Take a look at our January newsletter!
Dream Home Digest Building a Life, One Home at a Time MY UNLIKELY PATH TO SR HOMES
Stonewood WATKINSVILLE, GA Summerville ATHENS, GA Yellowstone Farm CUMMING, GA
We don’t always know whether a career path will work for us until we dip our toes in and get started. We see this with young professionals all the time. They finish their college degree and start a new job in their industry, only to realize they don’t enjoy the work or even the field. I was lucky enough to find two different industries that felt like great fits for me, but I never would have realized how much I enjoyed being part of the homebuilding experience if I never took a chance. My name is Karen Tilghman, and I am a consultant with SR Homes. I got my first taste of the homebuilding industry in 1998, and I don’t think I would have thought I would still be in it today. I worked as a teacher for 10 years, which provided me with stable work nine months out of the year. As I went through a divorce, I realized I needed something full time that would carry on through summer.
I live by the belief that if you’re not changing, you’re dying, and I wanted to explore the attorney side of closing after spending many years on the homebuilding side. I had worked with Randy McMichael as my closing attorney for many years, and he eventually asked if I would work on a special project with him. This project involved a small, family-owned company that needed someone with closing experience. It was SR Homes. I started working exclusively with SR Homes in 2018, and it was an eye-opening experience. I had always been in the corporate homebuilding world, so this was something new, and I loved it. I continued to learn more and more, getting involved in other processes until two years ago when I experienced a massive widow-maker heart attack. At this point, I knew I had to step back and pass my closing responsibilities amongst a few different team members. However, I was not done with SR Homes. They’ve allowed me to continue working from home, setting me up with an office and everything I need. I get to work around my health, which is the biggest blessing I could ever have asked for. I can’t even find the words to show my gratitude. My heart is doing much better now, but as soon as my heart improved, they found cancer in my kidney. I’ve been dealing with that for the last year, but everyone at SR Homes has been incredibly supportive. As you can tell from my recent experiences, employees aren’t just a number at SR Homes. You can rest easy knowing the team treats their clients just as exceptionally well as their employees.
COMING SOON! Sterlington CANTON, GA
I found a receptionist position with a national homebuilder, and I decided to give it a shot.
“Employees aren’t just a number at SR Homes. You can rest easy knowing the team treats their clients just as exceptionally well as their employees.”
Within six months of being hired, I was already applying for an opening in their closing department. Once they offered it to me, and I learned what the role entailed, I realized I had made one of the best decisions of my life. Buying a home is one of the most important decisions we make as Americans, and the fact that I got to be a part of someone’s homebuying journey was amazing. I worked as a closing coordinator for two years before learning of a closing manager opening at another national homebuilder. This proved to be an even better fit, as I could use my teaching experience to guide my team and help them learn the ins and outs of the role. I became a critical piece in this company’s strategic planning, and my signature became the idea that we would close homes every day instead of waiting until the end of the month.
Working with SR Homes has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. I am just as happy now as I was when I started in the industry. –Karen Tilghman
678-252-2525 SRHomes.com Jan 2025
1
678-252-2525 • SRHomes.com •
Secret Passages Aren’t Just for Mansions
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE THE JAMB Now, let’s get building. Assemble the jamb according to the instructions. The great news is that all the hardware comes with pre-drilled holes, making this part a breeze. You’ll feel like a DIY pro in no time! STEP 4: INSTALL THE HARDWARE AND CASING With the jamb in place, it’s time to add the hardware and hang your door. Then, fit the casing around it to give everything a neat finish. The precision of the pre-assembled kit ensures everything aligns perfectly, leaving no clues about the door’s true nature. Voilà! You now have a fully functioning secret door that swings right or left and can open inward or outward, depending on your preference, and when it’s closed, everyone will think it’s just an ordinary bookcase or cabinet. With its simplicity, you can start this project whenever you’re ready to add a little mystery to your living space. Why settle for a standard doorway when you can have a hidden gem?
Have you ever dreamt of having your own secret passage? Well, now you can with a DIY Murphy Door kit! Transform any ordinary doorway into a hidden entrance and bring a touch of mystery to your home. Whether it’s a doorway to your study or a sneaky side entrance to your pantry, the Murphy Door offers an easy-to-assemble kit that lets you become the architect of your own adventure. All it takes is four simple steps! STEP 1: OUT WITH THE OLD First, you need to say goodbye to your boring old door. Remove the door and the door frame you want to replace. It’s demolition day in the best possible way — no hard hats necessary, but feel free to wear one if you’re getting into the spirit! STEP 2: PREP AND PAINT Grab your paintbrushes! But before you dip into the color, give your bookcase, jamb, and casing a good sanding with 180-grit sandpaper. This will help your chosen paint adhere better, ensuring a smoother, more professional finish. Choose a hue that complements your room, or go bold with a pop of color — this is your secret door, after all!
TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Sanctuary
Whenever someone buys a new home, one of their first priorities is furnishing, designing, and arranging their indoor living spaces. Many Americans spend most of their free time in their living room and bedroom, so they want to ensure these spaces are as comfortable as possible. However, as the weather warms up, many spend more time outdoors. This means we have to make our outdoor living space comfortable, too!
want it to be your own personal grilling sanctuary? If so, you’ll need to look into grills, smokers, outdoor kitchens, or anything else that would make that dream a reality. Are you hoping to host family gatherings? You’ll need a table big enough and seating to accommodate everyone. COMFORT If you aren’t comfortable in your outdoor space, you aren’t likely to use it often. While comfortable seating plays a role, consider sunlight and weather when setting up your area. You should look into adding an umbrella, pergola, covered patio, or even some trees to create shade and block sunlight. This is also a good time to consider the views from your space and ensure they provide
feelings of comfort. Ideally, you’ll want to frame the natural landscape, but if it’s not possible, consider adding greenery to provide more comfort for your outdoor sanctuary. AMBIANCE If you want your outdoor space to be refreshing and relaxing, incorporate elements that promote these sensations. Consider adding a decorative fountain or water feature, as the sound of flowing water can create feelings of relaxation. If you plan on hosting and want to make a lively environment your guests can enjoy all day and night, look into firepits. Don’t forget about your lighting, either! It plays a significant role in the overall ambiance of your space.
Here are a few ways to ensure your outdoor space meets your expectations and needs.
FURNITURE Before purchasing furniture, you need to figure out what you want to do with your space. Do you
2
• 678-252-2525 • SRHomes.com
EXPLORE OUR NEW STERLINGTON COMMUNITY IN CHEROKEE COUNTY Find Your Forever Home Whether you’re purchasing the first home for your family or upsizing into what you hope will be your forever home, we want to help you create your dream home. We’re working diligently to build new communities to house you and your loved ones and are proud of our newest community, Sterlington. Sterlington will be a charming community just off Evans Cook Road and Union Hill Road in Cherokee County, Georgia. If you’re a fan of horses or rolling hills, this may just be the dream community you’ve been searching for. The inspiring beauty of horse farms and lush landscapes will surround your home, providing beautiful sights you’ll never tire of viewing. This location offers the perfect blend of privacy and community, as it’s right near Hwy. 20 and I-575. It’s a short drive from popular shopping, dining, and recreational destinations. Sterlington has 29 spacious lots with four different floor plans, ranging in size from 2,906 to 3,251 square feet. Depending on your needs and wants, there is definitely a floor plan perfect for you! If you are interested in our Sterlington community or want to see the different floorplan options in person, please contact us today! The path to your dream home may be only a phone call away!
CITRUS OLIVE OIL CAKE
Inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup almond flour • 3/4 cup sugar •
•
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp almond extract
2/3 cup medium-grind cornmeal
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp sea salt • 3 eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon, plus 2 tbsp juice • Zest of 1 orange, plus 2 tbsp juice • Powdered sugar, optional
DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides with cooking spray. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk almond flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until combined. 3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon and orange zest and juice. Combine the wet ingredients with dry ingredients. 4. Pour batter into the springform pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes. 5. Run a knife gently around the edges of the cake, then remove the sides of the pan. If desired, dust cake with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer.
TAKE A BREAK
3
678-252-2525 • SRHomes.com •
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1000 Mansell Exchange West Suite #260 Alpharetta, GA 30022
Inside This Issue
Facebook.com/SRHomesGA Instagram.com/SRHomes
1
How One Career Change Led to Building More Than Just Homes
2
Add a Touch of Mystery to Your Home With a DIY Murphy Door
2
Must-Have Ideas for the Perfect Patio or Backyard
3
Make Your Dream Home a Reality at Sterlington
3 4
Citrus Olive Oil Cake
Creative Ways to Design Around Exposed Brick
Brick by Brick
MIX IT WITH THE MODERN. Who says old and new can’t mingle? Pairing exposed brick with modern elements creates a contrast that catches the eye. Opt for minimalist designs like sleek black countertops or glossy white surfaces. FOCUS ON THE BRICK. Let your exposed brick wall take center stage by keeping surrounding elements understated. A neutral color scheme with white, soft gray, or earth tones will let the brick’s rich texture and color shine through.
Whether your home has a rustic brick chimney or a bold brick accent wall, it’s all about balancing brick’s raw, textured charm with your style. Here’s how to make the most of this distinctive feature in your home. HIGHLIGHT THE HERITAGE. Exposed brick can bring your space back in time, adding antique elegance. To amplify this charm, incorporate decor with a vintage flair. Think weathered wood, classic paintings, and ornate rugs that complement the brick’s rustic tones.
Make the Most of Your Exposed Brick With These Design Tips
4
• 678-252-2525 • SRHomes.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator