Green Living - It's Go Time

Katie and I have made a personal commitment to green living.  It's about time, right?  The science is clear, the technology is ready, and the cost is minimal.  We have run out of excuses.  There is no time like the present.  We know it won't happen overnight, but we also know that a few small changes each week can add up quickly.

This week we started with something very simple...unplugging our phones after charging is complete.  The industry term is "vampire power," power that your cell phone continues to draw even after charging is complete.  Recently some cell phone chargers have fixed this energy loophole, but most chargers are guilty of wasting a bunch of power.

That's it.  One small change.  So I will charge my phone for an hour as I get ready for bed...and another hour when I wake up.  More later...

Hi, I'm Elizabeth Kenly

aka 'Nanny'

- Elizabeth is the Nanny for Ellie & Sam Garman- but during naptime, she turns into the Garman Homes office manager/closing coordinator. Like Clark Kent & Superman.

- Elizabeth's Street Cred: Don't mess with her - you'll get a time out.

- Garman Homes Theme Song: "Let's Get it Started" - Black Eyed Peas

- Elizabeth loves her partner, Amy. Together they're raising Ashley and Austin.

Hi, I'm Dan Morse

aka 'DoorJam Dan'

- Dan is starting lineup on construction and head coach behind the scenes - that all translates to the Director of Construction & Operations.

- Dan's Street Cred: 10 years as the Big Man on Campus for National Builder (literally...he's the big man, he's 6'8", people)

- Garman Homes Theme Song: "I'll be There for You" -The Rembrandts (The Friends Theme)

- Dan loves his wife, Val. They have three great kids- Ally is 9, Abby is 6 and Aiden is 4.

Hi, I'm Alaina Money

aka 'A$'

- Alaina is the Director of Sales & Marketing- she gets to turn offers into contracts.

- Alaina's Street Cred: Onsite sales for 2 national builders. Rock Star since March 2008.

- Garman Homes Theme Song: "Once in a Lifetime" - Talking Heads

- Alaina loves her husband, Jeff Money. The Money Posse includes Amelia-6, Francesca-4, Stella-1 & Nonna-69.

Hi, I'm Gerry Felton

aka 'Mr. Bluntafixaholic'

- Gerry builds all the houses Laurel sells in Holly Springs - He lives there too!

- Gerry's Street Cred: Built for 2 national builders; went to State (it can't just be coincidence - good builders tend to be State grads)

- Garman Homes Theme Song: "Renegade" - Styx

- Gerry loves his wife Shaina, his baby boy and the Wolfpack.

Hi, I'm Jim Garman

aka 'The only Prius-driving builder we know of'

- Jim is our Owner - he's a local guy; loves Durham
- Jim's Street Cred: 7 years at a national builder doing everything from being a Superintendent to being the #2 person in charge
- Garman Homes Theme Song: "Right Now" - Van Halen
- Jim loves his wife, Katie. Their daughter Ellie is 3. Ellie became a big sister this Spring to Baby Sam.

All Your Eggs in One Basket!

Rock Stars Wanted?......................Rock Stars found! Jim Garman and the Garman Team say they are looking for Rock Stars to build homes for, but as far as my husband Brian and I are concerned, THEY'RE the stars! Yes, we've had the "rock star" treatment since we began this process, and less than 3 weeks away from closing on our dream home, we could not be happier with the journey.

From the moment we met Alaina and Kathie, we knew this team was different. Although my husband and I had never been through the building process before, we felt totally at ease with them. We had heard many horror stories about building, but somehow we knew we were dealing with a different kind of company here. Then we met Jim Garman, and our feelings were solidified! Personally, he is wonderful. He and his group incorporate honesty, integrity, hard work, and genuine concern into their business dealings and it shows. We also loved the idea of giving back. Jim is involved with Habitat for Humanity, and gives a portion of his proceeds from each home to them. Thanks Jim!

We really wanted to build in Holly Glen, and were excited to be the first buyers to build a new floor plan. It has been a thrill to watch Jim's team "create" this beautiful home for us. I cannot really convey how ecstatic we are with the entire process. We have been informed each step of the way, and all the claims of exceptional quality and timeliness have come true. In just a few short months, not only are we nearing completion on a beautiful new home, but each person we have dealt with has been professional and treated us like royalty! Thanks to Mike, Kelly, Phil & Kathy, John &Chris, Alaina, Kathie, Jim and everyone else. You guys rock!

And if it wasn't enough that we had Jim's team busy building our new home, we also had them selling our old one through Garman Realty. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket! No surprise here, but Garman Realty is as creative and different as Garman Homes. They marketed our home, set up a blog page, and the G-Team came in to update a couple of areas. Especially in this ecomony, it's the "extra effort" that matters. Last week, we sold our home; just in time for our April closing! Thanks Jenn, Jim, Jackie, and everyone for your hard work.

So in case you haven't already guessed, we are extremely happy with the experience we have had with Garman Homes & Realty. We would highly recommend the G-Team to anyone who wants an honest and different approach to home buying/selling. Like I said before, Rock Stars wanted? Rock Stars found!

Regards,
Brian and Mary McEnteer