Ashton Woods Raises the Bar, Again: New Homes with Sustainable Landscaping (Atlanta, GA — January 27, 2010) - SHOW/HIDE
Green Success: A Sustainable solution for the irrigation needs of an entire townhome community.
(Atlanta, GA — January 27, 2010) Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes today announced that they completed a sustainable landscaping and irrigation implementation at The Enclave at Riverwalk near Atlanta, GA.
Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, Ashton Woods builds high-performance new homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. Close to jobs, shopping and transportation corridors, Ashton Woods effectively balances healthy-house features with energy efficiency in their Power House Green homes – which could save homeowners as much as 45% per year on utility bills.
The Enclave at Riverwalk is a ground-breaking new home community from Ashton Woods. The community was developed with the goal of providing residents with a sustainable landscape design and use of non-potable, harvested rainwater to provide for the complete irrigation needs of the entire community.
Located in the prestigious Wildwood area of East Cobb, “This community is one of only a few of its kind in metro Atlanta,” said Chris Sears, a local Registered Landscape Architect & LEED® Accredited Professional who was commissioned to design and oversee the entire installation process.
“We had a unique opportunity based on several site specific factors, and the catalyst of the Georgia EPD watering restrictions during the drought last year," explained Mr. Sears. "This allowed us to be proactive and initiate a strategy that just a few years ago would not have been a realistic cost-effective option," he added.
The sustainable landscape and irrigation project included, installing several underground cisterns to hold approximately 7500 gallons of rainwater; which is collected from roofs of several buildings, and will be pumped into a highly efficient irrigation system. Minimizing the amount of lawn areas and utilizing more drought tolerant and native plantings are all factors in the planning for the success of this strategy.
For more information on this community, prospective buyers can contact Ashton Woods Homes at 678-627-0043 or visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com. For rainharvesting and/or sustainable landscape architecture contact Chris Sears at 770-452-1169 or www.searssmithlandscape.com.
To visit the Enclave at Riverwalk takeI-75 North to Windy Hill Road. Go east on Windy Hill Road. Cross over Powers Ferry Road. Enclave at Riverwalk is approximately 1/3 mile on left. Open Daily, Model Hours: Sunday & Monday 12-6, Tuesday-Saturday 10-6
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
New Homebuyers Wanted: Grand Opening Ceremonies at Fairview Park at Verrado (Phoenix, AZ — January 27, 2010) - SHOW/HIDE
Grand Opening January 30th from 11am – 2pm. Model tours and a drawing for a 42” flat screen television.
(Phoenix, AZ — January 27, 2010) Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes, today announced the grand opening of the Fairview at Verrado community and new homebuyers are wanted.
Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, Ashton Woods builds high-performance new homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. Close to jobs, shopping and transportation corridors, Ashton Woods effectively balances healthy-house features with energy efficiency in their Power House Green homes – which could save homeowners as much as 45% per year on utility bills.
The new Fairview Park at Verrado community is nestled in the foothills of the White Tank Mountains. Small town living of yesterday is reborn in Verrado: A community that blends the best of traditional family living with the amenities of today.
New homebuyers can choose from four new single story residences priced from the mid 100s, offering 1,341–1,887 square feet of comfortable living space. These unique Great Room plans feature 2-4 bedrooms with additional bedroom/den options.
Additionally, each new floor plan – The Tuscany, Capri, Florence and The Milan – offers interior details and creative workmanship. From distinctive Bungalow and Craftsman exterior design to Spanish Colonial and Ranch Territorial, these elevations are designed in true Verrado style with a variety of front porch options to choose from.
The new eco-friendly homes – one or two story models – are Energy Star and Environments For Living (EFL) compliant – assuring homeowners of the energy-efficiency, comfort and ongoing value of their new home for years to come.
Grand Opening ceremonies begin January 30th from 11am – 2pm. Festivities include model tours and a drawing for a 42” flat screen television. To visit Verrado, take I-10 west, exit Verrado way north or take Indian School Road west, and follow the signs to the Welcome Center.
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more than 40 years, Ashton Woods has built a solid reputation for building comfortable, energy-efficient, high-performance homes and is ranked in Phoenix within the top-3 for Overall Quality in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking and is honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com
Resort-Style Living At Southern Trails – Ashton Woods Homes Elevates Homeownership (Houston, TX — January 27, 2010) - SHOW/HIDE
Pearland Location Boasts 520 Acres, 1,400 Homesites, Green Space and Native Plants
(Houston, TX — January 27, 2010) Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy-efficient new homes, today announced the Grand Opening of their Southern Trails new homes and communities in Pearland.
Established in Dallas, TX in 1989, Ashton Woods builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
Southern Trails is a 520 acre master planned community with 1,400 planned homesites. Nearly 80 acres are dedicated to parks and green space which include a state of the art recreation center with meeting area, kitchen and fitness facility, junior Olympic swimming pool, toddler area, spray park and picnic pavilions. The community landscaping is also designed to incorporate many of the natural trees and plants native to Texas. Southern Trails is comprised of three neighborhoods:
Southern Trails – Garden Estates: Where prices range from $243-336,000, floor plans are from 2413-4311 square feet and come with 2-3 bedroom and 2-2.5 bath.
Southern Trails – Oak Hollow: Where prices range from $233-260,000, floor plans are from 2470-3069 square feet and come with 3-5 bedroom and 2-4.5 bath.
Southern Trails – Sundown Glen: Where prices range from $210-240,000, floor plans are from 2062-2950 square and come with 3-4 bedroom and 2-3.5 bath.
“We just opened a new model park with 3 new models, added new floor plans and new standard features and we're conveniently located close to great schools,” stated Dan Gezella, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods. “The Southern Trails neighborhoods have what homeowners find attractive,” added Gezella.
To visit Southern Trails and to attend the Grand Opening, take Hwy. 288 South to FM 518. Exit 518 and take a right. Proceed approximately 1 mile and the community will be on your left. The Model home address is 11902 Maybrook Court, Pearland TX 77584 and is open daily. For more information visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
About Ashton Woods Homes
One of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, Ashton Woods offers the accessibility, accountability and hands-on customer service of a local home builder with the experience, resources and financial strength of an international firm. Over the past 40 years, Ashton Woods has become known for designing versatile, energy-efficient homes priced from the $100s to the $300s. Now building in 8 of Houston area’s most well-located communities, the company is a Gold Level Environments for Living™ and Energy Star® builder, ranked 1st place in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking and is honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards.
Contact: Dan Gezella, VP Sales and Marketing
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: 281- 561-7773 | Email: dgezella@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Another Ashton Woods Community Nearly Sold Out – Buyers Have Limited Time Left at Hunters Ridge (Dallas, TX — January 20, 2010) - SHOW/HIDE
Officially in the Closeout Stage, Hunters Ridge Already 80% sold. (Dallas, TX — January 20, 2010) Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy-efficient new homes, today announced that their Hunters Ridge Community has only handful of the popular townhomes remaining and time is quickly running out to be able to purchase one of these affordable new homes.
Dallas, TX in 1989, Ashton Woods builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
Located in the highly desired Las Colinas area, the Hunters Ridge community is connected to businesses, shopping and restaurants. Starting in the low $200s, these townhomes offer maintenance- free living. Closeout phase luxury features include distinct exteriors and updated elevations with brick and/or stone combinations and private balconies.
The spacious 3 bedroom, 3 story homes range from 2,259 and 2,298 square feet and include options for 2 ½ and 3 ½ bathrooms and are smartly priced from $232,900 - $244,467. Coupled with homebuyer incentives from the government and from Ashton Woods and with renewed interest from new homebuyers, these remaining homes are expected to be sold quickly.
The Hunters Ridge community will also be adding several recreational amenities, including a community park with a pool. Also, all Hunters Ridge homes by Ashton Woods are EnergyStar, Environments For Living and Power House Green equipped for maximum comfort, energy-efficiency and environmental friendliness.
"It's a supply and demand issue and with only 26 homes remaining, we're going to sell out quickly," stated Brian Kopp, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Interested buyers should call or visit the Hunters Ridge community or the Ashton Woods website @ www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more than 40 years, Ashton Woods has built a solid reputation for building comfortable, energy-efficient, high-performance homes and is the winner in Overall Quality in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking and is honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
Contact: Brian Kopp, VP Sales and Marketing for Dallas Division
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: 972.301.6600
Email: bkopp@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Ashton Woods Houston Doubles Contingency Sales – at 80%
(Houston, TX — December 15, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes today announced that it’s Houston division is converting 80% of its contingent sales – double the typical amount.
Ashton Woods Homes is a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes in the Houston metro area and offers new home designs in eight communities in and around Houston.
Previously this year, Ashton Woods Houston reached its fiscal first quarter sales goals by demonstrating a 330% increase in contingency sales over the same period last year.
“Three months ago, contingencies that were written were up 350% and now 80% are converting to a solid sale,’ stated Dan Gezella, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods. “The fact that our contingency sales are up from this time last year by 330% and our sales from those contingencies are double the norm for us, tells me that homebuyers are taking advantage of the historic opportunities to buy a new home,” added Gezella.
Base pricing for a new Ashton Woods home ranges from the $120,000s to $410,000s. The builder has earned several coveted industry awards, including the Greater Houston Builders Association’s Builder of the Year and Grand Award, a Texas Star Award, a Silver Award from The Nationals and most recently was ranked 1st place in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
In addition to Houston, Ashton Woods also builds new homes in Dallas, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando and Phoenix. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
About Ashton Woods Homes
One of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, Ashton Woods offers the accessibility, accountability and hands-on customer service of a local home builder with the experience, resources and financial strength of an international firm. Over the past 40 years, Ashton Woods has become known for designing versatile, energy-efficient homes priced from the $100s to the $300s. Now building in 8 of Houston area’s most well-located communities, the company is a Gold Level Environments for Living™ and Energy Star® builder, honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards. Ashton Woods is also the developer of Southern Trails in Pearland, Texas.
Contact: Dan Gezella, VP Sales and Marketing
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: 281- 561-7773 | Email: dgezella@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Ashton Woods Unveils New Floor Plans; More Choices for Homebuyers at Laurel Ridge and Las Palmas (Phoenix, AZ — December 15, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes, today announced the unveiling of their new floor plans which offer new Phoenix area new homebuyers unprecedented choice, options and flexibility in choosing the layout of their new home.
Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, Ashton Woods builds high-performance new homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. Close to jobs, shopping and transportation corridors, Ashton Woods effectively balances healthy-house features with energy efficiency in their Power House Green homes – which could save homeowners as much as 45% per year on utility bills.
The new floor plans, available at the Las Palmas and Laurel Ridge communities, boast more overall square footage, additional bath, bedroom and garage flex options as follows:
The Manchester at Laurel Ridge in Morrison Ranch in Gilbert, Starting at $235,990:
2,077 sf
Single Story
2 Bedroom + Den
2 Baths
2 Car Garage
Flex Options:
Optional 3rd Bedroom
Optional 4th Bedroom
Optional 5th Bedroom
Optional 3rd Car Garage
Optional Sitting/Teen Rm
Optional Master Bedroom #2 / Retreat
Optional Casita with Bath #3
Optional Fireplace Niche
Optional Bay Windows
The Las Palmas community at Montecito in Goodyear has a couple of different options, starting at $179,990:
The Monterey
2,066 sf
Single Story
2 Bedroom + Den
2 Baths
2 Car Garage
Flex Options:
Optional 3rd Bedroom
Optional 4th Bedroom
Optional 5th Bedroom
Optional 3rd Car Garage
Optional Sitting/Teen Room
Optional Master Bedroom #2 / Retreat
Optional Casita with Bath #3
Optional Fireplace Niche
Optional Bay Windows
The Santa Clara
3,297 sf
Two Story
4 Bedrooms + Den
3 Baths
3 Car Garage
Living and Family Rooms
Dining Room
Loft
Flex Options:
Optional 5th Bedroom (on 1st floor with full bath)
Optional Master Exercise / Retreat
The new eco-friendly homes – one or two story models – are Energy Star and Environments For Living (EFL) compliant – assuring homeowners of the energy-efficiency, comfort and ongoing value of their new home for years to come.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more than 40 years, Ashton Woods has built a solid reputation for building comfortable, energy-efficient, high-performance homes and is ranked in Phoenix within the top-3 for Overall Quality in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking and is honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com
Contact Cheryl Kelley
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (877) 609-1187
Email: ckelley@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Corporate - More Homebuyers Prefer Ashton Woods Homes – Builder Makes J.D. Power List in all Markets (Atlanta, GA — October 20, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods’ divisions place across the board on 2009 Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction.
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes today announced that it had recently achieved several top rankings in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
Ashton Woods’ Houston division was rated as the number one homebuilder in Houston. Their Dallas division was awarded the Overall Quality Award for the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Atlanta, Dallas and Phoenix divisions all achieved the highest rating for Overall Customer Satisfaction in their cities and Orlando was rated as the highest on Overall Workmanship and Materials.
Established in Dallas, TX in 1989 and now headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Ashton Woods Homes builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
According to the recently released 2009 Survey, Ashton Woods Homes achieved an average of 2nd place position for Overall Customer Satisfaction ranking.
The 2009 Survey reviews nine factors that drive overall customer satisfaction with home builders: workmanship/materials; builder’s warranty/customer service staff; price/value; builder’s sales staff; construction manager; home readiness; recreational facilities provided by the builder; builder’s design center; and location. Ultimately, the survey ranks the top 3 winners in 24 different markets.
“Not only did we achieve top honors in several of our markets, but all of our operations were rated as one of the top three builders for Overall Customer Satisfaction,” stated Tom Krobot, President and CEO of Ashton Woods Homes.
The survey also points to increases in on-time delivery, the importance of workmanship, energy efficiency and environmental conservation among the surveyed homebuyers.
“In order to achieve results of this caliber, a team effort is needed from sales, administration, construction and warranty service combined with excellent execution in one of the most difficult housing markets in recent history,” explained Krobot.
Homebuyers are supporting what Krobot says, too; with record sales in several of the markets where customers ranked Ashton Woods Homes highest in satisfaction.
Visit Ashton Woods Homes on the web at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com and view new homes and new home communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
J.D. Power and Associates is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates. Information included herein is used to convey factual information as a protected fair use under the copyright and trademark laws. No sponsorship or affiliation exists with nor is any suggestion of sponsorship or affiliation intended by reference to the trademark or material included herein.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com or call (770) 642-6123.
Contact
Tad Serbin, Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (770) 642-6123
Email: tserbin@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Houston Homebuyers Prefer Ashton Woods Homes – Builder Places 1st on J.D. Power List. Houston Homebuilder Beats Out Top Competitors – Places 1st in Customer Satisfaction (Houston, TX — October 20, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes today announced that its Houston division had recently ranked 1st place in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
According to the recently released 2009 Survey, Ashton Woods’ Houston division was rated as the number one homebuilder in Houston – in a tie with Village Builders – for Overall Customer Satisfaction.
Established in Dallas, TX in 1989 and now headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Ashton Woods Homes builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
The 2009 Survey reviews nine factors that drive overall customer satisfaction with home builders: workmanship/materials; builder’s warranty/customer service staff; price/value; builder’s sales staff; construction manager; home readiness; recreational facilities provided by the builder; builder’s design center; and location. Ultimately, the survey ranks the top 3 winners in 24 different markets.
“Not only did we achieve top honors in several of our markets, but all of our operations were rated as one of the top three builders for Overall Customer Satisfaction,” stated Tom Krobot, President and CEO of Ashton Woods Homes.
The survey also points to increases in on-time delivery, the importance of workmanship, energy efficiency and environmental conservation among the surveyed homebuyers.
“In order to achieve results of this caliber, a team effort is needed from sales, administration, construction and warranty service combined with excellent execution in one of the most difficult housing markets in recent history,” explained Krobot.
Homebuyers are supporting what Krobot says, too; with record sales in several of the markets where customers ranked Ashton Woods Homes highest in satisfaction.
Visit Ashton Woods Homes on the web at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com and view new homes and new home communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
J.D. Power and Associates is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates. Information included herein is used to convey factual information as a protected fair use under the copyright and trademark laws. No sponsorship or affiliation exists with nor is any suggestion of sponsorship or affiliation intended by reference to the trademark or material included herein.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com or call (281) 561-7773.
Contact
Dan Gezella, Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (281) 561-7773
Email: dgezella@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Dallas Homebuyers Prefer Quality Homes Built by Ashton Woods
(Dallas, TX — October 20, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Dallas Homebuilder Wins J.D. Power Quality Award for Dallas/Ft. Worth - Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes today announced that its Dallas division had received top honors for Overall Quality in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
According to the recently released 2009 Survey, Ashton Woods’ Dallas division was awarded the Overall Quality Award for the Dallas/Ft. Worth marketplace.
Established in Dallas, TX in 1989 and now headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Ashton Woods Homes builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
The 2009 Survey reviews nine factors that drive overall customer satisfaction with home builders: workmanship/materials; builder’s warranty/customer service staff; price/value; builder’s sales staff; construction manager; home readiness; recreational facilities provided by the builder; builder’s design center; and location. Ultimately, the survey ranks the top 3 winners in 24 different markets.
“Not only did we achieve top honors in several of our markets, but all of our operations were rated as one of the top three builders for Overall Customer Satisfaction,” stated Tom Krobot, President and CEO of Ashton Woods Homes.
The survey also points to increases in on-time delivery, the importance of workmanship, energy efficiency and environmental conservation among the surveyed homebuyers.
“In order to achieve results of this caliber, a team effort is needed from sales, administration, construction and warranty service combined with excellent execution in one of the most difficult housing markets in recent history,” explained Krobot.
Homebuyers are supporting what Krobot says, too; with record sales in several of the markets where customers ranked Ashton Woods Homes highest in satisfaction.
Visit Ashton Woods Homes on the web at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com and view new homes and new home communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
J.D. Power and Associates is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates. Information included herein is used to convey factual information as a protected fair use under the copyright and trademark laws. No sponsorship or affiliation exists with nor is any suggestion of sponsorship or affiliation intended by reference to the trademark or material included herein.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com or call (972) 301-6602.
Contact
Brian Kopp, Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (972) 301-6602
Email: bkopp@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Phoenix Homebuyers Prefer Ashton Woods Homes – Builder Makes Top-3 on J.D. Power List. Phoenix Homebuilder Places 3rd in Customer Satisfaction (Phoenix, AZ — October 20, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes today announced that its Phoenix division had ranked in the top-3 for Overall Quality in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
According to the recently released 2009 Survey, Ashton Woods’ Phoenix division was awarded 3rd place in the Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
Established in Dallas, TX in 1989 and now headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Ashton Woods Homes builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
The 2009 Survey reviews nine factors that drive overall customer satisfaction with home builders: workmanship/materials; builder’s warranty/customer service staff; price/value; builder’s sales staff; construction manager; home readiness; recreational facilities provided by the builder; builder’s design center; and location. Ultimately, the survey ranks the top 3 winners in 24 different markets.
“Not only did we achieve top honors in several of our markets, but all of our operations were rated as one of the top three builders for Overall Customer Satisfaction,” stated Tom Krobot, President and CEO of Ashton Woods Homes.
The survey also points to increases in on-time delivery, the importance of workmanship, energy efficiency and environmental conservation among the surveyed homebuyers.
“In order to achieve results of this caliber, a team effort is needed from sales, administration, construction and warranty service combined with excellent execution in one of the most difficult housing markets in recent history,” explained Krobot.
Homebuyers are supporting what Krobot says, too; with record sales in several of the markets where customers ranked Ashton Woods Homes highest in satisfaction.
Visit Ashton Woods Homes on the web at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com and view new homes and new home communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
J.D. Power and Associates is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates. Information included herein is used to convey factual information as a protected fair use under the copyright and trademark laws. No sponsorship or affiliation exists with nor is any suggestion of sponsorship or affiliation intended by reference to the trademark or material included herein.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com or call (480) 515-9955.
Contact Robert Nunes
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (480) 515-9955
Email: rnunes@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Atlanta Homebuyers Prefer Ashton Woods Homes – Builder Takes 2nd Place on J.D. Power List. Atlanta Homebuilder Places 2nd in Customer Satisfaction (Atlanta, GA — October 20, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes today announced that its Atlanta division had taken 2nd place in Overall Quality in the 2009 J.D. Power Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
According to the recently released 2009 Survey, Ashton Woods’ Atlanta division was awarded 2nd place in the Survey for New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Ranking.
Established in Dallas, TX in 1989 and now headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Ashton Woods Homes builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
The 2009 Survey reviews nine factors that drive overall customer satisfaction with home builders: workmanship/materials; builder’s warranty/customer service staff; price/value; builder’s sales staff; construction manager; home readiness; recreational facilities provided by the builder; builder’s design center; and location. Ultimately, the survey ranks the top 3 winners in 24 different markets.
“Not only did we achieve top honors in several of our markets, but all of our operations were rated as one of the top three builders for Overall Customer Satisfaction,” stated Tom Krobot, President and CEO of Ashton Woods Homes.
The survey also points to increases in on-time delivery, the importance of workmanship, energy efficiency and environmental conservation among the surveyed homebuyers.
“In order to achieve results of this caliber, a team effort is needed from sales, administration, construction and warranty service combined with excellent execution in one of the most difficult housing markets in recent history,” explained Krobot.
Homebuyers are supporting what Krobot says, too; with record sales in several of the markets where customers ranked Ashton Woods Homes highest in satisfaction.
Visit Ashton Woods Homes on the web at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com and view new homes and new home communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa.
J.D. Power and Associates is a registered trademark of J.D. Power and Associates. Information included herein is used to convey factual information as a protected fair use under the copyright and trademark laws. No sponsorship or affiliation exists with nor is any suggestion of sponsorship or affiliation intended by reference to the trademark or material included herein.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com or call (770) 642-6123.
Contact
Tad Serbin, Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (770) 642-6123
Email: tserbin@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Homeowners Speak-Up on the Benefits of Owning a New Ashton Woods Home – Meanwhile Sales up 18% (Phoenix AZ — October 1, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy-efficient new homes, today announced the results of their homeowners’ survey. The survey is designed to gain a better understanding of why buyers selected a new home from Ashton Woods and what factors were important to them in their decision making process.
In an independent third party survey commissioned by Ashton Woods Homes, Ashton Woods’ homeowners were surveyed as to what factors influenced their decision to buy a new home. The survey included a cross-section of homeowners in each of Ashton Woods’ six metro markets across the nation. These homeowners were asked questions that ranged in topic from new vs. used home-related questions to energy efficiency and green building features and benefits.
Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, Ashton Woods builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. Close to jobs, shopping and transportation corridors, Ashton Woods effectively balances healthy-house features with energy efficiency in their Power House Green homes – which could save homeowners as much as 45% per year on utility bills.
The survey results point to the fact that 48% of homebuyers are interested in energy-efficiency and reductions in annual utility bills. “Our Power House Green program is a winner for homebuyers and is clearly reflected in the 18% year-over-year increase in our fiscal 1st quarter sales,” stated Robert Nunes, VP of Sales and Marketing at Ashton Woods Phoenix.
In today’s economy, saving money and being green are two important features that homebuyers are seeking and this is equally reflected in the survey results.
Of most interest to note, were the following statistics from the survey:
Among the Ashton Woods homeowners surveyed, 54% stated that their second choice to purchasing a new home from Ashton Woods was an alternate new home, instead of a used or resale home.
Top factors in the decision making process of Ashton Woods Homes buyers:
Location: 26%
Price: 22%
Floor plan: 20%
Energy Efficiency: 15%
Importance of finding an energy efficient home: 48% of respondents said “very important”
Homebuyers goal of energy efficiency:
Overall efficiency 74%
Lower operational expenses 50%
Comfort 17%
Finally, the most important message communicated to prospective homebuyers – even more important than overall efficiency and reduced environmental impact – was the ability for homeowners to save as much as 45% on utility bills with Ashton Woods Homes’ Power House Green features.
To learn more about Power House Green homes only From Ashton Woods, visit the website at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com/powerhouse.
About Ashton Woods Homes - Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
Contact Robert Nunes
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (480) 515-9955.
Email: rnunes@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Ashton Woods Homes Makes ‘Top-of-the-Line’ Affordable in Sloan Creek
(Dallas, TX — October 1, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Sloan Creek Community by Ashton Woods Homes has handful of estate-sized lots at less than estate-sized prices.
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy-efficient new homes, today announced that their Sloan Creek Community only has nine of the estate-sized lots remaining.
Established in Dallas, TX in 1989, Ashton Woods builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Phoenix, Orlando and Tampa. Here in the Dallas area, Ashton Woods’ Sloan Creek community is designed specifically for those who want to own land in a city that has a “country feel,” yet still have all the amenities of city living.
While the typical Sloan Creek lots average in size at about 80 x 125 square feet, larger estate-sized lots range in size from ½ an acre to 1½ acres.
“This is an incredible value for the location! Most acreage in the City of Fairview starts at $100,000 and one must build with a custom builder starting at 4,000S SF and larger,” explained Donna Adams, Sales manager On-site Sales for Ashton Woods Homes in Dallas.
Ashton Woods Homes is offering the large, treed Estate home sites with premiums starting at only $20,000 for a 1/2 acre and ranging up to $70,000 for an acre and a half.
“We are offering most of our existing floor plans to be built on these Estate home sites,” added Ms. Adams.
The expansive floor plans range from 2,476 square feet up to 3,778 square feet and include options for 1, 1.5 and 2 story homes with 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms and up to 4 baths with prices in the high $200's - the low $300's
In addition, all Sloan Creek homes by Ashton Woods are EnergyStar, Environments For Living and Power House Green equipped for maximum comfort, energy-efficiency and environmental friendliness.
With interest from homebuyers on the rise, Ashton Woods expects to sell these remaining estate-sized lots quickly and interested buyers should call or visit the Sloan Creek community or the Ashton Woods website @ www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
About Ashton Woods Homes - Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group – a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com. (480) 515-9955.
Contact Donna Adams
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: 469-742-0198
Email: dadams@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Ashton Woods’ Morrison Ranch Homes More Efficient than Typical Homes
(Phoenix AZ — October 1, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
The Morrison Ranch Community by Ashton Woods Homes doubled the energy efficiency standards required by SRP PowerWise Homes.
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy-efficient new homes, today announced that their Morrison Ranch Community new homes exceeds SRP PowerWise standards as compared to other Valley typical homes.
Headquartered in Atlanta Georgia, Ashton Woods builds high-performance homes in growth communities in Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Orlando and Tampa. Here in the Phoenix area, Ashton Woods’ Morrison Ranch community is designed to create a sense of community among residents and preserve the area's rural ranch character.
The new eco-friendly one and two-story homes boast 2 and 3 bedroom, 2, 2.5 and 3 bath plans, priced starting in the $169's and ranging in size from 1,308 square foot homes up to 2, 368 square foot homes.
“There are over 40 production builders currently on the program ranging from single community builders to large production builders with communities across the valley,” explained Rebecca Smout, C.E.M., Key Account Manager @ SRP PowerWise Homes Program. “The homes in Morrison Ranch are about 20% more efficient than homes built to code - saving homebuyers thousands of dollars in just the first few years,” added Ms. Smout.
To meet the requirements set by SRP for energy-efficiency and to qualify for the PowerWise Homes program, all of Ashton Woods Homes’ plans and features at Morrison Ranch were verified by an SRP Certified Home Energy Rater and scored for energy-efficiency. Add to that the PowerHouse program and the PowerHouse Green program that are unique to Ashton Woods and the savings for new homeowners at Morrison Ranch are significant.
“There are many components to building a new home and building ‘Green.’ Most experts agree that energy efficiency is the among the most significant,” instructed Ms. Smout. “These homes are going to be around for a very long time it is extremely important they are built to higher efficiency standards to conserve our natural resources and help reduce the future demand for power as the valley continues to grow,” added Ms. Smout.
Ms. Smout also said that SRP encourages new home buyers to look for the SRP PowerWise Homes seal to ensure that their new home is energy-efficient; as compared to similar houses only built to code.
Learn more about Ashton Woods Homes at www.ashtonwoodshomes.com. Learn more about the SRP PowerWise Program at http://www.srpnet.com/energy/powerwise/default.aspx.
Contact Robert Nunes
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: (480) 515-9955.
Email: rnunes@ashtonwoodshomes.com
Ashton Woods Houston on Target – SEES SALES UP BY 330%
(Houston, TX — September 2, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes today announced that it’s Houston division has reached its fiscal first quarter sales goals and has demonstrated a 330% increase in contingency sales over the same period last year.
Ashton Woods Homes is a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes in the Houston metro area and offers new home designs in eight communities in and around Houston. “As of August 31st, we are on target to be 100% of our business plan, stated Dan Gezella, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods. “Our contingency sales are up from this time last year by 330% [and this shows us] strong signs of increased consumer confidence,” added Gezella.
According to Gezella, much of the new homes sales activity is a mix of move-up and first-time home buyers. “Our overall traffic for the division is up by compared to the first quarter of last year by almost 20%,” said Gezella. “Many home buyers are also interested in the energy-efficiency aspects of our homes, which help homeowners realize as much as a 45% yearly savings on their utility bills, added Gezella.
Base pricing for a new Ashton Woods home ranges from the $120,000s to $410,000s. The builder has earned several coveted industry awards, including the Greater Houston Builders Association’s Builder of the Year and Grand Award, a Texas Star Award, and a Silver Award from The Nationals.
In addition to Houston, Ashton Woods also builds new homes in Dallas, Atlanta, Tampa, Orlando and Phoenix. For more information, visitwww.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
Contact: Dan Gezella, VP Sales and Marketing
Ashton Woods Homes
About Ashton Woods Homes
One of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, Ashton Woods offers the accessibility, accountability and hands-on customer service of a local home builder with the experience, resources and financial strength of an international firm. Over the past 40 years, Ashton Woods has become known for designing versatile, energy-efficient homes priced from the $100s to the $300s. Now building in 8 of Houston area’s most well-located communities, the company is a Gold Level Environments for Living™ and Energy Star® builder, honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards. Ashton Woods is also the developer of Southern Trails in Pearland, Texas.
Ashton Woods Homebuyer and VIP Event at The Park at Kings Springs – Smyrna/Atlanta (Atlanta, GA — July 31, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes, a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes, today announced the Grand Opening and VIP tour of The Park at Kings Springs, with new eco-friendly homes starting in the $240’s.
The Grand Opening celebration begins Friday July 31 at 3:30 PM for VIP homebuyers and is open to the public beginning Saturday, August 1 at 9:00 AM. The VIP event includes a cake cutting and champagne reception as well as a green ribbon cutting, signifying Ashton Woods’ commitment to building eco-friendly and energy efficient homes. In fact, the Ashton Woods homes at The Park at Kings Springs are among the first PowerHouse Green with Environments For Living homes in Atlanta.
Located in the heart of Smyrna, The Park at Kings Springs is an exclusive enclave of 14 neo-traditional homes that incorporate Traditional and Craftsman styling and are less than 5 minutes from entertainment, recreation, shopping and dining.
The new eco-friendly two story homes boast 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath plans, priced starting in the $240's and ranging in size from 2,009 square foot homes up to 2, 289 square foot homes. With basement and slab home sites and optional sunroom and sitting room options, there are endless possibilities to creating the dream home. All Park at King Springs new homes are Energy Star and Environments For Living (EFL) compliant – saving homeowners up to 45% on their utilities costs annually.
The Park at Kings Springs is located at: 1247 King Springs Court Smyrna, GA 30080. Take I 285W to Exit 16, turn right onto South Atlanta Road. Go 3.1 miles and turn left on Concord Rd. Turn left on King Springs Rd. Go through 3 stop signs and Park at King Springs will be on the right. The newly decorated model is open Sunday & Monday from 12pm-6pm and Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm. The phone number is 770.431.2327.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group- a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America – from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
770 642-6123
Ashton Woods Opens New Green-Built Community near Dallas: Homes Starting @ $179K (Dallas, TX — July 31, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Well-known in the Dallas and Houston areas, Ashton Woods Homes: a premiere builder of eco-friendly and energy efficient new homes, today announced the Grand Opening of their newest community, Woodcreek, with new eco-friendly homes starting @ $179,000.
The Grand Opening celebration provides $20,000 in free designer upgrades for new Woodcreek home buyers through August 31, 2009.
Only 25 minutes from Downtown Dallas and 5 minutes from entertainment, recreation, shopping and dining in nearby Rockwall, Woodcreek is a peaceful master-planned community located in Fate, Texas near I-30 and Hwy. 66 in Rockwall County. Woodcreek is also a part of the acclaimed Rockwall ISD.
“The community of Woodcreek offers something for everyone with its numerous first-class attractions such as: amenity center/club house, swimming pool, community lake, sport fields, parks, playgrounds and hike- and-bike trails throughout,” stated Brian Kopp, Vice President of Sales at Ashton Woods Homes in Dallas.
The new eco-friendly homes – one or two story models – range in size and price starting at $179K for 1,727 square foot homes up to 2,876 square foot homes for just under $233k and are situated on standard lot sizes of 55x115 feet with many oversized and cul-de-sac lots available. All Woodcreek new homes are Energy Star and Environments For Living (EFL) compliant – saving homeowners between 25-45% on their utilities costs annually.
“Ashton Woods is one of the more eco-friendly builders in the Dallas metro area and our new Woodcreek community incorporates specific elements unique to the area and not found in any of our other Communities. All of our Woodcreek homes offer covered back porches, and options for extended garages and all single-story homes offer an option of an upstairs bonus room.,” demonstrated Kopp.
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group - a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America - from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master-planned communities. For more than 40 years, Ashton Woods has built a solid reputation for building comfortable, energy-efficient homes priced from the $100s to the $300s and is the only Diamond Level Environments for Living™ homebuilder in the DFW area and is also an Energy Star® builder, honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards.
Contact: D'Anne Lancaster or Brian Kopp Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: 972.301.6600 | Email: dlancaster@ashtonwoods.com, bkopp@ashtonwoods.com
Ashton Woods Homes Posts 46 Percent Sales Increase
(Houston, TX — July 23, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
The builder ended its fiscal year May 31, reporting not just the significant increase in annual sales, but also a sizeable drop in its cancellation rate, from 49 percent to 22 percent. Dan Gezella, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods, said company sales during the previous 2008 fiscal year (June 2007 through May 2008) were typical for most area builders and credits a concentrated market analysis and resulting product changes for this year’s surge in sales.
“We really studied our submarkets and adjusted our product features, pricing and incentives to accommodate our target market,” Gezella said. “We were trying to build value in our customers’ eyes, so while we were not necessarily offering the lowest prices, we were the best value when they considered features versus price, and it worked for us. We achieved a great deal this year when most builders’ sales volumes have dropped.” In fact, the Houston market reported a 54 percent decline in housing starts during the first quarter of the year compared to the first quarter of 2008 and a 35 percent decline in starts from April 2008 through March 2009, according to Metrostudy, a national housing market research firm that tracks housing activity on a quarterly basis.
Gezella said Ashton Woods expects another strong fiscal year, with plans to move into three new communities. “We are definitely looking for opportunities to expand,” he said. A long-time Houston area builder, Ashton Woods offers designs in nine communities. Base pricing ranges from the $120,000s to $410,000s. The builder has earned several coveted industry awards, including the Greater Houston Builders Association’s Builder of the Year and Grand Award, a Texas Star Award, and a Silver Award from The Nationals.
In addition to Texas, Ashton Woods also builds in Georgia, Florida, Colorado and Arizona. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.
About Ashton Woods Homes
One of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, Ashton Woods offers the accessibility, accountability and hands-on customer service of a local home builder with the experience, resources and financial strength of an international firm. Over the past 40 years, Ashton Woods has become known for designing versatile, energy-efficient homes priced from the $100s to the $300s. Now building in 10 of the Houston area’s most well-located communities, the company is a Gold Level Environments for Living™ and Energy Star® builder, honored with the most coveted local, regional and national awards. Ashton Woods is also the developer of Southern Trails in Pearland, Texas.
Contact: Dan Gezella, VP Sales and Marketing
Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is Recognized with a 2009 Energy Star - Leadership In Housing Award (Roswell, GA – June 18, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes earns award for building new homes that protect the environment through energy efficiency.
Ashton Woods Homes is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a 2009 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes the important contribution Ashton Woods Homes has made to energy- efficient construction and environmental protection by building more than 1,202 ENERGY STAR qualified homes last year. Collectively, these homes will save our customers approximately $537,294 on utility bills each year.
The environmental benefits of these ENERGY STAR qualified homes are equal to the equivalent of:
Eliminating the emissions from 589 vehicles;
Saving 3,562,728 trees;
Planting 1,201 acres of trees; or
Saving the environment 6,987,226 pounds of CO2 per year.
To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRG), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.
“We’ve been building ENERGY STAR compliant homes for 8 years now and energy savings continues to be a very successful benefit of owning an Ashton Woods home,” stated Tad Serbin, VP Sales and Marketing at Ashton Woods Homes.
ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer home buyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-saving features like effective insulation systems, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products, and third-party verification of energy performance. "'Most home buyers focus on what's outside the walls,” said Sam Rashkin, National Director for EPA's ENERGY STAR Homes Program, "but they also need to look behind the walls for the energy-efficient features found in ENERGY STAR qualified homes that help ensure comfort, quiet, improved indoor air quality, and low utility bills for years to come."
About Ashton Woods Homes
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group - a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America - from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master-planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com/powerhouse. (770) 998-9663.
About ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
Ashton Woods Homes Reinvents GREEN - Saves New Home Buyers Money
(Roswell, GA – June 18, 2009) - SHOW/HIDE
Ashton Woods Homes today announced the release of their Power House Green with Environments For LivingTM program where new home owners can realize at least 25% savings on their energy bills.
Building green may seem like a new trend to some, but not to Ashton Woods Homes – a national builder which has built more than 10,000 homes meeting Environments For Living standards. Environments For Living homes are more energy efficient, comfortable and durable than conventional code-built homes and provide the homeowner energy usage and comfort guarantees.
"Ashton Woods is committed to providing our customers energy-efficiency, luxury, quality and the value you'd expect from one of the nation's premier new homebuilders - all while keeping the environment in mind," said Tad Serbin, VP Sales and Marketing at Ashton Woods Homes. "Our customers can save 25 percent to 45 percent on energy costs in an Ashton Woods home. In fact, Ashton Woods' Environments For Living homes meet or exceed the Energy Star guidelines from the Federal Government,” added Serbin.
An Ashton Woods' Environments For Living home provides benefits both to homeowners and the environment. Besides keeping families comfortable, Ashton Woods' Environments For Living homes have reduced emissions of 5,813 pounds of CO2 per home. This is equivalent to taking almost 5,000 cars off the road per year, or 103 railcars worth of coal. To put this into perspective, it would take almost 700,000 tree seedlings grown for 10 years, or more than 6,200 acres of pine or fir forests, to process that amount of Carbon.
“We're proud to be the leader in building Environments For Living homes,” said Serbin.
Every Ashton Wood's single-family home and townhome meets Environments For Living performance standards, as well as meets the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star TM program standards for home construction. These standards are monitored and inspected throughout the entire building process, resulting in the enhanced performance of your home. As a result, an Environments For Living home may qualify for tax credits under various government programs. In addition, Ashton Woods uses Lenox comfort system products that have earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. This results in a cleaner, more efficient HVAC system that requires less energy and maintains a comfortable balance in your home.
The Environments For Living program utilizes techniques of Building Science to help reduce energy loss, including a continuous air barrier, efficient heating and cooling systems, and tight ductwork. In addition, the program establishes requirements for tight construction, improved thermal systems, right-sized HVAC systems, fresh air ventilation, balanced air pressure, internal moisture management and combustion safety. For additional information on Ashton Woods Homes go to www.ashtonwoodshomes.com/powerhouse.
For details on the limited comfort guarantee go to www.environmentsforliving.com/index.jsp?action=hb_guarantee.
Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group - a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America - from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master-planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com/ (770) 998-9663.
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Contact: Tad Serbin
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: 770-998-9663 | Email: tserbin@ashtonwoodshomes.com
A Feel-Good Story for the Week (March 09, 2009 Facebook) - SHOW/HIDE
In late February, there was a note posted on Big Builder's wall on Facebook. It said:
"Please stop perpetuating the madness by sending out your daily e-mails with more company closings and other depressing news. Be a true leader of our industry and report on something positive, anything positive. Reporting on the ‘Doom and Gloom' is easy and continues to perpetuate the mess we are in. Look for the bright spots (and there are many) and highlight those stories.
The innovation of our industry has always amazed me and now is no exception. If you do not start along a positive path then I will be forced to do the worst thing possible and cancel my subscription."
On the one hand, reporting on "something positive, anything positive" is kind of a tall order considering we're in an economy plagued by a Wall Street crisis, a banking meltdown, GDP contraction, 8% unemployment, and falling home prices. But on the other hand, this guy is totally right. There are a ton of people in this industry who are making things happen every day.
So, this was what I was thinking about when I caught up with Tom Krobot, CEO of Atlanta-based Ashton Woods Homes, last week. Still on a high from having pulled off a three-pronged debt restructuring during arguably one of the most credit-restricted environments, Krobot dished on everything from the company's new lease on life to its 30% year-over-year jump in sales. (Yes, that's what he said--30% jump.)
The thing to understand about Krobot is that he cut his teeth in home building at the Ryland Group. And like many a Ryland understudy, he came away with a no-frills, by-the-book management style that certainly has had a hand in the company's ability to avoid becoming the downturn's latest casualty.
"We don't have a Wal-Mart business model," Krobot said.
Because the company's business model isn't based solely on volume, like many public builders, the company has to have better people, bring a better product to market, be more cost conscious, and an exert greater control in the field, he explained.
One thing that Krobot said he did that has paid off in spades--as evidenced by the 124 homes the company sold in February--is clean house when it came to the sales staff. Krobot said the company turned its entire sales force over when sales began to cliff dive. And as tough as the decision may have been, it's been a saving grace. Krobot said his company's absorption rate is about 2.4 units per month per community compared to a public builder average of roughly 1.7 units per month per community.
"We're 40% ahead," he marvelled.
And while the company is tagging sales, they're not losing nearly as many as they were a year ago. The company's cancellation rate has tempered at about 20%, versus 40% a year ago. Barring any major market convulsion, the company is on track to do about 1,100 homes in 2009.
Not too shabby. And to think just weeks ago, management had "planned for the worst and hoped for the best," Krobot said, securing debtor-in-possession financing in case its debt term negotiations took a nasty turn and the company was forced to file bankruptcy.
And I know he's not alone. I'm hearing whispers from builders all over the country that February was a fantastic month for new-home sales. LGI Homes in Texas sold 70-plus homes in February; Lennar Fresno made its monthly quota. Why not shout it out loud! Please share with me your February story, so we can spread the good word. I can be reached by phone at 202.729.3563 or by e-mail at syaussi@hanleywood.com.
Published Monday, March 09, 2009 2:03 PM by syaussi
Filed under: Ashton Woods, Tom Krobot
