Northern Virginia Building Industry Association Real Estate Outlook Presentation

At a recent Northern Virginia Building Industry Association Real Estate Outlook presentation, it was easy to see where the US housing market is today. It has either hit the bottom, is soon to hit the bottom, or could hit the bottom a second time. Clarity - I love it! Despite the diversity of predictions, and the many unknowns, there are a few things that we can all agree on:

• Interest remain low, and will likely do so for at least the short term.
• Availability of credit to the homebuyer/homeowner is critical to a recovery.
• Job losses must taper off and unemployment must decline for a recovery to be successful.
• The rate of recovery will vary in different regions of the US.
• Population is forecast to grow.

At SugarOak Corporation, we have continued to work with our client’s throughout the housing downturn. Our experienced and talented SugarOak Associates and team members have the flexibility to work on a myriad of residential projects, from small renovations, to new custom homes. At SugarOak, we will continue to work with our client’s to face the challenges ahead. We will provide the quality, craftsmanship, design and price that will make your next project exceptional and affordable.

Spring Homeowner’s Checklist

As we enjoy the change of seasons, we are reminded that it is time for some routine home maintenance. Preventative maintenance can help keep your family comfortable and safe as well as help to avoid more costly repairs. Year Round: Clean or replace air filters as recommended Check property for safety hazards Spring: Inspect the exterior of your home for damage Inspect paint and caulk Inspect brick and stone mortar Inspect the roof Inspect driveway, walkways and patios Test the air conditioner for proper operation. Refer to you manual for service recommendations. Make sure that vents are free of obstructions Check, clean and turn off humidifier Clean or replace air filter Clean debris from exterior air conditioning units Inspect, test and replace batteries in smoke alarms Check fire extinguishers Review and check fire escape routes for obstructions Clean gutters and check gutters to be sure that they are securely fastened Keep stairwell drains free of debris Keep culverts and exterior drains free of debris Check that sump pump is operating Check and repair window screens Clean and inspect deck for repairs Clean window operators and sliding door tracks of debris Check interior caulking at Baths and Kitchens Clean range hoods and filters Check septic system for proper operation and follow maintenance guidelines Wash windows and screens Turn on exterior hose bibs Check faucets for drips Monitor basement humidity levels – a dehumidifier may be needed SugarOak, located in Northern Virginia, can design and build on your lot, or we can find the perfect location for you, whether it’s in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington DC. Our team will stay in constant communication while building your home. At SugarOak, we build unique custom homes and long-term relationships.

At SugarOak Quality Counts

When you buy a new car, you check the ratings. How does it do in the crash tests, what is the gas mileage, how are the repair records? How does it look and perform? Do you like what you see and how it feels when you drive it? Does it have the design features that you want; cup holders, DVD player, GPS? It is the same with our homes, except that we don’t get a test drive! Take a look at the ratings; is it being built by a reputable builder known for quality? Has it passed any inspections above and beyond the code requirements? Does it have the design features that you want? At SugarOak we are committed to quality and customer satisfaction. We want our homeowners to be happy with the look, feel and performance of their homes. We are committed to being an EPA Energy Star Partner and have our homes inspected and tested by Third Party Professionals. We are proud to announce that the home at Bittersweet Farms, in Great Falls, Virginia, has just passed the first phase of the Energy Star Inspection! Stop by for a visit and see how much quality counts!

It May be Snowy Outside, but it's "Green" at SugarOak!

We have been hearing a lot of buzz about “green” lately, and it is not about spring foliage! It is about environmental awareness, otherwise known as the Green Movement. At SugarOak, we have been committed to environmental responsibility before “Green” was even a buzz word! Our first residential geo-thermal heating and cooling system was installed in the early 90’s, when the technology was relatively new! It is forecast that energy demands in our country, and around the world, will continue to grow. Since buildings are a major source of energy consumption, reducing the energy demands of structures can have a multi-faceted impact on our environment. By building more efficient structures, we help to preserve the environment by reducing landfill space, chemical pollutants and air pollution, and by saving forests and improving water quality. We believe that we are part of the solution; raising the bar of home performance is a necessity. We are committed to training, education and working with our trade partners as a way of meeting the rising standards. So what does this mean for the residential building industry? And what is SugarOak Corporation doing to be green? In the construction industry, environmental responsibility affects a number of phases and trades. There are three basic areas that we focus on: Energy Efficiency, Indoor Air Quality, and Resource Efficiency. We are proud to be building custom homes and additions that meet the specific design needs of our clients while also being more efficient than structures that are built to “meet the code” requirements. In addition, we believe that we are building homes that are more durable, perform better and are more comfortable while lowering the cost of ownership, thus making it a smarter investment. Stay tuned for a more detailed discussion of Energy Efficiency, Resource Efficiency and Indoor Air Quality.