Galloway Achieves Certified Master Builder Designation

Clint Galloway of Galloway Family Homes is the newest home builder to earn the designation of Certified Master Builder.  “This means that Clint has gone far beyond merely holding a state builders license,” said Master Builder Chairman Edward Friend.

Friend explained, “The Master Builder Program was created by the Home Builders Association of South Carolina as a way to increase the professionalism of home builders in the state and to provide an increased level of protection for consumers.”

In order to reach this level, Galloway had to participate in 20 hours of continuing education, provide reference letters from customers and business associates, assure a one-year warranty on all his homes and show at least five years' experience in home building. The education alone sets him apart from all other builders because the state of South Carolina does not require licensed builders to maintain any level of continuing education.

“This program is good for our builders” said Friend, “but it is even better news for consumers.”  Friend said only twenty states require a person to take a written test to be licensed.  “We believe that by going beyond what the state requires of builders, we set ourselves apart from the average builder.”

Master Builders must meet a long list of set criteria to be accepted into the program. Once a builder has been accepted, he must maintain a level of continuing education. A complete list of program requirements can be found online at www.masterbuildersc.org.

Interior Design Trends 2014

Along with predictions about the year's popular paint colors, interior designers across the country report on what they see as the top trends in interior design and decor.  We've done the research for you and compiled some of their top predictions. Take a look and let us know if you agree or think they are way off the mark.

Window Coverings - Sheers instead of heavy draperies. Focus is on transparency and natural light.
(Source - Wall Street Journal)

Corduroy Upholstery - A new texture and look for your furnishings.
(Source - Wall Street Journal) 

Spa Bathrooms - Tranquil rooms with walk-in showers and/or separate standing tubs.
(Source- Realtor.com)

Flex Rooms - Rooms without a set purpose that can be used in a variety of ways. Important as multi-generational living becomes more popular.
(Source - Realtor.com)

Metal Backsplash - A new look in the kitchen. Also popular are glass and stone slab.
(Source MSN Living)

Light Hardwoods - Wood grain remains popular but without the dark stain. Butcher block countertops and hardwood flooring are examples of this trend.
(Source MSN Living)

Black Kitchen Counters - Solid surface black countertops with light colored cabinetry.
(Source Zillow)

Dark Accent Walls - Using a moody shade of black or grey to add some drama to a room.
(Source DesignTrend.com)

So what do you think? Would you take the plunge with any of these new design trends?

SC Is The Place To Be!

United Van Lines released their 37th Annual Migration Study this month detailing which states people are moving to and moving from.

South Carolina came in second for the most in-migration followed by North Carolina. Oregon took the number one spot for the most new residents.

As far as where people are moving from?  The number one spot was New Jersey followed by Illinois and New York.

According to UCLA Economist Michael Stoll, the Southeast has a lot to offer in the way of business incentives, industrial growth and lower cost.

As more and more baby boomers retire they are finding themselves drawn to the climate and coastlines of the Carolinas.

This is good news for South Carolina builders and those looking to buy a new home. Make the decision to buy now while prices remain affordable and interest rates are historically low!

Color Trends 2014

It's a New Year filled with new possibilities and a new color forecast from some of the leading paint providers in the nation.

Each year the major paint companies look at trends in design both for homes and fashion as well as current events and the mood of the nation to come up with their color forecast for the year.

Here are a few of the highlights from color predictions by Behr, Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore and Valspar.

Click on the image to link back to a full explanation of the color palettes and how best to incorporate them into your new home.

Behr

Sherwin Williams

Benjamin Moore

Valspar

What paint colors inspire you this year?

Tax Benefits for Homeowners

There are many benefits to owning a new home - one of which shows up in spring during tax time. That's right, owning a home has tax benefits!

If you're a first time home buyer or you've just moved into a new home in the last year, read up to learn how owning a home can help you out on your taxes this year.

Just a necessary disclaimer: tax laws are complicated so be sure to talk with a professional about all of the possible deductions to make sure they apply to your particular situation. 

Home Ownership Deductions

- Deduct your mortgage interest
- Points paid on your mortgage to lower the interest rate are tax deductible
- If you pay Private Mortgage Insurance this is typically tax deductible
- Property taxes are also deductible

If you've recently sold a home to move into your new home, there may be areas of tax deduction in that process as well. Ask your tax preparer about deducting the real estate commission, legal fees, title insurance, home inspection costs and administrative fees.

If you bought your new home because of a job move there may be moving expenses that you can deduct as well.

Ask about these possible tax deductions and how they can be applied to your tax return this year. Then enjoy the savings in your new home!