What goes into ranking a town or city as one of the best in America? According to the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER), there are 12 main factors that need to be taken into account to determine such a thing. For cities and large towns, everything from cultural opportunities to professional development to low unemployment rates play a role in the rankings. For college towns, degree attainment and even academic research and development are taken into account.
And for 2013/2014, we are excited to announce that two of our biggest markets are featured on this newest list. For Top College Towns, State College, PA landed an enviable third spot on the top five list, meaning it is ranked in the top three college towns nationwide! The town scored high in areas like low unemployment, a variety of cultural opportunities as well as entrepreneurial opportunities. Read More→
What Makes 55+ Communities Tick?
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As the baby boomer population continues to “mature,” more and more individuals who are 55 and older are seeking out innovative, yet affordable, age qualified communities. The 55 and up market is not small by any means. According to the NAHB, 45 percent of home purchasers will be over 55. With so many age qualified buyers in the market, we were curious – what exactly is this segment looking for?
According to an NAHB study released in 2011, most 55+ homeowners were generally satisfied with their homes. While only three percent of the study group lived in an age-qualified community, that same three percent reported the greatest satisfaction with their home, reporting an average score of nine out of 10 with 10 being the most satisfied. Why is that? Read More→
New Home Sites and New Savings at Willow Estates
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Dating back to 1773, Westmoreland County is steeped in American history. Once the first county to be settled west of the Allegheny Mountains here in Pennsylvania, it is now home to state-of-the art hospitals, award-winning universities and boasts a convenient location just east of Pittsburgh.
This area is anything but suburban feeling. Heavily wooded mountains surround these connected communities, providing a spectacular backdrop for anyone living here. Route 30 provides an array of modern dining and shopping options, while the nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike serves as a desirable artery for commuters into Pittsburgh. Read More→
Get a FREE Fireplace this November!
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Looking for a better way to get cozy now that the cold and crisp weather is settling in for the weekend? How about with a FREE fireplace? At S&A Homes, for a limited time, we invite you to take advantage of our exclusive offer.
In most of our communities, purchase a to-be-built home between November 1 and November 30, 2013 and receive a FREE fireplace in your new home! One of our most popular features, a fireplace offers more than comfort on a cold day. Read More→
What’s On Your Wish List?
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Once you’ve handed out the last of the candy tonight, treated yourself to Charlie Brown’s Halloween Special and collapsed with exhaustion after tucking the little ones in, the inevitable reality will sink in that the holiday season is upon you (and us).
We want to know – is a new home on your holiday wish list this year? If so, what do you want in that brand new home? If you aren’t sure, here is a list of top five buying trends for 2013 according to Zillow:
1. Man Caves & Smart Homes
2. Custom Designed Closet Systems
3. Home Offices
4. Hardwood Flooring
5. Urban Homes with Amenities Read More→
Want a Better Way to Know if You Should Buy?
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It’s been an interesting economy for the last several years. A bit of a “two steps forward, one step back” methodology to our country’s growth has made it confusing for potential home buyers about whether or not to jump into the market or stay on the fence.
If we’ve learned anything about the last seven years, it’s that national trends, “growth forecasts” and interest rates tell a very small part of the story. Rather than analyzing Wall Street’s opinions to death, having knowledge of where you want to move often proves the best strategy.
At S&A Homes, we are confident that the neighborhoods we build in contain the best value in the best housing markets. Pittsburgh, PA, for example, is consistently listed as one of the healthiest real estate markets in the nation. Year after year this metropolitan area allows home buyers in any price range to purchase a brand new home in the best school districts for an affordable price. Read More→
Better be Quick if You Want a Quick Delivery!
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It’s pretty doubtful anyone is dreaming of a white Christmas this early in the season. But, there’s a pretty decent chance some of you are dreaming of a new home for the holidays. With autumn upon us and Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner, there is a limited window for anyone thinking about doing holiday entertaining in a brand new home.
Building a home from scratch is out of the question for those hoping to ring in the New Year in a new home. So what are your options? At S&A Homes, we have many brand new, move-in ready homes available to purchase. Read More→
Spooktacular Fun for All Ages in State College, PA
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As the leaves continue to fall this autumn, so do the days from the calendar. With just eight days remaining until Halloween, any procrastinators out there may feel like they’ve missed out on the tricks and treats in their area. But for those living in State College, PA, the fun is just getting started!
Below is a list of festive autumn events happening in and around town:
- Pumpkin Carving at Shaver’s Creek – Thursday, Oct. 24 – Do you think you have what it takes to create your own masterpiece? Bring the kiddos this Thursday at 6 p.m. and put your art skills to the test.
- Golfin’ On the Graveyard – Saturday, Oct. 26 – Pumpkin carving not your style? How about some pumpkin bowling? Or, golfzilla? Combining sports and spooks on the Penn State golf course definitely sounds like a great way for kiddos 6 to 12 to burn off some steam this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. But wait, participants must register first so click here for more information! Read More→
Fun and Simple Halloween Tips
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Halloween is just 16 days away! If you have little ones, that fun day comes with a lot of responsibility. Here are a few tips from S&A Homes to help make your Halloween fun and safe!
• Take pictures on a different day (i.e. the week before). Many local photographers offer mini sessions for kiddos in their Halloween costumes. With portrait sessions starting as low as $15, we say that is a great investment! Let the photographer worry about capturing those cute little smiles, so you can enjoy the evening without the stress of capturing that perfect picture!
• Write your child’s name, address and phone number on the inside of their costume if they are young. Figuring out how to find your child AFTER you get separated is not the time to think about taking precautions.
• Put reflective material on your child’s costume, especially if it’s made of darker material to ensure cars can see your little trick-or-treater! Read More→
What are your plans this weekend? No matter what you have on tap, if you live in the State College, PA area, there is no doubt the upcoming Penn State vs. Michigan game may play a role in your weekend plans. But with a 5 p.m. kick off, there should be plenty of time to kill Saturday morning and all day Sunday. So, what better way to do it then joining us for the unveiling of our brand new Village at Canterbury model home, The Charlestowne?
This picture is a sneak peak, but the finishing touches are being placed as we speak. This weekend, we are offering an open house of our brand new model home to the public, complete with custom decorating courtesy of Patricia Gordon, owner of Riley on Main based in Boalsburg, PA. Read More→
