RGV New Homes Guide Vol. 22 No. 6 (Oct.-Nov. 2014)

the bedroom with sheets

RGV NEW HOMES GUIDE and pillows that reflect the

Contents

Autumn hues.

OCT/NOV 2014 VOLUME 22 ISSUE 6

PUBLISHER VIELMAssociates, Ltd.

03

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jose Vielma

WHAT’S TRENDING?

Don’t miss out on Fall trends. Find out what’s in and how easy it is to prepare your home for the Autumn season.

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SENIOR EDITOR Barbara Zapffe

SAVING YOU MONEY

Find out how to save money on utilities with the Built to Save™ program and energy efficient builders.

03

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A Home That’s Built To Save™ Will Do Exactly That.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Erika Sanchez

VILLANUEVA CONSTRUCTION GRAPHICS / PHOTOGRAPHY Laura Soria

Discover what makes this builder so popular on Facebook with over 36,530 fans and counting.

This family-owned business offers personalized

INFORMATION SYSTEMS MGR. Chris Bailey

homes at very affordable prices.

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HONORING HEROES WITH HOMES

Learn how one man’s concern for wounded veterans began a national organization that continues to grow every year, building mortgage-free homes for American heroes-VILLANUEVA CONSTRUCTION AWARDS wounded veterans and their families that need • 2013 Builder of the Year /

Grande Valley help rebuilding theirRio lives.

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U

• 2013 RGVBA Best Model Home in the 100’s to 150’s

• 2012 RGVBA Best Model MODEL HOMES

Home in the 100’s to 150’s

See a listing of furnished model homes available for viewing as well as sales contact information.

ntil recent years, it was virtually impossible to predict how energy efficient your newly built home would be until you moved in and began seeing your utility bills. Often, it would be bad news and would continue to be bad news for the length of time you owned your home.

But today, we have the ability to predict a home’s energy efficiency even before it is built, thanks to advances in building science which include a focus on analyzing building

ADVERTISING MANAGER Jose R. Vielma Ken Sabe

materials, technology, mechanical systems, and other areas that impact a home’s “envelope.” As a homebuyer, you no longer have to “cross your fingers” and hope you purchased an energy efficient home. With a Built To Save™ highperformance certified home, you know how energy efficient your new home will be—even before it’s built. Here’s what you need to know about the Built To Save™ Program.

Mario Treviño, Builder

Continued on pg. 12

On September 12, 2014, Marine Sgt. Jacob De La Garza, with his wife Priscilla and their two children, eight-year old Jayden and four-year old Braelynn, arrived at Fairhaven Heights subdivision in Edinburg, Texas, thinking they were there for an interview.

THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY AREA NEW HOMES GUIDE (NHG) is a bimonthly publication of VIELMAssociates, LTD. 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 VIELMAssociates, LTD. 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, Edinburg, Texas. the Title Sponsor, H-E-B orAsan intention to has make any such preference, also stepped up to organize some of the milestone events in this project, beginningor withdiscrimination.” the Surprise limitation This magazine will not Announcement and Ground Breaking Ceremony. knowingly accept any advertising for real estate With H-E-B’s initial financial boost, a small group of which is in violation of the law.

Our readers are people in the building community banded together to promote Operation FINALLY HOME’s mission of all dwellings advertised in hereby informed that building mortgage-free homes in the Rio Grande magazine are available on an equal opportunity Valley. Calling this itself Operation FINALLY HOME RGV, this small group of volunteers has created its own To complain of discrimination, call HUD tollFacebook pagebasis. to help promote donations for OFH homes and to free help promote the mission and goals at 1-800-669-9777 or contact HUD’s regional of Operation FINALLY HOME. The local Rio Grande Valley Buildersoffice Associationin withFt. the generous support Worth, Texas atIn(817) 885-5521.

2011, Corps Sergeant Jacob The of its Builder and Associate members has been the De La Garza, a Rifleman in the number for the hearing impaired is cornerstone oftelephone many of the valuable donations of Marines, was stationed in Sangin, materials and labor that have been given by the Afghanistan, on his fourth and 1-800-927-9275. local building community to help construct the De La final deployment. On May 21st,

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Customers really “Like” us!

The success and

popularity of Villanueva Construction has grown immensely over the last few years. As noted in this special feature on Villanueva Construction, the company has more fans on Facebook than any other building company in the Rio Grande Valley. If you check out their fans’ postings, you’ll see that the success of Villanueva Construction is not just because of their excellent skills using social media and other product successful—only the value of the product and the satisfaction of the customers who purchase it can do that.

Villanueva Construction, according to fans, builds wonderfully

Volume 22.6 2014

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

affordable homes that reflect what customers like, with

quality materials, energy efficient products, and stylish details,

Continued on pg. 24

20

Future home of Sgt. Jacob De La Garza & family.

Visit us at facebook.com/operationfinallyhomergv for more pictures and VIDEO of Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking.

AFFORDABLE HOMES of SOUTH TEXAS, Inc.

AHSTI volunteers to build the home for Operation FINALLY HOME.

01/2014

(956) 971-9700

04/2014 In April 2014, The RGV Home Show donated booth space to Operation FINALLY HOME. The show gave the organization its first exposure in the Rio Grande Valley and resulted in the first group of businesses that offered their support to build the first home in the Valley. (L to R) Garrett Dorsey, OFH Co-Chair; Lee Kirgan, OFH Director of Construction.

Purple Hearts and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He did

The award of the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with Valor to Sgt. De La Garza is a testament to his character. It was awarded to him for a courageous act at the time of his injury. After Sgt. De La Garza was wounded by the IED and while the Corpsman (Doc) was treating him, a grenade landed near them. Despite his own injury, Sgt. De La Garza grabbed the Corpsman and covered him with his body to shield him from the blast. “The Doc was the most valuable member of our squad aside from the commanding officer and I felt it was my duty to protect him because we all depended on him,” said Sgt. De La Garza.

tours to Iraq of nine months FOR ADVERTISING RATESthree AND INFORMATION: each and one tour to Afghanistan for two months until he was (956) 971-9700 • www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Building a mortgage-free home is a major undertaking that requires the support of many. A generous donation from H-E-B Food Stores was the initial inspiration for the De La Garza Operation FINALLY HOME project in

H-E-B partners with Operation FINALLY HOME

service, Sgt. De La Garza earned

numerous awards including two 1601 N. 8th St. • McAllen, Tx 78501

What a pleasure and an honor it is to have the opportunity to show Jacob De La Garza how much we truly appreciate his sacrifice and those of his fellow servicemen and women to whom we owe so much. We thank Operation FINALLY HOME, for allowing us to partner with them to help with their blessed mission. Visit OperationFINALLYHOME.org to donate. If you would like to help with construction materials or services, contact Jose R. Vielma at (956) 971-9700 or email: jose@vielma-associates.com

The flag-waving crowd gathered there to surprise Sgt. Jacob De La Garza and his family with the news that they were to receive a mortgage-free home from Operation FINALLY HOME—the first in the Rio Grande Valley from the nationally recognized non-profit organization with a mission of providing mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans and their families. The surprise announcement was followed that morning with an official Ground Breaking ceremony that included local dignitaries and local business sponsors and partners that joined Operation FINALLY HOME with a commitment to help make this home a reality for the De La Garza family.

advertising media. No amount of advertising can make a bad

2

Garza home. Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., a 2011, while on patrol, Sgt. De La non-profit organization with a long history of building Garza was struck by an improvised The Rio Grande Valley Homes Guide affordable homes in the Rio Grande Valley, was asked New explosive device. The blast resulted to be the lead builder on this first home for Operation a left leg below-the-knee published bimonthly by: inamputation FINALLY HOMEis in the Valley. Affordable Homes of and ended his military South Texas did not hesitate to take this major role, service of over eight years. donating its services as the lead builder for the De La Because of his commendable Garza home forVIELMAssociates, OFH. LTD.

Sergeant De La Garza was dressed in his Class A Blue Dress uniform believing he and his family were being driven to the neighborhood for an interview with a local builder to see if they were eligible for a mortgage-free home. As they pulled into Fairhaven Heights, Edinburg City police on motorcycles and in police vehicles intercepted their car. With lights flashing, the police escort led the De La Garza car to another area of the neighborhood where they were met by a large jubilant crowd of people cheering and waving American flags from both sides of the street.

An OFH/RGV Town Hall meeting at Lone Star National Bank , McAllen, Texas, was held to recruit support from the building community.

wounded. Sgt. De La Garza was highly recommended as a candidate for Operation FINALLY HOME by his First Sergeant who served with him in Iraq and Afghanistan and singled him out for “his exemplary character, good conduct, leadership, selfless service, and inspiration to many wounded warriors with his ‘never give up’ attitude.” He also praised Priscilla, Sgt. De La Garza’s wife, for standing by her husband’s side during his long and difficult recovery.

Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking ceremony takes place on September 12, 2014 at Fairhaven Heights.

Sgt. De La Garza, a true American hero and an inspiration to all, is now certified through the Amputee Coalition to help other amputees cope with the loss of limbs. His own recovery has been enhanced by a positive attitude and the motivation to make the most of life for himself and his family. He is truly deserving of a mortgage-free home from all of us.

The foundation for De La Garza home is completed on Oct. 8th and ready for framing.

05/2014 08/2014 WestWind Homes, Solida USA & INB partnered to donate the homesite to OFH.

The Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking Event rehearsal meeting. (L to R) Jose Guzman, Edinburg City Patrolman and Sgt. at Arms; Javier De La Garza, Edinburg Criminal Investigator and brother of Sgt. Jacob De La Garza; Jennifer Brown, Family Matters Coordinator for OFH; Linda Tovar, H-E-B Senior Manager, Public Affairs; Yvonne Loflin, H-E-B Border Region Public Affairs Specialist; Fred Munguia, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc.; not pictured, Jose R. Vielma, OFH / RGV Co-Chair.

09/2014

(L to R) Alberto Gonzalez, Gonzalez Concrete Corp. and Fred Munguia, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., review foundation plans as construction gets underway.

10/2

Add a Splash of Welcoming Fall Color to the Front Doorstep DESIGNER ADVICE

by Alejandra Canales Interior Decorator/WFCP Expert, Canali Home Couture.

For a quick change, a welcoming exterior, and an acknowledgment that Autumn is here, why not buy a few pumpkins, a wreath, welcome guests before they

Swap Out a Few Key Items Inside the Home

enter your home.

You don’t need to spend a

and some fun decorations to Every interior space includes an architectural style of its own from the traditional to the opulent… from the contemporary, to the simple and new. Color is necessary

fortune to redecorate for Fall.

Find some inexpensive pillows in Autumn colors: golds,

to give the right focus and

oranges, and browns, and

accent to every space.

place them around the home.

The 2014 Fall color trends are dynamic and range from the warmest most intense colors

Get a few orange candles, fill a basket with gourds and small pumpkins, add some

such as red, green, brown,

dried decorative flowers and

and yellow to brilliant blues,

branches into a vase. Redo

grays, and purples.

the bedroom with sheets

If the space you want to decorate has a cool color

Bottom Line: Welcome the Season!

Decorating can be fun, and with small changes, we can welcome the arrival of Autumn in a big way.

and pillows that reflect the Autumn hues.

scheme where everything is fresh and calm, it’s only a matter of adding a small accent with a warm color in order to create contrast and balance between the hues.

For more information: CanaliHomeCouture.com See ad on page 18.

Volume 22.6 2014

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(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

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A Home That’s Built To Save™ Will Do Exactly That.

U

ntil recent years, it was virtually impossible to predict how energy efficient your newly built home would be until you moved in and began seeing your utility bills. Often, it would be bad news and would continue to be bad news for the length of time you owned your home.

But today, we have the ability to predict a home’s energy efficiency even before it is built, thanks to advances in building science which include a focus on analyzing building

10

Volume 22.6 2014

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

materials, technology, mechanical systems, and other areas that impact a home’s “envelope.” As a homebuyer, you no longer have to “cross your fingers” and hope you purchased an energy efficient home. With a Built To Save™ highperformance certified home, you know how energy efficient your new home will be—even before it’s built. Here’s what you need to know about the Built To Save™ Program.

Continued on pg. 12

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 22.6 2014

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HERS SCORE The key to knowing the energy efficiency of a home is in knowing the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index score. To find the appropriate score for your home, a RESNET certified HERS rater performs two tests on your home using special equipment after the home has been built. First, a Blower Door Test is performed which will measure the leakiness of the home’s envelope—how much air comes in and goes out through the home’s roof, windows, doors, etc. The second test performed is called a Duct Blaster Test and is designed to measure leaks in the ductwork of the HVAC system. The information is then entered into special software that calculates the home’s HERS score, a good indicator of how the home will perform with energy efficiency. Similar software is used before the home is built using only information from the blueprints to get a projected HERS score. The advantage here is that the builder can make adjustments before construction to ensure the home will meet the targeted HERS score after completion.

Buyers will receive a Built To Save Certificate stating the home’s energy efficient HERS score, and this document may useful in increasing the resale value of the home down the road.

Built To Save™ Builder Allies

BUILT TO SAVE™ High Performance Certification Built To Save™ (BTS) is a Program that awards “high-performance” certifications to new homes built to energy-saving standards that are above code. The homes are inspected and tested by an independent third-party HERS Rater and guaranteed to have met the Program’s qualifying criteria which has been designed to help build homes that are more energy efficient with tighter construction, properly-sized HVAC systems, and much more.

In order to qualify for the BTS certification, a home must earn a HERS score of 76 or less. Additionally, an extensive checklist of items is required in areas pertaining to the home’s construction, such as walls, ceilings, floors, insulation, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. The requirements of the Built To Save™ certification focus on building a home with a construction process that will control air into and out of the home to provide for substantial savings in energy, consistent temperatures throughout the rooms, and improved indoor air quality. The HERS rater and the builder work together to make sure that all of the checklist requirements of the BTS program are fulfilled. Buyers will receive a Built To Save Certificate stating the home’s energy efficient HERS score, and this document may be useful in increasing the resale value of the home down the road.

Builders who are certifying their homes for energy efficiency through such programs as Built To Save™ or ENERGY STAR® should be commended for their commitment to building a better home than is required by current codes. These differentiated builders are leaders in the conservation of energy and make an extra effort and investment in building homes that will provide lasting savings and benefits long after they hand over the keys to homeowners. Lastly, if you want a guarantee that your new home will be energy efficient, don’t just take someone’s word—turn to a builder who is guaranteed by a third-party to build highperformance homes. Look for the Built To Save™ or ENERGY STAR® brands and buy a BRAND new home you can enjoy!

www.BuiltToSave.org

*

FIND A

HIGH-PERFORMANCE

HOME BUILDER

Need even more information on the Built to Save™ Program?

Whether you are a home buyer, home builder, or supplier, visit the Built to Save™ website for everything you need to know about the program.

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(956) 971-9700

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How about great financing!

One area that gives Villanueva Construction a competitive advantage is their ability to provide attractive financing for their customers through an agreement with a preferred lender. The company offers FHA, VA, and conventional loans with low, low interest rates. Credit scores can be as low as 620, and homebuyers can save thousands on closing costs. With many customers being first-time buyers, one can understand Villanueva Construction’s homes display some of the finest master-crafted brickwork and creative designs that are drawn free-hand by the designer, Mario Treviño, adding distinctiveness to their homes’ exteriors.

why Villanueva Construction is committed to helping them understand what it takes to plan, finance, and build a new home. It is easy to see the “we treat you like family” levels of trust that exist between customers

appreciated by all homebuyers.“In our selection room, we have about twenty different colors and styles of granite, thirty-five ceiling fan designs, over one hundred brick and stucco choices, and hundreds of tile options,” states Marisol Villanueva, the company’s Construction Design Manager.

We take pride in offering upscale features at no additional cost.

Whether you are choosing the color of the shingles for the roof, the favorite color of tile for your kitchen backsplash,

also building larger homes for move-up buyers looking for homes in the $250’s to $600’s. As the company inventory of available lots.

there’s one thing you can be

Villanueva Construction can

sure of—the staff at Villanueva

build on any lot, and in any size

Construction will be there to

and price, and offers many

guide you through the choices

ideal homesites in McAllen,

you may need help with

Mission, Edinburg, Pharr,

in order to make informed

Alamo, San Juan, Weslaco,

decisions. In the design

Harlingen, Sharyland and

stage of your new home, you

other parts of the Valley. The

can choose from many of

company backs its homes with

the available floor plans and

the reputable 2-10 Warranty

elevations available at no cost

Program and even offers

to the customer, or you can

additional warranties at no

have the company’s in-house

additional cost.

designer develop a layout to your taste–also at no additional cost. During construction, Villanueva managers keep homebuyers involved every step of the way to make sure their expectations are being met. Villanueva Construction’s team of contractors consists of experienced craftsmen who share the company’s focus on quality work to reduce callbacks and to increase customer satisfaction.

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

$120’s-200’s+ range, they are

has grown, so too has its

or the type of brick you like,

Volume 22.6 2014

Villanueva Construction has expanded.

While still building in the

Let’s talk design.

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and staff at Villanueva Construction.

(956) 971-9700

For more information on Villanueva Construction, visit www.villanuevahomes.com or go to Facebook.com/Villanueva Construction.

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IN THE BEGINNING. In 2005, homebuilder Dan Wallrath reluctantly accepted a remodeling job in Houston, Texas, at the request of a friend, to help a family remodel their home so they could bring home their son who had suffered severe head injuries in the war in Iraq.

He was reluctant because he considered himself a custom homebuilder and not a remodeler. Nonetheless, he accepted the job. “When the remodeling was completed, the total cost was over $100,000, but we didn’t spend a dime,” said Wallrath. “Everyone, including vendors and contractors, donated their materials and labor to get the job done, and when it was over, I felt like we had done something good.” He decided at that point that he would reach out and see if he and his company could help other wounded veterans. From there on, he said, “It just grew. God put a passion in me to help these families, and I may not know how to help them with everything, but I know how to build a home.”

FOUNDATIONS. Therefore, it was in 2005 that Dan Wallrath founded Operation FINALLY HOME as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization. Operation FINALLY HOME’s mission is to build mortgage-free homes for wounded American heroes: servicemen and women, and widows of fallen soldiers.

Operation FINALLY HOME’s support has primarily helped veterans returning from the current campaigns, but the organization supports all service members regardless of the era in which they served.

CHOICES. Operation FINALLY HOME does not take applications. “It is impossible to build a home for every veteran that needs one, and it would be heartbreaking to have to turn down families who have already been through enough heartache,” said Daniel

Through Wallrath’s leadership as founder and President, Operation FINALLY HOME’s support gained steadily, and by 2010, the organization had built and awarded 10 mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans in Texas. That year, in 2010, Dan Wallrath was selected as one of CNN’s Top Ten Heroes for his work with America’s military heroes. The award brought with it national publicity that put the Operation FINALLY HOME organization on the national map. Today, in 2014, the organization has completed 60 homes in 15 states, with 65 more homes in various stages of planning in 13 additional states.

Vargas, Vice President, Family Matters and Community Support. Instead, the organization works with medical case managers, Veterans Affairs, and others involved directly with the injured soldiers to identify potential candidates.

“We focus on veterans who, in spite of their injuries or disabilities, have a true desire to rebuild their lives and improve the quality of life for themselves and their families. The easy part is finding veterans—the hardest part is deciding who gets a home,” stated Vargas.

THE FAR-REACHING EFFECTS. Operation FINALLY HOME builds lives, not just homes. And its work will have an impact on many generations, not just the one that receives the free home. Veterans that receive a mortgage-free home can enjoy the stability and security that comes from owning their own home.

They can be free to pursue their life dreams, to continue their education, to improve their financial situation, and to rebuild what their service to their country may have taken away. For many veterans, receiving a home they can call their own becomes a feeling that everything is going to be okay.

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 22.6 2014

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On September 12, 2014, Marine Sgt. Jacob De La Garza, with his wife Priscilla and their two children, eight-year old Jayden and four-year old Braelynn, arrived at Fairhaven Heights subdivision in Edinburg, Texas, thinking they were there for an interview.

Sergeant De La Garza was dressed in his Class A Blue Dress uniform believing he and his family were being driven to the neighborhood for an interview with a local builder to see if they were eligible for a mortgage-free home. As they pulled into Fairhaven Heights, Edinburg City police on motorcycles and in police vehicles intercepted their car. With lights flashing, the police escort led the De La Garza car to another area of the neighborhood where they were met by a large jubilant crowd of people cheering and waving American flags from both sides of the street.

The flag-waving crowd gathered there to surprise Sgt. Jacob De La Garza and his family with the news that they were to receive a mortgage-free home from Operation FINALLY HOME—the first in the Rio Grande Valley from the nationally recognized non-profit organization with a mission of providing mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans and their families. The surprise announcement was followed that morning with an official Ground Breaking ceremony that included local dignitaries and local business sponsors and partners that joined Operation FINALLY HOME with a commitment to help make this home a reality for the De La Garza family.

Building a mortgage-free home is a major undertaking that requires the support of many. A generous donation from H-E-B Food Stores was the initial inspiration for the De La Garza Operation FINALLY HOME project in AFFOR DABLE HOMES of SOUTH TEXAS, Inc.

AHSTI volunteers to build the home for Operation FINALLY HOME.

04/2014

H-E-B partners with Operation FINALLY HOME

01/2014

20

Volume 22.6 2014

In April 2014, The RGV Home Show donated booth space to Operation FINALLY HOME. The show gave the organization its first exposure in the Rio Grande Valley and resulted in the first group of businesses that offered their support to build the first home in the Valley. (L to R) Garrett Dorsey, OFH Co-Chair; Lee Kirgan, OFH Director of Construction.

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

(956) 971-9700

An OFH/RGV Town Hall meeting at Lone Star National Bank , McAllen, Texas, was held to recruit support from the building community.

05/2014 08/2014 WestWind Homes, Solida USA & INB partnered to donate the homesite to OFH.

Edinburg, Texas. As the Title Sponsor, H-E-B has also stepped up to organize some of the milestone events in this project, beginning with the Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking Ceremony.

With H-E-B’s initial financial boost, a small group of people in the building community banded together to promote Operation FINALLY HOME’s mission of building mortgage-free homes in the Rio Grande Valley. Calling itself Operation FINALLY HOME RGV, this small group of volunteers has created its own Facebook page to help promote donations for OFH homes and to help promote the mission and goals of Operation FINALLY HOME. The local Rio Grande Valley Builders Association with the generous support of its Builder and Associate members has been the cornerstone of many of the valuable donations of materials and labor that have been given by the local building community to help construct the De La Garza home. Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., a non-profit organization with a long history of building affordable homes in the Rio Grande Valley, was asked to be the lead builder on this first home for Operation FINALLY HOME in the Valley. Affordable Homes of South Texas did not hesitate to take this major role, donating its services as the lead builder for the De La Garza home for OFH.

Continued on pg. 24

What a pleasure and an honor it is to have the opportunity to show Jacob De La Garza how much we truly appreciate his sacrifice and those of his fellow servicemen and women to whom we owe so much. We thank Operation FINALLY HOME, for allowing us to partner with them to help with their blessed mission. Visit OperationFINALLYHOME.org to donate. If you would like to help with construction materials or services, contact Jose R. Vielma at (956) 971-9700 or email: jose@vielma-associates.com

Future home of Sgt. Jacob De La Garza & family.

Visit us at facebook.com/operationfinallyhomergv for more pictures and VIDEO of Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking.

In 2011, Corps Sergeant Jacob De La Garza, a Rifleman in the Marines, was stationed in Sangin, Afghanistan, on his fourth and final deployment. On May 21st, 2011, while on patrol, Sgt. De La Garza was struck by an improvised explosive device. The blast resulted in a left leg below-the-knee amputation and ended his military service of over eight years.

Because of his commendable service, Sgt. De La Garza earned numerous awards including two Purple Hearts and the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. He did three tours to Iraq of nine months each and one tour to Afghanistan for two months until he was wounded. Sgt. De La Garza was highly recommended as a candidate for Operation FINALLY HOME by his First Sergeant who served with him in Iraq and Afghanistan and singled him out for “his exemplary character, good conduct, leadership, selfless service, and inspiration to many wounded warriors with his ‘never give up’ attitude.” He also praised Priscilla, Sgt. De La Garza’s wife, for standing by her husband’s side during his long and difficult recovery.

Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking ceremony takes place on September 12, 2014 at Fairhaven Heights.

The Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking Event rehearsal meeting. (L to R) Jose Guzman, Edinburg City Patrolman and Sgt. at Arms; Javier De La Garza, Edinburg Criminal Investigator and brother of Sgt. Jacob De La Garza; Jennifer Brown, Family Matters Coordinator for OFH; Linda Tovar, H-E-B Senior Manager, Public Affairs; Yvonne Loflin, H-E-B Border Region Public Affairs Specialist; Fred Munguia, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc.; not pictured, Jose R. Vielma, OFH / RGV Co-Chair.

The award of the Navy and Marine Commendation Medal with Valor to Sgt. De La Garza is a testament to his character. It was awarded to him for a courageous act at the time of his injury. After Sgt. De La Garza was wounded by the IED and while the Corpsman (Doc) was treating him, a grenade landed near them. Despite his own injury, Sgt. De La Garza grabbed the Corpsman and covered him with his body to shield him from the blast. “The Doc was the most valuable member of our squad aside from the commanding officer and I felt it was my duty to protect him because we all depended on him,” said Sgt. De La Garza.

Sgt. De La Garza, a true American hero and an inspiration to all, is now certified through the Amputee Coalition to help other amputees cope with the loss of limbs. His own recovery has been enhanced by a positive attitude and the motivation to make the most of life for himself and his family. He is truly deserving of a mortgage-free home from all of us.

The foundation for De La Garza home is completed on Oct. 8th and ready for framing.

09/2014

10/2014

(L to R) Alberto Gonzalez, Gonzalez Concrete Corp. and Fred Munguia, Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., review foundation plans as construction gets underway.

(956) 971-9700

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

Volume 22.6 2014

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THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY BUILDING COMMUNITY SUPPORTS OPERATION FINALLY HOME As part of Operation Appreciation, a company wide campaign to honor veterans, H-E-B Food Stores partnered with Operation FINALLY HOME, to help build five homes, one in each of the five Texas regions it serves. One of those homes is the De La Garza home in Edinburg, Texas. (L to R) H-E-B Border Region representatives: Yvonne Loflin, Border Region Public Affairs Specialist; Linda Tovar, Senior Manager, Public Affairs; Laura Urquiza Gump, Regional Vice President/General Manager.

The Rio Grande Valley branch of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has partnered with Operation FINALLY HOME. The company has pledged $10,000 to help furnish the home for the De La Garza family. Nationally, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation has been helping wounded veterans receive mortgagefree homes by partnering with the Boot Campaign, another non-profit group addressing the needs of veterans. If you are a vendor of new furniture, appliances, or other items, please contact Minerva Simpson (956)440-1521. (L to R) Jacinto Oviedo, Loan Officer; Paty Cabrales, Loan Officer; Minerva Simpson, Branch Manager; Ellie Ahumada, Loan Officer; Kristyne Simpson, Marketing Assistant.

WestWind Homes, Solida USA, and Inter National Bank teamed up to donate the lot at Fairhaven Heights, in Edinburg, Texas, to Operation FINALLY HOME for the De La Garza home. (L to R) Eduardo Lopez - WestWind, Controller; Luis Gonzalez – WestWind, Production Manager; Monica Ruiz – WestWind, Marketing Manager; Chris Arthur – WestWind, Managing Partner; Sam Munafo – Inter National Bank, President/CEO; Yvette Yañez, Solida USA, Assistant to CEO; Juan Garcia, Solida USA, Sr. Workout Relationship Manager; Jesse Zambrano, Solida USA, CEO.

Melden and Hunt, a longestablished engineering, consulting and surveying company in the Valley, donated its full services to the De La Garza home to insure the boundaries of the property were accurately recorded. (L to R): Robert De Luna; Gustavo Arreaga; Fred L. Kurth, President.

Gonzalez Concrete Corp. partially donated materials and labor for forming, trenching, and installing the steel for the slab reinforcement. (L to R) Alberto Gonzalez; Juan G. Velasquez; Rene Hinojosa; Juan A. Uresti; Jose C. Castañeda; Agapito Gonzalez; Hector Mendoza; Juan J. Sandoval; Rigo de la Garza.

Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc. volunteered to be the lead builder on the Jacob De La Garza home. (L to R) Robert A. Calvillo, Executive Director; Fred Munguia, Construction Manager; Elva Cerda, AHSTI Board President.

Cesar Villarreal of Cesar Villarreal Plumbing, Mission, Texas, donated all his services and materials to the project. (L to R) Casimiro Jimenez; Ernesto Arevalo; Porfirio Martinez; Manuel Chavez; and Victor Ortiz.

Home Depot donated the shovels and hard hats used in the Operation Finally Home Ground Breaking ceremony for the De La Garza family that took place on Sept 12, 2014. Through Home Depot’s “Team Depot Program,” company associates contribute their time and talents to help veterans with housing challenges in local communities.(L to R) Edna Fernandez; Jessie Aguilar; Cynthia Ramos; Vanessa Rosa; Jorge Rodriguez; Roy Barrera; and Santos Corvarrubia.

The City of Edinburg Code Department supported the Operation FINALLY HOME De La Garza project by waiving the building permit fees for the construction of the home. (L to R) Eddie Garza (Infinity Custom Construction), Rio Grande Valley Builders Association Vice President, and Richard H. Garcia, Mayor of the City of Edinburg, Texas.

Jose Gamez & Garrett Dorsey installing sign donated by Sign Depot with a rendering of the home provided by EPP Marketing.

South Texas Health System is honored to serve veterans in the community and proud of being the only hospital in Hidalgo County to be contracted by the Veterans Administration system for nearly six years. Providing financial support with a donation of $10,000 to Operation FINALLY HOME to assist the De La Garza family aligns perfectly with South Texas Health System’s mission to give back to military families. Shown presenting the check to the De La Garza family are: (L to R) Lisa Killion, Assistant Administrator Marketing and Public Relations; Joe Rodriguez, CEO South Texas Behavioral Health Center; Candi Constantine, CNO South Texas Health System; William Brock, MD, Chief Medical Officer; Elmo Lopez Jr., CEO McAllen Medical Center; Jennifer Garza, CEO Edinburg Regional Medical Center/Edinburg Children’s Hospital; Chris Sizemore, Physician Practice Market Manager, IPM/Valley Care Clinics Network; Douglas Matney, Group Vice President Universal Health Services Inc.; Jason Chang, CEO of McAllen Heart Hospital; Sgt. Jacob De La Garza; his wife Priscilla; Sandra Brown, Rio Grande Valley Builders Association President; Marcy Alamia, Executive VP, Rio Grande Valley Builders Association; De La Garza children, Braelynn (4) and Jayden (8).

McAllen Pest Control donated its full services, labor and materials, to treat the soil before the slab was poured for the foundation of the home. (L to R) Isidro Guerrero, Jr., President; Eric Reyna, Vice President; Eligio Garza III, Senior Technician; Gregorio Soto, Technician; Torribio Arriaga, Technician; Derrick Saenz, Technician.

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HOW YOU CAN HELP. You can donate as little as $1.00 to help us build a home in the Rio Grande Valley for a wounded veteran. Go to www.crowdrise.com/OFH-

CAPA supplied the entire concrete required for the foundation of the home as well as the driveway and sidewalk at 100% donation. (L to R) Rufino Garza, Co-owner; Sipriano Gonzalez, Fleet Manager.

Staff from Affordable Homes of South Texas, Inc., the lead builder of the De La Garza home, are shown here modeling the special Operation FINALLY HOME T-shirts that they ordered and made available for the Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking Event. (L to R) Cindy Guzman, Loan Officer; Myra Martinez, Director of Operations and Communications; Fred Munguia, Construction Director; Brenda Lopez, Loan Processor; Janie Tamez, Homebuyer Advisor; Aidee Castro, Home Ownership Center Manager; Ivan Nordhausen, Project Imagine Tomorrow; Frank Tafolla, Loan Officer.

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Solida USA and Inter National Bank donated the decoration of hard hats and shovels. (L to R) Yvette Yañez, Solida USA; Michelle Y. Garza, INB.

RioGrandeValley.

If you are a professional in the construction industry and would like to donate materials, products, or labor to our projects in the RGV, please contact Jose R. Vielma, OFH/RGV Co-Chair, at (956) 971-9700 or email jose@vielma-associates. com for more information.

(956) 971-9700

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Continued from pg. 21

Thanks to a three-way agreement between WestWind Homes RGV, Solida USA, and Inter National Bank in McAllen, Texas, the lot for the De La Garza home was donated 100% to Operation FINALLY HOME. The home site in the Fairway Heights subdivision in Edinburg could not have been better suited with its quiet location yet quick, convenient access to the Expressway. When the request went out for a title company to donate its services to Operation FINALLY HOME, Valley Land Title raised their hand immediately to volunteer help in closing on the lot and on the home.

Weeks before the Surprise Announcement and Ground Breaking in September, Operation FINALLY HOME RGV held a Town Hall Meeting at the corporate offices of Lone Star National Bank, who lent out their large meeting facility on Nolana in McAllen to bring together people who could contribute to building the mortgage-free home. Many in attendance were members of the

Rio Grande Valley Builders Association or business leaders involved in the construction industry in some form or another. The attendees all came to find out how they could help a veteran, even though they did not know who it might be. Many generous and kind businesses stepped up to donate their products and services to help build the home. From the outpouring of support, it became apparent that our building community embraced the mission and goals of Operation FINALLY HOME. The unanimous support was a touching acknowledgment of how much the building community values the tremendous sacrifices our veterans and their families have made. It was as if everyone had been waiting for the opportunity to show appreciation to our wounded veterans but didn’t know how.

The structure offered by the Operation FINALLY HOME organization and the impetus from H-E-B’s generous donation provided the encouragement that brought everybody together with the

belief that we could indeed—working as a team—build a mortgage-free home for one of our hometown wounded veterans who sacrificed so much for us.

Marine Sgt. Jacob De La Garza, with his wife Priscilla and their two children, eight-year old Jayden and four-year old Braelynn.

THEY WERE OUR BOOTS ON THE GROUND IN IRAQ, IRAN, AFGHANISTAN, AND OTHER RECENT DEPLOYMENTS. Now, they are our U.S. Veterans—men and women who risked their lives for our country and the freedoms we enjoy today. Many are back home wounded, disabled, and needing help.

IT’S NOW TIME FOR US TO BE THEIR BOOTS ON THE GROUND HERE AT HOME THROUGH OPERATION FINALLY HOME.

w w w. O p e r a t i o n Fi n a l l y H o m e. o r g BUILDER Industry News

CONGRATULATIONS TO JUDY SALINAS Lucky Winner of the 2014 RGVBA Parade of Homes TV Giveaway Courtesy of Sierra Title

J

udy Salinas registered at the Waldo Homes entry at Pepper Ridge in Edinburg during the Rio Grande Valley Builders Association’s Parade of Homes. The TV was donated as a gift by Sierra Title of Hidalgo County to assist in this annual fundraising event for the Association. The drawing for the TV Giveaway took place during a recent meeting of the Association at the McAllen Country Club. Presentation of the TV was made to Judy’s husband, Alfredo Salinas, at Sierra Title’s office in McAllen. Present to deliver the TV were: Luis Waldo, Waldo Homes; Sandra Brown, RGVBA President; Peter Murphy, VP of Examinations and Marielsa Pulido, VP of Operations; Alfredo Salinas; Marcy Alamia, RGVBA Exec. VP; Matthew Wilson, Sierra Title VP of Escrow.

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BUILDER Industry News

KEYSTONE CONSTRUCTION WINS Free Entry in 2015 RGVBA Parade of Homes

(L to R): Luis Waldo (Waldo Homes); Victor Lopez (Texas Gas); Mario Peña and Eddie Garza (Infinity Custom Homes); Delfino Gaona (Keystone Construction); Sandra Brown (RGVBA President / Sorrento Fine Homes); Marielsa Pulido (Sierra Title); Jack Pollock (Frontera Homes); Marcy Alamia (RGVBA Executive VP).

T

he Rio Grande Valley Builders Association officially opened registration for the 2015 Parade of Homes scheduled for April 18-19 & 25-26 at its meeting last month. As usual, the RGVBA gives away a free entry as first prize to one lucky builder who registers at the Parade Kick-off Meeting.

This year, the winner of the free entry was Keystone Construction (Delfino and Glenda Gaona).

BUILDER Industry News

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS

SPIKE AWARD Presented to Marielsa Pulido

M

arielsa Pulido received the National Association of Home Builders’ Spike Award from the local Rio Grande Valley Builders Association (RGVBA). The Spike Award, presented to Ms. Pulido at a recent Association meeting, is given to members of the RGVBA in recognition of their efforts in recruiting and retaining members. Spike Club members are valued by Home Builder Associations for their proactive service of bringing in new members that allow the Associations to grow in numbers and strength, as well for their continuing involvement in Association activities. Marielsa Pulido, VP of Operations for Sierra Title Company of Hidalgo County, has been an active member of the RGVBA since 1995 and currently serves on the RGVBA Board of Directors.

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Second prize went to Infinity Custom Homes (Eddie Garza and Mario Peña) who received a ½ page ad in the Parade Guidebook and lunch for 2 at the McAllen Country Club, courtesy of Frost Bank. Third place was won by Waldo Homes (Luis Waldo) who received a 1/ 4 page ad and lunch at the McAllen Country Club, courtesy of Frost Bank.

(956) 971-9700

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www.rgvnewhomesguide.com McAllen

McAllen

Hours:

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat. 12pm to 6pm

By appt only.

Address:

Address:

Plantation Gap 7018 N 44th Lane McAllen, Tx

Northgate Crossing 2137 Kilgore Ave. McAllen, Tx

Sales:

Sales:

Daniel Hernandez - (956) 778-0212

See display ad on page 4.

Sam Rangel - (956) 688-8321 www.dhconstructionrgv.com

See display ad on page 6.

Hours:

Hours:

Mon.-Fri. 10am to 7pm Sat. 12pm to 6pm

Call for personal tour.

Address:

Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 3611 Oriole Dr. Mission, TX

Address:

La Floresta 2112 Queens Avenue McAllen, Tx

Sales:

Sales:

Jadira Garcia - (956) 587-5050

See display ad on page 6.

Office: (956) 968-4231

Olga Treviño - (956) 467-1111

www.westwindhomes.com

See display ad on page 13.

Mission

www.divinecustomhomes.net

Mission

Hours:

Hours:

Address:

Address:

Mon.-Sat. 10am to 6pm Sunday- 1pm to 5pm

Mon.-Sat. 9am to 5pm Sunday- 1pm to 5pm Retama Village

Tanglewood at Bentsen Palm 1920 Seagull Lane Mission, Tx

at Bentsen Palm

Sales:

Carol Kerr - (956) 607-6076 carol@mlrhodes.com See display ad on page 11.

Volume 22.6 2014

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Mission

McAllen

28

Office: (956) 968-4231

www.rgvnewhomesguide.com

2204 Seagull Lane Mission, Tx Active Adult Community 55+

Office: (956) 380-6500 www.bentsenpalm.com (956) 971-9700

Sales:

Juan Pacheco - (956) 369-2456 juan@mlrhodes.com See display ad on page 11.

Office: (956) 380-6500 • Hablo español www.bentsenpalm.com

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

GreenBuilt RGV Certification represents homes that are built using products, technologies, and environmentally-friendly building practices.

Mission

Edinburg

Hours:

Hours:

Address:

Address:

Mon.-Sat. 9am to 7pm Sun. 1pm to 7pm

Mon.-Fri. 9am to 7pm Sat. 11am to 3pm

Villas de San Gabriel 2800 Cassandra Mission, TX

Sales:

La Puerta 2909 La Puerta Ave. Edinburg, TX

Sales:

Delfino Gaona - (956) 239-0487

See display ad on page 11.

cAMI NO REA L

Hector Franco - (956) 239-1618 Ricardo Alamo - (956) 249-7083 www.keystonergv.net

Edinburg

See display ad on page 8.

Edinburg

www.caminorealbuilders.com

W

A L D O

H O M E

Hours:

Hours:

Address:

Address:

1pm to 7pm or call for appt.

Mon.-Sat. 10am to 6pm Sun.- 11am to 5pm Pepper Ridge Estates 1307 Rocotillo Lane Edinburg, Tx

Sales (LtoR):

Office: (956) 460-3290

Pepper Ridge Estates 1303 Rocotillo Lane Edinburg, TX

Sales:

Luis Waldo - (956) 466-8590

Eddie Garza - (956) 460-3290 Mario Pena - (956) 534-2353 See display ad on page 9.

www.infinitycustomconstruction.com

Pharr

See display ad on page 5.

www.waldohomesrgv.com

Pharr

Hours:

Hours:

Call for appt.

By appt only.

Address:

Address:

El Dorado Estates 608 Feather St. Pharr, Tx

Buganvilla Estates 501 Red Bugambilia Pharr, Tx

Sales:

Sales:

Mario Trevi単o - (956) 534-6305

See cover and pages 7 & 14.

S

Daniel Hernandez - (956) 778-0212 www.villanuevahomes.com

See display ad on page 4.

www.dhconstructionrgv.com