Author Archives: FultonHomes

Use Pinterest to Help Create the Home of your Dreams

Posted on by

pinterest_fultonAre you planning to move into a new Fulton Home soon? Or maybe you’re still getting settled and deciding how to decorate your new home. Well, even if you’re just looking for ideas to update your home and add some pizazz, we suggest checking out Pinterest.

If you’re not familiar with Pinterest, it is set up like a collection of bulletin boards, allowing you to capture a favorite room, product, color or idea and save it in categories of your choice. For example, you may want to look at kitchens, or possibly just different backsplashes. Just open a Pinterest account of your own, add a board named for whatever you want to explore, and then use the search option at the top to see what’s out there.

Of course, you’re welcome to visit our Pinterest site. We have 70 boards holding almost 1,400 pins, and we add new ones just about every week. Our pins range from various home categories such as dining rooms and closets to more family-oriented topics such as our newest addition: Arizona Summer Safety.

The Fulton Home’s Pinterest site has been designed with you in mind. Whether you’re looking for ideas for general entertaining, birthday parties or something special for Father’s Day, we invite you to check our boards out for suggestions and tips. And if you like it, follow it for a chance to stop by easily whenever you want.

And if you discover something of value, whether on one of our boards or any others, you can just repin to your own Pinterest site to hang on to the idea and information. Then when it’s time to plan that party or redo that bathroom, all of your ideas are saved in one place.

If you are looking for information or ideas that we don’t list on our site, just let us know and we can add a board or pins to answer your questions or provide tips. After all, it’s there for you. Check out our Pinterest site by clicking here. We look forward to your visit.

Ironwood Crossing

Posted on by

ic_masterplanFulton Homes takes pride in its planned communities with amenities selected to suit the home buyers. They are also set in locations close to shopping and good schools. Ironwood Crossing demonstrates that commitment to neighborhoods you will be proud to live in, with an Aquatic Center, Community Clubhouse, parks and other shared benefits that make a group of homes into a special community.

Located at Ironwood and Ocotillo in Queen Creek, twenty parks, approximately one for every 100 families, offer every homeowner a selection of ramadas, barbeques, basketball courts and shade structures. The Aquatic center has a splash pad set off from the main pool area so that small children can play in safety. The 7000 square foot pool is half covered to shade swimmers from the sun. It also includes separate restrooms and a
clubhouse with a kitchen – perfect for neighborhood or family parties.

ic_aquatics_center1The community is part of an excellent school district – the J.O. Combs Unified School District – and the Legacy Charter School offers education from grade Kindergarten to sixth grade right within Ironwood Crossing itself.

Outside amenities are also easily accessible, with a new Banner Hospital only two miles south and over one million feet of retail to provide shopping, services and dining. Ironwood Crossing was designed for affordable family living, with everything homebuyers need to make a good home for their families.

It’s no wonder that Ironwood Crossing was named the best-selling master planned community in Arizona. We invite you to visit our sales office and see the possibilities for yourself.

Fulton Homes Named 2015 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

Posted on by

carousel_quote_v2We’re proud at Fulton Homes that we have been named 2015 ENERGY STAR partner of the year.

Why is Fulton Homes committed to building only ENERGY STAR certified new homes? Because this certification ensures that you get a better house.

When we apply rigorous ENERGY STAR requirements to our new homes, the result is a home that is constructed better from the ground up, providing you with better durability, better comfort, as well as substantially-reduced utility and maintenance costs (up to 30% savings compared to a typical new home). This makes an ENERGY STAR certified home your logical choice for energy efficiency.

carousel_supergirl_3Building in Benefits for You

The fully-integrated approach to design and construction that is required to receive ENERGY STAR certification makes a difference you can see, feel, and hear. We apply these tried-and-true best building practices are applied to every ENERGY STAR certified new home, giving you the following plusses:

Reduced Leaks and Drafts: We minimize warm and cold spots through comprehensive air sealing, quality-installed insulation, and high performance windows and doors.

More Consistent Temperatures: With the installation of a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, designed for optimal performance you will experience better comfort in every room, year round.

Better Durability:With the comprehensive water management system built into your home, including flashing, moisture barriers, and heavy-duty membranes, roofs, walls and foundations are protected from moisture damage.

Improved Indoor Air: To keep your indoor fresh and refreshing, your ventilation system includes a fresh-air system that introduces a controlled amount of outdoor air. Combined with a high-performance filter, this improves air quality while reducing the dust, pollen and other allergens we experience here in the desert.

Peace of Mind: ENERGY STAR certification requires independent inspections and testing by trained and certified professionals, so you can sleep well knowing things were done right.

The average ENERGY STAR certified new home saves its families about $300 each year. And compared to other new homes, these homes reduce greenhouse gases by about 3,700 pounds per year, equivalent to the emissions absorbed through planting 43 trees. At Fulton Homes, we hope you will join our homeowners and over 1.5 million others across the United States and make the choice to purchase only an ENERGY STAR certified home.

Attack Closet Clutter

Posted on by

closet_montage_Ironwood-webAre you finding it hard to keep even the most generous closet you’ve ever had under control? Even if your master closet is as spacious as this one from Ironwood Crossing, it may be time for a serious attack on your clothes clutter. Let’s take this step-by-step so you can take back your closet and stop going crazy every time you step into it.

Step 1: Empty your closet. This may seem foolish, overwhelming, or unnecessary, but you need to start this way to truly make a difference. There are several reasons for this. One is you may find that once your closet is empty, it could do with a cleaning. Clothes can hide a multitude of sins. Vacuum the floor and wipe down the shelves and clothes poles. You’ll start feeling better immediately. Pile your clothes on the bed and put shoes, purses and anything else you find in there on the floor.

Step 2: Remove anything that doesn’t belong in your closet from the room. Did you discover where you hid that birthday present for your daughter that you couldn’t find when you wanted to? Maybe your closet has become a catch-all for books, papers or other items you wanted to stash quickly before company came. Whatever it is, if you don’t want it in your finished closet, get it out of the bedroom.

Step 3: Take each clothing item and honestly decide whether it belongs in your wardrobe. You’ll hear people say that if you haven’t worn something in a year, then it should go. Instead, take a look and decide if you feel attractive and comfortable in it. If the answer is yes, it stays. No and it goes. Try on any clothes or shoes you’re not sure about and take the time to look in the mirror. Would you buy each item again if you saw it in the store? If the answer is no, get rid of it. Check the look of purses, scarves or other accessories. Let go of items that are worn, out of style, or that you’re simply tired of wearing.

Step 4: Create a plan before rehanging your clothes. Do you like to have work clothes in one section and weekend clothes in another? Maybe you want to sort by color or type of fabric. Have you been hanging clothes that would do better folded in a drawer? Figure it out and replace accordingly.

Step 5: Use bins and baskets to sort shelves. Keeping smaller things contained by category will make it easier to stay organized. Shop your own home for likely boxes and other containers before rushing off to the store. You may find some solutions that work well and add a decorative touch to your closet.

Step 6: Add some hooks to the door or a free wall. These can be used for clothes you’ve worn once but that aren’t yet ready for laundering. They’re also handy for scarves and belts. Hooks can help you keep everything off the floor, which makes a closet feel more spacious and workable.

Step 7: Pack up the give-away clothes and get them out of the house immediately. Otherwise you may be tempted to dive in and rescue some items later. Don’t let that happen.

Step 8: Step back and admire your handiwork! This has been quite a job but you now have a closet filled with clothes you love. Be sure to reward yourself for your hard work – maybe by going shopping???

Spring Cleaning

Posted on by

spring-cleaning-webWith temperatures in the 90’s only a few weeks ago, most Arizona residents know that summer’s heat is just around the corner. This makes Spring cleaning extra important, since now is the best time to open all the doors and windows and sweep everything left over from Winter away to gear up for Summer.

This is a great time to open all your closets and cupboards and gather old clothes, kitchen utensils and other unneeded things that have accumulated over the past year and donate them, sell them or throw them out.

Start by creating a list of goals. Do you want to make-over your master bedroom with new colors and less clutter? Maybe you would like to get rid of all the junk food hiding in your kitchen as the start to a new healthier eating plan. Or it could be time to wander through some of the toys and DVD’s that your children are too old to enjoy anymore. Remember that others can benefit from items that you no longer need.

Next, set aside time to meet your Spring-cleaning goals. Do you work better with a large block of time? Then choose a free Saturday to tackle your list. See if you can get help from your family or trade time with a friend so you can work on each home and chat while you clean and organize.

Finally, dive in. And be sure to plan a special reward when your list is finished. It might be dinner out or a bouquet of fresh flowers to set off your newly-tidy dining room. Or maybe just the promise of a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do but relax. With just a bit of planning and some serious effort, you can refresh your home this Spring and prepare for Summer. And above all, have fun with the process!

Do You want a Fulton Home Right Now?

Posted on by

Inventory_home_montage-webMaybe you’ve just moved to our area and have fallen love with Fulton Homes. Or maybe you’re just ready to move into a new home before summer’s heat hits us. If for whatever reason you want to move into a brand new Fulton Home without a delay, why not check out our inventory of almost-finished homes?

Here at Fulton Homes, we know that there are customers who find it difficult to wait through the entire construction process to move into their new home. We have a selection of inventory homes waiting for you to explore. With a variety of layouts and finish choices, you may find the home that would be perfect for your family. These homes are almost move-in ready, making it easy for us to help you into your home with minimal delays.

If you want to see the choices available, we invite you to call or visit our sales offices for the community you’re considering. A member of our sales team can help you discover the homes available so that you can determine which one will be perfect for your new home.

This home, located in our Ironwood Crossing community, is just one of our inventory homes. With its completed kitchen, front-yard landscaping, and lighting, it will be perfect for some home buyer. Our design team makes the finish decisions, ensuring that every inventory home has an inviting and unique look.

We look forward to showing you our selection of homes – built with you in mind.

Your New Indoor airPLUS Home

Posted on by

Inventory-Home-130-webOne advantage to a Fulton Home that you don’t see immediately comes from your home’s construction. We design and build all of our homes to be both Indoor airPLUS and ENERGY STAR Certified for improved indoor air quality as well as energy efficiency.

If you have concerns about mold, radon, carbon monoxide and other toxic chemicals in your home, you can trust that we share your concerns and build our homes with these issues in mind. Poor indoor air quality can cause serious problems for you and your family, including eye irritation, headaches, allergies, respiratory problems such as asthma and other serious health issues.

Indoor airPLUS construction specifications are designed to help improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in new homes compared with homes built to minimum code. However, these features alone cannot prevent all IAQ problems. Occupant behavior is also important for IAQ. For example, products used in the home after occupancy and smoking inside the home may both negatively impact the home’s IAQ and the performance of the specified Indoor airPLUS features.

Indoor airPLUS home features include:

  • Mold and Moisture Control
  • Radon Control
  • Combustion Pollutant Control
  • Pest Barriers
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Building Materials

At Fulton Homes we are committed to creating better environments both inside and out. We are proud to offer new homes that have earned both the Indoor airPLUS and ENERGY STAR Certified Home labels because it means your home has been designed and built to standards well above most other homes on the market today.

 

What’s Stopping You from Buying a New Fulton Home?

Posted on by

Inventory-Home-143webIn our last blog we talked about some of the concerns that may keep you from thinking you can buy a Fulton Home. Let’s take a look at some other issues you may be facing or questions you may have.

If you are upside down on your mortgage, you may still have an option to buy:

Our Guaranteed Lease Program allows you to lease your existing home and buy a new Fulton home with that income. If you’re not sure how to handle renting out your property, this program lets you get a guaranteed three-year lease on your current home. Any of our salespeople can provide details on this choice.

If you think that renting is cheaper than buying:

Think again. Buying a new home is still a better choice in most situations. Our large selection of homes is designed to fit a number of budgets and lifestyles. Visit one or more of our communities and compare your current rent to the monthly payment using our mortgage calculator. With the tax benefits you may be surprised at the affordability of buying.

If you’re worried that new homes are too far away from the center of things:

We build many beautiful communities in established areas of the Valley such as Chandler and Gilbert. You’ll find they are close to shopping, restaurants and jobs. On-site amenities such as aquatic centers, parks and trail systems, tot-lots and green spaces help make your home community a great place to spend your leisure time. And our communities are known to stand the test of time.

If you’re not sure that single family homes are right for you:

You might want to check out our homes designed for the “lock and leave” lifestyle. Homes at The Reserve at Fulton Ranch and Cooley Station are not your traditional single family homes. And you still get the benefit of lush common areas, community pools and other amenities you normally see at resorts.

If you have other concerns, talk to us. Contact us online or visit one of our sales offices and give us a chance to help – odds are we can, no matter what your issues are!

What’s Stopping You From Buying a Home?

Posted on by

Inventory-Home-092

If you love our Fulton Homes but you aren’t sure you can make the purchase at this point, let us help you explore your options. We have some great solutions – solutions that may surprise you.

If your credit is less than perfect:

With three preferred lenders, we can offer access to a variety of mortgage products that provide flexibility and affordability. Our lenders will work with you if your credit is not perfect, and can help you understand what you need to do to repair your credit so that you will be able to buy a Fulton Home. Over 20,000 people have been successful and we can help you too. But you’ll never move forward if you don’t get started.

If you experienced a short sale, foreclosure or bankruptcy recently:

Most people have heard that they won’t be able to buy another home for anywhere from three to as many as seven years. The good news is that mortgage programs and lending standards are lightening up, and you may be surprised at your eligibility. One of our preferred lenders can help you determine what will work for your situation.

If you’re concerned that you may not have enough cash for a down payment:

Some of our mortgage programs require only 3% or 5% down, or possibly even zero down! And with some of the changes in government mortgage insurance (PMI) programs, you can still end up with a low monthly payment.

If you have an existing home that needs repairs or updates:

The Fulton Homes Trade-In Program™ some of the top resale agents and brokers in Arizona can provide advice on everything from home renovations to staging. They’ll help you get the most from your current home.

If you’re upside down or have no equity in your current home:

Are you sure about that? Home prices are going up again in this area. Our Trade-In Program™ helps you understand your home’s value and maximize your resale price, all with reduced commissions.

Decorate Using the Four Elements: Water

Posted on by

water-3-cropped-webWhen decorating a pool area, it’s natural to lean toward the element of water in your design decisions. You already have the blue from the pool, and sand tones or grey bring a natural look to the space. Blue and white also make a great combination for a water-themed space. In this photo, the light hardscaping is the color of driftwood, which makes the area feel a bit beach-like.

water-cropped-webYou don’t actually need water to have a water-themed area. Take a look at this butler’s pantry to the left. The natural stone backing combined with the countertop creates the feeling of water running down the wall and across the counter into the small sink. This mood is enhanced by the clear glasses along with gold and silver metallic accessories. The water theme makes this spot the perfect place to serve drinks to family and friends.

water-2-cropped-webA bathroom is the most logical place to carry through a water theme. Once again, even without the blue-green color scheme that is common to water spaces, the sensation of water can come by using ultra-shiny tile in a vertical display, as the photo on the right shows. In both smaller photos, placing a light above the wall so that it shines across the surface helps create that feeling of water flowing.

Whether you use this concept outside by a pool or water feature, or inside near a sink or bathroom, expanding the water theme beyond the function of a space into the design allows you to enhance your home décor. All photos are from Fulton’s Legacy community.