I just realized today that I have been using Facebook only for about 9 months and Twitter for only about 3. So, how is it that I am totally and fully hooked? When I started thinking about it, I came up with a few good reasons.
1. It's free! Not much in life is free these days, in fact most costs continue to increase. Think about the postage stamp! But, online tools such as Twitter, Facebook, this blog and others are great ways to get my message to customers, family and friends. As far as time, it just doesn't take very long once you're used to it!
2. It's informative! When I tell people I tweet, I always hear, "Why would I want to hear all about what someone had for breakfast." Well, it's a lot more than that. Sure, there's the occasional non-essential piece of information. But, I now use Twitter for my morning and evening news. The best part is that I follow local and industry specific news sources. So, I don't get a lot of the negative stories we are all too used to in the newspaper and late night news.
3. Stay in touch! These days, everyone is on Facebook. While status updates and photos shouldn't decrease the amount of time we spend with loved ones either in person or on the phone, it is a great way to stay in touch with those you would only normally see at a family or class reunion.
4. Mobility - Now, with phones, digital cameras and even video cameras, we can all communicate no matter where we are in the country. I can take a photo of an Epcon Community in Tennessee and Tweet it right away so that my customers can see what I am seeing. In the same sense, I can feel like I'm a part of a seminar that may be occurring in another state.
One of these days, I want to have a Social Networking Class in our Clubhouse. We'll have Wi-Fi Access in the Clubhouse, so we can all get online and become each others "Fans," "Friends," and "Followers." It's just one more way we can all get connected and become a part of the community! In the meantime, click on one of the links to the right and become a Fan on Facebook or Follow my tweets on Twitter. Check it out and you'll see why I'm so hooked!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Grand Opening Success & What's with those Green Houses?
Well, the Grand Opening of our models was a raging success! We counted over 70 people and we had only planned for about 50. But, that was OK because everyone seemed to have a lot of fun. We gave away the TV to a very surprised visitor and lots of other door prizes as well. The food from Carnegie's must have been fantastic because none of us got a single bite. Every dish was completely cleaned out! We couldn't have been happier!
So, Tom and I just added 8 green Monopoly houses to our Community Map. People may think that these homes have something to do with our Energy Star program, but that's not it! We have officially designated Buildings 2 & 12 as our Courtyard Collection of homes! This is really exciting because now all of the people that expressed an interest in these plans will be able to know where they will be built. We're very excited to get started on the Aboreta and Bramante as the interest has been very high. Check out the YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/timberrungreenfield for Virtual Tours.
So, Tom and I just added 8 green Monopoly houses to our Community Map. People may think that these homes have something to do with our Energy Star program, but that's not it! We have officially designated Buildings 2 & 12 as our Courtyard Collection of homes! This is really exciting because now all of the people that expressed an interest in these plans will be able to know where they will be built. We're very excited to get started on the Aboreta and Bramante as the interest has been very high. Check out the YouTube channel - http://www.youtube.com/timberrungreenfield for Virtual Tours.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Why Epcon Communities & Timber Run
Tom and I get asked this question a lot - Why did you decide to become an Epcon Builder and why did you choose Greenfield? Well, it's a good question, so I thought I would go ahead and answer it once and for all!
Since Tom and I have been together a long time, we've always had the idea that eventually, we would venture out on our own and have the luxury of working together on something really great. After college, we took off on a whim to California to look for jobs and enjoy a little fun in the sun. With an engineering degree in a recession (2001), Tom was hard-pressed to find a job in the manufacturing field. He happened upon a construction management company that specialized in marine-type projects, but of course, they weren't hiring. So, he negotiated a deal where they would pay him a very low salary for six weeks to see if they liked him. They must have liked him a lot because they put him on some very large jobs, including a multi-million dollar beach renovation. In the meantime, I was working for a large computer consulting firm in their finance and accounting department.
We decided to move back to our hometown in Ohio in 2003 to be closer to family and buy our first home. Tom took a job with a large, family owned general contracting firm as a project manager. I took a job as a bookkeeper with a small, family owned, office supply store. Both of our responisibilities just took off! Eventually, I was doing everything from setting up the website for online ordering, to inventory management, all the way to picking and packing orders!
In January 2006, after having our first daughter, we began wanting something more. We were presented with the Epcon opportunity. Between my background and Tom's, we felt like this was an absolute perfect opportunity for us to break out on our own. We did a lot of research and planning, and eventually became an Epcon Builder Partner in November 2006. When considering locations, we looked for a place that was similar to our hometown and under 5 hours away from "home." Someone at Epcon suggested we look at Greenfield. We did and it seemed to fit us perfectly! We feel so at home here now, two years later. I'm so glad we found a place that we can raise our family and become truly involved in this community. We have been welcomed with open arms and are so thankful for the people of this wonderful town!
Since Tom and I have been together a long time, we've always had the idea that eventually, we would venture out on our own and have the luxury of working together on something really great. After college, we took off on a whim to California to look for jobs and enjoy a little fun in the sun. With an engineering degree in a recession (2001), Tom was hard-pressed to find a job in the manufacturing field. He happened upon a construction management company that specialized in marine-type projects, but of course, they weren't hiring. So, he negotiated a deal where they would pay him a very low salary for six weeks to see if they liked him. They must have liked him a lot because they put him on some very large jobs, including a multi-million dollar beach renovation. In the meantime, I was working for a large computer consulting firm in their finance and accounting department.
We decided to move back to our hometown in Ohio in 2003 to be closer to family and buy our first home. Tom took a job with a large, family owned general contracting firm as a project manager. I took a job as a bookkeeper with a small, family owned, office supply store. Both of our responisibilities just took off! Eventually, I was doing everything from setting up the website for online ordering, to inventory management, all the way to picking and packing orders!
In January 2006, after having our first daughter, we began wanting something more. We were presented with the Epcon opportunity. Between my background and Tom's, we felt like this was an absolute perfect opportunity for us to break out on our own. We did a lot of research and planning, and eventually became an Epcon Builder Partner in November 2006. When considering locations, we looked for a place that was similar to our hometown and under 5 hours away from "home." Someone at Epcon suggested we look at Greenfield. We did and it seemed to fit us perfectly! We feel so at home here now, two years later. I'm so glad we found a place that we can raise our family and become truly involved in this community. We have been welcomed with open arms and are so thankful for the people of this wonderful town!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Video Invite to Model Grand Opening
Here is a video invite I just sent out to our customers via e-mail. It's always a little odd to see yourself on camera, but I had a lot of fun putting it together! Plus, I think it's helpful for people to put a face with the name that is sending out the emails.
Let me know what you think! And, RSVP if you think you can make it!
Let me know what you think! And, RSVP if you think you can make it!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Big Event on June 13th!
We're in the midst of planning our next big event! On June 13th, we will officially celebrate our model grand opening. After a brief presentation in our still under-construction clubhouse, we will move over to our models for tours and questions. Then, we'll wrap up the event with a drawing for a 32" LCD HDTV. The winner will take it home with them that day!
With a great special offer for reservation holders and fantastic food from Carnegie's of Greenfield, this is an event you will not want to miss! RSVP to save your spot and enter to win the TV and other great prizes. You can email me at sara@villasatttimberrun.com.
Hope to see you all there!
With a great special offer for reservation holders and fantastic food from Carnegie's of Greenfield, this is an event you will not want to miss! RSVP to save your spot and enter to win the TV and other great prizes. You can email me at sara@villasatttimberrun.com.
Hope to see you all there!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Busy Day Today!
Well, today was a very busy day. While Tom and I were at the Hancock County Builder's Council golf outing, Jim was keeping everyone very busy on-site. First, we have the entry drive paved! It worked out well since we were closed today and it will be fine to drive on by tomorrow morning.
With all of this perfect weather, the contractors were out in a force today! We have the pond grass mowed, the final mortar is on for the exterior stone and more work on the clubhouse was completed. Plus, I believe they were working on the utilities for building five and installing the Hardy Siding and the rest of the stone for that building.
Tom and I walked the clubhouse again this morning, this time with a homeowner. He was impressed! It really does look so much bigger once it is framed. I'm still amazed!
Tomorrow is a fun day of selections, which is my favorite part! First, we meet with the designers to choose all of the selections for the clubhouse. Then, I'll finalize the selections for the Showcase Canterbury - 3A. Finally, we have an appointment with our most recent customer to make final changes to their new home. So much fun!
With all of this perfect weather, the contractors were out in a force today! We have the pond grass mowed, the final mortar is on for the exterior stone and more work on the clubhouse was completed. Plus, I believe they were working on the utilities for building five and installing the Hardy Siding and the rest of the stone for that building.
Tom and I walked the clubhouse again this morning, this time with a homeowner. He was impressed! It really does look so much bigger once it is framed. I'm still amazed!
Tomorrow is a fun day of selections, which is my favorite part! First, we meet with the designers to choose all of the selections for the clubhouse. Then, I'll finalize the selections for the Showcase Canterbury - 3A. Finally, we have an appointment with our most recent customer to make final changes to their new home. So much fun!
Monday, May 18, 2009
8 Great Reasons to BUY NOW!
With all of today's economic uncertainty, it might seem odd to some that our New Home Specialist has been so overwhelmed with customers that she’s hardly had time to put on coffee the past several weekends. Or that after only eight months, TWENTY-TWO families have already invested in a new home and a new lifestyle at the Villas At Timber Run, An Epcon Community (www.VillasAtTimberRun.com) with others joining in all the time. These smart & savvy buyers have recognized that a "perfect storm" of circumstances has formed to make this THE MOST PROFITABLE time to invest in a new home, possibly ever!
Here’s what they know:
#1: 30-Year Mortgage Rates are at ALL TIME LOWS!
A conventional mortgage on a $180,000 home at a rate of 6.5% (last year, and probably next year) vs. 5% (today) would cost you over $137.00 per month more! This adds up to almost $50,000.00 in additional interest costs over the life of the loan! Can you afford to lose out on this opportunity?
#2: Home values are… kind of irrelevant?
That’s right, whether values are historically high or historically low, everyone is on a level playing field. For most of our customers, the possibility of receiving a lower than expected price for their existing residence is more than offset by the lower price they are receiving on their new home from a Builder. Subcontractors and suppliers are very hungry for business and are slashing the input costs for new construction allowing Builders to price homes aggressively low. Guess what? THIS WON’T LAST!
#3: INVEST WISELY.
Which investment would you choose? If you’re like most people, the choice isn’t whether or not you are going to own a home, it’s whether you keep investing in your existing residence or invest in a new one. Which investment is more likely to appreciate—your current older home or a home freshly designed and built to be relevant for today’s and tomorrow’s buyer? After all, while you wait for the market to recover, wouldn’t you rather be waiting in a new maintenance-free home, customized to your taste and style rather than wondering if your lawnmower is going to start this spring? Sometimes "playing it safe" isn’t very safe at all.
#4: Buy Low, Sell High.
It’s the first rule of investing. Home purchases are not meant to be short-term investments and smart buyers know that waiting for a stronger market means paying higher prices. You’ve heard the news that new housing starts have been falling for the past two years. This means the supply is rapidly decreasing. This also means that when the demand returns to normal levels and new homes are in short supply, prices will undoubtedly skyrocket-it’s Economics 101! Don’t lose out your chance to invest near the bottom.
#5: Experience the difference!
Builders are rolling out the red carpet for their customers these days. The Customer is King, now more than ever before. Custom changes—no problem! Don’t miss out on the chance to have a great buying experience with a customer focused builder before they get too busy to go that extra mile!
#6: Save Green, Be Green.
Our customers are enjoying a savings of around 40% on their heating and cooling bills because of our Energy Star Certified construction and they’ll take pride in living in a more environmentally friendly home. What would you do with an extra 125 bucks a month?
#7: Quality Counts.
Homes built in slower housing markets are constructed with more care and by more highly talented craftsman. A lot was overlooked in the old days of "How fast can we build?"—not on purpose of course, but at the break-neck pace of a few years ago, builders just didn’t have the time to be picky. Now builders are able to be a lot more "hands on" and make sure proper attention is paid to the details. Additionally, a lighter workload for subcontractors means that employers have retained only their best tradesmen, which in effect "weeds out" the amateurs—AND THE DIFFERENCE SHOWS.
#8: Made in the U.S.A!
With the housing industry comprising 1/5 of America’s GDP, it’s no wonder the economy is struggling. Indiana lost 7,500 housing jobs in 2008 alone. Most Americans feel a patriotic draw toward buying American made products, but does it really make a difference? Think about this—virtually ALL of the dollars spent building and buying a new home stay in your local community. Now that’s what I call a stimulus package (where it counts)! JFK said it best, "Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country." Simply put, those who wait on the sidelines are continuing to compound the problem, but those who CAN afford to purchase a car or a home during a time of recession and actually DO IT are true Patriots and should be applauded.
Here’s what they know:
#1: 30-Year Mortgage Rates are at ALL TIME LOWS!
A conventional mortgage on a $180,000 home at a rate of 6.5% (last year, and probably next year) vs. 5% (today) would cost you over $137.00 per month more! This adds up to almost $50,000.00 in additional interest costs over the life of the loan! Can you afford to lose out on this opportunity?
#2: Home values are… kind of irrelevant?
That’s right, whether values are historically high or historically low, everyone is on a level playing field. For most of our customers, the possibility of receiving a lower than expected price for their existing residence is more than offset by the lower price they are receiving on their new home from a Builder. Subcontractors and suppliers are very hungry for business and are slashing the input costs for new construction allowing Builders to price homes aggressively low. Guess what? THIS WON’T LAST!
#3: INVEST WISELY.
Which investment would you choose? If you’re like most people, the choice isn’t whether or not you are going to own a home, it’s whether you keep investing in your existing residence or invest in a new one. Which investment is more likely to appreciate—your current older home or a home freshly designed and built to be relevant for today’s and tomorrow’s buyer? After all, while you wait for the market to recover, wouldn’t you rather be waiting in a new maintenance-free home, customized to your taste and style rather than wondering if your lawnmower is going to start this spring? Sometimes "playing it safe" isn’t very safe at all.
#4: Buy Low, Sell High.
It’s the first rule of investing. Home purchases are not meant to be short-term investments and smart buyers know that waiting for a stronger market means paying higher prices. You’ve heard the news that new housing starts have been falling for the past two years. This means the supply is rapidly decreasing. This also means that when the demand returns to normal levels and new homes are in short supply, prices will undoubtedly skyrocket-it’s Economics 101! Don’t lose out your chance to invest near the bottom.
#5: Experience the difference!
Builders are rolling out the red carpet for their customers these days. The Customer is King, now more than ever before. Custom changes—no problem! Don’t miss out on the chance to have a great buying experience with a customer focused builder before they get too busy to go that extra mile!
#6: Save Green, Be Green.
Our customers are enjoying a savings of around 40% on their heating and cooling bills because of our Energy Star Certified construction and they’ll take pride in living in a more environmentally friendly home. What would you do with an extra 125 bucks a month?
#7: Quality Counts.
Homes built in slower housing markets are constructed with more care and by more highly talented craftsman. A lot was overlooked in the old days of "How fast can we build?"—not on purpose of course, but at the break-neck pace of a few years ago, builders just didn’t have the time to be picky. Now builders are able to be a lot more "hands on" and make sure proper attention is paid to the details. Additionally, a lighter workload for subcontractors means that employers have retained only their best tradesmen, which in effect "weeds out" the amateurs—AND THE DIFFERENCE SHOWS.
#8: Made in the U.S.A!
With the housing industry comprising 1/5 of America’s GDP, it’s no wonder the economy is struggling. Indiana lost 7,500 housing jobs in 2008 alone. Most Americans feel a patriotic draw toward buying American made products, but does it really make a difference? Think about this—virtually ALL of the dollars spent building and buying a new home stay in your local community. Now that’s what I call a stimulus package (where it counts)! JFK said it best, "Ask not what your Country can do for you, but what you can do for your Country." Simply put, those who wait on the sidelines are continuing to compound the problem, but those who CAN afford to purchase a car or a home during a time of recession and actually DO IT are true Patriots and should be applauded.
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