How Did You Find Your New Home?

Chances are you started your new home search online. Right? It started with a search for an area of town, a particular builder or community. You went on the Internet and you Googled a few keywords or phrases.

If you are a home builder or new home community you want to be found when your buyers search for your keywords. Search engine optimization is more important than ever. What are you doing to make sure you have fresh content for the search engines to find? Are you blogging? Do you have a news section on your website?

Fresh content is easier than ever for Atlanta home builders to put online. Contact the number one Atlanta real estate news blog today - www.AtlantaRealEstateForum.com

Coming soon– Water saving plumbing fixtures in all new construction

A new law recently signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue will require all new homes in Georgia to have water saving plumbing fixtures beginning in July 2012. There are also new requirements for commercial construction and multi-unit buildings, such as condos and apartments. The Georgia Water Stewardship Act is one way the state’s legislators are showing a good faith effort to be responsible water consumers as they fight the “water wars” with surrounding states.

With the passage of the new law, homeowners in all of Georgia will share the outdoor watering restrictions that those metro Atlanta have long followed. The new restrictions say that residential landscape watering should take place between the hours of 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. Watering your vegetable garden is acceptable at anytime (though you’ll still get the most bang for your buck during the early and late hours when less water evaporates).

Speaking of bang for your buck, there’s no need to invest in expensive irrigation systems to hydrate your yard in a way that conserves water usage. The Equifax Personal Finance Blog recently published information on Water Saving Devices including a programmable sprinkler timer that costs only about $50 and works with regular garden hoses. The post’s author was Ilyce Glink, nationally-syndicated columnist, bestselling real estate book author and Newstalk 750 WSB radio talk show host. She profiled several additional gadgets that will also save you money while helping the environment. The Equifax blog is full of information to help homeowners, homebuyers and anyone who spends money. Check it out!

Bowen Family Homes Ranks as Top Nationwide Home Builder

For the tenth year in a row, metro-Atlanta home builder, Bowen Family Homes has been ranked by Builder Magazine as a top nationwide home builder on the Builder 100 list. A annual compilation of the top-100 home builders nationwide, the Builder 100 list uses total closings to determine rankings. This year Bowen Family Homes ranked No. 81.

Bowen Family Homes currently builds two-story, ranch and town homes priced from $89,900 to the mid $400s in Cobb, Forsyth, Fulton and Gwinnett counties. Bowen Family Homes communities frequently feature amenity packages that range from gated entryways, neighborhood pools, parks, playgrounds, walking trails and tennis courts. Many communities are also conveniently located near community parks and recreation making it easier for home owners to enjoy their time within their neighborhood and surrounding community.

For more information about Bowen Family Homes communities, please visit the Bowen Family Homes website. This informative and interactive website is a plethora of information ranging from community information to floorplans and pricing.

New Home Communities Near Encompass Group Affiliates in Lawrenceville

The Atlanta Journal Constitution recently reported that Encompass Group Affiliates will be relocating their headquarters to Gwinnett County, bringing 100 new jobs to the Lawrenceville area. With numerous outdoor activities, including close proximity to both Lake Lanier and the North Georgia Mountains, greats dining and shopping options Encompass Group Affiliates could not have chosen a better area to relocate to.

Metro-Atlanta home builder, Bowen Family Homes has several new home communities in Lawrenceville perfect for Encompass employees who want to live near work.

For those interested in maintenance-free living at a reduced price, Alcovy Falls is the perfect community for you. Originally priced at $119,900 this townhome community has been drastically discounted and priced now begin at $89,900. There is also one townhome remaining in Bennington Square located off Sugarloaf Parkway and 316.

Looking for a single-family home? You might want to consider Freeman Crossing. This beautiful new homes community begin in the $140s, perfect for a young professional or family. For the family who needs a bit more space, the three and four bedroom floorplans, six move-in ready homes and several presale opportunities make Kensington Creek Manor ideal.

To learn more, visit the Bowen Family Homes website today, or call 1-800 MY BOWEN.

Bowen Family Homes presents: The 5 Things You Need to Know About the Tax Credit

The extension on the home buyer tax credit has been wonderful for both first time and repeat home buyers interested in purchasing a home in 2010. With only two months remaining to take advantage of this amazing opportunity, it's important that all potential home buyers know how the tax credit works. In order to better help buyers understand the important points to the housing stimulus bill, Bowen Family Homes representative, Tanner has created a short video explaining the five things every home buyer should know about the tax credit.



In case you missed any of Tanner's finer points, here's a quick recap of his presentation:

1. The tax credit does not need to be repaid 
2. This home buyer tax credit applies to both first and repeat home buyers
3. First time home buyers can receive up to $8,000 back on their new home. Repeat buyers up to $6,500 
4. The tax credit can be used on homes up to $800,000 in value
5. In order to receive the tax you must have a contract by April 30, 2010 

Bowen Family Homes has numerous new home communities throughout the metro-Atlanta area. Whether you have a family of four and need more living space, or you are a young professional looking to purchase your first home, Bowen Family Homes has just what you're looking for. By building high quality homes at an affordable rate, it's no wonder Bowen Family Homes is the builder of choice for those looking to take advantage of their tax credit.

For more information about any of the Bowen Family Homes communities, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan of Bowen Family Homes on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome

Lakeside Living at Cypress Springs

If you love to spend your days out on the glittering waters of Lake Lanier tubing, jet skiing, water skiing, or just sunbathing on the beaches, then you might want to consider the Bowen Family Homes community of Cypress Springs. Located in Cypress Springs, just minutes from Lake Lanier's beautiful parks, sandy beaches, golf courses, and amazing water parks.

In addition to the close proximity to Lake Lanier, homeowners in Cypress Springs also get to experience everything that Gary Pirkle Park has to over. This 50-acre park includes walking trails, picnic areas, and several rectangular fields for soccer, football and lacrosse.Gary Pirkle Park is set to open in March, just in time for all the spring sports and the warmer weather.

Homes in the Bowen Family Homes community are priced beginning at just $169,900. There are four different home designs ranging in size from 1,941 to 2,488 square feet, making it easy for buyers to find the home that is just the right size for them. All of the Cypress Springs homes feature hardwood floors in the foyer, breakfast area and kitchen (per plan). Whirlpool appliances, marble vanities in the bathrooms and seperate garden tub and shower are also standard. There is currently one home under construction (the Crestview) and two homes available for purchase (the Birchwood and the Northwyck).

For more information about Cypress Springs or any of the Bowen Family Homes communities, visit the Bowen Family Homes YouTube page, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome

Freeman Crossing

Offering homes from $169,900, Freeman Crossing, located just minutes from Lake Lanier, The Gwinnett Civic Center and the world class shopping of the Mall of Georgia and Discover Mills, is suitably located for the outdoorsman and adventure seeker in all of us.

With five different three and four bedroom plans to choose from, Freeman Crossing offers elegant design and detailing through the house. One of the most popular plans is the Canterbury model. The four bedroom, two and one-half bathroom home with a two-car garage also has a bonus room which many decide to make into a fifth bedroom or home office. The large corner kitchen that overlooks the family room and gallery is ideal for families with small children or for those who like to host parties. A parlor located in the front of the office might just be the perfect space for dad’s office. While it can give him the chance to get some work done, he will still be close to the action.

Although there are so many wonderful conveniences nearby, you might not want to leave your community at all after you discover the wonderful neighborhood amenities including a wonderful playground, pool and mushroom fountain.

For more information about this exquisite community, you can take a virtual tour online, or call 1-800-MY-BOWEN to schedule a VIP tour today! To stay up-to-date on all of the Bowen Family Homes news and specials, check out the Bowen Family Homes YouTube, become a fan on Facebook or follow along on Twitter @BowenFamilyHome.