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MARRANO OFFERS CLOSE-OUT OPPORTUNITY IN LANCASTER

Just two home sites remain along Pleasant View Drive in Lancaster, near the Pleasant Meadows community, explained John Manns, vice president of sales and marketing at Marrano/Marc Equity. 

"Both lots are 366 feet deep and offer considerable privacy with no rear neighbors," he said.

As part of Marrano's close-out for these two lots, the builder is offering special new home pricing. For example, Marrano will build a two-story, four-bedroom home from $217,700 or build a ranch plan in the low $200s. 

 "This represents significant savings in a prime Western New York community," continued Manns. "Pleasant View Drive is centrally located in Lancaster with the feel of the country but with easy access to highways for a quick commute to work."

In addition, home buyers will be able to work with a professional interior designer to make personalized selecions in Marrano's 3,000-square-foot design center. 

For more information call Steve Converse at 809-8676.

Article originally published in the November 7 Home Finder. 

MARRANO FEATURES UPSCALE HOME IN WEST SENECA

Marrano is showcasing 63 Chancellor Lane in Princeton Estates, West Seneca this weekend.

“With 2,947 square feet of living space, this home and lot location is outstanding,” said Jamie Gulino Davis, new home construction professional for Marrano. “It is a move-in ready home located on a rare lot that backs to beautiful trees and a stream.”

The exterior shows a welcoming full front porch and stone façade. Inside, a clerestory window allows natural light to brighten the two-story foyer with a turned staircase leading to the upper hallway. The newer floor plan offers nine-foot ceiling height on the first floor. The interior hallway leads to the open kitchen with pantry, built-in appliances and granite countertops.

“Granite countertops are standard in all Marrano single-family homes,” noted Gulino-Davis.

The kitchen island is illuminated by pendant lighting; a peninsula counter separates the kitchen and sunroom, which opens to an exterior covered patio trimmed with pillars.

The family room continues the open design and flows from the kitchen. A maintenance-free fireplace anchors the far wall.

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and two baths. The secondary bath includes dual sinks and accessibility off the main hall while the master bath highlights a walk-in ceramic tile shower.

This home at 63 Chancellor Lane will be open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visitor may also ask about building on one of the three remaining lots backing to a conservation area by visit ing the decorated model at 88 Chancellor Lane. It is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday.

Enter the community off Fisher Road. For more information, call Steve Converse at 716-809-8676.

Artical originally published in the October 31st Home Finder. 

MARRANO’S INVENTORY FEATURES MANY MOVE-IN READY HOMES

“Every one of Marrano’s communities – in Amherst, Williamsville, Lancaster, Gardenville, West Seneca, Elma and Hamburg- features outstanding values in single-family, patio homes and townhomes,” explained John Manns, Marrano vice president of sales and marketing.

Whether you are a first time buyer, have a growing family, ready to downsize or pamper yourself  in luxury, Marrano has something for everyone, he said.

Discounted pricing is available for these finished homes that range from the $170s to over $400,000.

• 25 Blossom Wood Lane in Hickory Grove, Gardenville/West Seneca is an affordable patio home community at $199,500.
• 2343 Agassiz Dr. in Hamburg’s Deer Springs community is a two-story, four-bedroom single-family design at $269,900.
• Moving from renting to owning – Central Square Townhomes in Lancaster starts in the $170s with several finished styles to choose.

 For more information, call Steve Converse at 716-809-8676 or visit our Evergreen Landing model at 50 Boxelder Lane in Amherst (off Tonawanda Creek Rd). 

CONFIDENT BUYERS EQUAL BUSY MARRANO

Business First - August 22, 2014

Pat Marrano and his staff at Marrano/Marc Equity Corp. in West Seneca are busy these days.

As president and CEO of one of the region’s largest home builders, he’s in the middle of a busy year. Sales last year for his company were up 35 percent, and through the first seven months of 2014, sales are up 16 percent.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve seen something like that,” he said.

Low interest rates helped to fuel the home building industry and the residential real estate market as a whole. But Marrano said he sees other factors driving people to build.

“I call it buyer confidence,” he said. “People are feeling more secure about their jobs, about the economy and about Buffalo in general.”

His company is tracking to handle 155 to 170 closings this year on new home sales, with a collective value of $52 million.

Sales are coming across the board, from moderately priced subdivisions in West Seneca and Lancaster to patio homes such as those found in Amherst’s Greythorne community, where many units sell for more than $1 million.

Earlier this month, Marrano bought 29 vacant lots for Greythorne’s next phase — half were sold just as the deal closed.

As for 2015, the company plans to bring 200 properties on the market — a mix of single-family homes and townhouses.

Marrano will spend more than $14 million to develop those lots, which represent $60 million in new home sales.

“We’re doing this because this is the strongest home buyer cycle we’ve seen around here in the last 10 years,” he said. “Everything we see indicates we are lining up for a strong finish to this year and a strong next year.”

MARRANO’S NEW HOME FOR ROSWELL NEARS COMPLETION

The roof has been raised, the siding installed and carpenters are wrapping up trim work on Marrano’s fourth “Raising the Roof for Roswell” home that is under construction in Lancaster. 

Located at 18 Jonquille Court in Marrano’s The Cove at Pleasant Meadows, proceeds from the sale of the new two-story home will be donated to Roswell Park’s new Clinical Sciences Center, which will create valuable space for several programs, including:  Chemotherapy Infusion Clinic; Breast Center and mammography screening; education, survivorship, and special population needs.  To date, the Marrano family has raised half a million dollars for Roswell Park Cancer Institute. 

“Painting of the woodwork should begin any day,” said James Marrano, vice president of Marrano/Marc Equity Corp.  “Ceramic tile installation is underway and crews will soon start on the final coat of paint on the interior walls.  The week of June 23 should bring the countertops and flooring to completion. The following week, all the electrical, plumbing, shelves and mirrors will be installed.” 

Meanwhile, the exterior is starting taking shape.  The stone on the front elevation will begin in the next week or two, followed by the driveway and then the finish grading. 

The home is available for immediate sale.  Construction should be completed by mid-July.

Donations to Raising the Roof can be made online at www.roswellpark.org/giving or by mailing them to:  Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, Attn:  Raising the Roof, Elm & Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY  14623 (checks made payable to: Roswell Park Alliance Foundation – Raising the Roof)

Anyone interested in purchasing the home should call Steve Converse at 716-809-8676.

Marrano NTNLL Nighthawks win with walk-off home run

The 11U Marrano NTNLL Nighthawks won this past weekend against Lancaster 9-8. The big hit was a walk-off Home Run in extra innings. The Nighthawks have moved to 3-1 this season. Check back weekly for an update on their quest for a Championship.

Marrano's Greythorne Moves Into New Phase

Privacy and a new standard of luxury are unequaled in Marrano’s exclusive Greythorne community in Williamsville, which is expanding with the start of the second phase of Western New York’s most desirable location.  26 picturesque home sites are now available, with a limited number of prime sites hugging the rolling fairways of one of Buffalo’s oldest private country clubs. 

 “Greythorne by Marrano is a destination address for those who can afford to live anywhere,” Patrick Marrano, president of Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation said.  “Exhilarating, breathtaking and unique best describe this one-of-a-kind community.  Now there are more reasons to see for yourself what makes Greythorne the perfect location for your new home.”

Located among more than 30 acres of natural surroundings with tree preserves, Greythorne is nestled on the Escarpment, with easy access of Main Street and is only a 10 minute drive to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.  The location offers everything you would expect from a premier destination, close to the charm of the Village of Williamsville, fine restaurants, country clubs and all the conveniences, while still providing a retreat from the daily routine – a true private treasure.

Behind the community’s gated entry, Greythorne residents enjoy a park-like feel among exquisite European Manor designs.  Seven distinct floor plans, from ranch to master down and two-story, are available, ranging from about 1,800 to 4,000 square feet and priced from $400,000 to more than $1 million, offering privacy, wooded areas and lush landscaping, giving Greythorne unparalleled luxury.

Greythorne’s homes have condominium status, which means a substantial property tax savings for owners.  Homeowners of these free-standing luxury condominiums enjoy care-free living as exterior services such as landscape maintenance and snow removal are handled by a homeowners association.

Located at 94 Stoneham Way in Williamsville, the Greythorne model home is a ranch design with approximately 3,000 square feet of living area.  Precise attention to detail is found in this beautifully appointed home, with an open and airy interior, clear sightlines from the foyer to the spacious, vaulted great room with limestone fireplace, all the way to the rear of the home where a wall of windows complements the sunroom.

A gourmet, eat-in kitchen is exceptional, outfitted with white, glass door cabinets, a spacious island with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.  A library offers a quiet place to retreat while the stunning king-sized master suite boasts an over-sized walk-in closet, and an adjoining spacious master bath with walk-in shower.  A guest suite with private, full bath is ideal for visiting family and guests.

The lower level of the home has been transformed to accommodate every aspect of the resident’s life.  A professionally designed exercise room with equipment provided by G & G Fitness and Personally Fit, Inc., will allow for convenient and private workouts, a separate custom media room is perfect for socializing and another area features a playroom with a rock-climbing wall that will have the grandchildren asking to visit more often.  A full bath is conveniently located off the exercise and media rooms.  An aromatic cedar closet is also provided on this lower level to protect the resident’s garments and other valuables.

Marrano has created an exclusive Greythorne Suite in its Innovative Design Center where clients can meet with a professional decorator to select the features for their new home.

“Marrano is making the enviable Greythorne lifestyle available to more Western New Yorker’s with the opening of our newest phase, with a select number of new home sites right next to the County Club of Buffalo, for a spectacular view.  They are likely to be the first selected,” Marrano said.

For more information on Greythorne, visit the spectacular, professionally decorated model,Saturday through Wednesday, 1-5 p.m., located at 94 Stoneham Way, off Main St., east of Youngs Rd., in Williamsville.  Personal appointments are always available.  Contact Steve Converse at 716-809-8676.

Marrano NTNLL Nighthawks hurl no-hitter against Clarence

The 11U Marrano NTNLL Nighthawks won this past weekend against Clarence 4-0. Three pitchers combined to throw a no-hitter and only allowed 3 runners to reach base. The Nighthawks have moved to 2-1 this season. Check back weekly for an update on their quest for a Championship.

MARRANO SHOWCASES SIX HOMES IN WEST SENECA

 

Marrano will hold a special event this weekend at Princeton Estates, presenting unique opportunities to view six styles of homes under construction in the builder's hottest selling West Seneca community.  Homes will be open for tours Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

"Visitors can tour six homes under construction that we selected to show a variety of plans, with designs starting in the $250,000s,” said John Manns, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Marrano. “It is a rare opportunity to tour six homes completed and under construction to find the best plan to meet your needs,” Manns said.

The main attraction is 88 Chancellor Lane, an efficient plan offering great value and wow factor.  The home has beautiful curb appeal showing a front porch with craftsman accents, maximizing use of interior space in a plan that includes four bedrooms, walk-in closets, and two and a half baths.  With more than 3,100 square feet, it also offers a great room with cathedral ceiling, window treatments, hardwood floors, and a country kitchen with granite countertops.  The home is fully landscaped with a sprinkler system.

Around the corner at 39 Chancellor, Marrano features modern, nearly 2,300 square foot two-story plan with four bedrooms, two and a half baths, an open kitchen, great room with gas fireplace, full front porch with stone, second floor laundry.  This innovative plan makes maximum use of space for today's lifestyle to create an exceptional new home value at $314,900.

“63 Chancellor is where Marrano unveils the ultimate in convenience and luxury of a two story plan,” Manns said.  “This extravagant design has four bedrooms and two and a half baths in an open and comfortable layout. The model shows a cook’s kitchen with built in appliances and an extended island, sun room, great room with gas fireplace, master suite with walk-in closet and private bath, full front porch, first floor laundry/mud room and countless other amenities.  It is a terrific value at $439,900.”

Two homes in Marrano’s Princeton Estates community are available for immediate sale and cannot be duplicated with the amazing savings offered. “Home sales in West Seneca are very strong with only six lots left backing up to wooded areas,” said Jamie Gulino Davis, new home construction professional at Marrano. “The extremely low interest rates make it a terrific time to buy and afford you more home than ever before.”    

Home buyers can visit Marrano's fully decorated model open daily 1 to 5 p.m., closed Thursday and Friday. Follow the Marrano black and gold flags off Fisher Rd. in West Seneca to the model home located at 88 Chancellor Lane. Steve Converse at 716-809-8676.

Marrano NTNLL Nighthawks Kick-off 2014 Season

The 11U Marrano NTNLL Nighthawks kicked off the 2014 travel baseball season with a tight game against North Buffalo. Even though the boys came up 1 run short, it was an entertaining game with lots of action. Check back weekly for an update on their quest for a Championship.

MARRANO GRAND OPENS NEW ELMA PATIO HOME

Marrano is introducing a new model patio home at 7 Lakeview Ct. which is in the final phase of Springbrook Shores in Elma this weekend.

Set in a quiet valley, surrounded by nature, the charm of Springbrook Shores is evident as you pull into the community. The homes — set on gently curving roads or quiet cul-de-sacs — demonstrate the character of an Elma country setting.

In addition, more than 160 acres of conservation land on the west side of the community, three sprawling ponds (one with an island) and three landscaped cul-de-sacs add to the pastoral scenery.

“The latest patio home model highlights Arts & Craft styling with a covered porch, shake shingles, brick accents and earthy color tones, and continues the country theme,” began John Manns, vice president of sales and marketing.

A full-view, leaded-glass front door opens to a foyer with hardwood flooring. There is a  direct view to the great room with its loft overlook, custom window treatments and gas-burning fireplace.

Hardwood flooring from the foyer also leads into the kitchen to the left the foyer. The U-shaped kitchen work area is created by maple cabinets, a custom pantry cabinet, ceramic tile backsplash, granite countertops and “Black Ice” appliances.

An arched pass-through opening connects the kitchen with the dining area and great room. The kitchen’s eating area — at the front of the home —  is brightened by three windows. It is an ideal setting for morning coffee or casual meals, noted Manns.

The home’s first-floor master bedroom suite is tucked away for privacy in the rear of the home. It features a walk-in-closet and the master bathroom with a five-foot, walk-in-shower; a double-sink vanity; a linen closet; and a pocket door for ease of access.

The guest bedroom in conveniently located near the main bathroom.

The loft is a multi-function space stressing the flexibility of the plan. “With large windows and a walk-in-closet, the loft could be used as a home office, computer or entertainment room, or a third bedroom. Home buyers have the option of adding a full-bathroom to this versatile plan,” added Manns.

In addition to these amenities, the patio home also includes a first-floor laundry, an attached two-car garage and a full basement.

Residents in Springbrook Shores enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle allowing them to relax or travel at anytime with no worries. A homeowners’ association takes care of all the lawn cutting, landscape maintenance, snow removal, garbage pick up, and more. All homes come fully landscaped with underground sprinklers, sodded front and side yards, and seeded rear lawns.

The Elma location provides the serenity of a country setting, yet is only minutes from East Aurora and West Seneca for more shopping and dining options.

Homeowners also enjoy hiking and nature trails — as long as two miles — that wind through the preservation land. Unique LifeTraii 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.

“This final phase of Springbrook Shores consists of 21 lots on a cul-de-sac — every lot has either a view of woods or water. Ten lots remain for homes starting in the $240s.

The model at 7 Lakeview Dr., is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday. To visit, take Rice Road between Seneca Street and Bowen Road; . follow Waterfront Lane to Lakeview Court. For more information, call Steve Converse 809-8676. 

Article originally publisehd in the April 4th Home Finder, written by Dennis Aures
Photos by: James Lesinski

MARRANO OFFERS NEW PRIVATE HOME SITES IN HAMBURG

Marrano announces its newest phase of the ever-popular Deer Springs community in Hamburg.  Development is scheduled to begin soon on the new phase, which features 32 private home sites.  “This phase is designed to take advantage of the adjacent wooded area which gives homeowners privacy and the beauty of nature in their backyards,” said John Manns, vice president of sales and marketing for Marrano.  “Visit our beautifully decorated and furnished model center and take advantage of Marrano’s introductory pricing for this new community.”

Deer Springs is one of Marrano’s most affordable communities in the Southtowns, with prices starting in the low $200s.  This family-friendly neighborhood provides easy access to shopping and the Thruway while maintaining the feel of a quiet, country setting.  Residents enjoy their own private picnic shelter and playground, plus curved roadways, common wooded areas and scenic ponds.

Manns continued, “Don’t wait and miss this rare opportunity to select the perfect, exclusive property for your new Marrano home.  With today’s low mortgage rates and Marrano’s ‘Think Summer’ incentive offering free front yard landscaping and patio or a partial finished basement, this phase is sure to sell fast.”  

Deer Springs visitors should ask about Marrano’s available inventory of completed homes; all are ready for immediate occupancy.  One of the homes is a two-story Colonial plan with four bedrooms, two and a half baths, affordably priced at $239,900.  Marrano is also featuring a hard-to-find ranch plan that is fully decorated and open for viewing.

For more information on this exciting new section of Deer Springs, please visit Steve Converse at the model home at 2384 Hobblebush (off Southwestern Blvd., just before Lakeview) Saturday through Wednesday, 1 to 5 p.m. or call 809-8676.

MARRANO OFFERS NEW DESIGN IN EVERGREEN LANDING, AMHERST

Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation has introduced a new, two-story design for 2014 in Evergreen Landing, the new, high-demand community in Amherst.

Featuring almost 2,200 square feet of living space, this new design shows an open-concept layout, a requirement for most new home buyers. 

As you approach this model, note the full front porch, a standard feature with this design. Follow the hardwood foyer into the spacious country kitchen which features a huge center island with breakfast bar, granite countertops and upscale maple cabinets. Set off the kitchen is a south facing sun room which floods this home with natural light. Also featured on the first floor are a large great room with gas fireplace and a private home office. The second floor of this home shows four spacious bedrooms, two full bathrooms and the ultimate in convenience, a second floor laundry.

Other amenities in this model include central air, full basement with eight foot ceilings, ideal for your future rec room, energy efficient Pella windows and more. Available immediately, this home is priced in the low $300’s. Best of all, there is still time for you to make your final color selections.

“Introduced during the summer of 2013, Evergreen Landing has become one of the hottest selling communities in Western New York,” said Steve Converse, New Home Construction Professional for Marrano. “With only 22 lots in the first phase of construction and with many lots under contract, only a handful of sites remain.”

As you enter Evergreen Landing, off Tonawanda Creek Road just East of Niagara Falls Blvd., you immediately realize that you’ve arrived at something special. The community features winding, low-traffic streets surrounded by nature. Located on the site of the former Evergreen Golf Course, neighborhood streets follow the lines of the former fairways and will feature of number of shimmering ponds throughout.

Evergreen Landing’s location near Niagara Falls Blvd. puts shopping and restaurants just a stone’s throw away. The area also marks the midpoint between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, making commuting very convenient. Located in the highly-rated Sweet Home School District, Evergreen Landing offers new home buyers will the added benefit of lower taxes compared with surrounding areas.

Marrano is building ranch and two-story homes with introductory pricing starting in the mid $200’s, a price point not offered in Amherst for many years. New ranch designs have also been introduced for Evergreen Landing to meet the demands of today’s patio home buyers. All new home buyers during March will be able to take advantage of Marrano’s Spring Promotion. This incentive allows the home buyer to have a portion of their basement finished at no charge, or they can select a free patio and landscaping.

To schedule an appointment to view homes in Evergreen Landing, call Steve Converse at 809-8676.

MARRANO OPENS NEW MODEL AND COMMUNITY IN LANCASTER

“Marrano is celebrating twice the excitement this month with the grand opening of a new, affordable community and a new model home in Lancaster,” began John Manns, vice president of sales and marketing for the builder. 

 

Creekside in the Pleasant Meadows community in Lancaster features 23 single-family home sites situated along gently curving streets with trees and ponds dotting the landscape. 

 

“Private, deep lots back to federally preserved land for homes with starting prices from the $220s to more than $280s,” noted Linda VanNortwick. “This community is already becoming one of our most popular in Lancaster.”

 

The decorated model at 27 Sterling Place illustrates a two-story design with approximately 2,300 square feet of living space. The country cottage façade features a combination of gables, coordinated siding schemes, custom trim, stone accents and a full front porch.

 

Inside, the two-story foyer showcases hardwood flooring. “The perfectly sized den is located at the front of the home for convenience and privacy,” VanNortwick added.  In the model, it is decorated as a formal dining room – demonstrating the versatility of the plan. (Below: third image)

 

The first-floor layout includes a country kitchen with hutch island work station and granite countertops, which are standard, Manns said. (Below: first image)

 

An energy-efficient, gas-burning fireplace warms the family room.

 

The tour of the home moves to the second level: visitors find four bedrooms including a private master bedroom suite with spa bath and walk-in closet, a full main bath, plus a convenient second-floor laundry. (Below: second image)

 

“This model is available for immediate occupancy,” continued VanNortwick. “We already have seven sales (in this new phase) prior to the grand opening.”

 

In addition, Marrano’s “Think Spring” promotion – available for a limited time – offers a choice of additional square footage, landscaping, patios and appliances. 

 

Pleasant Meadows offers the perfect location – a country setting while still convenient to everyday needs and services. Just minutes from the New York State Thruway and a short drive to downtown Buffalo, homeowners can enjoy the quiet comforts of home and still benefit from a short commute to work. 

 

“Marrano can assist in selling your current home and allow you to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates,” she continued. “Our exclusive ‘Safe & Sold Program’ has helped hundreds of families move into their new Marrano home.” 

 

For more than 20 years, this one-of-a-kind program has provided new home buyers the services of an experienced staging specialist and real estate professionals to prepare he home and provide the proper marketing tools to sell their existing home faster. Marrano also reimburses one percent of the commission that is paid to the real estate company. “The Safe & Sold Program saves homeowners thousands of dollars and provides additional peace of mind while building their new home,” she said. 

 

The model at 27 Sterling Place is off Pleasant View and Juniper Lane in Lancaster. It is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

 

Prospective buyers may also visit a second furnished model home nearby in The Cove at Pleasant Meadows (one block away) at 17 Jonquile Ct. It is open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday. 

 

For more information, call Steve Converse at 716-809-8676.

 

Article originally published in the February 21 Home Finder, written by Dennis Aures 

Photos by: James Lesinki 

 

CLOSE-OUT OPPORTUNITY AT EAGLE HEIGHTS

Marrano/Marc Equity Corporation is now offering close-out savings to customers building new homes on the five remaining home sites in the current phase of Eagle Heights in Orchard Park.

“Every lot in Eagle Heights fits this requirement with many homes backing to a wooded preservation area, which will never be developed,”said Steve Converse, New Home Construction Professional for Marrano.

Marrano is currently offering a home for sale at 32 Redbrick priced at $499,900. This spacious two-story home includes all of the amenities expected in a home of this caliber starting with the gorgeous front elevation including a full front porch with stone accents.  As you step into the grand two-story foyer, with curved staircase, you will appreciate the sense of space.  

Set across the back of the home to maximize the view of the wooded backyard, are a great room with gas fireplace and a gourmet country kitchen with huge center island. The sun room with three full walls of windows is set off the rear of the kitchen.  A formal dining room and private home office complete the main floor.

The upper level of this home features an expansive master suite comprised of a walk-in closet and glamour bath.  Three additional bedrooms and a guest bath are also set on the second  floor.

Every Marrano home built in Eagle Heights comes standard with an array of features including granite countertops, Pella windows and more. Also, for a limited time, all new home buyers in Eagle Heights can take advantage of Marrano’s Spring Promotion which offers a free patio and landscaping or a finished basement.

To visit Eagle Heights, follow Jewett-Holmwood Road to Valley View to Pine Terrace to Knob Hill to Redbrick Road.

To schedule an appointment to discuss building with Marrano in Eagle Heights, call Steve Converse at 809-8676.

Marrano Introduces NEW Lots in Summerfield - South Lancaster

Marrano Homes is introducing 31 spectacular new lots in one of its most desirable communities, Summerfield Farms.  Located in a perfect country setting in South Lancaster, residents enjoy a quiet, private lifestyle just minutes from all the conveniences of shopping and dining.  Como Lake Park is nearby, offering 375 acres of playgrounds, tennis courts, sports fields and picnic areas, ideal for year-round activities.

Marrano’s new design features a new country cottage front exterior, four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a large country kitchen and a sunroom. Visitors to the fully-decorated two-story model will see all the latest designer trends, including granite counters, custom paint and siding colors, second floor laundry and much more.  They will also learn about Marrano's latest incentive, offering home buyers free landscaping including a patio or a finished basement.

"With many over-sized lots up to 300 feet deep, along with exclusive lots backing up to permanent federal conservation land, buyers need to act fast to get the best selection," said Scott Gilray, new home construction specialist for Marrano.  "With pre-introductory pricing for this area and mortgage rates still historically low, there has never been a better time to build with Marrano than right now."

Marrano offers several exclusive benefits for its customers, including a 3,000 square-foot interactive Design Center where buyers can learn about and select the features they want in their new home.  Home buyers can also take advantage of Marrano's innovative "Safe and Sold Program" which, for 20 years, has eliminated buyers’ worry when it comes to selling their current home so they can focus on enjoying the building process.

For more information on Summerfield Farms and the latest incentives, visit Marrano's newest model center at 5397 William Street just east of Bowen Road.  Open Daily from 1-5 p.m., closed Thursday and Friday.  To schedule an appointment, call Steve Converse at 716-809-8676

Resurgent 2013 New York State housing market reaches six-year high in annual closed sales

Jan 23, 2014

From NYSAR: 

Albany –Jan. 23, 2014 – Closed sales of residential properties in New York State reached a six-year-high total of 107,142 during 2013, according to the annual housing market report released today by the New York State Association of REALTORS.  The 2013 annual median sales price of $227,000 is the highest since 2008.

“The 2013 housing market will be remembered as the year pent-up demand and low interest rates finally loosened the consumer logjam,” said Duncan MacKenzie, NYSAR CEO. “Sellers were winners, too.  As buyers reduced the available inventory, home sellers enjoyed their improved negotiating position to drive the statewide median sales price to a five-year high.” 

“We are cautiously optimistic that 2014 will build upon the previous year’s gains,” said MacKenzie. “Influencing the market will be standard industry forces such as interest rates and available for-sale housing stock.  It’s less predictable how state and federal housing related policy changes will influence the market.  Governor Cuomo’s property tax relief effort, if realized, may help boost buying activity.  New federal lending standards, tax policy changes and National Flood Insurance Program reforms also have the potential to affect housing sales in 2014.”

There were 107,142 existing single-family homes sold in 2013, an increase of 12.6 percent from the 95,195 sold in 2012. There were 27,250 sales of existing single-family homes in the 2013 fourth quarter, an increase of 12.4 percent from 24,490 sales in the 2012 fourth quarter. The 8,735 sales in December 2013 represent an increase of 6.2 percent from December 2012. 

The 2013 statewide annual median sales price was $227,000, up 5.6 percent from the $215,000 median in 2012. The fourth quarter 2013 median was $230,000, an increase of 7.9 percent from the fourth quarter 2012 median of $213,105. The December 2013 median sales price was $236,875, an increase of 5.3 percent from the December 2012 median of $225,000.

The months supply of inventory continued to trend toward a more balanced market, dropping 21.2 percent at year’s end to a 7.8 months supply. It stood at 9.9 months at the end of 2012. A 6 month to 6.5 month supply is considered to be a balanced market. Inventory stood at 73,500 units at the end of 2013, a decrease of 10.4 percent compared to the end of 2012.

Additional data is available at http://www.nysar.com/industry-resources/market-data 

Editor’s Note: All data is compiled from multiple listing services in the state of New York and the data now include townhomes and condominiums in addition to existing single-family homes. 

The New York State Association of REALTORS is a not-for-profit trade organization representing more than 47,000 of New York State’s real estate professionals. The term REALTOR is a registered trademark, which identifies real estate professionals who subscribe to a strict code of ethics as members of the National Association of REALTORS. These REALTORS are also members of the New York State Association of REALTORS as well as their local board or association of REALTORS.

HOUSING, CONFIDENCE GAIN AS ECONOMY IMPROVES

(USA Today) - Home prices in most U.S. cities are increasing more slowly than earlier in the year, and consumer confidence is rising, in dual signs that expectations of a stronger economy in 2014 are taking root.

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose 6.1 points in December, to 78,1, recouping almost all of the drop it sustained during the October government shutdown, the board reported on Tuesday. Economists had expected the index to rise to 76.8, according to a survey by Econoday. The biggest change was more optimism about the economy's path over the next six months, which rose more strongly than perceptions of the current state of the economy, the board said.

Separately, the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index rose 0.2% from September to October.Monthly price gains slowed in 18 of the 20 cities tracked by the index, Prices have risen 13.6% over the past 12 months, the fastest since Feb. 2006, S&P-Dow Jones Indices said. The S&P/Case-Shiller index isn't adjusted for seasonal variations, so the change partly reflects slower buying in the fall.

"This is pretty good news -- we're getting back toward the progress we had made in confidence in the spring and summer that was derailed by the government shutdown,'' said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at the Conference Board ."It's still a somewhat cautious consumer. But looking at big ticket items like cars and houses, there's a willingness to spend developing."

The weak spot in the consumer survey was that consumers have a relatively dim view of their ability to get pay increases, but even those results were stronger in December than in recent surveys, Franco said.

The Conference Board index is designed to compare confidence over time. A reading of 100 would mean that confidence was as high as it was in 1985, a year when the economy grew 4.2%, about twice the 2013 pace.

Even the housing news was a sign of a strengthening economy, Quicken Loans vice president Bill Banfield said.

"The New Year will bring (monthly and annual price gains) closer together, as the yearly home price report begins to make more modest, sustainable increases that we find in a healthier economy,'' Banfield said.

Price increases are moderating because the wave of foreclosed properties that sold cheaply in 2010 through early 2012 has largely crested, Sterne Agee economist Lindsey Piegza said. Conditions now may lead to a stronger push in new home construction next year, Barclays economist Cooper Hawes said.