Contents DEc ‘16 / JAN 2017 VOLUMe 25 ISSUe 1
PUBLISHER Across Media Marketing, LLC
04 | “PROTEcH” YOUR FAMILY & HOME!
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jose Vielma
This holiday season, remember that burglars celebrate the holidays too! Learn what you need to know to buy the right security system for your home.
SENIOR EDITOR Barbara Zapffe
08 | “MUST USE” ENERGY SAVING PRODUcTS
ADVERTISING MANAGER Jose R. Vielma Ken Sabe
Discover two affordable products that cost only slightly more but give back huge returns on energy savings and comfort. Tell your builder you’ll pay for them if he/she doesn’t see the value.
14 | 37TH ANNUAL SIERRA TITLE TAMALADA Good friends, family, and industry peers joined the owners, mangagers, and staff of Sierra Title Company for the annual Tamalada--the company’s way of thanking the community for their continued support.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Soria
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Bigger is actually worse in the case of deciding what size of AC unit to install in your new home. Learn why the misconception of a big AC being better can be bad.
@rgvnhg @rgvnewhomes
32 | NEW HOME cOMMUNITIES SEcTION You’ll find prices, photos, plats, maps, descriptions, and contact information available on these easy-to-use pages. See more online: www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
17 | FURNISHED MODEL HOMES 20 | AEP TEXAS ENERGY AWARDS TO BUILDERS 20 | 2015 IECC CODE WORKSHOP 22 | MOVING TO ANOTHER PART OF THE U.S.? 26 | RGVBA PRESENTS ANNUAL AWARDS
14 Busting the Myth ABout Big A/C units
29 | NAHB SPIKE CLUB AWARD TO MIKE DUFFEY 30 | NEW HOME COMMUNITY MAPS ABOUT THE cOVER: WALDO HOMES is an award-winning builder with a talent for building homes using innovative designs and creative combinations of textures and colors with finely crafted details from the floors to the ceilings. If you are looking for your perfect home, come to WALDO HOMES. See page 3.
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18 | BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER
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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeremiah D. Nava
THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AREA NEW HOMES GUIDE (NHG) is a bimonthly 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 bimonthly by:
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For advertising call (956) 971-9700
Across Media Marketing, LLC. 1601 N. 8th St. • McAllen, Tx 78501 FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION: (956) 971-9700 • www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
E d i t o r ’ s P i c k | P r ot ec h S ec u r i t y S y S t e m S
Owners: Larry & Diana Rodriguez
“Protech” Your Family And Home
W
Remember: Burglars Celebrate the Holidays Too! the care you would expect. The experience can leave anyone frustrated and wishing for a better alternative.
ith the holidays around the corner, this is a good time to think about getting that home security system you’ve been wanting. If you’ve already been shopping for one, you’ve discovered how complicated a task this can be. With so many security companies to choose from and so many home security systems available today, it can be complicated and frustrating when deciding what company or system is right for you. The residential and commercial security systems market is a gigantic multi-billion dollar industry that has grown exponentially over the last few years. Adding to the confusion, some large companies have merged, creating a complex network of subsidiaries with their own branding, appearing to be different competitive businesses while in reality being one company. In your search to find the right security company for you, you may also find that some use “Bait and Switch” tactics. For example, you’ll receive an unbelievable offer of “free equipment” only to find out that there are strings attached. Perhaps the offer merely includes minimal protection, or you may be required to sign a long-term contract. Additionally, you may discover that some security companies subcontract their installations to third parties that may not be reliable or show you
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The good news is that there is a better alternative. A local company in the Rio Grande Valley, Protech Security Systems, is a dependable, family-owned security company that promises to meet 100% of their customers’ needs. The company offers security solutions from the most basic to the most sophisticated technology—each customized to the specific needs of the customer. The company has its own staff of licensed technicians who are highly trained and continue to train on the latest technology and systems as they are developed. What makes Protech Security Systems unique is their people. From a knowledgeable sales team and qualified technicians to efficient management personnel, the one thing that will impress you the most is how they treat you—the customer. Unlike many large companies vying for your business that treat you like a voice at the other end of the phone representing “a sale”, Protech Security Systems gives you the personal attention you deserve. “Our competitive advantage has always been how we treat our customers,” states Larry Rodriguez, founder of Protech
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
Security Systems. “We are a family, and we treat our customers as we would treat our family members. Listening to our customers and recognizing that they have a need--and a right-- to feel safe and to provide protection for their home and their families is the foundation of our business. Establishing authentic trust with our customers is important because, in the end, that is exactly what we are asking them to do—to trust us with their security needs. And for our company, trust begins with excellence in customer service.” Since 2004, Protech Security Systems has become one of the fastest growing companies in the Valley. The company recently held a ribbon cutting at their new location in Weslaco: an 8,000 square foot building to accommodate their growing success. Protech Security Systems is a full-service company offering security systems, wireless monitoring, 24/7 video monitoring, high-definition surveillance cameras, whole house audio systems, intercom systems, fire protection systems, monitored programmable thermostats, and complete installation and maintenance services Valley-wide. Visit www.protechsecurityllc.com for more information.
R G V N E W H O M E S G U I D E | E n E r gy E f f i c i E n t P r o d u ct s
Compare Small upfront cost with huge energy savings for life. The path to building a high-performance home begins with using the right energy-saving products across a whole range of categories—from insulation to windows, roofing, and other materials that have a huge impact on energy consumption. Listed here are two products that are key contributors to energy savings. If your builder is not using these products or similar products, you will be missing an opportunity for long-term energy savings on your home. One way to insure your home is built using energy efficient products is to look for the BUILT TO SAVE™ Certified brand. A home certified in the BUILT TO SAVE™ program is inspected and tested by a licensed third-party home energy rater to verify that the home is built to the high performance “above-code” standards of the program.
“
If your buIlders won’t buy these products, tell them you wIll!
EclipsE™ Radiant BaRRiER Roof shEathing Using radiant barrier roof sheathing or decking is one of the most inexpensive and cost effective ways to save on utilities. This product can be as little as $2 more per sheet than non-radiant barrier decking, yet some don’t use it in constructing a home because it adds (often as little as $500) to the cost of the home. The Eclipse radiant barrier decking is designed with a foil backing to block up to 97% of the sun’s radiant heat, cutting attic temperatures by as much as 30°. Radiant barrier decking can easily pay for itself in less than one year with savings on utilities. This product is available at Matt’s Building Materials where you’ll find the lowest prices. See page 23.
Pharr • Palmview • San Benito
High Performance Windows With Best Value
BUildER sERiEs plY gEM WindoWs The new codes adopted by the State of Texas, effective September 1, 2016, include higher energy efficiency requirements for all windows and doors. Make sure your builder is aware of the new changes, or you may be required to remove and replace whatever was installed that is not in compliance with the new laws. The best way to safeguard against this happening is to trust knowledgeable suppliers like Zarsky Lumber Co. who only stock windows that are compliant with the new code laws. PLY GEM’s Builder Series Windows offered by Zarsky Lumber deliver the highest performance at the best value. They offer great energy efficiency, low maintenance, and an extensive array of product styles, colors, and textures. See page 21.
McAllen • Los Fresnos • Laredo
Join our Program Volume 25.1 2017
Lower Attic Temperatures By 30°F
mATT’S BUILDING mATERIALS (956) 787-5561 www.mattsbuildingmaterials.com
ZARSky LUmBER Co. INC. 700 S. Bicentennial Blvd., McAllen, TX (956) 686-5403 • www.zarsky.com
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Visit www.BuiltToSave.org for more information
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
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R G V N E W H O M E S G U I D E | 2 0 1 6 TA M A L A DA
On Wednesday, November 9th, Sierra Title Company held its annual Tamalada, officially marking the beginning of the holiday season. This traditional event has always signaled the upcoming holidays for many in the real estate industry. Sierra Title Company hosts the Tamalada in appreciation for the support it has received from the community of real estate and home building professionals. As has been almost always the case in over 37 years, the event was blessed with beautiful weather, which greatly accommodated almost 1000 people who attended. The many guests were treated to a delicious banquet of hot tamales, rice, and beans served by Sierra Title’s managers and staff in a perfected and efficient manner during the short lunch hours. The traditional large circus tent served as a dining facility in the company’s parking lot where all shared in the feast while enjoying the company of friends and peers. One of the fun ideas at the event was a creatively designed portrait frame that could be used by the guests to capture photo memories. In addition, door prizes and musical entertainment added to the festive atmosphere. At the end of the day, Sierra Title’s annual Tamalada is a great reminder of the many blessings for which we should all be thankful.
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There is nothing worse than being late for holiday celebrations. It’s a time for family and friends to get together, slow down, and catch up on what you’ve been missing throughout the year - time spent enjoying each other’s company and eating as many holiday sweets until your heart’s content.
Here’s to Making it Home for the Holidays!
bentsenpalm.com | 956.381.1500
Located off Expressway 83. Exit Conway Avenue. Turn right (west) onto Military Pkwy.
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. RGVNEWHOMESGUIDE.COM BUILT TO SAVE™ & ENERGY STAR® Certifications represent homes with lower ownership costs, & require less energy for heating and cooling.
GreenBuilt RGV Certifications represent homes that are built using products, technologies, & environmentally-friendly building practices.
McAllen
cAMI NO REA L
ADDRESS:
ADDRESS:
HOURS:
HOURS:
Hidden Cove 3605 N. 42nd St. McAllen, TX
La Puerta 13813 N. 33rd McAllen, TX
Monday - Friday 9:00am to 6:30pm
www.caminorealbuilders.com
Saturday 11:00am to 3:00pm
SALES: Carlos Andreu: (956) 992-9501 caminorealbuilders@yahoo.com
OFFICE:
Monday - Friday 8:30am to 6:00pm
www.caminorealbuilders.com
Saturday 10:00am to 3:00pm
SALES: Hector Franco: (956) 239-1618 hectorfranco@gmail.com
OFFICE: (956) 992-9501
ADDRESS:
ADDRESS:
Hibiscus Hill 2901 Northgate Ln. McAllen, TX
Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm
3611 Oriole Dr. Mission, TX
HOURS:
HOURS:
Monday - Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm
www.westwindhomes.com \\
See ad on page 11.
OFFICE: (956) 704-2344
Saturday 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sunday
Call for a personal tour.
www.divinecustomhomes.net \\
See ad on page 21.
SALES: Olga Treviño: (956) 467-1111 olga@divinecustomhomes.net
ADDRESS:
ADDRESS:
Retama Village at Bentsen Palm 2204 Seagull Lane Mission, TX
Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 1920 Seagull Lane Mission, TX
Active Adult Community 55+
HOURS:
HOURS:
Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm
Monday - Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm
www.bentsenpalm.com \\
See ad on page 15.
OFFICE: (956) 380-6500
See ad on page 15.
Sunday & Monday Closed
OFFICE:
SALES: Juan Pacheco: (956) 369-2456 juan@mlrhodes.com
(956) 380-6500 *Se habla Español
ADDRESS:
Tanglewood 3701 Oriole Dr. Mission, TX
ADDRESS:
Summerset Estates 1412 Maravilla Dr. Edinburg, TX
HOURS:
Monday - Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm
www.westwindhomes.com \\
See ad on page 11.
OFFICE: (956) 205-0356
Saturday 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Sunday
HOURS: www.dhconstructionrgv.com \\
See ad on page 7.
SALES: Daniel Hernandez - (956) 778-0212 ahernandez65@rgv.rr.com
Daily Monday - Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm
HOMES
ADDRESS:
Summerfield Manor 4912 Juno Dr. Edinburg, TX
ADDRESS:
Summerfield Manor 4917 Nevis Edinburg, TX
HOURS: www.infinityhomesrgv.com \\ SALES: Eddie Garza: (956) 460-3290 Mario Peña: (956) 534-2353 info@infinityhomesrgv.com
See ad on page 23.
Monday - Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday 11:00am to 5:00pm
OFFICE: (956) 460-3290
Edinburg
Edinburg
Closed
Edinburg
Mission
SALES: Kim “Tassie” Williquette: (956) 530-3252 kim@mlrhodes.com
www.bentsenpalm.com \\
Sunday Closed
Mission
Mission
Closed
Mission
McAllen
(956) 992-9501
McAllen
cAMI NO REA L
HOURS: www.waldohomesrgv.com \\
See ad on page 3.
SALES: Luis Waldo - (956) 466-8590 • 907-8876 luiswaldo@yahoo.com For advertising call (956) 971-9700
Monday - Saturday 10:00am to 6:00pm Sunday 1:00pm to 6:00pm
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R G V N E W H O M E S G U I D E | F e at u r e d a r t i c l e
DISCOVER WHAT MAY COST YOU 50% MORE IN UTILITY BILLS— AND DETERMINES 100% OF THE HOME’S COMFORT. BusTIng The MyTh ABouT BIg A/C unITs
B
uying the wrong size of air conditining unit may seem like a small mistake, but it will affect you in a BIG way! That’s right. Making this one mistake will cost a homeowner much more in utility costs than necessary and, more importantly, will have a 100% impact on the home’s interior comfort. That one mistake is “oversizing the air conditioning unit (AC).” The size of the AC unit is important because if the unit is too small, it won’t cool the home properly, and if it’s too big, the AC unit will cost more to buy, more to operate, and may result in clammy, uncomfortable interiors with potential long term moisture problems. So how does one know what the right size is? Here’s what you need to know.
Think about how you buy shoes: a size too small will cause blisters and pain, while a size too big will never stay on your foot. The idea is the same in trying to find the size of the AC unit that will fit your home’s unique design, square footage, location, number of occupants, and other factors specific to that house that will have an impact on the load calculations for the AC unit.
Busting The Myth That Bigger Is Always Better
1. Using Square Footage
A common myth persists that when it comes to AC units, bigger is better. But—don’t believe people who tell you that a bigger AC unit will be more comfortable and more efficient. Contractors promote the myth, and to consumers, it seems logical and therefore believable. Unfortunately, however, nothing could be further from the truth. That may be true for other things, but when buying an AC unit, “bigger” is not better—“right size” is better.
This method, which is unfortunately one of the most common used by contractors, is the worst way to size an AC system. The most common formula is requiring 1 ton of cooling power for every 600-800 square feet. Tighter built and spray foam insulation homes would use a formula of maybe 1 ton per 1,000 square feet of house. Using square footage alone to determine the size of the unit that will meet the proper cooling (or heating) loads required by the home completely ignores the major role of factors such as climate, insulation type, window values, air infiltration,
If your air conditioner is too big for your home: •
• • •
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The unit won’t run long enough to pull the humidity out of the air, creating an unpleasant, clammy house. No one wants to have moldy, smelly clothes or feel sticky inside their home. Increased moisture indoors may accumulate and cause mold issues over time. It will cost more than necessary to buy, install, and power. It will cycle on and off frequently, causing uneven temperatures inside and potentially more wear and maintenance.
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Methods used For sizing your AC units
Types of AC sysTems It’s more complicated than just on and off. Air conditioning systems can be single stage, dual stage, or variable. • Single Stage Compressors: These compressors turn on, blast your home with cold air, and turn off again when the desired temperature is reached. They turn on and off frequently, so they don’t handle humidity very well. The frequent cycling also shortens the life of the system while increasing your energy bill. • Dual Stage Compressors: In between the single and variable systems is the dual stage, with some limited capacity to vary its output. This means it cycles on and off less frequently, is slightly more efficient than single stage units, and handles humidity somewhat better. • Variable Speed Compressors: These systems use a steady stream of air at the desired temperature to cool your home. That means a variable HVAC system will rarely turn off. Because they are on almost all of the time, they help maintain low humidity in your home. They also run at only 25-30% of their capacity, saving you money on your electric bill.
and many others that would affect load calculations. Clearly, using the square footage is one sure way to over-size the AC unit. And there is no square foot rule of thumb for determining heating equipment size because the estimate would be even more inaccurate. 2. Manual J Calculation Is The Best Way The best method by far for the correct sizing of an HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system is called the Manual J Calculation. It is a procedure developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) that uses specialized software to determine the correct size required based on the information that is input. And this is where it gets tricky. Everyone has heard the expression “garbage in, garbage out.” Well, this idea is especially applicable because if the Manual J information is input incorrectly, either by mistake or deliberately, the resulting size calculations will be incorrect. The following is an example of the type of information used in the Manual J to determine the correct size of an AC unit for a specific home. The company that installs your AC is supposed to input information like this about your home into a Manual J software program. This information includes: • • • •
• • •
Construction of the roof Direction the home faces Average outside temperatures in summer and winter
3. And The Best Way: Ask Your Builder For A BUILT TO SAVE™ Certified Home
The software program then does what are called “load calculations” on each room and your house as a whole to determine the proper sized unit for the home. When the contractor takes the time to do this calculation, you get an HVAC size that is right for your home. The best advice is not to rely solely on your HVAC contractor for your Manual J. This will eliminate an obvious conflict of interest. What that means is that since the HVAC contractor is the one selling you the HVAC system, and these are sold by the ton, it stands to reason that the more tonnage required, the higher the profit for the HVAC contractor. This is not intended to imply that HVAC contractors are dishonest, but rather simply to point out the obvious conflict of interest. After all, inspecting the information input on the Manual J can easily identify fraud or devious intentions. While some inaccurate inputs may be honest mistakes, other outright attempts to manipulate the Manual J to justify an oversized air conditioning system can easily be spotted by a third-party home inspector. Which brings us to our final point: the thirdparty inspector.
Asking for a BUILT TO SAVE™ certified home works with Option 2 (above). One of cornerstones of the BUILT TO SAVE™ HighPerformance Homes Program is that in order for a home to be certified as BUILT TO SAVE™, the HVAC system must be properly sized. This is a critical component that insures many of the benefits of a BUILT TO SAVE™ home: improved energy efficiency, even temperatures from room to room, and comfortable interiors. Inspections and testing are performed by third-party, licensed home energy raters who review Manual J and other applicable documents such as Manuals D, S, and T to make sure the home is in compliance with the BUILT TO SAVE™ program requirements and that the information is accurate. In short, you don’t have to know how to do a good Manual J—you just have to know a good professional who does. If your builder offers a BUILT TO SAVE™ home, you can rest assured you will have an excellent home with a properly sized HVAC system for years to come. For more information or to find a BUILT TO SAVE™ builder affiliate, visit builttosave.org or call 956-971-9700.
The square footage Number of rooms Average number of people in the home Window types and direction
Manuals J, S, T, D: WHAT ARe THey? Manual J Definition Manual J is a protocol developed by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and is used to figure out how much heating and cooling a home needs to keep the indoor environment comfortable. This room-byroom calculation for the entire home determines its need (in BTUs per hour) for cooling and heating, taking into account other factors of the home such as location, insulation, materials used, orientation, window specifications, etc. Manual J is used to determine the “right size” AC unit to use. Manual S Definition Once the amount of air required by each room in the home is known, the next step is deciding which equipment can best fulfill that need. Manual S is used to select the right HVAC equipment and is important to use since there are many options from which to choose, each with its own pros and cons on how the HVAC system handles sensible and latent heat, air movement, and static pressures. Manual T Definition Manual T addresses the location and type of the various supply registers, diffusers, grills, and what the appropriate sizes should be. This information is critical in establishing an efficient and consistent movement of air throughout the home. Manual D Definition Manual D is used to determine an efficient delivery system of ductwork that takes into account such things as distance from the air handler to the ducts, efficient duct design and type of material, balance friction versus airflow, and what is required by each room. Using accurate information on all the Manuals J, S, T, & D, will insure the design and construction of a high performance HVAC system that will make any home much more energy efficient and comfortable than a similar home built without regard to these Manuals.
“Bigger is not always better.” For advertising call (956) 971-9700
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BUILDER INDUSTRY NEWS
AEP Texas Honors Local Builders AEP Texas held an Awards Presentation on November 30, 2016, to honor Rio Grande Valley builders participating in its High-Performance and ENERGY STAR Certified Program for 2016. The Program promotes the construction of energy efficient homes that use 20% to 30% less energy than typical new homes. Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. received the award for the Highest Cumulative kWh Savings for 2016, an award given to the builder who has built the most number of energy efficient homes in the Rio Grande Valley during the year. Divine Custom Homes was honored with the Highest Single kWh Savings for a Single-Family Home. Additional awards were presented to Caltia Construction, Camino Real Builders, and Esperanza Homes for participation in the Program. Kilowatt-hours are the measure of how much electricity a home uses. Abbreviated as “kWh,” this is used in the Program as the indicator of a home’s energy efficiency performance. Most utility providers bill customers based on the number of kilowatt-hours used each month multiplied by a rate, which is most often shown as cents per kWh, to determine the utility bill for the month.
Richard Howard Divine Custom Homes
Fred Mungia & Tony Fernandez Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc.
(L-R) Nick Rhodes, Cesar Ortega, Victor Aguirre - Esperanza Homes
Raul Perez Caltia Construction
For more information about AEP Texas’ High-Performance Homes Program visit www.southTXSaves.com
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THE BEST PLACE TO START YOUR NEW HOME SEARCH IS WITH A HOUSING GUIDE. ARIZONA
KANSAS
Arizona New Homes Today NewHomesToday.com
Kansas City New Homes Journal NewHomesJournal-KC.com
CALIFORNIA
MARYLAND
Southern California Home Buyers Guide HBG.com
Suburban MD / Baltimore / Eastern Shore New Homes Guide NewHomesGuide.com
CANADA
Toronto Homes Magazine HomesMag.com Condo Life CondoLifeMag.com DELAWARE
Eastern Shore New Homes Guide NewHomesGuide.com DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Washington DC Metro Area New Homes Guide NewHomesGuide.com GEORGIA
Atlanta Communities Magazine AtlantaCommunities.com
NEVADA
Las Vegas New Homes Guide LasVegasNewHomesGuide.com NORTH CAROLINA
Charlotte The Greater Charlotte New Home Link CharlotteNewHomeLink.com Greensboro / Winston Salem / High Point New Home Guide TriadNewHomeGuide.com Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill New Homes & Ideas NewHomesAndIdeas.com
Greenville / Spartanburg / Anderson New Home Finder NewHomeFinderSC.com Grand Strand / Myrtle Beach New Home Guide GrandStrandNewHomeGuide.com TEXAS
Rio Grande Valley Guide To New Homes RGVNewHomesGuide.com San Antonio San Antonio At Home SAAtHome.com VIRGINIA
Northern Virginia New Homes Guide NewHomesGuide.com
HOUSING GUIDES of
SOUTH CAROLINA
Charleston / Hilton Head / Savannah Greater Charleston New Homes Guide NewHomesGuideCharleston.com
HousingGuides.com
SUPERIOR NEW HOME SEARCH RESOURCES IN PRINT & ONLINE 22
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BUILDER INDUSTRY NEWS
RGVBA Presents the 2016 Builder of the Year & Associate Member of the Year Awards The Builder of the Year and Lester Miles Associate Member of the Year awards are presented annually to one builder and one associate member of the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association in recognition of their support and generous contributions.
BUILDER OF THE YEAR: Frontera Homes
ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR: Matt’s Building Materials
F
rontera Homes is a family owned and operated construction company founded by Jack Pollock in 2009, and now includes his son, Zach Pollock. This father/son team are “hands on” builders who personally insure that the company’s high standards of quality are met. Frontera Homes (L-R) Jack and Zach Pollock is one of only a few builders who incorporate the extra effort and expense to certify their homes as ENERGY STAR® or BUILT TO SAVE™ to guarantee high performance and energy-saving homes for their homebuyers. Jack Pollock served as RGVBA President in 2013 and is currently serving as a Director on the RGVBA Board. Together with his son, Zach, they continue to be active and supportive members of the Association. Frontera Homes can always be counted on for help with fundraisers, workshops, meetings, and other Association functions. As an involved builder member, Frontera Homes is able to stay informed on new construction trends and issues affecting the industry, especially on the new state code changes that recently took effect.
M
att’s Building Materials, originally founded in 1969 by Ira Matt, has been owned and operated by Danny Smith and his family since 2002. Danny Smith’s sons Jeremy, Isaac, and Ben handle the day-to-day operations of the company’s three stores in Pharr, San Benito, and Palmview. The (L-R) Ben Smith (General Mgr/ Palmview Store); Isaac Smith company has been an integral (Vice-President of Purchasing); member of the RGVBA for Alex Sotelo (Assistant Mgr/ Palmview Store). many years, providing generous support to the Association with sponsorships, door prizes, and volunteer help. Isaac Smith has been an RGVBA Board Director for three years and continues to devote his time and resources to help the Association. For their devotion and generosity, Matt’s Building Materials was awarded the 2016 Lester Miles Associate Member of the Year Award, the highest recognition given to an associate member. Posthumously named after Lester Miles, an associate member who personified the virtue of generosity, the award identifies companies or individuals who go above and beyond in support of the RGVBA and its operations.
To learn more about the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association, Inc., visit www.rgvba.org
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RISE ABOVE all the rest
IF YOU ARE BUILDING OR BUYING A NEW HOME, DON’T SETTLE FOR MINIMUM STANDARDS. Ask your builder if they build homes with any of these high performance certifications. Ask for the certificate. You’ll be glad you have it if you resell your home.
DOE ZERO ENERGY READY HOME Program This certification is awarded to homes that meet all of the criteria of the Department of Energy’s Energy Ready Home National Program. These homes are verified to be at least 40%-50% more energy efficient than a typical home. Zero Energy Ready Homes are so efficient that incorporating a renewable system can offset most or all annual energy consumption. Visit energy.gov for more information. ENERGY STAR® Program For New Homes The ENERGY STAR® is a national program administered by the Department of Energy in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency. To earn the ENERGY STAR® certification, homes must meet strict construction and energy efficiency criteria verified by a third party. An ENERGY STAR® qualified home consumes 15% to 30% less energy than a similar home and provides better durability, more comfort, cleaner indoor air, and reduced maintenance costs. Visit energystar.gov for more information. Indoor airPLUS Program The Indoor airPLUS is a program of the Environmental Protection Agency and is a companion label that can only be awarded to a home that has qualified for the ENERGY STAR® or Zero Energy Ready Home programs. The construction and system requirements of the Indoor airPlus program are designed to reduce contaminants to improve indoor air quality, including mold, moisture, radon, carbon monoxide, toxic chemicals, and other detriments found in poor air quality. Visit epa.gov for more information.
Best Value!
Built To Save™ Program The Built To Save™ program is a regional energy efficiency program designed to provide a high performance home that is “superior to code.” To receive the Built To Save™ certification, homes must be inspected before drywall is installed to insure proper insulation, and tested at the completion of construction to verify that the air leakage requirements of the program are met. A Built To Save™ certification means the following: savings through low energy consumption, a more comfortable home, better indoor air quality, and less maintenance, all resulting in a higher resale value for the home. Visit builttosave.org for more information. GreenBuilt RGV GreenBuilt RGV is a voluntary program for building industry professionals who are committed to using products, technologies, and environmentally friendly building practices in their construction process, resulting in better built homes that provide greater energy efficiency, improved air quality, and protection for the environment. The GreenBuilt RGV program is administered by the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association and is designed to encourage the use of sustainable materials in construction in order to conserve energy and protect our natural resources. Visit rgvba.org for more information.
CALL BUILT TO SAVE™ TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET STARTED (956) 778-3590
28
Volume 25.1 2017
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
Meet Chris Carroll, Energy Efficiency Certification Expert RESNET® Certified HERS Rater
H
ome energy raters like Chris Carroll are the cornerstone of the BUILT TO SAVE™ program. As a RESNET certified rater and with oversight from a RESNET Provider, Carroll is responsible for inspecting, testing, and verifying that a home meets all of the requirements of the BUILT TO SAVE™ program to receive certification. BUILT TO SAVE™ is a certification program for new homes designed to identify high-performance homes built to superior “above code” standards, providing energy savings, tighter construction, more comfortable interiors, and enhanced resale
value compared to similar homes built to minimum code requirements. Why would anyone aim for minimum code standards when the alternative is so much better—especially when the cost of certifying a home in the BUILT TO SAVE™ program can be as low as $300* after MVEC rebates. Since the energy testing needed for the BUILT TO SAVE™ program is or will be required by the city anyway to comply with the new energy code, it seems like a “nobrainer,” considering that testing for minimum code compliance can be almost as much if not more if you add re-inspection fees.
Go to: www.BuiltToSave.org/RFC
to request a BUILT TO SAVE™ or ENERGY STAR® certification. Call BUILT TO SAVE™ (956) 971-9700 or Chris Carroll (956) 459-2636 for more information.
* Certification rates vary depending on: number of certifications (BUILT TO SAVE™; ENERGY STAR®; Indoor airPLUS®; DOE Zero Energy Ready Home; GreenBuilt RGV); number of heating/cooling units; re-inspection fees; and rebates from MVEC (MVEC territory only).
BuiLdeR industRy news
SPIKE Club 400d Award Winner Congratulations to Mike Duffey (Zarsky Lumber Co., Inc.) on receiving the SPIKE Club 400d Award presented to him recently by the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association (RGVBA) at their monthly meeting. The National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) SPIKE Club is comprised of members who help the NAHB with recruiting and retaining members. Mike Duffey was recognized and awarded for reaching the 400-member level. RGVBA members who recruit and help retain members play a critical role in the growth and stability of the Association. The SPIKE Club was created in 1953 to recognize these dedicated individuals as “Membership Champions” and rewards them for their efforts with special awards that identify the number of members they have helped recruit or retain in the Builders Association. There are almost 17,000 SPIKE Club members, including builder and associate members.
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
L-R: Marcy Alamia (RGVBA); Mike Duffey (Zarsky Lumber Co., Inc.); Sandra Brown (RGVBA)
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
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301
ar yR d Military Rd
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www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
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1 Mile S. Rd
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
2
Trinity St
Mission
300
83
83
E Business Hwy 83
Trinity St
Daffodil
Pecan Ave
Mile 4Lark Ave
Rd
106
104
BUS
83
2
115
Buddy Owens Blvd
Nolana Ave
104
83
2
Military Rd
23rd St
10th St29th St
336
105 Northgate Ln
103
Tre n
ton
Pecan Ave
495
Rd
23rd St Col Rowe Blvd
Mile 7
2nd St
ton 10th St 29th St
107
McAllen McAllen 23rd St Col Rowe Blvd
Tre n
29th St
Oxford
10th St
Mile 8
th
Mile 8
Lark Ave
Main St
103 36
23rd St
8 1/2 Mile
Ware Rd
Bentsen Rd
Taylor Rd 29th St
8 1/2 Mile
Bicentennial Blvd
23rd St
29th St
St Jude Ave (Mile 6)
Bentsen Rd
29th St
th
36
Shary Rd
Glasscock Rd
Ware Rd
23rd St
29th St
Ware Rd 23rd St
29th St
100
Ware Rd
23rd St
Buddy Owens Blvd
Taylor Rd
Ware Rd
Auburn (Mile 5)
Main St
Daffodil Mile 2
Ware Rd
Shary Rd
Bentsen Rd
107
29th St
495
106
Taylor Rd
Mile 2
Mile 9
10th St
495
Stewart Rd Taylor Rd
Bryan Blvd Shary Rd
Conway Rd
Trosper Rd
Los Ebanos Rd
Inspiration Rd Conway Rd
Rd MoorfieldTrosper Rd
Rd Los Homa Rd La Ebanos
Palm Dr Bentsen Rd Inspiration
Mile 9
BUS
Bicentennial Blvd
Griffin Pkwy
302
Glasscock Rd
Auburn (Mile 5)
102
2nd St
E Business Hwy 83
Mile 4
Bentsen Rd
Stewart Rd
St Jude Ave (Mile 6)
Shary Rd
Mile 2 Taylor Rd
107
Glasscock Rd
Buddy Owens Blvd Stewart Rd
Mile 4
Stewart Rd Taylor Rd
302
Bryan Blvd Shary Rd
Mile 7
101
23rd St
1 Mile S. Rd 2
Mayberry Blvd Glasscock Rd
Stewart Rd
Bryan Blvd
Los Ebanos Rd Mayberry Blvd
Mile 8
Bentsen Rd
495 29th St
Griffin Pkwy Mayberry Blvd Glasscock Rd
Stewart Rd
Los Ebanos Rd
RGV/ South Texas 100
Ware Rd
83 Mission Conway Rd
Mile 5
Bryan Blvd Shary Rd
107
Glasscock Rd
Mile 2 Stewart Rd
Buddy Owens Blvd
Stewart Rd
Trosper Rd Bryan Blvd
Mile 5
Conway Rd
Bryan Blvd
Inspiration Rd
Moorfield Rd
St Jude Ave
102
23rd St
83 Los Ebanos Rd Mayberry Blvd
Mile 4
Mile 7
Ware Rd
2
107
Mile 9
101
Shary Rd
495 Conway Rd
Trosper Rd
La Homa Rd
St Jude Ave
Los Ebanos Rd
Moorfield Rd
Schuerbach Rd
354
Inspiration Rd Conway Rd
Breyfogle Rd
Los Ebanos Rd
Mile 7
Bentsen Rd
83 La Homa Rd
Mile 8
Shary Rd
83 Los Ebanos Rd
354
Mile 9
Conway Rd
BUS Palm Bentsen RdDr Inspiration
N
Inspiration Rd Conway Rd
2 Inspiration Rd
Moorfield Rd
La Homa Rd
map
Schuerbach Rd
BUS Bentsen Palm Dr
Moorfield Rd
La Homa Rd
Bentsen Palm Dr
communities
Depot Rd
Ware Rd Depot Rd
Ware Rd
Monte Cristo Rd
Ware Rd
301 Moorfield Rd
Schuerbach Rd
Bentsen Palm Dr
Monte Cristo Rd
Ware Rd
300
Inspiration Rd Bentsen Palm Dr
Breyfogle Rd
La Homa Rd
Bentsen Palm Dr
new home
Schuerbach Rd
Bentsen Palm Dr
RGV N EW H O M Es G u i d E | Ne w Home Comm u Nities map
Sprague
Freddy Go
1
Hobbs Dr Oxford N
336
107 Nolana Ave
336 495
Jackson A
83
115
336
69C
281
Russell Rd
Tower Rd
Alamo Rd
Cesar Chavez Rd Tower Rd
d
Combes Rio Hondo ora Rd Rd
d
Eld
Tower Rd
495
Valley International Airport
499
13th St
Briggs Coleman Rd
76 Dr
2
Denotes furnished model home Bob Youker St
Ed Carey Dr
d Blv
BUS
Border Rd
Ridge Rd
Tower Rd
rga n
83 this map, To add a New Community on call (956) 971-9700. Mo
Chavez Cesar76 Dr Rd Tower Rd
Washington Ave
SEE MAP ONLINE
1595 BUS
83 509
Harrison Ave Get turn-by-turn directions to a new home community at: www.rgvNewHomesGuide.com/Map Hall Acres Rd 499 DOWNLOAD LOT SHEETS
Re al
Pa so
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
me
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
83
BUS
a
reyAlamo Rd Dr Dr
See layouts of neighborhoods and available lots: www.rgvNewHomesGuide.com/Communities
lot
Stewart Rd
Earling R
Eldora R
Ca
ixieland St
d
Earling R
69E
cker Rd
ta Rd
Minneso
Bowen Rd
Moore Rd
Hall Acres Rd
Lincoln Ave
Garrett Rd
Tower Rd
Alamo Rd
ta Rd HARLINGEN Minneso Tovar Rd 400....... Woodland Oaks See pg. 36
Ed
Palm Ct Dr
Paloma Ln
El Rancho Blanco Rd
83
2
lt Rd
Rooseve
Rio Hondo Rd See pg. 17
F St
2Hall Acres Rd
2
107
BUS
Rd
303....... Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm See pgs. 15 & 36
495
Moore Rd
Moore Rd
Alberta
302....... Stewart Oaks See pg. 36
Alamo Rd
Queen Sago Dr Moore Rd
281
R
507
77
Ridge Rd
d
R Trenton
509
BUS
Cesar Chavez Rd
400
Alberta
Tower Rd
Breedlove St
83
Harlingen Ridge Rd
83 69E
Rd (I Rd) Stewart Blvd Veterans
281
Cesar Chavez Rd Tower Rd
Alamo Rd
Alamo Rd
New Combes Hwy
Veterans Blvd (I Rd)
Longoria Raul Hand Rd Rd
Cragon Rd
Veterans Blvd (I Rd)
Stuart Place Rd
Wilson Rd
d
R Trenton
301....... Retama Village at Bentsen Palm See pgs. 15 & 36
499
281
Palm Blvd
McColl Rd
83
Dillworth Rd
Beckham Rd
2nd St
Atlas Palmas Rd
Bass Blvd
Veterans Blvd (I Rd)
Sugar Rd
Jackson Rd
McColl Rd
10th St
El Rancho Blanco Rd McColl Rd
Stuart Place Rd
Tamm Ln
Sugar Rd
Col Rowe Blvd
Jackson Rd
10th St Main St McColl Rd Bicentennial Blvd
Tamm Ln
Hall Acres Rd
Primera Rd
t
336
Ferguson Ave
eS
Palis Dr
Sioux Rd
495
in Rd
Wiscons
MISSION 300....... Del Oro at Bentsen Palm See pgs. 15 & 35 d
Earling Rd
Killbourn Rd
Ferguson Ave
BUS
in Rd
Eldora Rd
77
Sam Houston Blvd
2 Ridge Rd
Minnesota Rd
erc
Sparrow
Templeton Rd
mm
83
Owassa Rd
Co
2
Jackson Ave Sam Houston Blvd
Rd
205....... Camden Village See pg. 35
Combes Rio Hondo Rd
Sioux Rd BUS
495
BUS
83
Wilson Rd
Canton
Wiscons See pg. 35 204....... The Hills at Chapin
Alberta Rd
83
BUS
83
Ave
2
281
BUS
Canton Rd
Trenton Rd
Eldora Rd
Rio Rancho Rd69C
Primera Rd 2
201....... Telfair See pgs. 1 & 34 n Canto 202....... Regal Vista See pgs. 1 & 35
Border Rd
Earling Rd
107
69C
EDINBURG n Rd n Rd 200....... Fairhaven Heights Anderso See pgs. 11 & 34 Anderso Iowa Rd
Godewin Rd
Nixon Rd
Minnesota Rd
BUS
Pecan Ave
336
Raul Longoria Rd
Alberta Rd
Owassa Rd
Nolana Ave
107
Gap See pgs. 11 & 34
Texas Rd
Wisconsin Rd
Cesar Chavez Rd
Trenton Rd Veterans Blvd (I Rd)
BUS
281
69C
77
Pecan Ave
Cesar Chavez Rd Raul Longoria Rd
Closner Blvd
Raul Longoria Rd
Sugar Rd
Sugar Rd
201
Minnesota Rd
Nolana Ave
Curve106....... Rd Plantation
Rd
203
Canton200 Rd
Woods Rd
Minnesota Rd
Iowa Rd
Bouldin Rd
McColl Rd
Dove Ave
2nd St
McColl Rd
Dove Ave
Texas Rd
Wisconsin Wisconsin Rd
BUS
336
203
Raul Longoria Rd
281Rd Alberta
105....... La Floresta See pgs. 11 & 34 Curve Rd
203....... The Reserve at Canton See pg. 35
Veterans Blvd (I Rd)
Alberta Rd
104....... Hidden Cove See pg. 33
107
202
200 Canton Rd
69C
201
Trenton Rd
107
102....... Estancia at Tres Lagos 107 See pg. 33 107 103....... Hibiscus Hill See pgs. 11 & 33
107
Wisconsin
Trenton Rd
Mile 17 Rd
101....... Escondido at Tres Lagos See pg. 33 E Richardson Rd
E Richardson Rd
202
Canton Rd Jackson Rd
Sugar Rd
Col Rowe Blvd
10th St
McColl Rd
Jackson Rd
Northgate Ln
Closner Blvd
Closner Blvd
Jackson Rd Closner Blvd
205
Hobbs Dr
69C
Edinburg Edinburg
McColl Rd
205 105
Main St
McColl Rd
Sugar Rd
Jackson Rd
10th St
Sprague Rd
MCALLEN Mile 17Lagos Rd 100....... Ensenada at Tres See pg. 33
204
University Dr
Freddy Gonzalez Dr
onzalez Dr
Bicentennial Blvd
Schunior St
University Dr
McColl Rd
Rd
69C
107 336
281
204 Chapin Rd
Raul Longoria Rd
281
Mile 17 1/2 Rd
Mile 17 1/2 Rd
BUS
Chapin Rd
Monte Cristo Rd
new home
communities
BUS
107
Monte Cristo Rd
Rogers Rd
Russell Rd
Schunior St
Monte Cristo Rd
illi
Sugar Rd
Jackson Rd
McColl Rd
Sugar Rd
Jackson Rd
McColl Rd
Rogers Rd
69C
BUS
281
Monte Cristo Rd
W
BUS
Monte Cristo Rd
509 Volume 25.1 2017
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Volume 25.1 2017
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For advertising call (956) 971-9700
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Volume 25.1 2017
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Volume 25.1 2017
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For advertising call (956) 971-9700
“Like� these communities on Facebook
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
www.rgvnewhomesguide.com
Volume 25.1 2017
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SHOWCASE YOUR NEW HOME COMMUNITY HERE! Only $355 or less for 2 months.*
s unitie Comm for fy li a Qu $75 t* n Discou
Go to www.rgvNewHomesGuide.com to see online benefits: interactive maps & downloadable lot sheets. *Must be in MVEC territory to qualify for a $75 discount. One time set-up fee of $145 plus tax not included. Rebates available for a limited time. Restrictions apply.
Call (956) 971-9700 • 1601 North 8th, McAllen, Texas 78501 36
Volume 25.1 2017
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For advertising call (956) 971-9700
SP EC RA IAL For TES Adv Displa y e Ava rtisers ilab le
For advertising call (956) 971-9700
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