Filling a Void with Urban Infill Development

Posted by FieldStone Homes on September 16, 2011

David Greminger, President of Fieldstone Partners California, speaks about infill development at the 2011 PCBC show. Here are some excerpts from the above video. Watch Builder TV to view the video in it’s entirety.

Tremendous Opportunities in Infill Development Today?

Infill development is typically in area’s that are built out, by definition. Those areas are built out for reasons. Either they are a place that people really want to live, their coastal, or have other amenities that have drawn people there and that’s why they are developed. They are typically around jobs. So we think there is tremendous opportunity because that’s where people want to live.

Model Homes in the Infill Development?

When you are building a very small project like we are, there just isn’t the budget to invest in the models. Yet, you still need to have a physical structure people can walk through. We have setup our systems so that we can start the homes, building them on spec, and take them through almost finished condition. We will hold out the items that we fill buyers are emotionally attached to and allow them to make those choices late in the game. We would also be comfortable making substantial changes if the buyers request them.

Fieldstone has just begun construction on a 6-lot infill development project in the city of Dana Point. These new homes in Dana Point are located at the corner of Del Obispo and Camino Del Avion. Construction will also begin on an infill project in Encinitas. The Encinitas Bungalows are located on Requeza Street east of Beach Street less than one mile from the beautiful Encinitas beaches. These Encinitas Homes will range from approximately 1,747 to 2,199 square feet and offer three architectural styles.

About The Fieldstone Group of Companies

The Fieldstone Group of Companies (Fieldstone) traces its history back to 1981. Since that time, companies within Fieldstone have acquired, managed and developed numerous communities in Southern California, Texas and Utah ranging in size from small subdivisions to large master planned communities. Since inception, Fieldstone as a home builder, has completed the construction and sale of more than 26,000 attached and detached homes with revenues totaling approximately $6.7 billion. In addition, Fieldstone provides fee building, property management and consulting services to financial institutions, investors and other land owners. Companies within Fieldstone are privately-held with offices in Irvine, California and Salt Lake City, Utah.

C. Alan Arthur Appointed President of Fieldstone

Posted by FieldStone Homes on August 11, 2011

Veteran Real Estate Executive Assumes Overall Operational Responsibilities For Fieldstone in California, Utah and Texas

IRVINE, Calif. – Aug. 10, 2011 – C. Alan Arthur has been appointed President of FNE
Holdings, LLC (FNE), the parent company of the Fieldstone Group of Companies
(Fieldstone). The announcement was made by William H. McFarland, Chief Executive
Officer of FNE.

“Alan has served in a variety of senior management roles during his 20-year career with
Fieldstone, and has managed almost every area of residential development during both
strong and challenging market conditions,” said McFarland. “We are fortunate to have
Alan’s kind of business experience and expertise, as well as his high personal values and
other positive individual qualities, and I am looking forward to him taking charge of the
overall operational responsibilities for Fieldstone.”

Since 2007, Arthur has been executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and
during the past two years has assumed additional roles at Fieldstone, including the
management of both the Utah and Texas operations. In his new role as President, Arthur
will have direct responsibility for the operations of Fieldstone in California, Utah and
Texas. He also retains many of his responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer.

“I know I speak for the entire board in sharing that we believe Alan’s broad base of

experience in both financial and operational management roles, his negotiating and deal
structuring skills and his other experience and talents are a perfect fit for the needs of
Fieldstone today,” said Peter Ochs, co-founder and chairman of the board of FNE.

“I am very honored and excited to be appointed to the position of President of Fieldstone.
As I have assumed additional roles and responsibilities in recent years, during which both
Fieldstone and the home building industry have faced many challenges, it has become my
passion to successfully manage Fieldstone through these difficult economic times and
into a prosperous future,” said Arthur.

“I am highly energized by this new role and look forward to continuing to work with Bill
McFarland, Peter Ochs, and the Fieldstone Board as well as the other managers and staff
at Fieldstone.”

Prior to joining Fieldstone, Arthur was an audit manager and consultant with Price
Waterhouse and Kenneth Leventhal & Co. Alan has also served on the boards for
various non-profit organizations.

About The Fieldstone Group of Companies
The Fieldstone Group of Companies (Fieldstone) traces its history back to 1981. Since
that time, companies within Fieldstone have acquired, managed and developed numerous
communities in Southern California, Texas and Utah ranging in size from small
subdivisions to large master planned communities. Since inception, Fieldstone has
completed the construction and sale of more than 26,000 attached and detached homes
with revenues totaling approximately $6.7 billion. In addition, Fieldstone provides fee
building, property management and consulting services to financial institutions, investors
and other land owners. Companies within Fieldstone are privately-held with offices in
Irvine, California and Salt Lake City, Utah For more information,

www.fieldstone-homes.com

The Shortcomings of Short-Sales and Foreclosures

Posted by FieldStone Homes on August 2, 2011

When Tom and Kathy Jones, who have lived in San Diego County for 45 years, began looking for a home, they investigated buying a property on the short sale or foreclosure market.

They weren’t encouraged by what they found.

“The short sale process takes many months of waiting for something that you have no guarantee that you are going to get,” said Tom Jones. “If someone else gets the home, you have to start over again. Short sales and foreclosures are sold “as-is” and they could have cracks in the foundation or plumbing and electrical problems that could be a costly major repair.

“You have the short sales price and the remodel price. You are paying way more than the home is worth. Why not buy a brand new home?”

The Jones discovered Rancho Santalina, a new master-planned community built by Fieldstone Homes in San Marcos, where home prices begin in the mid-$300,000s.

“Why fix up a 25 year old home when we were able to buy a brand new home that had spacious living space, a wonderful neighborhood with camaraderie among neighbors and was clean and never lived in,” said Kathy Jones. “We looked in North County for two years and Rancho Santalina’s floor plans, quality and value are hands down the best”

Like all other Rancho Santalina home buyers, the Jones’ chose from among six flexible floor plans offering three to six bedrooms in home sizes ranging from 2,238 to 3,516 square feet. Energy Star® rated appliances, large family rooms and maple carpentry come standard in every Rancho Santalina home. Some floor plans include a downstairs bedroom and bathroom as well as options for a loft or home office.

“The Jones’ experience is not only typical but illustrates the advantages of buying a new home”, said David Greminger, division president of Fieldstone.

“When you compare the real costs of buying a used home through a short sale or foreclosure with spending the same amount of money, or even less, for a new home with features you customize for your family’s needs in a community like Rancho Santalina, the value quotient is clear,” he said.

“Combine the prices at Rancho Santalina with historically low interest rates and this is the ideal time to purchase a new home.”

Located 40 miles north of San Diego and just 10 miles from the beaches of the Pacific ocean, Rancho Santalina blends convenient commuting in one of the fastest growing cities in San Diego County. Proximity to entertainment, shopping and dining including Old California Restaurant Row are just minutes away. Convenient recreational opportunities include Eagle Lakes Bowling, Legoland and Twin Oaks golf course in a sweeping setting of rolling hills augmented by seven acres of preserved open space next to the community.

Neighborhood parks with basketball courts, play structures, picnic tables and open areas enhance the family-friendly flavor of Rancho Santalina as does the San Marcos Unified School District which serves the community.

For additional information, please visit www.RanchoSantalinaHomes.com or stop by the sales office located off I-78 and Rancho Santa Fe Road at 1650 Las Flores Drive, San Marcos. The office is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You may also call (760) 599-7110 to schedule an appointment.

Model Home For Sale – 7419 Monets Garden

Posted by FieldStone Homes on July 21, 2011

Beautiful Model Home …Now for sale !!!!!
Peaceful clean neighborhood, close to Loop 410, IH 35 and Loop 1604
2653 sq ft, 2 story, 3 very large bedrooms, all with walk-in closets
Large game room, 2 full baths plus 1/2 bath with pedestal sink
Fully landscaped front and back with patio and includes sprinkler system
Alarm system installed including alarm pad

For more information please call 877-722-4446 or download the brochure now.

New Home Buyers Field Guide

Posted by FieldStone Homes on July 20, 2011

Floorplan 1987 - New Homes in Utah by FieldStone Homes Many new home shoppers are confused and overwhelmed by the different pricing packages offered by new home builders. Following are some considerations before choosing a builder and community:

Is the building lot included in the home price? This is an important and obvious question to ask the builders representative upon your first visit to a model home or sales office. The price of the home should include the building lot, unless you own your own building lot and are seeking a builder to build a home on your lot. Keep in mind in the world of real estate ownership, it is the land which is considered first in the valuation and appraisal of property, while the home is actually considered an “improvement” to the property.
Is the location of the community in an area which will hold value? The location of the community/lot is of great importance. You should know the different factors in valuation between a big beautiful home which is built in a less desirable location, and a home in an area which will hold value or go up in value because of the desirable area in which it is located. Sometimes what appears to be a bargain is not! Always remember, location, location, location.
Will the builder carry the construction loan, or will that be your responsibility? A common practice among small home building operations is to expect you, the buyer to take out the construction loan. If a home builder does not have credit to acquire a construction loan and take responsibility for the expenses associated with building on the lot they own and are selling to you, should you trust that builder to have access to take draws from a construction loan that is in your name and that you are ultimately responsible to repay? Probably not. This of course does not apply if the builder is being contracted to build a home on a lot that you are going to acquire or already own. Usually a lot owner who is ready to build will be responsible to get their own construction financing.
Why does one builder include so many upgrades, while another builder does not? Unveiling the mystery “base price” of a home in which the builder has included what they call in the ad “all the upgrades included” is not an easy thing to do. Builders know that most people will not try to break down the price of the home to discover what was actually paid for each upgrade. Who knows how much a slab of granite for the countertop really costs the builder? A good rule of thumb is to look for a builder that offers a lower base price and will show you upfront the list of inclusions, as well as a list of prices for each and every upgrade, so that you can choose which options you would like to add to your home, and how much each option will cost you. Our mothers told us, honesty is always the best policy, and that matters in home building too!

If pricing information is hidden from you, and important details aren’t disclosed, you cannot make an educated decision about a home builder. But on the other hand, if you are offered upfront pricing information before and during the building process, you are most likely working with a home builder who does business with honesty and integrity. Search out the best deal you can in a good area and buy with confidence, knowing you were able to do your due diligence and make the best choice for your new home!

Home Maintenance – Do You Pass the Test?

Posted by FieldStone Homes on June 20, 2011

Home Maintenance - Tool Belt While buying a new home brings a peace of mind in terms of having to fix, change, or replace something around the house, keeping up with routine maintenance around your home will keep it in tip top shape. We came across this home maintenance quiz from NAHB and wanted to pass it along to all our buyers. On some of these issues, we even created a few short “how to” videos. Make sure to check them out.

You will want to read the entire article, but below are some of our favorite questions we wanted to pass on:

How often do forced-air furnace filters need to be changed?
According to the article, the air filter should be replaced at least every three months during the heating season. Blake, a Fieldstone Customer Care team member, walks you through how to replace an air filter in a home.
How often should the moving parts of garage doors be oiled?
According to the quiz, the garage door should be oiled every 3 months. In addition to oiling the tracks on your garage doors, Blake talks about other items on garage door maintenance that everyone will take to review.
What faucet part needs to be cleaned every three to four months?
We completely agree with the answer to this question. It is the aerator—the screen inside the end of the faucet. So why does it need to be cleaned out so often? According to Blake, it will lose water pressure over time. Not sure how to replace the aerator in your faucet? Blake will walk you through how to replace your faucet aerator.

Make sure to read the remaining questions on this test to see if you “Pass”. Your home is your biggest investment and taking proper care will help your home retain its value and provide you the most enjoyment. Please feel free to leave a comment about your home maintenance experiences and provide any tips for others.

Fieldstone Named to Builder Magazine’s Top 100 List

Posted by FieldStone Homes on May 20, 2011

IRVINE, CALIF. – May 18, 2011 – The Fieldstone Group of Companies (“Fieldstone” or the “Company”), one of the oldest and most respected private home builders based in Southern California, announced today that it has been named to the BUILDER 100, an annual list of the 100 largest home building companies nationwide for the sixth consecutive year.

“We take great pride in being named one of the top 100 builders of new homes in the United States. It’s a validation of our commitment to our values – integrity, teamwork, and excellence – which is evident in the homes we build and the communities we create,” said Fieldstone CEO William McFarland. “It is an honorto be included in such a distinguished list.”

Fieldstone and its affiliates have been building new homes of exceptional quality – more than 26,000 to date – since 1981. In 2010 Fieldstone closed 401 single family detached homes in Southern California, Utah and Texas. The company has been one of the top five homebuilders in Utah since 2004. Builder, a leading trade publication for the homebuilding industry, announced its annual rankings in the May 2011 issue of its Building magazine. The BUILDER 100 is compiled from data collected via direct survey of the nation’s top public and private builders and identifies the top home builders in America by annual closings, gross revenue and rate of change year over year.

About The Fieldstone Group of Companies
The Fieldstone Group of Companies (Fieldstone) traces its history back to 1981. Since then, companies within Fieldstone have acquired, managed and developed communities throughout Southern California, Texas and Utah ranging in size from small subdivisions to large master planned communities. Fieldstone has completed the construction and sale of more than 26,000 attached and detached homes with revenues totaling approximately $6.7 billion. Companies within Fieldstone are privately-held with offices in Irvine, California, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Grand Opening at Pineae Gardens in Centerville, Utah

Posted by FieldStone Homes on May 11, 2011

Townhomes in Centerville, Utah

You are invited to a Grand Opening this Saturday at our newest community Pineae Gardens in Centerville. Join us Saturday, May 14th from 11:00-2:00 PM at 180 W. 650 N. in Centerville. There will be Food, Prizes, Bounce Houses for the kids, Xbox connects to play, and the 97.1 ZHT morning show in attendance. Come and see what all the buzz is about!

Pineae Gardens – Homes, Condos, & Townhomes

Pineae Gardens is conveniently located just off I-15 and Parrish Lane at 675 North Main Street in Centerville. Choose from three different home styles: spacious “Tuscan Terrace” stacked-flat condos with three bedrooms and two baths for affordable home ownership opportunities, “Cittadina” town homes with attached one or two-car garages for mulit-level living opening on to maintained open space, and “Villa” patio homes for single level living with full basements and private yards. Residents will enjoy their own private swimming pool and pavilion, park, and walking paths all maintained by the home owner’s association.

Make sure to check out all the floor plans at Pineae Gardens in Centerville.

Pineae Gardens is unique because it offers such a wide variety of product, price and amenities:

Spacious Condo’s from the $140′s
Luxury Town homes from the $160′s
Elegant Single family Homes from the low $200′s
Maintenance free living
Swimming pool
And Parks and playgrounds

See you this Saturday!! Click the image below for Driving directions.

Map to Pineae Gardens in Centerville, Utah

New Home Construction Peaks Interest of Homeowners

Posted by FieldStone Homes on May 6, 2011

“MOM, where is that truck going?” “Let’s take a walk and find out!”

New Home Construction in Utah

Jordan Willows has seem tremendous construction going on in the past few months. With the spring time weather starting to show, curious neighbors and their children are learning all about the construction process, from the hole in the ground to framing, to a complete home.

I recently caught a picture of some curious neighbors taking in a show as the gravel (structural fill) is “thrown” into the empty excavated hole for further strength and stability for the home’s foundation!

Who said living in a construction zone is not fun, nor educational?

Structural Fill of Excavated Lot

New Homes in Lehi

Come to Jordan Willows in Lehi to get your questions answered about construction processes and see how Fieldstone Homes does it right from excavating the hole to closing on a home on time, with zero problems during the process!

Did you also know that Fieldstone Homes will build a Fieldstone home on your lot? Make sure to check out the latest program to build on your lot.

David Greminger Participating in Real Estate Conference

Posted by FieldStone Homes on May 1, 2011

FIELDSTONE HOMES PRESIDENT DAVID GREMINGER TO PARTICIPATE IN PANEL DISCUSSION AT UPCOMING NATIONAL REAL ESTATE CONFERENCE

Fieldstone Homes, an award-winning residential builder and developer with 30 years of experience, announced today that David Greminger, president of Fieldstone Partners California LLC, is scheduled to speak on a panel next month at the Crittenden National Real Estate Conference in Las Vegas, Nev.

Greminger, past president of the Orange County Building Industry Association, will participate in the discussion, “Single-Family Homebuilders Fill a Void with Urban Infill,” at 2:30 p.m. on May 3, 2011. Other participants include Brett Whitehead, president of Brandywine Homes, and Jason Kliewer, partner and general counsel of Trumark Homes. Arthur Nelson, director of the Metropolitan Research Center at the University of Utah, will moderate the session.

The Crittenden National Real Estate Conference is scheduled for May 2-4, 2011 at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Las Vegas. For more information, please visit http://www.crittendennational.com/national-conference-schedule.html.

About The Fieldstone Group of Companies

The Fieldstone Group of Companies (Fieldstone) traces its history back to 1981. Since that time, companies within Fieldstone have acquired, managed and developed numerous communities in Southern California, Texas and Utah ranging in size from small subdivisions to large master planned communities. Since inception, Fieldstone has completed the construction and sale of more than 26,000 attached and detached homes with revenues totaling approximately $6.7 billion. Companies within Fieldstone are privately-held with offices in Irvine, California, Salt Lake City, Utah and San Antonio, Texas. For more information, visit www.fieldstone-homes.com.