Details: Winter 2002

December 01, 2002 (Reston, Virginia)

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome to Gulick Group’s first ever newsletter. It will be published twice yearly, and we’ve decided to call it “DETAILS”. After all, what other name would be more fitting? This single, simple word defines what has made Gulick Group one of the most respected builders in Northern Virginia. Details bring warmth and character into a home, and our attention to detail is unequaled. It’s what makes a Gulick home unique.

Our homes are still more unique because of the people behind the scenes, the people who attend to every detail, no matter how small. It is these people, our products, and our processes about which you will read in this, and upcoming issues of details. We want you to know us and our development philosophy inside out, so you can apply a persona to the Gulick name.

In each issue of details, we will take you up close and personal with one of our special employees; give you a heads up on homebuilding products, trends, and maintenance tips; and highlight what is new and evolving in our home designs. Also, we will preview upcoming Gulick Group communities.

We want details to be as much yours as it is ours, and together, we’ll get the DETAILS just right!

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Gulick Group is growing; and, as testimony, we are offering several new communities. Over the years, our dedication to innovation and style has resulted in impeccable quality and inspiring architecture, and it shows. We strive to continue to provide this level of excellence to all our customers. Here is a brief look at some of our new communities, and what you can expect from us in the near future.

Wild Meadow is the newest addition to Gulick Group’s portfolio, and our second community in Loudoun County. Located in the heart of Ashburn, Virginia, 22 luxury homes will occupy half-acre homesites and offer 3,650 to 5,000 square feet of living space. Prices will start in the high $600,000’s. Visit our models in Reston, Virginia, at One Cameron Place, or call us at (703) 437-4200.

The Meadows’ recent grand opening resulted in a 60% sellout the first weekend. This community defines serenity. Removed from the clamor and commotion of Washington life, it sits atop a knoll in Great Falls, Virginia. Each grand residence is an example of the fine attention to quality detail and artistic design for which Gulick Group is known. For more information, please call (703) 433-9793.

The success of The Reserve in McLean, Virginia has been phenomenal. All 175 landscaped homes reside on 258 acres of wooded land, each homesite approximately one full acre. What makes this Northern Virginia’s most exquisite community are the amenities. A private concierge is available daily to provide you with personal attention to your every need, and a 24-hour guard and community security are permanent fixtures for your ultimate peace of mind. Of the six builders in the community, Gulick Group leads in sales with 39 homes sold. This overall success has launched us into The Reserve’s final phase, section four, where we will build nine additional homes. For more information, please call (703) 757-8006.

Brambleton, Gulick Group’s Manor Collection of single family homes in Loudoun County, is now open. Tucked away in the woods and overlooking the water, prices for these homes start in the $500,000’s. For more information, please call (703) 723-5450.

Located in the heart of Great Falls, the grand residences of Riverbend are now open. These luxury homes reside on two-acre homesites, and are priced from $1,400,000. For more information, please call (703) 757-8006.

Coming this fall, nestled in the woods of Great Falls, is Riverbend South. This sought after location offers spectacular two-acre wooded lots. For more information, please call (703) 757-8006.

In 2003, Gulick Group will be unveiling our collection of Manor Series and Reserve Series homes in several premier locations throughout Montgomery County.

MARKET INSIDER

These days, when it comes to investments, safe havens are hard to find. Even as we follow the sage advice of our financial advisors to diversify our investment portfolios, we are wondering if there isn’t more we could be doing to protect our futures. However there still is, if you look beyond the stock market to one of the safest havens in history, real estate.

Granted, real estate and interest rates are far from immune from economic fluctuations. But in the long run, and especially in the Washington metro area, where home values are up 11.2 percent from last year, real estate historically has proven to be one stable way to diversify an investment portfolio. With today’s economy, it has proven far more reliable than the stock market. In fact, a recent report from the Federal Reserve describes the nation’s housing market as “robust.” As for the rest of 2002, the report predicts we will see a continuation of “robust home sales and strong price appreciation.”

This insider message is to invest in real estate now, in order to take a more proactive approach to reclaiming control of your investment portfolio.

HEAD’S UP

Quick Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Winter is around the corner; don’t get left out in the cold.

As colder weather approaches, you can take a few key steps to ensure your home serves you well through the winter months. Here’s a checklist to help you hibernate in comfort and safety.

• Test smoke alarms.
• Clean and reset ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
• Change or clean furnace filters.
• Turn on heating system before it gets too cold to confirm proper operation.
• Adjust registers and ensure cold-air returns are clear of furniture and draperies.
• Clean humidifier per manufacturer’s instructions.
• Adjust or replace weatherstripping on exterior doors as needed.
• Check the fit of exterior doors. Thresholds are adjustable, use a quarter to turn the screws.
• Drain sprinkler system.
• Remove hoses from exterior faucets to prevent pipes from bursting.
• Inspect chimney for nests.
• Review safe fireplace operation. Have fireplace professionally cleaned regularly.
• Check caulking, inside and out, and touch up where needed.
• Check garage overhead door, tighten bolts as needed, and lubricate springs with motor oil. Have all other repairs done by professionals.
• Clean gutters and make sure downspouts or splash blocks drain away from house.
• Check that soil around the exterior edging of the house is well compacted, as it can sometimes expand.
• After snowfall, brush snow off gutters and away from downspouts.
• Remove ice and snow from concrete as soon as possible, and avoid using de-icing agents with damaging salts.
• On pleasant days open windows to allow house to breathe.
• Decorate safely for the holidays. Do not overload circuits or use worn extension cords.

WHAT’S NEW

Awards let us know we are doing things right, and encourage our commitment to excellence. Throughout the years, Gulick Group has received numerous awards for excellence in architectural design, spaceplanning, and interior detailing. And 2001 was no exception.

Gulick Group won Major Achievement in Marketing Excellence (MAME) awards for our luxury communities including: Brambleton, for Best Print Advertising; One Cameron Place, for Best Total Signage Single Community and Best Interior Merchandising; and The Reserve for Best Interior Merchandising. In addition to this, Guilck Group’s Vice President of Field Operations, Wayne Vance, received an award for “Best Project/Production Manager for Medium Volume Builders” from the Maryland National Capital Building Industry Association (MNBCIA).

Gulick Group has also been recognized for an abundance of Finest For Family Living (FFL) awards, and since inception, have won for homes in nearly every one of our communities, including: Carisbrooke, Kessleton, Wynnewood, Manderley, Stuart’s Creek, Newport Shores, Wyndham Hills, and The Reserve.

WHOS’ WHO

Joe Ammons: Vice President of Project Development

After ten years with Gulick Group, Joe Ammons says he has found his niche with a company that he believes exemplifies the true meaning of teamwork and quality craftsmanship.

Joe believes in the company philosophy that is Gulick. He believes commitment to quality, attention to detail, and the constant search for excellence, are the three factors that make Gulick an exceptional place to work. Joe also believes a great company starts with great people, and he is thrilled to be part of it all at Gulick Group. “We all work together as a team. Peter Gulick sets high standards, and we follow his lead,” says Joe. “It’s very satisfying as an architect to know everyone you work with is wholly dedicated to the success of the final product. This combination of team unity and only the highest standards of design are what make us different.

Joe began his career at Gulick Group as head of the Project Management Department, and over the years, advanced to become Vice President of Project Development. He is now responsible for overseeing every community Gulick builds, from the moment the architect touches the drawing board, to the exceptional final product.

The last ten years at Gulick Group have given Joe the unique opportunity to perfect the many facets of his craft. “Being involved with such exceptional people and such impeccable design has been inspirational to me as an architect,” says Joe. “I would choose to work no where else.

TECHNOLOGY WATCH

What to Expect in 2003

A Web site is a reflection of a company’s philosophy and organizational structure. More often than not, Web sites lack multi-dimensional personality. At Gulick Group, our goal is to provide you with more than a typical display of elevations and floorplans, and to reveal to you the true character of a Gulick home. Our Web site will be updated frequently, and will reflect our distinctive designs and inspired architecture. Afterall, The Difference Is In The Details.

We are introducing a new video which, in typical Gulick style, will provide you with a detailed personal tour of the Gulick homebuying experience. The video is not yet available, however, if you are interested in receiving one when it has been completed, please visit our web site at www.gulickgroup.com.