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For many homeowners, home improvements just happen. They happen when something breaks, when guests are coming and the worn carpet is embarrassing, or perhaps when you just want to freshen your home and your attitude with a new coat of paint.

To make the best use of your money and the wisest investments for your home, why not become more intentional about home improvements in 2011? The Equifax Personal Finance Blog is your first stop for making your plans.

Real estate expert Ilyce Glink recently posted an article entitled, “How to Plan for Next Year’s Home Improvement Projects.” Her first recommendation is to make a wish list of the projects you would like to complete in 2011, then prioritize them according to what you would most like to do.

Unfortunately, you don’t just make a wish list and start working. You’ve got to consider costs, too. Glink recommends estimating the amount of money you’ll have available for home improvement projects in 2011, then developing a budget for each of the items on your list. She points out that many projects can be scaled back if money is tight. Read More→

Categories : News
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Last week, Jane O’Connor, president of 55 Plus Marketing in Charlemont, Mass., was named the Certified Active Adult Specialist in Housing (CAASH) designee of the year at a gala reception during the 2011 NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando.

O’Connor has served as Chair of the CAASH Board of Governors and helped develop certification guidelines for the program. One of the first people to receive the CAASH professional designation, she has been working tirelessly to prepare course work in sales education and to teach other industry professionals. Read More→

Categories : Events, News
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“It’s never too late to live.” For many retired baby boomers, this simple phrase seems to be a mantra of sorts. In a recent survey conducted by Trilogy by Shea Homes, a leading developer of high-end resort communities for active adults, boomers love all aspects of life. From connecting with others to making the world a better place, these people are proving that it’s not how old you are, but how old you feel that matters.

Over 2,000 boomers have taken Trilogy’s interactive retirement survey at http://www.trilogylifescape.com and the results are quite interesting. When asked what they collect, more boomers collect Facebook friends (37.28 percent) than pictures of grandchildren (33.73 percent). These active adults are proving that social media isn’t just a young person’s game. In fact, 85 percent of the survey participants found the survey through Trilogy’s Facebook and Twitter feeds. Read More→

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For people seeking comfort, the search is over. Boone Homes has begun construction on the Bridgemont, the newest model at its Tarrington on the James community in Midlothian. This new model from the Richmond custom home builder is Energy Star Certified, meaning residents can live extravagantly and still save money. The 4,226-square foot Bridgemont model is priced from $599,000 and has five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths.

At Boone Homes, the customer comes first. By following that mantra, they have incorporated several changes into the Bridgemont model that people have asked for. Rooms are sized to maximize square footage in the places where it is most needed. Residents can also a more organized home thanks to a deluxe drop zone. The changes don’t have to stop there because Boone Homes can customize any floorplan to meet your needs.

The Bridgemont also has several premium, energy-efficient technologies that help consumers live better and save money. By providing LED lighting and low-emission windows, this home offers superb energy conservation. It also Read More→

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Jim Chapman Communities has posted its year-to-date sales numbers for 2010. The builder has boosted its number of new home starts by 800 percent over 2009, increasing from five to 41. Jim Chapman Communities also increased closing revenue by $6 million (70.3 percent) and number of closings (13). This year has been a success, with the builder selling a total of 58 homes since January.

Jim Chapman Communities specializes in building active adult communities in seven metro Atlanta locations. These single-family homes and ranch condos offer spacious residencies complete with gourmet kitchens, custom cabinetry and beautiful master suites with walk-in closets. With wider doorways, ample bath space and zero-step entries from the garage, these homes are designed with Easy Living Home building specifications in mind.

With all this continued success, Jim Chapman Communities continues to grow. The builder has recently done construction on Concord Mill in Cobb County. Located in Austell, Ga., this community has beautiful three and four bedroom homes that feature stone and brick accents and hardi-board construction. Inside the homes, owners will find stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops and spacious master suites. The homes in Concord Mill start in the $180,000s and offer four floor plans for buyers to choose from. Because Concord Mill is the only Jim Chapman Communities property that is not age-restricted, these homes can provide a great value for anyone.

For more information on available homes, visit Jim Chapman Communities.