RGV New Homes Guide - Winter 2018

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E : 2 0 1 9 D I S T I N G U I S H E D W O M E N I N C O N S T R U C T I O N |

rgvNewHomesGuide.com

PG. 19

Volume 27 Issue 1 — December 2018 /February 2019

WaldoHomesRGV.com

A (956) 466-8590

New Model Home Now Open in Canton Village | Pgs. 3 & 28

You’ll feel right at home with our higher level of standards!

CHOOSE YOUR LOT & FEATURES: Beautiful Wood Floors | Artistic Wall Niches | Plantation Shutters High Designer Ceilings | Natural Cantera Accents | Granite Countertops

DHConstructionRGV.com | (956) 778-0212

Dec’18/Jan/Feb’19 Volume 27 Issue 1 PUBLISHER Across Media Marketing, LLC

CONTENTS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jose Vielma

December 2018 / January / February 2019 - Volume 27 Issue 1

SENIOR EDITOR Barbara Zapffe

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CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Soria GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jeremiah D. Nava

2019

STAFF ACCOUNTANT Celina Herrera ADVERTISING SALES Johnny Vasquez

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HOMEBUYING ADVICE 6

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Entertainment Rooms Done Big

ENERGY EFFICIENCY BUILT TO SAVE™ Recognition Award

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The most entertaining room in the home is no

Villanueva Construction was recognized

longer the TV room. See what is changing in the

by MVEC and BUILT TO SAVE™ for their

way people relax at home.

commitment to energy efficient construction.

New Home Resolution

SPECIAL SECTIONS

An idea without a plan is just a dream. Make your New Year’s resolution of moving into a new home

Distinguished Women In Construction

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Meet an elite group of talented women who

real by reading this plan of action.

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your material possessions--they provide an invaluable peace of mind worth every penny.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

dominated by men.

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Real Estate News

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Sierra Title Hosts Its 39th Tamalada This event, which has become an annual tradition for the company, ushers in the

Energy Efficient Leaders Of 2018 Learn more about a select group of builders in the Rio Grande Valley who were leaders in energy efficient construction in 2018.

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have distinguished themselves in an industry

Time to Protect Your Home And Family Home security systems do more than just protect

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DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Ken Sabe

How To Ensure Your Home’s Value

beginning of the holiday season.

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New Home Communities Map

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New Home Communities

THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AREA NEW HOMES GUIDE (NHG) is a quarterly publication of Across Media Marketing, LLC. and is provided to its readers free of charge. Unless otherwise noted, all photography, artwork, and editorial content printed in NHG are copyrighted material and may not be duplicated or reprinted without express written permission. NHG and Across Media Marketing, LLC. are not responsible for typographical or production errors, or for the accuracy of information provided by the advertisers. Opinions expressed by writers and contributors do not necessarily represent the opinions of the publisher. NHG reserves the right to refuse any advertising which we deem unsuitable for our publication.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this magazine is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 and the Amendments Act of 1988 which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

This magazine will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call HUD tollfree at 1-800-669-9777 or contact HUD’s regional office in Ft. Worth, Texas at (817) 885-5521. The telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

The Rio Grande Valley New Homes Guide is published quarterly by: Across Media Marketing, LLC. 1601 N. 8th St. • McAllen, Tx 78501 FOR ADVERTISING RATES AND INFORMATION: (956) 971-9700 rgvnewhomesguide.com

One sure way to hedge your bets on increasing the value of your home is to bank on certifications of high performance from third-party Raters.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E : 2 0 1 9 D I S T I N G U I S H E D W O M E N I N C O N S T R U C T I O N |

rgvNewHomesGuide.com

PG. 19

Volume 27 Issue 1 — December 2018 /February 2019

Homes, a custom builder with a gift

The true quality of the construction is hidden once

for building homes that “Wow” home

the walls are put in. So how can you know about

shoppers. Read more on pgs. 3 & 28.

WaldoHomesRGV.com

A (956) 466-8590

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RGVNewHomesGuide.com

WALDO HOMES —Call to tour this newly

completed model home by Waldo

Real Quality Is Behind The Walls the home’s quality? Here’s how.

ON THE COVER

New Model Home Now Open in Canton Village | Pgs. 3 & 28

Cover photo by: Photograph RGV

/rgvnewhomesguide @rgvnewhomes @rgvnhg

YouDeserve

Photos by: Photograph RGV

THE FINEST THINGS IN LIFE...

WaldoHomesRGV.com A (956) 466-8590 A (956) 466-8227 E /WaldoHomesRGV

New Model & Lots Now Available at Canton Village, Edinburg Call for details.

H O M E S PAC E S

Home by: Innovative Construction

THE MOST ENTERTAINING ROOM IN THE HOME It’s all about being right at home for family fun.

“Honey, let’s have the whole gang over on Sunday to watch the big game.” “Mom, can I invite my friends over this weekend for a sleepover, and can we stay up late and watch ‘Frozen’ and ‘Coco’?” “Hey, why don’t we stay at home this Saturday night and watch that latest Netflix movie we’ve been wanting to see.”

From 15” TVs in the 1960’s to 84” LED backlit TVs in 2018, we all have one or more TVs in our homes—television plays a major role in our lives. The family TV is usually crammed into our living areas along with sofas, bookshelves, tables, chairs, and lamps. Generally, it is near the kitchen and entryway, and often this is not a useful spot for private viewing, or is too small for large groups of friends and family.

Well, all this is changing. Check out the latest in new home design: the Entertainment Room! Builders here in the Rio Grande Valley are catching on to the

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RGVNewHomesGuide.com

Home by: Innovative Construction

idea that we are becoming a society of “Nesters.” After a long day at work or school, we don’t want to go out and party; we just want to relax in our homes and catch the news, watch Monday Night Football, or see the latest Netflix movie that just arrived. But we don’t want the disturbance of kitchen clatters, loud kids, or phones ringing.

Home by: Innovative Construction

The Entertainment Room is a quiet, separate room in the home that houses a large movie-screen TV, a surround sound music system, comfortable stadium seats, and often a wet bar or mini-kitchen. It is an ideal room for private viewings of movies, sports games, the most recent “Game of Thrones” episodes, or even that “Big Bang Theory” rerun.

This room is a special retreat for families, and is dedicated to a peaceful, undisturbed viewing of favorite programs and shows.

B E S T. DECISION. EVER. When it comes to your dream home – making sure it is perfect means tons of

The Entertainment Room can be simple, or can be jam-packed with all the latest high-tech equipment. Your choice. When building a home, the builder you choose can custom design this special room to your wishes and budget.

Meanwhile, check out some of these Entertainment Rooms constructed with pride by some of the excellent builders here in the Rio Grande Valley. And when ready to build your dream home, make sure you request an Entertainment Room in the floorplan!

tough decisions. Let our knowledgeable product experts relieve the stress and restore the fun while introducing you and your design team to our extensive collection of products from the most sought after brands. Request your appointment today at fergusonshowrooms.com

PHARR F E RGUSON S H OWROOM S .COM

©2018 Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. 1018 988626

Home by: Waldo Homes

Home by: Villanueva Construction

December ‘18 / January / February 2019

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HOMEBUYING ADVICE

NEW HOME RESOLUTION A CHECKLIST FOR CHOOSING A HOME THAT LASTS The New Year is a great time to set goals for improving your life. Whether the goal is to lose weight, to stop smoking, or to start a new career, it’s the season to set positive intentions and turn last year’s “would have, should have, could have” to “Yes! This year, I am going to!”

So, What’s on Your New Year’s Agenda?

Do you have a New Year’s resolution to buy a place to call your own, that dream home you have always wanted? Well, the year 2019 is a great time to consider building or buying a custom new home that meets your needs…and dreams. If your goal for 2019 is to become the proud owner of a new home, we’ve got the checklist to help you invest wisely.

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Get Pre-Approved for a Loan First Before you start looking at floorplans or speaking with contractors, you need to know your buying power. This means going through a financial review and getting approval from a lender for a specific amount. This will save you the disappointment of looking at homes outside of your price range. It also shows you’re serious about making a purchase.

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Research Financial Assistance Programs There are many programs available that help you become a homeowner faster.

Each program has different qualifications you need to meet, so do your homework.

You might be surprised to learn you could qualify. As a Texas resident, consider looking at www.TxHomePrograms.org as one potential option.

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Be Realistic about What You Can Afford In addition to the amount the bank approves, you need to factor in how much you can spend on a monthly mortgage payment. This means thinking about other expenses, such as how much money you need to live on each week for things like groceries, entertainment, and other necessities.

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Know When to Splurge and When to Save One thing to watch is the upgrade costs as you build your home. Be sure to ask about the base price and how much additional features will add to your total price. You want to weigh the value of upgraded fixtures and flooring options to how long they will last. In other words, will the extra money you spend save you down the road from having to replace, say, a carpet or floor that wears faster, but costs less initially?

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Don’t Just Go for Code—Go for Better Than Code Just because a house is built to code doesn’t mean it will have the best performance. Homes built using basic building codes are often less efficient to operate and more costly to maintain. In addition, minimum construction quality could invite issues like dust and mold that will make you sick. So work with a BUILT TO SAVE™ (BTS) or ENERGY STAR® builder. These contractors will build above code, ensuring your home will save you significant money in energy costs.

For example, a BTS builder will consider cooling options that work in the Coastal Bend area. This includes having a rightsized air conditioning system, windows, and exteriors that protect against heat gain, and so on.

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Estimate Resale Value Take a look not only at the value of your home as you purchase it, but at what comparable homes by this contractor are selling for on the resale market. If possible, visit a house built by a company you are interested in that’s up for sale to get an idea of how well the workmanship holds up after the home has been lived in

for a while. Remember that homes with energy certifications like BTS generally provide a higher resale value.

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Choose the Right Community In addition to building a home to meet your needs, how do you choose a community in which you want to build? There are many points to consider: LOT SIZE: Is the homesite large enough to accommodate your house plans?

WHAT’S NEARBY: How close is this location to your workplace? How good are the schools? Can you get to shopping districts, hospitals, and other places easily?

WHAT DOES THE COMMUNITY OFFER: Is there a community center or pool? How about parks and recreational activities?

HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION COSTS: How much are the fees for being a member of the community?

What do they cover? Will this fit into your budget?

Check out our new New Home Communities on page 37 where we break down all of these factors and more to help you quickly identify the right development for your new home.

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Have Your Home Inspected by a Professional Hiring an independent professional home inspector has saved many from moving into a home that has substandard workmanship. It is much better to have someone who advocates for your best interests to evaluate your home carefully and point out features that need to be fixed before you close the contract. Once you’ve signed, any existing issues will become your problems to fix.

Hopefully, the checklist here will make it easy for you to realize your new home in the New Year. Use it to ready yourself for finally making the dream of a brand new home a reality. Because, yes, this year, 2019, you are going to buy a home!

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FURNISHED MODEL HOMES There is nothing like actually walking through a home. These builders have their homes furnished and ready for you to tour. Stop by and see which one FEELS like home.

www.ClassicHomesRGV.com \\ See page 27

ADDRESS: Sugar Oaks 1608 Red River Ave. Edinburg, TX

HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm

HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm

www.ClassicHomesRGV.com \\ See page 27 SALES: Juan Carlos Noriega - (956) 975-6300 jcnoriega14@yahoo.com

ADDRESS: Jackson Heights 2302 Holland Ave. Edinburg, TX

www.JJinnovativeConstruction.com

Saturday & Sunday

By Appointment

www.DHConstructionRGV.com \\ See page 1 SALES: Daniel Hernandez - (956) 778-0212 ahernandez65@rgv.rr.com

ADDRESS: Imperial Oaks 2504 E. Imperial Oak St. Mission, TX

See page 37

HOURS: Monday - Friday 2:00pm to 7:00pm

SALES: Victor Meza: (956) 929-7464 mezahomesinc@aol.com

ADDRESS: Mission Valley Subdivision 2815 Thompson Dr. Mission, TX

www.DivineCustomHomes.net \\ See page 31

HOURS: Personal Showings Anytime

By Appointment

SALES: Olga Treviño: (956) 467-1111 olga@divinecustomhomes.net

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Edinburg

ADDRESS: Summerset Estates 1412 Maravilla Dr. Edinburg, TX HOURS: Open Daily

By Appointment

A L D O

H O M E

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ADDRESS: Canton Village 2802 Esmeralda St. Edinburg, TX

www.WaldoHomesRGV.com \\ See page 3 SALES: Luis Waldo: (956) 990-8780 / (956) 466-8590 luiswaldo@yahoo.com

HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm

VIEW FULL GALLERIES OF THESE MODEL HOMES ON OUR WEBSITE www.rgvnewhomesguide.com/model-homes

December ‘18 / January / February 2019

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Mission

Mission

SALES: Jonathan Vargas: (956) 929-6198 j.vargas@jjinnovativeconstruction.com

HOURS: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm

Saturday & Sunday 12:00pm to 5:00pm

Edinburg

Edinburg

SALES: Juan Carlos Noriega - (956) 975-6300 jcnoriega14@yahoo.com

ADDRESS: Sugar Oaks 1701 St. Claire Edinburg, TX

Edinburg

Edinburg

BUILT TO SAVE™ & ENERGY STAR® Certifications represent homes with lower ownership costs, and require less energy for heating and cooling.

HOMEBUYING ADVICE

TIME TO PROTECT YOUR HOME AND FAMILY A WORD ABOUT HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS

The winter holidays and a new year are here. If you haven’t yet, maybe now you should make a New Year’s resolution to finally get that home security system you’ve been wanting.

Lately, advertisements and commercials for “Do It Yourself” security systems have become numerous. They are cheap and a one-time purchase, but are they the best for your peace of mind, or would you prefer wholehouse and yard coverage with 24/7 monitoring?

If you are considering a monitoring security company, there are many here in the Rio Grande Valley from which to choose. The residential and commercial security systems market is a gigantic multi-billion dollar industry that has grown exponentially over the last few years. Here in the Rio Grande Valley, there are many companies that would like your business. Your job is to figure out which one is right for you if you decide to get a home security system that will be monitored 24/7.

If you begin looking at monitoring security companies, there are those that offer installation and wireless monitoring; or video monitoring with high-definition surveillance cameras; also fire protection systems; monitored programmable thermostats; and complete installation and maintenance services. A representative should come to your home and discuss your needs before giving you a quote. He or she will design a security

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system around your requirements— this a worry-free proposition because from the most basic to the most sophisticated technology—each can be customized to your specific needs.

If the company just wants to give you a generic quote over the phone without personally visiting your home and assessing your individual needs, run the other way.

Be aware that in your search to find the right security company for you, you may find that some use “Bait and Switch” tactics. For example, you’ll receive an unbelievable offer of “free equipment” only to find out that there are strings attached. Perhaps the offer merely includes minimal protection, or you may be required to sign a longterm contract. Run the other way with this, as well!

Do-It-Yourself security items are inundating the market now. Video doorbells for the exterior or plug-andcheck boxes for the interior certainly are inexpensive security measures, but how effective are they if a thief decides to break in through a back window, or a faulty wire starts a fire in a child’s bedroom? And if you are away at work or on vacation, how effective are they at having help come quickly? A wholehouse 24/7 monitoring system that has

an actual person call the police quickly, although more costly than those inexpensive do-it-yourself items, is also way more secure.

Bottom line, if your home is currently without any kind of security, make this the year you do something about it. Call some of the local security companies, have their sales reps visit and assess your home’s needs, get quotes, decide which company you like best, and then sit back and rest easy. They will do all the work for you, from installation to 24/7 monitoring— and you and your family will now be safe and secure.

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Saint Honore Ave 50

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37th St

Vendome Ave El Pacifico Ave

» Walking park » High-speed internet » Walking distance to Texas A&M University and IDEA Academy

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» Gated community

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» Minutes from the University of Texas — Rio Grande Valley (956) 250-1165 | VendomeHomes.com

Monte Cristo Rd

El Pacifico Ave FM 107

McAllen, Tx

29th St

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38th St

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Ware Rd

48

36th St

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Guarantees are only as good as the people who give them.

Roofing

Insulation

HVAC

Getting a guarantee from just anyone that your home is energy efficient is not the same as getting a guarantee from a home energy rater licensed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Home Energy Raters are trained home energy inspectors who use specialized equipment and software to inspect, test, and verify that a home has met the requirements of such programs as DOE Zero Energy Ready Home; ENERGY ST STAR®; EPA Indoor airPLUS; BUILT TO SAVE™; and GreenBuilt RGV.

Lighting

Windows

Water Heating

PROFESSIONAL HOME ENERGY RATERS ASK YOUR BUILDER IF YOUR NEW HOME HAS BEEN RATED

Chris Carroll (956) 544-3139 chris@carrollsinspectors.com www.carrollsinspectors.com

Jorge Maldonado (956) 271-2322 jm-92@outlook.com

Jose L. Garcia (956) 519-9593 prestigiousenergy@sbcglobal.net

Francisco Navarro (956) 483-6949 coolerbydesign49@gmail.com

Certifications: Home Energy Rater; ICC Energy Code Ambassador; Level 1 Thermographer; TREC Property Inspector; RESNET Member; RESNET Green Rater; LEED Accredited Green Rater; Building America Partner, & DOE Zero Ready Verifier.

Certifications: Home Energy Rater; ENERGY STAR® New Home Certification, IECC Energy Code Building Inspections; Blower Door and AC Duct Testing; Weatherization Inspections.

Certifications: Home Energy Rater; RESNET Member; HVAC State License No. TACLB-21614E; ACCA Quality Assured V3 (New Homes) Contractor.

RTIN #529893

RTIN #4046057

Certifications: Building Performance Institute Building Analyst License No. 5060964: Home Energy Rater; ENERGY STAR®; ACCA Certified HVAC Residential System Design Specialist; HVAC Contractor License No. TABLB41022E; Home Performance Testing (Airflow & Air Balance Testing, Ventilation, Indoor Air Quality, Home Diagnostics); Code Testing: Blower Door & Duct Leakage.

TREC license #7061 | RTIN #0003953

The Blower Door Test and the Duct Blaster Test are used to calculate a home’s Energy Rating Index (ERI—also referred to as the HERS score). Like miles per gallon (MPG) which measure the fuel efficiency of a car, an ERI (or HERS) score is an excellent predictor of a home’s energy efficiency—the lower the score, the higher the efficiency.

BLOWER DOOR TESTS measure the leakiness of the home’s envelope— how much air comes in and goes out through the roof, windows, doors, and other openings in the home.

Required by code after Sept. 1, 2016.

DUCT BLASTER TESTS measure leaks in the joints and seams of the ductwork in the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.

Required by code after Sept. 1, 2016 unless in conditioned space.

Leading Energy Efficient Builders These builders represent a small, select group of professionals leading today’s energy efficient construction by building high-performance homes in the BUILT TO SAVE™ program. Learn more about the program at www.builttosave.org.

Divine Custom Homes

(956) 467-1111 | olga@divinecustomhomes.net | divinecustomhomes.net

Divine Custom Homes constructs sustainable, energy efficient homes. 100% of their homes are qualified as ENERGY STAR®, which also qualifies them as BUILT TO SAVE™. Even more, the company demonstrates concern for the environment by adding the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS label to their ENERGY STAR® qualified homes and “green building” through certifying their homes as “GreenBuilt RGV.”

Innovative Construction

(956) 929-6198 | j.vargas@jjinnovativeconstruction.com | jjinnovativeconstruction.com

Impressive, beautifully designed homes, and under all that beauty is the BUILT TO SAVE™ guarantee that shows the homes meet strict energy efficiency requirements. Last year, Innovative Construction was honored as a Leading Energy Efficient Builder and also won the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association’s “Most Energy Efficient Award” for their entry in the 2017 Parade of Homes.

Rich Heritage Construction

(956) 821-8902 | rubenruiz11@yahoo.com | richheritagetx.com

Rich Heritage BUILT TO SAVE™ certified homes combine both the exquisite craftsmanship Rich Heritage is known for with inspected and tested construction—built for high performance efficiency. A BUILT TO SAVE™ Rich Heritage home is constructed with energy saving essentials and certified by a third party that the home goes above and beyond current minimum building codes.

Villa Homes

(956) 247-4318 | info@villahomesrgv.com | villahomesrgv.com

Villa Homes has an extremely talented team, from designers, to specialized craftsmen, to energy efficiency consultants, all working together to build an exceptionally planned and energy efficient home through the BUILT TO SAVE™ program that guarantees the homeowner will save on energy costs. Their energy efficient homes are a testament to excellence in design and construction.

Villanueva Construction

(956) 212-4132 | rosendo@villanuevahomes.com | villanuevahomes.com

Beautiful homes and energy efficiency construction: Villanueva Construction is committed to being the best. Recently receiving an award for “Most Energy Efficient Home”, the company as well has been recognized with building the highest number of BUILT TO SAVE™ homes in 2017, and again most likely at the end of 2018 with an even higher number.

December ‘18 / January / February 2019

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Ensure your New Home’s Future Value For most of us, buying a new home is the largest investment we will ever make. And we do so with the expectation that we will get a good return on our investment should we decide to sell. For that to happen, we are hoping and betting that the home will appreciate in value. While there is no sure way to predict home values in the future since much depends on external factors, like when you sell and where you live, building or buying a home that is certified as a highperformance home is a great way to hedge your bet.

TODAY’S HOME SHOPPER

Smart shoppers are aware that the cost of a new home is not just the initial price of the home, but rather the total cost of homeownership that includes the home’s long-term utility bills and what it will cost to maintain the home. Today’s home shopper is focused on the high-performance qualities of the home—looking beyond the luxurious marble floors, exotic granite countertops, designer lighting fixtures, and all the other “lipstick” features that don’t reveal how the home will perform in the long term.

HIGH PERFORMANCE HOME CERTIFICATION

The BUILT TO SAVE™ program is a voluntary program for homebuilders who strive to build above the minimum building code required by law. Homes certified as BUILT TO SAVE™ are inspected and tested by a licensed, third-party inspector who guarantees that the home has met the requirements of the program to receive the high performance label of BUILT TO SAVE™.

Homebuyers receive a BUILT TO SAVE™ certificate which, much like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval for household products, is recognized as a symbol of a product inspected and tested with a promise of quality and consumer satisfaction.

ACHIEVING BUILT TO SAVE™ CERTIFICATION

The BUILT TO SAVE™ program process begins with a pre-construction analysis of the home’s floor plans, elevations, and Manual J, which determines the correct size of the HVAC (heating and cooling) system. Using special software, an independent energy rater estimates a projected Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Score, a nationally accepted system that predicts the energy efficiency of a home. The goal is to build a home that is 15% or more energy efficient than a similar home built to code.

-- MAGIC VA LLEY ELECTRIC COOP IS A P RO U D S P O N S O R O F T H E B U I LT TO SAV E ™ P RO GRA M - -

BUILT TO SAVE™ is a program that awards high-performance certifications to new homes built to energy-saving standards that are above code. The builders participating in this program are constructing homes the right way, and you don’t have to take our word or the builder’s word for it. Every certified home is inspected and tested by an independent Home Energy Rater to verify that the builder has met the above-code requirements of the BUILT TO SAVE™ Program.

Featured Energy Efficient Builder: Ranmar Construction Luis Rangel (956) 451-7289 ranmarconstructionrgv@gmail.com

BuiltToSave.org

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THIRD-PARTY INSPECTION AND TESTING

An independent Energy Rater inspects the home after insulation is installed and before the walls are covered. This inspection verifies that the insulation used complies with current code laws and that it was properly installed. A visual inspection at this stage assures that the home’s interior is protected from cool air escaping to the attic space and that hot air from the attic does not enter the home.

Final testing occurs when the home is complete. Special equipment is used at this stage to identify air leakage in the home and in its ductwork, which would increase utility bills. The tests performed are known as a blower door test and a duct leakage test. While some municipalities mandate these tests, it is important to ask if they comply with the new 2015 energy codes as required in Texas since August 1, 2016. For builders, it is important to know that the responsibility to comply with the new Texas energy code rests on the builder and not the city code officials.

Hoping your new home will increase in value is a given.

Taking the steps to help that happen is a choice.

Choose a BUILT TO SAVE™ certified home.

Magic Valley Electric Cooperative (MVEC) is committed to reducing the energy consumption of new homes by sponsoring high-performance home programs like BUILT TO SAVE™ and ENERGY STAR ©. These programs are designed to improve a home’s comfort, save money on utilities, and protect the homeowner’s investment.

RESALE VALUE

The value of the BUILT TO SAVE™ program is its guarantee of home comfort, improved indoor air quality, construction durability, and lower utility bills. But one benefit that several national studies have revealed is that energy efficient homes achieve higher resale values. It makes sense that buyers would be willing to pay more for an energy efficient home with long-term savings. When you decide to sell your BUILT TO SAVE™ home, its certificate of high performance will be instrumental in setting a premium price. Why tell buyers that your home is a high-performance home…when you can show them?

www.MagicValley.Coop

December ‘18 / January / February 2019

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY

PRE-DRYWALL STAGE

COMPLETED STAGE

Home by: Innovative Construction

REAL QUALITY IS F OUND B EHI N D THE WA LLS

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ot all homes are constructed equally. Sure, some may look the same, and both may appear to be of high quality energy efficient construction, but how can a homebuyer be sure that the home is truly what it is represented to be? The only way to be sure is to ask for proof—a certificate that officially recognizes the home as a high-performance home.

High-performance home programs like BUILT TO SAVE™ issue such

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certificates—proof that the home was constructed to above-code requirements and guaranteed to be more energy efficient than a similar home built to minimum code standards. The certificate backs up the builder’s claims of superior quality and energy savings. Without this certificate, a builder’s claims may simply be just “words’’ with little weight if and when you choose to sell the home.

While you cannot feel that the

energy efficiency of a home was actually measured, the other benefits of a BUILT TO SAVE™ certified home can be felt and enjoyed every day by homebuyers. Because the homes in the program are tightly sealed and constructed, occupants will enjoy clean, healthy indoor air. And because the air conditioning system is properly sized to the size of the home, the unit will not cycle on and off before it has done its job of removing humidity in

the home. This not only makes for a comfortable interior, but proper sizing of the A/C unit also protects against the accumulation of moisture that can cause mold issues over time. An oversized A/C unit also wastes more electricity and will likely have more maintenance issues from cycling on and off more often as it cools a smaller space too quickly.

A common complaint from homeowners who move into their new home is that some rooms are too hot while others are too cold. These uneven temperatures are often the result of pressure imbalances caused by the blockage of air when the door of a room is closed and air cannot find its way back to an air handler return where the air filter is located. The air handler tries to replace the lack of air by sucking air from holes, outlets, doors, and cracks in the home, bringing in dust and debris from the attic and the outside. The cool air blown into a room with imbalanced pressure is pushed out of the room through windows, electrical outlets, and other cracks, and this increases your utility bill. The BUILT TO SAVE™ program makes sure that the air pressure in a room with the door closed is not excessive, and, if necessary, will require a jumper duct be installed. The goal: to allow

Home by: Innovative Construction

the proper amount of air to return to the air handler, which helps reduce the loss of cool air and prevents the need for unclean air to be forced into the home.

Don’t just judge the quality construction of a home by its “bling.”

Once the walls are installed in a home, it becomes difficult to determine if the insulation was properly installed or if there are any areas where cool air can escape to the attic or to the outside.

The BUILT TO SAVE™ certification requires a “pre-drywall inspection” to be performed by a RESNET licensed

Home by: Ranmar Construction

Rater who visually verifies that what is behind the walls complies with the program’s criteria for a highperformance home. The Rater returns to the home once it is completed and tests the home using specialized equipment and software that measure the home’s envelope and ductwork to make sure that it meets the program’s requirements for air tightness and energy efficiency.

BUILT TO SAVE™ is an “above code” program, which means the home will be of better quality and perform better than a home built to minimum code requirements. For most people, buying a home is the biggest investment of their lives. So why would anyone be satisfied with buying a home that is built to minimum standards when a high-performance home certified as “BUILT TO SAVE™” offers a return on their investment—with immediate savings on utility bills, a healthier, more comfortable interior, and longterm durability with the peace of mind knowing that the home will command a higher-resale value!

L to R: Chris Carroll, Caroll’s Inspection Services, and Luis Rangel, RanMar Construction, discussing the building science components of a home. Luis Rangel, builder/owner of RanMar Construction, just completed his first home in the BUILT TO SAVE™ program. Carroll’s Inspection Services performed both the thermal inspection and the final testing of the home, which performed excellently.

December ‘18 / January / February 2019

17

1/2 Mile A typical home has about a

of cracks and gaps throughout.

1

The hundreds of holes in a home are not things we think about until someone points them out. And yes, you read right. A typical home has over a ½ mile of cracks and crevices that, according to the Department of Energy, can result in 20% to 40% extra in heating and cooling costs every year through air leakage. A BUILT TO SAVE™ certified home means the home is properly sealed, thus protecting against high utility costs, moisture damage, and dusty, unhealthy indoor air.

1

Department of Energy

Smart shoppers know there is more to a new home than pretty granite countertops, impressive flooring, and designer lighting fixtures. These can easily be mistaken for quality construction. Look for the BUILT TO SAVE™ certification—the “High Performance and High Quality” seal of approval from third-party inspectors. You’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing the home will save you money on utilities, improve indoor air quality, and be healthier, more comfortable, and more durable—with a higher resale value—than a home that has only been built to code.

Look for the Home That Says:

www.BuiltToSave.org

2019 The home building industry has long been considered to be dominated by men. In the Rio Grande Valley, however, there is a select group of women in construction who have distinguished themselves—not just because they are women—but because of the incredible contributions they have made to the industry in the face of many challenges.

ALL OF THE BUILDING COMPANIES THAT THESE WOMEN OWN OR WORK FOR HAVE BEEN RECOGNIZED WITH AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION FROM THEIR PEERS IN THE INDUSTRY. Common to the traits of their gender, the unique strengths of these women and their exceptional women-centric industry skills appeal greatly to other women—86% of whom, as we know, influence the homebuying decision.

We invite you to visit our website at RGVNewHomesGuide.com for an expanded look at what makes these distinguished women in construction special and perhaps the best choice for designing and building your “ideal” custom home.

SEE FULL FEATURE, COMPANY AWARDS & HOME GALLERIES AT: www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com/DWC-2019

Across Media Marketing, LLC (publisher), and New Homes Guide, make no representation about the guarantee of quality of products or service from Distinguished Women in Construction (DWIC) participants or suitability, reliability, timeliness, or accuracy of the information presented in the 2019 DWIC feature. Their officers, directors, employees, contractors, and representatives may not be held liable for any actual, direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special, or consequential damages for any loss arising from the publisher’s use of the advertiser’s information or from subsequent editorials or blogs, published in print and online, on behalf of participants including misinformation and copyright infringements. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.

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2019 DISTINGUISHED WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

WOMEN BUILDING STRENGTH IN CONSTRUCTION

{ BERRY HOMES }

LONNA BERRY MONICA BERRY Operations & Marketing Manager

Builder / Owner

ON THEIR

ome building has been historically considered to be a male-dominated industry.

While this is still true today, in recent years, the ranks of women in construction have increased dramatically across the nation.

Today, even in predominantly male-owned building companies, women hold key positions of power with decision-making roles that impact the entire organization’s future.

According to a recent study, from 1997 to 2017, the number of women-owned businesses has grown 114% — a growth rate 2.5 times higher than the national growth rate of 44% for all businesses during the same period. And according to the Census Bureau, the construction industry is number one of the top five industries in which women-owned business numbers grew the most from 2016 to 2017.

The evidence that the public’s perception of women in construction has changed from “shock and awe” to “respect and admiration” can be seen in the many mainstream television shows that feature women, actual licensed women contractors, doing a “man’s job.” The popularity of these shows, and their success at attracting advertising dollars, is a great indicator of how much the value of women contractors is now Visit our widely accepted and, more importantly, blog to view appreciated. galleries & In this special feature of the New Homes full details.

Guide, we present an elite group of women in construction who are building homes in the Rio Grande Valley, and who give new meaning to the role of women as “home makers.”

Whether they are hands-on builders or play key roles in their construction company’s day-to-day operations, the women featured here are referred to as “women builders” and they bring a whole new level of skill sets to home building. The disadvantages they may face as a woman in a male-dominated industry are often overshadowed by their competitive advantage of being a woman. Here’s why.

For one, most women competing for what is typically considered to be a “man’s job” will agree that they don’t just have to be as knowledgeable and as skilled as their male counterparts...[continues on page 25] SEE FULL FEATURE, COMPANY AWARDS & HOME GALLERIES AT: www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com/DWC-2019

[Lonna] I’m inspired to succeed because... we need more small businesses that succeed because of love for their community, determination to do business with integrity, and poise to stand for what is right, not what is easy or cheap. We want people to know we love them more than we love success.

The secret to our company’s success is: We build each home as we would build our own, maybe better! We are honest, compassionate, and willing to do things to help our customers, even if it has nothing to do with homebuilding or will not directly benefit us. We make friends, not clients.

[Monica] The best business advice I ever received is: Never let obstacles stop you from accomplishing your goals!

I’m thankful for: There are way too many to mention here, but the biggies are my awesome husband, who is the love of my life, and the beautiful family the Lord has given us.

(956) 239-2462 www.berryhomes-rgv.com

{ C H R I S R Y A N H O M E S & I N V. }

{ DIVINE CUSTOM HOMES }

MARY RAMIREZ

OLGA TREVINO

Builder / Owner

Builder / Owner

[Mary] I admire women who... are strong and independent. I tell my daughter almost every day that women have no limits to become anything they want. As long as she works hard for her goals, she will accomplish anything in life.

[Olga] I always say...“Pongo las manos al fuego por mis clientes,” which is a Spanish saying that literally translates as “I will put my hands in the fire for my customers.” What I mean is that I will do anything for my clients because they are my first and only priority.

My drive for success comes from... my father. My father has been my mentor. He is a retired carpenter, and at 83, he is still building small projects in his back yard. I believe my success in building and in life comes from my father’s drive.

Our goal is... to provide the best available home that is possible at the best possible price, and I start with superior quality construction because that is the foundation upon which the finished beauty you see gets started.

The thing I am most proud of is... being a woman builder for over 20 years. I take pride in my company’s reputation, and I’ve worked hard to get where I’m at. I also have developed a community “Miranda Estates,” and built “Miranda Plaza” named after my daughter.

What I bring to the table is... honesty and transparency. I know that when I pass from this life, I will not have to explain any irregular business discrepancies. I treat everyone the exact way that I want to be treated, and that includes most of all - No Surprises!

The secret to my company’s success is... the passion that I have about building and designing luxury homes. I only average 4 to 6 homes a year so I can spend time with my clients and give them an amazing dream home.

My motto is... The Quality always goes in before my name ever goes on!

(956) 929-1212 www.chrisryanhomes.com

Visit our blog for more information and to view photos of these Distinguished Women : www.RGVnewhomesguide.com/DWC-2019

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(956) 467-1111 www.divinecustomhomes.net December ‘18 / January / February 2019

21

Advertisement

{ I N N O VAT I V E C O N S T R U C T I O N }

{ PROYECTO AZTECA } Non-Profit Organization L- R

LOURDES VARGAS Owner

ANA ZAMARRON Finance Director

PERLA SAUCEDA

Loan Administration Receptionist

ANN WILLIAMS CASS Executive Director

AMBER ARRIAGA-SALINAS Assistant Executive Director

JANIE MUÑOZ

Family Support Director Assistant

Proyecto Azteca is a non-profit, self-help construction company serving low-income families in colonias and other rural areas in Hidalgo County.

[Lourdes] I admire women who... find balance between their career, their passions, and their family responsibilities. I think the secret is being able to prioritize and to manage time effectively. It’s important to devote the proper attention to both career and family as needed so that one does not suffer because of the other.

My real job description is... I feel, a lot like a shepherd’s. Much of my work involves directing and supervising subcontractors, material purchases, deadlines, and keeping everyone—including my family team members—going in the right direction. I’m constantly moving from project to project to accomplish my job.

People know us best for... our innovation in design and construction.

From new architectural designs, trending colors and materials, or new energy efficient construction practices, we make it a point to stay informed on the newest trends in our industry.

(956) 929-6198 www.jjinnovativeconstruction.com

22

I admire women who... [Ana] are hard working and committed to making a difference in the community.

I love what I do... [Perla] because I hear testimonies from the elderly saying they are happy they have a warm home in the winter. And the families, having a home brings joy to the children knowing they are getting a home of their own.

My motto is: [Ann] The difficult we can do, the impossible will take a bit longer. -- Army Corps of Engineers I’ve learned from experience that... [Amber] the world is a difficult place. Every day we meet families who have suffered for very long, but somehow we are blessed to find individuals from all walks of life that open their hearts and bring such kindness to our families and our organization.

What makes us different is... [Janie] that we are a self-help housing program that builds communities by helping the working poor with the construction of quality, affordable houses.

(956) 702-3307 www.proyectoazteca.org

SEE FULL FEATURE, COMPANY AWARDS & HOME GALLERIES AT: www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com/DWC-2019

{ SORRENTO FINE HOMES }

{ TREVIÑO CONSTRUCTION }

SANDRA BROWN

MARISOL VILLANUEVA DE TREVIÑO

Builder / Owner

Owner

[Sandra] I love what I do because... I have a passion for architectural design and I love to incorporate beautiful ideas and innovations into every single home that I design and build. In a few words...I love to create beautiful places that frame the lives of beautiful people: their Homes.

[Marisol] I always say... that it’s important to always lead with my mind, heart and hands. Meaning that good business judgment must be paired with passion, and a leader must not be afraid to get their hands dirty with her team.

What makes me different is... that I’m a woman—and as a “Queen” of the home and as a woman builder and designer, I think differently than most male builders; I incorporate those “woman-centric” ideas in every single home that I build.

What I bring to the table is... Treviño’s custom homebuilding is an art, a creative process. It’s a collaboration between the customer and me. It’s quite simple: you tell me about your vision for your new home, and I use my expertise to turn your dream home into a true reality.

People choose us because... we are trained industry professionals with years of design and construction experience. I am proud to have earned one of the National Association of Home Builders’ highest designations given only to experienced veteran builders—Graduate Master Builder— the only one that has been given in South Texas since we received ours in 2010.

I love what I do because... working alongside my husband and sharing the same passion for construction is truly amazing. Especially since we are blessed to work together, side by side, with great families and be able to deliver every time on a high-end custom quality home. This is just breathtaking.

(956) 648-4637 www.sorrentofinehomes.co

Visit our blog for more information and to view photos of these Distinguished Women : www.RGVnewhomesguide.com/DWC-2019

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(956) 534-6305 www.facebook.com/luxurybytrevino December ‘18 / January / February 2019

23

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{ VILLA HOMES }

BRIANNA VILLANUEVA Director of Design

ERICA VILLANUEVA Operations Manager

MARIA SANDOVAL

Owner, Accountant & Office Manager

STEPHANIE VILLANUEVA

Owner & Selections Specialist

[Brianna] I admire women who... have a passion for what they do, whose striking confidence and leadership are sensed when they enter a room, but, most importantly, I admire women who balance their tedious corporate roles during the day and master motherhood with ease at home.

[Maria] The thing I am most proud of is... my family. As a family-owned and operated business, we all share many responsibilities to make sure that our company is successful. The love that we share for each other, as a family, helps us overcome whatever challenges we face at work.

Our goal is... from day one to provide our customers with the highest level of quality possible. It’s very important for us to constantly keep an open line of communication with all customers.

My job is most rewarding when...I hand over the keys of a new home to my customers. I enjoy seeing their excitement and appreciation for what we’ve created. I never get tired of hearing how much they love their new home. It’s those moments that make all the work very meaningful to me.

[Erica] My inspiration to succeed is... my children. I believe it’s important to instill a good work ethic in them, and to demonstrate to them that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Experience has taught me... that exceptional customer service is key.

Word of mouth is huge in this industry. We believe leaving a positive impression throughout the construction process and long after is essential.

(956) 431-0376 www.villahomesrgv.com

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{ VILLANUEVA CONSTRUCTION }

[Stephanie] I’m inspired to succeed because...today’s times have changed; I want to show that women can be a force in the construction industry.

Our company is best known for... being the “Valley’s Original Builder”!

Our reputation speaks for itself. We have been helping Rio Grande Valley families achieve the American Dream of home ownership for over 30 years.

(956) 800-8889 www.villanuevahomes.com

SEE FULL FEATURE, COMPANY AWARDS & HOME GALLERIES AT: www.RGVNewHomesGuide.com/DWC-2019

2019 DISTINGUISHED WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

KAREN WALDO

Financial Administrator

TERESA WALDO

Owner

[Karen] The best business advice I’ve followed is... definitely my father’s advice. He has always said: “Be good and do good with others.” Whether they are customers, business owners, or mopping your floors, if you do all things with a good intent, wonderful things will follow.

I admire women who... support and cheer other women. The world will try to make women think we are competing with one another, but there’s enough success to go around. It is admirable when women lift each other up.

[Tere] The thing I am most proud of is... my relationship with my family—my children and my husband—with whom I am proud to work as a familyowned and managed construction company. Being able to share my professional life with people I truly love is a blessing for me.

Our company is best known for... the generous amount of details and design touches that we incorporate in every home.

W

A L D O

H O M E

S

(956) 466-8590 www.waldohomesrgv.com

—they have to prove that they are just as, or much more qualified than them. Typically, a woman doing a man’s job will have to work twice as hard to gain the respect and acceptance that a man would naturally get just from being “male.” From a homebuyer’s perspective, that would be one good reason to hire a woman builder who’s earned that spot.

An obvious advantage for women in construction is the home buyer. Many studies have shown that women play a key decision-making role in the purchase of consumer goods—as much as 86% of the time. In home-buying decisions, that percentage is even higher. And since women are more comfortable talking to other women, it makes sense that women in construction can relate better with their customers, especially with the decision makers.

Aside from their homes’ architectural beauty and construction quality, the most important reason why women are successful in the homebuilding industry is inherent to their gender and is actually quite simple: Women builders know what their customers need. Since many of the women in construction manage their own households, and are experts at knowing what works for them, they are keenly aware of what makes a home great—its function. Women builders look at things differently because they have experience with what is convenient and what isn’t in a home. Whether it’s about having enough storage space, or making sure areas are easy to clean, women builders tend to focus on family life within the home and how people will use the space. They also look ahead for their homebuyers, taking into account the future needs of a homebuyer--not just today’s requirements—and allow for flexible designs that can be converted to other uses as “life happens” and needs change. Women, no surprise, have an aesthetic eye for choosing colors, textures, and materials that complement each other. More importantly, women put comfort at the top of the list. After all, if a homebuyer is not comfortable in their own home, what’s the point?

Listening to a homebuyer’s wants and needs—and delivering them—is what any good builder does. A woman builder, however, excels in this area. Generally speaking, women are better at communicating, and with their own experience as a home owner/manager, can relate very well with their customers. Often, women bring a new perspective to home building that is different from what a man would offer. While men can be more straightforward and build from a floorplan, women builders tend to look more closely at the customer’s lifestyle and home life, and integrate that insight into what they build to ensure that the home has a positive impact on the homebuyer’s life.

Women have many strengths by virtue of being a woman: communicating, managing, scheduling, accounting, designing, interior decorating, and marketing. Among the most important qualities as a home builder are the ability to be a multitasker while being detail focused. As a rule, women builders also tend to have more patience, and be more emotionally sensitive to others during the home-building process. In the construction industry, all of these qualities are at the core of “excellence in customer service.” And if women builders are perceived to have these outstanding qualities, you would have to agree that a woman’s place is truly in the home—the home-building industry that is.

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Visit our blog for more information and to view photos of these Distinguished Women : www.RGVnewhomesguide.com/DWC-2019

{ WALDO HOMES }

HOME SHOPPER NEWSLETTER

REAL ESTATE NEWS

2018 High-Performance Home Workshop for Rio Grande Valley Builders

BUILT TO SAVE™ Award of Recognition Presented to Villanueva Construction MAGIC VALLEY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE AND BUILT TO SAVE™ are proud to present Villanueva Construction with the award for building the highest number of BUILT TO SAVE™ certified homes in 2018. The company has received this award for two years in a row--a testament to its commitment to building superior homes that out-perform homes built to standard code requirements.

While the impressive energy savings of a BUILT TO SAVE™ certified home are great benefits to the homebuyer, the additional benefits of the program are the ones that homeowners can appreciate on a daily basis.

A BUILT TO SAVE™ home offers the utmost in interior comfort: consistent temperatures throughout the home from properly balanced air pressures; improved air-quality and a dust free environment from whole-house sealing; reduced humidity in the home from a properly sized air unit; and the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the home was inspected by an independent third-party Rater before the walls were put in to ensure “quality construction.”

Whereas most builders are happy meeting only the minimum standards required by law, builders like Villanueva Construction who are not afraid to have a licensed third-party Rater inspect and test the construction quality of their homes should be commended for having the confidence and the commitment to achieve the highest standards.

Congratulations to Villanueva Construction for contributing greatly to the quality construction of homes in Magic Valley Electric Cooperative’s communities in the Rio Grande Valley. More importantly, Villanueva Construction’s “above-and-beyond” commitment to building superior energy efficient homes contributes greatly to the quality of life for the homebuyers.

THE 2018 HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOME WORKSHOP was held on Thursday, Oct 25th, at the United Way of South Texas facility in McAllen. This workshop is a yearly event hosted by BUILT TO SAVE™ to educate builders in the Rio Grande Valley about code requirements.

Builders attending the workshop learned new strategies for differentiating themselves from those building to minimum code, and, more importantly, how energy efficient certifications provide the utmost in value for homebuyers: compliance with state code law, utility savings, homes that are healthier and more comfortable, reduced cost of home ownership in the long term, and future selling advantages with higher resale values.

The event included special presentations from AEP Texas and BUILT TO SAVE™ in partnership with Magic Valley Electric Cooperative on their rebates for high-performance homes.

Jason Vandever (SPEER’s Energy Code Compliance Program Manager) giving an enlightening presentation that showed builders how to improve the quality of their homes by building to above-code standards.

The event also featured tabletop exhibits from suppliers of key energy efficient products that improve a home’s performance. Leading energy efficient suppliers included Valley Energy Specialist, Matt’s Building Materials, and Hebel Building Solutions (Xella), with additional participation from the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association, BUILT TO SAVE™, and the RGV New Homes Guide.

L-R: Martin Villanueva (Owner/Builder) & Stephanie Villanueva-Benitez (Owner/Selections Specialist) receiving the BUILT TO SAVE™ Award of Recognition from Noel Perez (MVEC Marketing Specialist).

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RGVNewHomesGuide.com

Homebuyers looking to build a new home with the BUILT TO SAVE™ certification can find a list of the 2018 Leading Energy Efficient Builders of the Rio Grande Valley on page 13. These builders have stepped up to a leadership role in the construction of homes superior in every way to code-built homes. Builders and vendors who are interested in joining the BUILT TO SAVE™ Program or to stay informed about CODE workshops may call Jose Vielma at (956) 778-3590 or email info@builttosave.org to be added to the BTS Subscriber’s List.

Classic Lifestyles Are Born Here J.C. NORIEGA (956) 975-6300 / 454-4102 | CLASSICHOMESRGV.COM B U I L D O N YO U R LOT O R O U R S � CO N S T R U C T I O N F I N A N C I N G AVA I L A B L E

Lord & Gonzalez L.P.

McAllen 5401 North 10th St., Ste. 101 | 956.225.0035 Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm | Saturday by Appointment

Visit our showroom for all of your plumbing, appliance and hardware needs.

MorrisonSupply.com For advertising call (956) 971-9700 | Vol. 27.1 | Dec ‘18 / Jan / Feb 2019 | RGVNewHomesGuide.com

27

HOME SHOPPER NEWSLETTER

2019 RGVBA Parade of Homes THE ANNUAL RGVBA PARADE OF HOMES showcases some of the Rio Grande Valley’s finest homes built by participating builder members. Next year, the 2019 RGVBA Parade of Homes will take place on April 27 & 28 and May 4 & 5. Parade visitors are in for a treat! They will find homes of all sizes, designs, and budgets in various communities around the Upper Valley. And best of all, this event will be completely FREE! Keep an eye out for our next magazine issue where we will be sharing a preview of participating homes.

Photo courtesy of: Photograph RGV

Waldo Homes Announces Opening of New Model Home at Canton Village (Edinburg, Tx) Featured above is Villa Homes’ 2018 RGVBA Parade multiple awardwinning home which included the event’s highest award--“Best of Show.”

New Homes Guide Now Available for the Texas Coastal Bend Area THE COASTAL BEND NEW HOMES GUIDE is now available in print and online for the Texas Coastal Bend. This new magazine is published quarterly and distributed throughout Corpus Christi, Calallen, Flour Bluff, Tuloso Midway, Annaville, Ingleside, Padre Island, Portland, Rockport, and Aransas Pass. If you looking to move to the Coastal Bend region or want to expand your business out of the Valley, this publication offers the perfect tool to do so. Visit www.coastalbendnewhomes.com to request a free magazine.

Connect with us: @CoastalBendNewHomes

WALDO HOMES INVITES YOU TO VISIT THEIR NEWEST MODEL located at Canton Village, 2802 Esmeralda St. in Edinburg for a personal tour of this showcase home. The company, founded by Luis Waldo, is a family-owned business dedicated to the construction of unique custom homes that would make any homeowner proud.

The Waldo Homes’ team includes Luis Waldo’s wife Teresa, their son Danny, and their daughter Karen. This close-knit family team shares a passion for building some of the finest custom homes in the Rio Grande Valley. It is a passion shared by all of their subcontractors with a common goal of building homes that stand out from the ordinary. And Waldo Homes’ newest model home is above and beyond this goal.

The Mediterranean exterior of Waldo Homes’ 4 bedroom, 3-½ bath Canton Village model, with arches, turrets, Corinthian columns, red tile roof, and warm beige stucco, is a masterpiece of design. A stamped concrete walkway leads up to a covered arched entry with magnificent glass and wrought iron double doors. Inside, a soaring foyer and semi-circular decorative tile and travertine stairway winds up to a second floor open hallway with an ornamental wrought iron balustrade that overlooks the downstairs. The kitchen is a chef’s dream, done in granite, porcelain, and travertine marble. The Master bedroom downstairs has a delightful private turreted study nook, and the Master bath is drop-dead gorgeous. Designer tray ceilings, creamy white porcelain tile, Cantera marble, wrought iron grillwork, stamped concrete patios, unique lighting fixtures: this home lends itself to true elegance.

Waldo Homes is proud to have a history of being recognized by their peers in local Parade of Homes competitions. The company has received multiple “Best Model” awards in these competitions in a variety of price categories from $201,000 to $500,000. Waldo Homes specializes in custom homes and builds in the $150,000 to $800,000+ range. The company is prepared to build on one of their lots, or on yours, anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley.

Visit www.WaldoHomesRGV.com or call (956) 466-8590 for more info or to make an appointment to tour Waldo Homes’ model at Canton Village for a close-up, personal look at what your future home could be.

Got great news to share about the Building Industry in the Rio Grande Valley Area?

Email us at info@rgvnewhomesguide.com for a chance to be featured.

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RGVNewHomesGuide.com

rgvnewhomes

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RGV New Homes Guide Highlighting Beautiful New Homes in the Rio Grande Valley rgvnewhomesguide.com

South Texas

Get your daily inspiration fix!

Follow us on Instagram @rgvnewhomes to see the beautiful homes from some of the top builders in the Rio Grande Valley. #rgvnewhomes

For advertising call (956) 971-9700 | Vol. 27.1 | Dec ‘18 / Jan / Feb 2019 | RGVNewHomesGuide.com

29

HOME SHOPPER NEWSLETTER

The 39th Annual Tamalada Hosted by Sierra Title Company CONGRATULATIONS TO SIERRA TITLE ON ITS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY! Sierra Title hosted its 39th annual “Tamalada” on November 14th, 2018, at their McAllen office. Managers and staff of the company served a delicious meal of hot tamales, rice, and beans to hundreds of their customers and friends to show appreciation for their continuous support. The event traditionally heralds the beginning of the holiday season.

Congratulations to Sierra Title on its many years of service to the community.

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RGVNewHomesGuide.com

ONE TYPE OF INSULATION IS SUPERIOR TO ALL OTHERS—

...An Investment With A Huge Return!

Lower, remarkable HERS scores Energy efficient and airtight home envelope Protection from moisture infiltration Cleaner and healthier indoor air quality Quieter interiors with protection from outside noise Less pollutants, insects, rodents, and other pests Enhanced interior comfort--all year long

Call / Text / Email us for a FREE ESTIMATE or CONSULTATION. (956) 638-3594 | rob@valleyenergyspecialist.com | www.InsulateRGV.com

3500 N. Birch St., Pharr, Tx 78577 For advertising call (956) 971-9700 | Vol. 27.1 | Dec ‘18 / Jan / Feb 2019 | RGVNewHomesGuide.com

31

HOME SHOPPER NEWSLETTER

REAL ESTATE NEWS

Villanueva Construction Recognized for Its Participation in High-Performance Homes Programs DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS, VILLANUEVA CONSTRUCTION has been a serious leader in building high performance homes. For two years in a row, the company was recognized for building the most homes in the BUILT TO SAVE™ program, a high-performance home program sponsored by Magic Valley Electric Cooperative (see page 26).

This year, Villanueva Construction was also recognized by AEP Texas for its notable participation in the AEP Texas High-Performance Homes program by enrolling multiple homes in various communities in the Upper Valley.

The accolades that Villanueva Construction has recently received definitely underline the company’s strong initiative and genuine commitment to building the most energy efficient homes they can and still maintain the affordable rates the company is known for. The awards earned by Villanueva Construction for their outstanding leadership in the field of superior energy efficient construction are well deserved—especially at a time when many in the industry are content to build only to minimum code standards.

Olga Treviño, builder/owner of Divine Custom Homes, received the AEP Texas High Performance Home Program award for building the most energy efficient home of all enrolled in this Program for 2018.

Divine Custom Homes Received Award for the Home with the Highest kWh Savings DIVINE CUSTOM HOMES WAS ONCE AGAIN RECOGNIZED BY AEP TEXAS for building the home with the highest kWh savings from among those entered in its High-Performance Homes Program for 2018. The award is not new to Olga Treviño, the company’s builder/owner, having received it last year, as well.

Kilowatt-hours is the term used to measure of how much electricity is used by a home and is abbreviated as “kWh.” Most utility providers bill their customers based on the number of kilowatt-hours used monthly, multiplied by a rate, which most often appears as “cents per kWh” on the utility bill.

As the Rio Grande Valley’s only 100% ENERGY STAR® builder, Divine Custom Homes is truly a market leader of energy efficient construction.

And awards like the one from AEP Texas for the top energy efficient home in 2018 is a testament to the company’s commitment to superior quality construction.

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Mr. Martin Villanueva, builder/owner of Villanueva Construction, who this year began enrolling homes in the AEP Texas High Performance Home Program, was recognized for his company’s commitment to energy efficient construction in 2018.

RGVNewHomesGuide.com | Dec ‘18 / Jan / Feb 2019 | Vol. 27.1 | For advertising call (956) 971-9700

The Rio Grande Valley Builders Association Presents Its Annual Awards AMONG THE AUDIENCE ENJOYING A DINNER of Prime Rib and Grilled Chicken Breast with all the trimmings at the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association’s annual Christmas Party were two companies—one a Builder member and the other an Associate member—who were singled out for their loyal and generous support of the RGVBA during its year-long activities and awarded the 2018 Builder of the Year Award and the Association Member of the Year Award.

2018 BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD: DREAM HOMES BY J&J Dream Homes by J&J, located in Weslaco, Texas, is owned and operated by two brothers, Jay and Jorge Gonzalez. The company has been a long-time member of the RGVBA and is a loyal participant in the organization’s annual Parade of Homes fundraiser.

Jay and Jorge Gonzalez are active members who consistently support the Association’s many activities including other annual events like the fishing tournament and the organization’s Bar-B-Que. They have contributed greatly to the day-to-day operations of the Association, and after many years as members without recognition, are truly worthy of this award.

2018 ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD: EPP MARKETING, LLC. EPP Marketing, owned by Francisco (Paco) Vielma, was this year’s recipient of the 2018 Associate Member of the Year Award renamed posthumously as the “Lester Miles Associate Member of the Year Award” in honor of Lester Miles, an Associate member who exemplified the ideal Associate member thanks to his selfless generosity and kind attentiveness to the needs of the Association.

Paco Vielma has volunteered many hours of his time to help the Association with hardware and software issues. He maintains the organization’s website and is always willing and ready to provide the support that the Association requires to keep its computer system operating smoothly. In addition to his IT support, Paco Vielma is a key volunteer for the Association’s annual Parade of Homes, as well as each and every other fundraiser held by the Association over the year. His technological and marketing skills play a very important role in the success of the Association’s fundraisers. Because the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association does not have a staff to help with its day-to-day operations, it relies on its Associate members to provide muchneeded volunteer support. Paco Vielma has been an outstanding source of support throughout the year and well deserving of this award—the highest recognition given to an Associate member by the RGVBA.

(L-R): Jay and Jorge Gonzalez, builders/co-owners of Dream Homes, received the 2018 Builder of the Year Award by the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association during its annual Christmas Party.

To become a member of the RGVBA, call Marcy Alamia (956) 686-2932 or visit www.RGVBA.org for more information.

Francisco (Paco) Vielma received the 2018 Lester Miles Associate Member of the Year Award, the highest honor that the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association can bestow on an Associate member.

For advertising call (956) 971-9700 | Vol. 27.1 | Dec ‘18 / Jan / Feb 2019 | RGVNewHomesGuide.com

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115

336

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McColl Rd

Mile 8

Jackson Rd

Hobbs Dr

McColl Rd

10th St

23rd St

29th St

Ware Rd

Jackson Rd

McColl Rd

23rd St

29th St

105

Jackson Rd

Trenton Rd

Col Rowe Blvd

St Jude Ave (Mile 6)

McColl Rd

2nd St

10th St

Auburn Ave

336

Col Rowe Blvd

Lark Ave

Main St

100

10th St

23rd St

29th St

110 112

McColl Rd

Daffodil

Oxford

Main St

Buddy Owens Blvd

Bicentennial Blvd

Auburn (Mile 5)

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301 29th St

305 th

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Depot Rd

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Bicentennial Blvd

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Mile 9

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Buddy Owens Blvd

Taylor Rd

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Bentsen Rd

Mile 4

Taylor Rd

Shary Rd

Glasscock Rd

104

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304 Shary Rd

107

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Glasscock Rd

Stewart Rd

Conway Rd

Trosper Rd

Los Ebanos Rd

Monte Cristo Rd

29th St

495 Glasscock Rd

Stewart Rd

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cColl Rd

1 Mile S. Rd

Bryan Blvd

Mayberry Blvd

Los Ebanos Rd

Inspiration Rd

Moorfield Rd

La Homa Rd

Bentsen Palm Dr

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Bentsen Rd

495 Griffin Pkwy

Bryan Blvd

Alton

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Mile 5

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Conway Rd

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83 Trosper Rd

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Los Ebanos Rd

Inspiration Rd

St Jude Ave

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La Homa Rd

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300 Inspiration Rd

Schuerbach Rd

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Schuerbach Rd

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Sprague Rd

Freddy Gonzalez Dr

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113 La Vista Ave

495 Pecan Ave

Hackberry Ave

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Gwin Rd

Doolittle Rd

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281 Monte Cristo Rd

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69C

Closner Blvd

University Dr

Closner Blvd

Freddy Gonzalez Dr

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Ave

Alberta Rd

Owassa Rd

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ota Rd

Alberta

Minnesota Rd

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Rooseve

Alamo Rd

281

Trenton Rd

Cesar Chavez Rd

Raul Longoria Rd

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Canton Rd

Wisconsin Rd

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Texas Rd

Alamo Rd

Wisconsin

Curve Rd

Iowa Rd

202

Canton Rd

Trenton Rd

107

203

Veterans Blvd (I Rd)

Sugar Rd

Edinburg

Chapin St

204

E Richardson Rd

Cesar Chavez Rd

Schunior St

Raul Longoria Rd

Sugar Rd

212

C

Tower Rd

281 Chapin St

M Rd

BUS

Alamo Rd

Russell Rd

206

Cesar Chavez Rd

Rogers Rd

Doolittle Rd

Sugar Rd

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B

MCALLEN The Hills at Chapin .................212 ...D12 Auburn Hills ........................100 ...H8 Villas de Santa Cruz II ......209 Monte Cristo Rd..A14 Barrio Antigua ....................101 ....N9 Villas las Fuentes................213....H10 Bentley Estates...................102 ...I10 MISSION Ensenada at Tres Lagos ...........103 ...C7 Del Oro at Bentsen Palm ...........300...O2 Escondido at Tres Lagos ..........104 ...C6 Mission Valley.....................301 ...L6 .............................302...M6 Estancia at Tres Lagos .............105 ...C6 Mile 17 1/2Sanabria Rd Tuscany Village...................305...G5 Hidden Cove.......................106 ...L7 Marbella .............................108 ...N6 Sommerset Court Estates...304 ..L5 Mile 17 Rd Mile 17 Rd Orangewood North ............109 ...H9 PHARR 107 Spanish Oaks......................114 ....H9 Country Gardens ................400...P11 The Gardens at Trinity Oaks .....110 West Oaks Manor ...............401 ...J11 ....F8 107 West Ridge Estates.............402 ...K11 The Villas ............................111 .....D7 ALTON Trinity Oaks.........................112 ....F8 Alton Pointe ........................501 ...I3 Vendome .........................107 ...D7 Imperial Oaks ..................500 ..I4 Villas at La Vista .....................113 ....M10 SAN JUAN EDINBURG Garden Ridge .....................600 ..P14 Camden Village ..................200...G10 Jackson Heights .................201 ...G10 Rd Los Lagos ...........................202...H14Anderson Lumen.................................203...G14 Montecito ...........................214....C11Canton Rd Rio Vega Ranches ..............204 ...E14 Russell Park ........................205...D12 nsin Rd Sugar Oaks .........................206...H11Wisco Summerfield Manor............207 ...I11 Summerset Estates ............208...J11 Trenton Rd Telfair ..................................210 ...I11 See Inside Back Cover for more The Coves at La Sienna ...........211 ....B13 info on communities shown in red.

Tower Rd

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Veterans Blvd (I Rd)

Sugar Rd

a Ave

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Hall Acres Rd

Ridge Rd

Moore Rd

Hall Acres Rd

Border Rd

600

83 Tower Rd

281

Cesar Chavez Rd

Ridge Rd

Stewart Rd

Veterans Blvd (I Rd)

BUS

Sam Houston Blvd

SEE MAPS ONLINE

Get directions to a new home community at: www.rgvNewHomesGuide.com/All-Communities

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To add a New Community on this map, call (956) 971-9700.

El Rancho Blanco Rd

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NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

communities

CITY COLOR CODE

new home

McAllen Edinburg Mission

Alton

HOW TO USE THIS COMPREHENSIVE NEW HOME COMMUNITIES GUIDE MAP LISTING NUMBER This number identifies the community on the locater maps.

PRICES & PROPERTIES FOR SALE Prices or price ranges are shown for lots, homes, or a combination of both. Prices subject to change without notice.

Call advertiser for more information.

CITY COLOR CODE Cities are coded by color. Each color represents a different city.

QUICK LOCATER MAP See a simplified map with directions to the community showing minor and major roadways.

SCHOOL INFORMATION Find Independent School District telephone numbers and names of related schools.

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RGVNewHomesGuide.com | Dec ‘18 / Jan / Feb 2019 | Vol. 27.1 | For advertising call (956) 971-9700

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

VENDOME 10

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Gated community. Call to reserve your lot today. Take advantage of discounted pre-construction prices on lots in Vendome, a planned gated community on North Ware Road in McAllen. Vendome is located within walking distance to IDEA Academy and to Texas A&M University and is minutes from the University of Texas RGV. This privately gated and fenced neighborhood features a walking park and high-speed internet.

Pre-construction pricing starting at $48,900.

20

37th St

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El Pacifico Ave

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Contact: (956) 250-1165 | (956) 316-0777 | vendomehomes.com

Lot Prices from $48,900

(LIMITED TIME OFFER)

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44

6

22

RIO RICO 4

5

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10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Available Sold

Lots starting at $39,900

Contact: (956) 225-6681 | dorocondev@gmail.com ISD: Edinburg - (956) 289-2300 | Elem: Monte Cristo | Mid: Harwell | High School: Economedes

SOMMERSET COURT ESTATES

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Homes starting in the $240’s! Sommerset Court Estates is privately nestled in the heart of Sharyland and just blocks from many amenities the City of Mission has to offer. Located off Glasscock, between FM 495 & Mile 2 Rd, this new community is perfect for you and your family. Offering smart home technology in every home, low HOA fees, and fully fenced and landscaped yards, this community is what you have been waiting for. Located in the award-winning Sharyland ISD, lots will sell fast. Call to reserve yours today!

Homes from the $240’s (lot included)

COME SEE OUR FULLY FURNISHED MODEL HOME

Homes from the $160’s (including lot)

N

2 Mile Line

495

Contact: (956) 431-0376 | info@villahomesrgv.com ISD: Sharyland - (956) 580-5200 | Elem: John H Shary | Mid: Sharyland North Jr High | High School: Pioneer

IMPERIAL OAKS Excellent prices for a gated community! Imperial Oaks is a newly planned residential community located on Stewart Road in the prestigious Sharyland school district in quiet north Mission. The community is privately gated, and 46 homesites are now available for sale. The neighborhood will include architectural quality control standards and a 1,200 sq. ft. living minimum housing requirement. Imperial Oaks will offer outstanding quality homes from Meza Construction. Choose your homesite now while selection is open.

Stewart Rd

500

MISSION

ALTON N

5 Mile Line Glasscock Rd

N

3

Glasscock Rd

2

Quick access to the Expressway! Phase II of the Villas de Santa Cruz Davis Road community is now under development and open for lot sales. This new 281 community is located in northeast Edinburg, Texas, and has choice homesites starting from $39,900 with homes starting from the $150’s (lot included). Ask about a limited-time offer of pre-development prices and N 69C Monte Cristo Rd discounts for multiple lots. The community is designed as a quiet, singlestreet neighborhood of 44 lots and is conveniently located near schools and within walking distance to Mario’s Supermarket. The Texas Department of Public Safety Driver License Mega Center off Davis Road is minutes away, as is Expressway 69C (Hwy. 281) offering quick access to the entire Valley. All City of Edinburg utilities will be included.

Stewart Rd

1

EDINBURG

Stewart Rd

DOOLIT TLE RD

24 25

VILLAS DE SANTA CRUZ II

Doolittle Rd

CALL NOW AND GET $5,000 OFF LOT PRICE!

Shary Rd

209

ISD: Edinburg - (956) 289-2300 | Elem: Anne Magee | Mid: Elias Longoria | High School: Vela | Charter: IDEA

4 Mile Line

Contact: Everardo Villarreal | (956) 624-2879 (956) 929-7464 | mezahomesinc@aol.com ISD: Sharyland - (956) 580-5200 | Elem: Jessie L Jensen | Mid: Sharyland North | High School: Sharyland Pioneer

Come See the Valley’s Largest Selection of Products at the Lowest Prices!

VISIT OUR SHOWROOMS: PALMVIEW, TX / 1020 W. Palma Vista Dr. / (956) 581-1109

MATERIALESELVALLEINC.COM

EDINBURG, TX / 3910 S. Jackson Rd. / (956) 994-8550 DONNA, TX / 931 West Expwy. 83 / (956) 464-5152

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