Garman Homes Unplugged

Corner Lot Identity Crisis

2011-04-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

Who knew there could be so much confusion over an address? Well, we found out. And our customer, Brian, was very patient as we muddled through the resolution with the Town of Holly Springs.

Turns out that the address of a home on a corner lot depends on which direction the home faces. And to further confuse things, when the house faces one direction and the garage another (as is the case with Brian's side load home), everyone seems to have a different opinion of what the address should be.

The lesson we learned...we need to take the time to be sure everyone is on the same page. And not just the town and our vendors, but also the gas company, the electric company, and even the mail man. And more importantly, we learned that we should take this on OUR shoulders...rather than hope the customer figures it out on his or her own.

Thank you Brian for sticking with us and for asking for help. You were right, it's our job to figure this out.

PS. Congratulations on your closing today!

Check out the back of this home!

2011-04-15T20:00:00.001-04:00

We are so excited to be building such a beautiful home in Fairfield! Thank you Bobby & Niha for the opportunity. I can't wait to hang out on that screen porch.

Bridgewater Towns...Dan's Art Project

2011-04-14T11:58:00.005-04:00

Dan busted out the scissors and tape to help us visualize how the building would look...
Dan, we were impressed! Who knew you and Martha Stewart had so much in common?

Btw, we took "the best" and made it even better. Just you wait...

Did Jim get out of his car?

2011-04-14T08:00:00.011-04:00

Mike couldn't believe I bought lots 142 & 143 Bridgewater. He said to Alaina, "Did Jim get out of his car? Did he see how these things drop off?" Tasked with running Garman Homes last spring while I was starting Go Realty, Mike was not so happy to find I left him with two super-steep lots.

Mike's decision was immediate and clear...put these lots on the market and sell them to some other poor smuck. OK, got it.

When I returned to daily operations last fall, I was as scared as Mike to start these lots. I had no idea how the grading would work or if we could control our basement costs. I admit, I was chicken. And I admit, no, I didn't get out of my car.

Then, the craziest thing happened. Dan Morse (our new Dir. of Construction) stepped up and said he and Gerry could figure these out. Boasting 10 years of Toll Brothers experience and hundreds of basements under his belt, Dan appeared confident. In fact, Dan relished the challenge of proving me wrong.

And boy...wrong I was. These two homesites turned out to be gorgeous. The basement foundations went in perfectly. The house plans that Dan & Gerry chose were just right. And best of all, both homes were sold before we hung the drywall. Wow.

I'm lucky to work with people who step up and prove me wrong...on a regular basis. Thank you Dan & Gerry!

Clearing in Wedgewood!

2011-04-13T08:15:00.003-04:00

Our newest community, in Cary off Evans Road. 27 homesites. Can't wait to get started!

Good Attitude Addendum

2011-04-13T08:00:00.003-04:00

I will fire you for a bad attitude.

When you start at Garman Homes this is one of the first things you will hear me say. And I mean it. Just ask the Employment Commission. A few years ago, when I wrote "Bad Attitude" in the box for the "Reason for Termination," they called me. They couldn't believe that attitude rather than job performance was the basis for the termination. I gave them an earful.

When we sat down over the holidays to rewrite our purchase agreement, we wanted to include the "Good Attitude Addendum" to be clear with our customers how important this is to us. Quite simply, it's not enough to want to build a home with us, we also ask you to have a good attitude. Seriously. Can a company ask it's customers to have a good attitude?

Absolutely. Read our Good Attitude Addendum, decide for yourself.

We get by with a little help from our friends...

2011-04-12T10:29:00.004-04:00

Last week each of us at Garman Homes got all dressed up for the 25th annual MAME Awards. Don't let the name fool you, MAME stands for Major Achievements in Marketing Excellence...we didn't (and wouldn't) attend a ceremony where they might give out awards for hurting people. Ironic name for marketing awards, no? I digress.

So we got all dressed up, piled into my swagger wagon and headed on over to North Ridge Country Club. We were really excited about the venue because one of our very favorite Garman homeowners (and very first buyer of our best-selling Edenton plan), Brian McEnteer, is the General Manager at NRCC. Brian & his wife, Mary are like Hall of Fame Garman Homes Rockstars. They're on our website. We adore them.

And the night lived up to all of our excitement and then some.

First...we got the best table in the house. The very back table right next to the bar. Our visibility was second to none. Key at awards ceremonies.

Second...we won! Build Like a Girl took home Best Blog by a builder.

Third...Brian made us feel like total Rock Stars. MAME is a cash bar event. So you can imagine how we were the envy of the room when after our win for Build Like a Girl we had a bottle of champagne sent to our table in celebration.

Such a great night...here's to all of you...here's the us...here's to many more nights like that!

Hi, I'm Laurel Schawel

2011-03-09T11:55:00.005-05:00

aka 'the Pro'

- Laurel is the Sales Ambassador to Holly Springs:she's in charge of all sales in Bridgewater & Holly Glen. And soon she'll be the Queen of Wedgewood too.

- Laurel's Street Cred:

Onsite sales for 3 builders. Won Rookie of the Year back in the day. Rock Star since Jan 2011.

- Garman Homes Theme Song: 'Single Ladies' - Beyonce

- Laurel is the President of her own at home sorority.

She loves her two baby girls. Ava-5 and Ally-3.

It took a village.

2011-03-08T22:51:00.003-05:00

Jim called me this morning. He proudly announced, 'I got your C.O.' That's what I'm holding in the picture above like it's my college diploma.

The C is for Certificate and the O is for Occupancy and the pride in his announcement is because we've reached the end of the building cycle. Looks like we made it! A C.O. means someone can legally live in the house that BLAG built. I'm careful with my pronouns here because in the end...like most things...it took a village to get this far.

And I gotta tell ya, it's the coolest village ever. The kind where you can try new things...where you're allowed and encouraged to make mistakes...where the learning never stops and the support never waivers. Crazy cool village.

I'm also officially in negotiations on the sale of this home...timely, no? More on that as I have more to share but until then, thank you for being part of my virtual village...and thank you for helping me build this house.

Prezi Practice

2011-03-08T21:37:00.002-05:00

Wedgewood on Prezi

2011-03-06T20:18:00.003-05:00

The Rahe's are why we love what we do...here's their story:

We LOVE our Garman home and everything that came along with it!

Jim Garman and his staff are great people to work with! You can tell that they take pride in their homes, and they care and take interest in the people who own their homes.

Additionally, the process to buy our home was simple and quick thanks to their hard work! They worked collaboratively with the lending company to close on our house within three weeks of signing the original paperwork.

Most importantly, we love our home! We believe that it was built well, and the Garman staff was very helpful and informative about the features of the house that we as homeowners need to know. Since this is our first new home, they continue to make themselves available if we have any questions about the house. My husband and I feel they are honest with us, helpful, and positive to work with. They truly made what could have been a stressful moment in our lives exciting, easy, and comfortable!

The Rahe’s

208 Holly Moor Lane

2010-12-02T12:36:00.016-05:00

Great Owners WANTED

208 Holly Moor Lane
Holly Springs

Homesite # 19 - Holly Glen

4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath

SOLD!!!

We'd love to build one just for you!!

2 Story foyer, 1st floor Study with French Doors, Large Kitchen with Island opens to Family Room with Fireplace. Wonderful outdoor space includes Screened Porch with an attached deck. Great Master with 2 Large Walk-in-Closets, trey ceiling, and a Deluxe Bath! 4th Bedroom is easily converted into a Bonus Room. Great sized Bedrooms! Other features include granite, tiled backsplash, and hardwoods!

All this on 1/3 acre wooded homesite..yeah that's right!

Custom included Features like a Built-in Mudroom Bench, 2-Panel Beadboard Interior Doors

and

ONE ROOM PAINTED WHATEVER COLOR YOU CHOOSE!

Wooded 1/3 acre homesite... yeah, that's right!

TOUR THIS PLAN NOW!!!
http://www.tourfactory.com/685484

204 Holly Moor Lane

2010-12-02T12:20:00.025-05:00

Great Owners WANTED

204 Holly Moor Lane

Holly Springs

Homesite #18 - Holly Glen

4 BR, 2.5 Bath

$269,688

COMING SOON!!

Spacious Foyer welcomes you into this open flowing home. Formal Dining Room, amazing Kitchen with Large Island and Granite countertops opens to Family Room with Fireplace. Private Master Suite includes 2 Walk-in-Closets and a

Deluxe Master Bath. Lots of Hardwoods too!

4th Bedroom can easily be converted into a Bonus Room.

Custom included features like a Built-in Mudroom Bench, 2 Panel interior Beadboard Doors

and

ONE ROOM PAINTED WHATEVER COLOR YOU CHOOSE!

1/3 Acre Wooded Homesites... yeah, that's right!

201 Holly Moor Lane

2010-11-23T15:51:00.013-05:00

Great Owners WANTED

201 Holly Moor Lane

Holly Springs

Homesite #16 - Holly Glen

4BR, 2.5Bath, Side-Entry Garage, Wrap-Porch

$225,723

Coming Soon!!

Amazing Foyer with custom built -in mudbench! Open Kitchen with a large eat-in Breakfast Bar that opens into Family Room. Large Master Bedroom includes 2 walk-in closets.

4th Bedroom large enough to convert into an awesome Bonus Room (20x14).

Additional custom features include 2-Panel Beadboard Interior Doors, Archways, and

ONE ROOOM PAINTED WHATEVER COLOR YOU CHOOSE!!!

1/3 Acre Wooded Corner Homesite, yeah that's right!

Tour this plan Now!!

www.tourfactory.com/675113

Cool-Fun-Affordable, G-Lite!

509 Anchor Creek Way

2010-11-23T15:41:00.012-05:00

GREAT OWNERS WANTED

509 Anchor Creek Way

Holly Springs

Homesite #8 - Bridgewater

4BR, 2.5Bath

$231,466

COMING SOON!!

Open Foyer welcomes your guests! Formal Dining Rm, Large kitchen with Island opens to Family Room with Fireplace. Large Master with TWO Walk in Closets! 4th BR can easily be your Bonus Room.

Custom included features like a Built-in Mudroom Bench, 2 Panel interior Beadboard Doors and

ONE ROOM PAINTED WHATEVER COLOR YOU CHOOSE!

Cool- Fun- Affordable, G-Lite.

Brevard - Living Room Playroom

2010-11-20T14:27:00.003-05:00

Another one from Jodie & Todd...What better use of a living room when the kids are small?

Brevard Idea - Columns between Living/Dining

2010-11-20T14:24:00.002-05:00

Love this idea from Jodi & Todd! They added the half wall and columns after closing...and it really looks great. A nice way to add separation between these two spaces.

Thank you guys for sharing!

451 Jerome Road

2010-11-19T12:04:00.000-05:00

Great Owners Wanted!

451 Jerome Road

Durham, NC

Homesite #133

4Bedroom, 2.5 Bath

$196,999!

plus $3K closing costs

w/preferred lender & attorney

Ready NOW!

Click on the virtual tour below...

http://www.tourfactory.com/670379

Level wooded homesite. Large 4th Bedroom can easily convert to perfect Bonus Room.

Amazing Foyer, open kitchen-family room & large Master with a walk-in closet.

Custom included features like a Built-In Mudroom Bench, 2-Panel Beadboard Interior Doors and

ONE ROOM PAINT WHATEVER COLOR YOU CHOOSE!

Cool-Fun-Affordable, G-Lite!

603 Cheselden Drive

2010-11-19T11:30:00.001-05:00

Great Owners Wanted!

603 Cheselden Drive

Durham, NC

Fairfield-Homesite #23

5 Bedroom, 4 Bath plus Bonus Room

$374,999!

(Reduced!)

Ready NOW!

Gorgeous corner homesite with grand wrap porch.

Ebony stained cabinets, granite counters, white subway tile backsplash. Hardwoods on 1st floor.

Amazing Foyer, open kitchen-family room & large Master with sitting area!

Custom included features like a Built-In Mudroom Bench and 2-Panel Beadboard Interior Doors.

$4k cc with preferred lender and attorney.

www.tourfactory.com/675533

Edenton Desk Idea

2010-11-02T21:55:00.001-04:00

Nancy & Josh were so sweet to show Alaina & me through their home the other day! Thank you guys. We especially loved this built-in desk they did after closing in the "butlers pantry" space.

Thank you for the idea!

Garman Homes - Fancy Nancy Style

2010-11-02T08:48:00.002-04:00

Question: Do you guys build fancy homes too?

Answer: Yes, check us out in Amberly & Fairfield! Cool customers like Dan & Angie have helped us put together some of our most beautiful homes. Check out these virtual tours for ideas:

Amberly 129 - New Bern with a craftsman flair, finished basement, 3rd car garage
Amberly 104 - Matthews redesigned by Mike & Deb...Wow!
Fairfield 27 - Painted white brick? I grew up in a house with painted white brick...no wonder this home won gold in the Parade last year!

Why should I prefer YOUR lender?

2010-11-01T15:54:00.006-04:00

Sure, lots of builders have a preferred lender and lots of agents that sell our houses come with their own preferred lenders. As a buyer, you may be wondering why you should use the lender we ask you to use.

Great question! There are several answers. The closing costs incentive is nice but it goes way beyond closing costs. It's about the job they will do for you. We want you to work with a lender that will go the distance for YOU, someone who will give you GREAT service and navigate you through any bumps in the road. The lending world can be tricky, you want (need, deserve, etc) a PRO on your side.

We want you to use a lender that gets a note like this from the buyers agent after the close...this is the kind of feedback a GREAT lender gets...this note is why we prefer Brad & Kathryn @ Prime Lending:

Hi Guys,

Just wanted to thank you both again for all your help in getting my buyer into her new home. She really is beyond excited and I am giving all the credit to you both (and some prayer thrown in there!) I know how hard you worked, how many magic wands you had to wave and how many favors you had to call in but...she's in and is soooooo happy!

It truly was a pleasure working with you both!

Have a wonderful weekend...you deserve it!

Libby

Libby Mitchiner, Broker

Keller Williams ^® Realty

9121 Anson Way, Suite 100

Raleigh, NC 27615

(o) 919.882.5642

LMitchiner@kw.com

Green Living - It's Go Time

2010-10-25T09:07:00.000-04:00

Katie and I have made a personal commitment to green living. It's about time, right? The science is clear, the technology is ready, and the cost is minimal. We have run out of excuses. There is no time like the present. We know it won't happen overnight, but we also know that a few small changes each week can add up quickly.

This week we started with something very simple...unplugging our phones after charging is complete. The industry term is "vampire power," power that your cell phone continues to draw even after charging is complete. Recently some cell phone chargers have fixed this energy loophole, but most chargers are guilty of wasting a bunch of power.

That's it. One small change. So I will charge my phone for an hour as I get ready for bed...and another hour when I wake up. More later...

Hi, I'm Elizabeth Kenly

2010-10-21T22:38:00.006-04:00

aka 'Nanny'

- Elizabeth is the Nanny for Ellie & Sam Garman- but during naptime, she turns into the Garman Homes office manager/closing coordinator. Like Clark Kent & Superman.

- Elizabeth's Street Cred: Don't mess with her - you'll get a time out.

- Garman Homes Theme Song: "Let's Get it Started" - Black Eyed Peas

- Elizabeth loves her partner, Amy. Together they're raising Ashley and Austin.

Hi, I'm Dan Morse

2010-10-21T21:48:00.006-04:00

aka 'DoorJam Dan'

- Dan is starting lineup on construction and head coach behind the scenes - that all translates to the Director of Construction & Operations.

- Dan's Street Cred: 10 years as the Big Man on Campus for National Builder (literally...he's the big man, he's 6'8", people)

- Garman Homes Theme Song: "I'll be There for You" -The Rembrandts (The Friends Theme)

- Dan loves his wife, Val. They have three great kids- Ally is 9, Abby is 6 and Aiden is 4.