Multi-generational living spaces and unique color combinations top the list in home design.

It’s All in the Family

While it has been a long, rough real estate road in the last few years, home design remains hotter than ever. However, things are not what they used to be when it comes to floorplans and design. A tight economy has forced people to adjust their living arrangements and lifestyles as more and more families living together are multi-generational. With grandma and teenager under the same roof comes the need for individual living spaces that provide conveniences and “space” for each member of the family.

One of the most popular developments multi-generational living has brought back to life is the in-law suite. Often detached or semi-detached from the main house, this suite is just like its own little home, commonly equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and private living quarters.

Vertical Gardens

With the growth of urban sprawl, smaller homes and less acreage, vertical gardens have become all the rage these days. These living walls, as they are often called, help reduce air toxins, regulate moisture, reflect light and heat, and provide a peaceful, warming effect on cooler city dwellings.

Lean and Green

We can’t mention garden without going green. Today’s hottest home designs take energy efficiency and conversation into consideration on nearly every level, from light bulbs to solar panels. As home owners consider remaining in their homes for longer periods of time, green investments offer both long- and short-term benefits for home buyers and owners.

Color Me “Greige”?

It’s no home design secret that “greige” is all the rage when it comes to color. A warm tone gray that looks either taupe or beige, it mimics a winning combination of gray and beige, and looks delightful when accented with the still-loved golden tones of yesteryear.

Dramatic Floors

When it comes to wood floors, light is out, dark is in. Dark wood is far more dramatic and accented with golden browns or lighter colors, makes for a floor worth stepping on. If carpet is your style, lighter is most definitely the top pick.

Furniture and Flatscreens

Big furniture has been replaced by smaller pieces, and bulk is a thing of the past. Large, fluffy sectionals, forget ‘em. Heavy armoires and buffets, not so much. Large projector TV’s, not in here. Smaller sized furniture with sleek designs is the hands down leader in home furnishings. Flatscreens are now wall-mounts or, more interesting still, custom framed to look like a piece of art.

Ultimately, home design is subjective and all about what you want in your home. And, as well all know, trends change all the time. A good rule of thumb when designing your home is to always consider the added resale value of the design or investment.

True Homes is the largest home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina, with new communities in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact us at 704-937-2307.

Investment properties and vacation homes account for huge home sales, nearly 65 percent last year alone. North and South Carolina, offering homes and communities for everyone from singles to families to retirees, are two of the most popular destinations for new home buyers.

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Welcome to the Carolina’s !

For years, the sister states of North Carolina and South Carolina have been home buying hotspots, typically reeling in resort-style living retirees with their southern charm, golf courses and beaches. However, with the change in the tech sector leading to expansions into key southern towns such as Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham, the Carolina’s have seen an influx of graduates, along with newly-weds and families looking for a home that offers safety, affordability, cultural diversity and steady employment opportunities.

With over 60 locations throughout Charlotte and Charleston, new home builder, True Homes, is intimately familiar with new home buyers moving to the Carolina’s. Housing demand requires a little something for everyone, and from townhomes to resort-style paradises, True Homes has continued to supply new home buyers with quality homes and affordable prices.

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With excellent prices and historically low mortgage rates, now is a great time to buy a home in North or South Carolina. Combined with generous state tax incentives and discounts, the appeal to live in the southern states becomes even stronger, as the numbers show steady increases in people moving into the Carolina’s from other states.

The Carolina’s consistently make Top 10 lists of best states to live in. Cities and towns such as Fort Mills, South Carolina, a budding Charlotte suburb rated in the Top 10 Best Towns for Families by Family Circle, is one example of such a place.

If quality of life, affordability, excellent schools, a sense of community and job growth are on the list of places for you to call home, the Carolina’s just may be the place for you!

True Homes is the largest home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina, with new communities in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact us at 704-937-2307.

According to a Wall Street blog written in April of this year, nearly three quarters of Americans feel that now is a good time to buy a house. Is that really the case?

Proponents for “buy now” state several reasons for 2012 being a great time to buy a home, citing historically low mortgage rates and fast inflating rental prices which have already seen significant spike throughout the year. As Fannie Mae chief economist Doug Duncan stated, “Conditions are coming together to encourage people to want to buy homes.”

According to a recent article on fiscaltimes.com, since the wild ride of big ticket home prices in the mid 2000’s, mortgage rates have been driven down and home prices have deeply declined making housing affordability the best it’s been in two decades.

In short, housing affordability is at levels not seen since prior to the early 1990s and is almost twice the level that it was in April 2006, the peak month for house price levels, when housing was the least affordable.

With all the elements in place making it an ideal time to buy a home, there is still one component to the bubble era that remains: bidding wars. As the number of available inventory decreases due to demand, there are fewer homes for sale in markets that were screaming for buyers. Perhaps a pain-in-the-neck challenge, but another key indicator that buying now is good, as availability becomes less and less. So, what’s making up a strong percentage of these property snap-ups? Rental investments and vacation homes are a large part of sales. Second homes that offer close proximity to work, as well as getaways are high on the list of real estate investments, making up 65 percent of home sales in 2011. Visit True Homes in North and South Carolina.

With all of the key indicators in place, a little homework and bidding muscle, if you have cash to buy or the credit to obtain a home, now seems the perfect time, indeed.

True Homes is the largest new home builder in Charlotte, North Carolina and Charleston, South Carolina with homes in over 60 stunning communities throughout the region. For more information on building a new Carolina home, visit www.truehomesusa.com or contact them at 704-937-2307.

A quaint little town nestled in the suburbs of Charlotte, fast-growing Fort Mill, South Carolina, with it’s excellent schools, comfortable population, low-crime rate and small-town charm, now resides in Family Circle’s list of Top 10 Best Towns for Families.

A sprawling city located just 20 miles from Charlotte, Fort Mill offers a safe and peaceful environment for raising a family. Promoting low-crime and goodwill, the local police department oversees the Do the Right Thing program where parents and children alike are encouraged to participate in good deeds, community development and charity organizations. Stellar schools abound with some of the best and brightest students being taught and led by some of the best and brightest teachers around.

The town of Fort Mill tends to give off an easy-going vibe with a southern-style charm. Considered a fast growing suburban town, the city offers a family-feel with rich roots in community and business. Culture, diversity, art and worship join to form an eclectic mix of lifestyles and interests.

With homes available in five different locations throughout Fort Mill, South Carolina, True Homes offers a variety of family living styles and floor plans to choose from. Visit our properties in Fort Mills.

For more information on homes for sale in Fort Mill, South Carolina contact True Homes at 704-937-2307.

True Homes is the largest new home builder in the Carolinas. For more information on building your True dream home, visit www.truehomesusa.com.