new homes: Happy Valley Townhome for sale, the "Firenze"
- 06/07/10 09:37 AM
At Volare, in Happy Valley, we are offering our "Firenze" model home for sale. This home has a very comfortable feel with our upgraded knotty alder cabinetry and granite counters with a full subway tiled backsplash, pantry, eating bar and large dining area. The main floor has wide plank laminate floors with a hand scraped appearance, a corner gas fireplace and the powder room is finished in painted wainscoting. Going upstairs, the banister includes a stained maple cap & post with painted balusters, utility room is here for convenience with washer & dryer and the 2nd bedroom has a built-in desk … (0 comments)
new homes: Is your car exhaling into your home?
- 04/29/10 09:24 AM
If your home has a furnace installed in the garage, it most likely is. At one of our construction 101 classes at our Volare Town Home community in Happy Valley, this came up. We have been installing our entire HVAC systems inside the conditioned space of our homes (meaning the interior living area of the home). We realized the obvious benefits of: improved performance by reducing the length of duct work for the air to travel, by not installing ducting in the attic or crawlspace spaces as they are much hotter or colder than the air we are providing to the … (0 comments)
new homes: Offgassing: No that wasn’t my home, it was you!
- 01/15/10 08:18 AM
No it isn't what my sons do and giggle or what happened in that embarrassing situation in the elevator. Offgassing our outgassing is what we tend to call the "New Home Smell" or "New Car Smell". We think we want it, but do we? This smell is actually gases emitting from the materials in our new homes and cars. Like, carpet, vinyl, paint, etc. and even furniture. The Energy Star New Homes program requires that builders within their program must build at a minimum of 15% above the code requirements. However, Marnella Homes is building to exceed 30% of code requirements with … (1 comments)
new homes: Happy Valley: Isn’t normal ok? Considering the housing market.
- 12/06/09 07:17 AM
I think one of the most under reported stories about the real estate market today is just how close to normal our markets are. What we keep hearing is how far off we are "from the peak". Well, "the peak" was unsustainable in any market so, why are we comparing our current market's health with such unrealistic statistics. For our market here in Portland Oregon, inventory levels are currently at 6.5 months (inventory levels are calculated by taking the current number of active listings divided by the number of pending sales in any given month). In fact, Happy Valley was one … (2 comments)
new homes: Happy Valley:Town Homes, an Architectural style or lifestyle?
- 10/09/09 11:01 AM
The answer is, yes, to both. The architectural style is what most people associate town homes with, yet the lifestyle is truly the most appreciated aspect by those that chose town home living. Webster's Dictionary defines a town house as: "a usually single-family house of two or sometimes three stories that is usually connected to a similar house by a common sidewall." Thus, an architectural style. However, what isn't clarified is the lifestyle also associated with Town homes/houses. Town homes are ideal for those who lead active lives. Town home owners typically enjoy traveling, outdoor activities and social activities. They are … (0 comments)
new homes: Blown-in insulation, so what?
- 09/21/09 03:36 PM
It is not surprising that when you talk with someone about our differences in how we insulate their eyes glaze over. However, it is very important. In a market that is no longer a "buy & flip", but a "hold for the long term" as in years past. Features like insulation, heating systems, quality levels of materials, etc are important for the lasting value of a home. Considering that buying a home is only half of the transaction, the other half is when it is sold in 5 - 10 years. What features will provide that lasting value that older homes … (0 comments)
new homes: Time is running out on your Tax Credit!
- 08/27/09 11:01 AM
For our potential first time home buyers out there, the $8000 Federal Housing Tax Credit that you are eligible for is coming to a close. By the 1st of December 2009, only 3 months way, this tax credit will be no more. However, due to the time necessary to close a home taking about 30 - 45 days, what this really means is that you will need to have your sales agreement accepted and in escrow by the 15th of October just to be safe. Since you have only about a month and a half of shopping time left, don't delay. … (2 comments)
new homes: The unrealized value of owning a Green High Performance home.
- 06/19/09 11:43 AM
I wrote back in January about the behind the scenes inspections and testing that the green high performance homes get that many don't know about or if they do, don't appreciate the intensity of them. Since we continue to hear about Buyers wanting the "Best Deal" or the "Best Value", it occurred to me that the Value of these homes is also not being realized. For instance, 100% of the homes we build here at Marnella Homes are built to the Earth Advantage/Energy Star "Gold" level. Our homes are extremely well sealed and with blow-in insulation achieve a very low leakage … (0 comments)
I bought my first home when I was 21 years old. Besides some bedroom furniture, I owned basically nothing. I remember being overwhelmed by the process and the weight of the responsibility. When I closed on the house and picked up the keys, I celebrated by enjoying a pizza and a beer sitting on the floor in the middle of my very own living room. I was so proud and excited to own a home of my own; something that was all mine. It was an experience I will never forget and one that influences what I do today.
My background in Real Estate spans over 24 years and includes sales, restoration of historic homes, and construction and development. Over the years I have always tried to bring the same sense of pride and excitement to my customers that I felt as a first-time home buyer myself. And now as a builder, I strive to create beautiful homes and a home buying experience that is fun and easy.
I am a lifelong resident of the northwest and understand the importance of a good name. From start to finish, my reputation is represented through our quality of craftsmanship, honorable dealings and attention to detail. And that is why I am involved in every aspect of Marnella Homes. My vision of the Marnella companies and the experience that I expect for our homeowners is what motivates me and every one of my team members.
At Volare, in Happy Valley, we are offering our "Firenze" model home for sale. This home has a very comfortable feel with our upgraded knotty alder cabinetry and granite counters with a full subway tiled backsplash, pantry, eating bar and large dining area. The main floor has wide plank laminate floors with a hand scraped appearance, a corner gas fireplace and the powder room is finished in painted wainscoting. Going upstairs, the banister includes a stained maple cap & post with painted balusters, utility room is here for convenience with washer & dryer and the 2nd bedroom has a built-in desk … (0 comments)
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