Green Lingo 101 : Echo-savvy Definitions for Dummies

With energy conservation and environmental awareness common topics of everyday conversation, green lingo is everywhere. Practically a language of its own, echo-savvy talk requires a bit of education and explanation when it comes to understanding those green terms. Here is a list of the most popular green lingo out there.

Adaptive Reuse - Renovation of a building or site to include elements that allows a particular use or uses to occupy a space that originally was intended for a different use.

Alternative Energy - Energy from a source other than the conventional fossil-fuel sources of oil, natural gas and coal (i.e., wind, running water, the sun). Also referred to as "alternative fuel."

Biodegradable - Waste material composed primarily of constituent parts that occur naturally, are able to be decomposed by bacteria or fungi, and are absorbed into the ecosystem. Wood, for example, is biodegradable, while plastics are not.

Biosphere - The part of the earth and its atmosphere in which living organisms exist or that is capable of supporting life. The ecosystem composed of the earth and the living organisms inhabiting it.

Carbon Footprint - A measure of impact on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide.

Climate Change - The term "climate change" is sometimes used to refer to all forms of climatic inconsistency, but because the earth's climate is never static, the term is more properly used to imply a significant change from one climatic condition to another. In some cases, "climate change" has been used synonymously with the term "global warming"; scientists, however, tend to use the term in the wider sense to also include natural changes in climate. Also referred to as "global climate change." Also see "Global Warming."

Compost - Process whereby organic wastes, including food wastes, paper and yard wastes, decompose naturally, resulting in a product rich in minerals and ideal for gardening and farming as a soil conditioner, mulch, resurfacing material or landfill cover.

Conservation - Preserving and renewing, when possible, human and natural resources. The use, protection and improvement of natural resources according to principles that will ensure their highest economic or social benefits.

Energy Efficiency - Principles and technology that reduce electricity or fuel usage while doing the same work, such as keeping a house warm using less energy.

Energy Vampires - This term refers to electric appliances such as televisions, chargers, and clock radios that use energy even when turned off. The energy they use is also called a “phantom load.”

Environmental Impact - Any change to the environment, whether positive or negative, resulting from human activity, industry or natural disasters.

Global Warming - A process that raises the air temperature in the lower atmosphere due to heat trapped by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, CFCs and ozone. It can occur as the result of natural influences, but most often is a direct result of human activities (i.e., car and factory emissions, cigarette smoke)

Green Design – Design that adheres and conforms to environmentally sound principles of building, material and energy use. A green building, for example, might make use of solar panels, skylights and recycled building materials. View True Homes Green Homes

LEED™ Rating System - LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a self-assessing system designed to rate commercial and residential buildings. The system evaluates environmental performance over a building's life cycle, determining the true “green” of the building and what is required to bring it up to energy and environmental standards.

Renewable Energy – Energy that comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, and geothermal heat and is naturally replenished.

Recycling - The process by which waste materials are collected, processed and returned to the economic mainstream to be reused in the form of raw materials or finished goods.

Sustainability - Practices that ensure the continued viability of a product or practice well into the future.

True Homes is the largest home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina, with new communities in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact us at 704-937-2307

Hot Home Design Tips

Multi-generational living spaces and unique color combinations top the list in home design.

It’s All in the Family

While it has been a long, rough real estate road in the last few years, home design remains hotter than ever. However, things are not what they used to be when it comes to floorplans and design. A tight economy has forced people to adjust their living arrangements and lifestyles as more and more families living together are multi-generational. With grandma and teenager under the same roof comes the need for individual living spaces that provide conveniences and “space” for each member of the family.

One of the most popular developments multi-generational living has brought back to life is the in-law suite. Often detached or semi-detached from the main house, this suite is just like its own little home, commonly equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and private living quarters.

Vertical Gardens

With the growth of urban sprawl, smaller homes and less acreage, vertical gardens have become all the rage these days. These living walls, as they are often called, help reduce air toxins, regulate moisture, reflect light and heat, and provide a peaceful, warming effect on cooler city dwellings.

Lean and Green

We can’t mention garden without going green. Today’s hottest home designs take energy efficiency and conversation into consideration on nearly every level, from light bulbs to solar panels. As home owners consider remaining in their homes for longer periods of time, green investments offer both long- and short-term benefits for home buyers and owners.

Color Me “Greige”?

It’s no home design secret that “greige” is all the rage when it comes to color. A warm tone gray that looks either taupe or beige, it mimics a winning combination of gray and beige, and looks delightful when accented with the still-loved golden tones of yesteryear.

Dramatic Floors

When it comes to wood floors, light is out, dark is in. Dark wood is far more dramatic and accented with golden browns or lighter colors, makes for a floor worth stepping on. If carpet is your style, lighter is most definitely the top pick.

Furniture and Flatscreens

Big furniture has been replaced by smaller pieces, and bulk is a thing of the past. Large, fluffy sectionals, forget ‘em. Heavy armoires and buffets, not so much. Large projector TV’s, not in here. Smaller sized furniture with sleek designs is the hands down leader in home furnishings. Flatscreens are now wall-mounts or, more interesting still, custom framed to look like a piece of art.

Ultimately, home design is subjective and all about what you want in your home. And, as well all know, trends change all the time. A good rule of thumb when designing your home is to always consider the added resale value of the design or investment.

True Homes is the largest home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina, with new communities in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact us at 704-937-2307.

Buying a New Home in the Carolinas? Join the Club !

Investment properties and vacation homes account for huge home sales, nearly 65 percent last year alone. North and South Carolina, offering homes and communities for everyone from singles to families to retirees, are two of the most popular destinations for new home buyers.

View new homes in the Carolinas    Visit 55+ Active Adult Living Communities

Welcome to the Carolina’s !

For years, the sister states of North Carolina and South Carolina have been home buying hotspots, typically reeling in resort-style living retirees with their southern charm, golf courses and beaches. However, with the change in the tech sector leading to expansions into key southern towns such as Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, the Carolina’s have seen an influx of graduates, along with newly-weds and families looking for a home that offers safety, affordability, cultural diversity and steady employment opportunities.

With over 60 locations throughout Charlotte and Charleston, new home builder, True Homes, is intimately familiar with new home buyers moving to the Carolina’s. Housing demand requires a little something for everyone, and from townhomes to resort-style paradises, True Homes has continued to supply new home buyers with quality homes and affordable prices.

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With excellent prices and historically low mortgage rates, now is a great time to buy a home in North or South Carolina. Combined with generous state tax incentives and discounts, the appeal to live in the southern states becomes even stronger, as the numbers show steady increases in people moving into the Carolina’s from other states.

The Carolina’s consistently make Top 10 lists of best states to live in. Cities and towns such as Fort Mills, South Carolina, a budding Charlotte suburb rated in the Top 10 Best Towns for Families by Family Circle, is one example of such a place.

If quality of life, affordability, excellent schools, a sense of community and job growth are on the list of places for you to call home, the Carolina’s just may be the place for you!

True Homes is the largest home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina, with new communities in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact us at 704-937-2307.

Is 2012 a Good Year to Buy a House ?

According to a Wall Street blog written in April of this year, nearly three quarters of Americans feel that now is a good time to buy a house. Is that really the case?

Proponents for “buy now” state several reasons for 2012 being a great time to buy a home, citing historically low mortgage rates and fast inflating rental prices which have already seen significant spike throughout the year. As Fannie Mae chief economist Doug Duncan stated, “Conditions are coming together to encourage people to want to buy homes.”

According to a recent article on fiscaltimes.com, since the wild ride of big ticket home prices in the mid 2000’s, mortgage rates have been driven down and home prices have deeply declined making housing affordability the best it’s been in two decades.

In short, housing affordability is at levels not seen since prior to the early 1990s and is almost twice the level that it was in April 2006, the peak month for house price levels, when housing was the least affordable.

With all the elements in place making it an ideal time to buy a home, there is still one component to the bubble era that remains: bidding wars. As the number of available inventory decreases due to demand, there are fewer homes for sale in markets that were screaming for buyers. Perhaps a pain-in-the-neck challenge, but another key indicator that buying now is good, as availability becomes less and less.

So, what’s making up a strong percentage of these property snap-ups? Rental investments and vacation homes are a large part of sales. Second homes that offer close proximity to work, as well as getaways are high on the list of real estate investments, making up 65 percent of home sales in 2011. Visit True Homes in North and South Carolina.

With all of the key indicators in place, a little homework and bidding muscle, if you have cash to buy or the credit to obtain a home, now seems the perfect time, indeed.

True Homes is the largest new home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina with homes in over 60 stunning communities throughout the region. For more information on building a new Carolina home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact them at 704-937-2307.

Fort Mill, South Carolina in Top 10 List of Best Cities for Families

A quaint little town nestled in the suburbs of Charlotte, fast-growing Fort Mill, South Carolina, with it’s excellent schools, comfortable population, low-crime rate and small-town charm, now resides in Family Circle’s list of Top 10 Best Towns for Families.

A sprawling city located just 20 miles from Charlotte, Fort Mill offers a safe and peaceful environment for raising a family. Promoting low-crime and goodwill, the local police department oversees the Do the Right Thing program where parents and children alike are encouraged to participate in good deeds, community development and charity organizations. Stellar schools abound with some of the best and brightest students being taught and led by some of the best and brightest teachers around.

The town of Fort Mill tends to give off an easy-going vibe with a southern-style charm. Considered a fast growing suburban town, the city offers a family-feel with rich roots in community and business. Culture, diversity, art and worship join to form an eclectic mix of lifestyles and interests.

With homes available in five different locations throughout Fort Mill, South Carolina, True Homes offers a variety of family living styles and floor plans to choose from. Visit our properties in Fort Mills.

For more information on homes for sale in Fort Mill, South Carolina contact True Homes at 704-937-2307.

True Homes is the largest new home builder in the Carolinas. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com.

Single Home Buyer? True has a Home for You !

Single and looking for a home to buy in North or South Carolina? True Homes offers a wide variety of homes and floor plans to choose from.

In today’s world, singles are fast climbing the charts in percentage of first-time home buyers. No longer just a family purchase, singles make up for nearly 30 percent of home buyers in today’s market. So, if you are single and wanting to buy that first house, have no fear, there are plenty out there for you, and plenty of financing options to boot.

At True Homes, we pride ourselves on offering a range of new homes for single home buyers. With prices starting in the mid 100’s, single folks can easily find something well within their home buying budget. With over 60 locations on Charlotte and new homes popping up in Charleston, True Homes is a leading home builder of the south offering spacious designer floor plans that appeal to all personalities and lifestyles.

View True Homes Floor Plans in Charlotte    View True Homes Floor Plans in Charleston

Quick Move-in Homes

If expedient occupancy is what you are after, True Homes also offers a large selection of homes that are ready for immediate or near future move-in. Quick move-in homes are available throughout Charlotte and Charleston and also come with a variety of spacious designer floor plans to choose from.

Green Homes

If green is your thing and an energy-efficient home is what you are after, True Homes has the place for you. All True Homes are green homes that are independently tested and certified for energy efficiency, making them 40 percent more energy efficient than a typical existing home. Read more about True Homes Green Homes

Four Different Home Collections

True Homes is committed to leaving no one out when it comes to finding the home of their dreams. That is why we offer four different home collections - from sassy townhomes to elegant luxury homes - so you can find what fits your personality, lifestyle and budget. Our unique combination of True Space and True Style ensures you get the most house for your money – and one that fits your own personal taste and style.

So, single and looking for a great home? Visit True Homes today to find yours!

True Homes is the largest home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a new market in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact us at 704.271.1191.

How to Choose a Great Neighborhood

Choosing a neighborhood to live in is just as important as choosing the right house.

So, you finally picked the perfect home to live in and it’s everything you dreamed of and more. But what about the neighborhood? Do you know who will be living next to you?

When it comes to buying a home, neighborhood counts. Alot. One of the biggest mistakes home buyers make is failing to thoroughly investigate the area they will be living in. More people have had their dream homes turn to nightmares simply because they failed to conduct due diligence on the community they chose to call home.

Even when dealing with a real estate agent, it’s important for home buyers to remember that agents are prohibited by law to disclose or reveal any information that may be deemed biased or prejudiced. So, if you are a family with kids, living in party-central is most likely not going to be for you. As a new home buyer, it is entirely up to you as the potential new home owner to investigate the community you are considering calling home. Here are a few ways you can research your neighborhood to be sure you are picking the right one.

Drive Bys

Driving through a neighborhood is one of the best ways to get an idea of what goes on there. Driving around during the day is fine; however, nighttime or early evening is often best as that is when people are home. When driving around take note of what you see and hear. Is it quiet, or noisy? Are there cars on lawns and people hanging out on the streets? Is the place clean and litter free, or is there trash on the streets and sidewalks? What is the landscaping like at other homes in the area? Are the lawns well-kept, or overgrown, dry and full of weeds? What do the other homes look like? Are they worn down, or well-maintained? All of these things will give you a good idea of who your neighbors are as well as the living habits they practice.

Demographics

Demographics are important to know for any neighborhood you are considering living in. A great place to start is online research for the city you are planning on moving into. Most city sites have a full breakdown of the area’s demographics. Questions to consider are who lives there and what do they do? What are the professions and average income levels of those in the area? What is the percentage of home buyers versus renters? Another great source of information is the local police department. Whether online or by phone law enforcement officials can lend great insight into a community, especially when it comes to crime statistics.

Commutes

No one wants to spend long hours driving to and from work or school. Consider where you are located in proximity to where you will be spending the majority of your time during the week. If long hauls are not for you, then choosing a neighborhood that is more conveniently located will be critically important.

Schools

One sign of a great neighborhood is a well-maintained school. Distance is also another factor to consider as kids participate in after school programs, sports and other events that require time on campus. Also, the rating of the school itself is vital, as well as is safety. Be sure to investigate areas and the schools that cater to them.

Property Values and Taxes

Knowing current property values and how much they have changed over the last several years is very important when considering the future worth of your own home. Also learning of any future developments can be beneficial as they will bring changes to the area as far as traffic and taxes are concerned. Another good thing to inquire of is property taxes and how they have increased over the last few years. This gives you a great idea of increases you can expect.

Proximity

Everyone needs to get out every now and then and when they do, they like to have their amenities close to home. Parks, theaters, restaurants and grocery stores in close proximity lends to a more leisurely and carefree life and far less time-consuming days off.

Remember, you are investing in the neighborhood as much as you are the home itself, so be sure to do whatever is necessary to make your investment count!

True Homes is the largest home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a new market in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact us at 704.271.1191.