The First Time Home Buyer Series: Part 1

If you are thinking about buying your first home… this is the blog for you!

Let me start by introducing myself. I am Alyssa and I live with my parents, my 3 siblings and two cats. Life is crazy and I never seem to have a minute for myself! I graduated from college almost 4 years ago and like most college grads found myself living back with my parents. After experiencing what it’s like to be on my own, I have known for a long time that I had no long terms plans for continuing to live with my parents. However, as the money cautious person that I am, renting seemed to be the worst idea in the world. I just couldn’t imagine giving my hard earned money away to a landlord when I could be saving it to get myself further ahead. This is where I landed on the idea of buying a house!

I have been saving for probably about three years and said that I wouldn’t start looking until I had reached my set goal. I had almost reached that goal this past fall and decided it was time to start looking to see what I could afford and start thinking about what I wanted in my first home.

As a single girl looking to buy her first home, I knew I wouldn’t be very handy. I knew I didn’t want to be spending every waking hour working on my house, not to mention I wanted to know that I had a few dollars to eat or maybe go out once and awhile. The more I thought about it, an older home just wasn’t really going to work for me. Here are the conclusions I came to:

·      I didn’t want to be changing my roof in two years

·      I didn’t want to update my windows in three years

·      I didn’t want to run the risk of bad electrical

·      I didn’t want to have questionable plumbing

·      I didn’t want to be living with someone else’s version of a DIY home renovation

·      I DEFINITELY didn’t want to be living a life of constant renovations

So after really thinking about want I really didn’t want in my first home, I landed on the idea of a new townhome. I don’t have a lot of money to play with but I was willing to push my budget by a very minimal amount to get what I wanted.

This is where I must reveal that I have the advantage of knowing more about new homes than most; I have been working for Parkview Homes for the past two years. I know A LOT about new homes, I know many plans inside and out, the advantages and disadvantages of buying new and I have the knowledge of the new home industry that a regular first time homebuyer wouldn’t normally be exposed to.

Even though I know a lot about new homes I still did a lot of research and thinking to make sure that it was the best choice for me. Here are some of the conclusions I came to as to why I was leaning towards a new townhome:

·      Personalized floorplan – I will explain more about this in a later blog.

·      Long closing date – I wanted extra time to save!

·      Little to no updating

·      Great community/location – I get to be in the West End of Peterborough without paying West End prices or being in an older home

·      I get to choose my own interior selections – I don’t have to live with anyone else’s taste, until I have the money to change them

·      Everything was new! – new electrical, new plumbing, new flooring, new windows, new roof, new appliances, new kitchen, new toilets NEW EVERYTHING!

·      Fantastic resale value

After comparing my list of what I didn’t want in an older home to what I could get in a new townhome it was a no brainer for me, I had to go with the new home. It is what made the most sense for me.

So on November 17, 2013, after many, many, many loooong nights of estimating all my possible costs, budgeting every cent I have and many conversations and discussions with family and friends about what they thought of my plan, I signed an agreement to purchase my new townhome in Jackson Creek Meadows!

My house won’t be ready until Fall of 2014, but that is exactly how I wanted it. It gives me plenty of extra time to save, stock up on all the necessities and really get excited!

My plan is to make this blog a series so that you can follow along the new home buying process with me! In my next blogs I will talk about the fun process of personalizing my floorplan, my Design Studio Selection Process and anything else exciting that happens!

Talk to you soon,

Alyssa

Here are a few resources if you are thinking about buying your first home or a new home:

Jackson Creek Meadows – Townhomes

Jackson Creek Meadows – Community

Why has everything gone grey?

As I look out my window on this stormy winter’s day, I ask the question “why has everything gone grey”? And I don’t just mean the skies! What I am most curious about is what’s happening in the home décor world.

As you may already be aware the trend in decorating has shifted from what once was clearly beige/brown to grey. I personally really like the use of this colour in interiors, but I know that it is quite a controversial colour as some people find it quite depressing. Some refer to grey as the “drabbest colour in the pallette”. Grey is often associated with industrial environments which are typically utilitarian and functional.

 If we look at grey, we see a colour that is neither black nor white. Given it is virtually absent of colour, it draws no attention to itself, neither good nor bad, in my opinion. The flip side to this coin is that some colour enthusiasts believe it is the new beige and feels as neutral and pleasing to the eye as can be.

In recent months we have seen a significant shift in the use of the colour grey; not just in paint, cabinets, and accessories but also in clothing, and even car manufacturers have caught on to this hot trend! I recently purchased a new vehicle in what I would call a mid grey tone (they call it graphite) which is not too light (silver) and not too dark (charcoal) but in my opinion just right. Up until a few years ago I could never see myself liking a grey car, but have to admit I have fully embraced the “grey” world!

There could be a number of reasons why grey is the new colour of choice by many. It could be seen as a trendy/fashionable statement by those who follow design shows and read up on the latest magazines. This gives a sense of belonging, inclusion, even acceptance.

Your New Home… Personalized Just For You!

In our careers there are always aspects of our jobs that we find interesting and fulfilling. One of the aspects that I enjoy is helping my customers find practical solutions to personalizing their floor plan, to meet their lifestyle requirements or special needs. Often my clients will be looking at a floor plan on our website and contact me and wondering if they can make changes. The answer is that at Parkview Homes, we love to work with our purchasers to make the changes they desire to personalize their home to suit their lifestyle and needs.

I enjoy listening to my client's suggestions and I love to offer my own suggestions. Often I will make practical and low cost suggestions that my clients have not even considered. I find making suggestions that will enhance my clients home in terms of “their wishes” very satisfying.
 
For example:

“How about we increase the width of your front door? This will make it easier for delivery of large appliances or furniture.”

“Why don’t we upgrade your regular ensuite door in your master bathroom, to a pocket door that way the door will not be hiding your new elegant glass shower door?”

Normally when I’m working with a client, I review and examine the floor plan after I understand my client's lifestyle needs and budget and offer helpful suggestions. Reviewing and/or changing floor plans is something I thoroughly enjoy doing. I often receive feedback from my customers on how helpful the process was and they really were appreciative of my suggestions.
 
I have re-designed master ensuite bathrooms, created dream kitchen suggestions, helped re-design lower levels and I even had the pleasure of designing a wheelchair accessible home.

I also receive feedback from my customers that many of the other builders would not spend as much time with them and I often hear that other local builders were not interested in making floor plan changes.

Looking for a new home? Let’s Chat!  I’m available 5 days a week, where we can sit down in a nice relaxed environment, share design thoughts & ideas and together design a home which is “PERSONALIZED JUST FOR YOU.”
 
For more information, contact Rick Phillips – Director of sales and Marketing – Parkview Homes
rphillips@parkviewhomes.ca   705-741-1004 (office)
  

Passion For The Job

Do you have passion for what you do? I sure do. There are many aspects to my career that I find exciting, gratifying and also challenging.

What do I find exciting? It’s really all about people. The joy of creating a connection, the ability to help understand their needs and help problem solve. The satisfaction of offering potential purchasers and purchasers design ideas and structural changes that they may not have thought about. I love making suggestions for things as simple as… “How about we add a nice pocket door in the master ensuite, so that the door when opened, will not be hiding your beautiful new glass shower door. Often the person(s) buying will not think of the simple changes that will make the home function easier.

There are also creative and challenging elements to my position that I welcome. I was approached a few months ago to work out a custom home design for a client that was severely disabled in a recent major car accident. The mobility needs for a client in that situation are extensive and I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of creating a custom home design that meets all mobility and lifestyle needs, IE: Custom kitchen, electrical switches at different levels, elevator, access ramps, walk in shower and so much more. It has been an honour to work with such amazing clients and to work together in harmony to create a winning floor plan, that serves all mobility and lifestyle needs.

As Director of Sales and Marketing, I’m proud to be leading a caring and talented team of sales, marketing and design professionals. The total tenure of my team exceeds 29 years of consulting with prospects, designing and working out great living solutions for hundreds and hundreds of happy Parkview Homeowners. I also love the challenge of managing the marketing effort, understanding “New Home" trends, market conditions, knowing our competition and making continuous improvements to processes, and products while always keeping a watchful eye on customer satisfaction.

I feel blessed to be working in a dynamic industry that I have a great understanding and passion for. At the end of the day, it’s all about people and in many cases, making the dream of owning a new home simple, fun and worry free. For more information about my blog or purchasing a Brand new Home, please contact me at 705-741-1004 or email me at rphillips@parkviewhomes.ca


New homes in Peterborough.  Quality. Craftsmanship. Attention to Detail.  Visit www.parkviewhomes.ca today.  You may also visit our Facebook page to join in on the conversation!

How Parkview Homes Makes Personalizing Your Floor Plan Easier…

If you're in the market for a new home, perhaps you have recently visited with different builders within the Peterborough area. As you explore the exciting option of personalizing your floor plan, you may run into a wall of frustration, as typically builders try and sell their stock plans, and are not interested in customizing floor plans to meet your lifestyle floor plan requirements.

At Parkview Homes, the entire philosophy behind “Building Homes We Love” is also “Building Homes YOU Love”! We listen and understand what you are truly looking for and our team of experts will often be proactive in making floor plan suggestions, and “YES” our team will work with you, in making your desired floor plan a reality!

Often there may be very little cost in making minor for plan changes. However, you may have special requirements that may require larger floor plan changes, possibly to accommodate a disabled individual, or you may want to change the configuration of the floor plan to better suit your lifestyle needs, or add more square footage to the living or garage areas, these changes my cost a little more but will provide you with the home you have always wanted.

Parkview’s expert team of New Homes Specialists will look at your requests, offer practical advice and solutions, and try and come up with the most affordable way to achieve your overall floor plan goal(s).

Parkview Homes prides itself on the fact that we offer much more flexibility and customization to your floor plan than any other builder in the Peterborough area. If you have specific requirements or specific needs, drop into one of our professionally decorated Model Homes, and speak to one of our New Home Specialists and make your dream of owning a brand-new home "Your Way" a reality because You deserve a Parkview Home!

Start searching for your BRAND NEW Parkview Home at www.parkviewhomes.ca.

I would also be thrilled to hear from you by phone or meet you at my office to discuss your new home needs.

For more information on how we can put together your ideal floor plan please feel free to visit my Model Home, give me a call or send me an email.

Rick Phillips

2675 Foxmeadow Road, Peterborough, ON   

705.741.1004

cell – 705.868.6441

rphillips@parkviewhomes.ca

PARKVIEW HOMES MODEL HOMES:

Jackson Creek Meadows – West End Model

109 Chandler Crescent, Peterborough, ON

(Off Parkhill Road West, between Brealey Drive and Ravenwood Drive)

705.748.4665

Harmony Condominiums – South West Model

287 Spillsbury Drive, Peterborough, ON

705.748.4663

(*Please note floor plan changes are unavailable in Harmony Condominiums, however interior finishes can be altered to accommodate your lifestyle needs)

Victoria Gardens – Lindsay Model

55 Lisbeth Crescent, Lindsay, ON

(Off Mary Street, between Adelaide St. and Albert St.)

Why Choose Lindsay

Did you know that Parkview Homes is now building in the quaint town of Lindsay? Well if you didn’t, now you know! Victoria Gardens is a quaint new home community with crescent and court lots available, as well as Quick Move In homes!

If you are looking to make your move to the heart of the Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay is the perfect place to call home. Here is a brief history on Lindsay came to be the great town it is today…

It was back in 1825 when settlers began to come to the Lindsay region. By 1830 the small village had witnessed the construction of a dam on the Scugog River, a sawmill and gristmill.  With the arrival of the railway system in Port Hope in 1857, Lindsay has steadily grown and is now considered by many to be the jewel of the Kawartha Lakes region. Featuring a nature inspired setting of picturesque parks, walking trails, lakes, rivers and access to the Trent Severn Waterway, the town of Lindsay is the perfect place to raise a family or enjoy a fun filled retirement.

Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or have a flair for the arts, the town of Lindsay has your entertainment needs covered!  With popular tourist attractions such as the Lindsay Lilac Festival, The Academy Theater for Performing Arts, the local Farmer’s Market and a great variety of local antique shops, museums and restaurants, the town of Lindsay has something for everyone!

Located near Lindsay’s state of the art hospital and award winning college is the new upscale community of Victoria Gardens by Parkview Homes.  Featuring a variety of modern bungalow, two storey and loft home designs, this quiet enclave of affordable homes is selling fast so drop by the model home at 55 Lisbeth Crescent (off Adelaide St., between Mary St. and Albert St.) for a personal viewing.

A brand new Parkview Home, nestled in the cozy community of Victoria Gardens, in the heart of the beautiful town of Lindsay…  We look forward to your visit!

If you are looking for more information on the fabulous community contact me…

Paul Davidson, New Home Specialist
705.320.9997 (Lindsay)
705.748.4665 (Peterborough)
pauldavidson@parkviewhomes.ca

Thanks for reading; I look forward to hearing from you! - Paul

Parkview Homes Design Studio Excitement!

Why am I writing this blog to you today? Because I’m excited! Thrilled really! Although I am a little late to share my excitement with you… almost a month late, to be exact… but it’s the story of my life… In fact I’m pretty sure I will be late for my own funeral some day (according to my Mother).

So here is my exciting news…

After four years working alongside the dynamic team of professionals at Parkview Homes, I am thrilled, (THRILLED!) to announce my new position as Designer and Manager of the beautiful Parkview Homes Design Studio!!

With ten years experience as a local Interior Designer, I am passionate about bringing my design experience and knowledge into the Design Studio. I look forward to meeting and guiding our new Parkview homebuyers through their colour selection process. At the Design Studio, we have a large selection of modern finishes and creative colour choices for purchasers to choose from.

Since I already eat, sleep and breathe design, it feels a little like trying on that perfect shoe.

I have enjoyed many years of working with our homebuyers as the Sales and Production Coordinator. I look forward to continuing to work even more closely with each of our wonderful homebuyers as I embark on my new position as Design Studio Manager, while continuing in my role as Sales and Production Coordinator providing customer service during the build and conducting plan reviews and pre-drywall walkthroughs .

Over the upcoming months you will see a variety of fantastic new products, colours and hot new trends arriving in the Parkview Homes Design Studio.  Like us on Facebook to see some of these exciting new products, along with hot tips on current interior design trends!

Pop by to visit the Design Studio during browsing hours:

•       Tuesdays 4-6pm
•     Sundays 2-5pm

….and see for yourself WHAT'S NEW !!  Watch for more design blogs to come…

Oh, and if you haven’t already bought a Parkview Home, visit our website here and happy designing!!

Susan Fenn