Fulton Homes now carries Therma-Tru patio doors that are low E dual pane glass, but have a shade in the center  of the glass panels that can block out the light, when you need.  The advantages of these fully contained shades within the window, is that you can adjust the shade so that is fully closed partially closed and fully open.  The design possibilities are endless, as they come in many different styles and can also be done in a dual french door set up.

Beautifully crafted, energy efficient, secure, and easy to maintain, Therma-Tru fiberglass patio doors are a durable alternative to wood or steel.  Even after 25 years, fiberglass remains the most advanced material for entryways — able to satisfy both today’s and tomorrow’s homeowners by giving them the look of wood doors and the strength of steel doors, without the compromises of either.  It’s the optimum combination of security, energy efficiency, performance and aesthetics.

Gone are the days when you had to put up with blinds that clattered around every time you opened or closed the door. When you purchase an entry or patio door from Therma-Tru, you can rest assured knowing that you’ve purchased a high quality, beautiful product that was built to last.

CHANDLER, AZ – New reports show the number of bank-owned homes continuing to rise across the nation, while new home sales are still dropping. But one part of the Valley is seeing some hope.

Fulton Homes executives are reporting an unusual rise in new homes in Gilbert, Tempe and Chandler.

Vice President Dennis Webb said in just the past month and a half they’ve had 75 new home sales and in one south Chandler development, every lot just sold.

“It’s been tough… we’re just lucky to have the foresight to figure out what the buyers want and to give it to them.”

Webb says the company had to change their approach to selling new homes and become a customer-choice-driven seller over a home-builder-choice seller.

For Allison and Barret Hartman that made buying a bit easier.

The couple had their eye on the Fulton Ranch area for quite some time.

“We heard the homes were selling fast. We came in and took a look and knew that, if we were going to jump the gun it was time to do it,” said Barret Hartman.

The couple chose to buy a new home instead of a foreclosed home as a way of saving family time.

“It takes a lot of time to invest in a house that may need some fixing up,” said Allison Hartman, who has to keep up with two fast-paced boys.

The choice to buy new had to be tough with the increasing number of bank-owned homes available.

Reuters reports Nevada with the most foreclosed homes, while California and Arizona share the second spot, holding 56 percent of the nation’s foreclosed homes.

“It’s very difficult to compete with the homes that we built that are foreclosed homes that are $30,000 to $40,000 less than costs,” said Webb .

That’s where the choices come in. Webb adds that in order to attract new home buyers, the company had to display their prices upfront, with a 13,000 square foot design gallery of options that allow them to add or subtract options and costs.

“It’s kind of nice to be able to start with a clean slate,” said Barret Harman.

Fulton Homes, Arizona’s leading homebuilder, is partnering with KMLE Country 108 FM Radio for its annual school supply drive with the help of Facebook. This year’s drive runs from July 18-Aug. 14.

The average cost to send a child into the classroom with school-recommended supplies is approximately $474 for elementary school and $545 for middle school students, according to Huntington Banks Backpack Index for 2010. The report says this figure includes clothing, books and classroom materials.

Area residents will be asked to visit the KMLE Facebook page and adopt a child from the Tim & Willy Fun-dation. Each child adopted will receive a backpack of school supply items, preparing them for a successful school year.

“Fulton Homes is committed to guaranteeing that every student, regardless of background, is equipped with the tools they need to receive the best education possible,” said Fulton Homes CEO Douglas Fulton. “With the advent of the 2011 school year, families across the country spend more and more of their incomes as their children grow. It can be a very stressful process, and we are here to help.”

For more details about Fulton Homes KMLE Packs for Kids, visit the KMLE Country 108 Facebook. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link.

One of the first homebuilders to offer groutless, natural stone thin panels to homeowners

Fulton Homes, one of Phoenix’s leading homebuilders, has selected ForzaStone Building Solutions as its exclusive supplier of natural stone thin panels. Fulton Homes is one of the first homebuilders in the United States to offer ForzaStone’s panels and provide homeowners with an affordable natural stone option for bathroom and shower installations.

ForzaStone panels are 100 percent natural stone slabs cut to a thin 5mm and adhered to a patented backing system of rust-proof metal alloy and plastic ply laminate. This revolutionary backer ensures that the pre-cut panels, which weigh 3 pounds per square foot, are 800 percent stronger than traditional stone slabs and a fraction of the cost. The end result is a waterproof and groutless shower installation that requires minimal maintenance by the homeowner and all the benefits and beauty of natural stone.

“We are honored to work with one of Arizona’s leading homebuilders and thrilled to expand our business opportunities in our local Phoenix community,” said Jarrod Streng co-owner of ForzaStone.

Fulton Homes will be offering ForzaStone’s travertine panels as an upgrade option available in Walnut Travertine, Noce Travertine and Crema Marfil Marble.

“In addition to being a partnership between two Arizona-based companies, ForzaStone Building Solutions offers products that align perfectly with Fulton Home’s dedication to bringing innovation and value to our homeowners,” said Dennis Webb, Vice President of Operations  for Fulton Homes.

About ForzaStone, LLC

Founded in early 2009, ForzaStone Building Solutions is a leading manufacturer and distributor of natural stone products. Formed by three business partners with more than 30 years of building industry experience, they are dedicated to meeting the need for innovative and affordable products that reduce labor and guarantee value for distributors, installers and homeowners. For more information about ForzaStone products, please visit the company’s website at forzastone.com, or call 1.888.99.FORZA (1.888.993.6792).

Lorenzo Xavier Celis Is Recognized for his Academic Achievements While Overcoming the Sudden Death of His Father

(Glendale, Ariz.)– Fulton Homes is honoring Lorenzo Xavier Celis after triumphing in the wake of his father’s death. Celis, a student at St. Louis the King Catholic School in Glendale, was named the Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School winner this week. The winner was announced Friday morning, April 22, 2011, on KOOL FM.  Be KOOL, Stay in School recognizes junior high and high school students who have overcome an extreme obstacle or difficulty. The program culminates in June of 2011 with $4,000 scholarships awarded to three deserving students.
Celis often said his father, Martin Celis, was his best friend. His father was very involved in the school as a volunteer coach, even working extra hours to install new tile in the school’s church. On Celis’s first day of 7th grade, his father was killed in a car accident on his way to work. The news was shocking to the family. Since then, Celis has worked very hard to stay strong for his mother and sister. Celis was nominated by his aunt, Rosanne Aviles, who has seen her nephew go through such a difficult time.
“Lorenzo accepted his father’s death with faith and conviction that he will see him again,” Aviles said. “This is something even many adults wouldn’t be able to do.”
Aviles said Celis maintained his grades through 7th grade and even went on to win the Knights of Columbus Free-Throw Championship at U.S. Airways Arena. Now 14 and about to start high school, Celis seems more dedicated to his academics than ever—and so is his family. The Martin Celis family now hosts an annual golf tournament in honor of his name and to help raise money to put toward Celis and his sister’s scholarship funds. Celis will attend Bourgade Catholic High School in the fall and hopes to continue his education at the University of Arizona.
“Lorenzo is a joy to his family and there is no doubt his dad is beaming with pride for his son,” Aviles said.
Celis has excelled academically in his 8th grade year and also participated in basketball and football. Aviles said she tunes into KOOL FM for the Be KOOL, Stay in School winners every week and is often moved by so many great students. She nominated her nephew because she felt he was the perfect candidate.
“To lose a parent and a best friend at the same time is a struggle many people wouldn’t know how to cope with” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Lorenzo Celis overcame that tragic loss and became a role-model for young men. We are pleased to honor Lorenzo Xavier Celis as this week’s Be KOOL, Stay in School winner, and hope that his story of courage in the face of tremendous obstacles inspires all valley students.”
The Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School program recognizes students throughout the academic year who are currently enrolled in sixth, seventh or eighth grade and who have overcome tremendous challenges. Valley residents can nominate junior high students from various Maricopa County public, private and charter schools by submitting a form online at www.koolradio.com, describing the student’s triumph against extreme odds. These selected weekly winners will then be qualified to win one of three $4,000 scholarships. At the end of the school year, all qualifying students and their parents/guest will be invited to attend a dinner banquet where the winners of the scholarships will be announced.
The Fulton Homes Be KOOL, Stay in School program will accept nominations during the 2010-2011 school year, choosing 36 weekly winners who will receive a backpack full of prizes and on-air recognition from KOOL personalities Tom and Maria. Then, all 36 students chosen will be eligible for one of three $4,000 college scholarships, awarded in June 2011. The weekly winners will be evaluated by a board of judges consisting of co-sponsors Fulton Homes and KOOL FM, along with representatives from local schools.  For more information go to www.fultonhomes.com, click on Fulton Foundation and click Youth Education, or visit www.koolradio.com.
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Founded in 1975, Fulton Homes is one of Arizona’s largest privately owned homebuilders. Headquartered at 9140 S. Kyrene Rd. in Tempe, Fulton Homes builds affordable, high-quality single-family homes. According to the Phoenix Business Journal’s Book of Lists, Fulton Homes currently ranks fifth in the market, selling 669 homes from 7/1/09 to 6/30/10. To learn more about Fulton Homes, visit www.fultonhomes.com

If you, like so many other Canadians, dream of a second home in America there has never been a better time to make your move. With historically low prices on new homes, extremely low interest rates and the strong trading power of the Canadian dollar, you’ll be able to purchase a summer home or an investment property and have money left over to enjoy your new life.

According to the Boston Globe, Arizona home prices have fallen so greatly, the state is seeing a rise in the number of Canadians moving there. They are not only taking advantage of the extremely low housing cost, but the great many benefits that come with living in the Grand Canyon State.  Many Canadians prefer Arizona over states such as California and Florida due to the low cost of living and the rarity of natural disasters such as hurricanes, mud slides, earthquakes and tornadoes. Other benefits are plentiful, take a look at just a few of them:

• Bask in 320+ days of sunshine
• Play golf year round
• Enjoy outdoor sports year round including hiking, biking and climbing.
• Explore incredible Sedona, the Grand Canyon and many historic sites such as Walnut Creek.
• Catch a flight from Phoenix to 7 major Canadian cities.
• Enjoy entertainment like plays, concerts, theater, art galleries and major sports events.

We have embraced our Canadian customers and even have a special section on our website just for you. Visit the Canadian Corner for more information on finding your perfect second home or investment property right here in sunny and fun Arizona.  Fulton Homes’ new communities are vibrant, clean and are built to stand the test of time.  Plus, all our communities have active and affordable HOAs designed to protect your investment.    Our new homes come with a full warranty and our professional customer care team is happy to work with you or your property manager.

The Valley’s Most Ample Showroom Opens its Doors to Remodelers and Potential Homebuyers and Prospective Homebuyers

Fulton Homes invites all Valley residents to their Design Center for “Browse Night” every first and third Thursday of the month from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Design Center is a comprehensive showroom that features affordable design trends and tangible models for every home floor plan. “Browse Night” is open to the community with no appointment needed, giving the Design Center the opportunity to showcase how their magnificent showroom to potential homebuyers and those looking to remodel. Fulton Homes Design Center is located at located at 1241 W. Warner Rd. in Suite 106.

“As the leading home builder in Arizona, we see it as an obligation to have the most innovative and inclusive showroom for prospective homebuyers and those who are looking to modernize their homes.” said Dennis Webb, VP of Operations for Fulton Homes. “Browse Night is the perfect occasion for the community to discover what the Design Center has to offer, view hands-on displays and find out what it will potentially cost to redecorate their homes.”

Since the Design Center’s inception, it has been the Fulton Homes’ goal to be the greatest design showroom in Arizona, providing incomparable display models and samples than any other showroom.  Fulton Homes instills this initiative by continually evolving their style to keep up with trends. The 13,000 square foot showroom showcases a bountiful of home design selections including kitchen fixtures, countertops, appliances, flooring, cabinets, lighting and bathroom furnishings.  Professional Design Consultants assist each client by working with their personal style and budget to redecorate their home. Designers counsel on simple home upgrades as well as complete remodeling projects.

The Fulton Design Center is the first showroom in Arizona to provide an online tool to preview present design options.  Customers are able to create a “Wish List” to gain better understanding of what is available at the Design Center, and what would be best fitting for their home.

“Designing a home is a process that should be enjoyable to the client,” said Patrick Crowely, the Design Center’s Director of Business Development. “At the Fulton Homes Design Center, we enjoy undergoing the design process with each client, making the experience of remodeling a home pleasurable, informative and affordable.”

For more information on Fulton Interiors complimentary Browse Nights, please call (480) 302-3333 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Interiors” link.

Arizona’s Largest Privately Owned Homebuilder Built 16.8 % of all Energy Star Qualified New Homes in Phoenix During the Past Year

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced its Energy Star rankings for homebuilders in the Phoenix metropolitan market and Fulton Homes ranked second highest on the list. From July 2009 to June 2010, Fulton Homes closed 544 Energy Star Qualified homes, 16.8% of all Energy Star homes in the Valley of the Sun. Only the combined companies of Pulte, Del Webb and Centex built more.

To earn the Energy Star qualification, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the EPA, making them 20 to 30% more energy efficient than standard homes. Homes achieve this level of performance through a combination of energy-efficient improvement, including efficient insulation systems, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, and Energy Star Qualified lighting and appliances. To ensure that a home meets Energy Star guidelines, third-party verification by a certified Home Energy Rater (or equivalent) is required. This energy specialist works closely with builders like Fulton Homes throughout the construction process to help determine the needed energy-saving equipment and required construction techniques. They also conduct on-site diagnostic testing and inspections to document that the home is eligible to earn the Energy Star label.

“We’re proud of this designation; helping our community save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and technologies, while incorporating the latest building practices” remarked Dennis Webb, Vice President of Operations for Fulton Homes. “Our customers want more energy efficient homes and through our contemporary designs and work with our trade partners, we’ve designed homes that meet the strict criteria of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. All of the homes in our new communities are 100% Energy Star Qualified homes. ”

In addition to helping consumers save money on heating and cooling costs, according to the EPA, Energy Star Qualified homes built nationally in 2009 are the equivalent of:

• Eliminating emissions from 52,132 vehicles
• Saving 315,345,888 pounds of coal
• Planting 86,178 acres of trees
• Saving the environment 618,456,696 pounds of CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)

Fulton Homes Kicks-Off Summer Fence Patrol Initiative – Valley Water Safety Program Encourages Parents take Measures to Protect Kids around Water

The Fulton Homes Fence Patrol is once again gearing up to prepare families for the 2010 summer pool season. The Fence Patrol program, which was founded by Tempe-based Fulton Homes, aims to educate parents about keeping children safe around pools. As part of the program, Valley residents are encouraged to nominate themselves or a family for a free pool fence.

From now through July 25, Fulton Homes will be teaming up with KMLE Country 108 FM radio to award Valley families a free pool fence plus installation. The Fence Patrol program will kick-off Thursday, April 22, from 5am to 9am at Bill Johnson’s Big Apple Restaurant on 37^th Street and Van Buren. Valley-favorite radio personalities Tim & Willy will begin the Fulton Homes Fence Patrol with a live remote at the restaurant. Already in 2010, four deaths, including three children, have resulted from 21 water related incidents this year, according to childrensafetyzone.com. In 2009, 49 deaths, including 16 children, resulted from 153 water-related incidents. The fences are specifically designed to meet city codes for optimum safety.

“As the hotter months approach, families will be taking off the pool covers and spending more time outdoors,” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Drowning incidents can happen in seconds, and they can happen to any family. Pool fences are one preventative measure families can take in making sure they never encounter one of these tragedies. Fulton Homes knows that every fence is an effort towards lowering the saddening statistics.”

The first pool fence is scheduled to be awarded to a deserving family and installed on Tuesday, May 4. Fulton Homes in conjunction with KMLE 108 FM and Ironman Pool Fences will continue to award a new family each week for twelve weeks following that first May 4 installation.

Fulton Homes has always been a proud proponent for Water Safety in the Phoenix area. The long-running Two Seconds is Too Long campaign has helped raise awareness of the tragedy of child drownings. The “Fulton Homes Fence Patrol” pool fence program has helped hundreds of people equip their homes with barriers to help prevent youngsters from falling into the pool. The company also supports the Valley of the Sun YMCA, providing swimming lessons to disadvantaged youths who learn valuable life skills, including personal safety and growth, stroke development, rescue and water sports.

Fulton Homes views homebuilding as more than just bricks and mortar construction. “Fulton Homes not only wants to provide Valley citizens with great housing options, but we also seek to promote the safety and wellbeing of the community we serve,” Fulton added.

Interested parties have until July 4, 2010 to nominate themselves or someone else for a pool fence, by logging on to www.kmle108.com and clicking on the Fence Patrol icon. For more information call (602) 452-1000 or go to www.fultonhomes.com and click on the “Fulton Foundation” link.