How are you coping with changes in the economy?

We’re all feeling first hand the effects of an adjusting economy.  Gas prices continue to rise and along with them - most of our food products.  Listed below are some ways to save at the grocery store.  I’m interested to see what changes you and your family are making.  Post some money saving tips or ways you are weathering the recession.

1.  Choosing generic or house brands can help you save up to 40% over brand name products.

2.  Shop early in the day and alone. You’ll be less likely to give in to impulse buys or distractions.

3.  Avoid purchasing non-grocery items such as toothpaste, contact solution, etc.  It may be convenient but it will cost more than purchasing at a drug store.

4.  Plan meals around items that are already in your pantry.

5. The most expensive items are placed on middle shelves at eye level. Look up and down for better savings.

6. Use coupons only on items you were going to buy anyway.

Some good news in the midst of all this economic turmoil is the net worth you build when you own a home.  Interest rates are at historic lows and home prices have dropped significantly.  Despite all the bad news out there, this is actually the best time to buy a home.  It’s a safe long-term investment.

Visit www.buildkeystone.com to learn more.  Don’t forget to post your money saving tips!

Relay for Life a Huge Success!

This past Friday was Augusta’s Relay for Life event at the Family Y.

Keystone had a team out there with t-shirts sporting our motto “Constructing a Cure”.  Our Keystone staff, trade partners, family, and friends, went above and beyond helping us to raise over $10,000 for the American Cancer Society!  This amount far exceeded expectations and the generosity of all involved was overwhelming.

Friday night was great. There were thousands of people on the field all support the cause of cancer research and patient care.  The memorial luminary walk was especially moving.  As we get photos of the event I’ll be sure to post them.

Thanks to everyone who was involved and supported us.  It’s hard to describe the feeling of seeing the community come together and fight back against a disease that has affected so many we know and love.

Green Building?

Everything seems to be going “green” lately - from cars to appliances to homes.  Keystone offers several features that are good for the environment and great for you. 

Keystone installs low “e” windows in all of its homes.  Keystone also prides itself on clean job sites and as little material waste as possible.  In the Keystone Design Studio you can choose from “green” carpet samples - made out of recycled material. 

And while these are just a few things that Keystone offers - what is of the most importance to you?  Where do you see the balance between environmental health and affordability?

Leave a comment - we’d like to hear what you think!

Reduced Homes - Great Value

Keystone has several homes that are ready for quick move-in at prices significantly lower than market value.  These brand new homes are in pristine condition and many come with included optional luxury features.  These included features may be upgraded appliance packages, stained cabinets,  additional landscaping, cultured marble countertops, and more!

Some homes have been reduced by over $18,000.  With interest rates at historic lows, this is the time to buy!  New home construction does not negotiate on prices like the re-sale market. To take advantage of this opportunity ask about these homes now.

To find out which homes qualify for this program, please fill out the Contact Us form on the Keystone web site and ask about the “Ownership Incentive Program”. 

Preview Night Change

With Master’s Week and Spring Break both happening next week there will be no Design Studio Preview Night on April 7th.  The next Preview Night will be Monday, April 14th from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Best April Fool’s Prank

Things are rarely quiet at Keystone and this morning was no exception!  Rhonda Oellerich our Vice President of Sales, opened the door to an office covered in aluminium foil.  From the pens, to notebooks, to the walls, nothing was safe.  A little April Fool’s fun from her sales team.

Take a look!

Your feedback wanted!

Our goal at Keystone is to build quality homes of lasting value for our home buyers.  The question we often find ourselves asking is what do our home owners see as valuable?  Lifestyles, wants and needs, are ever changing and we want to make sure our homes are meeting the needs of today’s buyers.

 Just as an example….fireplaces….are they something you really want in a home? Or is there something else that you would rather see?   Any and all ideas are welcome!  Please keep in mind that adding too many features of the home will raise the price.  What we are looking for are ways to improve our homes while maximizing their affordability.

 I look forward to your comments!

Relay for Life - 2008

Keystone is a Gold Sponsor of this year’s Relay for Life on April 25th and 26th.  There will also be a Keystone team to walk the night of Relay.

 The American Cancer Society is an organization with a cause that is close to the heart of Keystone and one we want to support any way we can.

 Last year over 5,000 people attended Relay at the Family Y on Wheeler Road.  This event is held across the nation and helps to raise money to support cancer research, patient care, and advocacy.

 If you are interested in donating to Relay for Life you can go in to any of Keystone’s model homes or visit our team web site at http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeSouthAtlanticDivision?team_id=251029&pg=team&fr_id=8429.  If you can’t donate, come out the night of Relay and show your community support.

Celebrate.  Remember.  Fight Back.

Landscape Guide Now Available

The Keystone web site now features a fully illustrated Landscape Guide to view and download.

This guide includes photos to help you identify what plants are in your yard along with tips to keep them alive and healthy.

 Seasonal upkeep is explained along with recommendations on watering amounts and times.

 Check out this handy new guide for all of your new home landscaping questions.

The guide can be found at www.buildkeystone.com, then click on the Build your Home tab, and Seasonal Task Checklist page.

Toy Drive for MCG Children’s Hospital

Keystone is assisting with the Red Wagon Society’s 2nd annual Toy Drive for the MCG Children’s Hospital.  The Red Wagon Society is a volunteer organization that serves the Children’s hospital through a variety of special events and promotions.

 The Children’s Hospital has a need for toys to be used as prizes in their monthly bingo games with patients and at the Child Life center where toys are used to help children cope with a hospital stay.

 Each Keystone model home and sales center will feature a collection box created by patients and siblings of patients who are part of MCG’s Kids Art program. 

Toys will be collected throughout the month of March.  Toys are needed for patients ranging from infants to adolescents. For a list of recommended toys please visit:

http://www.mcghealth.org/Childrens_Medical_Center/Giving/special_events/red_wagon.html