Garman Homes Blog

Welcome Hannah!

2009-06-01T20:40:00.003-04:00

Big shout out to the newest Rock Star! Congratulations to Brad & Megan, Hannah is beautiful! \JG

Rock This Way!

2009-05-17T10:40:00.006-04:00

How cool are these signs? Kelty, our Rock Star Graphic Designer, put these together for us so you can navigate your way through our neighborhoods and find our open houses. Just follow these signs to a real live Rock Star Open House.

Look for these signs in the front yards of some of our buyers. Our buyers are such Rock Stars they were totally on board when we asked if we could use their yards to point people in the right direction. But seriously, who wouldn't want a sign this cool in their yard?

Everytime I see this sign I can hear Aerosmith & Run D.M.C. in my head...'da na na nah ne ne ne nah na'...

Is it a sign? Is it a trail map? No, it's the Garman Homes Kiosk!

2009-05-17T09:38:00.006-04:00

Have you driven by a kiosk 'under construction' in one of our neighborhoods and thought, what is that? We designed our kiosks based on the concept of a trail map to help orient you to the neighborhood, our houses and the community at large. We're just getting started so you probably drove right past it.

Stop by next time and check it out-here's what you can expect in Version 1.0 and why it is worth stopping ...

A Chalkboard:
We'll use this to leave messages about where and when to find us in the neighborhood.

A Bulletin Board:
We may post a calendar of upcoming neighborhood events here, we may post things from the neighbors-we're not sure what we'll post but we intend to post things here. ; )

We have six take one boxes where you can find all sorts of useful information:

1. Why Holly Glen/Fairfield-you can find facts on why this neighborhood is a great place to live.

2. Site Map-this will identify our homesites within the community-it will even mark which homesites are sold, which homesites have available houses under construction and which homesites are available for you to build your very own Garman Home!

3. What the Neighbors Have to Say-don't take our word for it, hear what the neighbors have to say about their neighborhood and their home. We'll include posts from lots of neighbors-even some who didn't build with us.

4. Floorplans-we thought you might be curious about what our houses actually look like.

5. Inventory Sheet-again, we thought you might be curious about what our houses cost, the cool stuff we put in them and when they might be ready for you to move in!

6. Included Feature Sheet-this is everything that comes standard in our homes-we love this stuff and we're very proud of what we're able to offer in our base prices.

So the next time you drive by one of our kiosks, stop and take a look...post something on our bulletin board...and let us know what you think-who knows, you may help us come up with Version 2.0!

What's the Deal with the Rock Stars?

2009-05-11T21:19:00.001-04:00

I love it when people come in to our houses and say, “What’s the Deal with the Rock Stars?” Rock Stars Wanted, by definition, means that we recruit only the best people to work at Garman Homes.

Have you ever met a person that just blew you away with their great attitude and commitment to spectacular service? We tend to remember those people and those moments because unfortunately, they can be few and far between. Those moments were memorable because that person was memorable. That person is a Rock Star.

Here’s another cool thing about Rock Stars…they love treating other people like Rock Stars. We think our buyers and cooperating brokers deserve to be treated like Rock Stars. You deserve to work with someone who has a great attitude. You deserve to work with people who are known for doing the right thing. You deserve Rock Star treatment.

Rock Stars Wanted! \A$

Chinese Drywall - Not in Garman Homes!

2009-05-11T21:18:00.005-04:00

Dear Friends,

If you stumbled upon recent reports in the media about the dangers of Chinese drywall, you are not alone! I just want to assure all Garman Homes customers that we never did and never will install drywall from China in our homes. We have used only United States drywall manufacturers since our first home.

We have worked with Georgia Pacific and more recently American Gypsum and National Gypsum...all of which have great track records for product safety and quality. If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly.

Thank you for believing in us, \JG

Why Phil Jawny @ Wells Fargo?

2009-05-11T06:47:00.004-04:00

Great question! From your perspective it must look a little crazy… You might be thinking, “You not only want me to trust Garman Homes to build my dream home…you also want me to trust your preferred lender! That’s asking a lot!” I understand where you are coming from. And you are not the first to be suspicious of the Preferred Lender incentive. In the wrong hands, it could be a raw deal for the customer. But here’s our deal…

No Financial Benefit to Garman Homes – When you work with Phil @ Wells Fargo, we do not receive a dime. There is no “marketing agreement” in place that compensates us for advertising, there is no joint-venture that we own a stake in. In fact, if you were to choose another lender, we would save the $2,000 that we would pay as the incentive. It’s actually cheaper for us if you use an outside lender!

Then Why Phil Jawny & Wells Fargo?

1. Phil’s Team Knows New Home Mortgages – These guys specialize in exactly what you are doing. They know the ins/outs of new home financing, they understand the tricky timing issues involved in contracting on a home that has not been built yet, or under construction. And they understand they must get the loan package done on time so you can meet your commitments to the builder.

2. We do a bunch of work together – We do so much work together that we are Phil’s priority. When there is an issue, Phil’s team responds quickly and gets it resolved. And we always err on the side of benefitting YOU, our customer. If something doesn’t quite seem right on your loan, I can make a call to Phil and get it figured out. With an outside lender, I can’t help in that way.

3. Wells Fargo is STRONG – Wells Fargo is one of the strongest financial institutions out there. They have great programs and the depth to back them up.

The most important thing is that together, Phil & I can get things done to ensure you get a great mortgage and have a great experience. When I work with outside lenders, I don’t have a relationship to fall back on when the going gets tough. And to them, this single loan is just a blip. I’m just a guy jumping up and down and flailing my arms.

The incentive we offer to work with Wells Fargo is for both our benefits…I want the entire process, not just the construction, but also the financing, to go smoothly. And I want to be able to help if there is a hitch. It’s OK if you choose to go with an outside lender, but the money we set aside is only for Phil Jawny @ Wells Fargo because I know the value his team brings to our customers’ experience.

Thanks for reading this long post! I'm always available for questions. Rock Stars Wanted!

Jim Garman
jim@garman.net

Join us in the Race for the Cure!

2009-05-07T11:06:00.002-04:00

Friends & Family,

Join us for the Race for the Cure! We have put together a team...called...you guessed it... The G-Team. And we will all be gathering on the morning of June 13th to walk/run together. Most of us are doing the 5k non-competitive fun run/walk.

I'm sure every one of us has loved ones who have been touched by breast cancer, this is a powerful way to say, "We're with you!" Please join us on June 13th. To register as part of the G-Team...

http://race.komennctriangle.org/site/TR/Race/General?pg=team&fr_id=1070&team_id=20070

Thank you! Look forward to seeing you! \JG

All Your Eggs in One Basket!

2009-05-07T08:13:00.000-04:00

Rock Stars Wanted?......................Rock Stars found! Jim Garman and the Garman Team say they are looking for Rock Stars to build homes for, but as far as my husband Brian and I are concerned, THEY'RE the stars! Yes, we've had the "rock star" treatment since we began this process, and less than 3 weeks away from closing on our dream home, we could not be happier with the journey.

From the moment we met Alaina and Kathie, we knew this team was different. Although my husband and I had never been through the building process before, we felt totally at ease with them. We had heard many horror stories about building, but somehow we knew we were dealing with a different kind of company here. Then we met Jim Garman, and our feelings were solidified! Personally, he is wonderful. He and his group incorporate honesty, integrity, hard work, and genuine concern into their business dealings and it shows. We also loved the idea of giving back. Jim is involved with Habitat for Humanity, and gives a portion of his proceeds from each home to them. Thanks Jim!

We really wanted to build in Holly Glen, and were excited to be the first buyers to build a new floor plan. It has been a thrill to watch Jim's team "create" this beautiful home for us. I cannot really convey how ecstatic we are with the entire process. We have been informed each step of the way, and all the claims of exceptional quality and timeliness have come true. In just a few short months, not only are we nearing completion on a beautiful new home, but each person we have dealt with has been professional and treated us like royalty! Thanks to Mike, Kelly, Phil & Kathy, John &Chris, Alaina, Kathie, Jim and everyone else. You guys rock!

And if it wasn't enough that we had Jim's team busy building our new home, we also had them selling our old one through Garman Realty. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket! No surprise here, but Garman Realty is as creative and different as Garman Homes. They marketed our home, set up a blog page, and the G-Team came in to update a couple of areas. Especially in this ecomony, it's the "extra effort" that matters. Last week, we sold our home; just in time for our April closing! Thanks Jenn, Jim, Jackie, and everyone for your hard work.

So in case you haven't already guessed, we are extremely happy with the experience we have had with Garman Homes & Realty. We would highly recommend the G-Team to anyone who wants an honest and different approach to home buying/selling. Like I said before, Rock Stars wanted? Rock Stars found!

Regards,
Brian and Mary McEnteer

Garman Homes Rock Star Awards

2009-05-02T14:19:00.004-04:00

Garman Homes - 2009 Rock Star Awards @ Yahoo! Video

The 2009 Garman Homes Rock Star Awards was a blast! Over 200 people, 15 limos, and energy that wouldn't quite. What a great evening!

Thank you to the Garman Homes customers and Trade Partners who have believed in us as we build this company. It is an honor working with you guys.

Rock Stars Wanted. Rock Stars Found. \JG

He's Such a Ham!

2009-05-01T07:36:00.001-04:00

Here's one more of my true rock stars. He's such a ham. Love it! House in background cool!

- wendy

Garman Homes on NC 17!

2009-04-23T06:56:00.003-04:00

Big thanks to NC 17 and Kendall Jones for running this upbeat story yesterday! We love seeing our Garman Homes customer Brian McEnteer featured here!

For Full Story & Video: Home Sales Grow in Third Quarter. NC 17.

Jim Garman

jim@garman.net

Rainbows in Oak Hall

2008-11-15T20:08:00.003-05:00

Kathy Yllanes, the Garman Homes Ambassador to Oak Hall, snapped this picture in Oak Hall this afternoon. Beautiful. \JG

Jim Garman
jim@garman.net

Garman Homes Rocks the Vote!

2008-11-03T21:04:00.010-05:00

Please vote tomorrow. At Garman Homes we are cancelling each other out. We're counting on you to break the tie. Vote! \JG

Jim Garman
jim@garman.net

Stonegate at Sunset

2008-11-01T08:52:00.003-04:00

Hi Jim,

I thought you would like these. I took them from my son's window. I was trying to catch the sunset. Thanks for the phone call and I am praying for your success in Stonegate.

Helen Wilson

Willow Stone Lane

daisymom05@hotmail.com

Garman Homes Gives Back to Holly Springs PTSA

2008-10-10T15:30:00.004-04:00

I am a PTSA officer at Holly Springs High School who is always looking for donations for events and treats to just say thank you to the teachers and staff. We want them to feel appreciated!! Imagine how I felt the day I opened my email and there is a letter from Garman Homes asking "What can we do to help you?...How can we contribute?" They approached me!! And I have to say..every donation request has been answered quickly and with a smile! Garman Homes served up a fabulous cake at our last event! I am very happy to have Garman Homes on my PTSA team. With there support, I am looking forward to a successful school year!

Shelia Stanton
pierson_s64@hotmail.com

Can't Wait to Be Home in Stephen's Glen

2008-10-01T21:49:00.002-04:00

We have lived in Youngsville for 7 years now all of which has been in our current house. When we built this house we expected to live in it for a short time before moving on to a bigger home. Well, life lead us down another path. We began our search last summer just "looking" around at subdivisions in the Youngsville area. Then in August of last year our family changed. We discovered we were being blessed with our fourth child-much to our surprise. We stepped up our search knowing we had to find something to fit our growing family. Much to our dismay, nothing seemed to fit us, but our 1200 square foot house was closing in on us. We needed space. Then I began to feel very pregnant and ended up in bed sick the next 17 weeks. Steven continued to look online at homes. During my second trimester, when I felt able, we looked at a few homes. We found a few we liked but got word the school districts were changing due to a new elementary school being built. With four children, schools are a major deciding factor in moving for us. I ended up on bedrest the remainder of my pregnancy so we decided to hunker down and make room for baby in our current home.

Early this past spring we saw things happening at Stephen's Glen. We saw trees coming down and a dirt road being plowed. It got us all excited. We waited and prayed to see some kind of signage as to what was coming. Then one day, Steven saw a little sign saying "Stephen's Glen coming soon." Steven came home that night and started researching online and discovered Garman Homes. After church one day, we drove thru Stonegate in Wake Forest. What beautiful homes. Then Steven emailed Jim Garman - we were instantly impressed that Jim responded so quickly to our request of information. Then the day came we actually saw construction happening. After many hours of fervent prayer, we knew what God was leading us to. We met with Jim and Chris one afternoon. Wow, was I surprised to see such down to earth, honest men eager to build me a home. Not a house but a home. Steven and I left that meeting knowing, this was it. God was leading us to this neighborhood. This was the subdivision we had been searching for all these months. God truly was providing for our family's needs. Who could better build us a home than the Garman team? From day one, we have been treated with nothing but kindness; a team really wanting to help us build a home to meet our growing families needs. No pushy sales people in stiff suits here, just good people full of compassion and integrity for what they do...build families homes. Words cannot express the wonderful experience we have had so far. Everyone has been so kind to us but one in particular sticks out-Chris. Every time we come to Chris with a question, comment or concern he is willing and able to give us an answer or resolution. He treats us with kindness and respect. Chris' attention to detail and strive for excellence makes me feel secure in knowing, my family is getting a well built home.

Last weekend Steven and I stood in our future kitchen looking out back envisioning our little ones laughing and playing in our new yard. We walked thru each bedroom placing our children's furniture knowing how happy they would be in their own space. Jim and Chris, you are not only building us a home but building a future for our family. I found this saying a few weeks back which really describes how we feel...

A house is made of walls and ceilings. But a home is made of lovin' feelings-Its good to be home!

We can't wait to be home.

Steve & Michelle
Code3rfd@aol.com

Not Everyone Buys a Garman Home

2008-09-28T11:51:00.004-04:00

My husband and I had such a pleasant experience with Garman Homes that we feel compelled to share this with the public. The Garman Team is enthusiastic, sincere, and very friendly! We had the opportunity to work with Kristy Burkett and John Szalecki. They are definitely "Rock Stars" and definitely made a "Difference" in our house searching adventure.

First of all, the G-Team is unique! Garman is a company that thinks "out of the box". Their team members have "Rock Star" as their titles and know how to have fun! Garman is all about customer service and it shows from top to bottom. My husband and I had the chance to meet Jim Garman and he is an energetic and creative individual. I can't forget to mention their Mortgage Broker Phil Jawny, we never met in person but we feel like we've known him for years. He's intelligent, kind, and generous with his time.

My husband and I, for many complex reasons aside from Garman, decided not to go ahead and build or buy a home at this time. However, we had such a positive experience with the G-Team that we just had to give a shout out to this awesome rock group.

Thanks Guys! You Rock!

Kimberly Butler
kimberly@highhouseip.com

Can't Teach Attitude

2008-09-20T20:56:00.007-04:00

You can't teach Attitude. Working with and relying on people, as a customer, is a challenge. Especially today, in this fast-paced business world we live in. Margins are squeezed, time is a premium, and businesses look for ways to cut corners and hope you "don't notice" shortfalls in service and quality. Sometimes they don't always have you and your best interests in mind. It's hard enough with great people, because people are human, and humans make mistakes. Even Great People make mistakes.

What sets Garman Homes apart is not that they make fewer mistakes (they do, but that's not what differentiates them from others). It's the way they handle the concerns, mistakes, issues, etc, and SOLVE them, with their stellar Garman Attitude. That's what differentiates Garman Homes. They make things right. Usually on the spot or before they tell you it will be done. You don't need to ask for anything twice...sometimes you don't even have to ask at all!

Their followup is impeccable, as is their communication throughout the process, dedication to Customer Service, and most of all, their Attitude.

Thank you to Jim Garman and all of his Rock Stars!

Sincerely,
Mark, Carmen and Sydney Shillingford.

mark.shillingford@basf.com

Garman Homes Labor Day Cup

2008-07-31T20:00:00.005-04:00

The Garman Homes Labor Day Cup is coming! Hosted by Franklinton High School, this three-day event that will draw eight High School Boys teams from across the Triangle. The action will begin on August 26th and wrap up on Saturday, August 30. Early games will be held at Franklinton Recreation Park and Franklinton Stadium. The final four games on Saturday will be at Franklinton Stadium.

A big thanks to Deran Coe, Garman Homes customer in Stonegate and also the Franklinton Athletic Director, for putting on this event. We look forward to seeing you on the field! \JG

G-Team Feature Video

2008-07-29T21:04:00.004-04:00

From our very first Garman Home, the G-Team has been there. Thank you Trade Partners! You make this magic possible. You guys rock. \JG

Jim Garman
jim@garman.net

Garman Homes - Racing for the Cure

2008-06-19T23:48:00.005-04:00

It was great to see so many "Give it Back" shirts at last Saturday's Race for the Cure. Team Garman Homes had a great showing! Thank you all for joining us!

And most importantly, thank you for raising awareness and money for the fight to cure breast cancer. My family has recently been touched by this disease...since then my eyes have been open to how common breast cancer is. One in eight women. Wow. Let’s find the cure!

Jim Garman
jim@garman.net

Fairytale at Stonegate

2008-06-08T20:35:00.005-04:00

Frequently, we as consumers enter into business transactions jaded by our previous poor customer service experiences. All I’ve ever heard about building a home and working with contractors are nightmares and tales of woe. With Garman Homes, these preconceptions disappeared with every interaction. Each and every interaction has been incredibly smooth and all Garman employees have treated us like we were the most important customers they had. After this experience I don’t think I’ll ever purchase a new home if it wasn’t built by Garman. I know this is lengthy but fewer words wouldn’t have done the experience justice…

The Backstory

On a whim my husband and I put our house on the market…it sold in six days and had to close within a month…we went on a 48-hour house shopping binge landing us in Stonegate. We found a house we liked by another builder, and tried to buy it…but received poor service. We continued to try to buy anyway because we wanted the house but then we had an idea…

The Fairytale

We googled Garman Homes, found their website, after about 3 minutes on their website we called our realtor and asked her to set up a meeting with Garman. They give $1000 to Habitat for Humanity for every house they sell, why wouldn’t you want to buy from them?

The NEXT day, we were greeted by the contractor Chris, the sales manager Alaina and the OWNER Jim! We were given a tour of a recently framed structure that could potentially be our new home. The tour was animated, amusing and well organized. They had never built this model before and we had no idea what it was really going to look like when finished.

When we left the meeting, we felt like we were treated right, certainly in contrast to the previous experience. We were treated like people not as a sale, an important Garman difference. Before we even got home, we knew we would be purchasing a home from them, even though it meant we would be "homeless" for a month.

Keep in mind there were still available, finished homes in the neighborhood that could have closed on the same day as our previous home. Due to their incredible customer service as well as their commitment to doing the right thing for their customers and community we elected to put ourselves in a temporary lurch just to have the opportunity to work with Garman.

The entire building process felt like a fairytale, it was nothing like what many of our friends have struggled through when building. Garman was extremely conscious of any errors on their part, often taking responsibility before we had a chance to notice. Chris always greeted us with a smile and was happy to answer our questions even if we showed up unexpectedly (as we often did). Even the Wells Fargo staff made the lending and closing process seamless.

After a month of living with friends, we have now been in our brand new Garman home for two weeks and we continue to receive phenomenal service from the Garman employees. They haven’t discarded us after closing as many builders would have done. They continue to check on us, stop by and follow through with unwritten promises of small things they would fix after we moved in. They have honored all agreements, both oral and written. I don’t know what their actual business motto is but "Do the right thing" seems like the perfect way to sum up our experience.

My husband and I have truly enjoyed our Garman Homes experience and would recommend to anyone if they ever have a choice, to choose Garman. Thank you, Garman Homes for raising the bar for customer service!

Lesley
lesleyrcoe@gmail.com

Habitat Blitz - Looks like a House Now!

2008-06-03T21:11:00.001-04:00

Monday morning started early for the Garman Homes G-Team. Before 7 a.m. our team was on the job site checking and rechecking the house before the rough-in inspections. The framers, plumbers, HVAC guys and electricians were all there to walk with the inspector to be sure everything was just right! There were trucks everywhere!

By 10:00 AM we received the green light to insulate the home, and by lunchtime Cortes Construction was hanging the drywall. It’s hard to believe we just started the home two days ago. On the outside, Stock Building Supply was installing the siding and finishing up the porches. Like contractors should, they started with the front of the house so that everyone could see their progress immediately.

It was great!By the time we were cleaning up on Monday evening, the drywall crew was applying the second coat of mud to the walls. Even as we left, we knew they would be there most of the night so that the next morning we could start running the interior trim and installing cabinets.

— Jim Garman

jim@garman.net

Habitat Blitz - Calm Before the Storm

2008-06-01T21:07:00.002-04:00

Our trade partners agreed that they would prefer to work hard on Saturday and leave Sunday for a day of rest. I thought they were crazy! After all, we only have six days to build this entire house — I couldn’t imagine leaving the house idle for an entire day! But I was wrong; it worked out.

Our only activity on Sunday was the electrical. Imperial Electric ran the wiring and they had the job site to themselves. They accomplished their work quickly and expertly and packed up. The home was ready for inspections on Monday morning!

On this quiet day, I want to take a moment and describe the benefits of the Advanced Energy Program that we are following on our Habitat for Humanity home. As the owner of Garman Homes, I have weighed the costs and benefits of such energy programs and, so far, we have not committed to taking the plunge. But, with this Habitat for Humanity home, I admit that I am now a believer.

Thanks to 10 to 12 key building techniques and materials defined by this program, Cesar’s home will have an electrical bill of less than $25 a month. That makes a BIG difference for him and his finances. Thank you to Chatham County Habitat for Humanity for teaching us about this powerful program.

-Jim Garman
jim@garman.net

Habitat Blitz - Wow! What a Great Start!

2008-05-30T21:00:00.000-04:00

Today was unbelievable! I have never seen a group of people so fired up to build a home! This morning Allan’s Quality Construction arrived before 7 a.m. to begin laying out the walls and organizing the panels for a quick start. After a quick blessing and opening ceremony with the Chatham County Habitat for Humanity team, the house sprang to life! It was like watching time-lapse photography — within an hour all the exterior walls were erected and by lunch time they were swinging the roof trusses into place.

Weather Master HVAC was not scheduled to start until 2 p.m. but, rather than wait, they donned their hard hats and worked side by side with the framers installing duct work and vents. By the time the roof was complete at 1:30, the HVAC was done and Carnell’s Plumbing started their installation.We made a few trips to the store: caulking for windows, more nails, button caps for roofing paper. But, overall, everything came together beautifully.

And, best of all, everyone had a great attitude! Our Habitat for Humanity homeowner, Cesar, was in the midst of all the chaos helping to erect the signs, carrying materials and giving encouragement to the team. What a great day!

— Jim Garman
jim@garman.net