KTGY GROUP AND KOVACH MARKETING SHARE BUYING MOTIVATIONS OF NEW HOME SHOPPERS AT IHAVE5QUESTIONS COFFEE SYMPOSIUM

IRVINE, CA- New home sales represent under 7% of all homes sold this year – a figure significantly below historic levels of 16-17% newly-built.  Despite that low number, consumer research company, iHave5Questions, says that now more than ever homebuilders need to listen to what new home shoppers are saying.  That's because their latest research of 67,000 new home shoppers surveyed in 150 cities across the nation reveals that 90% of people visiting new homes today are actually on a mission to buy.  This makes the motivators behind their purchase decision all the more important to understand.

iHave5Questions released their 2013 Homeshoppers' Survey, which delve into buying patterns including international buyers, age-qualified and multi-generational housing trends, condo conversion and luxury rental predictions as well as other basic consumer demands in home function and design. 

"Our research shows buyers gravitating to builders based on brand loyalty," said David Harding, chief research officer of iHave5Questions. "This is a surprising primary motivator as it has grown 5 times since last year's report. Brands that garner this support do not necessarily build the highest cost homes.  Consumers are saying that great brand loyalty is possible at every price of a new home."

This information is crucial for homebuilders as they look to draw in new buyers and perhaps change their traditional approach of leading with location, neighborhood size and amenities. In age-targeted communities especially, over 20% are primarily motivated to purchase because of a builder's brand and reputation, but are told more about the pools and the views. Consumers seldom care.  These findings present homebuilders the ability to focus their efforts into areas considered important by their consumers.

In addition to their direct consumer research, iHave5Questions has dug deep into homebuilding industry reports to pinpoint compelling trends.  These trends have a definite impact on the way that homebuilders plan for new potential buyers and broaden their understanding of market potential – especially as it relates to the international new homebuyer.  Key findings show that nationwide average sales price per owner-occupied residential breaks down as follows:

• $220,000 (American)
• $425,000 (Chinese nationals)
• $300,000 (Indian nationals)

"Homebuilders have long focused on buyers from China," says Harding.  "With this data, there is a huge opportunity to attract buyers from India – the world's largest democracy with an economy that is growing at twice the American clip and with buyers who cite California as their favorite state and greater Los Angeles as their top city to own a home and live in America.  The growing entrepreneur and middle class, from a country soon to be the world's most populous, can be a gold mine to those ready to properly serve this segment." 

Additional Findings

iHave5Questions is a consumer research company that specializes in quick, conversational lines of questioning  designed to reveal accurate and immediately-useable results to clients.   Homebuilders are able to gauge consumer reaction in real time, even while home shoppers are still at the models.

Additional findings from the 2013 Homeshoppers' Survey include:

• 90% of consumers surveyed did not say location was their primary motivator for buying a new home.
• 87% of ALL shoppers are more motivated by factors OTHER THAN the "deal" of price, interest rates, investment value, etc.
• Consumers are looking to buy bigger homes, not necessarily with more rooms, but with bigger rooms. Buyers want a more efficient space, which luckily is more efficient for builders too and can help lower construction costs.
• Over 70% of surveyed renters in luxury apartments have a pet. This statistic is interesting for builders who may add rental apartments to their business. As well, it empowers homebuilders to deliver pet-friendly amenities and regulations to compete with the luxury apartments also vying for this customer pool.
• 29% of these same renters said that wood floors are the most important attribute of their existing residence. To entice them to move to a new home, not having wood floors would be a deal breaker.

Because of the quick and accurate consumer data and feedback, iHave5Questions is delivering a powerful new tool to new homebuilders who typically rely upon consumer research that is 4 or more years old – half the duration of a typical business cycle.  By having this information so quickly at their fingertips, they can plan more efficiently and more importantly, be relevant to the ever-changing demands and interests of new home shoppers.

The findings from the report were revealed at the fourth annual iHave5Questions Coffee Symposium where a select group of opinion leaders and lead marketers in the new homebuilding industry received the critical data about new home buying trends.  The event was presented in conjunction with Kovach Marketing and KTGY Group, Inc., Architecture + Planning.

A bench of experts crafts questions customized to solve each client's burning issues.  This person-to-person approach garners some of the industry's highest capture ratios. Its proprietary, real-time download of results allow clients to respond to today's consumers...today and in real time.  Visit www.iHave5QsCoffee.com for more information.

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Discover New Luxury at Shea Homes’ Sausalito in Irvine, CA

IRVINE, CA – Situated in an artistic enclave amidst lush landscaping, Sausalito in the Village of Stonegate offers a superior address with a sense of place and community unlike any other. The exceptional, central location provides a sought after Irvine school district and the convenience of close proximity to world class dining, entertainment and employment.

The Irvine Unified School District consistently ranks among the finest educational systems in the nation. Irvine schools offer innovative educational programs, open-style classrooms, team-teaching, some schools with year-round terms, and excellent community involvement. Irvine students consistently lead Orange County in SAT test scores.

“Shea Homes invites families searching for a new luxury home to visit Sausalito and to fully appreciate these innovative, remarkable homes,” said Janet Benavidez, vice president of sales and marketing.  “Careful attention has been paid to every detail in these homes so every day moments can be something to remember.”

 

The elegant new home collection at Sausalito exemplifies graceful luxury living of the highest caliber. Innovative designs include exceptional amenities, gourmet kitchens, expansive great rooms and  outdoor retreats that invites lavish entertaining or simple get-togethers. The open, stylish homes with approximately 3,533 to 4,188 interior square feet, four to five bedrooms and up to five and a half baths offer a host of options to personalize your home including home management centers, Chef’s kitchens, play rooms, additional bedrooms and guest suites.  Pricing starts in the mid one millions.

Impressive interiors offer an array of exceptional amenities including a gourmet kitchen with island, granite countertops and top-of-the-line stainless steel built-in appliances.  Some plans feature a butler’s pantry and every kitchen provides abundant storage with under cooktop drawers and upgraded glide mechanisms.  Ideal for relaxation, sumptuous master suites feature large, walk-in closets and spa-inspired showers with large format ceramic tile surrounds and frameless heavy plate clear glass enclosures. Balconies are offered on select plans as well as free standing tub options. You’ll find distinctive European recessed panel hardwood maple cabinets throughout, five inch decorator baseboards and complimentary door casings, cozy gas-burning fireplace with glass media,  and so much more.

State-of-the-art whole house energy savings can be found in the insulation, central heating and dual air conditioning system with programmable thermostat to maintain year-round comfort and reduce utility bills.  Meeting the needs of large families, Rheem tankless water heaters provide buttons at the kitchen sink and master bathroom, and vinyl dual pane windows with Low-E glass retains warmth in winter and cool air in the summer.

 The Village of Stonegate, within the Villages of Irvine®, offers residents a distinctive and charming lifestyle which includes intimate neighborhood enclaves unlike any in the region.  Families enjoy four different parks that include a Junior Olympic pool with a spa and wading pool, a softball/youth baseball field with soccer overlay, basketball courts, sand volleyball, tot lot, barbecues and picnic tables. Three additional parks are planned bringing the total number of community pools to four when complete.  Close to the region’s premier shopping, dining and entertainment, these homes are also within walking distance to the Stonegate Park, the Jeffrey Open Space Trail and Woodbury™ Town Center.  Also within walking distance is Stonegate Elementary School which has a high 2013 Academic Performance Index score of 962. The Irvine Unified School District consistently ranks among the finest educational systems in the nation and lead Orange County in SAT test scores.

 To reach Sausalito from the 5 Freeway exit Sand Canyon Avenue and head north.  Turn left onto Spring Meadow and turn right onto Medallion.  Follow the signs to our models at 70 Fenway, Irvine, CA 92620. For additional information, call (949) 861-2194 or visit http://www.SheaHomes.com and http://www.VillagesofIrvine.com.

 Shea Homes Southern California is a division of Shea Homes Limited Partnership, one of America’s largest privately held homebuilders. As a member of the Shea family of companies, which is celebrating its 132^nd anniversary in 2013, Shea Homes has won numerous prestigious awards for quality, integrity, innovation and customer satisfaction. Shea Homes’ pursuit of excellence is typified by Shea Superiology, the art and science of designing and constructing homes that offer homeowners superior value by maximizing their quality of life, minimizing their costs and making a positive contribution to the environment. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.SheaHomes.com.

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Move-In Ready Homes at Palazzo by Woodside Homes in Indio, CA

Private gated luxury offering a high-quality desert lifestyle awaits you at Palazzo in North Indio, offering a wonderful sunny climate year-round.  Enhanced by the desert’s stunning natural beauty and convenient to both desert and mountain recreation areas, Indio is still a place where residents can find the home of their dreams.

Remarkably priced from under the $300,000s, homes are now available for year-end move-ins with designer flooring packages, on select homes.  The impressive, award-winning and highly energy-efficient designed homes are in a prime location with low HOA fees, adjacent to Shadow Hills Golf Club with three or four bedrooms and two-and-one-half baths.

Distinctive exterior architecture offers front porches and covered outdoor living spaces optimize enjoyment of the fabulous weather year round.  Families will love Woodside Homes’ abundant spaciousness and sought-after features exceeding all expectations including great rooms and conversational kitchens with nook or breakfast bar, over-sized gourmet islands for food preparation and storage, granite countertops and GE® stainless steel appliances.

Choose among many options to fit perfectly with your lifestyle such as a home office, study, guest suite and formal dining.  The Plan 3 offers a host of additional options including a flexible living room, optional fifth bedroom and third bath, formal living and formal dining.  You’ll also discover luxurious master suites with spacious walk-in closets and private water closets, nice sized secondary bedrooms and two- or three-car garages.

Residents will love the central air conditioning and designer choices for cabinetry and flooring including 18” x 18” tile or wood.  Woodside Homes offers a smart approach to how your home is designed and built to provide a lifetime of savings and comfort that is energy efficient and environmentally kind.

There’s a wonderful diversity of things to do and see in Indio and the surrounding areas of the Coachella Valley.  Palazzo is next to Shadow Hills Golf Club and golf enthusiasts will find numerous outstanding courses close to home including Heritage Palms, Indian Springs Golf Club and Shadow Ridge. The popular Palm Springs area and Aerial Tramway are a short drive away.

Palazzo may be reached by traveling the 10 Freeway towards Indio and exit Monroe. Go north one-half mile to Villa Palazzo and turn left into the gate.  For more information, call 760-347-8658 or visit http://www.WoodsideHomes.com/SouthernCalifornia.  The models are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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THE TRUE LIFE COMPANIES ESTABLISHES VERRAVITA CAPITAL TO SUPPORT ITS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

SAN RAMON, CA -- The True Life Companies (TTLC) has established Verravita Capital, a privately held capital investment company focused on providing a solid platform of consistent capital to support its expanding real estate investment and development activities. Verravita Capital is dedicated to providing capital resources in alignment with investment and development firms like The True Life Companies, whose core focus is to be the leading supplier of lots and land for home builders within the single-family residential sector of the real estate industry throughout the western United States.

“As we continue to expand, the key pillars to our success will be three-fold: our ability to access proprietary deal flow to secure compelling acquisitions; the execution post-acquisition of our project strategies; and consistent alignment with reliable, sophisticated, and committed capital partners,” stated Scott Clark, CEO of TTLC. “Verravita’s initial capitalization will be targeted at $100 million, which will enable The True Life Companies to gain substantial traction on our stated goal of acquiring and controlling over 100,000 lots in the western U.S. in the next five years.”

Deron Bocks leads the Capital Markets team for The True Life Companies and will spearhead the launch and management of Verravita Capital as its President and Managing Partner. Bocks’ financial career spans more than two decades.

Clark declared, “While Deron continues his role leading The True Life Companies’ Capital Markets Team, his ability to leverage his relationships within the global capital markets to secure institutional debt and equity for our company and our projects make him a tremendous asset to our team and the logical choice to take charge of this new venture.”

Prior to joining TTLC in 2012, Bocks was the Managing Director at Odyssey Capital Group in Phoenix, leading that firm’s Capital Advisory Practice. Bocks also spent a decade as President and Chief Operating Officer of two separate nationally chartered financial institutions, UMB Bank of Arizona and SunBank NA, both headquartered in Phoenix. He spent the first 11 years of his financial career with Bank of America in their Corporate and Investment Banking Division in San Francisco, CA.

“Our ambition at The True Life Companies is to become the leading supplier of finished residential lots to public homebuilders within the Western United States”, stated Taber Anderson, CIO of TTLC. “Deron’s unique background and experience in both real estate and capital markets will be invaluable to us as we pursue our goal.”

Over the past year, TTLC has aggressively expanded their land portfolio throughout California, Arizona, Hawaii and Colorado, by acquiring over 5,000 lots and securing an additional 6,000 lots under contract. In addition, their resort and lifestyle division is focused on investment in and management of highly amenitized master-planned communities. They already own and manage the luxury master-planned community of Pine Canyon in Flagstaff, Arizona, and recently added Talking Rock in Prescott, Arizona to their portfolio, increasing their market share in this growing region.

“Scott and Taber have done a tremendous job of setting the vision, building an expert team of industry leaders, and positioning The True Life Companies to be able take advantage of an extraordinary opportunity that exists within the land development business,” said Bocks. “As our portfolio has grown and markets continue to improve, we recognize that it is critical that we expand our capital relationships.”

Bocks went on to state, “Over the last few years as we were buying land, much of the popular industry sentiment was courting an antithetical policy of waiting. However, we identified the potential early and took bold steps with the acquisitions made, and now that the market realizes the opportunity in our space, we are perfectly positioned to take advantage of it.”

Bocks’ offices will be located at Verravita’s Phoenix headquarters, 2555 East Camelback Road, Suite 770, Phoenix AZ 85016. Additional information is available by calling 602-626-8779 or visiting www.verravitacapital.com

TTLC is a strategic real estate investment and management firm composed of top-tier professionals with over 250 years of combined industry experience in all facets of real estate acquisitions, development, management and homebuilding. TTLC is the premier supplier of lots and land to public and private builders in the western United States.  Simultaneously, their resort/recreation division focuses on adding value to new and existing luxury master-planned communities. For more information, visit www.thetruelifecompanies.com  or visit www.facebook.com/thetruelifecompanies.

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6 QUICK MANTEL STYLING IDEAS FOR FALL BY BETTER BY DESIGN

With the change of seasons comes an urge to get cozy indoors. Honor your need to nest by updating your mantel décor for fall with these 6 simple, beautiful ideas.

1. Gather natural elements. Driftwood, wood slices, feathers, bare branches, and balls of greenery make lovely — and long-lasting — decorations. You could start with a display like this as your base, then layer in mini pumpkins at Halloween, and pomegranates and nuts at Thanksgiving.

2. Create a glow with amber glass. A few amber-hued glass hurricane candle holders and vases are the perfect accent for a warm and welcoming fall mantel display. Pluck a few small branches of fall leaves outside your door, and finish off the display with a handful of tiny white pumpkins.

3. Keep an eye out for frame-worthy wrapping paper. We all joke about the gift that’s too pretty to unwrap, but the truth is, some gift wrap does deserve better than being crumpled and tossed! A lovely marbled paper, or something botanical, would make cheap and chic DIY art. Scoop up a couple of inexpensive frames, pop in the paper, and prop up on your mantel. Easy!

4. Gather the bountiful harvest. Scoop up a basketful of pumpkins and decorative gourds at your local market or farm stand, cut a few branches of fall leaves, and you have yourself a nearly-instant, swoon-worthy mantel display. Place the branches in tall glass cylinder vases or hurricanes, and place the whole arrangement atop a few squares of autumnal fabric to complete the look.

5. Craft your own Thanksgiving decor. Simple cardboard letter forms from the craft store can be easily transformed into a custom sign with just a few dots of hot glue. Spell out a message like “give thanks” or a simple word that says it all, like “family” or “gratitude."

6. Try the “stair step” trick. Examine any great shot in your favorite interiors magazine, and you will likely find some version of this rule in play: arrange your items so that the tallest are in the back, shortest in front, and place something medium size between the two. In other words, you want to avoid having something really tall next to something tiny. Prop up your smaller decor items on stacks of books or on a decorative box, and use medium-height items like candlesticks or feathers in a jar, to fill in any gaps.
 
Do you change up your mantel with the seasons? Share your favorite mantel decor ideas in the Comments section.
 
(Sources from top to bottom: BHG; Centsational Girl; Good Housekeeping; The Lettered Cottage; Centsational Girl)

For all of the images, check out Woodside Homes blog:
http://www.woodside-homes.com/blog/6-quick-mantel-styling-ideas-for-fall

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HOMEAID AMERICA WELCOMES NEW CORPORATE PARTNER: FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE GROUP

IRVINE, CA – HomeAid America (http://www.homeaid.org/), a national non-profit provider of housing for homeless families and individuals for almost 25 years, announced that Fidelity National Title Group, whose various brands collectively represent the largest title and escrow company in the United States, is joining the organization as a Corporate Partner.  HomeAid also announced the election of Karen Robertson, Fidelity National Title’s Sr. VP and National Operations Manager, to its Board of Directors.

“We are so pleased to have Fidelity National Title Group and its family of companies join HomeAid in its effort to fight homelessness in this country,” stated Chuck Stein, Chairman of HomeAid America’s Board of Directors.  “The title insurance provider has long been an industry leader and helped HomeAid regionally.  Now they will be able to take that support to a higher and more meaningful level.  We are also excited to welcome Karen Robertson to our national Board of Directors; her industry insight and great leadership qualities will make her a valuable addition to our team.”

HomeAid announces the election of
Karen Robertson
to its Board of Directors.

“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to serve the greater community through HomeAid’s National Board of Directors,” said Fidelity National Title’s Robertson. “Our family of companies, including Alamo Title, Chicago Title, Commonwealth Land Title, Fidelity National Title and Ticor Title has admired and supported HomeAid’s important mission over the years, and I look forward to our continued involvement in enriching the lives of those in need of shelter.”

About HomeAid America
HomeAid is a leading national non-profit provider of housing for homeless families and individuals. Through the generosity of builders, their trades and their suppliers, HomeAid has completed over 325 housing projects nationwide at a value of more than $200 million, of which nearly fifty percent has been donated by the building industry.  Nearly 170,000 people have been sheltered by these housing projects over the past 24 years.  HomeAid currently has over 30 additional projects in development across the country through HomeAid’s network of 15 chapters in 10 states. For more information about HomeAid, call 1‑888‑3HOMEAID or visit www.homeaid.org. (http://www.homeaid.org/)

About Fidelity National Title Group
Fidelity National Title Group (FNTG) is a leading provider of title insurance and escrow services, and the nation's largest title insurance company. FNTG’s title insurance underwriters collectively issue more title insurance policies than any other title company in the United States. The company’s title brands include Alamo Title Company, Chicago Title Insurance Company, Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, Lawyers Title and Ticor Title Company. Fidelity National Financial, Inc. (NYSE:FNF) is the parent company of Fidelity National Title Group and is currently ranked #353 on the Fortune 500 List. More information about FNF can be found at www.fnf.com.

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GEYSER PEAK CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING AND SALEM FALL FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26TH

LAS VEGAS, NV -- Woodside Homes has announced the grand opening of the gated community of Geyser Peak this Saturday, October 26^th.  Bring the whole family to the festivities from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and experience for yourself, the one and two-story, three to six bedroom model homes with two to four baths on huge lots with plenty of room to grow.  The day’s events will include “Grouchy John’s” coffee truck, caramel apples from “It’s a simple life” with a pumpkin patch and face painter for the kids!  Priced from the $200,000s, there couldn’t be a better time to purchase a new home, especially with great financing options offered by Woodside Homes.

Be sure not to miss Salem at Northern Terrace’s Fall Festival, with fun also planned for the entire family!  This Providence neighborhood will host a pumpkin patch and tasty caramel apples. Priced from $208,990, these two-story homes offer three to six bedrooms and up to three-and-one-half baths.

 
The grand opening of Geyser Peak will feature flexible floor plans and many modern designer choices. Homeowners have the option to add rooms based on their family’s needs and multi-generational living requirements, such as a separate living suite above the garage on the two-story homes.  There is an optional third bay garage where you can even order a pull through door and the home sites include RV storage and loads of room for all your toys.  Staying true to the company identity of Better By Design, many more options and design alternatives are available such as covered patios, lofts, studios, a den or exercise room, home office, kid’s retreat, guest suite or large game room. You add what you need!

 

Spanish Colonial, Craftsman and Prairie Ranch architecturally-inspired designs offer masonry fenced yards, attached garages with embossed steel roll-up doors and elegant eight-foot entry doors.  Drought tolerant front yard landscaping and front porches are included as standard features. 

Impressive interiors add touches of elegance and refinement for comfortable living with great rooms, state-of-the-art kitchens with spacious islands and luxurious master suites with walk-in closets and separate shower.  You will be greeted by voluminous, light-filled rooms with high volume ceilings in select plans and extravagant window designs, as well as stylish rounded corner drywall, decorator light switches, decorator flooring, designer casings and baseboard moldings, and generous storage throughout.

Geyser Peak residents will enjoy convenient 15 and 215 freeway access, making all that Las Vegas has to offer just minutes away, including the excitement of the Las Vegas Strip and scenic wonders and abundant recreation at Red Rock Canyon. You’ll find plenty of recreation at the area’s parks, trails and numerous golf courses, plus there are a host of shopping and dining venues nearby.  Nellis Air Force Base is also in close proximity.

To join the Geyser Peak Grand Opening festivities, from the 215 beltway, exit North 5th Street and head south on North 5th to Hammer.  Traveling on the I-15, exit Craig and head west on Craig to North 5th Street, turn north on North 5th and proceed to Hammer.  Geyser Peak is located on the northwest corner of Hammer and N. 5th St. For additional information, call 702-399-3785 or visit www.WoodsideHomes.com.

Salem at Northern Terrace fall festivities may be reached by the 215 to Hualapai Way, north to Farm Road. Turn left onto Farm, right on Cresent Mountain Street, left on Silver Run Peak Dr., left on Mount Olive lane and left on Albright Peak Dr.  Our sales office will be on your left. Call (702) 645-3882 for more information.

Woodside Homes offers new homes built with modern features and smart energy-saving principles to keep utility bills down. Buyers can make their home reflect their own personal style by choosing from Woodside’s classic, eclectic, or contemporary product lines, which are coordinated by expert designers. Simply put, Woodside Homes are Better By Design.

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