Luxury Home Builders

In this story from IBJ.com's Norm Heikens, high-end homes are rebounding in the Indianapolis area, good news for central Indiana homeowners looking to build a new high-end home. Learn more about Estridge Custom Galleries, founded in 1994 to provide custom designed homes in distinct neighborhoods from around $500,000 to over $1 million, here.

High-end home market hits foreclosure lull - Norm Heikens for IBJ.com

July 24, 2010 - Until this year, Indiana’s foreclosure epidemic knew no demographic boundaries. Über-expensive homes, those priced at $1 million or more, skidded into foreclosure right alongside starter houses in the most notorious vinyl villages.

But suddenly that’s changed. Since March, not a single foreclosure on a house priced at $1 million or more has been filed in the Indianapolis area—a possible sign of better times ahead in a niche where selling prices are down 20 percent or more from their peak in 2005 and 2006.

The pullback follows more than 60 filings in the segment in the past two years, according to RealtyTrac, an Irvine, Calif., firm that tracks default notices, auction sale notices and bank repossessions.

Overall, foreclosure filings are on the upswing in the Indianapolis area, rising 22 percent, to nearly 20,000, in the 12 months that ended in May.

Just about everyone but prospective buyers wishes the blight would go away.

Many of the million-dollar homes ending up in foreclosure were owned by executives who found themselves unable to pay mortgages after losing jobs or businesses, or going through a divorce or suffering health problems.

Others were owned by contractors who built on speculation and then saw demand for mansions vanish almost overnight as the economy skidded into recession. Read Norm Heikens' entire IBJ.com article here.

Learn more about Estridge, central Indiana's premiere custom homebuilder, here. Learn more about Estridge Custom Galleries, founded in 1994 to provide custom designed homes in distinct neighborhoods from around $500,000 to over $1 million, here.

Check out BuilderOnline's take on Symphony, one of the largest developments ever in Indiana, an Estridge project currently in the zoning phase with the city of Westfield, Ind. Read a portion below, or the entire article here.

Estridge Moves Forward With $1.2 Billion TND; With 1,400 acres and more than 3,800 homes, Symphony is one of the largest developments ever in Indiana. - Alison Rice

July 22, 2010 - The housing downturn hasn’t curtailed the Estridge Company’s ambitions. This fall, the Carmel, Ind.,-based company plans to start breaking ground for Symphony, a traditional neighborhood development (TND) north of Indianapolis. At 1,400 acres and 3,860 homes, it will be one of the largest new-home developments ever in Indiana.

But Symphony will be notable for more than its significant size. Composed of a handful of “villages” linked by trails and roads, the $1.2 billion project in Westfield, Ind., will offer buyers and residents the chance to live in a community designed to bring together multiple generations: singles seeking urban density in suburban locations, sports-crazed families with minivans and soccer cleats; and aging seniors in need of continuing care.

“We want to model what new neighborhoods should be,” says Paul Estridge Jr., president of the Estridge Company.

Symphony seeks to accomplish that through an “intergenerational approach” that mixes housing types and prices across the development, rather than the customary “silo-ing” in many new-home developments, where the product offered only appeals to one market segment. Under that model, when housing needs change, buyers must move elsewhere, no matter how much they might love their community.

In the works since 2002, Symphony’s plans have evolved during the downturn. “It’s a blessing, because if we hadn’t have done this during a recession, we would have done [Symphony] on a quicker time frame,” Estridge says. “We would have missed the realization that we needed to be on a different track than we were on.”

“That’s the lesson of the recession,” says Brian Canin of Orlando, Fla., planning firm Canin Associates, which designed Symphony. “Before the recession, you could say, ‘I have the luxury of targeting just the $500,000 to $2 million market. Now we have to cater to the very broad spectrum of everyone who needs a house and put the money where it really works.” Read Alison Rice's entire article via BuilderOnline here.

Learn more about Estridge, central Indiana's premiere homebuilder since 1967, here.

The question seems simple: "How do I choose the right homebuilder for my family?"

• Custom Builders
• Production Builders
• Semi-custom Builders
   

The Kiplinger Letters provide concise weekly forecasts on business and economic trends, as well as what to expect from Washington. The Kiplinger Letters include The Kiplinger Agricultural Letter (agribusiness), The Kiplinger Letter (general business and economic trends), Kiplinger's Retirement Report (worry-free retirement) and The Kiplinger Tax Letter, among many others. Learn more about Killinger Letters, a great way to stay informed, here.

The June 28, 2010 Kiplinger Letter discussed how the recent housing recovery is real, and many Americans feel now is the "right time to buy" a home. Here's an excerpt from that letter:

The housing recovery is real and sustainable despite recent volatility brought about mostly by on-again, off-again tax incentives for home buyers.

There are three reasons we believe the recovery will continue:
House prices are very affordable. It now takes about 18% of the typical household income to meet principal and interest payments on a single family home, which compares well with the long term average of 26%.

Consumer confidence is improving. It doesn't drive all purchases by consumers, but it does play a role in expensive, long-term commitments. A recent survey by the Univeristy of Michigan found that about three quarters of Americans believe that this is "a good time to buy." The outlook is likely to stay positive.

And credit conditions will ease. Many lenders are still waiting for assurance that home prices are stabilizing, but the consensus seems to be moving in that direction. Credit will flow more freely as a result.

Learn more about Kiplinger Letters here. Learn more about Estridge, your hometown builder of custom homes since 1967, here.

• A shock to the wallet: Cracks, discolorations and signs of warping in electrical outlets and cords are bad signs. Look to replace them. Be sure you hire an electrician if you find an outlet that no longer holds a plug. Improperly working outlets, fixtures or light switches can shock hundreds of dollars out of your wallet.
   
• Care for your air: Be sure you regularly change your air filters. Dirty filters cause more than 60 percent of all service calls. Look to change your air filters every month, particularly if shedding pets or kids are present in the home. Kids and pets can be dirty!
   
• Do you feel that draft: Windows and doors are the two biggest losers of cool air in the summer. To prevent this look to weatherproof both your windows and doors. You’ll find a benefit in your bills during both cold and hot weather. Check the seal quality of your doors and windows with a digital thermometer. Be sure to inspect caulking for cracks or distortions.
   
• Leaky toilets and faucets leak money: Fix that drip – it could save hundreds of dollars annually on your utility statement. Call a plumber if you find you’re up a leaky creek without a paddle.
   
• Be bold concerning mold: Make sure the caulking in your bathroom is secure and not cracked or damaged. Water penetration, which leads to mold and other issues, can be prevented if the subsurface, typically drywall, remains dry. Additionally, you can avoid replacement of fixtures if the surface, typically tile, is kept watertight.
   
• Leaky roofs lead to lighter wallets: Just because you have a leak doesn’t mean you have to replace the whole roof. But you should avoid a bucket -- a small leak can cause dozens of issues, turning into a major and expensive fiasco. Call a roofer and be crystal clear you are looking to repair the single leak, not replace the entire roof.
   
• Juice up that pump: Be sure you monitor your sump pump. Charge or change the batteries regularly. You may need to update the pump itself every few years. Water in the basement can cause thousands of dollars in damages, plus destroy any personal items in storage.

When people start a life together, finding the perfect gift to honor the occasion can be a difficult task. What are some ideas for wedding gifts? A stunning crystal decanter, a large hurricane or the perfect flatware are all elegant and special, yet functional choices. While the couple’s registry is a good place to start, remember it's perfectly acceptable to purchase something outside of the list. Don’t be afraid to get personal with your gift - try top-off candelabras with scented candles that suit the couple’s personality, fill a classic frame with their wedding invitation or add a monogram to luxurious sheeting.

- Candace Crooks, Designer, HOMExperience

Spring has sprung in Estridge neighborhoods and all of the building is calling for new sections of homesites for new homeowners. In two popular Estridge neighborhoods, new sections were recently opened with unique and exciting homesites: Centennial at 146^th Street and The Orchards at Anderson Hall.

The New Irvington Section in Centennial at 146^th Street

Beautiful, tree-lined Centennial at 146^th Street, offers three distinctive collections of 2-story and luxury ranch homes. Now this great Westfield neighborhood, minutes from shopping in Clay Terrace in the heart of Hamilton County, is breaking ground on homesites in a newly opened Irvington Section, off of Ditch Road between Centennial and Centennial at 146^th Street.

“This new section of Irvington homesites is nestled on all sides by a landscape featuring mature trees and evergreens,” says Juli Hurdle, New Home Consultant for Centennial at 146^th Street. “Two cul-de-sacs connect this small, quiet neighborhood, and most homesites afford backyard privacy. Some homesites will accommodate a 3-car garage, a first for the Irvington Collection in Centennial, while all are designed with yard space that can be easily maintained. One of the most appealing features to homeowners is the privacy this section affords. This section of homes enjoyes a private entrance and the north end of the neighborhood is bordered by a nice berm with landscaping.” Irvington Collection homes are built from $280,000.

To learn more about the new section for Irvington Collection homes, visit the Irvington Collection Model Home at 1388 Sommerville Drive in Westfield or contact either Juli Hurdle at 317.669.7089, hurdlej@estridge.net or Tasha Swetnam at 317.669.8665, swetnamt@estridge.net.

Centennial at 146^th Street boasts a great location, incredible neighborhood amenities including a swimming pool, a cabana house, and a playground as well as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, all in the heart of Hamilton County - Voted America's Best Place to Raise a Family by Forbes Magazine.

The New Orchards Section in Anderson Hall

Anderson Hall in Fishers has always offered their Orchard Collection of homes priced from $280,000 to $400,000. Now this great neighborhood has broken ground in the new Orchards Section!

“The new section has gorgeous tree-lined homesites along cul-de-sacs,” says Tisha Hinshaw, New Home Consultant for Anderson Hall. “They are very private homesites. Some sit on half an acre near large cul-de-sac green spaces, perfect  to play. Offering homeowners privacy, spacious backyards and great use of the surrounding green spaces - this new section is just beautiful!”

Conveniently located just minutes from I-69 and taking advantage of highly acclaimed Hamilton Southeastern schools, Anderson Hall is designed with gorgeous boulevard entrances highlighted with large limestone curved walls and colorful landscaping. The curving streets feature borders of trees and thoughtfully placed greenspace and lakes.

To learn more about this new section and reserve your homesite today, visit the Orchard at Anderson Hall Decorated Model Home at 13870 Sonrisa Drive in Fishers or contact New Home Consultants Kelly Dillon or Tisha Hinshaw at 317.669.8624 or dillonk@estridge.net or hinshawt@estridge.net.
 

Selected Estridge neighborhoods in Avon, Brownsburg and Franklin Township recently introduced a pilot release of the Ameritage Collection by Estridge. The Ameritage Collection features homes designed for the way you truly want to live today with the flexibility change with your changing lifestyle. Featuring jumbo garages, flex spaces, full lower levels and open living areas, this Collection of homes offers incredible opportunities with prices from $199,000.

 

The Robertson, a 2-story Ameritage home by Estridge, was introduced at Whispering Pines in Avon, Hession Fields in Brownsburg, Highland Green in Brownsburg and Edenwilde in Franklin Township on Monday, March 16^th. The design is unique as a new construction home from $209,900 in Hession Fields, featuring:

• Flex rooms off of the guest foyer, affordably personalized to the function you desire
• 21st Century Lifestyle Living Triangle between great room, harvest room & kitchen
• Central landing area removing the need for hallways and increasing the size of bedrooms
•  Luxury master bath with private water closet and spacious, organized walk-in closet
• Open lower level with space for multiple functions
• Jumbo garage features 2-car doors with 3-car square footage offers great storage! Create more space by personalizing up to a 4-car side-load garage!
•  A “kit of parts” to customize the traditional, elegantly detailed exterior with window trim, door surround, covered entry, dentil molding, carriage garage doors and more.

Interested in learning more about this home?

View the Robertson new home design.

Visit Whispering Pines in Avon and build your Robertson from $223,300.

Visit Highland Green in Brownsburg and build your Robertson from $230,000.

Visit Edenwilde in Franklin Township and build your Robertson home.

Visit Hession Fields in Brownsburg and build your Robertson home from $209,900.

Luxury home sales in central Indiana surged in February despite an overall decline in home sales, Re/Max of Indiana reported Monday morning.

A total of 33 homes in the nine-county area sold for more than $500,000 during the month, a rise of 43 percent from February 2009, when 23 homes in the highest-priced segment were sold.

"That was the first time we've seen a jump that big," said Eva Gribler, a Re/Max market analyst.  Re/Max agents believe the $6,500 tax credit for existing homeowners, plus the signs of increasing home prices pulled luxury buyers off the sidelines. The median price for the nine-county Indianapolis metropolitan statistical area was $106,100, up 8.8 percent in February 2009.

Neighborhood Open House
Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28
Noon to 5pm
Irvington Decorated Model Home at
1388 Somerville Drive, Westfield, IN
Call 317.669.7089 for questions or visit www.estridge.com for directions.

Enjoy refreshments, catch up on the happenings at Centennial and tour six homes & townhomes under construction.

Plus, bring this registration form and receive a certificate for a free home decor gift at HOMExperience and enter to win a $100 gift certificate to Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield.

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Why else should you visit Centennial this weekend?

Because it’s already a busy Spring at Centennial at 146^th Street in Westfield!

Over 8,000 neighborhood trees are budding, the neighbors are starting the Community Garden, the Bark Park is full of puppies ready to play, landscaping is beginning to take shape, and, most importantly, dirt is moving, and new Estridge homes are being built! View a photo tour of Centennial.

There are eight ranch and 2-story new homes and five 2-story Lockerbie Townhomes under construction at Centennial, Estridge's Westfield neighborhood!  

Stop in this weekend during the Neighborhood Open House and see what all of the excitement is about!  Plus, tour eight different Estridge luxury home designs in Westfield and witness Estridge quality throughout many different new home construction stages.

-          941A Irvington Ranch Home Decorated Model

-          Columbia Townhome Decorated Model

-          Getty 2-story Home Available for Immediate Move-in (Tax Credit Ready!)

-          Hanover Home Design at Drywall

-          Duke Townhome Under Construction

-          Columbia Townhome Under Construction

-          Amherst Townhome Under Construction

-          Emory Townhome Under Construction

Visit Rock Bridge, Estridge's popular Zionsville new home neighborhood, this weekend and enjoy a hard hat tour of the popular Coburn new home design currently under construction. Get a special preview of what's behind the walls of an Estridge home. 

Featured Hard Hat Home Tour
* The Coburn *
in Zionsville at
The Reserve at Rock Bridge
Sat. March 20 - Sun. March 21
Noon to 5pm
Lunch & Refreshments:
Saturday March 20 - Noon to 2pm

This Estridge 4-bedroom home design, released last summer, is extremely popular with Estridge homeowners due to its open design and distinguished architectural details throughout.

- VIEW COBURN HOME DESIGN -
Learn more about this popular Estridge home.

Highlighted features of the Coburn home design include:

• 10' main level ceilings
• Arched doorway and furniture niche greeting guests in foyer
• Open design with sight lines from foyer through to the back wall
• Varied window sizing and distinctive placement, such as three square windows in the dining room encouraging light and providing opportunity for dining room furniture placement
• Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops
• Upper level with central landing area and loft encouraging interaction between family on all home levels
• Walk-in closets in every bedroom
• Luxurious master suite with tray ceiling and feature garden tub
• Family foyer off of the garage organized with storage cubes, coat & bag wall and walk-in closet

So, why is  Fully Furnished & Finished a pilot release until January 10^th?

As an Indianapolis new home builder, and like many other organizations, we are constantly looking to better serve our homeowners and build them the home of their dreams. Our home décor store at Clay Terrace in Carmel, HOMExperience, provides us with the unique opportunity of working with homeowners throughout the full home design process - not only building their new luxury home, but furnishing it as well. This relationship presented us with a disconnect which some homeowners feel between the home they imagine themselves living in and the empty one they move in to.

We believe that we can better serve clients by providing them with a fully furnished new Estridge luxury home when they move in. But, we want to know what you think and what our homeowners think. This short pilot release allows us to get feedback from the greater Indianapolis real estate market to see how Fully Furnished homes better serves our homeowners needs. So, we invite everyone to join the conversation.

Visit www.fully.estridge.com to learn more, share your thoughts and provide feedback on how we can better serve our homeowners.
 

Browse new photos of Lincolnshire, located at 141^st Street and Towne Road, to see the beautiful fall colors worn by the numerous trees throughout this premiere Estridge new home neighborhood in Carmel, Indiana.

Or stop by the decorated model at 14135 Murphy Circle West, 46074, and take a tour of the intimate 82-homesite neighborhood with gorgeous, custom-like new homes, 2-story and ranch homes complete with gorgeous kitchens featuring granite countertops and stainless steel sinks, as well as finished lower levels and architectural details throughout the luxury home designs.

View Photos of this Carmel neighborhood

Learn more about Lincolnshire by Estridge

*Photos by Erin Hession Photography

HOMExperience Home Decor Hint, July: 
Make Your Summer House Guests Feel at Home

Company is coming! Summertime brings the college kids home, in-laws are planning on visiting, and drop-in guests are always a given! Follow these simple design tips and your house will always fell like a home to any guest that may visit.

1. Use cotton fabrics and linens, they are always crisp, fresh and cool. Add a silk throw for extra luxury!
2. Nothing says welcome like fluffy towels! Try the new organic cotton or bamboo towels, they are a little more expensive, but are softer and will last longer.
3. Try to create a relaxing, spa like feeling by placing scented candles and fresh flowers throughout the room.
4. Prepare a basket of toiletries. Add extra tooth brushes, razors, lotions, and scented soaps for the guest who may have forgotten something.

Visit HOMExperience and enjoy savings on special items for your summer guests, such as candles and scented soaps.

View Past Home Decor and Furnishing Hints from HOMExperience:
June 2009: Summer Sizzle
May 2009: Artful Advice
February 2009: Get Trendy With It
January 2009: Go Green! Be good to your windows with style.

December 2008 - Holiday Décor Hint

November 2008– Natural Entertainment Décor Hint

October 2008 – Perfectly Proportioned Rugs

September 2008 - Create the Right Study Space 

New Estridge Ranch Home in Westfield, Indiana

1343 Somerville

Westfield, IN 46074

Price: $325,000
www.tourfactory.com/515624

Estridge Community: Centennial in Westfield – decorated model located off of Ditch Road, north of 146^th Street.

Learn more about the Irvington Collection of ranch homes at Centennial

View the 940 Irvington Collection home design

Featured Estridge Home Highlights:

• 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
• Finished lower level
• Lots of light with vaulted ceilings and oversized windows
• Gorgeous kitchen – designer staggered cabinets, black appliances, granite island
• Open great room features fireplace with custom crafted mantel
• Hardwood flooring throughout living space and master bedroom
• Luxurious master bath offers garden tub, ceramic tile and spacious walk-in closet
• Screened porch off breakfast nook
• Incredible neighborhood amenities: bark park, community garden, miles of walking trails, swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, sledding hill and much more!

View Photo Tour of this luxury new home

Learn more about Estridge

View all Indianapolis Real Estate by Estridge

• News from the Indianapolis Extreme Makeover project, led by Estridge
• New Estridge Home Designs
• Recipe from the Tuscan Romance Cooking Class at HOMExperience
• Summer Home Maintenance Hints
• Tips on How to Hang Artwork in your Home
• News from Wood Wind Golf Club
• Upcoming Estridge Events
• Much More!

View all Estridge New Homes for Sale on Estridge.com.

7847 Whiting Bay Drive
Brownsburg, IN 46112
$424,000
http://www.tourfactory.com/503305

Estridge Community: Reserve at Highland Green in Brownsburg – decorated model located off of SR267, 2 miles north of I-74.

Learn more about the Meridian Collection of ranch homes at Centennial

View the 760 Meridian Collection home design

Featured Estridge Home Highlights:

• Ranch Home with 10’ ceilings and open design
• 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths
• Lower level
• Gorgeous kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances
• Large breakfast bar island with kitchen sink overlooking hearth room
• Dual-sided fireplace
• Crown molding throughout living area
• 3-car side-load garage

View Photo Tour of this luxury new home

Learn more about Estridge

View all Indianapolis Real Estate by Estridge

We are proud to announce the introduction of three (3) new Meridian Collection home designs in Estridge neighborhoods, including one main level master home design. Enjoy unique architectural stylings and custom home design details throughout. Designed by Greg Cradick, Estridge Custom Galleries Senior Architect, these new luxury homes draw on our background as an Indiana custom home builder and feature open designs, elegance and floorplan flexibility.

To learn more about these new homes and view the full design and personalization opportunities, schedule an appointment with an Estridge New Home Consultant in Centennial at 146th Street, Lincolnshire, The Reserve at Rock Bridge, Manor at Anderson Hall or The Reserve at Highland Green.

Or visit Estridge.com to learn more about the NEW Meridian Collection homes.

1385 Trescott Drive

Westfield, IN 46074

Price: $349,900
www.tourfactory.com/480334

Estridge Community: Centennial in Westfield – decorated model located off of Ditch Road, north of 146^th Street.

Learn more about Irvington Collection homes in Centennial

View the 941 Irvington Collection home design

Featured Estridge Home Highlights:

• 4 bedrooms, 3 baths + private office
• Finished lower level includes full bath and 2 bedrooms
• Lots of light with 10’ ceilings and oversized windows
• Gorgeous kitchen – designer staggered cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite island
• Open great room features fireplace with custom crafted mantel
• Skylights in entry and dining room
• Luxurious master with tray ceiling, garden bath and spacious organized walk-in closet
• Screened porch off breakfast nook
• Incredible neighborhood amenities: bark park, community garden, miles of walking trails, swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts, sledding hill and much more!

View Photo Tour of this luxury new home





Learn more about Estridge 

View all Indianapolis Real Estate by Estridge