Menu
Many homeowners add interest to their home by deciding to add plant containers on the porch, walkway, or patio area. Container gardening is great for those who want to be able to move their plants around depending on the weather conditions outside. Adding a few containers around your outdoor space will help to incorporate pops of color as well as add beauty to your home. Try using native plants to make container gardening easy on yourself if low maintenance care is more your thing. Here are a few commonly known low-maintenance plants perfect for any container garden.
These beautiful flowers are reminiscent of daisies with their gorgeous colored leaves around a yellow and black center. Zinnias are compact in size and can last throughout the year with the proper watering and sunlight conditions. The blooms are a definite eye catcher and this disease resistant plant can stand up to multiple growing areas. Zinnias come in a variety of colors including dark red, orange, white, fuchsia, yellow, and pink. Plant a few different colors in one container for ultimate interest.
These delicate looking flowers look a bit like butterflies with their three to four petaled heads and delicate leaves. They are considered annuals but may be able to withstand winter in some areas. Violas are a compact flower that pack a lot of punch for small containers and would do great on a porch or on either side of an entry door. Different colors are available including orange, yellow, white, purple, and lilac.
Planting a pot of basil, mint, oregano, or cilantro is a great way to not only add color to your outdoor spaces but provide a refreshing scent as well. These herbs thrive in containers and can be grown together if desired. They produce different kinds of leaves that can be snipped off and added to a summertime drink or in delicious recipes. Consider planting different varieties of basil, both green and purple hues, to add depth to a potted plant as well.
This plant may not have large blooms but it makes up for that with vibrant leaf colors accented with tiny blooms. Placing a few of these around an outdoor area will provide entertainment as butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees are frequent visitors to pollinate the delicate blooms. Coleus is tolerant of drought and comes in a variety of colors including variegated options in different shades of green, red, burgundy, and yellow. Coleus is an easy favorite among homeowners who have container gardens.
For the ultimate in instant beauty, consider planting a rose bush in a large container for a never ending supply of gorgeous roses. Although some roses can get quite large, there are some shrub varieties that can do well in a container. Roses have become more resistant to disease in recent years and are therefore great to use near outdoor living areas. Add instant elegance to a front patio or doorway by placing a few rose bush containers to welcome guests.
Using containers to accent your outdoor space is a great way to provide interest and beauty to your home. Consider planting Viola, Zinnia, or Roses for pops of colorful flowers. Planting other options like coleus or herbs will help to add interest to an outdoor living space as well. All of these options are easy to plant, maintain, and don’t need much attention in order to thrive in a container garden.
Katie Kuchta is a gardening and outdoor living guru, and self-proclaimed foodie. She can often be found cooking in the kitchen or on the hunt for the best tacos, follow her on Instagram @atxtacoqueen.
For many new homebuyers, purchasing a home is an important achievement that nears the top of their lifetime to-do list. Though this experience should be fun and exciting, financial and logistical uncertainties can make it stressful.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
As the team at Lennar knows first-hand, new homebuyers can take control of the process to keep it streamlined, hassle-free, and avoid typical home-buying mistakes.
If you want to hit the ground running in buying the home of your dreams, this guide highlights everything you need to know before making your first purchase:
Before beginning your search, take the time to evaluate your credit score and determine if it’s where you want it to be. Because a credit report reveals how you manage your finances, it will be a critical part of finding a home loan with a reasonable interest rate. If your score needs help, determine what’s hurting it, such as missing payments or using too much credit. Then, tackle the problem and strengthen your credit.
You should also determine how much house you can afford. The budget should allow you to pay your monthly mortgage comfortably, while leaving room to spend on other bills and save for retirement, or your family’s college education. To help determine your price range, a good rule of thumb is to multiply your annual salary by three and four.
Many experts recommend paying as much as 20% of the home’s overall cost for your down payment, so it’s important that you start saving as early as possible. This will allow you to take out a smaller loan, which translates to lower monthly payments. Plus, you’ll save more money in the long run, enjoy increased equity, and avoid having to pay mortgage insurance–which is required when down payments are smaller than 20%.
Life happens – and being prepared to handle anything it throws our way is critical. Set up a special savings account and transfer a fixed amount to it every month. This way, you won’t have to dip into your home savings to handle a broken down car or unexpected medical bill.
Before making an offer on your dream home, you should reach out to a lender or mortgage broker for pre-approval. Not only will this process help you nail down that pesky budget, but it will encourage a seller to consider your offer over that of someone who hasn’t been pre-screened.
Purchasing a home is a significant investment and long-term commitment, so it’s important that your choice fits your needs and lifestyle. Consider your ideal location, including whether you want to live in a quiet suburb or on a bustling downtown address. Think also about the type of home you want and must-have features.
If you’re buying a home with another individual – whether they’re your spouse or business partner – you need to have ground rules in place before the purchase. Discuss how ongoing payments should be handled, what the ownership percentage will look like, and what you’ll do when one person wants to sell.
Celebrate the prospect of purchasing the home of your dreams by being prepared! At Lennar we have a team that can help answer your questions—and get you financing—so let us know how we can be of assistance! With many gorgeous communities, offering different home designs, amenities, locations, as well as great value, a new Lennar home is sure to surpass your expectations. Before you know it, you could be throwing a house warming party in your own beautiful space – and we’d love to help you achieve it!
Imagine lounging on a floatie, the sun warming your skin, drifting through water that glitters like diamonds. Nearby, sitting on the edge of the pool, your teenage daughter is splashing her feet, giggling with newfound friends. Jack, the family adventurer, is in the adjacent water park: you see him running through waterfalls and past geysers, laughing with delight. Your husband is stretched out on a chaise longue, sipping something cold, relaxing after a challenging game of tennis. All is right in the universe.
That’s how you feel on a Lennar Staycation. Like a vacation, it offers the relaxation, exciting activities, and luxurious amenities of an amazing resort—but all the fun is right at home. No need to take time off from work, spend a fortune on travel, or find a pet-sitter for Samson; with a Lennar resort-style community, the daily vacation is a part of life.
Below are four resort-style Lennar communities that elevate daily living:
A sleek and stylish community of luxurious condos, as well as 2-story and 3-story townhomes—many with rooftop terraces–Landmark offers a lavish lifestyle at accessible prices. With abundant amenities, including an outdoor amphitheater and bbq pavilion, clubhouse bar, sparkling swimming pool, tennis courts, and more, Landmark in Doral is a community you’ll never want to leave.
A tropical oasis rich with royal palms, foliage, and flowers, Park Central is a beautiful and luxurious community, meticulously designed for unforgettable family memories. Offering 2- and 3-bedroom condos, 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes, and 3-bedroom single-family homes, Park Central provides an urban feel without the hustle and bustle of the city. Amenities like a resort-style swimming pool, various sports fields, ample, green open spaces, and walking paths, really allow you to become in tune with nature. And the fun doesn’t stop outdoors! At the 28,000-square-foot clubhouse, enjoy a billiards room, Internet lounge, ballroom, state-of-the-art fitness center, and more. No matter what you choose to do, there’s a way for the whole family to unwind at Park Central in Doral.
A community in the center of it all, Urbana brings new meaning to the term “staycation.” Living in the heart of downtown Doral – a dynamic hub with numerous entertainment venues and a bustling business sector – you can walk to world-class restaurants and shops in what has become one of Miami’s hottest areas.
But that’s if you even want to leave your home.
Fantastic amenities, including an over-sized swimming pool, exciting kids’ water park, and indoor basketball court, are just some of the enticements that will make you feel on vacation.
Discover striking home designs with cutting-edge architecture, including midrise condos, as well as 2-story and 4-story townhomes. With skyview terraces, the 4-story townhomes allow you to admire breathtaking views of the city, while resting in your very own rooftop retreat.
A sanctuary of serenity and refinement, Satori, offers 3- and 4-bedroom townhomes, as well as 3- to 5-bedroom single-family homes. With amenities like a 67-acre lake, an inspiring garden, and a clubhouse featuring a swimming pool and sundeck areas, floating dock, and kids’ water park, this community has everything you need to restore your spirit. Days can be spent refreshing oneself at the pool and nights enjoyed lounging lakeside and viewing star-studded skies. Endless opportunities for leisure and tranquility await you at Satori in Miami Lakes.
Ready to go on a daily vacation? Discover the home of your dreams and start living your Lennar staycation!
Shafner, Calif. – June 2018 – Lennar is excited to invite families and friends to Flight Park at the Gossamer Grove masterplanned community for a fun-filled day on Saturday, June 9. During the day attendees will be able to tour the newly-opened model homes from The Chateau Series and The Skye Series from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Then later that night, a special viewing of Paddington 2 from 8 to 10 p.m.
“This is going to be a great community event,” said Susan Wilke, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Central Valley. “We hope to see all the happy residents, their friends and families come out to see our new model homes and enjoy the film.”
The event will provide attendees with complimentary popcorn and treats, so bring out your blankets to enjoy the almost-summer warm evening. It’s also the perfect opportunities for homeshoppers to discover the lifestyle that Gossamer Grove has to offer. The Chateau Series offers eight distinctive home designs with sizes that range from 1,766 to 3,167 square feet. Four more home designs are featured in The Skye Series, with sizes that range from 2,029 to 2,570 square feet.
Community members or anyone interested in attending the event is encouraged to visit the Lennar Central Valley Facebook page for updates. Flight Park is located in Gossamer Grove off 7th Standard and Calloway streets.
Gossamer Grove is a masterplanned community that will be built atop more than 1,000 acres and will include, in addition to more than 3,000 homes, two schools, ten parks including Flight Park, meant to pay homage to Shafter’s deep-rooted history in aviation, and commercial and retail development, including city services.
For more information on this community or to view move-in ready homes, visit www.lennar.com/gossamergrove.
For a list of new home communities throughout the Greater Bakersfield area, visit www.lennar.com/bakersfield.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Visalia, Calif. – June 2018 – Lennar is excited to announce the Grand Opening the model homes from the newly updated Chateau Series at Vistas, Saturday June 9th. Prospective homeshoppers are invited to attend and learn more about this brand-new community.
“We are thrilled to present never-before-seen Chateau models to the public at this upcoming opening,” said Susan Wilke, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Lennar Central Valley. “Vistas is located in a prime Visalia location close to shopping centers, freeways and schools. We’ve brought some of our most family-friendly and popular home designs to this new community, making it a great opportunity for those looking to make their move this season.”
The Chateau Collection at Vistas offers homeshoppers eight distinctive floorplans to choose from in both single and two-story designs. Home sizes range from approximately 1,766 to 3,167 square feet of living space with three to five bedrooms and two to four bathrooms. These modern homes showcase gourmet kitchens, open-concept living areas, luxurious master suites and valuable Everything’s Included® features that come at no additional cost.
Lennar is the first builder to offer Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs. These new homes incorporate mapped out and built in wireless access points throughout the home that later provide uninterrupted internet coverage throughout every room in the home. Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program now offers the latest in home automation products and technology from today’s most trusted brands, providing homebuyers with a connected and modern living experience.
The Chateau Collection at Vistas is located off of Mooney and Ferguson in Visalia. Visit www.lennar.com/vistas-chateau-series or call (559) 554-1147 for more information.
For more information on new homes for sale across the Fresno market, visit www.lennar.com/fresno.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Eagle Mountain, Utah – May 2018 – Lennar celebrated a wildly successful Grand Opening event last weekend for the Townhomes at Evans Ranch, as the first Everything’s Included® model home and community in the state of Utah. Hundreds of individuals came out to enjoy the complimentary food trucks, tour the model home and learn more about Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® approach to homebuilding.
“We could not be more thrilled with the turnout or the feedback we received at the Grand Opening. All of the homes we released during the first phase release sold during the opening weekend and the crowds seemed generally excited about how Everything’s Included® works,” said David Prolo, Division President for Lennar Utah. “People kept saying things like ‘Really? Even this is included?’ and were impressed by the value that comes included in the price of our homes.”
Two distinctive floorplans are available at the Townhomes at Evans Ranch for homeshoppers to choose from. The Timber M and the Timber E plans range in size from approximately 1,463 to 1,485 square feet of living space and offer three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and full, unfinished basements. These homes also encompass an open-concept living area where the great room, dining area and gourmet kitchen effortlessly connect.
Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® program outfits every new townhome at Evans Ranch with a high level of included features that come at no additional cost. These include quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances including refrigerator, designer-selected cabinetry, home automation technology from today’s most popular brands and so much more.
Lennar is the first homebuilder to offer Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs, which incorporate a series of built-in wireless access points throughout the home for commercial-strength coverage. The strong, consistant Wi-Fi coverage also allows homeowners to take advantage of Lennar’s new home automation package, which lets them manage lights, front door locks, temperature, music, movies and more remotely or with voice control from Amazon Alexa.
A new phase of homes for sale at Evans Ranch is coming soon. Join the interest list by visiting www. Lennar.com/Utah to stay informed.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Las Vegas, Nev. – May 2018 – Lennar is excited to invite prospective homeshoppers to attend the official grand opening of Madori Vistas on Saturday, June 2nd from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Madori Vistas is a new gated upscale townhome community and the grand opening will be the first opportunity for attendees to tour the professionally-decorated model homes.
“We are thrilled about this upcoming event at Madori Vistas, which is a great new community for prospective homeshoppers looking to purchase a new townhome in a great location,” said Ashley Max, Marketing Manager for Lennar Las Vegas. “These new townhomes are situated in desirable Southwest Las Vegas near Ikea with easy access to the 215. Residents will also be just down the street from an exciting upcoming shopping center complete with movie theater and plenty of retail opportunities at the intersection of Sunset and Durango.”
At Madori Vistas, four distinctive floorplans are available that range in size from approximately 1,438 to 1,965 square feet of living space with three to four bedrooms and two to three bathrooms. These contemporary attached homes offer rooftop decks per plan, which double as additional living spaces to enjoy panoramic views and year-round sunshine.
This gated community also features private amenities including a pool and community park. Three golf courses are located within eight miles of the community along with other major conveniences, such as shopping centers and hospitals, that are a short drive away.
Every new home at Madori Vistas will showcase Lennar’s new elevated Everything’s Included® program with home automation products and technology that come as standard. These integrated features offer the opportunity to manage lights, front door locks and monitoring, indoor temperature, music, movies and more remotely with a smart device or with voice control from Amazon Alexa. Each of these new homes are also Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design and provide strong internet coverage throughout every room in the home.
Prospective homeshoppers can experience these new smart home features and more in the model homes at the grand opening on Saturday, June 2nd. The event will take place at the Welcome Home Center, located at 8677 Apostle Beach Avenue in Las Vegas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more by visiting www.lennar.com/lasvegas or calling 702-821-4850.
About Lennar
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
Expected to Appeal to Downtown Workers
HOUSTON, TX (May 24, 2018) – Lennar has launched pre-sales in Fulton Station, its newest in-town Houston community and first inside Loop 610, where new three-bedroom townhomes are available just north of downtown across the street from the MetroRail Red Line.
Located 2.5 miles north of downtown at Fulton Street and Cavalcade Street, the urban enclave of 39 new townhomes is expected to attract those seeking an affordable in-town new home with the convenience of immediate access to the MetroRail Red Line service.
Upgraded in 2013, the Red Line runs every six minutes and will take Fulton Station residents to downtown destinations within 15 minutes. Plus, residents will enjoy monitored, secure access to and from the rail line through a gated street entry. A shaded waiting area within the gate also will be available.
Starting in the $349s, Fulton Station townhomes offer private backyards, two-car garages and 10-foot wide driveways. Four, two-story plans from 1,423 – 1,627 square feet feature a large open island kitchen, spacious family room, loft space and generous master suite.
Fulton Station townhomes are outfitted with Lennar’s exclusive Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Designs featuring integrated home automation with voice control – all part of Lennar’s signature Everything’s Included® approach to homebuilding. Lennar is the first to embrace the new Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Home Design program that allows buyers to control their lights, front door locks and thermostat simply through voice-activated home automation.
Fulton Station residents also will enjoy a small park within the gated community.
Two townhome models featuring Lennar’s Laurel and Mimosa plans are expected to open this summer. Until then, prospective homebuyers can schedule an appointment to tour Fulton Station by calling 888-671-8175 or visiting www.lennar.com/urbanlife.
Fulton Station is the latest addition to Lennar’s Urban Life Collection of in-town Houston communities. Others include Arcadia Court off Interstate 10 between Highway 6 and the Grand Parkway; Upland Preserve in the Memorial West area; Knoll Park and Reserve at Moritz in the Spring Branch area; and Neumann Oaks in the Oak Forest area just north of Loop 610.
Vancouver, Wash. – May 2018 – Lennar in Vancouver celebrated a highly successful Grand Opening event for Fifth Plain Creek II, the second installment to the popular Fifth Plain Creek community. Homeshoppers came out to the event and enjoyed complimentary treats and refreshments as they toured the gorgeous model homes. If you’re an interested homeshopper but missed out on the event, you may now visit the Welcome Home Center for model tours.
“We’re very happy with the outcome and all the positive feedback we received for the Grand Opening of Fifth Plain Creek II,” said Sia Howe, Marketing Manager for Lennar Portland and SW Washington. “Homeshoppers loved the spacious, single-family homes that come fully equipped with today’s most popular features and finishes, plus the option for a multigenerational floorplan with our Next Gen® – The Home Within a Home® design.”
Fifth Plain Creek II showcases seven single- and two-story floorplans tailored to fit the needs of today’s modern homebuyer. Ranging from approximately 2,387 to 3,442 square feet, homes include three to five bedrooms, two to three bathrooms and up to three-car garages. Floorplans are flexible and boast open-concept layouts to provide residents with ample room for entertainment and relaxation. Prices start in the mid $400,000s.
Two floorplans, the Bainbridge and Camden, feature Lennar’s popular Next Gen® – The Home Within A Home® design, a unique and innovative floorplan designed for multigenerational living. A separate living quarters that remains attached to the main home offers a win-win solution for homeowners looking to accommodate family without sacrificing anyone’s comfort or privacy. The private suite includes one bedroom, one bathroom, private living area with a kitchenette and its own private entrance.
For added value, each home features Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program boasting custom-like designs and features. Slab granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, air conditioning, keyless home entry, home automation and so much more are included at no extra cost. Home automation features pair well with Lennar’s new Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ home designs, also included at no additional cost. The design allows for commercial strength wireless coverage in every room to provide truly superior smart home automation technology for a connected and easy lifestyle.
The City of Vancouver offers a well-balanced mix of culture and the great outdoors right outside your doorstep. Enjoy rivers, trails and parks nearby, such as the Columbia River Gorge and the Vancouver Lake Regional Park boasting breathtaking views. Enjoy the warm summer weather at Skamania Lodge where you can find resort-style golfing and dining. Summer also hosts the annual Jazz Festival at Esther Short Park providing live music, food and a vibrant atmosphere.
Fifth Plain Creek II is located at 17911 N.E. 78th Way in Vancouver. Visit www.lennar.com or call 888-208-0302 for more details. Prospective homeshoppers are encouraged to come out to the Grand Opening and tour the model homes.
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title insurance and closing services for both buyers of Lennar’s homes and others. Lennar’s Rialto segment is a vertically integrated asset management platform focused on investing throughout the commercial real estate capital structure. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. Previous press releases and further information about Lennar may be obtained at the “Investor Relations” section of Lennar’s website, www.lennar.com.
