So here we are almost at the end of 2010! Who would've thought that 'so much could be done by so few in such a short space of time'. I'm not just referring to the great things our small yet very significant country, has managed to achieve during this past year, but also what STEDONE HOMES has managed to achieve.

What initially started out as a small inspired team of visionaries, has grown into a force to be reckoned with. We are making tremendous strides in the Home Development industry and I for one am extremely proud to be a part of it all.

Despite the fact that the economic crunch over the past year has taken its toll on many individuals and businesses, I still am excited at the prospect of living in South Africa at this time. I relished being a part of our 2010 World Cup experience and I am confident that Stedone Homes will play an important part in the growth of our country's economy during the coming year.

Here's wishing all our clients, associates, contractors, staff, friends & families a wonderful festive season and a very prosperous New Year.

James Arnott
Marketing and Sales Director.

 
 

With 24 years of sales experience backing him, Mark Andrews is the perfect person to head up the STEDONE HOMES sales force. Having been a Principal Agent in the property market for many years, Mark is better equipped than most for the job.

What makes Mark additionally suitable is that he has a range of qualifications (including an MBA in Strategic Marketing) and experience outside of sales, that equip him with a broad yet in depth understanding of strategic business practices. Alongside this, Mark has owned and managed his own Property and Bond Origination businesses, which is why Stedone Homes were intent on having him drive our specialized Sales Team.

 

WHAT MARK HAS TO SAY:
“Stedone Homes has taken the Sales & Marketing of Lifestyle Estates to a whole new level. We have a handpicked select team of Lifestyle Estate Consultants (LEC’s) and Development Consultants (DC’s) who are dedicated to offering prospective home owners a seamless, comprehensive and cost effective approach to owning property and building homes on Lifestyle Estates”.

Mark goes on to say that the LEC’s are product specialists and most of them stay on the specific estate that they market. This ensures that they have ‘the inside scoop’ and gives them an added edge when it comes to product knowledge and personal experience.

 
 

Left to right: Leon de Jong - DC Pietermaritzburg & Midlands, Prishana Sumeri - LEC Palm Lakes, Geoff Chennells - LEC Mount Richmore, Paul Symes - DC Northcoast, Warren Ellis - LEC Mount Richmore, Melanie Parnell - LEC Simbithi & Palm Lakes, Kristy Glass - DC Assistant Northcoast and Cathy Grant - LEC Palm Lakes. Absent: Courtney Nel - DC Southcoast

The DC’s expertise is to offer the land owner a full turn-key package solution to building on their land. The DC will walk the client through every step of the home building process. To start off with a free Budget Assessment is done upfront with the client, which ensures there are no hidden costs or surprises when building their home.

Mark summarises by saying: “Our Stedone Homes DC’s and LEC’s have a footprint in most major estates along the North Coast, South Coast, Highway and PMB area. Being a company that focuses on all aspects of the Home Owners’ requirements we feel confident that our professional team of LEC’s & DC’s are amply equipped to offer expert advice on LIFESTYLE ESTATE living”.

 
 

Whoever said “NOTHING IS FOR FREE IN LIFE” – was wrong!!

FREE BUDGET ASSESSMENT.
One thing we have realised over the many years of being involved in the Building and Home Development industry, is that 99.9% of people who build their own homes, end up spending a lot more than they originally budgeted for.

 
 

This is something that always casts a shadow over the joy and excitement of building one’s own home. There is the constant worry that there will be some unpleasant surprise lurking around the corner, which will require you to dig a bit deeper into your ever-depleting budget.

FEAR NO MORE – A key part of the Stedone Homes Service offering is a free upfront budget assessment:
- Done before any plans are drawn up.
- An open and transparent method for clients to assess the real cost of completing their home.

 

- A way of establishing the clients budget upfront and ensuring that all add-ons and finishes are considered before the actual building process starts.

 
 

October saw the final handover of the Munsies home on Plot 1042 Simbithi.

Whilst the final touches where being made to the garden and one or two final touch up’s to the interior, Bill and Avril Munsie were totally ecstatic.

Their home was completed 6 weeks earlier than the projected completion date so it was a definite “win-win” scenario for both parties. There were a few bumps along the way but Bill and Avril were totally ‘over the moon’ with their new home. They were equally delighted with the interiors team, Nicola Newton and Britta McMeekin from NB Design Consultants. One or two of the designs were tweaked along the way but in the end the 3D renderings came to life. Due to total transparency with regards to the quotations on the interior finishes and lots of negotiating to keep within budget, all parties were completely satisfied with the final outcome.

Although Bonnie Scotland may be calling them, Bill & Avril now have their feet firmly planted at Simbithi , thanks to their beautiful new home and Stedone Homes.

They have kindly said that once they are settled in, we can use their home as a reference site until we have a new Showhouse, since 1044 is also sold.

 

It’s always an added bonus doing a job well done, when the clients themselves are warm, friendly and professional. Thank you Bill & Avril – we wish you many years of happiness in your beautiful new home.

 
 

Our Brand Ambassador Wayne Dennison recently took part in the Berg & Bush MTB Challenge.

Voted SA’s best cycling event in 2009, the event aimed to provide a unique social MTB experience to those looking for a challenge outside the work environment.

Over 2000 riders have experienced the tracks, hospitality and solitude of the Drakensberg in the 2 previous races and it was this that convinced Stedone Homes to sponsor a team of 8 cyclists, led by Wayne.

Our presence was defined by 4 criteria:
• The KZN Estate Homes magazine and branded Stedone Homes water bottles which were a welcome addition in the Goodie Bags that were distributed to all 1200 competitors.
• An allocated area in the main dining hall where we displayed branding and general information about Stedone Homes.

 

• The 8 Stedone Homes riders who were scattered in pairs throughout the ‘field’ and made a formidable visual impact.
• Wayne’s interaction (as our Brand Ambassador) with other participants in the race.

We asked Wayne to comment on the experience and he said: “It was a spectacular 3 day event. The scenery, comeraderie and overall experience was worth every ounce of energy spent. As a brand ambassador for Stedone Homes I believe we had a successful weekend.

Riders entered in pairs and we were proud to have Rentia and Wayne placed 5th in the mixed section and 50th overall, despite a 10 minute delay for a mechanical issue on her bike on the second day.

Congratulations to all who participated and especially to those who proudly wore the Stedone Homes kit.

 
 
 

Golf enthusiasts were treated to delicious Mount Richmore Lifestyle Village Cocktails on their arrival at the Nedbank Million Dollar, held from the 1-5th December. The Event was a great success, with the Miss Million Dollar beauty pageant winners seen here, paying a visit to our stand.

Having created 13 different cocktails (each floor plan in the development is named after a particular cocktail), over 5000 cocktails were served during the 4 day event. Great awareness was generated for what stands to become the “Cocktail brand of the North Coast”.

 
 

In line with the overall planning an roll-out of additional amenities on Palm Lakes, the developers RPPH are excited to announce the birth of their latest brainchild…the new kiddies Clubhouse.

This exciting family orientate clubhouse “Mini Palm” will be a kids haven!… enclosed and protected patios, kids party areas, play grounds, jungle gym, kids paddling pool, indoor games room, sand pits, kitchenette, braai area and much more, all for the kids.

The Mini Palm Clubhouse project has been given the green light and the construction of this exciting new facility has already commenced. Mini Palm will be situated on the already designated clubhouse site at the entrance to Palm Lakes 1 which offers elevation and easy access for all estate residents.

Mom and Dad will soon have a fun and exciting kiddies area at their disposal to host kiddies parties and family celebrations in a child orientated and child friendly clubhouse. And there’s space for Gran and Gramps too!

This exciting facility is due to open in 2011

 
 

STRONG RENTAL RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT

• State of the art 24hr Security Estate.
• Shopping mall to be developed outside the front gate.
• Quick access to shopping and work places for commuter market.
• Family orientated Lifestyle Development.
• Investment opportunity not to be missed.
• Huge demand for rental properties in the area.

SECURITY LIFESTYLE DEVELOPMENT AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE

• Upmarket finishes, granite tops
• Transfer duty included

TRANSFER MID 2011

e-mail us your interest and one of our Lifestyle Estate Consultants will be in contact with you for this limited, excellent INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY.