Realtor named Rookie of the Year
Joan Docktor, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, Realtors, congratulated Nicole Murphy, a Blue Bell office sales associate, on her 2017 President’s Visionary Award in the Rookie of the Year category.
The President’s Visionary Awards were established to recognize sales associates and managers who embrace a vision of caring, leadership and commitment. This annual awards program is designed to applaud and honor select individuals for their valuable contributions to the company, to their communities and to their clients. The recipients were chosen for this award through nomination forms and recommendation letters from the regional managers for six different categories: Rookie of the Year, Mentor of the Year, Manager of the Year, Technology Specialist, Welcome Specialist and Sales Associate Excellence.
New Fortuna Crossing community now open
Purchasing a new home is a big investment, and Mignatti Companies believes you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the best. The Mignatti Advantage provides every homeowner with a higher level of included features that contribute to the overall health, energy efficiency and comfort of a new home. Mignatti is passionate about quality construction, which is why at the brand-new Fortuna Crossing community — located in Lansdale — the homebuilder is investing in what goes on behind the walls, including insulation, sealing, windows and the home’s heating and air conditioning systems. Features include: • Energy Star-rated, two-stage, 96 percent AFUE furnace and 15 SEER air conditioner. The higher efficiency, twostage furnace will heat your home more evenly, eliminate cold spots and save on energy costs because less fuel is burned while getting better air flow throughout your home.
• Programmable thermostat on all floors with an electronic damper system. At Fortuna Crossing, each homeowner will have independent control over the temperature on each floor instead of one thermostat controlling the entire home at one temperature.
• High-efficiency, low-E, argon-filled, single-hung, tilt-in windows. These specialty windows are created to neutralize the effects of outside weather on the inside of your home. These windows lower UV rays, which will keep your furniture and flooring more vibrant for a longer period. It also helps to keep an even temperature longer so your HVAC systems don’t have to work as hard.
• 2-by-6-foot exterior wall construction with R19 insulation. That’s 50 percent more insulation compared to a home built to the minimum code. The extra insulation helps save money in winter and summer and means a quieter and more energy-efficient home all year long.
• Water management system. Uncontrolled rain water penetration and moisture intrusion are two of the most common enemies of the building envelope, threatening structural integrity and performance.
• Mignatti’s signature foam, caulk and seal system at all openings, windows and doors. Mignatti’s signature process reduces air leakage and drafts.
• Home Energy Rating System (HERS) and third-party inspection. All homes at Fortuna Crossing will receive a Home Energy Rating (HERS) Certificate. This certificate is issued by a thirdparty HERS inspection rater who is involved from design to the end of construction and provides sustainability consulting and building performance testing to help build a more durable home compared to the minimum code standard. The home will receive a HERS score, like a miles-per-gallon sticker for your home. The lower the rating, the better your home performs.
While all of these efforts are going on behind the walls, there are equal features inside the home. townhomes and twin homes showcase 9-foot ceilings on the main living levels; modern kitchens with 42-inch maple cabinets, granite counters and GE appliances; and master baths with oversized showers, 12-by12-inch white ceramic tile and shower surrounds.
Fortuna Crossing offers four floorplans — the Walnut, Walnut Grande, Chestnut and Chestnut Grande — ranging from 1,699 to 2,174 square feet, three to four bedrooms, 2.5 to 3.5 baths and oneand two-car garages.
This new townhome neighborhood by Mignatti Companies is located in the heart of Lansdale, steps away from the Fortuna train station, minutes from downtown Lansdale and a short drive to major highways like the PA Turnpike, Interstate 476, Route 309 and Route 202. For more information, visit the Welcome Center, browse fortuna.mignatti. com or call 267-645-4500.
Asian-American, Pacific Islander homeownership to rise
The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA), with the support of Re/Max LLC, is releasing the only major comprehensive report about Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) housing and economics.
One of the most surprising findings of the report is that for AAPI, despite having the highest rates of education and income of any racial demographic in the U.S., typically having high credit scores and low debt-toincome and loan-to-value ratios, there are still apparent systemic barriers that cause the community’s homeownership rates to fall well below the national average.
AAPI homeownership is still nearly 8 percent lower than the U.S. average and 17 percent lower than nonHispanic whites.
“As the AAPI community continues to grow, it is important to have accurate and reliable data to help us better understand the unique set of challenges facing this group when it comes to homeownership,” AREAA National President Angie Lee said. “We must find out why this gap exists and work with our partners to close it.”
“As a global network, Re/Max understands and respects the cultural differences of diverse populations and how critical it is to have business analytics to guide you for effective strategies and policies,” said Mike Reagan, senior vice president, business alliances, Re/Max LLC. “The data in this report suggests untapped potential in the AAPI community, and we believe it will better prepare real estate professionals to help AAPI clients achieve the dream of homeownership.”