Those in real estate have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving: Home sales jumped 10.1% in October, according to the Associated Press. This is the second month in a row sales have increased--the highest level in 2.5 years! This is due in large part to first time buyers taking advantage of the tax credit.
Read the full article in USA Today.
Happy Thanksgiving from Douglas Homes!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Meet the Builder: Douglas Dieringer
Being the highest producing office in Columbia at the time, Long & Foster bought Clark and Associates, owned by Mike Adair and Gary Clark, in 1982. This was the company’s first acquisition in Maryland making Dieringer a part of the first Long & Foster in the state.
As a highly motivated individual, Dieringer wanted the ability to focus on multiple real estate endeavors, from land development to selling. To obtain this luxury he moved to RE/MAX in 1982, making him a part of the first RE/MAX in Maryland, as well. He went door-to-door to sell houses, doing whatever it took, until he became one of the highest-grossing realtors on the East Coast in a few short years.
As an agent he represented several builders from Howard County, namely the Columbia area. At the time, Columbia was a vibrant, growing community with new construction and new developments popping up everywhere.
“In the real estate profession, if you’re serious about the business the next learning step is to go from dealing with townhouses, condominiums and single family homes to learning about land development and building,” he said. And, that is what he did.
Wanting to be a part of the development and progression of Columbia in its infantile state, he took the next logical step for someone who was so enthralled with the real estate industry. He partnered with Bob Goodier, his college friend, to form Goodier Builders in 1985. The two were caught in the midst of Columbia’s boom, watching it progress from a city of 20,000 residents to its present state of about 100,000.
Goodier Builders built its first home in Kings Contrivance, and in 1987, Dieringer built his own home that he lives in to this day. In 1988, Dieringer opened Douglas Homes and took it from a $0 company to a $20 million company in about fifteen years.
Dieringer was one of the handpicked builders responsible for building all the homes in the ten villages now known as Columbia under the James W. Rouse Company. Douglas Homes, which specializes in upper-end luxury development, is still one of Maryland’s premier builders to this day.
“I’ve built hundreds and hundreds of homes for my neighbors here in Howard County and watched them move in, grow up, and have seen their kids go to the same public schools as mine,” Dieringer said. “It’s a feeling of accomplishment knowing I’ve done something very important for the community. I’ve provided beautiful, well-crafted homes for our families, friends and neighbors here in Howard County.”
Dieringer has integrated himself into the community, golfing at public courses, playing tennis at the local athletic clubs, and going to events at the local public schools.
“It’s rewarding knowing I live, work and built a legacy here in Columbia from its infant state to what it is today,” he said. Columbia is one of the fastest growing counties in the U.S. and has often been voted one of the best places to live by Money and Fortune.
Dieringer graduated from Towson University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He is an avid golfer and can often be found playing at Hobbits Glen. He lives in Ellicott City with his wife, Mary, and their four children in the home he built 22 years ago.
Douglas Homes is now in its 22nd year of business.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Why Clarks Meadow?
We at Douglas Homes understand the importance of great education and forging lasting friendships. We understand how hard it is to pull your children from their schools when you relocate. But, we also know how great Howard County school are based upon not only their record, but through sending our own children there.
We ask you to come visit our model home and witness first hand what it would be like to live in a custom designed, top-of-the-line home. This way, if your kids do need to switch school systems, you know it's for a good reason. You know you are putting your kids in a community that is not only beautiful, a hame that is not only well constructed, but you are putting your children in an area that values education and recreational activities. You will be moving to a beautiful, pristine area that sits so close to both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and an area you will be proud to bring your friends to.
Right now we are offering up to $10,000 in options for only $1. We also rolled out a new floorplan, the Homewood, for $999,900. We have a special on the Warwick II for $979,900. Those who service and protect our country--our military-- receive $10,000 off any floorplan in Clarks Meadow or Frederick.
At Douglas Homes we don't believe in cookie cutter neighborhoods, a one floorplan fits all mentality, or anything less than perfect. We believe in top of the line quality, customization and a team of workers who are willing to go more than above and more than beyond to make you happy. Come build your dream home today.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Signs of the Economy Rebounding
Good news about the economy is often few and far between, but there are definite signs that we are on the upswing. Stephen Bernard of the AP gives some specific examples in Stocks rally as retail sales rebound and dollar falls, published in USA TODAY this morning.
In the article he states retail sales rebounded more than anticipated for the month of October and commodity prices are higher due to a weaker dollar causing investors to be more optimistic about the state of the economy.
According to the article, "major stock indexes rose more than 1% to 13-month highs, including the Dow Hones industrial average, which jumped more than 135 points." In addition, The Standard & Poor's 500 index jumped above 1,110 after staying at about 1,100 for the past month.
Retail sales also showed improvement: sales rose 1.4% in October despite economists estimating a mere 0.8% increase. This improvement comes after a 2.3% drop in September. The increase is due in large part to auto sales.
Additionally, the weaker dollar increased prices of commodities, such as crude oil, and lifted gold to a new high, which helped shares of energy and materials companies, according to the article.
In another article in the Washington Post, GM reports $1.2B 3Q loss, says it shows progress, GM states that despite posting a loss, the automaker is healthier than perceived because it will begin repaying its debt next month, which is years earlier than anticipated or required.
So, the economy is on the mend just in time for the holiday season. As far as Douglas Homes goes, we have seen an increase in prospects and have sold several houses in our Clarks Meadow development in the past two months--a sure sign the housing market is turning!
(Picture from http://joshcowman.wordpress.com/ from Google Images)
Are there any glaring signs of improvement you have noticed? We would love to hear from you!
Best,
Douglas Homes
Friday, November 13, 2009
A Taste of Howard County Schools...
It's no secret that Howard County has an award winning school system. But, it's the people who make it so special. Here is an article about a high school janitor who passed away last month. Please take a moment to read it, and get a taste of what it's like to live in Howard County:
(Article by Dan Rodricks published in the Baltimore Sun)
Listening to the janitor who changed their lives
A janitor can make a difference, and Chuck Sands proved it. He died recently, and unexpectedly, and there's been such an outpouring of grief and love from Howard County - and from the students of Centennial High School, specifically - that I just had to take a moment here to tell you a little about their head custodian.
"Mr. Chuck" was a father figure, mentor and general life encourager to hundreds of teenagers over 30 years in the Howard school system.
On a couple of Facebook groups dedicated to him since his death, students from Centennial and Glenelg high schools called him "the heart and soul" of their schools, a generous, compassionate and positive man.
"You're the only person I know who didn't seem to know what a bad day was," one of them wrote. "You taught us selflessness and dedication," wrote another. "Of all the things I learned at Centennial, the most important lessons came from outside the classroom," added another. "Thanks for teaching all of us the power & importance of unconditional kindness."
The janitor made a difference. Chuck Sands kept an eye on things, kept an eye on students. "Every time I saw him in the halls of Centennial," a girl wrote on Facebook, "he would make me smile no matter how crappy my day was."
Mr. Chuck died last month at age 54 from complications from acute pneumonia, according to Centennial's principal, Carl Perkins. "The thing that sucks about this, besides the fact that he's gone," a student wrote on Facebook, "is that he will never know all the kids who joined the i love chuck grp." But Mr. Chuck must have felt the love along the way. You don't touch the lives of that many young men and women without some coming back to you.
Last May, the Class of 2009 asked him to speak at their commencement. He accepted, and, in suit and tie, stepped to the podium in a flood of cheers and applause.
"Thank you very much, thank you very much, class. I love you too," he began. "This is without a doubt one of the highest honors anyone could receive. And me being your custodian, I say thank you. ... And for every custodian in Howard County, I say thank you to you students.
"When first asked to do this by some of our students, I was floored. I was like, 'You don't want me to do that, because you deserve such a bigger honor than that.' ... I asked Dr. Perkins, with this being your first year here at Centennial, how did you feel about it? He said, 'Give the people what they want.' ... But after I thought about it, I was like, 'We have connected, the honor is mine to do this tonight.' ...
"The wonderful, smiling faces that greet me every morning, and every day ... I'm so glad to see you, to show you guys that the love that you all have shown me I'm trying to show you back tonight.
"Seems like just yesterday, ninth grade orientation, I watched you girls and guys come to school, not knowing where you were going, your classrooms, and the new experience of high school. Trying to open all those lockers that just wouldn't open, they're so old. After I had worked on them all summer! I know they open, OK?
"When I first chose to come to Centennial, I knew what I had in mind as far as being a building supervisor and connecting with the students. This is one of the first things I believe you have to do to have a respectable, clean and safe go at life - a clean school that represents your education and people who come by and see it. We have done very well in that aspect.
"I'd like to thank all the parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles because I have sort of borrowed their children or linked with them over the last four years because they have enriched my life so. I, like you, have watched all the games year after year, the wins and the losses, winning titles and championships, raising all those banners on the wall or on the flag pole. Such great pleasure.
"The great plays that the kids put on all the time and the awesome dance programs. Such long, hard practices they give - but, well, enjoyable. ... One of my most satisfactory jobs, though, is providing the community with a school campus that is safe and clean. During the summertime, most of the time we spend here cleaning the school from top to bottom. And as you noticed last year, the school was freshly painted, you had new bleachers, you had new scoreboards. ... I'm so glad you guys got to enjoy that before you left, you deserve everything you can get ...
"Class of 2009, you have done quite well for yourself. Many of you will go off to your colleges, join the military service ... follow your dreams.
"One of my least favorite things, though, is saying goodbye to you all. I take great pride in trying to know each and every one of my students, but sometimes faces and names skip me. I check my mailbox on the regular so I see a lot of your letters. I cherish your letters. Now, Mr. Brandon Jacobs wrote me a letter and I was so touched by it because I was like, 'I know a lot of people by their first name but not their last.' But I sought him out and I gave him a hug. And I appreciate that, son."
Mr. Chuck paused here, according to the transcriber of his speech.
"All right," he then went on. "Class of 2009, my Centennial Eagles, I say goodbye. But it's not goodbye forever. I will see you later, at the next homecoming, or any time you're in the neighborhood and want to stop by. Centennial is your home. Just check into the front office first."
Dan Rodricks' column appears Thursdays and Sundays in print and online, and Tuesdays online-only. He is host of the Midday talk show on WYPR-FM.
"Mr. Chuck" was a father figure, mentor and general life encourager to hundreds of teenagers over 30 years in the Howard school system.
On a couple of Facebook groups dedicated to him since his death, students from Centennial and Glenelg high schools called him "the heart and soul" of their schools, a generous, compassionate and positive man.
"You're the only person I know who didn't seem to know what a bad day was," one of them wrote. "You taught us selflessness and dedication," wrote another. "Of all the things I learned at Centennial, the most important lessons came from outside the classroom," added another. "Thanks for teaching all of us the power & importance of unconditional kindness."
The janitor made a difference. Chuck Sands kept an eye on things, kept an eye on students. "Every time I saw him in the halls of Centennial," a girl wrote on Facebook, "he would make me smile no matter how crappy my day was."
Mr. Chuck died last month at age 54 from complications from acute pneumonia, according to Centennial's principal, Carl Perkins. "The thing that sucks about this, besides the fact that he's gone," a student wrote on Facebook, "is that he will never know all the kids who joined the i love chuck grp." But Mr. Chuck must have felt the love along the way. You don't touch the lives of that many young men and women without some coming back to you.
Last May, the Class of 2009 asked him to speak at their commencement. He accepted, and, in suit and tie, stepped to the podium in a flood of cheers and applause.
"Thank you very much, thank you very much, class. I love you too," he began. "This is without a doubt one of the highest honors anyone could receive. And me being your custodian, I say thank you. ... And for every custodian in Howard County, I say thank you to you students.
"When first asked to do this by some of our students, I was floored. I was like, 'You don't want me to do that, because you deserve such a bigger honor than that.' ... I asked Dr. Perkins, with this being your first year here at Centennial, how did you feel about it? He said, 'Give the people what they want.' ... But after I thought about it, I was like, 'We have connected, the honor is mine to do this tonight.' ...
"The wonderful, smiling faces that greet me every morning, and every day ... I'm so glad to see you, to show you guys that the love that you all have shown me I'm trying to show you back tonight.
"Seems like just yesterday, ninth grade orientation, I watched you girls and guys come to school, not knowing where you were going, your classrooms, and the new experience of high school. Trying to open all those lockers that just wouldn't open, they're so old. After I had worked on them all summer! I know they open, OK?
"When I first chose to come to Centennial, I knew what I had in mind as far as being a building supervisor and connecting with the students. This is one of the first things I believe you have to do to have a respectable, clean and safe go at life - a clean school that represents your education and people who come by and see it. We have done very well in that aspect.
"I'd like to thank all the parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles because I have sort of borrowed their children or linked with them over the last four years because they have enriched my life so. I, like you, have watched all the games year after year, the wins and the losses, winning titles and championships, raising all those banners on the wall or on the flag pole. Such great pleasure.
"The great plays that the kids put on all the time and the awesome dance programs. Such long, hard practices they give - but, well, enjoyable. ... One of my most satisfactory jobs, though, is providing the community with a school campus that is safe and clean. During the summertime, most of the time we spend here cleaning the school from top to bottom. And as you noticed last year, the school was freshly painted, you had new bleachers, you had new scoreboards. ... I'm so glad you guys got to enjoy that before you left, you deserve everything you can get ...
"Class of 2009, you have done quite well for yourself. Many of you will go off to your colleges, join the military service ... follow your dreams.
"One of my least favorite things, though, is saying goodbye to you all. I take great pride in trying to know each and every one of my students, but sometimes faces and names skip me. I check my mailbox on the regular so I see a lot of your letters. I cherish your letters. Now, Mr. Brandon Jacobs wrote me a letter and I was so touched by it because I was like, 'I know a lot of people by their first name but not their last.' But I sought him out and I gave him a hug. And I appreciate that, son."
Mr. Chuck paused here, according to the transcriber of his speech.
"All right," he then went on. "Class of 2009, my Centennial Eagles, I say goodbye. But it's not goodbye forever. I will see you later, at the next homecoming, or any time you're in the neighborhood and want to stop by. Centennial is your home. Just check into the front office first."
Dan Rodricks' column appears Thursdays and Sundays in print and online, and Tuesdays online-only. He is host of the Midday talk show on WYPR-FM.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Our Model Home in Clarks Meadow is for Sale!
Beautiful 5,000+ SF home featuring a conservatory, Florida room, 3 finished levels, beautiful hardwoods throughout, tray ceilings and a myriad of other state of the art features.
Sale price: $1,450,000
One-acre home site located in beautiful Glenwood, Md. Clarks Meadow, surrounded by preservation land, is marked by award winning schools and several shopping areas, recreational facilities and is minutes from Cattail Creek Country Club.
Visit our website for a virtual tour!
Call our model with any questions- 410-489-9311
Monday, November 9, 2009
Solar Panels: Are They Worth It?
Douglas Homes always strives to be a source of knowledge for its customers. We go above and beyond to make sure we are on top of the current trends and to ensure we have information to share with our prospects and current customers. With the current "green" push, we have been doing a lot of research about solar panels and geothermal energy.
Most people who purchase solar panels for their home fall into two categories: those who want to live green and those who want to save green. Unfortunately, for most people living in Maryland, solar panels will not save you much money. Of course, this depends upon several factors, such as how much sunlight your home receives and what your monthly energy bill is now. (Visit this link to calculate your average savings). However, many feel if there is an opportunity to do something eco-friendly, why not go for it? We agree.
We have compiled a short list of the pros and cons of solar panels. Here they are:
Pros:
1. Homeowners are eligible for a 30% tax credit on the cost of the solar systems (panels must be UL or OSHA certified to be eligible)
2. No cap on the credit amount
3. Clean energy source
4. Maryland has exempted solar energy systems from sales and use taxes
5. Prices for solar panels have dropped between 20-25%
Cons:
1. Can be extremely expensive--prices range from $50,000 to $680,000 for a house 4,000-5,000 SF
2. In a state like Maryland, many people never see savings on their energy bill due to the lack of sun in the winter
3. Most aren't visually appealing (those that are can be very pricey)
Finally, we at Douglas Homes are here to serve the needs of our customers. If you are interested in solar panels, we can assist you with this. We believe geothermal energy is also a good route to go and we have loads of information on both. (Look for a later post about geothermal).
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions! Visit our website for contact info!
Best,
Douglas Homes
Most people who purchase solar panels for their home fall into two categories: those who want to live green and those who want to save green. Unfortunately, for most people living in Maryland, solar panels will not save you much money. Of course, this depends upon several factors, such as how much sunlight your home receives and what your monthly energy bill is now. (Visit this link to calculate your average savings). However, many feel if there is an opportunity to do something eco-friendly, why not go for it? We agree.
We have compiled a short list of the pros and cons of solar panels. Here they are:
Pros:
1. Homeowners are eligible for a 30% tax credit on the cost of the solar systems (panels must be UL or OSHA certified to be eligible)
2. No cap on the credit amount
3. Clean energy source
4. Maryland has exempted solar energy systems from sales and use taxes
5. Prices for solar panels have dropped between 20-25%
Cons:
1. Can be extremely expensive--prices range from $50,000 to $680,000 for a house 4,000-5,000 SF
2. In a state like Maryland, many people never see savings on their energy bill due to the lack of sun in the winter
3. Most aren't visually appealing (those that are can be very pricey)
Finally, we at Douglas Homes are here to serve the needs of our customers. If you are interested in solar panels, we can assist you with this. We believe geothermal energy is also a good route to go and we have loads of information on both. (Look for a later post about geothermal).
As always, feel free to contact us with any questions! Visit our website for contact info!
Best,
Douglas Homes
Welcome to the Douglas Homes Inc. Blog!
We at Douglas Homes are pleased to post our first blog entry! We will update you with information about our communities and the home building industry in general to keep you informed.
Douglas Homes is a premier homebuilder serving Maryland since 1988. Behind every Douglas Home is a dedicated team of skilled housing professionals who are committed to providing you with the finest home value available to today's homebuyers.
Each facet of the design and construction process is carefully researched to ensure that every Douglas Home meets our exacting standards. From choosing the best locations to choosing the best building materials, we take pride in meeting the needs of our customers with imaginative design, construction excellence and prompt courteous customer service.
Our commitment to quality and integrity reflects our approach to business. We are a long-term participant in home building; we are not in business for short-term considerations. We are determined that your purchase of a Douglas Home will ultimately result in your becoming another of our satisfied homeowners. We want you to be happy with your purchase and we will walk the extra mile to make sure you're satisfied.
At Douglas Homes, we're building our reputation--with integrity and pride--one home at a time.
Visit our website for more information.
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