Marvida Blog

What do you want in a new home? Quality. You want it to stand the test of time. Affordability is another. You want the best home at the best price. Smith Douglas Homes strives to do both, crafting homes of superior value that even first-time buyers can purchase. Founded in 2008 by a core team of new home building professionals, Smith Douglas Homes believes that ...

What’s the easiest way to get comfortable in your new home and neighborhood? Ask Alexa. Amazon Alexa can be an invaluable companion when moving to a new area, serving as a versatile tool to ease the transition. Here are several ways Alexa can be your guide: She’ll Tell You All About It Need to know where the nearest grocery store is? Don’t know where in ...

Navigating busy mornings can be a challenge, especially when it comes to making time for a nutritious breakfast. However, with some planning, creativity and the kitchen of your new Marvida home, you can whip up quick and delicious meals that will fuel your family all day. Here are a few options to consider: Great Grains Cereal is an easy option but if you aren’t ...

Marvida has done it again — we made the mid-year RCLCO Real Estate Consulting report and are one of the 50 top-selling master-planned communities in the United States. We took the No. 23 spot on the annual list. Communities are ranked based on new-home sales from January through June. Builders in Marvida sold 324 new homes during that timeframe. What makes ...

If your Marvida home has a game room, you can create a friendly space for children to play, learn and unleash their creativity. Not sure where to start? Here are some exciting game room ideas to help you create the perfect play space for your kids: Start with a Practical Foundation Children and fancy flooring do not go together. If your game room will be your ...

Do you want to serve up a special meal for Father’s Day? Not sure what will be a hit? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve pulled together recipes for brunch, appetizers, dinner and desserts — all of which can be cooked up in your new Marvida kitchen! Don’t have one? Come see us. In the meantime, here are some ideas for meals that will make Father’s Day ...

Did you know Marvida is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Houston? That means you can spend every weekend having fun in the big city! On a budget? Not to worry, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do that are absolutely free. Here are 10 of them: Houston Museum District Twenty museums make up the Houston Museum District and most offer free ...

From selecting water features to choosing patio furniture, there’s plenty of advice out there for engineering the perfect backyard. Unfortunately, not all these tips are child-friendly. So, in honor of the opening of our new family-friendly playground the Island Amenity Village anchored by a lazy river, we thought we’d share our tips on creating a fabulous ...

Do you need to use a Realtor when you purchase a to-be-built home in Marvida? Absolutely. There are many advantages to using an expert even if you aren’t planning to buy an existing home. Here are eight reasons why: Neighborhood Expertise Realtors know everything there is to know about local neighborhoods and master-planned communities, including the builders, ...

10 Tips for a Stress-free Move Moving ranks up there with taxes when it comes to things people enjoy doing. No matter how beautiful your new Marvida home is, the idea of moving into it is probably pretty stressful. There are ways to make it easier. Here are 10 tips for a stress-free move: Start Early Begin planning and organizing your move as soon as possible to ...

Making the move to Marvida? Wondering what there is to do? Turns out there are at least five must-see spots. Plan to visit them and then come home and take advantage of the many amenities our community offers. Cypress Top Historic Park Delve into Cypress's history at the Cypress Top Historic Park. This outdoor museum features restored historic buildings dating back ...

The kids will be on spring break soon (March 11-15 for Marvida students). Instead of hopping on a plane this year, why not become a tourist in your own town? Houston is a great place to explore and not far from Marvida. What should you do? Whatever you want — but here are a few ideas! Houston Museum District The Houston Museum District is made up of 20 ...

The watchword for 2024 is biophilic design. Huh? If you’ve never heard of it, biophilic design is an approach that seeks to connect people with nature by incorporating natural elements into interior design. The idea is that by incorporating these principles into your spaces, you can create environments that promote health and well-being. Now that you know what ...

There’s good news ahead for buyers looking to purchase a new home in 2024 — interest rates are falling. Freddie Mac recently reported that 30-year fixed mortgage rates dropped from a high of 7.9 percent in October 2023 to 6.6 percent in mid-January. That’s the lowest they’ve been since May 2023. Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research group ...

According to two highly respected housing research firms, our community is one of the 50 top-selling master-planned communities in the nation — in fact, we’re No. 12 in the nation, fourth in Texas and third best-selling in Houston on both the RCLCO Real Estate Consulting and John Burns Research & Consulting lists of top-selling communities. Communities are ...

A well-designed and organized kitchen can contribute significantly to the overall functionality and enjoyment of your home. That includes optimal storage solutions. Who can help? Your Marvida builder. Our builders offer numerous storage solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional. Here are some ideas to get you started: Rethink Cabinets You will store ...

While you are hanging your stockings by the chimney with care, spare a thought for your porch. Decorating your porch for the holidays is a delightful way to spread holiday cheer and welcome guests to your new Marvida home. Not sure where to start? Here are some ideas: Start With a Wreath Start your decoration journey with a beautiful holiday wreath on your front ...

It’s finally here. The day you’ve been anticipating since you purchased your new Marvida home — closing. Also known as the settlement, it involves the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer. Here's what you can generally expect at a home closing. Final Walk-Through Before you close on your home, your builder will schedule a final walk-through. ...

Planning your first Thanksgiving in your new Marvida home can be exciting and slightly overwhelming. You want to establish traditions and create lasting memories. Here are some tips for hosting your first Thanksgiving meal: Create a Guest List Make a list of everyone you plan to invite. This will ensure that you have enough seats for everyone and help you with menu ...

Halloween is coming soon, what are your plans? How about taking the family to one of these family-friendly events near Marvida? From trunk-or-treats to haunted houses, there’s plenty to do. Here are our favorites. Don’t forget that Marvida is less than 30 minutes from Houston, making it easy to attend spectacular Halloween events held in the city. Good Shepard ...

Don’t let the Texas summer heat fool you. Texas winters can be brutal. Winter storms can disrupt power lines and extreme cold can freeze pipes. Here are some things you can do to ensure your home is warm, safe and protected. Insulate Your Pipes Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs. Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas of ...

Mommy and Me group playdates are a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to create lasting memories. You can host a gathering at your home, a local park, pizza parlor or just about anywhere (Marvida residents are partial to our new Island Amenity Village). Once you’ve picked the place, it’s time to pick some activities. Stumped? Here are five creative ...

A new homeowner’s gardening work is never done. While each season brings its own set of gardening tasks, fall is a critical time for preparing your garden for winter and ensuring a vibrant spring. Here’s a checklist to help you get started: Say Goodbye to Summer Remove dead plants, fallen leaves and any other debris that may have accumulated during the summer ...

August is National Family Fun Month, a time for families to come together, create lasting memories and celebrate the bonds that make families truly special. It’s also a great time to get out and enjoy the many attractions found near Marvida. Here are a few of our favorite places to play: Spend Time Outdoors Little Cypress Creek Preserve Immerse your family in ...

Safety and security devices are at the top of every homeowner’s to-do list. You may not need them, but it’s nice to know they are there. If this is your first home, you may be overwhelmed by the many options available to you. Fortunately, every Marvida resident also has access to a home security monitoring service and our builders offer smart home packages full ...

Your first home is an opportunity to express yourself, and what better way to do that than art? Hanging and styling artwork can create a visual masterpiece that reflects your personality and style. Of course, if you’ve only rented, you may not have had the opportunity to hang anything on your walls. How do you go about it? Here are some ideas to bring your walls to ...

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade your current living situation, choosing a new home community like Marvida confers advantages you often don’t get when moving to an older neighborhood. Here are five key benefits that come with moving to a new home community: Make Your Home Your Own Moving to a new home community gets you just that — a ...

One of the first things many new homeowners look forward to is hosting a backyard barbecue. It’s a great way to break the ice with your new neighbors and create some lasting memories. Here are some tips for crafting a fun and memorable event to celebrate moving to Marvida. Send Out the Invites Set a date for your barbecue and invite the neighbors. You don’t ...

Marvida’s excellent Cypress location is a boon for gourmands. Every type of cuisine is available, including Mexican, Asian, Indian and more. But, what about good old-fashioned American food? No problem. Cypress abounds with grills, pubs and cafés serving up burgers, steaks, seafood and more. Many are locally owned. Here are a few of our resident’s ...

With homeownership comes great responsibility. That means getting up-to-speed on landscaping basics. Your Marvida home comes with some landscaping elements but that doesn’t mean you can’t kick it up a notch. Here are some tips for adding curb appeal and creating a beautiful, functional outdoor space for your family. What is Landscaping Anyway? Landscaping ...

There is so much to do in and around Marvida, we wouldn’t blame you if you planned to spend all summer enjoying the Marvida lifestyle. However, if you're looking for a change of scenery or want to explore more of the surrounding areas, there are plenty of great day trips you can take from our community. Here are some ideas to get you started: Austin If you’re ...

If your Marvida home is the first you’ve ever owned, congratulations! Owning your own home is the American Dream — a dream that comes with a few responsibilities, including caring for those shiny new appliances. Not sure what to do? Here are some tips for keeping your appliances in shape. Read the Manual We know, appliance manuals are not light reading. It’s ...

Marvida homebuilders fully sod the front and backyards of their homes. That means first-time homeowners like you will start out with a beautiful green lawn. How do you keep it that way? Here’s our quick guide to lawn care: Do You Have a Rake? When it comes to lawn care, a rake is as important as a lawnmower. In the early spring, you will want to rake your lawn ...

Single-story, two-story, three bedrooms or four — not everyone’s dream home looks the same. Long Lake understands which is why they offer numerous floor plans in a range of prices. That way, you get the home you want at a price you can afford. The largest, privately owned builder in Houston has a reputation for quality, customer service and value. New home ...

When it comes to home décor, homeowners are stepping away from all-white kitchens, neutral gray walls and pastel-colored rugs to embrace bold, vibrant colors. Read on to discover what’s trending, then speak to your builder representative to see how you can get the look for your new Marvida home. Yes, It’s Pink Pink isn’t just for nurseries anymore. Pantone's ...

If the kitchen is the heart of the home, your primary bath is the soul. Your bath has the potential to help you relax, unwind and rejuvenate. How to go about creating the perfect spa-worthy bath? Follow these steps: Take Stock Before doing anything, take stock of your bathroom and budget. While you don’t need to remodel to create a spa bath, you might be able to ...

Building a new home is a partnership between you and your builder. You choose your floor plan and design elements. Your builder crafts a high-quality, beautiful home. When it comes to partners, M/I Homes is a smart decision. M/I Homes has been building homes for more than 40 years. Each home is built based on three core pillars: Smart Process, Smart Design and Smart ...

What upgrades should you add to your new Marvida home? That depends on your family’s lifestyle. What’s best for you might not be worthwhile to someone else. However, there are a few upgrades everyone agrees are worth spending a little extra cash on. These will improve your life and add value to your home for years to come. The Heart of Your Home The most used ...

Your home should be an expression of your individual style. Gehan Homes offers hundreds of design options to help you do just that. The 13th largest private homebuilder in the nation has won multiple awards for design. In 2022, the builder took home Best Product Design awards from the Texas Association of Builders and the Greater Houston Builders Association. Over ...

With access to the exceptional amenities available at sister communities Miramesa, Bridge Creek and Canyon Lakes West, Marvida residents always have something to do — including attending some spectacular holiday events. In December, Marvida residents will be enjoying Cookies with Santa at the Bridge Creek clubhouse. Everyone will be rocking around the Christmas ...

A family-owned company knows what families value. K. Hovnanian Homes builds on those values to offer homes that families will enjoy for years to come. The builder believes every family should have a beautiful home and that home should be designed and constructed as if it was being built for a member of their own family. At the heart of this philosophy is a ...

Think a beautiful, spacious home is out of your reach? Think again. Centex Homes has begun pre-sales of their value-laden homes in Marvida. Homebuyers have been attracted to Centex Homes’ spacious designs, flexible floor plans and affordability for more than 70 years. Centex partners with industry leaders to ensure their homes are beautiful and durable. Partners ...

If you want to love where you live, you want to make the move to Marvida. Why? We’re located in beautiful Cypress, Texas! There’s so much to do as well as great schools, convenient shopping and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and have fun. Here are 5 reasons we love Cypress: A Fabulous Location Cypress is booming in part because of its fabulous ...

When it comes to buying your new home, Perry Homes understands what’s important. A high-quality home that fits your lifestyle and offers comfort and convenience poised to help you make lifelong memories. Founded in 1967, Texas-based Perry Homes quickly earned a reputation for design and craftsmanship. The builder uses an in-house design team dedicated to creating ...

Thinking of making your home in Marvida? When you do, you’ll be making your home in one of the top 20 master-planned communities in the nation. How do we know? Housing research firm Robert Charles Lesser & Co. (RCLCO) recently released their annual mid-year list of the top 50 best-selling master-planned communities in the United States. We tied for the No. ...

A beautiful home tailored to your needs that fits your budget? Is it a dream? Not if you purchase from Devon Street Homes in Marvida. Devon Street Homes knows what homebuyers want out of their homes and is dedicated to giving it. That includes energy efficiency. They are committed to building homes that meet or exceed the standards set by the Environments for ...

You walk into a model home, open the pantry door and you can just imagine how orderly your canned goods, snacks and other items would look on the pantry shelves. And then you go home and see just how crowded your current pantry is — ugh! There is hope, though. You could — of course — buy a new home with that pristine pantry and all that comes with it. Or ...

The name Westin Homes has been synonymous with luxury, beauty and function for more than two decades. Dedicated to providing affordable sophistication, Westin Homes’ designs offer unique architecture, such as their signature triple-tiered rotunda, sweeping staircases and floor-to-ceiling bay windows. And that’s only the start. Westin Homes’ kitchens are ...

Houseplants are a simple, yet effective, way to breathe new life into your home’s décor. They add color, texture and focus to any room. As a bonus, plants provide health benefits in the form of increased oxygen and stress relief. You don’t even need a green thumb. If you are ready to bring the outdoors inside your new Marvida home, here are a few botanical ...

A new home is your future. It’s where you will make memories. It’s where you will entertain the neighbors. It’s an investment. When it comes to building that future, you need a name you can trust. You need D.R. Horton. Founded in Fort Worth, D.R. Horton has been America’s builder since 1978. They are the nation’s largest homebuilder by volume with ...

Chesmar Homes has a passion for building born out of a belief that customers like you are part of the Chesmar family. As part of that family, Chesmar team members will do everything they can to craft your dream home in Marvida. Family members don’t try to upsell you on options and upgrades you don’t need, and neither will Chesmar. They take a “no smoke and ...

Ready to buy your first home? Not without a loan. What type of loan? First-time buyers often have unique needs. Maybe you don’t have the usual 20 percent down payment. Maybe your credit score is less than stellar. That doesn’t mean your new home dreams can’t become reality. It just means you will need to do a little shopping around. Here are some tips so you ...

As if amenities you can use the day you move in and access to highly regarded Cypress-Fairbanks ISD schools aren’t enough, Marvida’s great Cypress location provides access to convenient one-stop shopping at major retailers. Look at what’s around the corner. Everything, All at Once Walmart Supercenter 26270 Northwest Freeway Cypress, TX ...

Traditional building companies move over — CastleRock Communities is the future of homebuying. Why? Because CastleRock offers more than the traditional homebuying experience, innovating in ways that only a younger company can. CastleRock has been building homes for less than 20 years, but the company is already considered one of the top 50 in the nation. More ...

Whether you a first-time buyer or a veteran homeowner, pre-qualification for a loan can mean the difference between getting a home and getting the home of your dreams.Pre-qualification is a document that tells a seller how much a mortgage lender is willing to lend you. It isn’t a guarantee that you will get the loan, but it is a good starting place. To become ...

Ashton Woods wants to do more than build you a home. They want to inspire you. They start with balanced designs that meet the needs of modern families. Then, they provide a range of décor choices to personalize them. The end result? A home crafted by you, for you. Ashton Woods’ homes start with good design principles. Homes boast open floor plans to encourage ...

Is your current home good for your family’s health? You’d be surprised how often the answer is no. From poor ventilation systems to carpets that emit harmful chemicals, your home can be affecting your health. Unless you chose to build with KB Home. KB Home takes the health and wellness of its customers seriously. They use the latest technology to reduce your ...

With Valentine’s Day on a Monday, you might want to celebrate a little early. From parties to dinners, we’ve picked romantic Cypress-area locations where you can concentrate on that special someone. These places also make great date night locations. To be close, pick your new home in Marvida today. Party Hearty The Spicoli's - 80's Valentine's Party The ...

If you are a stay-at-home mom or dad, chances are you are feeling a little isolated. As much fun as a baby or toddler is, they aren’t the most stimulating conversationalists in the world. That’s why many parents turn to playgroups. Playgroups provide parents with much-needed adult companionship and toddlers with opportunities to learn social skills. Can’t find ...

A home is more than four walls and a ceiling. A home reflects your family. Every family is different so every home should be. Tricoast Homes sees that. They understand that you don’t want a generic floor plan. You want a home that fits you. Tricoast Homes is only two years old, but its founders have a combined total of 60 years in the homebuilding business. The ...

In Cypress, there are many locally owned businesses not far from a new home in Marvida. Who owns them? Your friends, your neighbors — maybe even members of your own family. Support them this holiday season by buying your gifts at their shops. It’s a great way to find a unique gift and support your community. We’ve put together a list of small business owners to ...

Lennar thinks buying a new home should be a simple, stress-free process. To do that, they include the features buyers most want in a home at no extra cost, help you pre-qualify for a loan and make it easier to sell your current home. The builder’s standard features are ones that many builders consider upgrades. That includes polished granite or quartz ...

Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District is dedicated to bringing out the best in every student. A tall order for the third largest district in Texas but easily achieved through a focus on academics and innovative programs. The district serves 117,446 students across 92 campuses, boasting a 16 to 1 student-teacher ratio, higher-than-average state-mandated ...

Where should you live when you want it all — an easy commute, great shopping, plenty of parks and lots of entertainment options? Marvida. Our community’s central Cypress location north of FM 529, west of Fry Road and east of The Grand Parkway speeds you on your way to work because we are 25 minutes away from the Energy Corridor and 35 minutes from Downtown ...