West Seneca, NY and Lancaster NY - Best Places to Raise Kids in NY

West Seneca, NY and Lancaster, NY have been named as the Best Places to Raise Kids in New York.  See below:

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/americas-best-affordable-places-to-raise-kids.html

Marrano Homes currently builds in numerous locations throughout these communities.  Call Steve Converse for more details at 716-809-8676 or email here

What's New at Marrano - 11/20/10

Marrano introduces 10 new home sites in West Seneca and they are sure to sell fast!

We are developing 10 new home sites, adjacent to our Princeton Estates community in West Seneca, some as large as more than 300 feet deep.

This is a rare opportunity to build in West Seneca and these large lots enable you to choose from a variety of exclusive Marrano designs, including 4 bedroom plans from the $190,000s. The arrangement of the lots along a winding extension of Caldwell Drive results in cul-de-sac type lots offering added privacy.

As an example, you can build our Select Series design with 4 bedrooms, including a master bedroom with his and her closets, wide open great room, country kitchen with center island and spacious dinette area starting in the $190,000s.

Don't wait. Visit our fully decorated model at 1 Caldwell Drive in Princeton Estates off Fisher Road in West Seneca. Model is open daily 1 to 5 PM, closed Thursday and Friday. Email Steve Converse here or Call (716) 809-8676 for details.

What's best about Buffalo?

For anyone who will be moving to Buffalo, NY or not wanting to move to Buffalo, you must see this video.  It will totally change your misconceptions of what Buffalo is really like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MT11IdWPvfc&feature=share

Best Cities to Relocate to in America - CNBC

Best Cities to Relocate to in America - CNBC

If you are thinking of relocating to the Buffalo/Niagara area, you must click the link above. When you are ready to buy, call Steve Converse at Marrano Homes at 716-809-8676.

What's New at Marrano - 10/23/10

Grand opening of our new model for unique Roswell Park Cancer Institute fundraiser.

We are Raising the Roof to support groundbreaking cancer research at Roswell Park.

"The grand opening of the Raising the Roof patio home model at Greythorne in Williamsville is our most important and special introduction this year," explained Patrick A. Marrano, president of Marrano/Marc Equity. "Not only is it a spectacular home, in a one of a kind community, the new model also symbolizes our commitment in the fight against cancer, as we will donate the proceeds from its sale to Roswell Park Cancer Insitute."

The new model at Greythorne is the culmination of a partnership among Marrano, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, and our business partners that we call Raising the Roof. Our business partners generously donated time, materials and talent to help build the new home, enabling us to raise as much as possible to support RPCI. We are dedicating the new home in honor and memory of Mary Miller, a long-time Marrano employee who passed away in 2010 following a courageous battle with cancer.

This is the third time we have built a new home and donated the proceeds to RPCI, with the past two Raising the Roof campaigns raising over $320,000. We hope to raise similar funds with this year's program and the model is available for immediate sale, showing what may be the most unique new home in  the area.

The grand opening takes place at 58 Harbridge Manor in Greythorne, our private, gated community off Main Street in Williamsville. The new model is situated on a home site that backs to the Country Club of Buffalo, offering breathtaking golf course view. Features of this exquisite patio home include:

• Classic, European inspired exterior elevation featuring Newport stone front and architectural roof
• Covered entryway with full, leaded glass door and sidelights
• Wide open floor plan with soaring ceilings from the foyer to the great room
• Hardwood floors throughout
• Large gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops, elegant cabinetry, center island, and wall of windows brightening the spacious eating area.
• Formal dining room opening to the great room with soaring ceiling, custom fireplace and extra wide sliding glass door to the backyard patio, overlooking the golf course.
• Private master bedroom suite with large sitting area, walk-in closet and more windows overlooking the country club.
• Master spa bath with clover leaf soaking tub, his and her vanities with Corian counters and separate glass enclosed shower.
• Open staircase leads to loft overlooking the great room and foyer -- decorated as a computer room and perfect for den/study, TV room or home office.
• Two large bedrooms centered on a full bath with ceramic tile

Adding to all the home's beautiful appointments is the surrounding Greythorne community itself. The Greythorne lifestyle is centered on exclusivity and privacy, designed among more than 30 acres of natural surroundings with home sites arranged for peace and quiet. Tree preserves, berms, common areas and lush landscaping create a resort-like feel.

Visit the grand opening and also tour our new model directly across the street at 57 Harbridge Manor. The model shows an open and innovative Ranch plan, enabling you to visit two different designs in one visit.

Take Main Street, east of Youngs Road to Greythorne. The models are open daily 1 to 5 PM. Call 809-8676 for more information.

You can participate in the Raising the Roof campaign to support cancer research by donating online atwww.roswellpark.org/giving.

What's New at Marrano - 10/16/10

New Ranch model grand opening at Central Square Villas Town Homes in Lancaster

See our newest model at 29 Hanover and all that is happening at Central Square Villas during a special Autumn Grand Opening Event. There is something for everyone and everything for you.

• NEW Ranch model -- Learn about convenient, comfortable Ranch plans from the $180,000s
• Designs from $150,000s -- 2-story from the $150,000s plus larger 2-story and master bedroom down designs from the low, low $200,000s
• Why Rent? -- When you can have a new Marrano home for as little as $649 a month
• Pool and Community Center -- For private use of Central Square Villas residents.
• Added savings -- Condominium status for significant tax savings
• Completed units ready to move in -- Including end units, move in as little as 30 to 60 days

Extra staff will be on hand this weekend to help you at Central Square Villas. Model open daily 1 to 5 PM at 29 Hanover. Take Pleasant View in Lancaster east of Central to Central Square Villas. Call (716) 809-8676.

What's New at Marrano - 10/2/10

New 4-bedroom home open this weekend in West Seneca -- just $217,900

Come to Princeton Estates and tour 64 Caldwell, open this Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is the best value in West Seneca, priced at just $217,900 in Marrano's hottest selling new home community. It's the first time showing at Princeton Estates of our new Select Series of affordable new home designs, giving you Marrano quality and craftsmanship in a floor plan for today's lifestyle. Features include:

• 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths -- the perfect family home
• Large, open great room
• Huge country kitchen with center island and spacious dinette area
• First floor laundry and powder room
• Master bedroom suit with private bath and his and her closets
• Name brand features including Pella windows, Kohler plumbing fixtures and Homecrest cabinets
• All this on a huge home site over 200 feet deep.

Don't miss this incredible opportunity. Visit this Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3, from 1 to 5 PM. Take Fisher Road in West Seneca to 64 Caldwell Road. Our fully decorated model is open too at 1 Caldwell, daily 1 to 5 PM. Call Steve Converse at (716) 809-8676 for more information

Real Estate: Housing Starts at 4-Month High in Sign of Optimism - CNBC

Real Estate: Housing Starts at 4-Month High in Sign of Optimism - CNBC

What's New at Marrano - 9/18/10

Marrano offers mortgage rates as low as 1.5%. Save thousands like never before with our guaranteed lowest rate -- rates as low as 1.5%*. Don't wait on this limited time offer. We have other programs through our preferred lenders to tailor a mortgage to your exact needs with huge savings. Now is the time to build. Let Marrano help you take advantage of the opportunity. Visit a model today or call Steve Converse at 716-809-8676.

The mortgage program is not available on Greythorne patio homes, Central Square Villas town homes or Custom Homes by Marrano. *Interest rates are subject to change. Prior sales excluded. Visit your Marrano new home construction professional for complete details.

What's New at Marrano - 9/4/10

Marrano pays your mortgage for a whole year -- NOW EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 10

Due to overwhelming demand, we have extended our program to September 10, but you must act fast!

Don't wait to take advantage of Marrano's exclusive mortgage program -- we pay the mortgage on your new Marrano home for one year! Just think of how you can enjoy the savings.

Or, you can select free features for your new Marrano home. Savings so big you can choose what you'll really enjoy like a sunroom, 4th bedroom or expanded floor plan.

Whatever you choose, don't wait. Remember, the mortgage program ends September 10. Visit a model and speak to one of Marrano's friendly and knowledgeable new home construction professionals who can provide more information. Models open this holiday weekend.  Call Steve Converse for more information at 716-809-8676.

What's New at Marrano - 8/28/10

Grand opening of new Ranch model at Greythorne in Williamsville

Our new Ranch patio home model at Greythorne in Williamsville takes single floor convenience to new heights.

Come see what we mean during our grand opening starting this weekend. Showing a Ranch design that starts in the $370,000s, the new model is Marrano's latest example of how Greythorne is centered on a lifestyle of privacy, elegance and comfortable living. The floor plan is open and innovative with an immediate sense of something different. Features of our exciting new model include:

• New front exterior elevation with sandstone-colored stucco exterior and cement board siding
• Large foyer accented by hardwood floors and classic columns leading into the open floor plan
• Spacious kitchen with contrasting granite counter tops and elegant cabinetry, plus center island with separate, stepped cutting board area
• Formal dining room area flows into great room notable for custom fireplace
• Sliding glass door from great room leads to covered, concrete patio
• Master bedroom suite positioned for privacy featuring walk-in closet with built in shelves, drawers and wardrobe areas
• Master bath has his and her vanities with grantite counter tops, and glass enclosed showersurrounded by ceramic tile
• Private den/study with double French doors
• Guest bedroom is a suite in itself, adjoing the main bath
• Separate mudroom and laundry area leads to 2-car garage

Come to our grand opening and learn about building at Greythorne with 7 different designs ranging from 2,000 square feet to 3,500 square feet, and pricing ranging from $370,000s to $1 million+. We are already past the halfway point of sales in the first phase, so we recommend that you act quickly.

Our new Ranch model is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM, and daily 1 to 5 PM. Take Main Street east of Youngs Road to Greythorne. Call 809-8676

Buffalo/Niagara Region ranks 5th in affordable housing

Region ranks 5th in affordable housing

Author: Matt Glynn

• Published Date: Aug 24, 2010 7:07 AM
• Last Updated: Aug 24, 2010 7:14 AM

The Buffalo Niagara region continues to stake its claim as one of the nation's most-affordable housing markets.
Based on median sale price and median income, the region ranked fifth among large metro areas on the quarterly "Housing Opportunity Index" created by the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo.
The region earned an "affordability" score of 93.3 percent, meaning that percentage of new and previously occupied homes sold from April through June were considered affordable for a family earning the region's median income.
In Buffalo Niagara, the median sale price was $112,000, meaning half the homes sold for less than and more than that amount, according to the NAHB and Wells Fargo. The median family income was $63,700.
The survey does not take into account property taxes, often cited as a negative factor offsetting the region's relatively inexpensive housing.
No. 1 on the most-affordable list for the second quarter was Syracuse, with a rating of 97.2 percent. Second was Indianapolis, which had held the No. 1 spot for five straight years. Upstate New York was well represented on the list, with Rochester at No. 10.
John Leonardi, chief executive officer of the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors, said a mix of factors has contributed to the region's reputation as an affordable housing market.
The Buffalo Niagara market never experienced the housing "bubble" that eventually burst in many markets, but followed a slow-and-steady growth path, he said. And the region's unemployment rate has tended to stay below the national average, keeping the labor market more stable, he said.
"I honestly think the fact we preceded the rest of the country in going through some hard economic times made our market that much stronger," Leonardi said.
The housing market ranked least affordable was New York City/White Plains/Wayne, N.J., where only 20 percent of the homes sold were considered affordable for families earning the area's median income of $65,600.
In measuring affordability, the NAHB says it assumes a family can afford to spend 28 percent of its gross income on housing. That share of median income is divided by 12 to create a monthly figure.
Nationwide, the Housing Opportunity Index indicated 72.3 percent of all new and previously occupied homes sold in the second quarter were affordable for families earning the national median income of $64,400. The index was close to its record high of 72.5 percent, set in the first quarter of 2009.
Buffalo Niagara's score of 93.3 percent was the best for the region in quarterly data going back to the start of 1999. The region ranked No. 1 on the index in the second quarter of 2005.
Along with other quality-of-life assets, Buffalo Niagara's affordable housing market can help make the region more attractive to expanding businesses, Leonardi said.
"We've got to do a better job of getting the word out there," he said.

© The Buffalo News

What's New at Marrano - 8/21/10

New Ranch patio home design at Greythorne in Williamsville. Open Saturday and Sunday, 8-21 & 8-22 from 1-5 PM.

Come see Marrano's exclusive Ranch design at 70 Harbridge Manor offering golf course views among the beautiful surroundings of Greythorne in Williamsville.

Situated on a home site backing up to the Country Club of Buffalo, this breathtaking, open floor plan will change the way you look at Ranch designs. Highlights include:

• Nine foot ceilings and floor to ceiling classic columns
• Stunning great room flowing into bright sunroom looking out on golf course
• New kitchen design with granite counter tops, center island and large windows in eating area
• Private den/study with double French doors
• Master suite placed for maximum privacy with room size walk-in closet
• Master bath is its own retreat with whirlpool tub, his and her vanities with Corian counter top and ceramic tile floor
• Guest bedroom with huge closet, located near main baith
• Separate laundry and mudroom area leading to two-car garage

Available for immediate sale so you can start enjoying the Greythorne lifestyle without the wait. See 70 Harbridge for yourself. Also visit our Greythorne model at 10 Harbridge Manor, open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM, and daily 1 to 7 PM. Call (716) 809-8676.

New US Home Sales Surge in June, Inventory at 42-Year Low - CNBC

New US Home Sales Surge in June, Inventory at 42-Year Low - CNBC

What's New at Marrano - 7/17/10

What's New at Marrano

Marrano grand opens new model at Greens at Pleasant Meadows in Lancaster

Striking rooflines with several gables, a double-door entry accented by a huge custom window above, and rich earth tone colors inspires a neo-traditional home design with stunning curb appeal.  Stepping inside, a wide open floor plan balances the very latest new features and technologies available with innovative room designs and decorating touches.

Marrano perfectly blends everything together in a dramatic show of creativity, making for a one-of-a-kind new model at our Greens at Pleasant Meadows home community in Lancaster. This weekend's grand opening sets the stage for a new and different plan created with the family lifestyle in mind, demonstrating Marrano's attention to detail and understanding that today's new home buyer desires more than the same old designs.

Marrano knows from experience that we must always be raising the bar when we introduce a new model and this home takes it up to a whole new level. It is truly different and unique with new colors, textures, arrangements and amenities that have not been seen before.

Located off Pleasant View and Juniper Road, the new Greens model sparkles with well-planned living space, showing example after example of impressive effects. From the outset, Marrano has created a framework for originality with a stately new front exterior elevation that is both progressive and traditional with multiple windows and accents.

Once inside, the two-story foyer is graced by hardwood floors, an open staircase with overlook and full-glass, twin doors.  The eye is drawn straight back to the kitchen and sunroom arrangement, yet visitors will quickly experience many new features shown by Marrano. The first example is the private study with double French doors, a comfortable room whether getting down to business or getting away with a good book. Elegance is served on the opposite side of the foyer in the formal dining room where one can easily imagine hosting friends and family for dinner. Here the builder shows the first of many new interior color combinations.

By this point, the huge kitchen is too hard to resist, as the hardwood floors continue and lead the way to a unique arrangement. A curving island with granite counter top is the centerpiece, with a snack bar overhang providing enough space to accommodate seating for as many as six family members. That is just the start of the amenities that will surely make the kitchen a central gathering spot. There is a workstation with charging centers for cell phones, ipods and other electronic devices, as well as convenient mail slots and cabinets for organizing life's daily details. Granite counter tops continue to accent plenty of cabinet space, enhanced by a walk-in pantry. A full, decorative glass door leads to the pantry with built in shelving and a special pet center for the family's four-legged friends. There is even a pet door leading to the back yard for convenience in letting the dog outside. In fact, Marrano shows a private patio area from the door in a circular design made with paving stones.

Hungry for more design innovation from the kitchen, visitors can soak in Marrano creativity in the bright sunroom/breakfast area highlighted by pillars, see-through glass cabinetry and built-in bookcases. A sliding glass door leads out to a rounded, stamped concrete patio, perfect for relaxing on warm evenings.

Marrano's home show flair continues in the spacious great room with a soaring ceiling and custom gas fireplace as highlights. Here the builder presents a unique color combination of green and tan walls complemented by textured carpeting to create a warm and inviting space.

Before heading upstairs to sample more innovation, guests will note the first floor mudroom area with built-in lockers for the kids, easily accommodating coats, backpacks, shoes and other items. Marrano's design helps keep things neat and organized to make busy mornings easier for the whole family.

Marrano takes it up another notch on the second floor, first noticeable on the landing that overlooks the foyer. Retreat to the master suite, a private bit of heaven with a bedroom area showing an elegant stepped ceiling with crown molding and one-of-a-kind faux painting in a continual pattern of colors. The pattern extends into glamour bath which abounds in ceramic tile and has a Jacuzzi-style, clover shaped tub to wash away the stress of the day.  His and her vanities and a glass enclosed shower offer added convenience. The master suite's walk-in closet has plenty of space with built-in custom drawers and shelving.

Marrano's interior design professional have done it again in the three additional family size bedrooms arranged around the main bath on the second floor. One room is done in bright yellow and blue, another is perfect for the little boy with a toy truck theme, and a third presents a bright nursery with custom painted sailboats adding to the serenity.

There's a lot more to see in the Greens at Pleasant Meadows community itself, a beautifully planned neighborhood with a variety of uniquely shaped home sitesas large as 260 feet deep, as well as pond lots for added privacy. Greens offers a choice of exclusive Marrano home designs starting in the $220,000s including 3- and 4-bedroom, 2-story designs and Ranch plans. The result of so many designs will be a diverse neighborhood of new Marrano homes, each elevation different from the next, creating an appealing streetscape.

The neighborhood is designed for maximum privacy and quiet surroundings, starting with a long entryway off Pleasant View, between Central and Stony Brook. At the same time, the community's location couldn't be more convenient, with Lancaster's many features and attractions just minutes away including restaurants, entertainment and shopping, not to mention easy commuting to the airport and downtown Buffalo. Greens is also located within the highly-rated Lancaster School District, including Lancaster High School.

Visit the new model and inquire about available homes sites and learn more about Marrano's exclusive mortgage program in which we pay your mortgage for a full year. The grand opening kicks off this Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 PM and the model is open daily 1 to 7 PM. Take Pleasant View east of Central to Juniper to 2 Sterling. Call Steve Converse at (716) 809-8676 for more information.

What's New at Marrano - 6/26/10

What's New at Marrano

Marrano opens completed new patio home in Elma.

Marrano will hold a special opening of a new patio home this Saturday and Sunday, June 26 & 27, from 1 to 5 PM at our exclusive Springbrook Shores community set within a quiet valley in Elma. The quaint, cottage style of the new home at 29 Springbrook Shores blends perfectly with the natural setting of the neighborhood, situated on a home site of more than 165 feet deep that backs up to a preservation area and pond for maximum privacy. The home is loaded with features and available for immediate sale at $259,900, which is why you should visit this weekend.

This is the first-time showing of 29 Springbrook and we expect it will sell quickly when home buyers see firsthand how much this home has to offer. It is fully landscaped, on the nicest home site in the community, with water views, and I have not even mentioned all the features inside. Come take a tour this weekend.

The value of the new patio home is apparent upon arrival, showing a covered front porch with brick accents complemented by earth-tone colors and graceful rooflines of the front exterior elevation. Upon entering the home, visitors are greeted with a spectacular view of the large, wide open great room with soaring ceiling, gas fireplace and large windows. The spacious kitchen off the foyer has plenty of cabinet and counter top space including a large pantry and a convenient pass-through to the dining room.  The kitchen's eating area is brightened by large windows which provide a vista on the country-like surroundings of the community.

The home's first floor master bedroom suite is tucked away for privacy on the rear of the home and features a large walk-in closet and master bath. A guest bedroom is practically a private suite in itself, convenient to the main bath with plenty of closet space.  The home also features an innovative loft overlooking the great room, with a walk-in closet. The flexible loft space could serve as a computer or sewing room, entertainment room or home office.

In addition to all these amenities, the patio home has convenience features such as a first floor laundry and mudroom area leading to the two car garage, central air conditioning, and a full, eight-foot basement.

Visit this weekend and learn more about Marrano's new Lakewoods home sites in the community, a new offering of private lots situated along a winding road culminating in a cul-de-sac arrangement. A large, shimmering lake provides a backdrop for more than half of the new home sites offering gorgeous views, while others are adjacent to a wooded conservation area for enhanced privacy.

Several patio home designs are available including Ranch and master bedroom down plans with pricing starting in the $220,000s enhancing the appeal of the maintenance-free lifestyle at Lakewoods.

A home owners association takes care of lawn cutting, landscape maintenance, snow removal and more, and the homes feature an automatic sprinkler system for the front, rear and side yards. The Elma location combines the advantage of a country setting with easy access to dining, entertainment and shopping in East Aurora, West Seneca and other nearby towns and villages. A blend of different patio homes are set in the valley and surrounded by more than 160 acres of conservation area, three large lakes and common areas.

Visitors can walk a hiking and nature trail as long as two miles, winding through the woods and open areas, the only patio home community in Western New York to offer such a lifestyle amenity. 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.

In addition to the home at 29 Springbrook open this weekend, home buyers can visit Marrano's new Lakewoods model at 2 South Shore Drive, open daily 1 to 7 PM, and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 5 PM. Take Seneca Street, Rt. 16, east past Transit to Rice Road to 2 South Shore Drive. Call Steve Converse at 809-8676 for more information.