Find Your Perfect Fit at Snowden Bridge With These 5 Innovative Home Designs

Posted on May 16, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Explore Easy Living

Snowden Bridge, located close to downtown Winchester, VA, is Frederick County’s premier resort-style planned community. As the developer and a builder within the community, we’re focused on building innovative, stylish homes and cultivating exceptional life experiences. Whether you’re looking for a spacious single-family home or a stylish 3-level townhome, you’ll find home designs thoughtfully crafted to make every day easier and more convenient — and at a price you’ll love just as much.

The Pendleton

The Pendleton Home Design

Come home to the perfect blend of main-level-living convenience with all the space of a traditional two-story home with the Pendleton design. You’ll enjoy a modern, open-concept floorplan for a seamless flow between the main living areas. A spacious owner’s suite is within easy reach on the main level, while still secluded for privacy.

  • 1,845-2,292 Square Feet
  • 3-4 Bedrooms, 2-3 Bathrooms
  • Priced from $279,990

The Riverton

The Riverton Home Design

This stylish design takes the essentials of the Pendleton to the next level. The garage provides more striking curb appeal, extra interior space and an enhanced sense of privacy to the entry. In the Riverton design, you’ll also find a modern, open-concept floorplan and main-level-living convenience.   

  • 2,043-2,375 Square Feet
  • 3-4 Bedrooms, 2-3 Bathrooms
  • Priced from $289,990

The Sheridan

The Sheridan Home Design

A modern take on the traditional two-story home, the Sheridan design offers the most space of any Brookfield Residential home style at Snowden Bridge, making it the ideal choice for growing families. An open-concept eat-in kitchen and family room provides all the casual convenience you need to enjoy family time during your busy weekly routine. But for special occasions, you’ll also enjoy the opportunities provided by the formal living and dining rooms. A spacious owner’s suite, loft and secondary bedrooms finish off the upper level.

  • 2,047-2,888 Square Feet
  • 3-4 Bedrooms, 2.5-3.5 Bathrooms
  • Priced from $299,990

The Skyline

Interior Unit

Interior Unit

This innovative new townhome design combines style, flexibility and personalization options into one affordable package. At the heart of the Skyline design, the main level offers a flowing, open living space with the kitchen, dining and living rooms. An owner’s suite, two secondary bedrooms and a full bath await upstairs. The lower level is yours to personalize for your unique lifestyle. Add a recreation room or extra bedroom. It’s your choice.

  • 1,386-2,023 Square Feet
  • 3-4 Bedrooms, 2-4 Bathrooms
  • Priced from $219,990  

The Hightop

End Unit

End Unit

Elevate modern townhome living a step further in the Hightop design. Characterized by large front windows, a spacious interior and open-concept floorplan, this design is sure to fit your family’s needs. The upper level includes a fully loaded owner’s suite, two secondary bedrooms and second full bath. Large closets provide ample storage space. For even more square footage, finish the lower-level recreation room or add a three-level extension for an even larger footprint.

  • 1,727-2,312 Square Feet
  • 3-4 Bedrooms, 2.5-4 Bathrooms
  • Priced from $234,990  

When you’re ready to choose your favorite design, join us at Snowden Bridge for a taste of the resort lifestyle in the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Give us a call at (540) 667-5095 to schedule your tour.

 

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3 Reasons to Enjoy Annapolis This Spring

Posted on April 9, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Springtime in Annapolis

The sun shines a little brighter. The flowers bloom. Locals and tourists alike stroll down the brick sidewalks of the historic district. Colorful sails are hoisted up across the water. Restaurant patios come alive with patrons. Spring has arrived in Annapolis and whether you’re just visiting or looking to lay down roots, it’s a great time of the year to experience Maryland’s capital city.

Annapolis Street Festivals and Attractions

Pick a weekend and head to the historic district. There are so many reasons to enjoy an afternoon downtown under the spring sun. Visit unique boutiques, stroll along the waterfront and work up an appetite, then choose from a wide array of acclaimed dining destinations ranging from casual pubs to fine dining.

Art enthusiasts will enjoy the First Sunday Arts Festivals that run along West Street from noon to five each first Sunday of the month through the season. It includes over 180 local vendors, street performers, musicians and much more. And one of our favorite annual street festivals, Maryland Avenue Earth Day Fest, will be held later this month on April 23.

Boat Maryland Week

The boating season starts with this celebration of the state’s rich maritime culture. Kick off a full 10 days of fun nautical events with the Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show at City Dock on April 26-28. This event brings boat enthusiasts from across the mid-Atlantic to learn more about the latest sailing trends, shop the latest equipment and peruse a wide collection of boats for sale.

Even if you’re not looking to buy a boat, there are plenty of ways to get involved with the fun of Boat Maryland Week. Looking to learn how to sail? Sign up for a class at the Annapolis Sailing School. Take the kids out for a cruise with Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake or go for a classic Annapolis experience aboard the Schooner Woodwind.   

Explore Annapolis Parks

From boat ramps to picnic areas and scenic garden hikes, the parks around Annapolis offer something for everyone to enjoy during the spring season.

Quiet Waters Park offers the widest array of activities. This 340-acre park features over 6 miles of walking trails, a dog park, kayak access to the South River, picnic areas and much more. Jonas Green Park on the Severn River also offers water access, a scenic view of the Naval Academy and a popular fishing pier.

Travel a few miles from the city to the Bay Bridge and head to Sandy Point State Park for a full beach experience and further fishing, crabbing and boating opportunities.

Make Annapolis Home

It’s easy to fall in love with the history, coastal charm and energy of Annapolis. It’s a vibrant, artistic and exciting place to call home. During your visit, be sure to stop by for tours of our Admirals Square condos and townhomes. You’ll discover an exceptional, contemporary community, and the perfect place to lay anchor in this unforgettable city.  

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Where to See the Best Spring Blooms Across the DC Metro Area

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Spring Blooms Across the DC Metro Area

Spring has arrived in the DC metro area, and we couldn’t be more excited about this most beautiful time of the year. From the world-renowned National Cherry Blossom Festival to the historic estates and gardens of Loudoun County, there are so many places to enjoy all the vibrant colors of spring in our region.

Where to See Spring Blooms Around the District

The stars of springtime in the District, the cherry trees along the Tidal Basin come alive in hues of pink and white and draw thousands of eager spectators to see their beauty against the backdrop of many of the nation’s most famous monuments. It’s certainly an occasion to experience.

There is a plethora of ways to experience the beauty of the blooms, too. Walk by foot, go for a ride with Capital Bikeshare or book a seat on the water taxi to enjoy the views from out on the Potomac. The peak days are hard to forecast far in advance, but they generally occur between late March and early April.

If you’re looking to get away from the crowds, other beautiful destinations are found throughout Washington, DC. Particular favorites include the National Arboretum, which is open from 8am to 5pm daily. This 400+ acre facility is a photogenic destination all year-round, but it’s particularly popular this time of year because it also features the iconic pink-and-white blooms.

For an exceptional, intimate experience downtown that’s completely removed from the crowds and commotion, head to Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Northwest. This legendary historic estate offers 13-acres of specular urban gardens to enjoy, including vibrant flower beds and a Japanese-style garden.

Where to See Spring Blooms in Virginia

If you’re located further west or south, there are numerous places to see spring blooms in the Commonwealth.

For those living at Mayfair in Purcellville, the Bluffs at Sleeter Lake in Round Hill or Waterford Manor in Leesburg, the Rust Nature Sanctuary is the perfect destination for wild blooms. Or you can head to Oatlands Historic House & Gardens for a more curated garden tour. Finally, April will bring the Flower & Garden Festival to downtown Leesburg on April 27 and 28, and that’s one event you certainly won’t want to miss.

For those living in Prince William County in scenic new home communities such as Avendale or Potomac Shores, there are plenty of scenic spring flowers just outside your door. But come mid-April, you won’t want to miss out on The Festival of Spring at Burnside Farms in Nokesville. This is one of the largest pick-your-own-spring-flower events in all of North America. Guests stroll among eight acres to choose their favorites from almost one million spring blooms.

Where to See Spring Blooms in Maryland

If you’re closer to Annapolis or Baltimore — living at Admirals Square or Oakview Village — there are plenty of options outside of Washington, DC, for you, too. A particular favorite is the Historic London Town & Gardens, a preserved colonial town and garden sanctuary along the banks of the South River in Edgewater that features four different gardens to explore.

Other acclaimed destinations include Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD, and the Brighton Dam Azalea Garden in Brookeville, MD. For avid garden adventurers, don’t miss out on the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage held later this spring!

 

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Discover Winchester, VA’s Resort Lifestyle at Snowden Bridge

Posted on March 21, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Winchester's Resort Lifestyle

One of Northern Virginia’s best-kept secrets, Winchester, is a historic city that moves at its own pace. Close to Washington, DC, yet nestled away in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley — far from all the hustle and bustle — Winchester offers suburban conveniences, all the charm of a walkable downtown, endless rural beauty and a lower cost of living.

In nearby Stephenson, Virginia, just ten miles from the shops and restaurants of Winchester’s popular walking mall, an incomparable resort lifestyle is enjoyed by the residents of Snowden Bridge. This master-planned community has grown in a big way over the past 10 years, and now, reaching full maturity, there’s no better time to make it home.

Resort-Style Amenities

If you’re just arriving at Snowden Bridge, take your first stop at the Residence Club. This welcoming community clubhouse is the heart of the community and it is surrounded by many of Snowden Bridge’s most popular outdoor amenities.

Inside the clubhouse, you’ll discover inviting social spaces to meet and enjoy the company of neighbors and new friends. A front desk and lobby area are staffed to answer all your questions. Plus, a party room and demonstration kitchen are available for neighborly gatherings or hosting private events.

Get Active

Step outside the clubhouse and the choices expand before you — all framed by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in the background. The resort-style pool, with its towering pirate ship waterpark, is sure to draw your eye and evoke squeals of delight from the kids. Meanwhile, Olympic-length lap lanes provide plenty of space to stretch out and swim for adults and children alike.   

Next, step inside the 15,000-square-foot indoor sports complex, where you’ll enjoy a variety of sports all year long. Most notably, you can take part in tennis, basketball and volleyball for fun, exercise and friendly competition.

A children’s playground offers endless adventure with monkey bars, a climbing wall, a twisty slide, a bike race track and more. Let the kids play while you relax in the shade with neighbors in the surrounding park and picnic pavilion.

And don’t forget our four-legged friends! The dog park is a great place to let them socialize, run free and explore safely.

A Full Schedule of Activities

The draw of the resort-style amenities doesn’t stop there. The amenities are the perfect place to bring neighbors together to enjoy their favorite passions and pastimes. Adults can enjoy numerous activities, from men’s basketball leagues to women’s fitness clubs. For kids, soccer, tennis and swimming instruction is available ranging from beginner to competitive levels.

Additionally, neighbors come together during the warmer months for outdoor movie nights, block parties and much more!

Want to learn more about the Snowden Bridge lifestyle? Or are you ready to find your perfect new home in this community from among a wide range of townhome and single-family home designs? Don’t hesitate to get in touch at (540) 678-0747 or internetsales@brookwash.com.  

 

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How Brookfield Residential Can Empower You to Buy Your First Home

Posted on February 21, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Empower By Brookfield Residential

What’s the last thing you used technology for? Finding a new lunch spot downtown? Paying your bills? The little devices we use every day help us accomplish all of life’s important tasks. They bring us closer to everything we want and everything we want to be, including a homeowner.

No more throwing money at rent, a place to design and decorate as you please … it’s easy to come up with reasons to purchase your first home. But, the process itself can be daunting, to say the least. Each of our innovative Empower features can be used to ease your mind and take your home buying experience from intimidating to easy and exciting.

Tour Your New Home on Your Time

With all of your daily responsibilities, finding the time to look for a home can be a real challenge. With the My Time Home Tour feature, you don’t have to schedule your day around ours. Just sign up for a tour and you can experience the home whenever it’s most convenient for you — after school, before work, on a Sunday … the homes are open and available for you almost any time of day.

Be Home in Less Than Two Months with My Style Quick-Move Homes

You’ve spent enough time waiting for your future to begin. With My Style Quick-Move Homes, that delay can become a thing of the past … at least when it comes to securing your new home. Before My Style features, choosing a home that is built and customized just for you meant sacrificing the gratification of a Move-In-Now home. Now, you don’t have to choose. You can personalize the flooring, tile, cabinets and fixtures, and your dream home will still be ready for you in less than two months.

Designed for How You Want to Live Now and Into the Future

Not only can innovative technology help you find a home, but it can also make it more connected when you’re inside. With My Command Smart Home Automation, you get access to cutting edge features, powered by Amazon Alexa. You can control the entertainment, security, lights and temperature of your home with speech commands, and so much more. Even your lawn sprinklers and window shades can be set up to respond to just the sound of your voice.

Avoid High Costs with New Construction and My Energy

For some, electricity bills can be the most foreboding part of a new home experience. Buying a newly made home can help relieve some of that stress. New construction means fewer energy vampires and more piece of mind. Plus, with Brookfield Residential’s My Energy innovations, you’re saving even more money. Our new homes are ranked 31 points higher than the average new home on the Home Energy Rating System due to all of our sustainable and renewable features, most of which come standard with all My Energy homes.

Stay Connected to Your New Home’s Construction Every Step of the Way

Your first home is, most likely, the largest and most important purchase you’ve made to date. Why wouldn’t you want to check up on it while it’s on its way to becoming the home of your dreams? With the My Apps feature, you can follow along with your home’s construction 24/7. Wherever you are, you’ll be able to see the current status of your new home, view the latest photos and any essential documents and stay informed of exactly what you need to do next. It takes all the guesswork out of getting ready for your new home.

Each of these Empower features has been designed and formatted to fit the needs of our new home shoppers, especially those ready to make the move up to homeownership. They streamline the process and help you choose and create the home that’s right for you now and for years to come.

Have any questions or want to learn more about the Empower features? Visit our website or give us a call. We’d be happy to help get you into the home of your dreams.

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Which Townhome Style in Silver Spring is Right for You?

Posted on February 12, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Choose Your Townhome Style at Bradford's Landing

Coffee or tea? The highway or the scenic route? Each day, you’re faced with choices that’ll impact the rest of your day. What if choosing something to improve your whole life was just as easy?

Now, at Bradford’s Landing, it can be.

Conveniently located off of Norbeck Road between Georgia Avenue and the ICC, Bradford’s Landing features Brookfield Residential townhome designs for the lifestyle that suits you best.

Would friends describe you as “low-maintenance”? Do you prefer chic, urban design? Have you ever advised someone to “go with the flow”?

If this sounds like you, the Arbor Collection is the place to start your home shopping.

The Arbor Townhome Collection

This stylish, urban townhome collection, which includes the Magnolia and Sequoia floorplans, offers 20-foot-wide townhomes with rear-load garages starting from the $400’s. At nearly 2,000 square feet, they live like traditional townhomes with up to four bedrooms, four bathrooms and plenty of flexible spaces.

With these homes, you’ll have plenty of free space to organize your home as you see fit, adapting seamlessly to whatever comes your way. Plus, yard maintenance — and the stress that comes with it — are a thing of the past.

But, what if you prefer the finer things in life? Have you always envisioned personalizing your formal living and dining spaces? Does your household need room to grow, inside and out? Don’t worry. Bradford’s Landing has the perfect home for you, too.

The Galaxy Townhome Collection

Those seeking more space in their townhome can choose from the Aurora and Orion floorplans of the Galaxy Collection, starting from the $500’s. These 24-foot-wide townhomes truly live like single-family homes. The spacious, open floorplans include a conveniently located kitchen flanked by a large great room on one side and living and dining areas on the other.

With the personalization options of the Galaxy Collection, you can add up to 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, enough room to house your entire family and each of your honored guests. And, you can further “wow” them with up to 2,685 sq. ft. of space.

All of the townhomes at Bradford’s Landing do have some things in common: namely their incomparable Brookfield Residential quality and access to fun amenities, including a tot lot, natural playground, dog park, walking trails, outdoor fitness stations and more. Plus, convenient access to commuter routes connects you to everywhere you need to be.

What’s more, these townhomes are some of the first to implement the new Empower features by Brookfield Residential. These innovative tools are designed to improve every aspect of the home shopping process, empowering you to lead your home search with confidence.

To schedule a tour of Bradford’s Landing, visit BrookfieldDC.com/Bradfords or call 301.924.0506.

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Be a Super Bowl Party Host MVP with These 5 Essential Tips

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Super Bowl Party Tips

Whether your beloved team didn’t make the underdog run you were hoping for, or your simply not a die-hard football fan in general, that’s no excuse for letting one of the year’s best opportunities to entertain pass you by. Every year, the Super Bowl presents one of the most popular communal events in American culture. And it’s the perfect time to welcome friends and family into your home to come together over food, fun and fellowship.

To help you set your game plan and get inspired for a championship-level super bowl party, we’ve put together some of our favorite and most frequently utilized tips to help.

Set the Stakes

With everyone coming together to watch the competition between the league’s best teams, it only feels right to inject some friendly competition into your party. Pick out a prize for the guest who gets closest to guessing the final score or shows up with the most spirited outfit. It’ll help ramp up the excitement for your event and get all your guests involved in the fun.

DIY Decorations

If you have a collection of football swag, this is obviously the time to show it off. But if you not, don’t fret, there are plenty of easy ways to incorporate a Super Bowl theme into your decor. A strip of astroturf makes a great centerpiece for your spread of snacks. Pick up some yellow napkins to mirror penalty flags. Decorate with the colors of the opposing teams.

Make It a Team Effort

Snacks and finger foods are the centerpiece of any Super Bowl viewing party, and you don’t need to bend over backward to do it all yourself. Your guests will be appreciative enough that you’re being an MVP and offering up your home to host the event. Call for a potluck and have each guest bring their favorite snack foods.

It’s also a good idea to stock up on frozen finger foods of all shapes and sizes. That way, if you’re running low on snacks, it’s as easy as setting the timer and putting a tray in the oven. You certainly don’t want to spend time laboring in the kitchen while the game is on. Trust us, overestimating the amount of food and beverages you need is much better than the alternative of running out mid-game.

Make It Easy on Yourself and Go Green

With many of your guests snacking, glued to the TV and occasionally erupting with competitive emotions, you should have cleaning supplies on hand to protect against the occasional spill. But you should also make the post-game clean up easy on yourself by using flatware that won’t take you ages to clean. Disposable plates are the lowest effort option, just make sure to recycle them. Otherwise, avoid ceramics or fancy heirloom serving dishes that are easy to break and will have to be scrubbed by hand.

More Than Just Football

There’s a lot more than just the game to enjoy on Super Bowl Sunday. For those who aren’t big football fans, the absurdity of the commercials can be the most entertaining part of the game. And don’t forget Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl, our favorite pre-game tradition where an adorable selection of canines compete for the “Most Valuable Puppy” award.

With all these entertainment options, it’s easy to find something for everyone to enjoy on Super Bowl Sunday. And there are plenty of ways to turn up the fun and competition by creating your own party games. Some of our favorite ideas include commercial bingo or a cook-off competition where guests vote on who brought the best potluck dish.

 

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Unlock the Future of Home Shopping

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Brookfield Residential

Unlock the Future of Home Shopping with My Time Home Tours

Ask yourself, how would you like to find your new home?

Odds are you’d want the freedom to search on your own terms. To freely explore and discover your perfect fit without pressure. To be able to step inside on demand when you find a home your interested in. That’s exactly why we’ve pioneered My Time Home Tours: to reimagine the new home experience and put you in complete control.

Home Discovery Made Easy

Even if you’re ready to move, the reality is, life keeps moving ahead. There’s no way to hit pause on everything else. Whether you’re relocating states or moving up to more space in the same town, the hardest part of any decision can be fitting it into your busy schedule. But not anymore.

Since unveiling My Time Home Tours in the fall of 2018, more than a hundred home shoppers have used this tool to search for their new home. And it’s been used by home shoppers across the Mid-Atlantic region, from Annapolis, MD, to Winchester, VA. We’re proud to be the only builder to offer this innovative new program that allows you to tour already-built homes whenever works best for you. Before or after business hours. On your own. On your own time.

How It Works

We’ve built a new website dedicated to making access to My Time Home Tours as easy as possible. In as little as ten minutes, and four simple steps, you’ll be all set for your private tour.

Step #1: Tell Us What You’re Looking For

Screen Shot 2019-01-10 at 10.18.46 AM

Let us do the hard work for you. Select your price range, the location you’re looking to live and the base necessities you’ll need in your new home (number of beds and baths.) Submit your selections and you’ll instantly be provided with a collection of homes that fit your criteria.

Step #2: Select a Home to Tour

Screen Shot 2019-01-10 at 10.19.18 AM

Once you find a listing that you’re interested in, tap the button that reads “Schedule a Tour”. Next, confirm the terms & conditions and you’ll be transported to a new page showing all the available time slots from which you can schedule your My Time Home Tour.

Step #3: Confirm Your Tour

Screen Shot 2019-01-10 at 11.24.56 AM

Select your desired time slot. In order to confirm your appointment, you will need to set up an account. It’s as easy as filling in your name and contact info so we can send you the code that will unlock the door once you arrive to take your tour. Once registered, you’ll be able to simply log in for any future tours.

For the final confirmation, you’ll need to enter your credit card information. Don’t worry, the process is free of charge. You won’t be charged a cent! It’s just the final step of our verification process that will allow you to step inside a completed home without supervision.

Step #4: Receive the Code to Unlock the Door

Screen Shot 2019-01-10 at 11.25.47 AM

Once you complete the verification process, you’ll be prompted one final time to confirm the time slot for your tour. Tap to proceed and you’ll immediately receive a code onscreen to unlock the home you’ve selected to tour. This code will also be sent to you via text message and an email. The lock is very easy to use, but you can reference the email for a detailed video walkthrough on how to enter the code if you run into any difficulties.

You’ll have a full hour to tour the home starting at the time you selected. The code you’ve received will only be operational during this time slot.

Let’s Get Started

Start Your Home Search

Ready to begin your home search? Head to our My Time Home Tours site to get started today.

My Time Home Tours is just one feature of our new Empower program, a collection of six innovative tools revolutionizing the new home journey and giving you the power to take control of your new home experience. Learn more about Empower here.

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Set Yourself Up for Success with a New Home in the New Year

Posted on December 28, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

New Home in the New Year

Making a new year’s resolution is a great way to incentivize a positive change in your life. Whether it’s spending more time with family, increasing weekly exercise or improving money management, the promise and possibilities of a new year ahead can be a good motivator to stick with your resolution.

Resolution Success and Failure

But the truth is, according to U.S. News & World Report, 80% of new year’s resolutions aren’t followed through on. If we start off January 1with such good intentions, why do so many abandon their aspirational commitments in the first two weeks? The truth comes down to change. Like a muscle, some people have trained themselves to better adapt to change. But for most of us, change can be daunting and keeping the discipline to embrace a small change that affects your everyday routine can be the most difficult of all.

For those considering these deeper questions, we have the perfect solution. Make the move to a new home in the new year and you’ll have a brand new slate to start fresh, to reset your routines and to live your best life in an innovative home designed to empower your family to achieve.

Achieve Your Dreams with a New Home

With a wide selection of Move-In-Now Homes to choose from, you can find the perfect new home in your ideal location across the Mid-Atlantic region and be home soon — just in time to fulfill that resolution.  

You’ll be surprised at how much a change in your environment can help you embrace positive routines and achieve your new year’s resolution. Plus, features like the latest Smart Home technology innovations can help you live more efficient and productive. And the assurance of new construction means you won’t be burdened by the worries of maintenance that you might experience in an older resale home.

The start of 2019 is just days away. Have you made a resolution to live better in the new year? Find the right fit for your family with one of our Move-In-Now Homes and set yourself up for success.

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Use These 5 Easy Tips to Save Energy During the Holidays

Posted on December 20, 2018 by Brookfield Residential

Energy Saving During the Holidays

From lighting up your home’s decorations to making the most of your kitchen’s appliances for family dinners, the fun and excitement of the holiday season certainly find ways to add up on your monthly energy bill. Add in the cold winter weather, and this time of year can be quite costly if you’re not careful. Use these easy holiday energy tips to save money and conserve energy in your home throughout the season.

Update Your Holiday Lights

If you haven’t updated your holiday lights in the past decade or if you’ve been using hand-me-down decorations from a family member, it’s definitely a good idea to check if they are LEDs or the old-style incandescents.

On average, LED lights are 90% more energy efficient than the alternative. After 40 nights of lighting your house for the holiday, the energy savings related to using LED lights can translate to considerable savings. In addition, LED holiday lights last longer and are less likely to pose a fire risk than their incandescent counterparts.

Limit the Time Your Lights Are On

Done right, a holiday light display can be breathtaking to adults and kids alike. So much so, that it can be hard to turn off the magic. To be most efficient, however, it’s important to turn them off when there isn’t an audience to enjoy them.

Wait to turn on lights until the sun has set and then turn them off before bed. The best way to achieve this is to set your lights up on a timer, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting or heading outside in the cold every night.

Ensure Your Gifts Are ENERGY STAR-Certified

From high-tech gadgets to home appliances, there are sure to be plenty of electronic gifts circulating this holiday season. Do your part to help others live energy-efficient by ensuring that every electronic item you gift is ENERGY STAR-certified.

Prepare for Guests

If you know that you’ll have lots of friends and family coming and going during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to check the entryways of your home to ensure you’re doing the most to conserve valuable energy. Consider installing a storm door to keep as much heat as possible inside. Or simply tidy up the garage so that you can use that as a more casual entry. The garage will buffer some of the heat loss that would normally occur when guests enter through the front door.

If you have a lot of guests in your home at one time, feel free to turn down the thermostat a few degrees. With more people inside the home, body heat can actually have a substantial warming effect on room temperature.

Unplug for Holiday Travel

Going out of town for the holidays? Whether you’re visiting family in another city or heading abroad in search of sun and warmer temperatures, your trip provides an excellent opportunity to save energy in your home.

Unplug non-essential items before you leave. TVs, Bluetooth devices, printers, alarm clocks, phone chargers and more all use energy when they’re plugged into the wall. You should also turn down the heat a few degrees and open blinds to soak in as much sunlight as possible.

If you own a Brookfield Residential home with Smart Home technology, you’re in luck. Since you can control the heating remotely, you can turn down the heat while you’re away but also make sure it’s warm and toasty the moment you step foot back inside the door.

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