There’s a new builder in Balmoral. New Home Co. is committed to quality, innovative design and exceptional customer service, making them the perfect choice for homebuyers looking to build their dream home in Balmoral.

The builder offers five beautiful floor plans ranging from 1,702 to 2,797 square feet. Homes are priced from the low $300s and feature gorgeous island kitchens, inviting covered patios, flex rooms, studies, game rooms, two-car garages and more. You can see the plans —and the many options and upgrades available to you — when you visit the recently opened New Home Co. model home.

A leading homebuilder in Texas, New Home Co. has been creating beautiful and functional homes for families across the state for more than a decade. At the heart of their success is an unwavering commitment to quality. The company uses only the best materials and employs skilled craftsmen to ensure that every home they build meets the highest standards.

From the foundation to the roof, each detail is carefully considered and executed to perfection. The company’s knowledgeable and friendly professionals guide homebuyers through every step of the process, from selecting a homesite to choosing finishes. They are committed to ensuring that the experience is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

New Home Co. is also committed to building homes that are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. The company uses energy-efficient materials and appliances to reduce homeowners’ energy costs and carbon footprint. They also prioritize sustainable landscaping practices to conserve water and promote biodiversity.

We are excited to welcome New Home Co. to the Balmoral line-up of exceptional builders. Visit their model home and start building your new life today.

Reports this month indicate that the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage will range between 6.1 to 6.8 percent throughout the rest of the year. High interest rates impact your buying power and your monthly payments. Fortunately, many Balmoral builders are riding to the rescue with incentives that will lower your monthly payments, reduce closing costs and even lower the cost of your new home. Check them out.

Brightland Homes
Roll Back Sales Event

Brightland Homes is rolling back the clock to a time when interest rates were lower. From now through July 21, the builder is offering an interest rate buy down on inventory homes that allows you to pick your rate such as 3.94 percent, 4.49 percent or 5.49 percent on a fixed-rate loan. Plus, you will receive $10,000 toward closing costs. Prefer to build from the ground up? Brightland is offering up to $60,000 to use toward options and financing.

Chesmar Homes
Virtual Consultation

Want to learn how to pay no interest for the first six months you own your new Chesmar home? Schedule an appointment with a New Home Consultant today.

Lennar
July Sales Event

Take advantage of Lennar’s fantastic offers from now through July 21. Finance through Lennar Mortgage Plus to lock in an FHA fixed rate of 4.25 percent (5.377 percent APR), up to a $40,000 price reduction and $6,000 toward closing costs.

Long Lake Ltd.
Lock in Interest Rate

For a limited time, the builder will help you lock in a low 4.99 percent interest rate when you purchase one of their select inventory homes.

At Balmoral, we are all about having fun in the sun. A great way to do that (besides hanging out on our white, sand beach) is to host a meal al fresco. Of course, to do that, you need an outdoor kitchen. Creating the ultimate outdoor kitchen involves combining functionality, durability and style to create a space that is perfect for cooking, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. Here are some ideas:

Maximize Your Patio Potential

Because your outdoor kitchen will be vying for space with your dining and entertainment areas, pay close attention to your patio’s layout. A U-shaped or L-shaped layout can be highly efficient as it allows you to create separate areas for cooking, prepping, dining and lounging. If you plan on hosting a lot of outdoor gatherings, consider speaking to your builder about extending the patio.

Choose Your Appliances

The right appliances will make or break your outdoor dining experience. Choose high-quality appliances that are durable and can withstand the elements. A high-end gas grill with multiple burners will get your meat on the plate in no time, as well as help you prepare a few side dishes. A refrigerator and freezer will keep food and beverages chilled and easily accessible. Look into a few add-ons such as a pizza oven and smoker to add some versatility to your cooking repertoire.

Don’t Forget the Extras

Additional items that will make your life easier include a sink for easy clean-up, a warming drawer to keep food warm while you are putting the finishing touches on your masterpiece and a built-in trash compactor. An outdoor bar is a fun extra. The dedicated space should have storage for glassware, a beverage fridge and a sink.

Best Materials

When it comes to actual materials, durability should be a priority. For countertops, choose materials like granite, concrete or stainless steel that can withstand the elements. Weather-resistant materials like marine-grade polymer, stainless steel or teak are your best options for cabinetry. Your patio floor is also important. You want it to be attractive but slip resistant so choose materials like stone, brick or tile.

Sustainable and Smart

When designing your ultimate patio, make sure your appliances are eco-friendly and smart. Choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. Use solar-powered lights to reduce energy consumption. If you can, include a composting bin for organic waste. The environment will thank you. Take your home automation system outdoors for convenience. Install a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled grill for precise cooking control. Integrate smart lighting, irrigation for plants and sound systems that can be controlled via smartphone for convenience.

Additional Considerations

While you cook, guests should be comfortable. Equip a seating area with comfortable patio furniture. Include patio heaters or a fire pit for cooler nights and fans or misting systems for hot days. Install task lighting for cooking and ambient lighting for dining and socializing.

Talk to Our Builders

For more great patio ideas, visit our model homes and speak with our builders’ representatives. They can let you know what your options are for building the perfect home with the perfect patio.

The class of 2024 has graduated, and former Humble ISD high school students are off to college. Where are they going? Many places, but those who want to stay close to home — say, Balmoral residents — have a lot of great options. Even if you aren’t a recent grad, local colleges provide a range of educational opportunities from workforce training and associate degrees to transfer pathways to four-year universities. Here are some notable institutions near Balmoral:

Lone Star College – Kingwood

Lone Star College – Kingwood offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as business, healthcare, engineering, computer science and liberal arts. The college also provides transfer pathways for students planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees at four-year universities.

Lone Star College – Atascocita Center

The Atascocita Center provides everything LSC-Kingwood does. Students are able to complete core classes toward an associate’s degree or a four-year transferable degree along with specialized pre-health occupational classes. Students can also take courses in business, healthcare, engineering, computer science and liberal arts.

Houston Community College – Northeast Campus

Houston Community College has a campus in Northeast Houston, which is relatively close to Humble. The college offers associate degrees, workforce certificates, and continuing education programs in various fields, including healthcare, business, technology and the arts. The college also provides transfer options for students planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees at four-year institutions.

University of Houston – Downtown

Within commuting distance of Humble is the University of Houston – Downtown. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in areas such as business, criminal justice, education, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The university emphasizes community engagement and provides opportunities for internships and experiential learning.

Balmoral residents are already getting out their grills preparing for the Memorial Day weekend. While meat will be the star attraction, you’ll want the support of some marvelous side dishes. Ready to up your game? Look at these suggestions:

Plenty of Potato Salad

A timeless side dish you can never go wrong with is potato salad. You can go classic or branch out and serve up deviled eggs combined with potatoes. Guests won’t be able to say no to potato salad with all the trimmings. If you’re looking for something a little healthier, try this garden potato salad.

Creative Corn

You can do more with corn than toss it on the grill. Give this zucchini, squash and corn casserole a try. Skip the corn on the cob and whip up this corn in a salad. All you need are three ingredients for this whipped cream corn salad. Got corn muffin mix? Then you can make corn souffle.

Creamy Coleslaw

What would a barbecue be without coleslaw? Cabbage is nice but broccoli is better. You can never go wrong with a classic coleslaw recipe. Vinegar, not mayo is the secret ingredient in South Carolina Slaw. If you’ve got 15 minutes you have time to throw together this slaw.

Beautiful Beans

Don’t just serve baked beans, serve Texas-style baked beans. Sweet and smokey cowboy beans will have your guests singing Home on the Range. Why slave over a hot oven when you can just toss these beans on the grill. This colorful black bean salad will tickle your taste buds.

Serve Up Salads

Salads are quick to make and go with anything. Skip the traditional pasta salad and add a little bacon. There’s nothing more refreshing than a cucumber salad. Roasted pepper-tomato salad with crispy black-eyed peas will be a memorable experience for your guests. Try this twist on seven-layer dip.

Grill Your Vegetables

Kabobs are fun to eat and healthy too. Yes, you can toss eggplant on the grill. If asparagus is in season, you’ll want to throw some on the grill. Potatoes on skewers? Yes, please!

Up Your Macaroni Game

Fresh veggies make this macaroni salad a star. Add roasted tomatoes to your mac’ n ‘cheese. We love this easy macaroni and corn casserole. Add some spice to your macaroni salad. Why make two separate dishes when you can combine macaroni with coleslaw?

Fabulous Fruit

Grill some brie and add strawberries for a spectacular appetizer. You’ve got to have watermelon so try it with mint. Pick up some peaches from the farmers market and go to town. Combine strawberries and arugula for a sweet and peppery salad.