Florida Homebuilder Centerline Homes | Real Estate Blog

As a 30-year professional in the housing industry, my patience with the media is just about at an end. During the last five years it has become even more apparent that the media is disproportionately fixated on doom and gloom. And, in order to sell advertising, they consistently churn out a never ending stream of half-truths, partial statistics or general statements designed to sell advertising space rather than report a balanced news story. I miss Walter Cronkite and the integrity that was a part of his generation of news reporting. In those days, stories were reported without bias, extreme facial expressions or sarcastic quips and the intelligent viewer was able to reach their own conclusion based on being informed about both sides of the story – plain and simple. A perfect example occurred this weekend. The national media reported that homeownership in America was at its lowest level since the great depression, and then promptly moved on to another story. Pretty dismal. Somehow they all missed The National Association of Realtors September 21st article which stated that completed transactions in August 2011 rose 7.7% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.03 million, from an upwardly revised 4.67 million in July and that Augusts numbers are 18.6% higher than the 4.24 million unit level for the same time period in 2010. Holy cow. It seems that people are really buying homes after all. It seems that the truth is that American families who can afford to buy have realized that interest rates have never been lower, and that prices on homes both old and new have never been more attractive. Even more surprising is that within the broad-brush strokes of their “housing is a national misery” reporting, that there are actually bright spots in the housing industry. Builders who are focused on the correct locations, accurate product and exceptional value are achieving success, even in these troubled times. I am proud to be associated with one of the finest.

Jeffrey J. Auchter

Just as sure as the swallows return to Capistrano, you can always count on a continuous change in the colors found in home furnishings, house wares, appliances and accessories. Design gurus and manufacturers periodically create new palettes that filter down to all of the items that we purchase in any given store. From bedding to upholstery and from dinnerware to picture frames, colors evolve right along with the rest of the world’s changing tastes. The science of color is an interesting reflection on America’s mood at any given point. “In my 30 year career in homebuilding, I have seen many evolutions in buyers’ tastes and preferences,” noted Jeffrey Auchter, Vice-President of Marketing for Centerline Homes. “Beginning in the 1960s, for example, kitchen appliances were available in earthy colors like avocado, coppertone, harvest gold and poppy. Millions of us grew up in kitchens that were a version of one or more of these shades.” Prior to those colors, in the 1950s, appliances were available in pink, turquoise, mint green and yellow. These shades seemed to reflect the post-war mindset of unlimited possibility and a decided break from the austerity of the war years. “In the 1970s, black and white appliances came into their own, but almond was the color to have,” continued Auchter. “In many ways it was a reflection of a departure from the socially-turbulent years of the 1960s and these newer shades had the added advantage of providing a more neutral palette that enabled consumers to change the look of their kitchen without the expense of changing all of the appliances.” Today, stainless steel appliances are king, again perhaps a reflection of America’s ever-expanding technological lives and a more sophisticated taste preference. Appliances are just one part of the multi-billion dollar house wares and home furnishings industry.

What’s next? Recently design expert Nate Berkus featured a segment on his nationally-syndicated TV show that dealt with his top three interior furnishing/accessory color predictions for autumn/winter 2011. He stated that America will begin to see the colors; Asparagus, Navy/Black and Bronze more and more in home furnishings and accessories. He also explained why he felt strongly about each of his choices. Navy/Black was very sophisticated and also can add a dramatic touch to a family’s existing design. Bronze was sleek, elegant and rich. The metallic implications of a color like bronze also tie-in to today’s super techno-savvy mindset. He chose asparagus because of its soothing and comforting qualities, and again it can be easily integrated into an existing room.

All three are great color choices from a style icon who speaks very well to the American consumer. What’s next? “Personally, I believe in the old adage that everything old becomes new again,” continued Auchter. “My guess is that we’ll see a renaissance of some of the 1970s colors redefined in more sophisticated versions of the original shades.”

The recent blow-away success that the Missoni items created for Target stores has achieved, proves definitively that although Americans may be on a budget, it’s still about style. The designer’s items sold-out in record time and demand was so high that eager shoppers inadvertently crashed the Target web site.

Today’s homebuyers are as design conscious as today’s fashion shoppers. It’s all about the style and design of their home. Again, even in budget conscious times Americans insist on having a stylish place to call home. Centerline Homes understands the importance of every home’s personality, or more specifically, the personality of its owners. The Centerline Homes legendary included features list offers a selection of colors and styles that enable every buyer to let their personality shine. Additionally, Centerline Homes’ buyers are typically able to make their selections at a Centerline Homes Design Gallery. Design experts assist buyers through the entire selection process.
Centerline Homes has been one of Florida’s premier homebuilders for over 17 years and is currently building new neighborhoods in Vero Beach, Cooper City, Longwood, Lake Nona, Orlando, Parkland and soon in Ft. Lauderdale. For more information on these outstanding communities, visit www.Centerlinehomes.com  

City of Parkland September 11 Remembrance
September 10, 2011
6:00pm-7:00pm - 9/11 Remembrance
7:00pm-8:30pm - Concert in the Park
Pine Trails Park Amphitheater

The City of Parkland will be remembering all those lost during the September 11th attacks on our nation. Join in remembering those lost and celebrating the lives saved at the 10th Anniversary of September 11th. The event will feature live performances by local schools, Twin Tower light beams, and a special presentation by a Key Note Speaker Martin Kiar. Following the special presentation the Big City Dogs will take the Amphitheater stage (7:00pm-8:30pm) with some toe tapping patriotic music for the night.

Centerline Homes Ranked #5 Residential Developer in South Florida

The South Florida Business Journal has announced their list of South Florida’s top residential developers for 2011, and Centerline Homes, headquartered in Coral Springs, was ranked number five. Celebrating 18 years of building exceptional homes and neighborhoods, Centerline Homes has become known throughout Florida for quality construction, innovative design and legendary value. The company’s South Florida communities include Vero Lago in Vero Beach, The Townhomes at Parkland Reserve in Parkland and The Ranches at Cooper City. Centerline Homes is also one of Orlando’s most respected builders with communities such as Eagle Creek Golf and Country Club, The Gardens at Keene’s Pointe and Bella Vista. Centerline Homes was also selected by BUILDER magazine to create three show homes for the 2012 International Builders’ Show, set to debut in early 2012. For more information visit www.CenterlineHomes.com