Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Erie County Home Prices Jump 9.5% From 2008
From Zillow.com: Sale prices of homes in Erie County, New York continue to be very strong compared to the rest of the country. See the chart below.
Amherst, Cheektowaga and West Seneca continue to be 3 of the hottest communities in the country. Marrano/Marc Equity builds new homes in all areas of Erie County. Email me for more information.
Steve
Amherst, Cheektowaga and West Seneca continue to be 3 of the hottest communities in the country. Marrano/Marc Equity builds new homes in all areas of Erie County. Email me for more information.
Steve
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
New York State to offer Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit cash advances
New York State will offer cash advances of up to $8,000 on the federal homebuyer tax credit for borrowers using a State on New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) mortgage to purchase a home.
SONYMA’s new Tax Credit Advance Loan (TCAL) can be used toward the down payment or closing costs and can be repaid without interest when the homeowner receives their federal homebuyer tax credit. The program will launch on January 1, 2010.
“Today, New York’s REALTORS applaud Governor Paterson for his leadership in helping to ease the path to homeownership for our fellow New Yorkers who are striving to achieve the American Dream,” said Daniel J. Hartnett, President of the New York State Association of REALTORS. “The Tax Credit Advance Loan will particularly help first-time homebuyers who struggle to save enough money to cover all of New York’s highest in the nation up-front costs of purchasing a home. Many will now be able to close that gap by utilizing the federal homebuyer tax credit at the closing table. This is a win for all New Yorkers as a healthy housing market will help lead our economic recovery.”
Borrowers can apply for a TCAL advance loan when they apply for a SONYMA mortgage at a participating lender. After the loan application is approved, SONYMA will advance the loan to borrowers on the home closing date. The borrower will receive the tax credit in the spring of 2011, at which time they can repay the TCAL loan without interest.
Even though there are purchase price and income limits for a SONYMA loan, many new homes can be built within these guidelines. Email me for more information.
SONYMA’s new Tax Credit Advance Loan (TCAL) can be used toward the down payment or closing costs and can be repaid without interest when the homeowner receives their federal homebuyer tax credit. The program will launch on January 1, 2010.
“Today, New York’s REALTORS applaud Governor Paterson for his leadership in helping to ease the path to homeownership for our fellow New Yorkers who are striving to achieve the American Dream,” said Daniel J. Hartnett, President of the New York State Association of REALTORS. “The Tax Credit Advance Loan will particularly help first-time homebuyers who struggle to save enough money to cover all of New York’s highest in the nation up-front costs of purchasing a home. Many will now be able to close that gap by utilizing the federal homebuyer tax credit at the closing table. This is a win for all New Yorkers as a healthy housing market will help lead our economic recovery.”
Borrowers can apply for a TCAL advance loan when they apply for a SONYMA mortgage at a participating lender. After the loan application is approved, SONYMA will advance the loan to borrowers on the home closing date. The borrower will receive the tax credit in the spring of 2011, at which time they can repay the TCAL loan without interest.
Even though there are purchase price and income limits for a SONYMA loan, many new homes can be built within these guidelines. Email me for more information.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit
A few points to remember when building a new home and taking advantage of the Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit:
1) In order to build your new home in time to meet the June 30th deadline, you would want to have things well under way by February 1st, 2010. It typically takes 5 months to complete the entire construction process.
2) If you were to build a new home and take advantage of this credit, you can still claim the credit on your 2009 taxes by filing an amended tax return after you have closed on your new home.
Here is a link to the IRS website for all your Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend.
Steve Converse
1) In order to build your new home in time to meet the June 30th deadline, you would want to have things well under way by February 1st, 2010. It typically takes 5 months to complete the entire construction process.
2) If you were to build a new home and take advantage of this credit, you can still claim the credit on your 2009 taxes by filing an amended tax return after you have closed on your new home.
Here is a link to the IRS website for all your Frequently Asked Questions: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/
Feel free to email me if you have any questions.
Have a great weekend.
Steve Converse
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Marrano's winter model home closeout sale
Marrano has grand opened a number of new model homes this year, and is planning for new ones in 2010, creating some exceptional opportunities to purchase one of our previous model homes at huge savings. You can choose from six models in a special fall closeout sale, each loaded with upgrades, professionally decorated and landscaped, and ready to move in for immediate sale.
Our closeout is a unique chance to have the flair, innovation and creativity of one of our fully decorated model centers, all completed and ready to enjoy as your new Marrano home. These are exquisite new homes with all the most popular features and upgrades, offering anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 or more in savings as they are priced for much less than it would cost to build new with all the features included.
Every Marrano model is fully decorated with custom window treatments, decorator colors and wallpaper, and the very latest in design techniques. In addition the models are built with the newest technology including high efficiency furnaces, air conditioning, sprinkler systems, advanced electronics wiring, finished and drywalled garages, and more.
10 Rebrick in Eagle Heights
An example is our model at 10 Redbrick Road at Eagle Heights in Orchard Park. Stately in character, the model offers over 3,200 square feet of exquisite living space unfolding immediately from the 2-story foyer, featuring custom woodwork and hardwood floors. The model's two-story library has custom, built-in cabinets and bookcases. The palatial two-story grand room is brightened by designer windows creating a wall of glass overlooking the woods surrounding the private yard. The model's kitchen combines an incredible vaulted ceiling, ceramic tile floors, black granite counter tops, huge center island and plenty of cabinetry. A first floor master suite features a spa-like glamour bath and his and her walk-in closets. You can save more than $100,000 now reduced to $499,900.
3110 Cloverbank in Woodstream Estates
The fall sale also includes our exquisite Woodstream Estates model at 3110 Cloverbank in Hamburg. The stunning model shows a traditional home design, featuring a flexible floor plan with amenities to meet every need for today�s upscale lifestyle. Highlights of the model include a two-story great room with custom fireplace; a new gourmet kitchen layout with Corian counter tops; private den/study; bright sunroom and more.
The home is fully landscaped in an established neighborhood with a country club environment, near a golf course. With far too many other features to list the Woodstream Estates model as been drastically reduced.
335 Pleasant View - Pleasant Meadows
In Lancaster, Marrano's Pleasant Meadows model at 335 Pleasant View is available for immediate sale and with equally exceptional savings. The home has everything you could desire including a 2-story foyer, great room with cathedral ceiling, huge country kitchen, first floor laundry, bright sunroom and much more. The model is situated on a home site more than 360 feet deep. You might expect this home to cost more than $400,000, but it is now available for $349,900.
114 Morris Crescent in Rolling Ridge
The model closeout savings can also be found at Marrano's Rolling Ridge community in West Seneca where an all American classic is ready to move in. The model has every amenity including a full front porch, daylight basement, great room with fireplace, bright sunroom leading to a large deck, and so much more. All this, plus it is located an a large, private home site in a popular West Seneca neighborhood off Clinton and French Lea. Every amenity is here for just $279,900.
Hickory Grove Model
The fall closeout also includes two Marrano patio home models, offering great savings for the carefree lifestyle. First is the Hickory Grove model, off French Road in Cheektowaga, bordering West Seneca. The convenient Ranch plan has everything for today's active adult or busy professional who desires maintenance-free living. The model features a great room, large kitchen, full basement, complete landscaping, sprinkler system and more in a quiet, private neighborhood. It offers an incredible value at just $179,900.
8059 Laurel Park
Finally, an exquisite Marrano patio home at Laurel Park in Clarence is also ready to move in, set in the area's first gated community for maximum privacy. The open floor plan features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and includes a loft area, master bedroom down, and more upgrades than can be listed. The Laurel Park model has been significantly reduced making it a best value in Clarence.
I encourage you to act quickly because with interest rates currently below 5%, now is the time to buy. Values like these Marrano models do not come around every day, and with low, low interest rates, you will get a lot for your new home dollar. Feel free to email me or call me at the Model Home at 716-407-0647.
Our closeout is a unique chance to have the flair, innovation and creativity of one of our fully decorated model centers, all completed and ready to enjoy as your new Marrano home. These are exquisite new homes with all the most popular features and upgrades, offering anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 or more in savings as they are priced for much less than it would cost to build new with all the features included.
Every Marrano model is fully decorated with custom window treatments, decorator colors and wallpaper, and the very latest in design techniques. In addition the models are built with the newest technology including high efficiency furnaces, air conditioning, sprinkler systems, advanced electronics wiring, finished and drywalled garages, and more.
10 Rebrick in Eagle Heights
An example is our model at 10 Redbrick Road at Eagle Heights in Orchard Park. Stately in character, the model offers over 3,200 square feet of exquisite living space unfolding immediately from the 2-story foyer, featuring custom woodwork and hardwood floors. The model's two-story library has custom, built-in cabinets and bookcases. The palatial two-story grand room is brightened by designer windows creating a wall of glass overlooking the woods surrounding the private yard. The model's kitchen combines an incredible vaulted ceiling, ceramic tile floors, black granite counter tops, huge center island and plenty of cabinetry. A first floor master suite features a spa-like glamour bath and his and her walk-in closets. You can save more than $100,000 now reduced to $499,900.
3110 Cloverbank in Woodstream Estates
The fall sale also includes our exquisite Woodstream Estates model at 3110 Cloverbank in Hamburg. The stunning model shows a traditional home design, featuring a flexible floor plan with amenities to meet every need for today�s upscale lifestyle. Highlights of the model include a two-story great room with custom fireplace; a new gourmet kitchen layout with Corian counter tops; private den/study; bright sunroom and more.
The home is fully landscaped in an established neighborhood with a country club environment, near a golf course. With far too many other features to list the Woodstream Estates model as been drastically reduced.
335 Pleasant View - Pleasant Meadows
In Lancaster, Marrano's Pleasant Meadows model at 335 Pleasant View is available for immediate sale and with equally exceptional savings. The home has everything you could desire including a 2-story foyer, great room with cathedral ceiling, huge country kitchen, first floor laundry, bright sunroom and much more. The model is situated on a home site more than 360 feet deep. You might expect this home to cost more than $400,000, but it is now available for $349,900.
114 Morris Crescent in Rolling Ridge
The model closeout savings can also be found at Marrano's Rolling Ridge community in West Seneca where an all American classic is ready to move in. The model has every amenity including a full front porch, daylight basement, great room with fireplace, bright sunroom leading to a large deck, and so much more. All this, plus it is located an a large, private home site in a popular West Seneca neighborhood off Clinton and French Lea. Every amenity is here for just $279,900.
Hickory Grove Model
The fall closeout also includes two Marrano patio home models, offering great savings for the carefree lifestyle. First is the Hickory Grove model, off French Road in Cheektowaga, bordering West Seneca. The convenient Ranch plan has everything for today's active adult or busy professional who desires maintenance-free living. The model features a great room, large kitchen, full basement, complete landscaping, sprinkler system and more in a quiet, private neighborhood. It offers an incredible value at just $179,900.
8059 Laurel Park
Finally, an exquisite Marrano patio home at Laurel Park in Clarence is also ready to move in, set in the area's first gated community for maximum privacy. The open floor plan features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths and includes a loft area, master bedroom down, and more upgrades than can be listed. The Laurel Park model has been significantly reduced making it a best value in Clarence.
I encourage you to act quickly because with interest rates currently below 5%, now is the time to buy. Values like these Marrano models do not come around every day, and with low, low interest rates, you will get a lot for your new home dollar. Feel free to email me or call me at the Model Home at 716-407-0647.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has posted the new guidelines for the homebuyer tax credit on their website. In addition, they have created a video that explains the extension and expansion.
The measure extends the present $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers through April 30, 2010. Current homeowners are eligible for an up to $6,500 tax credit through April 30, provided they have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight years. If potential home buyers have a binding contract on or before that date, they will have until June 30 to close the transaction. There are also new income limitations.
Feel free to email me for more information on how these credits can help you purchase a new home.
The measure extends the present $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers through April 30, 2010. Current homeowners are eligible for an up to $6,500 tax credit through April 30, provided they have lived in the home they are selling, or have sold, as principal residence for five consecutive years in the past eight years. If potential home buyers have a binding contract on or before that date, they will have until June 30 to close the transaction. There are also new income limitations.
Feel free to email me for more information on how these credits can help you purchase a new home.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Welcome to December
November has come and gone. It looks like winter is on the way. The Buffalo Bills have started their annual swan song, while the Sabres are just getting rolling.
With winter on the way, here are some things to think about "around the house":
1) Check the batteries in your smoke detector and thermostat. Did you ever notice that the only time a smoke detector battery goes dead is during the middle of the night?
2) Change your furnace filter. Spend a little time now. Save a lot of money later.
3) Clean your gutters. If you don't do it now, the water stains on your ceiling will remind you later.
4) Turn off and drain your outside water faucets. If you don't, call me in the spring, I have a good plumber for you.
Have a great December....and stay warm.
With winter on the way, here are some things to think about "around the house":
1) Check the batteries in your smoke detector and thermostat. Did you ever notice that the only time a smoke detector battery goes dead is during the middle of the night?
2) Change your furnace filter. Spend a little time now. Save a lot of money later.
3) Clean your gutters. If you don't do it now, the water stains on your ceiling will remind you later.
4) Turn off and drain your outside water faucets. If you don't, call me in the spring, I have a good plumber for you.
Have a great December....and stay warm.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Lakewoods Patio Homes in Elma, NY
Act now for new Lakewoods Patio Homes in Elma.
Marrano unveils the next big event in our 15th anniversary celebration of building patio homes in Western New York with the announcement of Lakewoods Patio Homes in Elma. Lakewoods introduces 28 new homes sites, including large cul-de-sac and water-view lots, creating one of the most private and serene settings in the area for patio home living. Lakewoods is a fresh, new offering for the carefree lifestyle that is sure to sell quickly once home buyers see all its unique features.
Lakewoods has a style and character all its own, quiet and secluded in country-like surroundings, yet close to everything people love about Elma. But with just 28 home sites there is no time to wait. We already have a list of about 20 interested home buyers that was started before the announcement was even made. Act fast for the best home site selection.
The Lakewoods community is situated along a winding road culminating in the cul-de-sac arrangement. A large, shimmering lake provides a backdrop for more than half of the new home sites offering gorgeous water views, while others are adjacent to a wooded conservation area for enhanced privacy. One home site is just as appealing as the next due to careful planning by Marrano.
We offer a choice of exclusive patio home designs at Lakewoods, including Ranch and master bedroom down plans with pricing starting in the $220,000s. The designs are meant to complement the quaint character of Elma with covered front porches, brick and stonework, earth tone colors and other accents reflective of the American Craftsmen style.
The community location is one of the greatest features at Lakewoods, near more than 160 acres of conservation area, three large lakes and common areas. Home buyers at Lakewoods will enjoy access to a hiking and nature trail as long as two miles, winding through the woods and open areas. Unique LifeTrail fitness stations have been installed on the trail where residents can perform up to three different exercises in one station, enabling them to add an exercise plan to their walking routine.
Like all Marrano patio home communities, a home owners association at Lakewoods will take care of lawn cutting, landscape maintenance, snow removal and more, and the homes feature an automatic sprinkler system for the front and side yard.
Lakewoods is available for immediate sales and you can act now to take advantage of Marrano's 15th anniversary celebration of patio home building to save up to $15,000.
The limited time offer allows you to use the savings as you choose, creating an unprecedented opportunity to build a new patio home with your most desired features and amenities. The real dollar savings can be applied toward adding a sunroom or outside patio; to purchase window treatments; upgrade to Corian or granite counter tops; to add square footage or features; to buy down the mortgage rate; or numerous other choices.
To learn more about the new Lakewoods patio home community, visit Marrano's model at 2 South Shore Drive, open from daily 1 to 5 PM, closed Thursday and Friday. Take Seneca Street, Rt. 16, east past Transit to Rice Road to 2 South Shore Drive. Call Steve Converse at 407-0647 for more information.
Marrano unveils the next big event in our 15th anniversary celebration of building patio homes in Western New York with the announcement of Lakewoods Patio Homes in Elma. Lakewoods introduces 28 new homes sites, including large cul-de-sac and water-view lots, creating one of the most private and serene settings in the area for patio home living. Lakewoods is a fresh, new offering for the carefree lifestyle that is sure to sell quickly once home buyers see all its unique features.
Lakewoods has a style and character all its own, quiet and secluded in country-like surroundings, yet close to everything people love about Elma. But with just 28 home sites there is no time to wait. We already have a list of about 20 interested home buyers that was started before the announcement was even made. Act fast for the best home site selection.
The Lakewoods community is situated along a winding road culminating in the cul-de-sac arrangement. A large, shimmering lake provides a backdrop for more than half of the new home sites offering gorgeous water views, while others are adjacent to a wooded conservation area for enhanced privacy. One home site is just as appealing as the next due to careful planning by Marrano.
We offer a choice of exclusive patio home designs at Lakewoods, including Ranch and master bedroom down plans with pricing starting in the $220,000s. The designs are meant to complement the quaint character of Elma with covered front porches, brick and stonework, earth tone colors and other accents reflective of the American Craftsmen style.
The community location is one of the greatest features at Lakewoods, near more than 160 acres of conservation area, three large lakes and common areas. Home buyers at Lakewoods will enjoy access to a hiking and nature trail as long as two miles, winding through the woods and open areas. Unique LifeTrail fitness stations have been installed on the trail where residents can perform up to three different exercises in one station, enabling them to add an exercise plan to their walking routine.
Like all Marrano patio home communities, a home owners association at Lakewoods will take care of lawn cutting, landscape maintenance, snow removal and more, and the homes feature an automatic sprinkler system for the front and side yard.
Lakewoods is available for immediate sales and you can act now to take advantage of Marrano's 15th anniversary celebration of patio home building to save up to $15,000.
The limited time offer allows you to use the savings as you choose, creating an unprecedented opportunity to build a new patio home with your most desired features and amenities. The real dollar savings can be applied toward adding a sunroom or outside patio; to purchase window treatments; upgrade to Corian or granite counter tops; to add square footage or features; to buy down the mortgage rate; or numerous other choices.
To learn more about the new Lakewoods patio home community, visit Marrano's model at 2 South Shore Drive, open from daily 1 to 5 PM, closed Thursday and Friday. Take Seneca Street, Rt. 16, east past Transit to Rice Road to 2 South Shore Drive. Call Steve Converse at 407-0647 for more information.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
First post
Welcome to my first attempt at a blog. Come back often for news from the world of New Home Construction in Western New York.
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