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A homeowners association (HOA) can be a valuable resource in a neighborhood. This group of residents is committed to maintaining the look and feel of a community and protecting everyone’s investment. Each HOA charges a fee to homeowners and this cost varies from one neighborhood to the next. McGuinn Hybrid Homes advises that, before you buy a home, you know what’s included in your HOA.

HOA fees vary from one neighborhood to the next. You might pay less than $100 a month or much more. It will depend on the services included and the costs associated with those. More services require more money. In 2015, Trulia estimated the average HOA dues to be $331.

An HOA fee can cover a variety of services. It usually handles the maintenance and insurance for all common areas and amenities, like a pool, clubhouse, fitness center, and playground. It might provide for trash removal and services like Internet and cable.

In a gated community, the HOA pays for the security staff as well as the upkeep of the entrance. Someone also has to take care of the landscaping, so expect to chip in for those costs, which contribute to the curb appeal of your home.

Townhome communities often included exterior maintenance in the HOA dues. Homeowners gain the freedom from mowing and weeding their lawns, plowing the driveway, and even painting the exterior when it’s needed.

When you purchase your home, the HOA fee is ordinarily included with the closing costs. After that, the HOA will bill you directly. Some require one annual payment, while others accept dues on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Your HOA might include a “reserve”—funds tucked away in case of emergency or high-value improvements. Maybe you need your streets repaved or your neighbors want to add trees. Those choices would be covered by your available reserves. If a common area, like the pool or clubhouse, sustains severe damage and the insurance doesn’t cover the repair, the reserves can be used, as long as the members agree.

In a townhome community, reserves might be used to cover the cost of repairing or replacing roofs. The HOA members vote on the use of the funds and have the right to review all costs associated with the project.

The homeowners association in a new community is started by the developer. Once enough homes are occupied, those owners take over the management of their HOA, voting in a Board of Directors.

Every HOA should have a set of by-laws or codes, covenants, and restrictions (CC&Rs). Whichever they use, be sure you review them carefully before agreeing to live within the rules—physically and legally. Failure to comply with those rules could result in fines, prohibiting you from using the common areas, or even having a lien placed on your home. The HOA CC&Rs is a legally binding document. Protect yourself by knowing exactly what’s included and required.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes builds communities of energy-efficient single-family homes and townhomes in and around the Columbia, SC, region near the beautiful lakes. With the exception of our Lee Street homes, all of these neighborhoods provide HOAs to ensure that your home’s value and your enjoyment is protected for years to come. Let’s work together at finding the home and the location that gives you the lifestyle you deserve.

Recently, Tim Rawlings gave our readers some insight into building a home on your land. This discussion prompted questions about the cost of homebuilding from the ground up. Once again, we’ve turned to McGuinn Hybrid Homes’ expert to offer his take on how to estimate the price-per-square-foot for building a single-family home.

Tim says you first need to start by understanding what’s included in the price. “Most people see a price and think that is everything.” You can’t make assumptions, so be sure to cover all of the following components with the builder:

• Site preparation
• The shell, which is the basic frame of the home, without any additions or even the foundation
• Insulation
• 4-inch versus 6-inch studs
• Foundation
• Doors and windows
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• Drywall
• Floor covering
• Wall covering (paint, wallpaper)
• Stairways
• Cabinets and countertops for the kitchen and bathrooms
• Plumbing fixtures
• Electrical fixtures
• Trim and other special woodwork (e.g., crown molding, wainscoting, coffered ceiling)
• Landscaping
• Labor
• Home plans
• Permit fees
• Inspection fees

The cost of building materials in a certain area will be impacted by the builder’s purchasing ability. A custom builder, for example, doesn’t purchase materials in high volume, so they pay a higher price. A company that works with their own plans is able to forecast their materials needs and can take advantage of volume discounts, which reduces the price to the homebuyer. This level of experience with the floor plans also prevents them from making mistakes in the quantities they need, like lumber and sheet rock.

Labor presents another variable. You’re basically paying for time here, so greater efficiency equates to a lower price. When a crew is working with plans for the first time, they’ll use more man-hours.

The building plans can be a significant factor in the total cost of your home. The design and floor plans for a custom home can cost $30,000 or more. You can purchase a set of plans online for about $1,000. McGuinn Hybrid Homes includes any of our plans in our price.

A dollar here, a dollar there per square foot—it all adds up to potentially paying more than you need, a lot more. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has the experience to carefully estimate each home we build. Our homebuyers choose one of our plans and then personalize it to fit their specific needs and style. We also include a basic landscaping package, something that is an add-on for many homebuilders. Our price is $64 to $84 per square foot for a single-family home using a McGuinn Hybrid Homes plan. In the Columbia, SC, area, a custom builder averages about $120 per square foot. When you choose the homesite or choose to build on your land, we’ll give you an all-inclusive price—and that will remain the price unless you make changes. This price also reflects our high standard for energy efficiency, adding even more lasting value to your home.

Your home warranty is also factored into the price of building your new home. All questions and claims are handled directly by McGuinn Hybrid Homes. We don’t hand it off to a third-party.

When you’re ready to build a new home in or around Columbia, trust the team at McGuinn Hybrid Homes to give you the quality design and construction, personal attention, and follow-through you deserve for your investment. Let’s talk about your ideas and see how we can work together, so that the only surprise you experience with your home is not the cost, but how fantastic it is!

Are you ready to explore a more fulfilling career opportunity? New home sales with McGuinn Hybrid Homes provides a direct path to fulfilling that vision and we’re now hiring. With new homes attracting more homebuyers, you can guide them toward the choice that will define their future—while redefining your own.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes is now hiring professionals for new home sales. We are looking for hard-working individuals with at least 3 years of general sales experience. New home sales experience is not required, but you must be willing to work a few weekends and holidays. We support our sales team with the training and guidance needed to set you up for success.

We’re a Certified Master Builder that develops new home communities and builds custom homes throughout the Columbia, South Carolina metro region. When you join our team, you become part of a progressive company that offers our homebuyers distinct advantages—like energy efficiency, quality craftsmanship, and an unmatched level of personal attention. We don’t just build homes. We solve problems. When homebuyers have hit obstacles with other builders, they’re excited to partner with us to achieve their vision.

This opportunity offers great potential if you are willing to put the work into it. If becoming a new home sales professional sounds like the right fit for you, please send your resume to hr@mcguinnhomes.com.   

Have you ever looked at a piece of land and envisioned living there? Did you picture your perfect home (and life) on this property? Maybe you’re ready to pursue this dream. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has plenty of experience at this type of homebuilding, and here’s what you should know when you want to build on your lot.

Talk to a builder before you buy the land.

The location and the view might be everything you’d hoped for in a piece of property, but if it’s not buildable, find out before you sign on the dotted line and take ownership of the land. If the land fails the perc test, for example, you can’t build on it. Period.

In other instances, the land presents considerable challenges to excavate, which runs into more money that you might not want to invest.

For these reasons (and more), find a builder who has the experience in building on a customer’s property, outside of a developed neighborhood. If you’re looking in the Columbia, SC, area, talk to Tim Rawlings at McGuinn Hybrid Homes. He’s our resident expert on the subject and will gladly look at the land you’re considering and give you an honest evaluation.

Don’t be fooled by “price per square foot”.

We frequently hear the question, “How much does it cost to build a new home?”

Think of it like this: How much does it cost to go out for dinner? It depends on the place and the meal, right? You could grab a quick sandwich or go for 5-star epicurean experience.

When a builder quotes a price-per-square-foot, you need to understand what’s included. The bottom line will depend on their construction methods, ability to purchase materials affordably, and the areas where they build. A custom builder might charge more to go out of the area where he’s currently building, because he doesn’t have the same efficiency as within his current territory.

If you don’t know what’s included in the price—and, more importantly, what’s NOT included—you’re at risk for unwanted price increases. We had a homebuyer who was interested in building a home. We estimated it would be $320,000. He talked to a custom builder who made a lot of promises, committing to $360,000 for the home that this buyer described. Before the contract was signed, that price soared to $420,000. This customer returned to McGuinn Hybrid Homes and we built him that home, as specified, for $320,000. We don’t like surprises any more than our homebuyers, so our price is our price. It doesn’t change unless the customer changes their mind.

In our area, McGuinn Hybrid Homes builds new construction, single-family homes for $60 to $84 per square foot. Custom builders here cost about $120 per square foot. We leverage economies by using our own floor plans. We’ve built each one many times, and we know how to do them efficiently and correctly. There are no glitches to be worked out, no unforeseen “uh oh’s”. Because we keep to our portfolio, we can also purchase building materials more cost-effectively, rather than buying custom items here and there.

Be clear on the warranty coverage.

Your new home is a major investment. Be sure you have a home warranty included in the purchase. This protection usually covers the structure for a specified period of time, often the first year. It’s during this time that construction defects are noticed, as the house settles a bit. The warranty gives you peace of mind that the builder takes responsibility for their work.

Some homebuilders contract the warranty service to an outside company to handle any claims. At McGuinn Hybrid Homes, we chose to keep this process in-house. We take pride in our work and our commitment to our customers, so we don’t divert them to a third-party when an issue arises. We prefer to continue our relationship with the homeowner long after the home is finished.

When you’re ready to build a home on your land, talk to Tim at McGuinn Hybrid Homes. He’s available to answer your questions, look at your property, review floor plans and options, and discuss the process so you have all the information you need.

You just got the keys to your new home. The euphoria of being a homeowner is almost overwhelming. You’ve alerted the movers to get a move on. Meanwhile, you walk into your empty home and start visualizing your new life there. You may have decorating ideas, but all of us at McGuinn Hybrid Homes know that those can change pretty quickly once reality jumps in. Check out these decorating tips to make your first home your own and still stay on a budget.

Unpack with care.

Maybe you purged your possessions before you packed up and moved here. Maybe you were so excited about the new space that you brought it all along. Either way, work slowly as you unpack. Think through the way you want your home to look. It’s not just about moving all your things from one location to the next. Your home is very personal and you’ve just bought yourself a fresh start. Make it count!

Hold that thought!

You’ll be tempted to jump right into decorating your new home, your way. But wait just a bit. Before you commit to painting the interior or changing anything significant, live in your home awhile. Get the feeling and the flow. Learn how you “fit” here. What worked in your apartment or previous home might not blend in with your new life.

Make a plan.

Decide on the details you want in your home. What theme matches your taste—modern farmhouse, country cottage, coastal, contemporary, eclectic, vintage, minimalist, maximalist, or something else? Really take the time to think it through.

Build a color palette that will flow throughout your home and reflects your chosen decor. Determine the flow of each room so you can avoid moving your furniture around too much. As you work from room to room, make notes about what you need to do—like getting pillows and accessories in a certain color scheme, changing the wall decor, picking out paint swatches, or replacing a piece of furniture.

Create an idea book, if you haven’t already. Look for photos that inspire you—from an entire room you admire to a single accent, like a lamp, vase, or area rug. Keep adding to your idea book, with paint samples and fabric swatches. Keep your idea book with you, in the event you come across something tempting to add.

Establish a decorating budget.

It’s easy to go overboard when decorating a new home. Little things add up, like the cooking utensils you want all in a specific color and the various items needed for bathroom decor. It’s also easy to make design mistakes—like an area rug or coffee table that’s too small or large. You might experience love at first sight with a sofa, only to find out it really doesn’t work in your living room.

Look at your new household budget as a homeowner. Calculate the amount you can spend on your decorating needs. Determine your priorities. Focus on one room at a time so you experience the gratification of completing one.

Shop creatively.

Now that you have a plan, a budget, and your priorities in place, start shopping. Stretch your budget by browsing in thrift shops and at flea markets. Look at Craigslist, letgo, and Facebook yard sale groups to find second-hand treasures locally. As you’re visiting thrift shops, let them know what you’re looking for and ask them to contact you when something new comes in.

Etsy has one-of-a-kind creations from artisans and craftspeople around the world, often very cost-effective, too! You’ll also be supporting independent businesspeople.

Choose one or two DIY projects that are within your skill set, like repainting a piece of furniture. Avoid any projects where you have to purchase too many tools and supplies.

You can turn everyday objects into decor. A Monopoly board can become a playful shelf with just a couple of brackets. Your favorite t-shirt or slightly damaged sweater will make a snuggly pillow. A basket can be mounted on a wall, with the opening facing outward, to store hand towels in your bathroom. Display your favorite books as wall art. Surround yourself with whatever brings you happiness. This is your home. Dwell in your joy!

McGuinn Hybrid Homes builds communities of new construction townhomes and single-family homes in the Columbia, SC area. Our affordable prices are ideal for the first-time homebuyer. Take a look at our move-in ready homes. Then, let’s talk about finding your first home with us.

There’s so much happening in Columbia, SC, that you need enough free time to get out and experience it all. The low maintenance lifestyle that comes with a townhome would be a great match. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has the ideal opportunity with our new community. Harbison Grove is bringing affordable luxury townhomes to Columbia.

Location is one of the many desirable features of Harbison Grove. Set yourself right in the heart of Columbia’s energy and experiences. Columbiana Centre is only a few minutes from our community, along with Harbison State Forest—two very different choices for spending your free time. Head one way to take in a broad variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Or go in another direction to explore South Carolina’s natural beauty. Walk, jog, bike, canoe, or kayak to your heart’s content! Lake Murray is a little bit farther away, and you can easily spend a day or more.

Hop on I-26 to navigate in and out of Columbia. It’s an easy city for getting around—and well worth the time to experience the many faces of this Southern city. Whether you’re looking for authentic Southern cuisine, local artisanry, history and heritage, festivals, or a vibrant nightlife, you’ll find it all near Harbison Grove.

Contemporary design and a gated community

We’ve planned a unique look for this luxury, gated townhome community. Contemporary style sets these townhomes apart from anything currently being built in this region. The sleek lines reflect urban design. We coupled the exteriors with rich color and the rustic accent of stonework.

Inside, the 1,428-square-foot townhomes at Harbison Grove continue the modern look with open concept floor plans that are filled with natural light. Granite countertops and designer cabinetry set the tone for style. The oversized center island provides extra space for prep and the breakfast bar adds casual dining to the mix. McGuinn Hybrid Homes includes stainless steel ENERGY STAR appliances, part of our commitment to building energy-efficient homes.

You can choose from 2 floor plans: 2 or 3 bedrooms on the second floor. The 2-bedroom option has walk-in closets for each bedroom. The 3-bedroom design provides a walk-in closet for the master suite, while maintaining the size of the other 2 bedrooms. No matter which one you select, your townhome includes 2.5 baths. You’ll also appreciate the smart details of a rear patio with a storage closet, a large laundry room, and a closet by the front entry.

Prices start at only $133,900 for the 2-bedroom townhomes and $139,900 for the 3-bedroom design. It doesn’t get more affordable than this to live in a new construction townhome in a gated Columbia community! Come see Harbison Grove now and tour our currently available move-in ready townhomes. McGuinn Hybrid Homes is offering a move-in bonus for the first 10 townhomes: a refrigerator, washer and dryer, and 2-inch faux wood blinds on all operable windows. Get in touch now so you can be one of the first residents at Harbison Grove and take advantage of this special offer.

In spite of all the efforts to the contrary, business and pleasure overlap. Smartphones are always within reach, so business contacts can reach you outside of work—texts, emails, calls, and social media messaging. Why not give in and choose a location where you can enjoy your career opportunities and lifestyle in harmony? McGuinn Hybrid Homes saw a recent study that showed Columbia, SC, ranked as “One of the Best Cities” for jobs in healthcare and legal occupations.

The analysis was conducted by PropertyShark and showed that choosing the right location can make it easier to buy a home sooner. The study examined the median income of every occupation in each city they reviewed. Then they looked at the disposable income remaining after deducting median costs for rent and living expenses for those areas.

“Most of the younger generation is mired in student loan debt and stuck paying high rent, with slim chances of saving even a penny for a down payment. Homeownership is especially hard for graduates that remain in high-cost cities after completing their studies,” the report stated. “Luckily, if you’re not too attached to the big city life, the right job in the right place can do wonders for your quest to save for a down payment.”

Columbia was determined to be a great city for people pursuing careers in healthcare and law. The city ranked #2 overall for healthcare occupations, showing that an average earner in this industry could save up a 20% down payment in less than 2 years. Healthcare jobs span every aspect, from practitioner to technology professionals.

Professionals in the legal field in Columbia could reach that goal even faster. The PropertyShark report showed that, based on a monthly median income of $7,851 and a median home price of $192,500 in this housing market, the 20% down payment—$38,500—could be saved in just 11 months.

Buy a home sooner and with less money down

The study calculated a median monthly rent at $1,035. Your monthly mortgage could be lower than your rent payment when you buy a home from McGuinn Hybrid Homes. We have a move-in ready home at 452 North Lee Street in Batesburg, SC, just a short drive from Downtown Columbia. Priced at $164,900, the mortgage payment is estimated to be $882, with no money down. Move into this new construction, single-family home right away and start using your money toward an investment instead of an expense.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes’ new Leesville community, Hallman Meadows, is located near Lexington and Lake Murray. Live close to the city while enjoying life in the country—and take advantage of 100% financing through the USDA home loan program. Our energy-efficient, single-family homes here start in the mid-$100,000s. We have several nearing completion, with mortgages estimated from $958, based on zero down payment.

Maybe you’d prefer a community with more amenities. Our Centennial at Lake Carolina community features a beautiful home at 905 Layton Way in Columbia. With just 3.5% down, you could own this home, priced at only $209,000—a great value for the included features, like granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood flooring, crown molding, tankless hot water heater, and energy efficiency that lowers your cost of ownership.

Before you postpone your decision to buy a home, get the facts on financing and new home prices. Columbia is an exciting city with plenty to offer, and McGuinn Hybrid Homes is ready to guide you on a direct path to homeownership.

Buying your first home is exciting, particularly when you’re fully prepared for the journey. When you’ve never traveled the path to homeownership, you should learn the route. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has these first-time homebuyer tips to cover what you should know about financing, the key to achieving your dream!

1. Talk to a lender first.

Before you click on a listing or contact a Realtor, talk to a mortgage professional. This vital step will help you understand what you are likely to be approved for, and the mortgage pre-approval works in your favor when you’re making an offer; the seller has proof that you’re a qualified buyer, which is a competitive edge against those who missed this step.

2. Learn the facts about down payments.

You might have accepted the misinformation that you need 20% of the purchase price to put a down payment on a home.

Not true!

The average down payment on a home these days is about 10%. With mortgage programs like USDA, Veterans Affairs, and FHA home loans, you might be able to finance as much as 100% of the purchase price, including closing costs. The USDA home loan and VA home loan allow for zero down payment for qualified buyers and homes. The FHA mortgage program requires only 3.5% down when your credit score is 580 or above. If your FICO score is between 500 and 579, you could still qualify but will the program will require a 10% down payment. Even a conventional home loan can require as little as 3% down (known as the conventional 97% loan-to-value program).

If you put less than 20% down payment on a home, you could be required by the lender to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI). This cost is about 0.3% to 1.5% of the loan amount per year, and determined by your credit history. The PMI is included in your monthly mortgage payment. Once you’ve reached the point where the balance of your loan is equal to 80% of the home’s assessed value, you can cancel the PMI.

3. Estimate what you can afford.

Just like you should know how much of a mortgage you qualify for, you need to know how the purchase price impacts your monthly payment. Expenses like homeowner’s insurance, property tax, PMI, and HOA fee will be incorporated into your mortgage. Those fees are paid directly from your escrow account so you don’t need to worry about them.

Use this Zillow mortgage calculator to see how the purchase price and associated fees leads you to a payment you can afford.

4. Research mortgage lenders.

Not every lender has the expertise to handle your mortgage needs. It pays to shop around. Some are more familiar with programs like USDA, FHA, and FHA. If that’s the direction you’re heading, ask your prospective mortgage company about their experience with these programs. Find out about the interest rates and fees they charge, too, because those usually vary from one company to the next.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes works with Southern First because they’ve proven their expertise in guiding our homebuyers through financing a new home. Whether someone is buying a move-in ready home or building with us, Southern First’s Carter Weston knows the process and makes sure every step is handled in a timely way.

When your new home search steers you to the Columbia, SC, area, we invite you to talk to us. Browse our communities  of townhomes and single-family homes. Or let’s discuss how we can build one of our energy-efficient homes on your own land!

You’ve probably been hearing a lot about home organization, particularly with the recent popularity of Marie Kondo, best-selling author and expert on decluttering (and who has proclaimed 2019 as “the year of tidying up”). Since your home is intended as your place of joy—and clutter disrupts it—the effort to seek peace in organization is a valuable one. McGuinn Hybrid Homes can help you with some suggestions for pursuing minimalism and tidying up. Follow these ways to clear up and clutter out your home.

Start with a goal.

Just like you wouldn’t build a home without a blueprint, you need a plan for your decluttering adventure. What do you want to achieve? Better organization? More space for other things (furniture, hobbies, a new baby)? A total cleansing of the past??

When you clearly understand your purpose, use it as your focal point. Weigh every choice against how it supports that mission.

Visualize your results.

Now that you know your goal, picture what you want your home to look like when you’re done. If you’re aiming for minimalist design, what do you want to do with the space you create? Minimalism isn’t just about reducing the clutter, but creating functional space. Everything you keep should provide purpose. As you go through the tidying and decluttering process, ask yourself how your possessions contribute to your new and improved decor.

Map out your route.

Depending on the amount of clutter you need to tackle, the process could take more than a few hours. Avoid the urge to wander through your home, randomly grabbing things. Instead, decide on a plan that keeps you focused on one space at a time—like the garage, bedroom closet, or kitchen cabinets. Don’t go on to anything else until one area is completed.

Purge with power.

Marie Kondo promotes the idea that everything should bring joy to your life. Anything less than that isn’t worth keeping. As you move from one clutter collection to another, be ruthless in your choices. If something has been tucked away in a box for months or years, it’s probably going to stay that way. A real treasure needs to be where it can be appreciated. Put it on a shelf, hang it on the wall—display it!

While you rid yourself of the excess, think about places that would welcome and use what you’re discarding. When you can rehome these pieces, you’ll feel a lot better about parting with them.

Here are some suggestions for purging with purpose:

• Animal shelters welcome donations of towels, blankets, sheets, pillowcases, quilts, and other bedding.
• Senior centers appreciate books, magazines, games, puzzles, and craft supplies.
• Books for Soldiers is a great way to give your used books to our service men and women around the world.
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and homeless shelters need clothing for people of all ages. BBBSA would also love your used sports equipment, games, and toys.
• Shelters for victims of domestic violence in your community are helping families restart their lives. Any household items, clothing, and gently used toys are a big help.
• Local thrift shops turn your discards into income that supports the charitable work of non-profit organizations.
• Suiting Warriors dresses veterans for success, helping them return to the civilian workplace, so donate your suits and suitable interview clothing to this organization.
• Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells donated household goods, furniture, building materials, and accessories, with the profits going to support their mission.

Peruse your donations carefully. Charities are not dumping sites. If your items are broken, stained, scratched, or just don’t work, don’t pass them along to busy volunteers. It’s okay to throw them out.

Once you finish decluttering and tidying up your home, it’s possible you discover that it no longer meets your lifestyle needs. You might be ready for something that offers low maintenance, like a townhome, which provides the spaciousness of a single-family home, without the exterior upkeep. McGuinn Hybrid Homes build communities of both new construction homes and townhomes throughout the Columbia, SC, area. With floor plans from just over 1,400 square feet to more than 3,600 square feet, we can build the energy-efficient home that gives you the minimalist or maximalist style you crave—and check out our move-in ready homes to see what’s available right now. Let’s find you a home that fits you just right!

The holidays are behind us. The weather is warming up. Spring is coming. Why are you waiting to buy a new home? Do you really want to spend weekends doing home repairs and renovations? Imagine moving into a brand home where everything is brand new and all you need to do is enjoy it. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has some advice that will save you time and money. Start new and leave the home repair behind.

Maybe you’ve been planning to replace your roof or air conditioning system. While you’re at it, how old is your water heater? Is it running efficiently or are you spending too much money to get the hot water you need? An energy-efficient home could save you about $1,200 a year, depending on the home’s size and design. McGuinn Hybrid Homes delivers high-efficiency in every home we build.

A tankless water heater, for example, heats water on demand so you’re not paying to heat up water that’s just sitting in the tank. The tankless water heater lasts 15 to 20 years, more than twice a standard water heater, so you won’t have the worries about replacing it any time soon.

We also use the most advanced construction methods and materials for conserving energy in your home. The radiant barrier sheathing, R-38 attic and R-13 wall insulation, house wrap, and air sealant all contribute to an airtight, comfortable home.

The efficiency of our homes contributes to the resale value, something to think about when you’re considering a new home. In addition, a newer home has a strong resale value because of the updated features and innovations that might be missing from your current residence.

Don’t keep wondering whether it’s the right time to buy a new home. McGuinn Hybrid Homes is now offering a $3,000 buyer incentive if you sign your purchase agreement by February 28, 2019. DON’T WAIT! Explore your opportunities. McGuinn Hybrid Homes has new communities and new homes in and around Columbia, SC.

Bush Gardens, Columbia, SC

One of our newest neighborhoods, Bush Gardens is located in an excellent location in Columbia’s St. Andrews area, not far from Lake Murray and the Saluda River. From your home here, it’s a short trip to I-20 and I-26—perfect for commuting or just getting to all the recreation, entertainment, shopping, and dining that the Columbia area offers all year long.

Although Bush Gardens is close to the city, this small community to give you serenity. The natural surroundings that embrace the neighborhood enhance privacy and relaxation.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes has completed some new construction homes in Bush Gardens and has some nearing completion. These single-family homes start at only $202,900, and the floor plans range from 1,700 to 2,317 square feet of interior living space. For as little as 3.5% down payment, one of them could be yours.

Hallman Meadows, Leesville, SC

McGuinn Hybrid Homes chose this location for our new community because it combines the benefits of a Leesville address with the quality of the acclaimed Lexington One School District. Lexington is only 12 minutes from Hallman Meadows, Hop on Route 1 or take Priceville Road and you’ll discover that everything you need and want is conveniently close.

For Hallman Meadows, we’ve developed a selection of floor plans designed exclusively for Hallman Meadows. The Woodland Series offers a variety of home designs—single-level ranches and two-story homes. Take your pick of 3- and 4-bedroom floor plans—1,700 to 2,334 square feet—and we’ll personalize the details to make it uniquely your own. Each one reflects our high standard for energy efficiency, as well as quality appointments, like granite countertops, decorator cabinets, luxurious master suite, and a covered rear porch. Did we mention these homes have large lots?

Come and see how Hallman Meadows is blooming into a desirable neighborhood. Take a look at the move-in ready homes that are just about ready.

SummerLake, Lexington, SC

Even the name reflects the relaxing lifestyle you’ll experience here. The swimming pool and clubhouse bring residents together in a resort-like atmosphere, for swimming, cookouts, parties, basking in the South Carolina sun, and socializing. Take a leisurely walk down the nature trails or let the kids play at the neighborhood’s park. SummerLake also features a 15-acre lake that’s fully stocked for a day of fishing. Just off Highway 378, the Lexington community is an easy drive to and from the many things to do, from recreation at Lake Murray to the action in Downtown Columbia.

Living here also means your children reap the rewards of the Lexington One School District. Rocky Creek Elementary School earned a perfect score of “10” from GreatSchools Pleasant Hill Middle School continues the academic excellence, followed by a stellar performance at Lexington High School.

McGuinn Hybrid Homes is building single-family homes at SummerLake, with 6 distinctive floor plans that are sized from 2,003 to more than 2,800 square feet. Take your pick of move-in ready homes so you can be living here before spring.

Build on your land

If you have a particular location in mind, let’s talk. McGuinn Hybrid Homes is experienced at building on your lot. From site preparation through construction, get personal attention, craftsmanship, and in-depth knowledge that comes from our extensive experience.

Stop delaying and start looking. Contact McGuinn Hybrid Homes to take the next step toward a new home and a new life.