Wise Words
This month we celebrate Easter. I am sure it means lots of different things to us: a few days off, a new dress, a basket and eggs, time with family, the start of Spring. To Christians it means a horrible Crucifixion and an awesome Resurrection. I guess the choices we make determine the value we place on Easter. While the trappings of eggs and bunnies are fun, I kind of like the T-shirt I heard about today: “Silly Rabbit, Easter is for Jesus.”
The Easter story as told in the gospel of Matthew (chapters 26, 27, 28) centers around choices. Judas chose to give Jesus up to the High Priest and his henchmen. Peter chose to follow Jesus from a distance, but also chose to deny that he knew Jesus. Pilate, the Roman Governor, chose to let the people decide Jesus’ punishment or freedom. He interviewed Jesus at least twice and was impressed with Him, but feared an uprising in the land if he just let Jesus go. There was a custom that the Governor would pardon a man during the Jewish Passover, and so he chose to bring out a murder convicted rebel, Jesus Barabbas, and offered a choice to the people. “Do you want me to release Jesus Barabbas or Jesus called the Christ?” The high priests and leaders had whipped the crowd into a frenzy and they called for the release of Barabbas, a convicted criminal and the execution of Jesus, a blameless man. Ironic, is it not?
We all have choices to make. Some of them are personal taste or some are character choices or some are life changing. But at some time, we face a similar choice to the people of Jerusalem. Who do you choose today: the one representing the way of the crowd or the Man of the Way? The answer makes all the difference.
David Eaton, Area Team Leader
Imagine Homes
In conjunction with its 10th anniversary, Imagine Homes is celebrating the official grand opening March 5-6 of its newest community of Estancia in Cibolo Canyons. Located off TPC Parkway, near the JW Marriott and two PGA TPC golf courses, Estancia is the first of four new gated communities planned for Cibolo Canyons. Imagine Homes will offer special activities, entertainment and food from 1-3 p.m. March 6 as part of the community’s grand opening celebration.
Imagine Homes is one of two builders in Estancia, which will have a total of 123 homesites. Homeowners will enjoy three separate amenity centers, including pools, soccer fields and party rooms. Imagine Homes currently has four homes under construction in Estancia, with prices starting in the $420s. All homes are located on greenbelt homesites, providing greater privacy. Homeowners will enjoy beautifully maintained walking trails within the community and throughout the master-planned neighborhood of Cibolo Canyons.
Jim Bastoni and John Friesenhahn began Imagine Homes in 2006, challenging the conventional methods of home building and using the latest technologies in green and energy-efficient building. Since that time, the homebuilder has built a reputation as a leader in green-building technology and high-performance new-home construction. Imagine Homes has received the National Association of Home Builders Green Building Award for Production Home of the Year five times since 2008. This award showcases industry leaders and innovators who achieve the highest levels of green building. A green home uses sustainable, renewable and environmentally friendly products and building practices. “Using renewable energy resources, such as solar energy, is just one of the ways that Imagine Homes sets itself apart from other builders in San Antonio and one of the products that we use on our homes that we are most proud of,” Friesenhahn said.
Solar Shingles
Imagine Home’s solar shingles are a first-of-its kind product that combines a roofing shingle with a solar cell. Homebuyers who purchase to build an Imagine home with solar shingles receive a complete photovoltaic roofing system that saves money on energy bills, reducing the overall cost of homeownership. The solar shingles also help differentiate these homes from others in terms of resale. The home also includes a monitoring system that provides real-time readouts of electricity generation and home electricity usage. “The new solar shingles are integrated into the roofing shingles and are aesthetically pleasing, which buyers love,” Friesenhahn said. “These solar shingles directly benefit the homeowner by saving them money each month on their costs to cool and heat the home.” Imagine Homes takes pride in not only building homes that offer homeowners lower energy costs and increased comfort, but also in doing what is best for the environment. “Our commitment to integrity, craftsmanship and innovation is evident in every home we build, and we work hard to make sure our homes exceed green-building regulations and always go above and beyond for our homeowners,” Bastoni said.
Communities
Imagine Homes builds custom, semicustom and production homes throughout San Antonio and Bexar County. The company offers homes from the $300s to $1 million-plus in its Build Green on Your Lot custom-home division. “At Imagine Homes, we let our buyers customize their plan for their specific needs and wants,” said Bastoni. “As long as it can be imagined, we will do our best to provide cost-effective options for our homebuyers to truly make their home one of a kind.” In addition to Estancia in Cibolo Canyons, Imagine Homes builds in the following communities:
Amorosa, part of Cibolo Canyons, features garden homes ranging from the $320s to $450s. The community offers walking trails, an amenity center, pool and clubhouse. Lawn maintenance is included with the homeowners association fees.
The Reserve at Old Fredericksburg, located off Interstate10 and Ralph Fair Road, offers an opportunity to live in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country and enjoy all the conveniences San Antonio has to offer. With easy access to both Interstate 10 and Loop 1604, it is only a short drive away from upscale shopping and the Medical Center. Homes range from the $390s-$520s and feature designer touches and three-car garages.
Willis Ranch is located north of Borgfeld Road off Bulverde Road in North Central San Antonio. Homes range from the $300s to $380s. Community features include greenbelt homesites, walking trails, amenity center, playground, park, pool and clubhouse.
Indian Springs is nearing closeout with only two remaining homes, ranging from the $460s to $580s. The community is located in North Central San Antonio near U.S. Highway 281 and Bulverde Road.
Olympia Hills is a tree-covered neighborhood conveniently located in Universal City near Randolph AFB, Olympia Hills Golf and Event Center and shopping at The Forum at Olympia Parkway. Homes range from the $420s to $460s.
Key Updates
New Employee- Key Insulation 
would like to welcome Mike Marek to the team! As a professional who has specialized in the housing industry over the years, Mike is now our new Sales Rep for the Austin area. If you need a quote, he can be reached by email or by phone at (512) 818-7901.
Key is Hiring! Key Insulation is hiring a Sales Representative for the Austin area! If you or anyone you know is looking for a job and would be a great fit for our company please send your resume to jowen@keyinsulation.com.
Builders Luncheon at GSABA- 
We want to thank everyone who came out to our luncheon at the Greater San Antonio Builders Association! We had a great turn-out with an array of incredible home builders who got to spend one-on-one time with our vendors and learn more about the products and services we offer. And the winner of the Yeti cooler was Ted Rothman with David Anderson Homes!
Events
Events Attended:
Feb. 8th – 11th SPFA Convention & Expo
Feb. 11th Texas State Job Fair
Feb. 26th Builders Luncheon at GSABA
Feb. 29th— RESNET Conference
March 2nd
Upcoming events:
March 28th Texas Energy Code Update Training
April 5th HBA Austin Lakeway/Bee Cave Chap. Mtg.
RESNET Building Performance Conference
Builders Energy Rater attended the annual RESNET Building Performance Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. This annual RESNET is the premier national forum on home energy ratings, existing home retrofits, building codes and energy policy.
