Due to the growth of large tech companies over the years in Northern California such as Google, Facebook, and Apple, the prices of nearby real estate have increased rapidly.  The San Francisco Bay Area has the highest housing costs in the nation. Due to this, there has been a large shortage of affordable housing for the low to middle-income neighbors of Google, one of the Bay Area’s largest employers.  

Rather than continuing to be a part of the problem, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai recently announced that they will soon become a major part of the solution by investing $1 billion in land and money to construct new homes in the area. In addition, within the next 10 years, Google plans to allocate $750 million of their land currently zoned for commercial office space to be rezoned for residential housing. This will allow for the development of at least 15,000 new homes in the Bay Area. These homes will be available to families of all income levels, particularly those in the low to the middle-income bracket. 

This is just the beginning of Google’s plans to redeem themselves in the housing epidemic that they have seemingly been a large part of over the years. They have also committed to generating a $250 million investment fund that will offer incentives to allow home builders to develop a minimum of 5,000 affordable housing units in the market. Google also has plans of providing $50 million in grants through Google.org to assist in relieving the issues of homelessness and displacement in the neighboring areas.

Other large tech companies are following suit with nursing the plummeting real estate market back to health. The chief executive of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, announced he will raise $500 million to expand affordable housing in the Bay Area. 

Although it may seem that the real estate market will be on its way to a road of recovery with several plans in the works thanks to Google and its other tech counterparts, there may be a few discrepancies amidst this good news.

Google is not simply giving away $1 billion as many of the headlines make it appear. This is an investment. Google is leasing its land to developers who will in turn rent and sell the units that are to be built and will profit from this transaction in a major way. 

Google owns property in Mountain View, California and part of that $1 billion investment will also go toward building up to 9,850 units at this location as well. Only 20 percent of the housing to be built in Mountain View will be deemed affordable housing. 

Logistically, Google does not have enough land to develop 15,000 traditional single-family homes. This means that the construction of multiple housing units such as apartments and condos should be expected instead. 

However the tech giant’s plans of operation seem to unfold, Google will come into good graces with its neighboring communities over the next 10 years as the burden of the real estate market in the Bay Area ultimately lessons.

The master-planned community of Meridiana offers an extensive catalog of new homes from the most impressive builders serving the Pearland area. Meridiana is conveniently located just 10 miles south of Pearland off the 288. Downtown Houston, beautiful Galveston, the Texas Medical Center and the airport are all just a short drive away.

Meridiana homes are priced from the low $200,000’s and sit above the 500-year floodplain. Every builder has committed to affordable, contemporary living spaces with fine finishes and upscale appointments. New models have recently opened for touring; stop by the community welcome center and the staff will help you plan your visit and provide a map. Captivating exterior designs, open-concept interiors, and abundant options for customization make finding your new home stress free. You can choose from David Weekley Homes, Plantation Homes, Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Trendmaker Homes, Taylor Morrison Homes, Chesmar Homes, Drees Homes, Lennar Homes, and Shea Homes. 

Community amenities are exceptional boasting a fitness center, conservatory, yacht, café, gaming area, and an amphitheater, plus sparkling pools and water play. Meridiana offers unique learning experiences for resident children through the Learning Labs and an excellent onsite elementary school. A junior high and high school will be serving Meridiana families very soon. Meridiana was recently named “Houston’s Best Amenities.” 

Come visit Meridiana’s Oasis Village and find out why this special community has earned the distinction: “Community of the Year.”

Our June realtor of the month is Travis Pugh, real estate agent for Branding Iron Realty and our real estate market expert for Seagoville, TX.

Travis spent most of his younger years in Kaufman County, TX, and Crandall, Texas. During his over years in the real estate business, Travis has worked in several markets including San Antonio, Granbury, Houston, and the Dallas real estate market.

Travis Pugh's many years of experience and mentorship under several talented entrepreneurs have given him quite a few nuggets of wisdom that he has carried with him over time. “In order to achieve success, one must always remember, success is not a destination, but rather the journey.”

Are you in the market to purchase a new Dallas home for sale? If so, make sure to give Branding Iron Realty a ring and Travis will have you signing on the dotted line in no time!  

Deco at Cadence Park by K Hovnanian Homes is the perfect new home community to create your summer memories in! Located in Irvine, California, this single family community offers new luxury detached condominiums packed with amenities that will wow you. Choose from 6 three-story home designs that come standard with gourmet kitchens, spacious bedrooms, and an open living space that is perfect for entertaining.

Be sure to view the Bellerose home design at Deco at Cadence Park.  This floor plan comes with 1,916 square feet of living space, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a 3-car garage. It is filled with features that include a spacious owner’s suite with an oversized walk-in closet and luxury bath, a convenient second-floor laundry room, and a gorgeous gourmet kitchen with an island and large pantry. There is also a versatile bonus room that can be used as a home office or even a playroom for your children. The owner’s bath is reminiscent of an ultimate spa with its beautiful ceramic tile flooring and a luxurious spacious shower detailed with subway tile around. You’ll fall in love with the designer dual sink vanities with quartz countertops, elegant chrome light fixtures, and the raised white thermofoil cabinetry with plenty of room for toiletries. 

The features of this community go well beyond the walls of its floor plans. Deco at Cadence Park offers an amazing 7.7-acre park fit for all ages that includes a tot-lot. There is also a junior Olympic pool and trails perfect for a morning walk or a bike ride. Get even more active by taking advantage of the basketball court, play a game of shuffleboard, or a little volleyball. 

Check out the local attractions within arm’s reach of your new home such as Newport Beach where you can enjoy a relaxing day of swimming, surfing, fishing, and even a sunset cruise. Take advantage of the opportunity to shop at the nearby Irvine Spectrum Center with its major department stores, dining and entertainment venues.

You’ll find these amazing features, luxury amenities and so much more when you choose the esteemed homebuilder builder K. Hovnanian. If you are in search of a new home in Orange County this summer, schedule a visit with the sales office of Deco at Cadence Park to begin your road to home ownership.

Leander, TX has been named as one of the best towns for small families in the entire country! How did humble Leander earn this distinction? Leander is not only a clean, modern, cozy enclave of sweet homes but also for location. Leander is just 28 miles from downtown Austin, which is close enough to your metro needs but still far enough away to enjoy the feeling of wide-open spaces. Wildlife thrives and nature abounds here; as do families! Carneros Ranch has been developed to give these lucky families a wonderful community of homes to choose from. Designed and built by two of the nation’s top builders, Lennar, and Wilshire Homes, you are sure to find the perfect place to settle with your family.

Carneros Ranch’s location gives you easy access to surrounding wonders: Lake Travis, Devine Lake Park, and numerous municipal parks and recreational facilities. Within Carneros Ranch, you’ll enjoy a The Carneros Ranch Amenity Center featuring a sparkling jr. Olympic-sized pool, a joyful children’s splash zone, and indoor and outdoor meeting and party facilities. 

Carneros Ranch offers gorgeous stately homes from the fine folks at Lennar and Wilshire Homes. Lennar Homes fulfills the promise of “everything is included.” All the upscale finishes and high-end touches are already built into the design. Wilshire Homes’ masterful use of light and space shines throughout their designs offering families a home-y, comfortable environment with a contemporary vibe you’ll love. Both builders have a range of plans available at Carneros Ranch so you can find just the right fit for you and your loved ones.

Leander, TX offers the perfect location for a growing family to stretch out and make memories. Carneros Ranch is here to give you the ideal home base from which to grow those memories. Come on home to Carneros Ranch.

The community of Meridiana offers a selection of brand new homes that includes something for everyone as well as every budget. Meridiana offers a catalog of dreamy models from the most respected home builders in the country. Whatever your needs or expectations, you will not be disappointed.

Plantation Homes are found in two different sections of Meridiana: Allegro Trails (near Freedom Field) starting from just $220,000 and Explorer’s Vale (near Galileo’s Lab, where science finds fun in the stars) with prices from the $290,000’s. 

Highland Homes offers a variety of price points. They can be found in several sections of Meridiana: Allegro Trails near Freedom Field, Zephyr Cove near Adventure Lake, and soon to be popping up at Royal Estates near Café Sol.

David Weekley Homes are budget-friendly, contemporary dwellings starting in the $250,000s. They can be found near beautiful Explorer’s Park.

Perry Homes are priced from the affordable $250,000’s. Your family can choose to be close to the entrance and Galileo’s Lab or across from Explorer’s Park.

Trendmaker Homes are to the left of the entrance and near to Galileo’s Lab. Price points there start at $250,000.

Taylor Morrison’s fine homes are centrally located and centrally-priced from the $260,000’s.

Shea Homes will be coming soon with lovely floor plans priced from the $280,000’s. They will be centrally located for easy access to the future high school, Galileo’s Lab, and Café Sol.

Lennar Homes are found on Discovery Drive right by Explorer’s Park. They are priced from the $290,000’s.

Chesmar Homes are not far from Galileo’s Lab. These homes are priced from the $290,000’s.

Drees Custom Homes start in the $340,000’s. They are in the Zephyr Cove section close to The Park at Adventure Lake.

All these award-winning builders offer timeless exterior designs, open-concept interiors, gorgeous finishes, and extensive opportunities for customization and personalization. Located just off the 288, 10 minutes south of Pearland, the Meridiana community is convenient to downtown Houston, Galveston, Sugarland, the airport, and Texas Medical Center. Stop in and visit with a professional home consultant to find your dreamy new home at Meridiana.

So, you’ve just gained the title of “homeowner” and the stress and anxiety of the home buying processes is finally over with. Now, what do you do? Don’t think that the work is done once you sign the dotted line. There are a few steps you should make after the home buying process that will make your life a little easier. We’ve got 10 helpful tips below to help you along the way.

Change the locks

Many people don’t think about taking this step when purchasing a home. With all of the open houses, realtors, and past homeowners trafficking through the home, you never know who may possess an extra set of keys or even the garage door opener. The cost to change the locks is minimal compared to both your peace of mind and the possibility of a break in. When changing your locks, be sure to replace the hardware as well.

It’s also best to wait until the day after closing to schedule a locksmith to come out to make this change. You never know how closing can go. Sometimes it can drag on for a few more days than expected and you want to make sure that the entire deal is finalized before changing your locks.

Set up your utilities

This is probably everyone’s least favorite part about having their own living space when it’s apartment living or being a homeowner. It’s time to set up those utilities and pay deposits.

Say hello to your new neighbors

A bowl of jello or a plate of fresh baked cookies is not required for this step. We’re not living in the ’60s, but it’s still nice to introduce yourself to your new neighbors. It’s great to form a relationship with the people you live next to. You’ll see them on a daily basis leaving and coming in and in most cases, it’s a great way to look out for one another’s homes when you’re away or form a carpool when the kids go to school.

Put your mortgage documents in a safe place

All of your documents may already be saved somewhere in the cloud or right in your email and that’s great! We may be in a new age with technology, but it’s always a good idea to make hard copies of your official mortgage documents and place them in a safe place for future reference. If for some reason, you cannot access your documents on a computer, you’ll always have a backup copy in hand.

Give your home a good deep clean

The best time to give your house a deep clean is when it’s completely empty. You won’t be able to see every spot, stain, or spider web with your house fully furnished. Take the time out to steam clean the carpets, buff the floors, wash windows, and deep clean in and around your appliances before your home becomes lived in with the day to day wear and tear. If you prefer to do it yourself, that’s great and you’ll save a few dollars, but there’s also nothing wrong with hiring a professional to get the job done and save some time.

Purchase a home warranty

A home warranty is a service contract that will repair or replace things around your home like a broken dishwasher. A warranty on your home may have come with the purchase of your home, but be sure to read the fine print. If you find that you may need extra security with another warranty, take the steps to do so.

Set aside an emergency fund

It may not sound very appealing to start yet another savings fund after shelling out the last of your savings on your new home, but this is a very important part of home ownership. Now that you’re a homeowner, there is no longer a maintenance man to fix the garbage disposal and there’s no leasing office to complain to. When something goes wrong, it’s up to you to fix it, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and have a few dollars stashed away for emergency purposes only.

Create a maintenance plan

The same way you have a maintenance plan for yourself when it comes to routine salon visits, dental appointments, and doctor visits, you should also have a maintenance plan for your home. Keeping a plan in place will prevent future problems around the house like the A/C going out in the summer or a pipe bursting in the middle of the night potentially flooding your brand new floors. Keep important numbers handy for your homes maintenance repairs.  Keep track of how long your warranties are for your major appliances and schedule “checkups” routinely to ensure everything is in good shape. 

We hope you find these tips helpful as you get settled into your new residence. 

May’s realtor of the month is Rob Bittle, real estate agent for Realty One Group Complete and our Roseville and Rocklin, CA real estate market expert.

Rob has over 10 years of experience in the real estate industry which includes buying, selling, lending, marketing, and development. Going through the buying process with Rob Bittle by your side is a plus. Not only does he have general knowledge in the real estate industry, but Rob has also worked with many contractors and purchased several fixer-uppers, so he knows a thing or two about what to look for in a home. In his spare time, Rob enjoys officiating high school sports such as football, basketball, and girls’ softball.

At Realty One Group, Rob provides the tools needed for consumers to access the same information that real estate agents have in order to make the best decision possible during the buying process. Potential home buyers have the ability to find information such as photos, features, asking price, and the home’s specific details, as well as narrow down their search with an advanced search to save time. Home buyers also receive email updates with changes in price as well as new homes added to the Sacramento market and access to speak with a real estate agent to get all of their questions answered. 

If you are looking to settle into a new Sacramento home or sell your home, contact Rob Bittle and his team of experienced real estate agents to fulfill all of your home buying and selling needs. 

The new community of Palmera by Brandywine Homes is a new development of family-friendly townhomes offering maintenance free living in Baldwin Park, CA. Conveniently located near the 10, 605, and 210 Freeways, Palmera allows easy access to shopping at Plaza West Covina, Target, and Vons, as well as local parks and recreation for the entire family such as Vineland Drive-In Theatre, The Baldwin Park Aquatics Center, and Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. Continue your education or enroll your soon to be adults at nearby Azusa Pacific University or Cal State LA. Create memories and so much more in at your new residence at Palmera.

This community offers 3 open home designs with a maximum of 4 bedrooms and 3.5 appointed bathrooms. The homebuilder, Brandywine Homes offers you the opportunity to personalize your home with several upgrade options to make your new house a home. Some of the must-have features included at Palmera are the Spanish architecture, Dal One Quartz® countertops with integrated sinks, and Truss Joist® floor system. Enjoy a gorgeous gourmet kitchen with a Whirlpool® stainless steel Energy Star® dishwasher, a built-in Whirlpool® microwave oven, and Dal One Quartz® countertops with 6” backsplash throughout.

Decrease your carbon footprint while saving a few dollars along the way with an energy efficient home. Brandywine Homes has thought of it all with water-efficient faucets, auto shut-off motion sensors in all baths, laundry, and the garage, as well as water efficient toilets. There is also insulation in the ceiling areas and exterior walls and dual glazed white vinyl windows with Low-E glass.

Brandywine Homes was established in 1994 by founder Jim Barisic with the plan to help revitalize established neighborhoods and convert underutilized and often run-down space into needed housing. Over the years, Brandywine Homes has created new home communities located near opportunities for employment and extended families in Southern California. Brandywine’s mission is to rebuild older cities, provide a new home option, provide integrity in partnerships, and valuing resources. Be sure to purchase your Los Angeles new home with a home builder you can trust at Palmera by Brandywine Homes.

Meridiana knows that families come in all shapes and sizes, and often include family members with four legs. Getting outdoors and enjoying the return of springtime is always more fun with a pooch at your side. To celebrate the wonderful spring season, Meridiana has gone to the dogs with a terrific Easter Celebration called Paws on the Parkway on April 20th from 11 am to 2 pm. Gather your family and friends and join in the fun as Meridiana hosts an Easter Egg Hunt, a dog adoption event, and a disc dog show. There will be live music, family fun, and food trucks for all to enjoy.

It’s the perfect opportunity to visit the model homes and the Welcome Center to see all that Meridiana has to offer. The amenities and monthly calendar of events are sure to impress. With the work of the country’s top builders represented such as Shea Homes and David Weekly Homes, you’ll find the home of your dreams that meets your needs and suits your budget. Homes start in the 200,000’s and can be as traditional or as opulent as you wish. With so many options, the friendly staff at The Welcome Center will help to narrow your interests and pinpoint the homes that best meet your needs.

You’ll find Meridiana in the perfect location just off the 288, 10 minutes south of Pearland. Meridiana offers easy access to downtown Houston, Galveston, Sugarland, the airport, and Texas Medical Center. 

Bring your favorite dog or come adopt your new best friend and enjoy a day of springtime fun courtesy of Meridiana. To gain more information about purchasing a new Houston home, stop by the Meridiana info center located at 4003 Meridiana Parkway, Iowa Colony, TX 77583.