Buying a Home May Never Get Cheaper?

On Tuesday we told you about some recent data that showed interest rates and home prices make buying a home now about the best opportunity as you’ve had in more than a decade. A recent article from CNNMoney.com agrees with us.

According to the article, with home prices down 34% nationally since 2006 and mortgage rates at historic lows, homes have never been more affordable — but it won’t stay this way for much longer.


The article also goes onto state that experts think home prices will flatten out by 3rd quarter and then actually start to rise in 2012.

If you paid attention to the headlines in Detroit, all three of big auto companies have had record sales month after record sales month, and with profits and bonuses hitting bank accounts, and thousands of jobs comingn to the area, southeast Michigan might see a demand for homes and new built homes like it hasn’t seen since the early 2000s.

Low interest rates, less foreclosures, and continued job growth are the ingredients needed to improve home values.

Now, call Pinnacle Homes or visit one of our growing and developing communities and see how your dream of a new home could become a dream come true.

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

Now is the Time to Buy

Have you been thinking about buying a new home but thought, “no way …not the right time?” Experts are actually saying the opposite. In fact, we picked out three very interesting pieces of data from Freddie Mac that have us thinking this about the best environment to buy a home and rivals any period of time in about twenty years.

First, interest rates are currently sitting at all-time lows of 3.84%. Mix in the fact home prices are at a historically low point and you’ll be getting more house for less money, and paying less money for it over time.

Source: Freddie Mac.

Don’t have a calculator handy? Well, consider a $1,500 monthly payment on a 30-year loan with 3.84% interest means you can get a  $320,000 loan. Ten years ago with interest rates around 7%, you’d only get a $225,000 loan.

Which brings us to reason number two ….homes are cheaper right now. Well, not “cheap” but “more affordable”. Comparable homes in comparable neighborhoods are showing their lowest value in a decade.  Adjusted for inflation, nationwide home prices are now about on par with their 100-year average, according to Yale economist Robert Shiller’s data:



Source: Robert Shiller.

Finally, a third point to consider – this is a nationwide average. We’re in Southeast Michigan so we’re painfully aware the past few years have been a little harder on us than the rest of the nation. The bad news, it was worse. The good news, it’s even better for Metro Detroiters looking to buy new and using the data above.

On behalf of everyone at Pinnacle Homes, we’re giving you permission to dream again. And when you’re ready, check out one of our fabulous communities and let us make your dreams come true.

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

The Hills of Bogie Lake

The weather in southeast Michigan has been record-setting this year. We’ve enjoyed the warmest ever January, February, and March and with the nice weather, Pinnacle Homes has experienced unprecedented new home construction and sales for the usually slow winter months. It’s like Mother Nature got a jump-start on spring, and so did local homebuyers.

Each week we try and highlight one of our fabulous communities and none are more inviting and more alive than The Hills of Bogie Lake. There’s something really special about this neighborhood and site manager, Lisa, explained why she loves selling homes at The Hills of Bogie Lake.

Q: How do you open the conversation when someone approaches you about living in The Hills of Bogie Lake?

A: It’s rare opportunity to live in a community that is so family oriented. It may be the attraction of the community pool, clubhouse, basketball court, and playground, or the walking trails throughout, or the genuinely strong feeling of community and ownership that shines through that draws you in. You can’t help but smile as the kids go riding by on their bicycles in search of their next adventure for the day. It’s a neighborhood that many families are proud to call home.

Q: How will The Hills of Bogie Lake look 3, 4, or 10 years from now?

I think we’ve designed the neighborhood so that it’s always going to have the same welcoming look and feel, it will just be bigger and have more families.

Q: What school district is this? What schools does The Hills of Bogie Lake feed into?

A: The Walled Lake School District and specifically Commerce Elementary, Clifford Smart Middle School, and Walled Lake Northern High School.

Q: What else draws people to this development?

A: The exemplary Walled Lake Schools, the amenities, and the location with easy access to M-59, M-5, and I-696. We are only 15-minutes from Twelve Oaks Mall and Fountain Walk, which both offer numerous options for shopping, eating, and entertainment.

Q: What sets The Hills of Bogie Lake apart from other communities?

A: I don’t think people expect this “gem” of a community hidden away in Commerce Township and to be able to purchase a quality, well built home with award winning floor-plans from Pinnacle Homes, with prices starting in the 300′s …it’s  truly a find.

Q: So The Hills of Bogie Lake is “the best?”

A: Absolutely! And dont just take my word for it. Stop and ask the many neighbors here out walking their dogs or calling their children in for dinner. They are the true testament of what to expect in such a place.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about The Hills of Bogie Lake? What gives you the most pride about The Hills of Bogie Lake?

A: The natural setting and mature trees really enhance the beautiful architecture that you see presented in these homes. Pinnacle offers beautifully aesthetic exteriors with brick, stone, and limestone accents on many plans. I also want to mention the grand entrance which really lets you know that you have “arrived at Bogie Lake”.

Q: What are you noticing lately at The Hills of Bogie Lake that excites you?

A: We have been busy over the last 2 weeks since we have moved into our new model, here at The Hills of Bogie Lake. The response from the community and the Realtors has been tremendous. There is such excitment about the future for Pinnacle Homes at this location. I have been truely amazed!

The Muirfield II

Q: Do you have a favorite home?

A: The Muirfield II, which is the decorated model here, has the best floorplan that I have seen in a long time. The two story family room and spacious, really more like huge, kitchen is so functional and perfect for entertaining or just spending the night in with the family. Its no wonder that this plan has won awards for Pinnacle!!

Q: When is your next Open House? Will there be cookies?

A: The model is always open!! Every day except Thursday and Friday, that is. So, please come check us out anytime Sat-Wed from 11-6 and yes, there is always something sweet to eat

Q: What are your happiest customers and new owners doing?

Right now my customers are anxiously anticipating their move-in dates as we are about to have our first closings in the Hills of Bogie Lake in the late spring. So, I imagine they are packing as we speak!

Feel like taking a stroll through The Hills of Bogie Lake? Every day this week is going to be beautiful, so why not stop by and see what all the excitement is about. Ask for Lisa and ask for the keys to the front door of your new home.

The Hills of Bogie Lake
248-363-0044
lisa@pinnaclebuilt.com

Saturday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

Realtor Breakfasts

At Pinnacle Homes, when we build your home, we believe the most important part is a solid foundation. Not just the hole we dig in the ground, but the designs, the materials, the contractors, and location. Before you figure out if the couch or TV should go by the window or the fireplace. Before you determine whether the coffee maker should be right next to the microwave or closer to the sink. Before you hang pictures on the walls and put plants on the window sills. Before any of that happens, we’ve made sure you have outlets where you need them, the drywall will hold your pictures, and you’ll have enough light to keep your plants alive. We lay a solid foundation and design a home so it’s easier for you to make such critical decisions.

And believe it or not, the “foundation” starts even earlier than that with the people in our Pinnacle family, and the partners with whom we choose to work. This is especially true of the Realtors who show off our communities and homes. Sure, any Realtor can schedule an appointment and walk through one of our models, but we’re so proud of what we’re building at Pinnacle, our hope is that Realtors don’t just walk-through without pointing out our Energy Star ratings, the modern architecture and design, and much, much more. It’s important for us that Realtors don’t miss the highlights and for this reason we invite each of them to get-to-know Pinnacle Homes and learn why we’re different.

From this great foundation, our relationships with Realtors all over southeast Michigan has grown into true partnerships and we’ve added hundreds of exceptional neighbors to our communities with their help. And for this, we thank them. They may not realize how much we appreciate all that they do and for taking the extra time to learn about Pinnacle, our models, and our vision. But hopefully, from time to time, when we invite them to a luncheon or a breakfast, like we did two weeks ago, they realize they are as much a part of Pinnacle’s success as anything.

Thanks, again, to all our partner Realtors and if you’re a Realtor and want to know more about Pinnacle Homes, please reach out to us and let us dazzle you. We weren’t Builder of the Year in 2011 for nothing.

Happy Home Building.

Contact Pinnacle Homes at:

MAIN OFFICE:  28800 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 200 | Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334
info@pinnaclebuilt.com   |   248-539-9333

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

Pinnacle Perfecting the “open floor plan”

A Pinnacle Home isn’t going to remind you of your childhood home, but we hope when you break ground on, close on, or move into a Pinnacle Home that you’ll feel like a kid again. As this article from the Chicago Tribune pointed out, the 1980s saw an end to the post-World War II floor plans with their labyrinth of rooms and narrow hallways and saw a rise in the “open floor plan” – wall-less living areas that allowed Mom to keep an eye on the family while juggling dinner, business calls, and sports schedules.

Walk through any of the models in our 11 communities and you’ll notice we’re not just building homes with open floor plans, we’re perfecting it. Sometimes an “open floor plan” makes a home feel like a dance hall and rooms seem empty and lifeless unless you’re hosting the equivalent of a wedding reception in that room. For some builders and designers, the “open floor plan” is just an exercise in square footage excess. At Pinnacle, we’ve found the perfect balance between function and form. Our homes are open and spacious, but the rooms still have warmth and function.

We invite you to stop by any of our models this weekend and witness the best homes built in southeast Michigan. Who knows, you might get inspired to rethink or your own space or, as most find, rethink moving into a new space and your own Pinnacle Home.

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

The Ravines at Stonegate

The Ravines at Stonegate is one of Pinnacle Homes‘ most luxurious developments. Sidewalks wind through the 15 acre community, complete with a clubhouse and swimming pool which provide endless recreational entertainment for everyone! You are surrounded by great shopping, restaurants and other entertainment venues like Great Lake Crossing Mall in Auburn Hills, The Village of Rochester outdoor mall, and even Somerset Collection in Troy.

We sat down with Ryan, Stonegate’s site manager, to find out why he loves showing off homes at Stonegate.

Q: What sets The Ravines at Stonegate apart from other communities?

A: The quality of home we build, and the flexibility to accommodate our customer’s needs. We are a semi-custom builder at a production builder’s price.  I guess that would describe us best.

Q: What gives you the most pride about Stonegate?

A: First, I guess, aside from the the opportunity to do what I do for a living, and be told I’m good at it, I think it’s the challenge. I love that about the job. I take that back, I almost don’t think of it as a job, it is so much fun helping people own what is probably the biggest investment of thier lives. But I guess what gives me the most pride is seeing the community grow and come together, and knowing I had some small part of it. When people come to an Open House or one of the models, I’m realistic and realize I might be the 5th, 6th . . . who knows, the 20th house they’ve seen that day. Sometimes by the time they meet me and see what Pinnacle Homes has to offer, all they see is a collection of closets, rooms, and windows and I want to make sure they learn more about the neighborhood. I show them Stonegate’s future and show them how they might become part of a wonderful group of people building, not just their own homes, but a true community.

Q: What are you noticing lately at Stonegate that excites you?

A: I am seeing quite a bit of new construction happening. It is a wonderful time to buy, with home pricing down and ridiculously low interest rates. And there’s optimism. Optimism with potential buyers, those currently in the process of building, and with those who’ve already bought and moved into their homes. It’s contagious.

Q: When is your next Open House?

A: My next open house is this Saturday, and every Saturday, at 11:00 a.m.

Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The Muirfield II

Coffee. Well, that and the excitement of meeting new customers, and showing them how to achieve home ownership. That’s really how I see my job. I don’t minimize Pinnacle’s award winning designs and the latest technology they use to achieve maximum energy efficiency and how creatively they use space and design to make a home feel bigger. That’s important. But what I feel people want more than anything is the answer to, “how can I live here?” They want to know it can be easy and rewarding, and it can happen quickly.

Q: What are your happiest customers doing?

A: Enjoying their new Pinnacle Home. Showing off the new homes to their family and friends. I can’t tell you how many times I see a new family posing for a shot in front of their newly dug basement, or watching three cars pull up to the construction site and watch my new owners get out and walk around with Grandma and Grandpa, or maybe it’s a brother-in-law or best friend. It’s just fun to see the whole evolution of a home. And then when the home is finished and everyone moves in, it’s sometimes like a parade. So many people wanting to stop by and drop-off a housewarming gift and walk around their friend’s new home. And then, the house-warming parties. Never fails. But with the open floor plans, who can blame them. It’s fun to show-off their new homes and these homes are practically built for entertainment. I just wish I got invited once or twice. LOL.

Q: And finally, people will be getting back outside soon enough and the smells of a BBQ grill will start filling the air . . . what’s your best steak marinade?

A: Garlic, Italian dressing, soy sauce, and red wine. I don’t over think it. Put it all in a seal-able Ziploc bag in the morning (or night before). Come home from work. Fire up the grill. Voila!

Stop by The Ravines at Stonegate or call to make an appointment – 248-977-4231, or email Ryan at
ryanpatton@pinnaclebuilt.com. The models are open Saturday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST INFORMATION »

Come visit our decorated model and sales center, located on Ventura Drive in Lake Orion, MI. From 1-75: Take exit #81 for M-24 North, toward Lapeer. Turn right onto M-24N/Lapeer (1.2 mi). Turn right onto Dutton Rd. (1.4 mi). Turn left onto Ventura Drive. Our model is located on the west side of Ventura Drive, .2 mi from Dutton Rd.

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

Home of the Week

Every week in our communities, we spotlight one of our models. This week we invite you to check out the Athens model, currently available in Greenbriar of Commerce.

The Athens boasts 1,800 square feet of living space, 3 bedroom, and 2.5 baths.

Don’t worry about the snow storm – Pinnacle Homes neighborhoods are always plowed and salted, and the driveways and sidewalks are, too.

Stop by or schedule an appointment today.

Greenbriar – FHA Approved

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST INFORMATION »

barb@pinnaclebuilt.com
248-529-3820

Saturday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by appointment

Detailed Driving Directions

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

Great Things Happening at Birkdale Pointe

If you haven’t been to Birkdale Pointe lately, we hope you’ll stop by soon. We have some exciting things happening at Birkdale Pointe – two new homeowners moved in over the holidays! The site has been busy, with new construction underway at 4 home sites in the community. Good things are happening in Commerce!

In addition, we will be moving the sales office to The Hills of Bogie Lake community in March. The new model will be the Muirfield II which is 3,050 square feet and one of our most popular designs. Be sure to watch for our invitation to the Grand Opening soon. We are excited to be offering the same homes at both communities so there are more options available then ever before. We have 2 families building with Pinnacle in the community already. Really exciting!

Come and see why Pinnacle Homes, was not only selected as the Builder of the Year in 2010, but in 2011 became the largest single family builder in Oakland County! While we realize that there are many choices in the marketplace, that many buyers can’t be wrong in choosing a quality, value driven builder. It’s about exceeding expectations and creating a house that you will be proud to call home for years to come.

In 2012, the sky is the limit for this local Michigan Builder! So, come be a part of the excitement and select your home site or newly constructed home before March 31st, 2012 and we will waive your lot premium up to $10,000 at either community.

I would like to welcome you to visit our model, currently located in Birkdale Pointe:

5163 Parkgate Dr,

Commerce, MI 48382

(248) 363-0044

Open 11-5 daily except Thurs & Fri

An the professionally decorated model is FOR SALE! Let us show you all of what Pinnacle Homes has to offer.

We look forward to hearing from you soon! For more information, call Lisa, our Site Manager for Birkdale Pointe & The Hills of Bogie Lake.

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

Take a Virtual Tour of our Savannah Ranch at Greenbriar

One of our favorite models is the Savannah – a ranch home available at Greenbriar in Commerce Township.

The Savannah capitalizes on the trendy open floor plan and sacrifices a formal living room and dining room for a large great room, perfect for hosting parties.

Some highlights:

  • Starting from $174,900
  • Ranch
  • 1600 Sq. Ft.
  • 3 Bedrooms
  • 2 Bathrooms

This past weekend, Greenbriar sold two more homes and we welcome our newest neighbors to the community.

Greenbriar model homes are open Saturday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., or by appointment by calling Barb @ 248-529-3820 or by email: barb@pinnaclebuilt.com

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST INFORMATION »

Detailed Driving Directions

Or, take a Virtual Tour, now.

Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.

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CNBC’s Jim Kramer Predicts a 2012 Housing Rebound

Here at Pinnacle Homes, we’re more and more optimistic every day about the positive outlook for housing in 2012. And don’t just take our word for it, as even Mad Money crazy man Jim Kramer is on board with the idea 2012 will be great for home building.

“The housing market has bottomed and could soon turn around,” Jim Kramer said last Thursday.

As this article points out, pending home sales, for example, recently hit its highest level in 19 months. The National Association of Realtors’ existing home sales index rose by 7.3 percent from October to November, even through industry experts had only expected an increase of just 1 percent.

Jack Welch agrees, and sites a combination of low prices and record-low interest rates in helping the battered real estate market hit bottom and get ready to rebound, perhaps even stronger than many economists expect.

“Housing has pretty well bottomed and rental prices are going up. Vacancies are almost non-existent,” Welch said. “So you’ve got a lot of forces driving toward the housing market. Prices are down, interest rates are down, the affordability index is good…We think it could be a blowout. Housing could be really good based on all the dynamics that are out there.”

Read the full article here.

As always, we invite you to visit any of our communities and walk through our models for the latest in home design and planning, the latest in energy efficiency and creature comforts, and above all, to see what your new home could look like.

Happy New Year.

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Pinnacle Homes, founded by Howard Fingeroot and Steve Friedman, is one of Metro Detroit’s leading home builders and was named 2010’s “Builder of the Year.” Pinnacles unprecedented 7-year growth and success stems from their core values and recipe for success – the right team of people from the start. No rookie in the business on their team. Along with Pinnacle President, John DePorre, the company leaders bring a vast background and experience and combine their knowledge and expertise with a team of youthful, exuberant, experienced, and highly skilled sales people, construction people, and staff. Pinnacle will help build the home of your dreams.