Archive for Gettysburg PA
Cyber Monday Deals Extend to PA New Homes this Weekend at S&A Homes
Posted by: | Comments
Cyber Monday Deals Extend to PA New Homes this Weekend at S&A Homes
Cyber Monday isn’t just about picking up a great deal on a TV or E-Reader…at S&A Homes, we want to extend savings to our buyers PA new homes as well! Those looking for a mega deal need to visit us at our Deatrick Village community this weekend, Dec. 3 and 4 to tour our brand new Charlotte model home and to take advantage of a year’s worth of free HOA dues.
Here’s how it works. If you purchase a home in Deatrick Village during 2011, you can lock into one of the few remaining home sites and move in stress-free, knowing you can enjoy all of the community amenities like the clubhouse, fitness center and maintenance-free living absolutely free for an entire year.
Deatrick Village is located just outside of downtown Gettysburg and offers scenic views of the Gettysburg battlefields. The neighborhood of Gettysburg new homes boasts the benefits of condominium living with a first-floor master single-family home so that buyers can enjoy the space and privacy of their own home without worrying about the hassle of snow removal, maintenance or the other mundane tasks that normally go along with home ownership. Read More→
Celebrate Gettysburg’s Anniversary Events with PA Builder S&A Homes
Posted by: | Comments
Celebrate Gettysburg’s Anniversary Events with S&A Homes
With only one weekend left until the holiday madness starts around your PA new homes, why not spend your time in Gettysburg where tourists and locals alike can enjoy the weekend events scheduled for this Saturday? This weekend marks a series of anniversary events in Gettysburg, including the 148th Anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, 9th Annual Remembrance Illumination and even a Remembrance Day Parade complete with the pomp and circumstance you would expect from such an event.
The rich traditions of this area come together in what is considered one of the most event-filled weekends of the year. For those making the trip, or who already live in the area, we can suggest a few ways for you to make the most of your day. This Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. we will be playing host to all who wish to show their Gettysburg pride at S&A Homes’ Deatrick Village community in our brand new Charlotte Model, which showcases first-floor living at its finest. Read More→
Selling Your Home? Our Top Ten Tips
Posted by: | Comments
Here at S&A Homes, many of our buyers of PA new homes are also home sellers! And, at the height of summer, it can be tough to attract potential home buyers. Family vacations, barbecues and camp outs seem to compete for attention. The sudden decrease in showings can be scary to someone selling their home, but take solace. The buyers who do walk through tend to be serious and motivated.
But competition is stiff, and being on your A-Game is critical if you want to have the home that stands out (for the right reasons of course). Here are our top 10 tips to help sell your home this summer: Read More→
Freedom Rings in Gettysburg this Weekend
Posted by: | Comments
For many of us, the fourth of July is spent surrounded by the usual traditions – fireworks, barbecues in the backyards of our PA new homes topped off with cakes that look like the American Flag. How many of us truly take the time to reflect on the significance of the holiday and its impact on our society?
Our freedoms – voting, speaking, even arguing with one another all stem back to a critical 4th of July, 235 years ago when the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The fundamental ideals embodied in the Declaration of Independence have pushed our country to greatness through events like women’s suffrage and the civil rights movement.
Although the United States’ independence has been threatened by many wars, the American Civil War was perhaps the biggest threat to our democracy. The Battle at Gettysburg is recognized as the most critical battle of the American Civil War and ironically, occurred on July 1-3, 1863. Thousands perished, and many more were wounded and went missing. Despite the losses, it was a key victory for the Union Army under the leadership of General George Meade. Read More→
Are Adjustable Rate Mortgages for You?
Posted by: | Comments
Over the past couple of weeks, we have untangled the rumors surrounding Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) products and put common misconceptions to rest. But, regardless of the integrity of the ARM products, they are not for everyone. For others, they equate to an incredible savings when purchasing Pennsylvania new homes.
Let’s first talk about who they work for:
- First-Time Buyers – The average first-time buyer only lives in their first home for 3-5 years. Saving anywhere from $1,000 – $5,000 a year is pretty attractive for someone just getting started.
- Relocaters – You know who you are. If you want to keep climbing the corporate ladder, then it may take a few cities and offices to get there. If you know your job will force you to move every 3-5 years, then an ARM makes perfect sense.
- The Average Home Buyer - Again, the average person (not first-time) lives in a residence for 5-7 years. The problem is predicting this timing. As jobs change, kids come, or kids living needs change, those “forever” PA or WV new homes quickly become outdated and homeowners are left looking for more (or less). If only we had a crystal ball, then it would be much easier to know if we should go fixed mortgage or adjustable rate! Read More→
Adjustable Rate Mortgages: The Good, The Bad and…The Reality
Posted by: | Comments
Last week, we discussed the fact that Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) can work for some buyers of PA new homes and not others. Today, we will talk about what an ARM specifically is and how it works. Next week, we will explore which subset of buyers should most consider an ARM product when considering various loan products.
- ARMs are fixed for the first few years of the product. The number at the front of the ARM (i.e. 5/1 = 5 Years) indicates the number of years the interest rate stays fixed. At the end of the fixed term, an ARM can adjust up OR down, depending on where interest rates are at that time. The adjustable period on a 30-year product lasts from Years 6-30 and the interest rate will adjust ONCE A YEAR each of those years to whatever the interest rate is at each of those years. This number can be lower or higher than the initial rate during the fixed year.
- The adjusted interest rate does have a lifetime cap. Most Wells Fargo rates (our preferred lender) offer a lifetime cap of 5%, some lifetime caps are 6%. What does this mean? It means that a 5/1 ARM with a 2.75% interest rate that has a 5% lifetime cap can never go higher than 7.75% at any point during the loan term. So, you can rest easy – your interest rate isn’t going to shoot up to 18% if you have a lifetime cap of 7.75%. Read More→
PA New Homes at Cedarfield
Posted by: | Comments
Amidst the bustling backdrop of historic Gettysburg is a community like no other in the area. Just 5 minutes from the downtown area is Cedarfield, a low-maintenance living community of carriage homes. With the obvious benefit of low prices starting in the $150’s, those coming from the Maryland area will be happy to know that their tax dollars can stay in their pocket up in Pennsylvania too. Residents have no shortgage of recreation – golf courses, Gettysburg shopping and historic battlefields play host to festivals throughout the summer. All of these things are just a few short miles from our Cedarfield community.
Today, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., you will have an opportunity to tour some of our select Designer’s Choice homes and enjoy refreshments and beverages with your potential future neighbors! The homes feature first-floor owner’s suites, two-car garages, open kitchens and spacious bedrooms and range in price from the $150’s to the $170’s.
Visit the S&A Homes website for directions or contact Kristen Yohn at 717-830-0971.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages – Good or Bad?
Posted by: | Comments
Well, the simple answer is that there is not a “one answer fits all” to the above question. Adjustable Rate Mortgages (commonly referred to as ARMs) are good for some buyers of WV and PA new homes and not for others. Over the next two weeks we will write a 3-Part series about Adjustable Rate Mortgages to ensure you have all of the 411 you need to understand these mortgage products and why they work for some homeowners and not for others.
Consider the below story (based on my own real life experience):
- 2003 – Matt and Sara purchase their first home.
- 2004 – One year later, Matt’s office relocates to the other side of the city and they are forced to sell their townhouse, and they build their first single-family home on the other side of the city.
- 2007 – Baby #1 comes and Matt and Sara decide to sell their home near the city and move to their hometown to be closer to their parents and extended family.
- 2011 – Matt’s job is eliminated and Matt and Sara are forced to relocate to the other side of the U.S. Read More→
Create an Outdoor Oasis this Memorial Day
Posted by: | Comments
At least we can credit the recent heat wave (can we call it that?) for reminding us that yes… Summer is actually right around the corner! Instead of building an arc to rescue our pets and loved ones from the non-stop rain, we can all dust off the patio furniture for another summer of fun.
Indeed, there is nothing better than escaping to your own backyard oasis after being cooped up in the house for months. You will be happy to know that there is no need to sell your first-born to get that outdoor Pottery Barn look. Instead, let these 5 simple ideas help you transform the backyard of your WV and PA new homes into a true outdoor living room.
- Ornamental Grasses – With seeds starting as low as $1 and potted plants starting as low as $5, these fast-growing puppies can get up to 6’ tall and quickly form an exotic, privacy fence for any deck or patio.
- Unstained Furniture – Consider picking up some super-chic, super-cheap pieces at your local “naked furniture store.” With a little bit of outdoor stain or paint you can create that Adirondack look for a whole lot less. Fun paint colors and a few funky pillows will give you a unique look for a lot less than a designer set. Read More→
Top Home Buying Trends of 2011
Posted by: | Comments
With all of the different marketing messages out there, we will put the big question out there – what do buyers of Pennsylvania new homes really want? There is no simple answer to this question, since every individual has their own set of circumstances. That being said, there are some distinct trends in the new home industry. Let’s dissect some of the top trends.
Smaller Houses - That’s right – it’s not about how many square feet any more. It’s about how that square footage is used. Gone are the days of the large formal areas and trudging up and down the basement steps to do a load of laundry. Today’s new homes feature innovative touches like second-floor laundry rooms, technology drop zones and built-in media centers to reduce the need for space without sacrificing functionality.
Smaller Home sites - Although driven out of necessity in urban areas, this growing trend is a direct reflection of today’s hectic lifestyles. Between 40+ hour workweeks, kid’s sports activities, commuting and traveling, buyers want to spend less time maintaining their lawns and more time enjoying their life. Of course, the word ‘smaller’ is a relative term and driven by individual markets. Read More→
Equal Housing Opportunity