“Historically, interest rates are at an all-time low right now, and typically Mega Homes’ clients are move-up buyers, so the low interest rates benefit them even more,” says mortgage industry expert Aaron McClay of Fairway Financial. “The savings are tremendous on a 30-year mortgage, but if a buyer is able to work with a 15-year mortgage, the savings multiply immediately because less interest is being paid.”

When interest rates are low there are a number of benefits for you as a home buyer. A potential home buyer can obtain a mortgage more cheaply than they normally would, which translates into much lower payments over the life of the loan.

Even a slight decrease in interest rates makes a huge difference in payments and also in purchase power. Not only do lower monthly payments allow you to purchase more home for your dollar, more money is going to the purchase price of the home rather than toward interest. Mega Homes brings upscale features and distinction to the interior and exterior of your home.

Call Aaron at 612-987-2761 or email him for more information. For your convenience, here’s a link to a great mortgage calculator.

by Meg Dehn

Pictures speak 1000 words…. In March, I was fortunate enough to experience my first Mission Trip.  My 11 year old daughter, Angela accompanied me and 6 others on a trip to Reynosa, Mexico.  The group was coordinated by a friend/Mega Homes’ homeowner.  Di Anna has been on many mission trips to this area of Mexico throughout her life and with the help of “Border of Hope” missionaries, she planned a trip of a lifetime for all of us.

We slept in Texas and worked in Mexico for 5 days.  Our days consisted of prayer time, crossing the border, and working with wonderful Mexican adults and children at a church and the pastor’s family home.  We painted the ceiling and walls of the church.  The youth in our group painted the church pews and we assisted in building an addition on the pastor’s home. 

The gracious people of the community where we worked made us an authentic Mexican lunch on our last day, which we truly enjoyed. We relaxed in conversation; while watching the American and Mexican children (and some adults) play a heated game of soccer.

We definitely made an impact by putting the finishing touches on a church where the community was already gathering in praise and we were able to help the Pastor and his family by enlarging their home. 

However, the impact was really on the eight of us, who were fortunate enough to be taught the big lessons of life; acceptance, humility, graciousness and real love!  Those who have less… truly seem to have more.

We came back home; to our families, our work and our schools and life does go on.  However, three months later and I continue to see the angelic faces of our new friends, very clearly in my mind.  I won’t forget the beauty we witnessed in some pretty ugly situations, the wonderful Kincaid family who gave up their life in Chicago to start “Border of Hope” missionary group and our group of 8 who went on this journey with open hearts and open minds…  only to be changed, spiritually, for a lifetime.

Stay tuned as we hope to plan another trip to help with more construction projects in the very near future.  It is a border worth crossing!

Click on the link below for more information about “Border of Hope”.  

Border of Hope

“We do not believe in large houses with many rooms elaborately decorated and furnished, for the reason that these seem so essentially an outcome of the artificial conditions that lay such harassing burdens upon modern life…

That is why we have from the first planned houses that are based on the fundamental principles of honesty, simplicity and usefulness…”

Gustav Stickley

An American furniture maker, Gustav Stickley began his work in upstate New York, studied in England and returned to America prior to 1900.  His trademark was craftsman furniture, which followed with the publication of “The Craftsman”, a magazine that boasted the styles of the bungalow movement in America.  He also produced house plans and offered his design services.  He truly was an icon in the Arts & Crafts industry and Stickley’s passion for the Craftsman Architecture and style was felt throughout America.

Operating a custom home building business today, I have followed some of Stickley’s design ideas while attempting to create homes that offer the innovation and technology of 2010, but are complimented by the simplistic and practical ideals of English Arts & Crafts homes.

During the last two weekends of the Parade of Homes, offering 358 new homes to tour throughout the Twin Cities; be sure to tour them with a keen eye on space.

• Get a strong feeling for how your family would use ALL space and prioritize what rooms and features are the most important to how you live as individuals.
• Be sure to study the outdoor space as well.  What is available to you now?  How can you add to the landscaping and outdoor living areas over time?
• Ask the builder for ideas and request a landscape plan so you can start your research before spring officially hits.
• Buying a model home in the Twin Cities is a financially sound decision right now.  Prices for new homes are extremely competitive and they offer warranties, innovative products and custom designs and should truly be turn key.
• As a move-up buyer, you will gain equity quickly, especially if you plan on living in the home for several years.

Follow the link below for more details about our Parade Model Home #273 in Nature’s Crossing, at the crossroads of Maple Grove and Dayton.

Edgewood Parade Home

Windows tend to be a frontrunner when homebuyers are looking at options in their new home.  However, considering the importance of energy savings, climatic changes in Minnesota and simply the desire for beautiful windows with classic design, it is amazing  that many are willing to “settle” for a lesser window.

Whether you are looking in the new or used market, be sure to educate yourself on windows prior to your first home tour.  Know what you are looking for on the interior & exterior of the windows.

• Take a look at the window jambs, and the casing to see if there has been moisture damage.
• Open and close the windows to test the ease of operation.  Ask about cleaning options…  Andersen has a “Tilt Wash” window that allows you to swing double hung windows in with ease for quick cleaning.
• On the outside, check to see if the windows are clad or wood.  Will they need to be maintained in the future and are you willing to sacrifice time and quality for a lesser window?
• Ask about the window glass; is it Low E glass and how does it perform in extreme cold and extreme heat conditions?

Mega Homes has used Andersen Windows exclusively for over 10 years, based on our belief that they are the best quality built window, with an exceptional warranty, at an affordable price.  Below are some facts about Andersen Windows and a link to their website for more information….  go ahead, educate yourself!

Andersen Advantage
Our wood interiors feature superb styling — with no visible finger joint seams. Natural wood provides structural stability and is one of the most effective insulators available. For added reliability we treat the frame and sash parts with wood preservative.

Andersen Advantage
All Andersen® windows and doors feature the Perma-Shield® system, which protects the window’s exterior beautifully for decades.* It also eliminates the need to paint—and repaint.

Andersen Advantage
Ordinary dual-pane glass lets 62% of UV light pass through. Our High-Performance™ Low-E glass cuts that down to 17% with virtually no effect on the clarity and color of the light.
With Low-E glass, if your thermostat is set at 70°, the temperature of the innermost glass pane won’t drop below 57° even if it’s 0° outside. In warm climates, Low-E glass works just as hard to keep your home cool. For extreme climates, we also offer High-Performance Sun™ glass for maximum UV protection and temperature control.

Andersen Windows

If you’ve spent any time in the last 3-4 years looking at new homes, you have surely noticed that the sizes of new homes have slowly decreased.  It makes one ponder the question, are the Mc Mansions slowly becoming a home of the past?  Don’t misinterpret me; I think large homes will always have a market share in most regions, but that market share has declined.  Quoted from Builder Magazine, November 2009, “Even for those who can afford them, trophy homes constitute an image problem at a time when modesty has become fashionable.  One recent CNNMoney.com poll asked more than 33,000 online readers if they thought American homes had gotten too big; 69 percent said yes.”

At Mega Homes, we’ve always concentrated on designing homes that use every inch of the space; trying to avoid rarely used rooms by creating “flex space” and doing away with long hallways and oversized rooms that are simply wasted square footage.  This design philosophy has been popular with our customer niche, but in the past not all buyer’s recognize the value of well planned space. However, with the changes in the economy, it seems that most individuals do much soul searching as to what is truly important in life.  Housing costs and therefore home sizes seem to be one of the biggest areas of reflection.  Now more buyer’s are looking for homes that are designed around their family’s lifestyles.

If you are in the market for a new or used home, keep these things in mind:

• What spaces does your family use most of the time?
• What rooms could your family do without?
• Are there two rooms in your current home that could be combined as one; such as a guest room and computer room? 
• When designing and building a new home, be sure you consider a “Bonus Room” above the garage.  This space is so valuable!  You can add 300-400 square feet for well under $20,000 when designed correctly.  And this space can be used in many different ways as your family’s needs change through the years.
• In your current home, are there rooms with misplaced windows and doors that cause chaos when trying to furnish that room?  Watch for this when designing or buying your new home.
• How much time does your family spend outdoors?  The warm weather months in Minnesota are deeply cherished.  Consider setting aside a portion of your budget to create comfortable and well designed outdoor space; whether it be a screened porch, a partially covered courtyard, an outdoor kitchen or bar…  the ideas are endless!

No matter what the size of the home you are pursuing, using ALL the space well is integral.  Why throw money away on something you’ll never use?

It has been several weeks since we introduced this project, and we’re extremely proud of the final results that emerged from this extensive Edina remodel job upon completion in late September. Our team at Mega Homes, along with this customer, combined great efforts to give this home a brand-new feel.

The home is located on a mature, tree-lined boulevard in a neighborhood that is both comfortable and nostalgic of a simpler time. From the moment you first drive up to the home, you can definitely feel the difference the project has made. While constructed quite well originally, with a high-pitch roof and a unique rambler design, we believe our work nicely modernized the home and dramatically increased its curb appeal. Mega Homes was proud to add new Hardi siding, Andersen windows and other fine exterior products.

On the inside, we are thrilled how the changes opened up the main living space to be more functional and efficient, complimenting today’s active lifestyles. One of the homeowners’ favorite aspects of the remodeled home is a two-sided gas fireplace positioned between the dining and living room areas. This addition not only keeps the family warm, but allows the family to maximize space. Another popular feature is the new three-season porch and deck we added. Built to overlook “Lake Edina,” the owners plan to put it to use while hosting a holiday party in January!

Other aspects of the project include a completely new kitchen and master suite incorporating several innovative products and ideas you’ll see in our photo gallery on this blog.

Each time we work with a client, we are impressed with the variety of concepts they develop – and we love working with them to make these dreams a reality!

Even during this struggling economy, Mega Homes is working diligently on some exciting projects.  We have a Parade Model almost completed, another 2 Story Model home underway, 2 pre-sold homes and a lot hold; all in Nature’s Crossing.

However, we have also enjoyed continuing to build our reputation in the Remodeling Industry.  We have always worked with our homeowners and invited referrals from friends and associates, but we seem to have more variety coming our way now.  We are currently in the midst of an extensive remodeling project on a beautiful 1960’s home located in Edina.

While working with our clients, referred to us by our draftsperson, we jointly have revamped this home from its original architectural state to a “soft Craftsman” style home.  While the exterior calls out Craftsman, the interior is quite innovative and somewhat contemporary.  The homeowners had some terrific ideas and visions regarding the ultimate feel of their home and now that we are about 85% complete, one can instinctively get a feel of how this home has really come to life!

Put it on your calendar to return in a few weeks, we’ll be posting another blog with all the final pictures in late September.

You’re right, it is a “BLOG - DO NOT” to strictly market yourself.  However, we are proud of our latest endeavor, so I’ll share it with you!

We sold our newest model while it was under construction and can only show it for one weekend, hence this will be your “First and Last Chance” to tour.  This weekend only, Saturday & Sunday, June 20-21 the Edgewood will be available to tour from 12 - 5 pm.  Refreshments will be served!

Our Edgewood model was designed specifically for Nature’s Crossing.  It has been an extremely popular 2 story home for many families.  After careful consideration, research and interviews with current Edgewood Homeowners, we re-designed this home and are very proud of the new look. 

In addition, given the current market conditions, we wanted to offer this home for under $500,000.  And we did it!  At $499,800, this home is loaded with all the right luxuries.  A very functional front porch with a 2nd entrance for children directly into the Mud Room! Alder woodwork & cabinetry, granite countertops, pre-finished Cumaru hardwood floors, a  private master suite, with large tile walk in shower, a fantastic Bonus Room, upper level laundry… the list really does go on. 

Of course, as with all our homes in Nature’s Crossing, the Edgewood is designed with true Architectural style, Andersen windows, James Hardie fiber cement siding, a great landscape package and direct access to the 5000 acre Elm Creek Park Reserve!  Fit us in to your weekend plans - you’ll be glad you did!

Click Here for a printable flyer of our Edgewood Model

Click Here for Directions

“Outdoor Spaces” are becoming more and more popular.  They range from simple to luxurious and can be anywhere in between.  Homeowners retreat to these spaces for relaxation, entertainment or just fun family time!  These spaces vary in design and can consist of one or all of the following:

* water fountains & features
* outdoor kitchens
* outdoor bars
* covered courtyards
* landscape features
* fireplaces or wood burning ovens

The list of design features really is endless.  Typically the flooring is designed with pavers or stamped concrete, but can just simply be a concrete patio.  Some prefer a completely covered courtyard, others prefer a pergola or no covering at all.  You can incorporate your outdoor space off a screened or four season porch, or off indoor spaces.

If you love spending time outdoors, this is money well spent.  Whether your budget is small or off the charts, there are ways to design and construct the space to meet your needs.  It can be done in phases over several years, or all at once.  If you are ready to add this space to your home, do some internet research, talk to a contractor or landscaper and move forward with your design.   If you live in Minnesota, Hurry!  We all know our summers don’t last forever!

Inspire yourself through the following links:

Gary Anderson Landscaping

I Village

Better Homes & Gardens

Southern Living Outdoors

According to the calendar, it’s been spring for almost a month now!  It hardly seems possible when you live in Minnesota and April seems to be that month that starts to drive us all MAD! 

Most of us enjoy winter until about the end of January.  February is a short month so we get through.  March brings Spring Break; at times leading us some where warm & sunny.  But April…  we are more than ready for sunshine and the color GREEN, not BROWN! 

So like our parents used to say, “Buck up – Spring will come!”  I guess we can endure again this year. 

Since we’re all dying to get outside, I asked our job superintendent, Jason Coonradt to give us some hints on preparing our yards for this long awaited season.

Spring is the time to “dig” into your yard again.  Walk around and look at your grass for mouse damage.  Mice run wild under the snow making tunnels and eating your yard.  If you find damage, gently rake up the dead grass and over seed the area with a quality lawn seed.  Keep it moist and soon you’ll have new grass growing.
            Now is a great time to clean up your planting beds, clean out leaves and debris.  Pull any vegetation that doesn’t belong, this will keep other weeds from germinating.  Prune shrubs and freshen up wood mulch.
            After Mother’s Day, you can start to divide and separate your perennials; hostas, grasses, etc.  I like to wait until my plants are growing above the mulch line for two reasons.  One, so I can see where all plants have been planted, which makes placing new items easier & eliminates overcrowding.  And two, I will know the plant is healthy which means it will have an easier time transitioning.  Be sure to separate the plant in half or thirds and get plenty of roots with each clump.  Gently pack in new top soil and keep moist for a couple weeks.  Enjoy your savings; this is such an economical way to freshen up your yard!
            Spring is also the time to dust off the lawn equipment.  Don’t wait until your grass needs mowing to get your mower ready and find it won’t start.  Here is a list of things to prepare your lawn equipment: 

1. Change your oil 
2. Add fresh gas
3. Change your spark plug
4. Clean your air filter
5. Sharpen your mower blade
6. Also make sure the weed whip and blower are running up to par

If you are in need of assistance getting your equipment running properly, call Jason at Mega Homes to schedule service.  Jason can work on most brands of mower, blowers, and weed whips at a reasonable rate.

Visit this link for more landscape tips from the MN Dept of Agriculture:

http://www.mda.state.mn.us/protecting/waterprotection/lawnspringtips.htm