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.