms, high ceilings, and other factors that had made it difficult for builders to comply. Some requirements have been lowered to compensate for the many variables and challenges in design and construction. Many verification and documentation requirements in the checklists have been modified, eliminated, or shifted among the respective parties in an effort to streamline the process: Raters, builders, and HVAC contractors.

The new Revision is designed to simplify and to improve the clarity and enforcement of the requirements of the ENERGY STAR Program. ENERGY STAR Partners are permitted to use Revision 8 immediately, at their discretion, but must apply this Revision on all homes permitted on or after July 1, 2016. Visit energystar. gov for more information.

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com McAllen

cAMI NO REA L

McAllen

Hours:

Address:

Mon.-Fri. 8:30am to 6pm Sat. 10am to 3pm

Hidden Cove 3705 N. 42nd St. McAllen, TX

Sales:

Michael Pavon - (956) 460-0286 michael_pavon@hotmail.com See display ad on page 3.

Office: (956) 992-9501 www.caminorealbuilders.com

McAllen

Mon.-Fri. 8:30am to 6pm Sat. 10am to 3pm

Sales:

Hector Franco - (956) 239-1618 hectorfranco@gmail.com See display ad on page 3.

Office: (956) 992-9501 www.caminorealbuilders.com

Hours:

Call for personal tour.

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat. 12pm to 6pm

Address:

Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 3611 Oriole Dr. Mission, TX

Plantation Gap 7018 N 44th Lane McAllen, TX

Sales:

Sam Rangel - (956) 688-8321 srangel@westwindhomes.com

Olga Treviño - (956) 467-1111 olga@divinecustomhomes.net

See display ad on page 12.

www.westwindhomes.com

Mission

See display ad on page 19.

www.divinecustomhomes.net

Mission

Hours:

Tue.-Sat. 10am to 6pm Sun. & Mon. - Closed

Mon.-Sat. 9am to 5pm Sunday- 1pm to 5pm

Address:

Retama Village

Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 1920 Seagull Lane Mission, TX

at Bentsen Palm

Sales:

Eddie Sligh - (956) 874-8676 eddie@mlrhodes.com See display ad on page 18. Volume 23.5 2015

La Puerta 2909 La Puerta McAllen, TX

Mission

Hours:

cAMI NO REA L

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

2204 Seagull Lane Mission, TX Active Adult Community 55+

Office: (956) 380-6500 www.bentsenpalm.com (956) 971-9700

Sales:

Juan Pacheco - (956) 369-2456 juan@mlrhodes.com See display ad on page 18.

Office: (956) 380-6500 • Hablo español www.bentsenpalm.com

BUILT TO SAVE & ENERGY STAR Certifications represent homes with lower ownership costs, and require less energy for heating and cooling.

GreenBuilt RGV Certification represents homes that are built using products, technologies, and environmentally-friendly building practices.

Edinburg

Mission

HOMES

Hours:

Mon.-Sat. 10am to 6pm Sun.- 11am to 5pm

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat. 12pm to 6pm Sunday - Closed

Address:

Address: Sales:

Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 3701 Oriole Dr. Mission, TX

Belinda Longoria - (956) 205-0356 blongoria@westwindhomes.com Natalie Gonzalez - ngonzalez@westwindhomes.com See display ad on page 12.

Edinburg

Summerset Estates 5112 Juno Court Edinburg, TX

Sales:

Eddie Garza - (956) 460-3290 Mario Pena - (956) 534-2353 info@infinityhomesrgv.com www.westwindhomes.com

See display ad on page 21.

Office: (956) 460-3290

www.infinityhomesrgv.com

Weslaco

A L D O

H O M E

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat. 12pm to 6pm

Daily - 1pm to 7pm or call for appt.

Address:

MidPoint Manor 1408 Mulberry Weslaco, TX

Pepper Ridge Estates 1303 Rocotillo Lane Edinburg, TX

Sales:

Luis Waldo - (956) 466-8590 Tere Waldo - (956) 466-8227 luiswaldo@yahoo.com See display ad on page 5.

Pete Lopez - (956) 969-2500 plopez@westwindhomes.com www.waldohomesrgv.com

See display ad on page 12.

www.westwindhomes.com

*Attention builders: To list your furnished model home in this section, call (956) 971-9700.

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 23.5 2015

BUILDER I n d u s t r y N e w s

Southern Stone Honors Veteran Jacob De La Garza With Stone Gift the first mortgage-free home from Operation FINALLY HOME, a grassroots organization that helps to build homes for wounded veterans and widows of fallen soldiers.

(LtoR): Ruben Cedillo (Southern Stone Delivery Driver), Jacob De La Garza

Southern Stone, LLC, the largest supplier of stone products south of San Antonio, Texas, recently surprised retired Corps Sergeant Jacob De La Garza with a large boulder engraved with the word “Semper Fi” and a rendition of the US Marine Corps logo. At the beginning of this year, Jacob De La Garza and his family received

Volume 23.5 2015

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

The home for Jacob De La Garza, who was wounded and lost his left leg below the knee from an IED in Afghanistan, was built with the generous donations of labor and materials from over 70 local businesses. Southern Stone also helped with the construction of the home by donating the beautiful stone for the home’s façade. The huge and tremendously heavy boulder was carefully placed in the De La Garza’s front yard next to the flagpole with the U.S. and Marine Corps flags flying overhead—a wonderful salute to Jacob and all veterans for their sacrifice. Thanks to John and Sylvia Webber, owners of Southern

(956) 971-9700

Proud Supporter

Stone, and their supportive staff for their generosity and thoughtfulness. Visit operationfinallyhomergv.org or Facebook for more information on Operation FINALLY HOME.

(LtoR): Jacob De La Garza, Ruben Cedillo, Daniel Gamez, and Jose Gamez

(LtoR): Jose Gamez, Ruben Cedillo, Jacob De La Garza, and Jose R. Vielma