Rochester offers a variety of enjoyable fall activities for residents and visitors. Here are some popular options:   - Leaf Peeping: Take a scenic drive or hike through some of the local parks and nature reserves to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. Places like Quarry Hill Nature Center and Whitewater State Park offer excellent opportunities for leaf peeping.     - Apple Picking: Fall is the perfect time for apple picking. There are several orchards near Rochester, such as Sekapp Orchard and Fireside Orchard, where you can pick your own apples and enjoy fresh cider and other apple-related treats.   - Pumpkin Patches: Visit a local pumpkin patch like Center Grove Orchard or Lendt's Pumpkin Patch to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving or decorating.   - Fall Festivals: Rochester hosts various fall festivals and events. Keep an eye out for events like Fall Harvest Festival at the Olmsted County History Center, which often includes hayrides, games, and crafts.   - Haunted Attractions: As Halloween approaches, check out some of the area's haunted houses and spooky attractions for a good scare. Fright Farm in nearby Maplewood is one such option.     - Corn Mazes: Many farms in the area create intricate corn mazes for fall entertainment. Some of these mazes are quite challenging and can be a fun activity for families and groups.   - Fall Hiking and Biking: Enjoy the cooler weather by going for a hike or bike ride in one of the local parks or along the many trails in and around Rochester. The Douglas State Trail and Chester Woods Park are great places to explore.   - Fall Golf: If you're a golfer, take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and play a round at one of Rochester's golf courses. Courses like Soldiers Field Golf Course offer scenic views of the changing leaves.   - Fall Food and Drinks: Indulge in fall flavors by trying seasonal dishes and beverages at local restaurants and cafes. Look for menus featuring pumpkin spice, apple, and other autumn-inspired treats.   - Rochester Art Center: Explore the local arts scene by visiting the Rochester Art Center, where you can view exhibitions and participate in art-related events and workshops.   - Rochester Farmers' Market: Continue to support local growers and artisans by visiting the Rochester Farmers' Market, which typically continues into the fall season. You can find fresh produce, homemade goods, and unique crafts.     - Fall Photography: Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, fall provides stunning opportunities for capturing the beauty of the season. Explore the parks and natural areas with your camera in hand.   Remember to check the specific dates and availability for these activities, as they may vary from year to year. Enjoy the beauty of fall in Minnesota!

Rochester offers several golf courses for enthusiasts to enjoy. Golfing in Rochester provides beautiful settings and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area while playing the game. Some popular golf courses in and around Rochester include:   - Soldiers Field Golf Course: Located in the heart of Rochester, this municipal golf course is known for its well-maintained fairways and greens. It offers 18 holes of varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced golfers.   https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/golf/soldiers-memorial-field   - Willow Creek Golf Course Situated just outside of Rochester, Willow Creek is an 18-hole championship golf course. It features a challenging layout with water hazards and sand traps, providing a good test of skills for golfers of all levels.   https://www.willowcreekgolfmn.com/   - Rochester Golf & Country Club: This private club offers an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Donald Ross. It also features amenities like a driving range, practice facilities, and a clubhouse.   https://www.rgcc.org/     - Eastwood Golf Course: Another municipal course in Rochester, Eastwood Golf Course has 18 holes and a friendly atmosphere. It's a great place to enjoy a relaxed round of golf with family and friends.   https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/golf/eastwood     - Northern Hills Golf Course: Located a short drive from Rochester in Rochester's Northern Hills neighborhood, this golf course offers a scenic and enjoyable golfing experience with 18 holes and a driving range.   https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/golf/northern-hills     - Zumbro Valley Golf Course: Situated in nearby Mantorville, about 20 minutes from Rochester, Zumbro Valley Golf Course is a nine-hole course surrounded by picturesque countryside.   https://www.zvrc.com/     - Hadley Creek Golf Learning Center: This golf facility focuses on practice and learning. It offers a driving range, practice greens, and instructional programs for golfers looking to improve their skills.   https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-and-recreation/golf/hadley-creek-golf-learning-center     To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on golf courses in Rochester, MN, I recommend checking online directories, contacting the courses directly, or looking at local golfing websites.  

New to Rochester? Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world. No matter where you go, you'll find people who love a good slice of pizza. However, have you ever heard of a pizza farm? If you're a resident of Rochester, then you're in luck because there are several pizza farms located in the area:    - Berne Wood-Fired Pizza: You can head to Berne Wood-Fired Pizza in West Concord without spending a dime. The whole family can enjoy some amazing wood-fired pizzas while being surrounded by beautiful outdoors and good music. You can visit the place every Wednesday in June, July, and August between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The pizzas are served in a box, and they cost between $20-25, bring your own plates if you prefer. While you're there, you can purchase some pop, water, chips, and ice cream. However, if you have a specific beverage preference, you can bring your own. Do note that the establishment doesn't offer gluten-free crusts, and pets are not allowed. It's best to bring your own lawn chairs, and there are portable bathrooms available on the grounds. All the profits they make support the Zwingli United Church of Christ and chosen charities. To stay updated, you can visit their Facebook page to see some photos and customer feedback. https://www.bernepizza.org/home-2023 - Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm: Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm is located in Bloom Grove Township and offers a unique experience for the community. The farm spans across 55 acres and features delicious pizza, live music, and a charming countryside atmosphere. Pizza nights are held on specific dates, with hours varying from May to August. Guests are encouraged to bring their own seating and blankets as the farm is clean and requires visitors to transport their own trash. There are also trails to explore while waiting for or after enjoying your pizza. Although animals are appreciated, it's best to leave pets at home. The farm hopes that guests not only savor the delicious pizza but also take the time to appreciate the surroundings and live music.  https://pleasantgrovepizzafarm.com/   - Red Barn Farm: At Red Barn Farm, in Northfield, you can explore its 10-acre grounds while indulging in their delicious pizzas and interacting with their horses and chickens. They also have a pesticide-free garden where they grow various seasonal vegetables. Reservations are necessary for Wednesday and Sunday Pizza, and visitors must arrive within a half-hour of their reserved time. Cash or check are the only accepted forms of payment, and guests must bring their own seating, tables, utensils, and other eating essentials. Additionally, visitors are responsible for taking their trash with them. Those who are 21 and above are allowed to bring alcohol. https://www.redbarnfarmweddingsmn.com/about-4    

New to Rochester? Rochester offers a variety of coffee options for residents and visitors to enjoy. Here are a few popular coffee shops in Rochester:     -Cafe Steam: Has 3 Locations near downtown Rochester, Café Steam is a trendy and cozy coffee shop known for its high-quality coffee and unique atmosphere. They offer a variety of espresso-based drinks, pour-over coffees, and specialty beverages. https://steam.coffee/   -Fiddlehead Coffee Co.: Fiddlehead Coffee Co. is a local favorite with two locations in Rochester. They serve freshly roasted coffee beans and offer a selection of espresso drinks, drip coffee, and cold brew. Their menu also includes a range of pastries and light snacks. https://fiddleheadcoffee.co/   -Old Abe Coffee Co.: Old Abe Coffee Co. is a specialty coffee shop located in the heart of Rochester. They focus on small-batch, single-origin coffees sourced from around the world. They offer a range of brewing methods, including pour-over, AeroPress, and espresso-based drinks. http://www.oldabecoffee.com/   -Spyhouse: Spyhouse is excited to have expanded to Rochester, their first venture outside of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. This is also their first location to offer a selection of wines and local craft beers. They hope to serve as a go-to destination and gathering place for all coffee lovers around the city, as well as any guests passing through. https://spyhousecoffee.com/pages/rochester   -Cafe Aquí: Located inside Sargent’s on 2nd in Rochester, come bask in the sun year-round either in their large indoor greenhouse or throughout a plethora of outdoor seating vignettes amongst the plants and flowers! Top notch espresso drinks, rich Mid West crafted ice cream, savory and sweet flavors of South America - Aquí will have your/your kids/your parents' tastebuds delighted! https://aqui.coffee/   These are just a few options, and there are likely other coffee shops and cafes in Rochester that offer great coffee as well. It's always worth exploring the local scene and trying out different places to find your personal favorite!

New to Rochester? Rochester is home to several breweries that offer a variety of craft beers and unique flavors. Here are some popular breweries in Rochester:     -Forager Brewery: Forager Brewery is known for its farm-to-table approach, offering a rotating selection of small-batch beers brewed with locally sourced ingredients. They also have a kitchen that serves delicious food, and their taproom often hosts live music events. https://foragerbrewery.com/   -LTS Brewing Company: LTS stands for "Life's Too Short," and this brewery aims to provide quality beer and an enjoyable experience. They have a wide range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. LTS Brewing Company has a cozy taproom where you can relax and try their brews. https://www.ltsbrewing.com/   -Little Thistle Brewing Company: Little Thistle is a community-focused brewery that produces a diverse range of craft beers, including IPAs, sours, and lagers. Their taproom offers a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, and they often collaborate with other local businesses. https://littlethistlebeer.com/   -Kinney Creek Brewery: Kinney Creek is a family-owned brewery with a focus on traditional beer styles and experimental flavors. They offer a variety of beers on tap, including their popular Kinney Creek Cream Ale. The brewery has a laid-back atmosphere and often hosts events like trivia nights and live music. https://www.kinneycreekbrewery.com/     -Thesis Beer Project: Thesis Beer Project is a unique brewery and taproom that emphasizes experimentation and creativity. They have an ever-changing lineup of beers, ranging from classic styles to innovative and experimental brews. Thesis also hosts events, including beer releases and themed parties. https://thesis.beer/   These are just a few of the breweries in Rochester, Minnesota. Each offers its own unique atmosphere and beer selection, so I recommend visiting their websites or contacting them directly to learn more about their current offerings and operating hours. Cheers!

New to Rochester? Rochester offers a diverse dining scene with a range of restaurants to suit various tastes and preferences. Here are some popular restaurants in the city: - Chester's Kitchen and Bar: A contemporary American restaurant known for its diverse menu, including steaks, seafood, burgers, and craft cocktails. https://chesterskb.com/ - Terza Ristorante: An Italian restaurant serving dishes like pasta, risotto, and wood-fired pizzas in an upscale setting. https://terza3.com/ - Newt's: A local favorite known for its delicious burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare. - Twigs Tavern and Grille: A casual restaurant offering a range of American dishes, including burgers, salads, and comfort food classics. https://www.twigstavernandgrille.com/ - Pasquale's Neighborhood Pizzeria: A family-owned pizzeria serving New York-style pizzas, calzones, pasta, and more. https://pnpizza.com/ - Forager Brewery: A brewery and restaurant offering a farm-to-table dining experience with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients. https://foragerbrewery.com/ - Pho Chau: A Vietnamese restaurant known for its authentic pho (noodle soup) and other Vietnamese dishes. https://www.pho-chau.com/ If you live in Rochester, what restaurant would you add? Please note that restaurant offerings can change, and it's always a good idea to check reviews, hours of operation, and make reservations if needed before visiting!

New to Rochester? Rochester is home to several diverse neighborhoods. Here are some notable neighborhoods in Rochester: 1. Historic Southwest: This neighborhood is known for its historic charm and features beautiful homes with architectural styles ranging from Victorian to Craftsman. It is located close to downtown Rochester and offers a mix of residential and commercial areas. 2. Kutzky Park: Kutzky Park is a vibrant neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. It has a strong sense of community and is home to Kutzky Park itself, a popular gathering spot for residents. 3. Northrop: Located on the north side of the city, Northrop is a residential neighborhood with a suburban feel. It features well-maintained homes and offers easy access to parks and recreational areas. 4. Folwell: Folwell is a family-friendly neighborhood with tree-lined streets and a range of housing options, including single-family homes and townhouses. It is located near several schools and parks, making it popular among families. 5. East Side Pioneers: This neighborhood is situated on the east side of Rochester and is known for its affordable housing options. It has a mix of residential and commercial areas and offers convenient access to amenities and major roadways. 6. Cooke Park: Cooke Park is a centrally located neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is home to Cooke Park itself, a popular spot for outdoor activities, and offers a range of housing options. 7. Historic Southwest District: The Historic Southwest District is a designated historic district in Rochester, known for its beautifully preserved homes and buildings. It is a highly desirable neighborhood and offers a unique blend of history and charm. These are just a few of the neighborhoods in Rochester, Minnesota. Each neighborhood has its own distinct characteristics and amenities, catering to a variety of preferences and lifestyles.

New to Rochester? The surrounding areas of Rochester, offer a mix of suburban and rural environments. Here are a few notable areas nearby: - Byron: A small city located to the west of Rochester, known for its community events and outdoor recreational opportunities. - Stewartville: A city to the south of Rochester, offering a small-town atmosphere and access to the Root River State Trail for outdoor enthusiasts. - Eyota: A small town to the east of Rochester, known for its rural charm and proximity to Whitewater State Park, which offers camping, hiking, and fishing. - Oronoco: Located to the north of Rochester, this small town is known for its annual Gold Rush Days festival and its proximity to the Zumbro River, which is popular for canoeing and kayaking. - Pine Island: A city located to the north of Rochester, known for its agricultural heritage and scenic countryside, with opportunities for hiking and exploring along the nearby Zumbro River.These are just a few examples, and there are many more towns and rural areas surrounding Rochester, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions.

New to Rochester? During the summer in Rochester there are several activities you can enjoy: - Explore the Quarry Hill Nature Center: Discover nature trails, observe wildlife, and visit the nature center's interactive exhibits. https://www.qhnc.org/ - Visit Silver Lake Park: Enjoy boating, fishing, and picnicking at this scenic park. It also has walking trails. https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/listing/silver-lake-park/291/ - Attend outdoor concerts and festivals: Check out the local event calendar for live music performances, art festivals, and community celebrations happening in the area. - Explore Cascade Lake Park: Engage in outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and disc golf. The park also offers swimming and a playground for families. https://www.rochestermn.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/228/1258 - Tour the Plummer House: Explore the historic Plummer House and its beautiful gardens. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the house's history and architecture. https://www.rochestermn.gov/government/departments/parks-recreation-new/parks-trails-recreation-facilities/plummer-house#ad-image-0 - Go golfing: Play a round of golf at one of the city's golf courses, such as Soldiers Field Golf Course or Eastwood Golf Course. - Enjoy downtown Rochester: Stroll through the downtown area and visit local shops, cafes, and restaurants. Check out the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal products. https://www.experiencerochestermn.com/things-to-do/downtown/ - Attend the Olmsted County Fair: Experience the county fair with its carnival rides, livestock exhibits, live entertainment, and delicious fair food. https://www.olmstedcountyfair.com/

New to Rochester? Here are some popular things to do in the city: - Explore the Mayo Clinic: Take a guided tour of the world-renowned medical facility and learn about its history and medical advancements. https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota/campus-buildings-maps - Visit the Rochester Art Center: Experience contemporary art exhibitions and participate in various art programs and events. https://www.rochesterartcenter.org/ - Discover Quarry Hill Nature Center: Enjoy hiking trails, explore the nature exhibits, and learn about the local wildlife at this nature center and park. https://www.qhnc.org/ - Shop and dine at the Rochester Downtown: Explore the vibrant downtown area with its shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/ - Experience history at the Heritage House: Visit this beautifully restored Victorian home and gain insights into Rochester's past. https://www.heritagehousevictorianmuseum.com/ - Enjoy outdoor activities at Silver Lake Park: Go for a walk or bike ride along the lakeside trails, have a picnic, or rent a paddleboat or kayak. https://www.rochestermn.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/138/1258 - Attend a performance at the Rochester Civic Theatre: Watch a play, musical, or other live performances at this community theater. https://www.rochestercivictheatre.org/ - Visit the Rochester Farmers Market: Explore the market offering fresh produce, local goods, and artisanal products. https://www.rochfarmmkt.org/ - Play golf: Rochester has several golf courses where you can enjoy a round of golf, including the Soldiers Field Golf Course and Willow Creek Golf Course. - Attend events and festivals: Rochester hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including the Thursdays on First & 3rd Summer Market & Music Festival and the Rochesterfest celebration. https://www.downtownrochestermn.com/events/thursdaysdowntown These are just a few examples, and there are many more activities and attractions in and around Rochester to suit different interests!

One of the most common questions from home sellers is, “do I really need to put my family pictures away”? The short answer is “yes,” but maybe not for the reasons you assume. The general principle is that buyers need to be able to visualize their own lives in the home in order to buy the house. There is nothing new about this, but in this complicated age of security challenges, there are also safety reasons to remove your items before showings. 10 Things to Remove 1. Excess Furniture – Consider removing extra chairs, ottomans, side tables, etc., anything unnecessary. 2. Family Photos – You do not know who is coming through your home; protect your family by removing any identifiable pictures, awards, certificates, etc. 3. Religious Art/Collectables – Some people may be offended by these kinds of items. Better to avoid issues. 4. Laptops and Cell Phones – Anything easily picked up and removed should be safely stowed.  5. Jewelry – Again, anything of value should be secured out of sight. 6. Important Files and Papers – Hide any papers that may have banking or social security numbers that can be used for fraudulent purposes. 7. Firearms – Protect yourself and others by securing any firearms. 8. Clutter – Nothing new here, keep the home clean. 9. Half of All Décor – Think about removing about half of any decorative items such as pillows, vases, books, etc. 10. Pets – Keep your pets safe and away from visitors. If you’re ready to start showing your home, taking a little time to depersonalize can not only help your buyers see the potential of the home for their lives, but protect yourself and your family as well.

IF YOU’VE BUILT WITH US IN THE PAST EIGHT YEARS, CHANCES ARE YOU’VE WORKED WITH OUR ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTSMAN JASON HALVERSON. HE’S BEEN AN INVALUABLE ASSET EVER SINCE HE CAME ON BOARD, DESIGNING SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING AND UNIQUE HOMES IN THE ROCHESTER, MN AREA. ‘CUSTOM’ HAS A WHOLE NEW MEANING WHEN WORKING WITH JASON. Word has spread about his work, though, so his days are *extremely* busy… but we got lucky and found a few minutes to sit down with him and hear his stories from a career in architecture. For this one, we thought the best way to show you what Jason thinks was to let you hear it for yourself. Put your headphones in and scroll down to hear his opinions on home-building, the Rochester market, and why R. Fleming Construction is a step above the competition! WHAT DOES THE TERM ‘CUSTOM HOME’ REALLY MEAN? “A lot of people think they’re going to go to a builder and they have a model and they’ll be able to customize it, and change things here and there – which is a custom home. We’re customizing a home to the way you want to live, which we do a lot of. A lot of people have a hard time visualizing what a house would look like from a blank sheet of paper, and it scares a lot of people, so they’ll go off a house we’ve already done or a model house, where they can see the rooms, feel the sizes, and then they might say ‘I want a closet here, I want to change the way this lays out,’ but they can still have a visualization of what that room’s going to feel like. I’d say 80 percent of people go that route because it’s an easier fit for them. A total custom house, which is where we’ll be the best fit for our clients, is a blank sheet of paper. You tell me your wants and your needs, how many bedrooms you want in the house, maybe some Pinterest ideas, and I’m designing something that’s a one-of-a-kind house. NO one’s ever touched it. You’ll have something that’s not like anybody else’s house. Those are obviously the funnest projects for me to work on, but it’s a lot of blind faith that they have to have, you know, that their vision is being accomplished through my design. But that’s a total custom, where a lot of builders just can’t offer that to people. The only [other] route you can get that is going through an architect, hiring an architect to design your house, but then you’re going to drop $60-80,000 in fees, where that’s a service we offer to our clients as part of our program.  HOW DID YOU GET HERE?  “After I graduated college, I worked for probably four or five different architectural firms – commercial firms, residential firms, mechanical – trying to find out which area of the industry I wanted to stay in. I did commercial for about two years, where you’re working on schools or hospitals, but it’s like, I was stuck on one hospital for a year and a half…. and that’s how long those projects take. I soon found out my passion was in residential. I’ve always loved the residential side. You don’t need to be a licensed architect to do residential, and I had all the CAD experience and knew all the software, so I worked with a local guy for about a year and then I partnered with him. We had a partnership where we owned a company and did residential design. Then 2008 happened. Everything closed down, so I went a different avenue and started doing sales in the building industry, and about three years later I came back and reopened my own company, Drafting Design Studios, and started doing design work again. At that point, R. Fleming reached out to me to start designing houses for them, and about six months later they reached out about coming on board with them and overseeing the construction of their houses, being more of an exclusive designer, because they saw the designs they were able to get were different than anyone else. They didn’t want to share the same design style with all the other builders, so they saw the opportunity to kind of be a special niche in the market.  I did that for a while with them… and then, you know, Bob is pretty much semi-retired, and I stepped into those shoes, and now I’m overseeing all construction. You start with me from the beginning of design, and you’re with me through construction. I oversee everything all the way to the end. You’re working with the same guy from start to finish, which is something that’s not normal in this industry. WHAT CLIENTS SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THE FIRST MEETING? “Homework, up front. A lot of times, they can get frustrated with the timeframe it takes to design a total custom home from scratch. So, if they’re just saying ‘oh, we want four bedrooms,’ this and that, and I’m doing it maybe the way I would design my personal house or the way I think it is… it might not be the way they envisioned it. So if they have a wants and needs list, or some kind of vision of how they want it to lay out, it’s going to make my job way easier. Whether it’s like, ‘hey, we want a great room towards the back of the house, and it to be all glass,’ or ‘we want the flow to work like this or that,’ any kind of input they can give me – doesn’t have to be a floor plan, just the way they want their home to flow and function – is going to make my job a lot easier, because I’m trying to capture their vision, but I’m not in their head to know what that looks like. I’m trying, through their words, to put it on paper.” WHY DOES AN IN-HOUSE DESIGNER WORK BETTER THAN HIRING A THIRD-PARTY ARCHITECT TO DESIGN MY HOUSE? “Let’s say you want to build a $600,000 house. In-house, I’m going to be designing your house to fit your budget – so if you show me a million-dollar floor plan that you wanted to imitate, I’ll tell you flat out that you’re not going to be able to get all that, because your budget is 600 – so we have to cut out this and that, get to a certain square footage, and style to meet your budget. A lot of people that fall into this same category will outsource, go to another draftsman that’s in town, because you know, builders use the same pool of three or four draftsmen that are available. They’ll design your house the exact way you want it, you’ll bring it back to a builder, they’ll bid it out, and your budget – that was $600,000 – is now $750,000 or 800,000. So you’re instantly frustrated… you’ve wasted two, three, sometimes six months of your time to get a plan designed that’s now $200,000 over budget, that you can’t even build. You spent all that time and money and effort to basically design a pretty picture that you can do nothing with. Doing it in-house, I handle all the pricing. I get all the bids, I gather everything and do all the numbers, so I have a really good feel of the market and what things cost. When I’m designing, I’m keeping that all in mind, so when we get the pricing back, it’s not going to be something that’s going to deteriorate and make you upset that you wasted time or didn’t come to anything that you could afford.” WHY THE FIRST MEETING IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT (AND FUN) MEETINGS OF THE WHOLE PROCESS – “You get the drawing in front of you, and I have you come in and we make a night of it. We have beer and pizza, and we’re having my AutoCAD right up on the big screen in front of you. We’re designing the house together. I’m pushing and pulling walls, going through different scenarios of how different rooms could lay out. Maybe you want to see a bathroom a different way, I do it, and you’re like ‘never mind, I don’t like it.’ We undo it, and we’re really doing it together, so you feel like you’re a part of the design process – not just ‘I have to do what this guy’s idea was.’ No! We’re using your ideas and my ideas.  We’re collaborating together. When you leave that meeting, which will save you months of time going back-and-forth, you’ll leave with excitement that ‘this is my house,’ and you’ll feel like this was you. Even though I was pushing the buttons and moving the mouse, you designed that house for yourself, so you’re going to feel like it was a total custom design.”  WHY JASON FEELS AT HOME AT R. FLEMING CONSTRUCION “I’ve always wanted to build houses. The hardest part of being an architectural designer is that you design the house and kind of move on from there. You never get to see the finished product, unless you really just drive around to every house you ever designed. So, to be able to, from the ground up, be a part of the whole process, that’s the direction I always wanted to go. So R. Fleming was an awesome fit. They saw it, I saw it – it was going to be a perfect career path for both of us to go. It helped me in the way of being able to understand the construction side more, and the pricing. That’s the hard part, even from school – they teach you about the basics, but until you go out to the job site and see how it’s actually built… now you understand how things should be drawn, because the framer on-site is going to look at your plan and either going to hate you or appreciate you, based on the way you’re designing things and how they go together. So seeing things actually being built on site makes it easier to know how things actually go together in the real world, to design it too – which will save the customer money if you’re making things not as complicated.  THE VERSATILITY OF R. FLEMING CONSTRUCTION “We’re a very versatile builder, to the point where we don’t just build million-dollar houses. WE don’t just build $500-600,000 houses. We can build you a house whether your budget is $500,000 or $5 million. What we pride ourselves on is… you’re not getting a different crew. You’re not getting the A, B, or C crew depending on the house you do. Whether it’s a $5 million house or $500,000 house, that’s your top dollar. Typically, when you’re building a house, that’s your all-in budget – so why should it be any less of a quality home because you’re not spending $500,000 or $5 million? You’re getting the same crew no matter what.  We use the same guys, the same quality, the same warranty, and that’s what I think we offer differently than everyone else, that we’re seeing different, because now we’re getting all ends of the market. That’s why we’re building so many houses now, because we can fit everyone’s needs – whether you’re doing the multi-million route or if you’re just getting into a first home, a starter, entry-level home. We’ll fit your bill, basically.”

THE VISION OF A BRAND-NEW CUSTOM HOME HAS LIKELY DANCED AROUND YOUR HEAD FOR A WHILE, BUT WHAT DOES IT INCLUDE? DOES IT INCLUDE EVERYTHING? WE WANT TO MAKE SURE YOUR VISION COVERS THE ENTIRE PROJECT – BECAUSE THE FIRST (AND POSSIBLY THE MOST IMPORTANT) PART OF THE PROCESS IS ALL ABOUT FINDING THE LAND YOUR HOME WILL SIT ON. Right now, with demand for new homes far outpacing supply, we’ve found the process is harder than most people realize. “It’s probably the hardest part of the whole [home-building] process,” says Drew Fleming, the Engel & Völkers team lead. “It’s hard to find a lot that works with budgets, because prices are going higher and higher, and it’s also hard to find the lots that people want. Everyone wants a wooded lot, but those are in even higher demand.” Finding a lot can be a complicated process, and isn’t always the most transparent one either: in addition to land on the public market, there’s also land that stays in private hands. Finding the right lot can simply come down to who you know… so it’s a good thing we know lots of people. It really is a complicated process that’s typically not very transparent: in addition to the land on the public market, there’s land that stays in private hands through the whole process. Finding the right lot can simply come down to who you know… so it’s a good thing we know lots of people. This is where Engel & Völkers’s partnership with R. Fleming Construction can pay dividends for our clients. We build in different developments all over the city, so we know about many (or – forgive us – lots of) lots that will never hit the open market. If you come to us, we can point you in the right direction to a lot you may have never known about. “We’re unique because we specialize in new construction, so we know about new land,” Drew says. “You’ll have agents at other agencies that specialize in new development, but they might only know about ‘their’ dirt.” TO SUCCESSFULLY NAVIGATE ROCHESTER’S LAND OF LOTS, HERE’S FOUR TIPS FROM DREW: 1. Know your budget up front. “If your budget is $500,000, don’t spend six figures on a lot. You won’t be able to build a house if you do that. You’ve got to know what your all-in budget is before you sign anything.” 2. Know who you’re working with. “I would recommend working with someone who specializes in new construction, because not all agents will know the right questions to ask and how best to guide you.” 3. Be realistic. “Those two-acre lots, on a lake, with golf views? They’re not the lots you’ll find for $50,000. That’s the tough part about it.” 4. Expand your horizons. “There’s lots in Mantorville, Pine Island, you name it, everywhere around the area. We like to keep tabs on what’s going on all around the area – just so we know.” If you’re having trouble finding a lot, just reach out to the team. We’ll go through our directory of lots (public and private, in R. Fleming developments and elsewhere) and help you create a list of options that’ll work for you. Finding the perfect lot is an art: a little bit of networking, a little bit of inside knowledge, and a lot of travel — picking up on where the next developments will go. “It’s important you know about the land that’s upcoming, otherwise you’ll never be told,” says Jason Halverson, our architectural draftsman. “Drew literally drives around and looks at dirt.”

WE KNOW THAT A HOUSE IS NOTHING WITHOUT A SOLID FOUNDATION. IT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF BUILDING A HOME, EVEN IF IT’S NOT THE MOST VISIBLE: WITHOUT STRONG FOUNDATIONS, A HOUSE CAN’T STAND. We like to think of our twelve-setp building process in a similar way: without a good foundation, how will we know what the client wants? How will the client know what to expect? The “foundation” of our build process is the first conversation we have with our clients, which we call a “discovery session.” It’s our first chance to formally meet and exchange ideas, which influences everything that comes afterwards. “It’s the most important step,” says Jason Halverson, our lead architectural draftsman. “It lays the groundwork for everything else. That’s our moment to become people they like, and the people they trust.” It’s kind of like a mutual interview: we know you’re looking for the right builder, and we’re listening for clues to see how we can help you in the best way. We call it a “discovery session” because we’re discovering things about each other: we learn about you and what you want in a house, and you’re learning about how R. Fleming operates and what we can provide.  If we connect in this first meeting, then the rest of the twelve-step process feels like a breeze. “It’s blind dating for home building,” said Drew Fleming, Engel & Völkers team lead. We like to lay everything on the table during our discovery sessions: how financing works, when to get bank pre-approval (ASAP!!), laying out how much time you have to prepare, and walking you through the Buildertrend app, among much else. We want to be as transparent as we can before the build process starts, so you know exactly what to expect as we start to build your house – because as Jason says, the planning and building process is very detailed. “There’s a lot of moving parts,” says Jason. “A lot of people don’t know how much they have to select, and how customizable it is. I think this meeting is what sets us apart – the details are important to us. The more transparent we are with the details, the more comfortable the clients are.” Typically, this meeting normally takes around 30 minutes, but in some cases, we’ve talked with clients for much longer – sometimes, we’ll build plans together for a few hours! It’s common for clients to come in with a general idea of what they want, but leave with new perspectives on what they can afford, based on our advice. “By the time the meeting finishes, people might be building a completely different house, because they’re like ‘I didn’t know I could do that!’” Jason says. “When the meeting goes long, we’re already getting into next steps.” There’s no financial commitment required to meet with us, but we’re proud to say that the vast majority of our discovery session clients stick with us to build their home. We try to provide the knowledge and advice our clients need to make a smart decision, and let them decide how fast they want to move – although we’ve found people normally leave these sessions excited for the future, ready to work as soon as they can. “The discovery meeting gets people moving… they realize that they can move forward a lot faster than they thought,” says Drew. “It sounds kind of cheesy, but it’s true: once people find out their house is within their reach, they’ll move mountains. They’ll do anything to make it happen.”

BUILDING YOUR NEW HOME IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST DECISIONS A FAMILY CAN MAKE – AND ONCE YOU DECIDE TO START THE PROCESS, THE BIGGEST FINANCIAL HURDLE TO CLEAR IS SECURING A HOME LOAN.  If you’re planning to expand into a new home and already have a mortgage, chances are your lender will require that your first home is sold before they’ll sign off on giving you the funds to pursue the next home. This is a common stipulation in the home-buying process, but it raises another question: when’s the right time to sell, and how long will you have to wait? If you’re in this position, we’re here to tell you that you don’t have to worry. Now, we can offer you some peace of mind, through a new program we’re rolling out this spring. With our Purchase Guarantee Program, we’ll sign a purchase agreement for your house up front, and if you can’t sell your home during the building process, we’ll buy it from you. Seriously. This is an idea that’s been piloted on the coasts, and we’re so excited to bring it to Rochester. There’s a few key points that we think will make this program a major success: ENABLES YOU TO START BUILDING NOW: Time is everything, and this program helps you get started on the build process much faster than waiting for the bank’s approval. GUARANTEES THE SALE OF YOUR HOUSE: You can search for better offers, of course, but we can give you some certainty ahead of time with a competitive offer. LOCKS IN INTEREST RATES: With historically low interest rates right now, there’s literally never been a better time to lock in your rates on a new house. DON’T HAVE TO DO A ‘DOUBLE MOVE’: You won’t be stuck in a rental house or apartment, waiting for your new house to be finished. Once the house is done, you can seamlessly move out of your old one and into your new one – that simple. We think this innovative new program is a win-win for the people that need to use it: shovels go in the ground earlier for your new house, and you’re guaranteed to have a buyer. Throughout the build process, you can weigh the offers that come in and make sure you take the best one – through Engel & Völkers real estate wing, of course. Bob Fleming, founder of R. Fleming Construction, says it’s unlike any other program offered in Rochester right now – it gives the seller more options and relieves the headaches of navigating the market, while expediting the process on the construction end. “It gives our clients the flexibility to move forward,” Bob says. “It also gives them a guarantee… they know ‘okay, my house is going to get me this much money. If I can do better, great, but if not, at least I know the floor.’ It crosses off a lot of unanswered questions that people normally have.”  If this program sounds right for you, let’s chat! You can reach us at (507) 933-0289.

AT R. FLEMING CONSTRUCTION, WE’RE ALL ABOUT EFFICIENCY AND MAKING THE HOME-BUILDING PROCESS EASIER FOR OUR CLIENTS. YOU MIGHT NOT BELIEVE US, BUT WE DO THINK IT’S POSSIBLE TO MAKE BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME A LOW-STRESS EXPERIENCE. HOW? COMMUNICATION. For the past five plus years, we’ve used the Buildertrend app to keep our clients involved every step of the way. Before Buildertrend, the only way to do that was through constant phone calls and visits to the job site… but now, everything you need to know is in the palm of your hand. Buildertrend is the leading construction collaboration app – and it has taken our client communication from good to great. “Communication is the most important thing, and it’s the biggest complaint we used to hear,” Bob says. “Before we started using Buildertrend, we were so bombarded with phone calls asking for updates – but this app gives the client all the information.” On the client end of the app, you’ll see your project plotted out and scheduled in advance.  Whatever it entails, we have projects plotted down to the day, all the way from the first dig day to the final walk-through. All your purchase agreements, cost allowances, and contractor contacts are included as well, so every bit of your home’s information goes wherever you go.  Our lead architectural draftsman Jason Halverson says it’s completely overhauled the communication process between client, builder, and contractor. “It just gets rid of so many headaches,” Jason says. “If the client takes ten minutes and plays around with the tools, they can find everything they need. This system can answer 99 percent of their questions.” But the benefits don’t stop there. Because we have every project planned out months in advance, we’re first on the calendar for our subcontractors. Your project, then, is a priority for everyone we work with. “Contractors schedule us way before they schedule other builders,” Bob says. “They make other builders work around our schedule, because they know when [Buildertrend] says to be there…they gotta be there.” To make a long story short, Buildertrend has revolutionized the way we plan to build a home. Everyone moves more efficiently when the plan is in one, easily accessible location. It helps our contractors plan for the future, it helps the homebuyer know exactly what’s happening without visiting the site themselves, and honestly? It makes us better at our jobs. Five plus years ago, we were just learning a new piece of software. Now, it’s something we can’t live without.

HERE AT R. FLEMING CONSTRUCTION, WE’VE SPENT OVER 30 YEARS BUILDING HOMES WITH PASSION AND CARE. That same passion goes into everything we do at R. Fleming Construction, but we’re able to combine our expertise in construction and real estate to give you an all-encompassing home-building experience. Through our collective decades on the job, we’ve boiled down the key discussions and crossroads that lead us from the first ideation session to a finished house — and put them into twelve simple steps.  Before you work with us, take a look at how we’ll work with you. #1: DISCOVERY SESSION; #2: INSPIRATION; #3: BUDGET It’s about hearing your ideas, your dreams, and your financial situation. These are casual, no-pressure conversations — just for us to find out how we can best help you. The most rewarding work in building a home, says our owner Bob Fleming, is done before a shovel ever hits the ground. “We’ll sit with you and work through the process,” says Fleming. “We can come up with ideas that, maybe, neither one of us started out with, but it works out. That happens a lot, actually — we bounce ideas off of each other in these meetings, and that’s why it’s so important.” #4: LOT SELECTION A lot of lots (get it?) aren’t made public. Instead, they’re kept private, only viewed by real estate companies and construction firms. If you can’t find the perfect place to build your next home, we’ve got the connections and expertise to solve that problem for you. #5: DESIGN AGREEMENT; #6: DESIGN PHASE This is the first point where any financial commitment is required — the conversation phase is free of charge.  Once we enter into a formal agreement, Jason Halverson and the team gets to work designing your home. It’s where ideas start to take shape, and Jason loves to keep the homeowners right by his side as he leads the process. “I like showing people the details of what we do,” says Halverson. “Sometimes, people don’t realize how much planning needs to go into projects like these. It’s so important to go over what people want vs what they need, and to recognize the difference between the two.” #7: BIDDING PROCESS; #8: BUILDING; #9: CONSTRUCTION COLLABORATION Since Bob founded R. Fleming Construction, we’ve worked with the same team of contractors to provide everything from flooring to plumbing. Once we figure out what your home will look like, we reach out to these partners and get bids for the project. When we’ve come to agreements and you approve the final cost, shovels can — at last! — dig in the ground. If you’ve built in the past (or have heard horror stories from others) about the lack of communication during the building process, you will truly appreciate the Buildertrend app. It’s a construction collaboration app that details exactly what the contractors do each day – so you always know what’s going on at the job site.  “It’s changed the game,” Jason says. “There’s 100 percent transparency through the whole process… it’s just very refreshing for everybody.” #10: HOME WALK-THROUGH At this point, your custom home — once just an idea, or a few lines in a computer program — stands tall and proud. Just building the home, though, isn’t enough for us: we need to make sure everything is right for you. Before we hand over the keys, we’ll search for imperfections throughout the entire house. If we find something that’s off, we’ll fix it. It’s that simple. #11: WELCOME HOME; #12: HOME WARRANTY WALK-THROUGH Now, finally, we hand over the keys and wish you well. It’s yours now… but that’s only eleven steps. The twelfth step happens after you’ve settled in. We’ll check in a few weeks after move-in day, just to make sure everything is going well inside the house. If there’s an issue with the house, say no more — we’ll fix it. Again, it’s that simple. “We’re not just in the business of designing houses,” says Halverson. “We’re in this to create beautiful homes, and make sure the people that live in those homes are happy with their investment.”

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’RE LOOKING TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME, WITH EXACT SPECIFICATIONS — DESIGNED TO FIT THE WAY YOU LIVE. YOU WANT TO BUILD A SPACE THAT’S GOING TO LAST, THAT WILL SERVE AS YOUR FAMILY’S HOME BASE FOR DECADES — WHICH MEANS NO DETAIL CAN GO UNNOTICED. Living in a beautiful home you helped design from the ground up is a great feeling, but it’s important to know how much this process costs. We want you to be prepared for the entire process before you partner with us — it’s better for us, and it’s much easier for you!  Listen to two of our leaders – R. Fleming Construction founder Bob Fleming and Chief of Operations / Architectural Designer Jason Halverson – to get the full picture of what goes into our custom homes. There’s three things you really should know… #1: KNOW YOUR BUDGET Normally, the low end of a custom home we work on runs to about $500,000. We’ll bring that up with you in our first “discovery session,” but it’s important to know beforehand. Jason says he likes to cut straight to the point: what’s your budget, and what’s your actual budget?  That latter number is important for us to know, because it’s a key factor in getting your project pointed in the right direction. We operate with 100 percent transparency — instead of creating ‘allowances’ for the various projects in your house, we have our contractors bid everything out beforehand. By bidding out each project, there’s no surprises: the price of each project is locked in. To keep your final price from going up, Bob recommends doing some research early on: what projects are the priorities in your house? It’s important to know the upgrades you’d like to have, but it’s more important to identify which ones you couldn’t live without – and to know the difference between the two.  “People’s wants and wishes are way different than their needs,” Bob says. “That’s a big thing in the custom home industry.” #2: SOME SPACE COSTS MORE THAN OTHERS While we have a library of previously-built homes in our portfolio, your final product could be something new entirely. We can change our existing floor plans to fit your needs, or draw up a plan completely from scratch. Of course, adding on space is one of the easiest ways to make a house more expensive or valuable, but Jason says empty rooms — like a living room, bedroom or office space — aren’t as expensive to build. The most expensive rooms in a house, he says, are the kitchen and bathrooms. There’s lots of what we call “accessory points” in these rooms; basically, it’s your cabinets, faucets, appliances, flooring, and other amenities that can’t be easily moved or replaced. Upgrading those features from a standard build-out can make the final cost rise quickly – and that’s why there’s no magic “cost per square foot” number to rely on when building a custom home.  “The average house, let’s say, has $8,000 in appliances in it,” says Halverson. “If someone wants higher-end appliances throughout the entire kitchen, that appliance price can get as high as $40,000. That’s going to seriously affect your final price per square foot.” #3: 100-PERCENT TRANSPARENCY Building a custom home costs more than buying a brand-new “tract home” (a home that’s almost exactly the same as the others in its development) — that’s just the truth. But when you enter an agreement with us, we want to make sure your investment pays off — financially and otherwise — through the years you spend in your home. When you sign on the dotted line to build your home with us, all the project prices are laid out and agreed upon – and while costs can go up or down depending on your selections (i.e. different cabinets, hardwood floor over luxury vinyl plank flooring, etc.), you can rest easy knowing there won’t be any last-second surprises on our end. We have a ‘hold harmless’ agreement with our contractors, meaning they can’t charge over the original bid price once the final budget is set.  Clients and employees both agree — it’s an easier, less stressful home-building process than the status quo. We think it’s possible because we love what we do: getting people into the home of their dreams.  “It’s not about ‘how cheap can I build this house,’” says Bob, “but ‘what does the customer want? What do they expect? That’s what matters to us.’”

TEAMWORK MAKES YOUR DREAM WORK. WE’VE LEARNED THAT GETTING THE BEST PLAYERS ON YOUR TEAM IS WHAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE GREATEST SUCCESS – NOT JUST FOR US, BUT FOR YOU. So, we’re taking some time to sit down with some of our most trusted partners to learn more about them. Today, meet Lindsey Sowers of Cambria, one of our natural quartz experts in Rochester. RFC: WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE COUNTERTOP INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW? STYLES OR COLORS THAT ARE COMING BACK OR GOING AWAY?  Lindsey Sowers: Natural colors and surfaces with bold movements (meaning the veins or patterns are less subtle) is definitely the direction our consumers are going. Elegance is trending and you’ll see that in Cambria’s newest designs. People will always love marble, but you can now achieve that look with quartz and that seems to be a trend that is here to stay. RFC: WHAT ARE YOUR BEST SELLING DESIGNS RIGHT NOW?  LS: Brittanicca, Torquay, Berwyn, Windermere, Ella, Ironsbridge, Swanbridge, Skara Brae, Summerhill, Portrush, Colton RFC: WHAT MAKES CAMBRIA SPECIAL OR STAND OUT AMONGST OTHER COMPETITORS?  LS: Cambria is a family-owned company based in the United States. We happen to be the only quartz surface business that is American made. Our design options are vast and reflect an in-depth understanding of the market – meaning we pay attention to what you want, not what we want! Our products deliver hundreds of designs, superior strength, and zero maintenance. Our surfaces are completely food safe and stain resistant with a lifetime warranty. RFC: ONE OF CAMBRIA’S RECENT MAGAZINES HIGHLIGHTED MID-CENTURY MODERN DESIGN, IS THAT A STYLE YOU’RE SEEING MANY CLIENTS BEING INSPIRED BY?  LS: We are seeing a little bit of everything. That’s the beauty of this business, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone has their own style and function needs and we’re able to not only meet your vision, but bring a fresh approach to timeless design. RFC: ARE YOU SEEING A LOT OF EXPERIMENTATION WITH CLIENTS OR BUSINESSES? WANTING TO MIX DIFFERENT STONES OR MATERIALS TOGETHER? TRYING DIFFERENT CUTS OF CURVES OR LAYOUTS? IF SO, WHAT ARE YOU SEEING? LS: We are seeing bold backsplashes, uniform backsplashes and countertops (meaning they are the same material), waterfall counters (the surface “spills” down the side of the cabinets), daring dark bathrooms, and darker color palettes in general. There are some natural edge surfaces popping up occasionally as well – meaning there isn’t a smooth cut, rather it’s a more natural stone appearance. There are so many cool design elements incorporated all the time! You can learn more about Cambria by visiting their website.  

COLLABORATION IS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO – WITH CLIENTS, DESIGNERS AND WITH OUR OWN TEAMMATES TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE BEST DANG EXPERIENCE. Jessica Curry of Interiors by J. Curry, LLC is one of our all-time favorite collaborators and we recently sat down with her to ask her a couple of questions about the rad work she does.  R. FLEMING CONSTRUCTION: TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN INTERIOR DESIGN?  Jessica Curry: I have always enjoyed design – pairing textures and colors in clothing and spaces. My first mood board creation in home economics class (back when that was still a thing) hooked me into what would be my future profession. After high school I attended both RCTC and Alexandria Community and Technical college for Interior Design. I am a Certified Kitchen Designer (I’m obsessed with kitchens!) and worked for several local businesses designing until I launched my own in 2015, Interiors by J. Curry, LLC. We focus on kitchen, bath and full-service interior design and project management. I have a small office space/showroom that I share with my assistant designer in Rochester. RFC: WHEN DESIGNING A SPACE, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO YOU? JC: The needs of the client and functionality for their life. Then we bring in the aesthetics and style to enhance their use of the space. Everything is a reflection of the client. RFC: WHAT INSPIRES YOU? JC: One of my biggest inspirations is nature. Drawing from the colors, natural textures and variations. I also love architecture in large cities – it creates so much inspiration for a more modern, industrial, edgy design. RFC: WHAT’S THE BEST INTERIOR DESIGN LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED? JC: Measure 10 times, order once!! Haha! Ok maybe not 10, but seriously you get the idea. RFC: WHAT IS A TREND THAT YOU ARE LOVING RIGHT NOW?  JC: Modern organic style and anything with natural wood cabinet fronts or  furniture/case goods – it’s such a dramatic look! RFC: CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION: WHITE OR WOOD CABINETS AND/OR TRIM?  JC: BOTH! I like painted cabinetry with some natural wood elements or darker walnut stained elements. There’s no fast and easy answer to this question – it’s all about personal style. The great news is that there are fantastic options for everyone’s taste. RFC: WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE DESIGN COLLABORATION WITH R. FLEMING CONSTRUCTION?  JC: I love the cute barn home we worked on in historic SW. I’m always a fan of seeing how creative you can get in a smaller space like that. Plus the element of character throughout when you work on a 100 year-old-home, there’s just something about being part of that history that’s such an honor. We also recently worked on a couple of new build projects, the Lappi residence and Clugston residence – they were truly special custom homes! I’ve loved being able to work on some of their more modern homes with the stunning angled roof lines that have notes of mid-century, as I have always been fascinated by that design style. It’s fun seeing new residential architecture incorporated into the area!