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NEWHOMENEWHOMEWinter 2014

Kitchen IdeasStyle With Smarts

Interior Design Trends

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HOUSINGOPTIONSAttitude Changes inPittsburgh’s Home Buyers

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what’s inside

Interior Design TrendsChanging our

lifestyle and living

environment to save

money and protect

our natural resources.

WINTER 2014

Kitchen Trends for the New YearThe future of kitchen

renovation and

design seems to be

the intersection of

taste and ease of

use, with a lot of

personality thrown

into the mix, in

whatever proportion

the recipe calls for.

Builder ProfileKacin Companies

A. Richard Kacin

provides quality

craftsmanship and

authentic

architecture.

New Construction ListingsHousing

developments in our

Greater Pittsburgh

region.

Project ProfileVillage at Stonegate

Ray Snoznik’s housing

development in Penn

Township downsizes

maintenance without

downsizing living

space.

05 Publisher’s Message

HousingOptions

Pittsburgh is

experiencing a shift

in home ownership.

Learn whether or not

this is a new trend

or just a temporary

change in how we

chase the American

dream.

4 GREATER PITTSBURGH’S NEW HOME | Winter 2014

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5www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

P u b l i s h e r ’ s M e s s a g ePUBLISHER

Kevin J. [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Jaimee D. Greenawalt

PRODUCTION

Carson Publishing, [email protected]

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jeff BurdErin O’DonnellLinda Simon

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jan Pakler PhotographyCarson Publishing, IncEdgewater RealtyKacin CompaniesR.A. Snoznik Construction

ADVERTISING SALES

Kevin J. Gordon412-548-3823 [email protected]

SPECIAL THANKS

Ray Snoznik and A. Richard Kacin, Builders Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh, Coldwell Banker Real Estate, Dollar Bank, Heartland Homes, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Northwood Realty, Ryan Homes and Prudential Preferred Realty.

MORE INFORMATION

Greater Pittsburgh’s NEW HOME is published quarterly by Carson Publishing, Inc., 500 McKnight Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237;www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com412-548-3823

No part of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission by the Publisher. All rights reserved.

This information is carefully gathered and compiled in such a manner as to ensure maximum accuracy. We can-not, and do not, guarantee either the correctness of all information furnished nor the complete absence of errors and omissions. Hence, responsibility for same neither can be, nor is, assumed.

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

The new year starts with some good data about the state of the national economy. Within the last few weeks of 2013, unem-ployment claims fell, homes sales inched higher, the final GDP estimate for the third quarter jumped to 4.1% and consumer

spending and sentiment moved higher. All that information suggests that U.S. com-panies are doing better than expected.

Pittsburgh’s economy will certainly benefit from improved national conditions. Any ad-ditional confidence that local businesses get from a better national economy could make the difference between a mediocre 2014 or a stellar year! One shining star for the year was our housing market, which ended up with more than 5,500 units started in the six-county metro area. That’s the highest number of new homes or apartments in 15 years or more.

Consider these positive statistics about our Greater Pittsburgh region: Regional employment is at an all-time high, with 1,179,188 people working in our seven-county region; Steady job growth is responsible for this record employment. Our area grew 2.5 percent over the past five years; Rising home values are up 5.8 percent, managing to climb above 2008 levels; Lower cost of living. When it comes to the cost of housing, utilities, groceries and other living essentials, few regions are less expensive; Young adults are moving here. Last year, some 1,800 more people moved to the region than left, a trend that began in 2008. And most are young adults, bringing a high level of education and their future families with them; Crime rates nationally have fallen, and Pittsburgh still remains one of the safest major metropolitan regions in the nation!

All of this good news is creating stronger consumer confidence, hopefully moving our housing market from robust recovery to boom!

This issue of NEW HOME features Pittsburgh’s overall shift in housing options. This trend is led mostly by younger people, where buyers place a higher value on being near lifestyle amenities—such as theaters & sporting venues—and have the desire to walk, live and work in the same place. Eco-friendly living is not just a passing trend, but a complete lifestyle. These new buyers value diversity over conformity in their homes and lifestyle.

The mortgage crises left an indelible mark on the housing market which has resulted in a reversal of the growth trend in home ownership. Over the next decade we’ll learn whether or not that’s the start of a new trend of lower ownership or just a temporary change in how we chase the American dream.

In addition, you will enjoy meeting Richard Kacin and Ray Snoznik, two successful contractors servicing our housing industry for many decades.

Recovery to boom... Let’s keep our fingers crossed! All the best in 2014!

Kevin J. Gordon

HOUSING

Options

FE

AT

UR

E


www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com 7

After decades in the residential real estate market as realtor and developer, Northwood Realty Services President Tom Hosack says he sees a change in the attitude of Pitts-

burgh’s home buyers. The stock of existing homes is full of traditional architecture but Hosack sees a shift. “It may be just that Western PA is joining the rest of the country but Pittsburgh is getting less conservative,” he says.

New home buyers looking at existing communities throughout the Pittsburgh area will notice that the ar-chitecture of homes is very similar from neighborhood to neighborhood. Historically, in Western Pennsylvania, new construction tended to follow the crowd rather than break away from the herd. Builders build what is already out there and known to sell because that is what is working; they tend not to buck the trend. That may seem like faulty logic since one would think that the more options a buyer has the better, since humans tend to like variety. Variety has its limits, however. Being daring and trying a different flavor at an ice-cream store is a $3 risk; most people would not take that risk when dealing with the single biggest investment of their lives—a new home.

FE

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E

P ittsburgh has a working-class heri-tage and working-class people do tend to be more conservative but there also weren’t

a lot of options for buyers to try something different. Breaking away from conserva-tive tastes in homes is a chicken or egg kind of thing. Within the last five years, a host of factors – an improving economy, demographic changes, Pittsburgh’s ‘hip-ness’ and a change in how buyers think – came together to influence builders to give something new a try. It turned out there were people willing to try something new.

The real spark for all of this change, however, was the 2008 recession when a lot of potential buyers became rent-ers. The individuals who were coming into homeownership could no longer get mortgages, or pay mortgages, and instead chose to rent. As home values declined across the country and lend-ing tightened, apartment vacancy rates steadily plummeted. In a market like Pittsburgh, with fairly high apart-ment occupancy levels already, the increase in renters pushed vacancy to nearly zero. The growing workforce for the companies exploring the Marcel-lus Shale formation became another source of demand for rental units. Apartments became a hot commodity and more were needed.

The impetus for new apartments also came from companies who wanted to lend money for new construction. Gen-erally speaking, the financing mecha-nism for apartments is not banks, but rather, large institutional lenders like insurance companies. Insurance companies make money by investing the premiums that are paid to them in order to meet their commitments for return on investment.

Apartments were being pushed by investors because there was no better place to put money. This situation re-ally fuelled the increase in this type of housing. Investment interest was below 1% and institutional lenders, other

than banks, were encouraging developers to build apartments. Large institutional lenders made it known that there was money available to build apartments, and builders listened. These firms—insurance companies and investment lenders— saw apartments as a safe way to get some return on their investment, especially at a time when everything else looked unsafe.

The new construction of apartment buildings is probably the most obvious change in housing. Anyone who has driven around Pittsburgh lately would have noticed numerous apartment build-ings going up. Pittsburgh is a market that historically has had few new apartments in any given year, but the number of new apartment units in 2013 is nearly twice as many as the number built in all of 2012.

Even someone living in Pittsburgh with little to no interest in the housing market would notice all of this new construction.

However, with all of this growth, there are legitimate concerns about the supply of apartment units growing to the point that rents will then decline. There are currently 4,000 apartment units in the pipeline, which is much greater than in the past in Pittsburgh. Although younger people—who make up one of the bigger groups of apartment renters—are continu-ing to move into the Greater Pittsburgh area, the trend towards apartment renting may top off as economic stability returns to pre-2008 levels.

Marty Gillespie, president of Heartland Homes sees the apartment boom as hav-


ing more life but feels that Pittsburgh is ready for a change in style. He expects to try a different product in development projects he is planning with partner Dan Caste.

“There aren’t many cities where you see the three-story walkup apartment build-ing being built, outside of Pittsburgh,” he observes. “We are developing the former Highland Country Club property on Gass Road in Ross and the Meeder Farm in Cranberry and plan to build townhomes for rent in both.”

On the upside, in the Pittsburgh market, the two demographic groups that repre-sent the highest share of renters—adults under 35 and over 55—are the two fastest growing groups in the area. The current

population of Pittsburgh is getting older while at the same time, adults under 35 are rapidly moving here for technology and natural gas jobs, both of which are job fields that continue to grow.

While apartments have been on the upswing, it is pretty safe to say that one of the bigger victims of the housing crises was the condominium. There is no other category of home that expe-rienced such steep declines in value in most markets around the US. Until recently, financing for condos was nearly impossible, for those interested either in buying or building. The desire to have alternatives to traditional hous-ing, the new move towards urbanism, and the fact that the overabundance of condos has been absorbed has led to the condo becoming attractive again.

While there is relatively little chance that another large project like 151 First Avenue or Three PNC will be started any time soon, smaller projects in healthy niches in the Pittsburgh market are going forward again.

Another market that is also moving forward is housing for 55 and over, which is still a growing segment in the housing industry. 15 years ago, as developers began to pay attention to the aging popu-lation in America, the trend was towards more institutional solutions for adults 55 and over. The institutional solutions included large independent facilities that connected to assisted living and nurs-ing care so that the transition from one facility to the next would be easier. In less than a decade, it became clear that the individuals in that age range found that style of living to be not independent enough. Instead, they felt that style of living was the first step towards a nursing home. Builders and developers responded to this quickly and the zero maintenance quad-home emerged as the next big thing for 55 and overs.

Communities like Adams Crossing in the north or Arden Mills in the South Hills flourished. Builders like Weaver Homes and Hawthorne Partners grew significant-ly by serving this market. But over the past year or two there has been evidence

The new construction of

apartment buildings is probably the most

obvious change in housing. Anyone

who has driven around Pittsburgh lately would have noticed numerous

apartment buildings going up.


that some 55 and overs are still searching for a different option in housing. Al-though the ease of zero maintenance living is desirable, potential residents wished for it to feel more like a neighborhood rather than a re-tirement communi-ty. These changes in preferences have also influenced the owners of continuum of care facilities, like Concordia or Lutheran SeniorLife. New construction now boasts 1,400-1,500 sq. ft. apartments and amenities that are similar to what a single-family homeown-er would expect. This model recognizes that the older buyer is happy to give up things like lawn maintenance and side walk shoveling but doesn’t want to turn to rocking chairs just yet.

Instead, the new places for 55 and overs that are being built have much more upscale amenities. Owners of these communities for older residents offer the same lifestyle amenities as the private, residential maintenance-free lifestyle communities. One of the newest com-munities, Lutheran SeniorLife’s Over-brook Pointe, is located in Mars. It is a maintenance-free living community; how-ever it offers a wide array of activities for its residents, all of whom fill out a survey about their interests and activities so that

they can receive a customized list of opportunities. All apartments have patios and balconies, and feature wood pillars, high ceilings, and rooms decorated in soft, neutral colors.

This 55-an-over demographic

group has been the target audience for Traditions of America as well. This Radnor, PA builder is currently develop-ing a new neighborhood in Ohio Township called Sewickley Ridge.

Sewickley Ridge will have 241 homes, including a mix of single-family and garden homes along with a 7,700 square foot clubhouse, fitness center and heated swimming pool. According to Nathan Jameson, director of operations for Tradi-


tions of America, construction of the first homes began in October. “Because of the success of a previous project, Lib-erty Hills, people were able to envision the new homes and what the lifestyle looks like!”

“I think the story of Sewickley Hills is that people aren’t leaving Allegheny County after all. The higher taxes are offset by the savings from our homes,” he says. We talk to our buyers about the total cost of ownership in our commu-nities. When you consider the cost of maintaining an older home, the cost of a health club or of maintaining a swim-ming pool every year, all of those are included in the amenities of Sewickley Ridge.”

In general, buyers now are looking for even more upgraded finishes, with those finishes that were considered to be an “upgrade” 10 years ago now viewed as being standard. Perhaps the most interesting reason these standards have changed is a result of popular televi-

sion shows. With shows like “House Hunters” and “Selling New York”, HGTV makes people feel that the only way to add value to a home is through stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. These messages on tele-

vision shows have permeated buyers’ consciousness and have raised the bar on their expectations of finishes. With this constant reinforcement of the idea that investing in high-end finishes pays off in the end, new home buyers are


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looking to take advantage of the upgrades available when customizing their homes.

“I think people are looking even more at upgrading the products that go into a home without expanding the square foot-age of the homes,” says Michael Kamon, partner in Signature Homes, which is building an upscale duplex community called Fields of Nicholson in Franklin Park. “This goes to automation and secu-rity, as well as the finishes of the home. I think the buyer is looking for more out of the home.”

Kamon’s buyer tends to be an empty-nest-er looking to move into a smaller but well appointed home but the same sense of upgraded home is also driving the buying decisions for homes that are in the 2,000 to 2,500 square foot range. That trend seems to be especially true in townhomes. Because of the nature of townhomes,

The urban market is not the only place where limited land is affecting

buyers’ tastes in finishes. Buyers are willing to accept a townhome that has a fairly small yard in order to live

in a nice, more upscale home.


it is difficult to vary the architecture and layouts from one to the other so the finishes and amenities are how a buyer can distinguish his or her home from the neighbor’s.

The emphasis on finishes is especially pronounced in newer urban projects. Whether the home is a row house or condominium, urban dwellings gener-ally are smaller and less flexible in their floor plan design because of the space constraints. Upgraded finishes help a homeowner or landlord distinguish their property from another. It’s difficult to make a splash with a layout in an urban townhome or apartment but top-of-the-line finishes and appliances can add a premium to the value of a property.

The urban market is not the only place where limited land is affecting buyers’ tastes in finishes. Buyers are willing to accept a townhome that has a fairly small yard in order to live in a nice, more upscale home. Although having a yard is still something many new buyers are

interested in having, when their budget necessitates cuts be made from the wish-list, many are willing to part with acres and not with stainless-steel appliances.

Townhomes are replacing the detached single-family starter home that has been the norm for decades because the cost of land has pushed the price of a modest home to up over $250,000. That is not to say homeowners have abandoned the idea of having a big lot, it is just that the eco-nomics of the market have pushed buyers to think differently.

“I think the attached product – particu-larly the townhome – is becoming much more prevalent on the new construction front. I personally think that is not being driven by the demographics of the buyers but by the cost structure of the devel-oper,” explains Northwood’s Tom Hosack. “When I first started in this business people paid $25,000 for a half-acre lot and it’s a dramatically different world now. People are paying $100,000-plus for a quarter acre lot. So I think it’s forcing

the entry level buyer to get into the town-home environment.”

Although townhomes are becoming in-creasingly popular, Hosack notes that the market for the traditional large suburban home has not gone away.

“I still see that there is demand – not a huge demand – for the larger more rural feeling lots, the two-to-five acre lot,” he says. “The cost tends to be so high and there also aren’t that many custom builders out there anymore but there are still buyers.” Hosack points out that The Summit in Marshall Township, which had only a couple of homes in its first couple of years is attracting buyers. “There have been 11 contracts there this year.”

Hosack feels the economics of the land are also having an influence on one of the more popular architectural styles of recent years: the quad-plex product.

“There was a quad rage for a while but that has cooled down somewhat because

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the quad is not nearly as efficient on the ground,” Hosack notes. “People also talk about one-level living being so popular but I’m not seeing it. We still like having an upstairs. Buyers may like having a first floor master but they want the other bedrooms on a second floor.

Gillespie made a similar observation about one-level living.

“We have an office in Raleigh, NC. There was a lot of demand for first floor master bedrooms there from young people,” he remarks. “It wasn’t from twenty something’s but the couples that were in their thirties and forties, whether or not they had kids. That’s not a trend I’ve seen here in Western PA yet.”

Whether or not one-level living becomes a trend in the Pittsburgh market is something that, as of right now, time can only tell.

One trend that is taking hold in Pitts-burgh has helped boost the residential

market. The last three to four years have seen the population of metropolitan Pittsburgh increase after several decades of decline. This influx of population occurred during the recession, when new construction dropped by almost half, which left a shortage in the supply of available new housing. The increase of people moving to Pittsburgh during a time of low supply helped to accelerate the appreciation of housing and encour-aged landlords to raise their rents.

By this time in 2013, it may no longer seem like living Downtown is all that trendy but the growth in residents in the Golden Triangle is by far the most sig-nificant housing trend in the last decade. In the last 15 years the downtown area has seen several major new construc-tion projects, as well as renovations of old buildings into new apartments and all filled up rapidly. The overall trend in population growth and increasing rents is affecting options Downtown more than any other area.

The last three to four years have seen the

population of metropolitan Pittsburgh increase

after several decades of decline. This influx of

population occurred during the recession, when new construction dropped by almost half, which left a shortage in the supply of available new housing.

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Since the new millennium, when the 2000 census showed 3,500 people living Downtown, the population has grown by 5,000 more residents, according to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s 2013 annual report. At one time, observ-ers were concerned about the inability of developers to build affordable hous-ing Downtown but the growth of demand and of living options has made it clear that; A) the perception of affordable is different for city dwellers; and B) that the price of living Downtown isn’t a deterrent to growth. With demand being sky-high, what incentive do developers have to make units affordable?

Five years ago, the rents at the Penn Garrison Lofts were $1.25/square foot; the rents in 2013 have reached $2.00/square foot and higher. The demand is so high that rents will continue to go up for the foreseeable future. Those conditions are attracting higher-priced and more extravagant projects. Although this is a good thing, it is making Downtown very expensive.

This leaves the door open for someone to develop downtown housing that is afford-able but with the costs of construction rising, the more likely reaction by the market will be for development of cooler urban housing options in the next ring outside of Downtown that is currently underdeveloped. There is a growing demand from younger people who are moving into the city, who are not able or willing to pay the rents or sales prices for the higher end housing options in the Golden Triangle but who want to be near the action. With rents now nearly as high in South Side or the Shadyside/East Liberty corridor, the neighborhood that is experiencing a boom in new housing options is Lawrenceville. If you want to get ahead of the next trendy area, look for interesting options for living in the Strip, on the North Side or West End.

Pittsburgh has experienced a shift in housing, led mostly by younger people, where buyers place a higher value on being near lifestyle amenities—such as theaters & sporting venues—and have

the desire to walk, live and work in the same place. Eco-friendly living is not just a passing trend, but a complete lifestyle. These buyers value diversity over confor-mity in their homes. The mortgage crises left an indelible mark on the housing market which has resulted in a reversal of the growth trend in home ownership. Over the next decade we’ll learn whether or not that’s the start of a new trend of lower ownership or just a temporary change in how we chase the American dream.

In Pittsburgh, the shakeup created the chance for a whole different stock of housing options. Regardless of the bigger picture trends, Pittsburghers have caught a glimpse of the variety of housing options that exist and they will want more. NH

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Interior Design Trends That Help Save Money,

Your Health, And The Planet!

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com 17

It’s no secret that people are living longer. It’s also no secret that people are spending their later years in and out of ideal health, or with new needs that require they adapt their lifestyle and living environment. And with a longer life, comes the need to budget more aggressively—to prudently plan the expenditure of retirement funds and monthly allowances so that as much comfort and efficiency can be maximized in a home for the duration of the owners’ living years. It’s a time when we all hear about the effects of globalization on our everyday choices; how our decisions about building materials and where to build impact the earth and future generations. It’s become such an important consideration that new standards have been emphasized and enforced by industry organizations in order to protect our natural resources from over harvesting. In turn, builders and owners are provided with economic

incentives for abiding by these new standards. This ultimately results in cost savings during renovation, or at least a return on investment (ROI) after building a home with energy savings built into the master plan. Is it possible for universal design to meet the standards of older owners and to also save them money when it’s time to sell? Is it possible that new interior design will be using reclaimed and recycled materials so that manufacturing costs and fuel costs will be minimized for the owner? Is it also possible that natural resources like sunlight, wood, and energy will be what determines the blueprint of a house and all that goes inside of it? Is it possible for appliances, those items of convenience notorious for consuming energy, to actually be the first step in replenishing the earth’s resources? The answer to all of these questions is “YES.”


First, there is the actual home itself and the decisions made that will affect

its use by an extended family and aging owners. How “universally designed” the home is will also affect the resale value. Universal design is simply a method of considering the many possible needs of those living in the house. It’s not unusual to find extended families, non-traditional families, or aging owners building homes that have wider hallways, modified bath-rooms, and kitchens with lower cabinetry and two-toned countertops to highlight edges and sharp corners. Builder David Bachman from Sewickley says that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is often a good guideline to build by when dealing with clients who plan to age in place. “Zero step showers, bigger bathrooms, wider doors and hallways are what the clients need and want. Cabinetry may cost a bit more, but most of these clients would upgrade anyway—most ADA cabinets are not excessively decora-tive.” Such features aren’t necessarily just for older homeowners, but for extended families using strollers as well as wheelchairs, or for homes with greater need for in-tergenerational comfort. There is a certain amount of leeway when designing a home for such clients and for owners aging in place and those with spe-cial needs. Together with the builder, it’s possible to modify guidelines to various degrees to meet the level of per-sonalization needed. In bathrooms, where accidents often occur (slippery surfaces, early morning and nocturnal activity when light is minimal and people are groggy), it’s especially important for even tradi-tional designs to consider modifications for safety purposes. “In baths, while we utilize ADA principles, we do not always follow it to the full degree. An example is the 5’ radius in the bathroom. We can get the

proper side loading commode space, but often the client will not want the full ra-dius. I call that ADA lite,” Bachman says.

Universal Design Vs. Aging in PlaceUniversal design and aging in place design serve similar purposes, but are usually ex-ecuted at different points in a home’s life-cycle. If a home is traditionally designed, then adding universal design elements to it would be like providing a spoon with a bowl of ice cream. Can the ice cream be eaten without the spoon? Sure, but it’s a lot more comfortable and convenient with it. Universal design augments the layout and design of a house, making it pos-sible for greater, and more varied, use by a spectrum of individuals. It serves the needs of aging individuals, but also those

who may be in their 20s and buying their first home. It’s simply a method of making life easier for the owner; for instance, lower cabinets and wider hallways. This means that multi-generational families (think wheelchairs and strollers traversing the same hall, or a zero-grade entrance front door for icy days when toddlers and elders are walking to the sidewalk) can easily live in the home from the start, without the need to call in specialists later

to add on, or modify, existing structures. Custom homes and production builders are quickly catching on that this is a useful trend that encompasses the requirements of many of their buyers, if not presently, then definitely in the future.

Certified Aging in Place Specialists (CAPS) are usually called to make very specific modifications to a design that will allow aging owners, or those with special needs, to live safely and comfortably in the home. It’s an expense usually made later in home ownership, whereas universal de-sign is an upfront cost because it involves immediate add-ons in anticipation of possibly making aging in place modifica-tions more efficient and less noticeable. If prices for universal design in the begin-

ning stages of home design seem prohibitive, realize that the cost to artfully, and incon-spicuously, incorporate grab bars, or to widen hallways later, may be even more costly without the proper foundation to do so. Also, as universal design becomes a more commonplace option from production builders and custom builders, the price points for it will vary thanks to market competition and how extensive the owner’s needs are.

Perhaps the most obvi-ous difference between aging in place and universal design is that the latter is oftentimes not as obvious as the former. Universal design can afford to be more

aesthetically-conscious because it usu-ally happens as part of a design, not an afterthought.

The National Association of Home Build-ers has many members who are CAPS and universal design specialists who are finding benefit in combining both de-sign philosophies in a single home. For instance, a recessed pocket in the shower wall to accommodate a grab bar when


needed. CAPS design isn’t as focused on aesthetics as universal design. That’s why elements of universal design make the best aesthetic sense and are best implemented right away, such as a step-less front porch that blends well with the rest of the home if done beautifully and professionally. Until now, CAPS specialists have wonderfully managed to synthesize many factors: budgetary restriction, function, and looks. When combined with universal design, the variable of aesthetics becomes easier to perfect.

Since universal design is becoming more popularly requested, builders are at an advantage if they capitalize on its many benefits. With more market-place demand comes better chances for affordability and more appealing, or innovative, options. Every project is an opportunity to use universal design and to educate owners about its function and convenience, all without sacrificing at-tractive design. Bill Owens, CAPS, CGR teaches universal design and CAPS de-sign throughout the country and believes that knowing how to use both, as well as synthesizing the best of both, is vital for remaining a competitive builder and a happy homeowner: “As for the future of housing, universal design is truly a para-digm shift in how we approach design and how we build houses.”

For the Multi-Generational FamilyFor those expecting to remain in their home as they age, or who must make space for parents or aging family members, there are a few renovation options that don’t negatively affect resale value. Bachman notes that tight compartmentalization of a first floor is the antithesis of what most people look for when renovating for single-floor living. Citing that many of his clients love the airiness and light that an open floor plan creates, they try to make first floor living an addition renovation, versus sacrificing existing (even “unused”) space for the master suite. Most buyers prefer an open floor plan, but in the case of space restriction, the next best thing is to build in the space least used. “When we cannot add on a bedroom for space or economic reasons, we typically put the bedroom in the dining room.”

Julie Rost of Prudential Preferred Re-alty, Pittsburgh office, agrees that lower level “in-law” suites can actually be a draw for some buyers, and can possibly positively affect value. “Assuming you have the space, lower level ‘In-Law Suites’ are a great way to incorporate extended family while also building value in your home. Carving out an additional bed-room and adding a full bath can make that happen.” With economic fluctuation and the growing number of young adults moving back in with their families, the ‘In-Law’ suites aren’t really just for in-laws anymore, rather they serve a multitude of purposes that makes the investment extremely attractive for buyers who either want to age in place, or who have lifestyles that necessitate self-sufficient quarters. It’s never worth it, as far as resale value is concerned, to add kitchenette space though. “What you use as an In-law suite can also easily work for families with live-in nannies, grown children, and long-term guests so you’re protected on the sell side,” says Rost.

Much like aging in place elements that help the existing residents, Rost corrobo-rates that upgrades to one family may not render financial gains at resale. “Always bear in mind that the custom upgrades you ‘splurge’ for are more likely to be consid-ered investments in your lifestyle and not necessarily an investment in your invest-ment. Solid ROIs come when countertop and cabinetry materials are proportionate to the home’s value.”

There’s a fine balance, however, between “greening” to preserve the integrity of the environment and greening simply for an ROI. Bachman’s clients mainly go for the middle road, making energy-efficient changes that might not be the most aggres-sive available, but which provide a fairly solid ROI as soon as possible. “From my experience, people are green to the extent it effects the green in their wallet. In other words, they want energy efficient homes/additions as long as there is an economic payback. Working as an Energy Star homebuilder, I have found that there is an ROI ‘sweet spot’ of a HERS rating between the high ‘50’s and the high ‘60’s—most clients will choose a package that will yield a rating in that range. To get much lower, the return on investment is not good.” Of course, utility costs are always a concern when building, or renovating, a home, and though it sometimes make sense utility-wise to compartmentalize the home layout so that only used areas are being heated or cooled, Bachman doesn’t foresee a trend towards radically modify-ing aesthetics for the sake of green initia-tives. “Clients do not want to sacrifice the aesthetics and bright, open floor plan that they want. The same thinking applies to renovation.”

Making the Great Outdoors GreenerIn climates like Southwestern Pennsylva-nia, there are a few marked months of re-spite from the cold, and those months are relished like water after drought. Spending time outdoors is not so much a luxury as it is a necessity when most of the year has been spent huddled indoors with recircu-lated air and minimal sunlight. As outdoor patios and decks become “living spaces” complete with top of the line furniture and decorative fireplaces and wet bars, there is a way to make these spaces “green” while also saving reasonable amounts of

“From my experience, people are green to

the extent it effects the green in their wallet. In other words, they

want energy efficient homes/additions

as long as there is an economic payback.


money doing so. The return on investment for creating ecologically-sound outdoor living spaces may not be as great as the ROI for doing so indoors, but it can impact the utility bill and the overall health of the global environment.

When choosing patio materials, stick with what’s natural, or what has been salvaged. Natural stone pavers, concrete pavers and even paving stones made from recycled materials (e.g. rubber) are great choices.

Patio furniture is slightly more complex, as there are many options that make great ecological sense, but which will be at a heightened cost. If budget is a concern, secondhand furniture is the best purchase one can make. Due to the exposure this furniture weathers year in and year out, it will be replaced regularly, and so buying a gently used, good quality set makes won-derful financial sense. Otherwise, furniture made from Forest Steward Council (FSC) certified wood guarantees that the harvest-ing practices were performed with high environmental integrity in areas that will be closely monitored for environmental degradation. There is also a plethora of

modern, sleek, and fun furniture manufac-tured by American and European coun-tries that are made from recycled and reclaimed materials. If there is indoor furniture awaiting discard or simply sitting unused in a recessed corner collecting dust, repurpose it for outdoor use. Make sure that it is lacquered or painted using all-weather materials so that it withstands the elements; however, it can breathe new life into an otherwise useless piece of furniture for practically no investment at all. Do stay away from Teak wood, though. Teak takes a lot of time to mature and has been overharvested for commercial use.

Water is vital in keeping outdoor spaces looking lush, but often at a high financial, and maintenance, cost. There are a few ways to combat this, many of which are simple. Downspouts and rain barrels that help to collect rainwater and runoff can be used to water plants and flowers without turning on the faucet. It’s nature’s way of literally raining money from the sky, money that will add up over the course of a season. Landscape architects are espe-cially adept at creating green solutions that look beautiful and stylish. Some homes make decorative drainage systems the fo-cal point of an avant-garde outdoor living space. Permeable paths made of gravel allow for water to seep into the decorative

ecycle, Reuse, Re-claimDemol-ishing a bath-room? Save

the tiles. Updating a foyer? Dust off the wall sconces and put them aside. Re-placing hallway flooring? Keep the wood that’s still in good condition. Remov-ing an outdated mirrored wall from the living room? Don’t throw the segments away just yet…a hammer and some glue will make it useful once again. Part of “greening” a house means reusing

perfectly viable materials that already exist in a home, or that come from other people’s renovations. For many, adding solar panels, buying new Energy Star appliances, or using all bamboo flooring isn’t a financial option, but cost savings can be immediate if one concentrates on using what’s already available. Habitat for Humanity is best known for building homes for people in need of well-built,

secure housing. The organiza-tion isn’t only in the service of providing homes, but they also sell the scraps from renovation to people look-

ing for reclaimed materials. 100% of the proceeds from these sales goes to philanthropic housing efforts and char-ity, so not only does purchasing from Habitat for Humanity reduce the carbon footprint, it helps to save buyers money while providing much-needed funds for those without a safe place for their fam-ily to live. Take it one step further, and

Downspouts and rain barrels that

help to collect rainwater and

runoff can be used to water plants and

flowers without turning on the

faucet.


borders and neighboring soil, nourish-ing plants while preventing run off water from flowing into the streets and causing storm drainage problems. Again, it’s about retaining what is given naturally so that it prevents unwanted runoff in areas that won’t benefit, i.e. the streets.

Related to issues of water use is vegeta-tion chosen for an outdoor space. It’s only logical that when trying to reduce one’s footprint on the planet, limit the need for resources, and saving money that low-maintenance plants be the best choice for outdoor living. They require less water, less attention, and some even have medici-nal properties (e.g. succulent aloe plants) that can be used as home remedies for nasty grilling burns and sunburns! Also, there’s no having to pay the neighborhood kid to water the flowers during vacation. In addition, plants and trees provide obvious shade. Instead of cutting down perfectly healthy trees which pose no structural threat to the house, consider leaving them to provide the perfect hammock posts, or to provide shade for the patio when it’s midday. Cutting down viable trees for a cleaner “sightline” doesn’t make the best financial sense sometimes, especially when the alternative is moving indoors to crank up the A.C. because there’s no natural cover on a sunny day. Keep the

soil for plants and shrubs rich by compost-ing food scraps. Again, it’s a free way to maximize the life of the soil and to save on often-toxic fertilizers. And if the thought of composting drudges up ideas of free-lovin’ music festivals, granola, and daisy bumper stickers, know that even the highest paid celebrities consider composting an im-portant part of their ecologically-friendly practice, and these individuals could af-ford to purchase a fertilizer plant, let alone a few bags every summer.

Floodlights consume a lot of energy, so consider a few alternatives; for instance, path-illuminating solar lights and other forms of solar-operated lighting. Decora-tive solar lighting has come a long way since its inception, and often produces a much more soothing glow than incandes-cent wavelengths. Another way to combat excessive light pollution and use is to install motion detectors. This prevents a constant stream of energy being needed to illuminate darker regions of the perimeter, turning on only when motion has been de-tected. Smart home technology allows for almost anything in the home to be turned on and off at the touch of a finger, even from across the globe. Going to a summer concert? Don’t bother to turn on the lights before leaving when the sun has yet to set. Wait until it’s dusk and take out a tablet to

turn said lights on when it’s dark enough to be needed. This saves energy and also helps to protect the house from thieves who may surmise that floodlights turned on at 4:00pm is for one reason: the owner isn’t going to be home until dark.

Greening a home is a comprehensive practice that takes into account the interior and exterior use. Is there a return on investment? Absolutely, especially as Energy Star rated appliances are added to the configuration and utility costs are slashed, both for the exteriors and interiors of a home. The savings are enhanced by building a home that has universal appeal, namely through design which allows for multiple generations to use the space comfortably and safely. As with any redesign or renovation, owners should be careful not to overly-personalize the space if resale value is a concern. As builders become more savvy about aging in place design, universal design, and greening however, these are options which future buyers will be hard-pressed to live without, for these standards will become ubiquitous in homebuilding, and will be found to maximize savings and the use of a property over time. NH

consider that using reclaimed building materials saves on fuel costs, as well. Without the need to harvest, manufac-ture, and transport items such as lumber, the demand for fuel is diminished. Even driving to a local home goods store is an expenditure of gasoline, and though it might seem minimal to drive down the block, the amount of energy needed to harvest new wood is quite extensive. Recycling and reclaiming materials also has a social impact. Living in an era when the atrocities of labor abuse is unearthed every minute by media resources across the globe, it makes sense that people feel uncomfortable using new materials that have hurt the planet, its people, or which don’t possess

the social (and structural) integrity of its predecessors. Even appliances can be bought directly from manufacturers for less. Want a SubZero? Find a used one in good condition from someone locally instead of paying premium retail and delivery prices. Looking for a copper sink or unique hutch? Go antiquing and barter for the best possible deal. Sometimes, the most beautiful pieces are those handmade in the past, when artistic integrity was found in even the simplest of household items.

Green building is catching on in the building trades. McGraw-Hill Construc-tion predicts that 20% of residential construction and 25% of commercial

and institutional building will be green this year. There’s a stringent certification process for a forest to be considered sus-tainably harvested, and the Forest Stew-ardship Council (FSC) is responsible for enforcing the criteria for certificate hold-ers. Sustainable harvesting means that practices won’t negatively impact future generations by exhausting the long-term productivity of the material. Social, economic, and environmental factors are all considered. FSC-certified wood is the most popularly-demanded material in the McGraw-Hill database for over 60,000 projects, outnumbering requests for all other energy efficient products, including those by EnergyStar.


New Kitchen Trends For The New Year

www.greaterpittsburghnewhome.com

MARRYING STYLE WITH

SMARTS

A s a child, I marveled at the way my peers were allowed to “hang out” in their par-ent’s dining room. I couldn’t compre-hend how this was allowable: my own

grandmother had been on the local evening news because she commissioned an artist to hand-carve the border of her din-ing room area rug (over which many meals were barely eaten so as to not stain the cream fibers). And yet, my friends would nonchalantly bring bowls of macaroni and cheese, or roast beef leftovers and handfuls of Doritos into the area deemed “sacra saint” in my home. Clearly, these families had missed the memo: kitchens were for cooking, eating, playing Chinese Checkers, taking phone calls, arguing about turkey carving (or anything else, for that matter), hiding candy on the top shelf so as not to spoil dinner, opening acceptance letters and thank you notes, and storing sweaters in the second oven. Kitchens were where all of life’s business happened, and where parties congregated (despite the fact that over ten hours of decorating and cleaning were spent on the “living areas”). What were din-ing rooms for anyway, except for holidays and being told not to walk on the freshly vacuumed rugs? Today, it seems even more appropriate that the design and household appliance industries focus heavily on this irrevocable shift. Despite the fact that most homes still have traditional dining rooms, the emphasis has shifted towards the kitchen, which in many ways, is the true heart of a home.

Because many homeowners are knocking down walls to make space for a variety of other modern needs, it makes sense that designers and homeowners want to make the kitchen as visu-ally appealing as it is functional.

23


“Paint it Black”Though probably not wise to turn to classic rock legends for design advice, Sir Mick Jagger had something right: sometimes, you just want to paint it black. This might seem counter-intuitive. Most people’s automatic assumption when repainting a kitchen space is that it has to be neutral or “clean and bright.” Not so. Neutrals can certainly be incorporated for a unique, stunning look (Yes! Neutrals can be eye-catching…more on that later), but it is essential that we lose the fear of color in the kitchen. The re-emergence of vintage-style kitchens of 1950’s blues, pinks, and yellows abound in savvy households throughout the country, and this is a wonderful opportunity to turn

an outdated kitchen into a statement. If you can’t beat’em, join’em, is the mental-ity here, and it has been winning lots of fans and followers as new homeowners find themselves in a difficult economy and a pea-green kitchen with not much left to spend on frivolity or kitchen vanity. If enhancing the vintage uniqueness of a kitchen is a non-option, darker tones or brighter colors are wonderful alternative options. Once reserved only for design competitions or custom-kitchens, this is a trend that’s most likely here to stay because it has caught on with DIYers and traditional lay audiences alike.

There are usually three colors that design-ers will employ when designing a kitchen. Proportionally speaking, much of the kitchen will consist of an anchor shade, a secondary color, and lastly, an accent color used sparingly for a splash of differentia-tion. These colors can just as easily be three different neutrals, or bright colors. It is best to remember, however, that counter-tops and worktops are considered a color as well, which means that if a kitchen island’s cabinetry is painted black and the rest of the cabinetry a bright, blue-based red, the aluminum countertops are the third color. They all work together to make a cohesive whole which needn’t be “boring,” but which must not accost the eye of the be-

Regardless of what color combinations chosen, remember this cardinal rule: colors will make no

difference if the lighting isn’t right.


holder. If the countertops closely mimic the anchor color or the secondary color, then a bright tertiary color (e.g. turquoise or persimmon) would add some interest to an otherwise sleepy combination. An of-ten overlooked way to add much-needed color to a kitchen is bar stools. These are items that can be replaced or refinished/repainted in a few years’ time if trends or preferences change, so it’s worth it to take a chance on them since they can add a much-needed kick of color without the permanency of new cabinets or backsplashes. And don’t underestimate the punch that wood can make. With all of the graining and staining options out there these days, mixing different stains

in a design-conscious way can make a beautiful impact and lend an air of organic modernity to any home.

If looking for the drama of a mono-chrome kitchen, be sure to play with different shades of the same color. An all-white kitchen isn’t usually what it seems to be. Usually, designers playing with monochrome use varying shades of white and cream, tricking the eye into believing it’s monochrome when keeping visual dimension through the use of some darker, and some lighter, shades. Greys are becoming increasingly popular for this look, as well, and it’s easy to incorporate different tones and shades being that me-tallic appliances and accents like chairs, hoods, and light fixtures are also their own special shade of grey. Black makes a great secondary anchor color in these situa-tions, and for tertiary accent color in a grey kitchen, acid yellows, oranges, reds, and even a true blue can be very appealing. The secret is relegating this tertiary color in a seemingly “monochrome” kitchen to only one or two places (i.e. a pantry door and a kitchen rug in lemon rind yellow, or interior cabinet walls and a decorative bowl on the kitchen table in flame orange).

Regardless of what color combinations chosen, remember this cardinal rule: colors will make no difference if the lighting isn’t right. It only makes sense that if you’re going darker, more lighting may have to be added to offset the loss of brightness. No one wants to compromise visibility while

they’re slicing, chopping, or stirring, or feel like they’re hiding out in a cave. Dark col-ors create a mood, for sure, but they must be supported by lighting which do their modernity justice.

Speaking of walls, there has been a shift in backsplash preference, and much of it has to do with the elimination of glass tile mosaics and the introduction of more industrial, contemporary looking tiles and traditional glass slabs. Glass mosaics have been used heavily for over a decade, and many homeowners today are looking for more industrial-inspired kitchens that portray a feeling of simplicity and do away with fussiness or overly-complex wall décor that detracts from the beauty of their new appliances or the expert graining of the wood accents and floors. Many designers have inspired homeowners to use tile for the entire kitchen wall, sometimes incorpo-rating undulating glass textures to give an almost three- dimensional appearance.

If tiled walls seem too modern, Carerra marble offers a much more traditional feel without sacrificing up-to-date style. It can-

not be emphasized enough that even the smallest of kitchens will look astoundingly brighter and fresher by covering the walls in natural stone. If using Carerra marble, nickel fixtures and stainless steel appli-ances highlight the grey veining in this classic white stone from Italy. This isn’t only a viable option for smaller cooking spaces, but in terms of material costs, it’s also less cost-prohibitive in a tighter space simply because there is less wall to cover. Other stone tiles to consider are travertine, slate, and limestone.

As long as it’s properly sealed, wallpaper adds drama, interest, and a lot of texture to kitchen walls. It’s a way to implement creative design


outside of china patterns. It’s completely on trend, and being used for modern homes, traditional homes, and transitional homes alike. If painting walls, one eye-catching color isn’t enough impact for a homeowner, wallpaper is an ideal solution. Many manufacturers are taking wallpaper to a new level by not trying to be demure about its contribution. Color and distinct designs draw the eye to the walls where the viewer feels an instant levity and sense of joy in the most important room of a house. Some designs are vintage or retro, like those from Stark, a manufacturer of washable vinyl wallpaper for sophisticated tastes. Other kitchen wallpaper choices are markedly traditional, like toile in black or blue, or hand-painted florals and vegetal designs that aren’t reminiscent of Victorian dining rooms. And for the wilder design-conscious owner, animal print lends a dramatic punch, especially when added to Lucite furniture, bright accent colors, and contemporary artwork. Again, be sure that the paper chosen is sealed so that grease, stains, and scents do not adhere.

Corrugated metal used to be a functional choice for farm roofing and industrial storage bins, but these days, a shiny, cor-rugated metal wall covering in the kitchen is a direct homage to country kitchens throughout America. The metal comes in sheets and is impervious to splashed liquid or food. Despite the look, corrugated metal is very lightweight, and if interested in using recycled materials, corrugated metal is a unique choice for someone unafraid to make a design statement.

A Cook’s Burning DesirePresident of National Kitchen & Bath As-sociation, John Petrie, CKD, is particular when it comes to splurging on the newest appliance trends. According to Petrie, the most money should be spent on appliances that will be used the most often. For some people, this means concentrating on ranges or cooktops; for others, this means paying to hide appliances behind beautifully-designed, subtle cabinetry. Sometimes, it makes the most sense to spend more on cooling and refrigeration, whether it is for food or beverages, and other times it’s about designing a layout that’s better for entertaining than it is actual cooking.

RangesPetrie suggests that for die hard cooks who spend the majority of their time making foods from scratch (versus steam-in-the-bag frozen veggies), trying new recipes, or making their grandmother’s sauce, the budget should first include a top of the line range. If, however, this is not an entire kitchen overhaul and it’s just an upgrade or “face lift,” measure, measure, and measure once more to make sure that a six-burner range will fit into the space of the old range. Most six-burners are wider than traditional ranges, and will inevitably cost $2,000 or more than its conventional 30-inch counterpart. If money poses a problem but a good range is vital, opt for a 30-inch range with a power burner that will quickly produce intense heat.

If gas isn’t an option, an induction cook-top is worth the money because it gives

a cook more control over the heating process. Magnetic heat (induction) allows for prompt temperature fluctuation and can take food from a simmer to a sear in moments. Hybrid models are available, too, which could produce cost savings if induc-tion tops are prohibitive for a tight budget. These cooktops have two induction burners and two standard electric burners, and op-tions abound from respected manufacturers like Frigidaire, Samsung, Electrolux, and LG.

All of that cooking on state-of-the-art resi-dential ranges will require a wonderfully efficient ventilation hood to direct steam, smoke, and smells. Luckily, Zephyr has the answer to a cook’s prayers: the Siena Pro chimney hood. Zephyr is a respected manufacturer of range hoods that bring professional-grade quality into a residential kitchen. Typically, industrial hoods cost more than a homeowner can spend, but for those who need professional performance on a budget, the San Francisco-based company produced the Siena Pro to bring great style, modern technology and a 1,200 CFM blower at a reasonable price. The steel hood canopy holds two halogen lights and dishwasher-safe, industrial-grade baffle filters (a clean filter indicator light will let owners know when the filters are ready to be washed). For those entertaining or who have to walk away from the range to tend to other matters, there is a five-minute automatic shut-off option, too.

If linear, sleek hoods are too modern for a kitchen space, there are a plethora of other decorative options that will either hide hoods, or accentuate their unique features. Recycled oak floorboards can be used to panel the entire front of a steel hood, which brings an organic feel to a neutral kitchen with dramatic white tiling. Zinc hoods give a very rustic feel to an industrial kitchen with oversized appliances, and if a hood is not to be a focal point, it’s becoming common to hide them behind aesthetically-pleasing archways. If plaster hoods or plain hood paneling is leaving much to be desired, custom-made iron designs or intri-cate tile work can make them art, versus an eye sore. Regardless of whether they stand alone or attached to a kitchen wall, hoods have come a long way from clunky neces-sities (and they are necessities if a range has an integral grill, burners, or a griddle).


They’re now de-signed with a focus on beauty and lend unprecedented functionality and professional-grade quality to the typical residential kitchen.

Cool OffWhether it’s a ma-jor kitchen renova-tion, a new home, or a simple swap of old appliances for new, refrigerators pose a variety of options for every family’s needs, whether it be ca-pacity, style, or system control. Before get-ting swept away with the oddly luxurious design of modern refrigerators—they bear absolutely no resemblance to the clunky, Parcheesi board colored fridges of the 70’s—make a list of what your needs are. The “general thoughts” about refrigerator capacity needs are pretty logical: a family of four will most likely need more stor-age capacity than a singleton who eats out

three times a week. But! With the advent of a cooking Renaissance, including the slow cooking revolution and the exhaustive list of seasonal chef competitions and cooking shows that specialize in everything from cooking for homegrown exotic rices to free-range, country French fowl on a budget, be forewarned that old generalizations might not apply. It’s much more common these days to find a couple or a single profession-al who entertains a lot and who requires lots of space for beverages, specialty foods, and catering leftovers. In that case, it would make more sense to purchase

based on size, whereas a family who is on the go and never home to cook would probably need less capacity than families who stayed in to eat.

An integrated refrig-erator is becoming the norm d’rigeur for new kitchens. Wood paneling handsomely disguises double refrigerator doors, and helps cooling units blend with surround-ing cabinets. For those

in love with the resurgence of retro-style appliances, Northstar makes double-door and single door refrigerators in splashy, retro colors and authentic hardware that is unmistakably chic. For ranges that coordi-nate, try La Cornue, Bertazzoni, or Aga.

It’s possible, however, that the most im-portant thing for a buyer to consider is the placement of the refrigeration and freez-ing units. For someone who rarely uses the freezer, keeping refrigeration space


at trunk height and the freezer below is a more efficient use of space. For the typical, French door, 22-cubic-foot model, buyers can expect to spend around $2,000. If this doesn’t work within budget, major manu-facturers make bottom-mount refrigerators that have a single refrigerator door and the freezer compartment still located below. These models usually run for $1,100.

Cost will inevitably be higher when bells and whistles are involved, such as on-door controls, dual refrigeration or energy ef-ficiency standards. Remember, however, that it may not be worth the expenditure if those areas aren’t where a buyer’s needs lie. Refrigeration needs might not always center around one refrigeration unit, either. It’s possible that wine refrigeration storage and refrigerated drawers will be necessary as well.

“Beverage centers” aren’t just for wine storage anymore. It’s common for sodas, mixers, and beer to be as meticulously cooled and organized as other spirits. Re-frigeration drawers for easy access to veg-gies and fruits while cooking is definitely a custom accoutrement, but it will make a cook with a broad budget very happy in-deed. As refrigerated drawers become more popular, their warming drawer counterparts are becoming less so. With all of the steam-ing and warming options on modern ovens and microwaves, it’s becoming an obsolete need to devote space in the kitchen to keeping food hot.

OvensAgain, the first thing to consider when pur-chasing an oven is if it’s for an experienced cook or not. It seems the obvious answer to buy the most expensive oven that the budget allows, but remember that it’s not just about the price tag. Utilities also play a part in the overall cost of using an appli-ance over time. Convection ovens require more heat, but they distribute heat evenly

throughout the food item. Whether vertical-ly aligned or horizontally, the more ovens, the more convenient for those who often bake, broil, or roast. It’s very common to find cookware that goes from stove to oven, so side by side ovens may be the easiest on the body: once at a certain height, the chef need only to move horizontally back and forth, versus stand up and bend down repeatedly to check on both ovens while cooking. If purchasing only a range oven (36” ranges make popular choices because they provide more baking space than a 30”), consider a microwave-oven hybrid. Miele makes a speed oven which serves as a microwave and a convection oven. Steam ovens are also fabulous options in addition to a range oven: they steam food and also cook using convection heat, if preferred.

Perhaps the most sought after appliance these days might be a little surprising: built-in-coffee machines. They save space by fitting into the wall, and are easily hooked up to the existing water supply.

If there are smaller appliances that cause an aesthetic distraction, bi-fold doors on tracks open to hide appliances behind their panels, and keep the kitchen looking more like a room instead of a preparatory table. It’s also a wonderful way to keep cords out of the way and flying food and liquid off of

the appliances, cutting down on cleaning time.

Two appliances that probably won’t pose a problem anymore are trash compactors and instant hot water components: both were left by the wayside during the advent of neighborhood recycling collection and energy costs (instant hot water is an energy drain). These are two items which also have a bad reputation for breaking often.

Lastly, what to do with a kitchen that has been well-used? Clean it as quickly as possible with as little effort as possible, of course. Most owners choose noise reduc-tion options, and though it may add cost, it makes a world of difference when the living space is nearby and a loud dishwasher masks the television or sound system. Lower end models most likely won’t have the noise reduction options, nor will they have energy efficiency options, or hid-den buttons. If washing multiple loads of dishes at once, consider two dishwashers or a dishwasher and a dishwasher drawer: they’re perfect for entertaining and dismiss the need to bend over to place dishes and stemware. They also use less water, so utilities are saved when only a small load needs to be washed.

All new kitchen trends focus on one thing: making life easier for the cook in the kitchen, whether that cook calls in takeout, throws parties, or cooks for a family of six on a regular basis. Manufacturers have cre-ated options for every lifestyle, budget, and kitchen style. The future of kitchen renova-tion and trend seems to be the intersection of taste and ease of use, with a lot of per-sonality thrown into the mix, in whatever proportion the recipe calls for. NH

If purchasing only a range oven (36” ranges make popular choices because they provide more baking space than a 30”), consider a microwave-oven hybrid. Miele makes a speed oven which serves as a microwave and a convection oven.


B u i l d e r P r o f i l e

KACIN COMPANIES

One of Pittsburgh’s more enduring

contractors, Kacin Companies, got its start by

taking advantage of an opportunity to detour from

the founder’s plan. A. Richard Kacin was planning

a career in architecture and says that good fortune

turned a slight detour into a successful business.

Of course, like most success stories, Kacin’s also

included a good measure of vision and flexibility

along the way

Success in building new homes depends

on an almost obsessive attention to

detail. Perhaps that is why it is difficult

for homebuilders to look to the horizon

and keep ahead of trends that may be

developing in the marketplace. During the past

half century, the economy of Western PA has given

the residential construction markets plenty of

curveballs that have scuttled many a homebuilding

business. Richard Kacin has thrived over the years

by adapting his company to changes he and his

management team have foreseen, and by sticking to

his basic principles throughout.


“It’s instilled from the top to the bot-tom, the kind of quality we expect in our homes. When Richard walks through a home he’s not looking at what’s done right,” jokes Bruce Corna, vice president and long-time associate of Kacin’s. “If our people see a guy doing something the wrong way on a site they say ‘you know that’s not right – straighten it out’.”

Providing quality craftsman-ship and authentic architecture is the way Richard Kacin believes he can differentiate his company from other build-ers. Kacin believes that buyers are looking for something in a home that they can’t find in just any home. They look for something distinctive. That’s not a surprising attitude for a builder whose roots are in design.

“I had been accepted to Penn State’s school of architecture [in 1960]. I was working part-time to get ready to go off to school and was doing drafting and site engineering – plotting home sites and designing the homes as well,” Kacin recalls. “We had a neighbor who wanted to build a new home who came to my dad – he would occasionally help friends build their homes. My dad wasn’t interested but said ‘why don’t you get Richard to help you?’ I went about the business of drawing their plans – which we still have here – and then I got bids on ev-erything. We never did have a contract. We

just sort of shook hands and they agreed to pay the bills.”

Construction started on Good Friday of 1960, just a couple months shy of Kacin’s 20th birthday. He performed the general labor on the project and managed the sub-contractors. The experience didn’t bring him a handsome profit but Kacin noted that the money he made on his first home

wasn’t much less than the salary a degreed archi-tect could expect to command for the same period of time. As the project was wrap-ping up, he put a sign out in front that announced the home was built by A. R. Kacin Jr. To his delight, he started four more new homes before the year was out.

“There were prospects for new homes that knew the family and it was a trust situation; they trusted that I knew what I was doing or had the support to do what was needed to build people’s homes,” he explains. “There were suppliers who knew my family and were willing to provide the materials I needed. That was key. We’ve maintained that over the years.”

That formative experience made Kacin a believer in the value of building long-last-

ing relationships. Very few builders – or business people of all kinds – are going to say that they don’t care about relationships with customers or that they are not focused on service. In the case of Kacin Compa-nies, the proof is in the decisions that have been made over the years that demonstrate that Richard Kacin and his team are will-ing to make customers happy first rather than worrying about his business.

Kacin ran the operations for a few years with help from his wife until he began building a staff. The company now employs 28 people – including the first person he ever hired – and has become quite diversified in its business but during that first decade or so, A. R. Kacin stuck fairly close to home, in the east suburbs. The large industrial employers at the time – U. S. Steel, Westinghouse, ALCOA and the like – built research centers in the east area and were regularly moving employees in and out of Pittsburgh. That provided a steady stream of ‘move-up’ prospects for new construction in the Monroeville, Plum and Murrysville area and Kacin thrived in

that market.

“The majority of our custom-ers were mid-level man-agement from U. S. Steel, Westinghouse or ALCOA,” Kacin recalls. “We did a lot of homes for people where we did their entry-level home, their second and their third home. Westinghouse would move [our customers] out-of-town and we would build a second home for them when they moved back.”

During that period of expan-sion in 1976, Bruce Corna

approached Kacin about working with him. Corna was a lender for a small community bank at the time and had worked with A. R. Kacin. He had inspected homes under construction for progress payment approv-als and liked what he saw in Kacin’s team. Although Richard Kacin questioned his sanity (“I said you have a good job. Why do you want to go into construction?”), Corna felt that the fit was perfect.

“I told Richard, you guys make it look like it’s a lot of fun,” he says.


The addition of a profes-sional with a different background and perspec-tive was probably helpful as the 1970’s wound down and the economy took a decided turn for the worse. Rust Belt manu-facturers were about to face a keen challenge to their survival, a test not all would pass. The corporate relocations dwindled and middle management was hit hard by the recession in 1979. The impact on Richard Kacin’s business was significant.

“In 1979 we built several custom homes and got rid of all our specs,” recalls Corna. “That’s when the interest rates shot up to 20 percent in no time at all,” Kacin adds. “We had three spec homes and we bailed out of them because we thought this could be bad.”

Instead of hunkering down to survive the storm, Kacin Companies chose to look for an advantage in the troubled markets and found opportunities in the govern-ment’s response to the suppressed demand

for new homes. While little could be done to combat the job losses, there were programs implemented to combat the high interest rates that killed the mortgage business. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) sought to stimulate the housing market and bank-ing by selling below-market rate bonds, which allowed developers and builders to offer mortgage rates to buy-ers that were three or four

percent below the prevailing lending rates. Kacin Companies seized that opportunity and retooled its designs to offer a more affordable style of home to a different kind of buyer.

“We started Delwood Homes in 1979 and built more of an entry-level home,” says Corna. “Then we secured a lot of the bond money the state was selling through PHFA. We were the second largest bond buyer in Pennsylvania after Ryan Homes in 1980. The bond rate was 14.5 percent and people thought that was a deal.”

Corna explains that they maximized the value of the materials used in the homes



Left to Right: Bruce Corna, Richard Kacin, Jason Corna, and Jeff Ferris

Providing quality craftsmanship and authentic architecture is the way Richard Kacin believes he can differentiate his company from other builders.


and built them in roughly one month, including full basements. They also worked to squeeze as much as possible from the layout. “Richard designed a really beauti-ful but efficient home for that entry-level buyer,” he says. Kacin branded the designs as Optimum Value Engineered homes. Del-wood Homes sold the homes for $40,000 to $50,000 and while they made less money on a given home, the approach they took created a big surge in demand. The number of homes Kacin Companies built tripled, peaking at 108 homes per year until economic conditions stabilized.

Another opportunity that presented itself for diversification was commercial con-struction. Many of Kacin’s customers over the years were business owners who began to ask him to help with their business’s projects. At the same time the industrial parks in Westmoreland County began to attract new companies. While Kacin Commercial Construction has built as large as 500,000 square foot buildings, the company prospered from building 20,000 to 100,000 square foot industrial buildings. Later, Kacin developed a niche in the car dealership re-branding and new dealer-ship sector, building for Watson, Smail, Cochran, Shorkey and Day. And over the years they built many King’s Restaurants, churches, banks, office, and specialty structures.Having worked with Kacin Companies while attending high school and college, Jeff Ferris, Vice President of Kacin Commercial, directs all of the com-mercial construction projects, moving the projects from conceptual stages through finished construction.

Richard Kacin’s first love remained the design and construction of custom homes. As that market returned when Western PA began to recover from the steel industry’s exodus in the 1990’s, the competition for buyers had increased. The depressed market of the 1980’s opened the door for production-oriented builders to get a stronger foothold in the Pittsburgh market and even in Kacin’s backyard, profits were smaller on the typical suburban new home. Again, the team at Kacin Companies felt that a shift in focus was needed.

As they searched for an underserved niche in residential construction, Kacin

and Corna took note that there was a quiet but growing trend of people moving back into the city. This ‘New Urbanism’ had sparked major development in many big cities. Pittsburgh wasn’t being seen as a city attracting new residents but there were developments being planned. Kacin Com-panies had the chance to be involved in one such project, the massive Summerset at Frick Park being developed on a former mill waste site above Nine Mile Run east of the Squirrel Hill Tunnels. Kacin saw a need for new products to be offered to this new urban buyer and felt that the Summer-set community could be the niche that his company could fill.

While Summerset was a few years ahead of the curve on the new urban movement that would be obvious in Pittsburgh by 2007, the project caught the wave at the right moment. Kacin worked with architect Bradley Shapiro (then with Looney Ricks Kiss Architecture) to come up with tradi-tional designs that would suit the lifestyle


As that market returned when Western PA began to recover from the steel industry’s exodus in the 1990’s, the competition for buyers had increased.


needs of the new urban buyer, focusing on the mid-market cottage home style. Kacin Companies had more than 30 lots as one of

three builders work-ing in the commu-nity. The first phase of Summerset was set up as a lottery and everything sold out in less than two hours. Summerset’s later phases have been equally suc-cessful.

The lifestyle community focus has become the niche that Kacin looked for to diversify and serve an underserved customer. Over the last half decade, Kacin built communi-ties that meet the lifestyle needs of another growing demographic group, the empty nester. They developed communities of condominium-attached homes in Jefferson Hills in Allegheny County and in Hemp-field Township in Greensburg.

Kacin’s main project over the past few years is something of a culmination of their lifestyle focus. In 2010, the company kicked off its most ambitious work, the development of a former brownfield steel mill into the Edgewater at Oakmont com-munity. The $125 million project involves 241 units of single-family attached and detached homes for sale, apartments and about 35,000 square feet of commercial space, which is designed to replicate the existing office and retail of Oakmont’s Al-legheny River Boulevard.

When the opportunity arose to pursue the project, Kacin Companies approached the project in the same manner that has characterized its business model over the years. When the RIDC issued the request for proposal, Kacin teamed up with EQA Landmark Properties – one of the devel-opers of Summerset – and created a plan that focused on market demands and the surrounding community. Kacin’s proposal was one of nine and it was ultimately suc-cessful even though they offered neither the highest bid nor the most units of hous-ing. Instead, Kacin Companies focused on making the project work as an extension of Oakmont’s existing neighborhoods and the borough’s mixed-use plan. In the end, it was the best concept for the property

“It will look like it was always there. We sort of worked backwards from [Oak-mont’s] mixed-use ordinance,” explains Kacin. “We looked at the land and with the experience we had from Summerset, were sensitive to what the customers wanted for an urban community.”


The response to the concept had validated the planning that went into the project. During one of the worst housing environments in decades, Edgewater has experienced brisk sales and the project is on a pace to finish a couple years ahead of schedule.


The response to the concept had validated the planning that went into the project. Dur-ing one of the worst housing environments in decades, Edgewater has experienced brisk sales and the project is on a pace to finish a couple years ahead of schedule. Sales have been so brisk, in fact, that ap-praisers have been excluding them from comparable home research as an anomaly.

From a suburban scattered lot custom builder, to a tract builder for first-time buy-ers, to one of Pittsburgh’s premier urban lifestyle builders, Kacin Companies has changed its approach to construction as the market has dictated. The desire to diversify their business – which has helped them ride out the cycles – pushed them to build commercial projects, invest in commercial real estate and in 2012, to launch their own brokerage business called Edgewater Realty. Richard Kacin says that they listen to customers and do as much research as possible but often their instincts have been the compass for the company.

“A lot of it is just guts,” he jokes. “We look at this as a business and we anticipate what

the market wants. There have been some things we’ve missed but fortunately not too many.”

Some 53 years into a career detour, Richard Kacin is showing no signs of riding off into the sunset. He says the company is actively planning for the transition in manage-ment but it’s clear the founder is still very engaged day-to-day.

“We’ve all been here a long time together. We’re evolving now because we have some really good young people,” Kacin says. “This is a transition but the things we value are still the same.”

Value is woven throughout the fabric of the business at Kacin Companies. From the outset in 1960, Kacin has put a high value on the relationships he’s had with suppliers and subcontractors; and he’s also relied on the many relationships he’s built through the years as sources of repeat clients. The company also works to add value to every home they build; in fact, one of their mottos is ‘Value Today…Value Tomorrow.’

“It’s always been about the relationships and being a one-stop, single source of responsibility for our customers,” says Ka-cin. “Western Pennsylvania buyers expect a lot of value when they buy and whenever they sell their home they expect that value to still be there.”

Jason Corna – Bruce’s son – is one of the talented younger people of which Richard Kacin speaks. He’s grown up in the busi-ness and sees the benefit from taking a long-term value approach.

“A lot of our customers know they won’t have much work to do when they come to us. Our buyers know what they want and that’s quality,” he says. “Our stan-dards start about three levels up from the production builders and then we go up from there. You can go on Multi-List today in the eastern suburbs to a home we built 25 years ago and it’s listed as a Kacin-built home. That’s going to sell the home faster and it generally brings a bit better price.” NH

800.382.9967 412.621.4700 SHADYSIDE, PA SHOPATFEATHERS.COM



P r o j e c t P r o f i l e

If it’s maintenance-free living you want without sacrificing space and style, The Village at Stonegate may just be the answer. This new development from builder Ray Snoznik, R.A. Snoznik Construction, Inc., lies amid the verdant hills of Penn Township, Westmoreland County. Here, luxury meets laid back lifestyle where

down-sized maintenance responsibilities exist without downsized living space. Located just off Route 130 in Harrison City with easy access to major roadways such as Routes 30, 22 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, The Village at Stonegate boasts geographic desirability, but that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

The Village at Stonegate

Building A Dream Through Quality and

Customer Service


R.A. Snoznik Construction, Inc., Mur-rysville, Pa., established in 1980 by its president, Ray Snoznik, has long built custom homes primarily in Allegheny, Butler and Westmoreland counties in such plans as The Estates at Timbercrest in Unity Township and Northpointe in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, and townhouses in Sarver, Butler County, among many others.

Begun in 2007, the Stonegate project was unique in that Snoznik served as not only the builder but also the developer. “We were approached by the landowners with whom we had a good working relationship in the past,” explained Snoznik. “They didn’t want to develop the land, so we proceeded as a joint venture, paying them as we sold the lots.” The 42-condominium ownership plan features “row” or vertical homes, some as duplexes and triplexes

while others are quads with the properties listed through Prudential Preferred Realty, Helene Nseir, plan coordinator. Having worked with Snoznik in other construction communities, Nseir was again tapped to market the Village at Stonegate properties due to their past professional relationship. What attracts clients to the plan, accord-ing to Snoznik, is the homeowner’s desire to eliminate outdoor care and upkeep of a large, single family home. “In essence, we’re downsizing the maintenance without

downsizing the living space.” With 50 percent of the condos sold, all evidence points to the demand for this stress-free living. “Clients are also attracted to the plan because the location is ideal,” Nseir added. “For those who work, there is easy access to points east and west.” She is quick to note, too, that Stonegate is not an over-55 community. Typical clients range from singles to retired couples, empty nesters, and some families; all affluent buyers. “The condos are spacious enough to raise a family,” she continued. “There are no limitations here.” Some of those conveniences include close proximity to primary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, recreational areas, shop-ping, churches, restaurants and more.

The luxury condos range in size with the smallest at 2,500 to 2,800 square feet, all above grade. Others feature below grade




“We started with a traditional design incorporating European flair featuring maple cabinetry,

granite countertops, custom built-ins, walk-in pantries,

crown molding and even wine cellars,” he said. “Now, we opt

for a more transitional look with the ability to customize

even further with amenities such as oversized showers, unique

outdoor living areas with courtyards, outdoor fireplaces,

media rooms and more.”

basements with greater space, some up to 4,000 square feet. “Initially, four pre-priced floor plans are offered starting at a range of $324,900 to $356,000 with the ability for custom-ization such as enlarging a dining room or eliminating it altogether,” Snoznik continued. “We started with a traditional design incorporating European flair featuring maple cabinetry, granite countertops, custom built-ins, walk-in pantries, crown molding and even wine cellars,” he said. “Now, we opt for a more transitional look with the ability to customize even further with amenities such as oversized showers, unique outdoor living areas with courtyards, outdoor fireplaces, media rooms and more.” Nseir elaborated that the homes are also energy ef-ficient, with radiant heat and/or forced air furnace heat, making it “very efficient, reducing utility bills.” Home Owner-ship Association fees of $150 include maintenance from the

outside walls of the condo in this quiet, lantern community, a touch that “makes the whole neighborhood shine.” Financ-ing for the project was done through Enterprise Bank out of Allison Park, with total costs for the Stonegate project, including the land, tallying upward to $2 million. Dallas Leonard, Direc-tor of Community Development for Penn Township, views the Village at Stonegate project as yet another boon for the area. “We offer reasonable taxes, top public safety and boast a school district rated in the top 5 percent in Pennsylvania along with being one of the most cost effective school districts.” He added that Stonegate is certainly an asset to the area as “the only upscale plan that’s in a zoning scheme that allows multiple dwellings in one build-ing, but there is open space for yards and walking paths.” In fact, the township has just completed a draft of a new zon-ing scheme to provide similar development opportunities.


“It’s a concept we welcome,” Leonard said. “Stonegate brought this kind of opportu-nity to our attention.” Nseir believes that Snoznik has done a great job. “Stonegate opened in one of the worst times for new construction, but (interest) never really slowed down.” Now, with ‘cheap money’ prompting sales, the pent-up desire for new construction has spurred action, “so we keep taking lot deposits for the Stonegate project.”

Among the first to purchase a condo home at Stonegate was consultant and retired business executive, Paul Steiman and his wife, Mary. “We were looking to find a new home that offered reduced mainte-nance in terms of the outside element,” Steiman noted. “That was key in our decision making.” Early in their discus-sions with Snoznik, they felt very positive about the work he had done elsewhere along with the quality of the product. “He was easy to work with and very forthcom-ing with ideas,” Steiman added. “As the second folks to move into the develop-ment, there was no model, our home was built from blue prints. He had the design for what he was starting to build and was very accommodating in terms of providing a way to tailor our home to our needs and interests.” The Steimans selected their lot and location, one that overlooked the Penn Township Municipal Park making for “quite a nice view, one that is enjoyable.” And while downsizing space was also in their initial thoughts as they were leaving their 3,300 square foot Monroeville home, the new condo came close to 4,000 square feet with its finished basement used for entertaining friends and family. Today, Steiman sees their growing neighborhood as a compatible community and a ‘great place to be.’ “Not only are we still very impressed and satisfied, visitors to our home are equally impressed. We can’t say enough about the positive experience and how everyone was oriented toward quality. What he (Ray) has built is what he stands behind.” Nseir also views the Village at Stonegate as a very comfortable communi-ty, one that’s “built by the clients, many of whom have developed friendships. For as young as the community is, it’s a tight-knit community with a nice mix (of people).”

Stonegate has the added advantage of nestling in close proximity to the Penn Township Municipal Park, comprised of walking and jogging trails; baseball/foot-ball/soccer fields; batting cages; basket-ball courts; picnic pavilions, permanent restrooms and much more. An additional 17 acres adjacent to the park is under development to include more walking trails, a new dog park with a pavilion, and an enlarged pond. With the park serving as a backdrop for Stonegate, Snoznik is donating a bridge to link the access trail from the plan to the park so residents can easily pursue recreational and fitness activities.

It’s All About Customer ServiceSnoznik describes himself as being “in-troduced into construction” at the tender age of 21. Eventually, he established his construction company, saying the business is in his blood, “otherwise, you couldn’t enjoy it [the construction busi-ness] and I continue to do so.” According to his staff, that fact is self-evident. “We have a great team with the added value of a great builder,” said Kelly Gon-dosh, customer service manager for the company. “Everyone wants to be Ray’s friend. He strives to help customers build a stress-free home and he is talented at getting the best product for the best price.” Which explains Snoznik’s passion for customer service and his inclusion in a program known nationally as Values That Matter™. (See sidebar) Gondosh, who has been with the company for eight years, oversees the customer service program, one that is very detailed thanks to extensive market research and commit-ment to quality. After a pre-settlement walk-through (a 45-day home review), the client is contacted to ensure that all is going as planned. A 12-month home review ensues, but contact may come sooner as emergencies arise on a case-by-case basis. There is also the opportunity to communicate on-line. “Additionally, our clients can simply call us,” Gondosh stated. “I do answer my phone and make return calls. There are a lot of people with particular needs, so we tend to those needs and address them.” At the closing, the warranty program is reviewed with a


Values That Matter™

Snoznik has teamed with three area builders to join “Values That Matter™, a program focusing on today’s considerations in home

building. R.A. Snoznik Construc-tion, Inc., along with Paragon Homes, Eddy Homes and Signature Homes came together through a national group of like builders to address the desires and values of contemporary home buyers. As a benefit, these home builders enjoy exclusive access to the premium home plan collec-tion for southwestern Pennsylvania. The designs, prepared by renowned architect Knudson Gloss, meet the needs of current home buyers and can be further customized to the custom-er’s liking. Snoznik sees this as an advantage in competing against what are termed the “big box builders.” Those issues identified through the program include increased emphasis on individuality, energy efficiency, and the economics of owning a home, which have become the basis of the Values building program along with the core values that include family lifestyle, functionality, curb appeal, sustainability and affordability that aid in addressing the needs of buyers through value, originality and quality. In short, the bull’s eye is how the new home can make the client’s life better.

Ray Snoznik at his Village at Stonegate development.


detailed binder given to the client. A let-ter is sent about the warranty to reinforce information found in the binder, explain-ing how the warranty is handled. “We’re here for the client, even after a 12-month period,” she added. The primary concern, according to Gondosh, is staying within budget despite more expensive tastes. Helping with those concerns is team mem-ber Vanessa DeLucia, office manager and 19-year veteran with R.A. Snoznik Con-struction. “We have vendors and subcon-tractors who offer a variety of products,” she said. “We can guide a client toward the best match in price range and style.” Getting the clients the best products in their price range “is the best thing we know of to keep them on budget.”

Making It All WorkOverarching Snoznik’s work ethic is a simple premise ‒ The desire to build a home and a friendship. DeLucia teased out that premise further, sharing that the

key to Snoznik’s success is a hands on, face-to-face builder-to-customer relation-ship. “Clients work directly with the builder and myself,” she said. “And, after we close, we don’t go away. Even after the first year warranty, we keep in touch with many clients.” She believes that build-ing a home “is very personal. It brings out a client’s personality, since things are tailored to each person. You get to know the clients, how they live and what kind of people they are. You feel like you’ve cre-ated a bond.”

In addition to his staff, Snoznik employs three carpenters and works with a group of subcontractors and vendors he has used over time who “know my system to achieve a house on time and on budget.” Nseir noted that among the long list of standard items at Stonegate is the “un-believable trim package” with its higher baseboards and more. “The carpentry is his hallmark.” Other standard features

not often seen in other new construction are hard surface countertops, hardwood flooring, nice appliance packages, and fireplaces. One of the more popular upgrades, however, has been the oversized five-foot shower that Nseir finds to be a “very forward thinking amenity.” Further, Snoznik utilizes local vendors generally, including O.C. Cluss (lumber, Greensburg); Cassady Pierce (roofing, Greensburg); Excel Glass and Granite (Jeannette); the Lighting Gallery (Greensburg) and Hum-mel Brothers (lighting, Jeannette), and J.G. Drywall (Carnegie). DeLucia also sees the longstanding vendor /subcontractor relationships as a positive, viewing it as “something we are in together because we want to be.”

Beyond the professional relationships, Snoznik embraces the ideal that “you’ve got to be honest and up-front with buyers. We give them a fair shake and stay in front of them to answer questions.” NH


41 CityofPittsburgh

41 AlleghenyCounty

44 BeaverCounty

44 ButlerCounty

46 WashingtonCounty

47 WestmorelandCounty

Custom single-family homes, carriage homes, townhomes or condominiums … new locations and new homesites.

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CastletownFranklin TownshipSingle-family estate homesPriced from: $650,000School district: North AlleghenyAgency: Brennan Builders Real Estate Services 724-865-2929Brennanbuilders.com Centennial PointCollier Township�Townhomes and single-family homesPriced from: $180,000 townhomes, $240,000 single-familyChartiers ValleyAgency: S&A Realty 412-276-0422sahomebuilder.com

Chapel HarborFox ChapelCarriage homes, townhomes and single-family homesPriced from: $249,900School district: Fox Chapel AreaAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services412-963-7655liveinchapelharbor.com

Chartiers LandingRobinson TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $375,000School district: MontourAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty412-262-4630prudentialpreferredrealty.com Chavelle EstatesPlum BoroughSingle-family homesPriced from: Mid-$200,000School district: Plum Borough Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161howardhanna.comricciuticonstruction.com

CimarronMoon Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $240,000School district: Moon AreaAgency: Ryan Homes412-264-5029ryanhomes.com CobblestoneOhio Township�Single-family homes New Phase Fall 2013School district: AvonworthAgency: Ryan Homes412-367-1927ryanhomes.com

CobblestoneOhio TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $270,000School district: AvonworthAgency: S&A Realty724-538-5001sahomebuilder.com

Copper CreekMarshall TownshipLuxury estate custom homesPriced from: $1,200,000School district: North Allegheny Agency: Eddy Homes412-221-0400EddyHomes.com

Courtyards at The PreservesNorth Fayette TownshipDetached carriage, patio homesPriced from: $237,900School district: West AlleghenyAgency: Epcon Homes and Communities412-548-3298www.epconcommunities.com

Robinson TownshipClassic Custom Homes from

$500,000 On 2+ Acres Each

Call Today 412-787-8807

VisitParagonHomes.com

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Deerfield RidgeSouth Fayette TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $375,000Agency: Paragon Homes412-787-8807VisitParagonHomes.com

Della Strada South ParkSingle-family homesPriced from: $280,000School district: South ParkAgency: Ryan Homes724-249-6835Ryanhomes.com

E lane @ Carnegie CarnegieGarden style condominiumsPriced from: $194,900School district: CarltonAgency: RE/MAX Select Realty412-633-9300 ext. 214724-309-1758elane.biz

EdgewaterOakmontTownhomes and courtyard homesPriced from: $300,000School district: RiverviewAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1722HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Emerald FieldsPine townshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $650,000School district: Pine RichlandAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-776-3686prudentialpreferredrealty.com

The EnclaveFox ChapelSingle-family homesPriced from: $950,000School district: Fox Chapel AreaColdwell Banker Real Estate Services412-963-7655pittsburghmoves.com/TheEnclave

English FarmsPine TownshipCuston single-family homesPriced from: $400,000School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: S&A Realty724-778-3322sahomebuilder.com The Estates at Jefferson Jefferson Borough�Single-family homesPriced from: $275,000 Agency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services412-655-0400pittsburghmoves.com /estatesatjefferson

FairacresUpper St. ClairCustom single-family homesPriced from: $600,000School district: Upper St. ClairAgency: Prudential Preferred Reality412- 833-7700www.fairacresusc.com

FairwindsRichland Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $280,000 School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Ryan Homes724-444-3177ryanhomes.com Falconhurst ForestO’Hara TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $750,000School district: Fox Chapel Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300howardhanna.com

Fayette FarmsNorth FayetteSingle-family homes and townhomesPriced from: $210,000 single-family, $190,000 townhomesSchool district: West AlleghenyAgency: Ryan Homes 724-218-1328ryanhomes.com Fayette Farms EstatesNorth Fayette Township�Custom HomesPriced from: $400,000 School district: West AlleghenyAgency: Keller Williams412-787-0888

Field Brook FarmsRichland TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $500,000 School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-772-8822howardhanna.com

Fields of Nicholson�Franklin Park Borough�Custom carriage-homes from $573,900, Custom villas from $459,900 School district: North AlleghenyAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Forest Oaks at WexfordWexfordSingle-familyPriced from: $199,900School district: North AlleghenyColdwell Banker Real Estate Services412-366-1600pittsburghmoves.com /forestoaksatwexford

Forest ViewIndiana TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $500,000 School district: Fox ChapelAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-772-8822ricciuticonstruction.comhowardhanna.com

Foxwood KnollsMoon TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district: Moon AreaAgency: Ryan Homes412-264-5029ryanhomes.com

Foxwood KnollsMoon TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $220,000School district: Moon AreaAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-287-6256www.marondahomes.com

The Gardens at Fox HallO’Hara TownshipSingle-family homes and condosPriced from: $900,000School district: Fox ChapelAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services724-963-7655www.pittsburghmoves.com/TheGardens

GeorgetownePine TownshipLuxury townhomesPriced from: $529,000 School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty412-367-8000prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Grace ManorRobinson TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $170,000School district: MontourAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-329-7017www.marondahomes.com

Granite RidgeSouth Fayette TownshipTownhomes and single-family homesPriced from: $150,000School district: South FayetteAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-523-1547 and 724-307-3079www.marondahomes.com The Heights of North ParkPine TownshipCustom single-familyPriced from: $900,000School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: RE/MAX Select724-779-7072The HeightsofNorth Park.com

The HighlandsPlum BoroughSingle-family homesPriced from: $230,000School district: Plum BoroughAgency: Ryan Homes412-793-4797ryanhomes.com

Hunters FieldsJefferson Hills BoroughSingle-family homesPriced from: $200,000School district: West Jefferson HillsAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-405-9470www.marondahomes.com

HyTyre FarmsWest Deer Township�Carriage HomesPriced from: $224,000School district: Deer Lakes Agency: Richland Holdings, LLC 724-443-4800

The Isles at The HighlandsPlum BoroughPatio and townhomesPriced from: $199,900s School district: PlumAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161howardhanna.com

Jefferson EstatesJefferson BoroughCarriage homesPriced from: $199,000Agency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-655-0400pittsburghmoves.com/jeffersonestates

Lake MacLeodPine TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $750,000School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services412-487-0500 or 724-625-1277lakemacleod.com


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Picky People PICK ParagonMany home buyers think that custom equals expensive, but at Paragon we

would love to make your dream home a reality whether your budget is $300,000 or over $2,000,000 At Paragon, we have a simple philosophy: build a great home designed around the customer’s needs and dreams. Contact us today and put our buyer-friendly process to work for you, after all, they are Your Dreams, Your Home, and should be built Your Way.

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Langdon FarmsPine TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $600,000 School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600 or 724-776-2900pittsburghmoves.com/langdonfarms

Lenox PlaceFinley TownshipVillas and townhomesPriced from: $211,900School district: West AlleghenyAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty412-262-4630prudentialpreferredrealty.com

The Links at Deer RunWest Deer�Golf course community,carriage homesPriced from: $199,900School district: Deer LakesAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Long RidgeKennedy TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $220,000School district: MontourAgency: Ryan Homes412-771-1456ryanhomes.com

Long RidgeKennedy TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $202,000School district: MontourAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-458-0678www.marondahomes.com

Madison Woods�Moon/CrescentTownship�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $350,000 School district: Moon AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630prudentialpreferredrealty.com

The ManorMcCandlessCustom single-familyPriced from: $575,000School district: North AlleghenyAgency: RE/MAX Select Realty724-779-7072ManorCustomHomes.com The Manor at HartwoodIndiana TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $900,000 School district: Fox ChapelAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300howardhanna.com McCaslin RidgeHampton TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $500,000 School district: Hampton Agency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600pittsburghmoves.com/mccaslinfarms

McCormick Farms Moon/Crescent Township Custom single-family homesPriced from: High $400’s School district: Moon AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 412-262-4630prudentialpreferredrealty.com

McCormick FarmsRobinson TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $240,000School district: MontourAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-788-3646www.marondahomes.com

The Meadows at HamptonHampton TownshipFirst floor living homesPriced from: $399,000School district: HamptonAgency: RE/MAX Select Realty724-779-7070MeadowsAtHampton.com

NevillesideCollier TownshipCarriage homesPriced from: $290,000School district: Chartiers ValleyAgency: Ryan Homes412-276-0644ryanhomes.com

NewburySouth FayetteCarriage homes and single-family homesPriced from: $300,000 carriage, $370,000 single-familySchool district: South FayetteAgency: S&A Realty724-272-9716sahomebuilder.com

NewburySouth FayetteSingle-family homes and townhomesPriced from: $210,000School district: South FayetteAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-0175HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Noble WoodsMoon TownshipTownhomesComing Soon!School district: Moon AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-249-6835ryanhomes.com

North Park ManorPine TownshipSingle-family HomesPriced from: $600,000School district: Pine RichlandAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services412-366-1600pittsburghmoves.com/northparkmanor

Oakridge EstatesHarrison TownshipTownhomes and single-family homesPriced from: $140,000, $170,000 single-familySchool district: HighlandAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-895-3876www.marondahomes.com

Oakwood HeightsWest Deer TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $219,900 School district: Deer Lakes Agency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-776-2900pittsburghmoves.com/oakwoodheights

Oakwood HeightsWest Deer TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $280,000School district: Deer LakesAgency: S&A Realty724-352-5006sahomebuilder.com

Paragon PlaceRobinson TownshipCustom estate homesPriced from: $500,000School district: MontourAgency: Paragon Homes412-787-8807VisitParagonHomes.com

Park PlaceIndiana TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $750,000School district: Fox ChapelAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-963-6300howardhanna.com PinecrestPine TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $430,000School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1702HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Private AcreageSouth FayetteSingle-family homesPriced from: $300,000School district: South Fayette Agency: Paragon Homes412-787-8807VisitParagonHomes.com Raintree ManorHampton TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $225,000School district: HamptonAgency: Minnock Construction Company412-366-4770

Raintree ManorHampton TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $210,000School district: HamptonAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1710HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

Reddington PlacePine TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $600,000School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty412-367-8000prudentialpreferredrealty.com

The Reserve at Fox ChaseFox Chapel Area�Patio and carriage homesPriced from: $299,900School district: Allegheny Valley Agency: Dennis Associates412-828-7606

Ridge ForestFranklin ParkSingle-family homes and townhomes Priced from: $310,000 single-family, $220,000 townhomesSchool district: North AlleghenyAgency: Ryan Homes724-933-3162 singles412-522-3590 townhousesryanhomes.com Riverwatch at O’Hara WoodsFox ChapelSingle-family homesPriced from: $400,000School district: Fox Chapel AreaAgency: Coldwell Banker RealEstate Services 412-963-7655pittsburghmoves.com/riverwatch

Saddlebrook FarmsBethel Park�Custom single-family homes Priced from: $321,900 School district: Bethel ParkAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 412-833-7700prudentialpreferredrealty.com Sangree FarmsRoss TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $500,000School district: North HillsAgency: Minnock Real Estate Services412-369-7253

SeabrightNorth Fayette TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $190,000School district: West AlleghenyAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-874-9764www.marondahomes.com

Sewickley Heights ManorAleppo TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Quaker ValleyAgency: Minnock Construction Company412-366-4770

Silver PinesPine Richland TownshipsSingle-family homesPriced from: $850,000School district: Pine RichlandAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services412-934-3400

Sonoma RidgeMoon Township�Village single-family homes and estate homes Priced from: $410,000 School district: Moon AreaAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1724HeartlandCustomHomes.com Stafford ParkRobinson TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $360,000School district: MontourAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1734HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Sterling RidgeSouth FayetteSingle-family homesPriced from: $320,000School district: South FayetteAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-344-0500pittsburghmoves.com/sterlingridgewww.signaturehomesadvantage.com

Avonworth Heights • Ohio Township • Custom single-family homeswww.signaturehomesadvantage.com

Deerfield RidgeSouth FayetteLots Now SellingLarge 1/3 to 1/2 acre lotsUnique Home Designs • Custom Builder Quality

GRaND oPeNING!

Voice: 412-787-8807email: [email protected]

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StonebridgeHampton TownshipSingle-family and estate homesPriced from: $520,000School district: HamptonAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1708HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

StonebridgeHampton TownshipSingle-family homes, carriage homes Priced from: $500,000 single-family homes; $289,000 Custom carriage homesSchool district: HamptonAgency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Sturbridge CourtWexford/Franklin ParkSingle-family homesPriced from: $550,000School district: North AlleghenyAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-772-8822howardhanna.com

Summerfield at North ParkPine TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $950,000School district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Achieve Realty, Inc.724-933-1980 X667 The SummitMarshall TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $800,000School district: North AlleghenyAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600pittsburghmoves.com/thesummit

Traditions of America atSewickley RidgeOhio TownshipSingle-family homes, 55+Priced from: mid $200,000School district: AvonworthAgency: Traditions of America412-534-4232SewickleyLiving.com

Tuscany RidgeCollier TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $215,000School district: Chartiers ValleyAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-200-2781www.marondahomes.com

Venango TrailsMarshall TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $260,000School district: North AlleghenyAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1720HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Venango TrailsMarshall TownshipCarriage Homes and single-family homes$330,000 carriage homes, $370,000 single-familySchool district: North AlleghenyAgency: S & A Realty724-778-3322sahomebuilder.com

Venango TrailsMarshall TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $430,000School district: North AlleghenyAgency: Brennan Builders724-865-2929Brennanbuilders.com

Village at Camp TreesPine TownshipSingle-family and estate homesPriced from: $520,000School district: Pine RichlandAgency: Heartland Homes724-949-0079HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

Village At Marshall RidgeMarshall Township�TownhomesPriced from: $220,000School district: North AlleghenyAgency: Ryan Homes724-933-4030ryanhomes.com

Village at PinePine Township�Townhomes and single-family homes$240,000 townhomes and $260,000 single-family homesSchool district: Pine-RichlandAgency: Ryan Homes 724-940-4051ryanhomes.com

Villages at Neville ParkCollier Township�TownhomesPriced from: $210,000 School district: Chartiers ValleyAgency: Ryan Homes 412-595-8292ryanhomes.com

Vineseian PlaceWilkins Township�Single-family, single level living, quite cul-de-sac neighborhoodPriced from: $375,000School district: Woodland HillsAgency: One80 Real Estate Services412-318-4139one80res.com

Walkers RidgeCollier TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $270,000 School district: Chartiers ValleyAgency: Paragon Homes412-787-8807VisitParagonHomes.com Washington SquareJefferson Hills BoroughSingle-family homesComing Soon!School district: West Jefferson HillsAgency: Ryan Homes724-249-6835ryanhomes.com

Waterford PlaceMcCandless TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $370,000Agency: Ryan Homes724-444-3177

Whispering CreekHampton TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $450,000School district: HamptonAgency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Wiltshire EstatesMoon TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $150,000School district: Moon AreaAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-474-3529www.marondahomes.com

Wood Creek ManorFindlay TownshipTownhomes and carriage homesPriced from: $160,000School district: West AlleghenyAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-474-3529www.marondahomes.com

Woods of SewickleySewickley HillsCustom single-family homes Priced from: $420,000 School district: Quaker ValleyAgency: S&A Realty 724-538-5001sahomebuilder.com

Woods of Sewickley HillsSewickley HillsSingle-family estate homes Priced from: $370,000 School district: Quaker ValleyAgency: Ryan Homes 724-933-3162ryanhomes.com

BEAVER COUNTY

Ashley RidgeBrighton TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $220,000School district: Beaver AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-495-6795ryanhomes.com

Aspen FieldBrighton TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $200,000School district: BeaverAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-287-6256www.marondahomes.com

Barclay Hill EstatesBrighton TownshipVillasPriced from: $226,900School district: Beaver AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realtyprudentialpreferredrealty.com

Goldenrod Meadows�North Sewickley TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district: RiversideAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 7224-775-5700howardhanna.com

Hickory WoodsChippewa TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $270,000School district: BlackhawkAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services724-776-2900www.pittsburghmoves.com/HickoryWoods

Seven OaksBrighton Township�Golf-course community with single-family custom homes and triplex carriage homesPriced from: $249,900School district: Beaver AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-776-3686prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Shenango WoodsChippewa TownshipSingle-family homes Priced from: $210,000 School district: BlackhawkAgency: Ryan Homes 724-495-6795ryanhomes.com

Sweet BrierHopewell TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $180,000School district: HopewellAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-287-6256www.marondahomes.com

Traditions of America at Liberty Hills�New SewickleyTownship/ Economy Borough55+ Lifestyle Living/ Single-family and garden homes/ Maintenance FreePriced from: $200,000s Agency: Traditions of America724-869-5595TraditionsofAmerica.com The Village at Timberwood TraceChippewa TownshipCarriage homesPriced from: $155,900 School district: Blackhawk Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-775-5700howardhanna.com

Villas of EconomyEconomy BoroughCondos, Townhomes and Single-family homesPriced from: $249,900School district: Ambridge AreaAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services412-366-1600pittsburghmoves.com/villasofeconomy

Whispering PinesEconomy BoroughSingle-family homesPriced from: $190,000School district: Ambridge AreaAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc412-287-6256www.marondahomes.com Woodbridge VillasCenter TownshipTownhomes or condosPriced from: $175,900School district: Center Area Agency: Howard HannaReal Estate Services 724-775-5700howardhanna.com

BUTLER COUNTY

Amherst VillageAdams TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $290,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Heartland Homes412-945-1367HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Belle Vue ParkCranberry TownshipTraditional and estate single family homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-776-3686

Blackberry HeightsAdams TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $270,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-898-1800ryanhomes.com

BlackthornPenn Township�Single-family home sites/Single-family homesPriced from: $66,000/$379,900School district: South ButlerAgency: Northwood Realty 724-282-1313northwood.com

Blossom RidgeButler TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $300,000School district: ButlerAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services724-776-2900www.pittsburghmoves.com/BlossomRidge

BrookstoneAdams TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $280,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: S&A Realty724-778-3322sahomebuilder.com

Carriage ManorCranberry TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $700,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 724-776-2900 pittsburghmoves.com/carriagemanor

Chatham Court�Adams Township�Luxury paired villasPriced from: $599,900School district: Mars Area Agency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Cherrywood SpringsCenter Township�Single-family home sitesPriced from: $39,900School district: Butler AreaAgency: Northwood Realty 724-282-1313northwood.com

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Ehrman FarmsCranberry TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $550,000 School district: Seneca Valley Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-452-1150

FoxmoorCranberry TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $220,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: S & A Realty724-538-5001sahomebuilder.com

Foxwood EstatesCranberry TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $850,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services412-366-1600pittsburghmoves.com/foxwoodestates

Franklin CrossingCranberry TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $520,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Heartland Homes724-949-0079HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

Fulton CriossingAdams TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $520,000School district: HamptonAgency: Mars Area724-949-0079HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

The Gables at Brickyard HillAdams TownshipCustom carriage homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Georgetown SquareCranberry TownshipTownhomes and carriage homesPriced from: $250,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Georgetown Square Associates412-366-4770 Indian MeadowAdams Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $600,000School district: Mars Area Agency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Leslie FarmsConnoquenessing BoroughSingle-familyPriced from $200,000School District: ButlerColdwell Banker Real Estate Services724-776-2900Pittsburghmoves.com/LeslieFarms

Leslie FarmsConnoquenessing BoroughSingle-family homesPriced from: $190,000School district: Butler AreaAgency: S & A Realty724-538-5001sahomebuilder.com

Madison HeightsCranberry TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $700,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Marshall HeightsCranberry TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-538-3911www.marondahomes.com

Meadow RidgeForward TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: S&A Realty724-538-5001sahomebuilder.com

Meadow RidgeForward TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services724-776-2900pittsburghmoves.com/meadowridge

Meredith Glen EstatesAdams Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $850,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-776-3686prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Myoma Woods�Adams Township� Single-family homesPriced from: $410,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Heartland Homes 724-871-1700 HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Mystic Ridge�Cranberry Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $450,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Heartland Homes 724-871-1716HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Oak TracePenn and Butler TownshipsSingle-family homesPriced from: $350,000School district: South ButlerAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services724-776-2900www.pittsburghmoves.com/OakTrace

The OaksBuffalo TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $299,900School district: Freeport AreaAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-366-1600 homesattheoaks.com

Park Place Cranberry Township�Traditional neighborhood development Single-family homes and townhomesPriced from: $280,000 single-family,$220,000 townhomes School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Ryan Homes 412-639-4980

Park Place Cranberry Township�Traditional neighborhood development single-family homes, townhomes, condos, rentals, retailPriced from: $350,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Northwood Realty 724-776-1863

Plantation at Saxonburg Clinton Township�Single-family and carriage homes Carriage homes priced from $180,000’sSchool district: South ButlerAgency: S&A Realty 724-352-5006sahomebuilder.com

The Pointe At Adams RidgeAdams Township�TownhomesPriced from: $220,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-776-5610ryanhomes.com

The Preserve WestCranberry TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $550,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Redmond PlaceCranberry TownshipCustom carriage homesPriced from: $370,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Sarvers MillBuffalo TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $230,000School district: Freeport AreaAgency: S&A Realty724-352-5006sahomebuilder.com

Seaton Crest Adams TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $350,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: S&A Realty724-625-0050sahomebuilder.com Shadow CreekCranberry TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $500,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Century 21 Town & Country Real Estate Services 724-779-2101PghPropertyOnline.com

Shady Lane FarmsCenter Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $300,000 School district: Butler AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-283-0005prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Shannon Mills�Connoquenessing TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $299,000School district: Butler AreaAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-282-7903howardhanna.com Taylor RidgeAdams TownshipSingle-family estate homesPriced from: $420,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-625-2073ryanhomes.com

Timber RidgeLancaster Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $450,000 School district: Seneca Valley Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services412-687-9097howardhanna.com

Timber RidgeLancaster TownshipSingle-family-homesPriced from: $450,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Brennan Builders724-865-2929Brennanbuilders.com

TimberleeConnoquenessing TownshipSingle-family-homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Butler AreaAgency: Brennan Builders724-865-2929Brennanbuilders.com.com

TimberleeButler AreaSingle-family-homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Butler AreaAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-687-0157howardhanna.com

Village at Camp TreesAdams TownshipSingle-family and estate homesPriced from: $520,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Heartland Homes724-949-0079HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

The Village at TreesdaleAdams TownshipCustom carriage homesPriced from: Mid-$300’sSchool district: Mars AreaAgency: Howard Hanna RealEstate Services412-687-0157howardhanna.com

The Village at TreesdaleAdams TownshipCarriage HomesPriced from: $350,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Brennan Builders724-865-2929Brennanbuilders.com

The Vineyards at Brandywine�Connoquenessing Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $240,000School district: Butler Area Agency: S&A Realty724-538-5001sahomebuilder.com

Village of Harmony JunctionJackson TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $150,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-538-3911www.marondahomes.com

Park PlaceTraditional Neighborhood Development

www.cranberryparkplace.comNorthwood Realty Services

724-776-1863

Park Place.indd 1 2/15/10 12:31:09 PM


Vista RidgeAdams TownshipCustom Single-family homesPriced from: $350,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: S&A Realty724-625-0050sahomebuilder.com

Wakefield Estates�Cranberry Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $525,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-776-3686prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Walkers Ridge�Worth Township�FarmlettesPriced from: $74,900School district: Slippery RockAgency: Northwood Realty724-458-8800northwood.com

Weatherburn HeightsMiddlesex TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $310,000School district: Mars AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-898-0010ryanhomes.com

Wilsons RidgeSingle-family homesPriced from: $210,000School district: Seneca ValleyAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-538-3911www.marondahomes.com

Wyncrest EstatesButler TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000Butler AreaColdwell Banker Real Estate Services412-366-1600pittsburghmoves.com/wyncrestestates

WASHINGTON COUNTY

Alto PianoCecil TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $500,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-302-2304howardhanna.com

Alto PianoCecil TownshipCustom single-family homesPriced from: $500,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-941-3000prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Anthony FarmsPeters TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $600,000Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services412-276-5000howardhanna.com

Apple HillCanonsburgSingle-family homesPriced from: $190,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-873-7455www.marondahomes.com

Brookwood ManorPeters TownshipLuxury custom estate homesPriced from: $900,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Century 21 Frontier Realty724-941-8680EddyHomes.com

Brookview Peters Township Carriage homesPriced from: $349,900School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Keller Williams412-831-3800

The Brookview Villas Peters TownshipCustom villa homesPriced from: $350,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Paragon Homes412-787-8807visitparagonhomes.com

Cameron Estates South Strabane Township Single-family and carriage homesPriced from: $260,000School district: TrinityAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-0179HeartlandCustomHomes.com Chadwick EstatesPeters TownshipSingle-family homes Priced from: $400,000School district: PetersTownshipAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1736HeartlandCustomHomes.com The Crossings Peters Township Luxury custom villa homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Century 21 Frontier Realty724-941-8680EddyHomes.com

Fair AcresUpper St. ClairCustom single-family homesPriced from: Lots, $650,000School district: Upper St ClairAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-833-7700prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Great MeadowsPeters TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $290,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Ryan Homes412-835-1869ryanhomes.com

Hamlet of Springdale�Peters Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $699,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-941-8800

HighcroftCecil TownshipSingle-family homesComing Soon!Agency: Ryan Homes724-249-6835ryanhomes.com

Hill Station ManorCecil TownshipTownhomes or condos Priced from: $259,900 School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-873-7355howardhanna.com

Majestic Hills�North Strabane TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Ryan Homes 724-745-6410ryanhomes.com

Maple RidgeCecil Township�TownhomesPriced from: $190,000 School district: Canon-McMillan Agency: Ryan Homes724-745-3680ryanhomes.com

McMurray HighlandsPeters Township Custom single-family homesPriced from: $575,000 School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 412-833-7700prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Meadow Ridge�Peters Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $685,900 School district: PetersTownshipAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty412-833-7700prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Mission Hills�Cecil Township�Carriage and villa homesPriced from: $228,500School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Epcon Homes and Communities724-223-1844epconcarriagehomes.com

Oakbrook EstatesCecil TownshipSingle-family homesComing Soon!Agency: Ryan Homes724-249-6835ryanhomes.com

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Old TrailPeters TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $420,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Heartland Homes724-949-0079HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

Orchard HillPeters TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $290,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Ryan Homes412-835-1869ryanhomes.com

The Overlook at PetersPeters TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $450,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Howard HannaReal Estate Services 724-941-8800howardhanna.com

The Overlook At SouthpointeCecil TownshipSingle-family homestownhomes and carriage home coming soonSchool district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Ryan Homes724-249-6835ryanhomes.com

Overlook at SouthpointeCecil TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $400,000School district: Canon McMillanAgency: Heartland Homes724-949-0079HeartlandLuxuryHomes.com

Paxton GroveChartiers TownshipSingle-family-homesSchool district: Chartiers-HoustonAgency: Howard HannaReal Estate Services 724-222-6040howardhanna.com

Piatt EstatesChartiers TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $270,000School district: Chartiers/HoustonAgency: S&A Realty724-272-9716sahomebuilder.com

Sandy Brae MeadowsNorth Strabane TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $190,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-873-7455www.marondahomes.com

Siena at the HamletPeters TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $475,000School district: Peters TownshipAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-941-8800howardhanna.com

Strabane ManorSouth Strabane TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $160,000School district: TrinityAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-229-1470www.marondahomes.com

Summerbrooke

North Strabane TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $340,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1719HeartlandCustomHomes.com

The SummitChartiers TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $190,000School district: Chartiers-HoustonAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-873-7455www.marondahomes.com

Sycamore ReserveNorth Franklin TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district:TrinityAgency:Keith Homes724-223-0285keithhomes.net

Timber RunCecil TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $230,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Ryan Homes724-745-6410ryanhomes.com

Tuscany EstatesUnion TownshipTownhomes, single-family and patio-homesPriced from: $130,000$180,000 single-familySchool district: RinggoldAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-348-6472www.marondahomes.com

Walnut RidgeSouth Fayette TownshipSingle-family homesComing Soon!School district: South FayetteAgency: Ryan Homes724-249-6835ryanhomes.com

Waterdam Farms�North Strabane TownshipCarriage homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services 412-833-5404 pittsburghmoves.com/waterdamfarms WeavertownCecil TownshipTownhomesComing Soon!Agency: Ryan Homes412-249-6835ryanhomes.com

Weavertown Village North Strabane Township Carriage homes and luxury townhomesPriced from: $180,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency: Heartland Homes724-871-1732HeartlandCustomHomes.com

Weavertown Woodlands�North Strabane TownshipCarriage homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Canon-McMillanAgency:Howard HannaReal Estate Services 724-222-6040howardhanna.com

WESTMORELAND COUNTY

Acropolis HeightsUnity Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $620,000 School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com Allegheny WoodlandsAllegheny Township�Custom single-family and cottage villasPriced from: low $200,000 single-family and $180,000 cottage villasSchool district: Kiski Area Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-339-4000howardhanna.com

The Armory at LigonierLigonierTownhousesPriced from: $275,000School district: Ligonier ValleyAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-238-7600prudentialpreferredrealty.com

AugustaPenn TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: Lots, $53,900School district: Penn-TraffordAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-327-0444prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Bianca RoseMurrysvilleSingle-family homesPriced from: $395,000School district: Franklin RegionalAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-327-5161howardhanna.com

Blackthorne EstatesPenn Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $320,000School district: Penn TraffordAgency: Ryan Homes724-863-3506ryanhomes.com

Carriage Homes at StonegateRostraverPatio homesPriced from: $219,900School district: Belle Vernon AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Cedar HillsRostraver TownshipCondominiums and villasPriced from: $197,500School district: Belle Vernon AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-929-7228prudentialpreferredrealty.com Cherry KnollDelmontSingle-family homesPriced from: $225.000School district: Greensburg Salem Agency: ReMax Realty412-856-2000rasnoznik.net

Cherry Wood EstatesMt. Pleasant Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $225,000 School district: Mount PleasantAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com Chestnut Hill�North Huntingdon Township�Single-family homes Priced from: $240,000School district: NorwinAgency: Ryan Homes724-863-3506ryanhomes.com

Everview EstatesLigonier TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $299,900School district: Ligonier ValleyAngency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-832-2300

Foxfield KnollUnity TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $300,000School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-327-5161howardhanna.com Foxtail Court at Rolling RidgeMurrysville�Single-family homesPriced from: $600,000 School district: Franklin RegionalAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161howardhanna.com

Glenn AireUnity Township�Custom single-family homes Priced from: $350,000 School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Grandview EstatesHempfield TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $190,000School district: Hempfield AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-836-1804ryanhomes.com

Greenfield EstatesUnity Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $250,000 School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Scalise Real Estate 724-539-3525

Hampton Heights(Formerly Carradam Golf Course)North Huntingdon TownshipOne acre homesitesPriced from: $400,000School district: NorwinAgency: RWS Custom Homes724-861-0571rwscustomhomes.com

Harrington Way at WendoverHempfield TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $249,900School district: Hempfield AreaAgency: Northwood Realty 724-327-5600northwood.com

Hawk ValleyAllegheny TownshipTownhomesPriced from: $120,000School district: Kiski AreaAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-895-3876www.marondahomes.com

Laurel View Place�Derry Township�Single-family lotsPriced from: $49,900School district: Derry AreaAgency: Northwood Realty Services724-537-0110northwood.com

The LegendsNorth HuntingdonSingle-family homes Priced from: $450,000School district: NorwinAgency: Scalise Homes724-864-5500www.scalisehomes.com Lincoln HillsNorth Huntington TownshipSingle-family homes, townhomes and grand villasPriced from: mid-$300,000 Single-family, $239,900 townhomesand $289,900 grand villasSchool district: NorwinAgency: RWS Custom Homes724-861-0571rwscustomhomes.com

Lindwood CrestHempfield TownshipPatio homesPriced from: $189,900School district: Hempfield AreaAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-832-2300howardhanna.com

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Mallard LandingMurrysville�Single-family homesPriced from: $470,000 School district: Franklin RegionalAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 724-327-5161howardhanna.com

Marquis PlaceMurrysvilleLuxury condominiumsPriced from: $275,000School district: Franklin Regional Agency: Kacin Companies, Inc.724-327-7700

Meadowlane Farm EstatesHempfield TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $220,000School district: Hempfield AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-836-1804ryanhomes.com

Meadowlane HeightsHempfield TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $180,000’sSchool district: Hempfield AreaAgency: S & A Realty724-872-8403sahomebuilder.com Moreland ManorAllegheny TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $200,000 School district: Kiski Area Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 412-478-1002ricciuticonstruction.comhowardhanna.com

NorthpointeHempfield Township�Custom single-family homesPriced from: $270,000 School district: Hempfield Area Agency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Oak Farm EstatesPenn Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $250,000 School district: Penn-TraffordAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Palmer PlaceUnity TownshipCustom single-familyPriced from: $430,000 School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-832-2300howardhanna.com

Palmer PlaceUnity TownshipCustom single-familyPriced from: $650,000 School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com Renaissance HeightsRostraver TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: low $200,000School district: Belle Vernon AreaAgency: Maronda Homes, Inc724-872-7017www.marondahomes.com

RivendellPenn TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $290,000School district: Penn-TraffordAgency: S & A Realty724-872-8403sahomebuilder.com Rolling Hill FarmRostraver TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $180,000School district: Belle Vernon AreaAgency: S & A Realty724-872-8403sahomebuilder.com Rolling Ridge�MurrysvilleSingle-family homes Priced from: $390,000School district: Franklin RegionalAgency: Ryan Homes724-793-4797ryanhomes.com Salem Ridge Village�Rostraver Township�Single-familyPriced from: $225,000School district: Belle Vernon AreaAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Siena RidgeMurrysvilleSingle-family homesPriced from : $600,000School district: Franklin RegionalAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-327-5161howardhanna.com

SummerhillMurrysvillePatio townhomes, stacked flatsSchool district: Franklin RegionalPriced from: $249,900Agency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-327-5161howardhanna.com

Victoria HighlandsUnity TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $290,000School district: LatrobeAgency: Bob Shuster Realty724-864-8884rwscustomhomes.com

Village at FoxfieldUnity TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $210,000’sSchool district: Greater LatrobeAgency: S & A Realty724-872-8403sahomebuilder.com

The Village of FoxfieldUnity TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $250,000School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Howard Hanna Real Estate Services724-327-5161howardhanna.com

The Village at LigonierLigonier BoroughVillasPriced from: $208,900School district: Ligonier ValleyAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-238-7600prudentialpreferredrealty.com The Village at StonegatePenn Township VillasPriced from: $324,900 School district: Penn-TraffordAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty 724-838-3660 or 724-327-0444prudentialpreferredrealty.com

Villages At TotteridgeSalem TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $239,900Agency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com

The Villas at GrayhawkUnity Township�Villa style condominiumsPriced from: $229,900School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Cedar Ridge Realty 724-832-3501thevillasatgrayhawk.com

The Villas of Willow EstatesNorth HuntingtonTownhomes and grand villasPriced from: $239,900 and $289,900School district: NorwinAgency: RWS Custom Homes724-861-0571rwscustomhomes.com

Weatherton Farm EstatesUnity TownshipSingle-family haomesPriced from: $250,000School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: ReMax412-856-2000rasnoznik.net Westmoreland Community ActionJeannette�Single-family homesPriced from: $75,000 School district: Jeannette CityAgency: Northwood Realty724-838-9643northwood.com

Westmoreland Community Action Reed AvenueJeannette�Single-family homesPriced from: $63,000 School district: Jeannette CityAgency: Northwood Realty724-838-9643northwood.com

Westmoreland FarmsMurrysville�Single-family homes and villasPriced from: $229,900 single-family; $176,900 villas School district: Franklin RegionalAgency: Howard Hanna Real EstateServices 724-327-5161howardhanna.com

Westmoreland Human OpportunitiesMonessan�Single-family homesPriced from: $70,000 School district: MonessenAgency: Northwood Realty724-838-9643northwood.com

Westwind EstatesHempfield TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $240,000School district: Hempfield AreaAgency: Ryan Homes724-836-1804ryanhomes.com

Willow EstatesNorth HuntingtonSingle-family homesPriced from: $270,000School district: NorwinAgency: S & A Realty724-872-8403sahomebuilder.com

The Woods of BrandywinePenn TownshipSingle-family homesPriced from: $240,000School district: Penn TraffordAgency: Ryan Homes412-793-4797ryanhomes.com

Yok Wood RidgeUnity Township�Single-family homesPriced from: $190,000 School district: Greater LatrobeAgency: Prudential Preferred Realty724-838-3660prudentialpreferredrealty.com

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Pittsburgh at 5958 Baum Blvd: 412.661.7550Upper St. Clair at Norman Centre II: 412.835.2300Canonsburg at 2335 Washington Road: 724.916.0100Service Department: 866.544.1711 I www.donsappliances.com

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How Can You Save Up To $6097AND Have A Kitchen Like This?Stop In At Don’s or Hillmon Appliances.Where Pittsburgh Shops for Appliances!

When you’re ready to borrow,we’re here

to help.

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Equal Housing Lender. Member FDIC. Copyright © 2013, Dollar Bank, Federal Savings Bank. BRD174_13

Do you need to buy a new home, refinance, or make home improvements? Dollar Bank offers a variety of loan options with flexible terms and great low rates!

• Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit

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