Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Introducing...ALMA!
Do you remember this video?
The excited construction worker featured here is Spring Arbor homebuyer Alma Alviles. As you can see Alma is very excited to move to Spring Arbor. Alma's name means "soul" and she certainly seems to be bringing lots to Spring Arbor and she hasn't even moved in yet!
Stay tuned as we follow the adventures of Alma as she builds her brand new McKee home aided by the video stylings of Donna Johnson, our brave and funny Sales Counselor.
This is sweet.
I thought I would send you a post-earthquake smile.
http://youtu.be/RwEYYI-AGWs
My favorites are "I like your umbrella," "To infinity and beyond!" and "Turning 50 isn't as bad as they said it would be!"
Have a wonderful day [shouting into bullhorn]!!!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
We have a YouTube Channel!
Check it out! We have a McKee Builders YouTube Channel. Please subscribe, like us and comment. Brandywine and Foxfield have videos up for now. Stay tuned for everyone else to start adding theirs too.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Letterboxing!
The summer seems to be flying by so the theme for the day is "Get out and enjoy it!"
Letterboxing is a fantastic hobby that folks of ever age can enjoy. It is part hiking, part stamping and part treasure hunting!
The Letterboxing North America site describes letterboxing as "an intriguing pasttime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming treasure hunt style outdoor quest." Sounds super fun, doesn't it? It is!
Check out the Letterboxing site here for more information. Here is how I describe it to friends: Go on a hike with a stamp, ink pad and journal/notebook. Follow the clues to find letterboxes. Once found leave your mark by stamping your stamp and writing your name and date in the book found in the letterbox. Mark your own notebllok with the stamp you will find in the letterbox so that you can keep track of the boxes you have found.
I checked out the map some to find some boxes that would work for our New Home communities.
This one is located at the DuPont Environmental Education Center. It should be good for beginners because the staff there clearly keeps their boxes updated.
Here is one from 2010 in Bellevue State Park.
A sweet and easy one in Brandywine Park.
Here is one with a lot of stamps in Ridley Creek State Park.
FULL disclosure. I have not been to any of these boxes. But maybe soon...
Letterboxing is a fantastic hobby that folks of ever age can enjoy. It is part hiking, part stamping and part treasure hunting!
The Letterboxing North America site describes letterboxing as "an intriguing pasttime combining navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a charming treasure hunt style outdoor quest." Sounds super fun, doesn't it? It is!
Check out the Letterboxing site here for more information. Here is how I describe it to friends: Go on a hike with a stamp, ink pad and journal/notebook. Follow the clues to find letterboxes. Once found leave your mark by stamping your stamp and writing your name and date in the book found in the letterbox. Mark your own notebllok with the stamp you will find in the letterbox so that you can keep track of the boxes you have found.
I checked out the map some to find some boxes that would work for our New Home communities.
This one is located at the DuPont Environmental Education Center. It should be good for beginners because the staff there clearly keeps their boxes updated.
Here is one from 2010 in Bellevue State Park.
A sweet and easy one in Brandywine Park.
Here is one with a lot of stamps in Ridley Creek State Park.
FULL disclosure. I have not been to any of these boxes. But maybe soon...
Things to do in Wilmington
Try out the Riverfront Blues Festival in Wilmington August 5th to the 7th. Pile up son neighbors, pack up a picnic and enjoy some excellent music under the sky. For more information, click here.
Things to do near Champion's Club
The Air Mobility Command Museum is located right on the Dover Air Force Base about 10 minutes from Champion's Club. Stand in and gawk at the planes that carry our troops and their gear all over the world defending our freedom.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Thinking about putting your house on the market
Let's face it. Selling your home right now can feel like being a contestant on Survivor.Which beach should you camp on (staging the house)? Who should you make alliances with (picking a realtor)? Do you have the proper tools for starting a fire (pricing your home)? Where should you look for fresh water (marketing the property)? Are you ready to fight, hunt and trade for the food you need (negotiating with the buyer)? And, finally, how will the producers portray you on TV (ignoring the media)?
The good news is that there is always a winner in Survivor, which means that you can sell your house AND feel great about it.
Think about this. If you have lived in your current home for more than 5 years, your investment has paid off. Say the homes in your area might have sold for $450,000 four years ago, and now those same homes are selling for $415,000. If you bought your home for $400,000 fifteen years ago and raised your children in it, then you just made $15,000.00. Your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it.
People buy and sell homes according to major life changes, not the housing market's ups and downs. Getting married, having a baby, the first big promotion, having another baby, retirement - these are reasons to buy and sell homes, and people are still doing all of those things. One the same token, don't base your life decisions on what you think the housing market may or may not do. And, if your buyer gets a deal on your house, you have to assume that you are getting a deal on the next house you buy as well.
Lately we have had families come to the Sales Offices, tour the models and the clubhouses, and tell our Sales Counselors that XYZ Community is for them but they are waiting to put their house up for sale. All I can say to that is: what are you waiting for? With motivation and hard work, you will sell your home, it doesn't need to be as painful as you think it needs to be, and you can start living your new life.
In short, I know two people that have been on Survivor, one almost won and the other went home halfway through, but they both learned from it and took advantage of the many opportunities that being on the show afforded them in order to make life even better when they came home. But, everyone I know has bought and sold houses and they have always been accompanied with the excitement and fulfillment of starting a new chapter in their lives.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Parade of Homes
Please check out http://www.mckeebuilders.com/ for information about our upcoming company-wide Parade of Homes. On June 11th, the communities of Foxfield Villas, The Courtyards at Brandywine, Spring Arbor and Champion's Club will be hosting prospective residents. Our happy homeowners are opening their doors so that homebuyers can see various floorplans, standards and options in a "real" home. Plus, it is a great way to meet new potential neighbors!
Summer games
If you have not updated your games recently, here are some fun ones to try. These would be great for the clubhouses because a couple of them could be enjyed indoors if need be.
I do not know what the difference between these two games are, but I do know that people seem to love them. Click on the names for the "official" sites. People of all ages can play and I love that the sets can be personalized. Your favorite sports team, college, family name, etc.
Baggo
Cornhole
Amazon is selling this set of outdoor games (bag toss, washer toss and ladder toss) for $69.99. I am buying it for my house!
I do not know what the difference between these two games are, but I do know that people seem to love them. Click on the names for the "official" sites. People of all ages can play and I love that the sets can be personalized. Your favorite sports team, college, family name, etc.
Baggo
Cornhole
Amazon is selling this set of outdoor games (bag toss, washer toss and ladder toss) for $69.99. I am buying it for my house!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Super Fun Night Out
File this in the Things To Do Category.My husband is a soccer nut. We have season tickets for the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park, but last night was the first night I got to go. It was a beautiful evening and a really fun night out. The stadium is brand new and gorgeous. Tickets are reasonable. And the Union are doing really well! Last night they tied against LA Galaxy the team that Landon Donovan (caotain of the US National Team) and David Beckham play for.
I saw young couples, grandparents and grandkids, big groups of friends. $30 gets you a ticket in the endline, or $40 gets you on the sideline. Unless you want to stand for the whole game, do not buy in the supporters section!
The supporters call themselves the Sons of Ben and are super entertaining. Wear light blue or navy blue. Join or Die!!
I saw young couples, grandparents and grandkids, big groups of friends. $30 gets you a ticket in the endline, or $40 gets you on the sideline. Unless you want to stand for the whole game, do not buy in the supporters section!
The supporters call themselves the Sons of Ben and are super entertaining. Wear light blue or navy blue. Join or Die!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Summer Entertaining
So, all of this talk about bargain shopping made me want to draw your attention to a few items!
Wish List
A zero gravity recliner will be the most popular chair outside (and probably inside) of your house. They are amazing. This is the cheapest I was able to find them at Sears.
So, I really do not buy ANYTHING without researching it first. Last year I researched pool and beach towels and Lands' End towels get the highest reviews from anywhere. I got stripey ones, they are on sale right now for $16.88. Buy them here and for an extra $5 get them monogrammed with your last name so that they don't get lost at the pool.
Last but not least, I LOVE Tervis Tumblers! They are such a wonderful beverage holder in summer or all year long. They are insulated and come custom, personalized or plain - however you like them! Big, little and even with tops (my husband likes them for his iced coffee). Check them out here.
Wish List
I think that this would be awesome in a basement or loft. I saw it at BJ's for $444.99. I do think that that is really expensive for a table and bar chairs but I also think that it would be the focal point of a room and something that would stay in the family for years and years. Plus, Diet Coke is really delicious.
Jenn's Summer Must-Have's
A zero gravity recliner will be the most popular chair outside (and probably inside) of your house. They are amazing. This is the cheapest I was able to find them at Sears.
So, I really do not buy ANYTHING without researching it first. Last year I researched pool and beach towels and Lands' End towels get the highest reviews from anywhere. I got stripey ones, they are on sale right now for $16.88. Buy them here and for an extra $5 get them monogrammed with your last name so that they don't get lost at the pool.Last but not least, I LOVE Tervis Tumblers! They are such a wonderful beverage holder in summer or all year long. They are insulated and come custom, personalized or plain - however you like them! Big, little and even with tops (my husband likes them for his iced coffee). Check them out here.
Bargain Shopping with Neighbors
Hello All! Last night I had a wonderful group trip to BJ's with my neighbors and it was SO fun and SO productive that I thought that I would share it with my blog followers. This would work for BJ's, Costco, etc.
First, gather 1 to 3 friends who like to bargain shop! Buy a membership under one person's name. Collect and split up the coupons (they will come to the member's house in the mail). Once a month take the biggest car you can find and go shopping! The great thing about going with friends is that you can split the membership but you can also split up your goodies! You really don't need 68 ounces of peanut butter and 42 AA batteries, BUT you could use 16 ounces of peanut butter and 21 AA batteries!
What's close to you:
Foxfield, Champions Club, Spring Arbor, Brandywine and Cecil Woods share the same Costco located in Christiana at 900 Center Blvd, Newark, DE.
Check out the below for info about BJ's.
FOXFIELD
BJ's
1260 E Woodland Ave.
Springfield, PA
BRANDYWINE
BJ's
2131 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE
SPRING ARBOR
BJ's
100 Penceder Plaza
Newark, DE
CHAMPIONS
BJ's
26676 Centerview Dr
Millsboro, DE
CECIL WOODS
BJ's
100 Penceder Plaza
Newark, DE
BUCKINGHAM SPRINGS
&
NESHAMINY FALLS
BJ's
200 Easton Rd
Warrington, PA
Stay tuned for a blog post about some things that I like for summer at BJ's. Happy Shopping!
First, gather 1 to 3 friends who like to bargain shop! Buy a membership under one person's name. Collect and split up the coupons (they will come to the member's house in the mail). Once a month take the biggest car you can find and go shopping! The great thing about going with friends is that you can split the membership but you can also split up your goodies! You really don't need 68 ounces of peanut butter and 42 AA batteries, BUT you could use 16 ounces of peanut butter and 21 AA batteries!
What's close to you:
Foxfield, Champions Club, Spring Arbor, Brandywine and Cecil Woods share the same Costco located in Christiana at 900 Center Blvd, Newark, DE.
Check out the below for info about BJ's.
FOXFIELD
BJ's
1260 E Woodland Ave.
Springfield, PA
BRANDYWINE
BJ's
2131 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE
SPRING ARBOR
BJ's
100 Penceder Plaza
Newark, DE
CHAMPIONS
BJ's
26676 Centerview Dr
Millsboro, DE
CECIL WOODS
BJ's
100 Penceder Plaza
Newark, DE
BUCKINGHAM SPRINGS
&
NESHAMINY FALLS
BJ's
200 Easton Rd
Warrington, PA
Stay tuned for a blog post about some things that I like for summer at BJ's. Happy Shopping!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Award winners!
Congratulations to the Villas at Foxfield, winners of the Pyramid Awards! Community of the Year, 55+ Best Community Clubhouse Home of the Year - The Chandler Model Selections/Options Coordinator - Dianne Muhe Project Manager - Joe Fischer Multi-Million Dollar Salesperson - Laura Ryan Best Realtor Program Best Use of Technology
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Addition to the Book Club
Two additional suggestions from my mom, Karen McKee!
She writes,
Mercury 13 by Martha Ackerman
Here is a story of 13 American women pilots who were willing to risk it all for their unattainable dream of spaceflight. Their story is one of striking courage and resilience. I couldn't put this book down about these brave and courageous women.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
A delightful novel about friendship and love in an English Countryside. The story is lively and funny especially for an English Novel. Major Pettigrew is of an age where you think love has passed him. That he finds it with Mrs. Ali is wonderful. An enjoyable read.
She writes,
Mercury 13 by Martha Ackerman
Here is a story of 13 American women pilots who were willing to risk it all for their unattainable dream of spaceflight. Their story is one of striking courage and resilience. I couldn't put this book down about these brave and courageous women.
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
A delightful novel about friendship and love in an English Countryside. The story is lively and funny especially for an English Novel. Major Pettigrew is of an age where you think love has passed him. That he finds it with Mrs. Ali is wonderful. An enjoyable read.
McKee Book Club
Hello Everyone!
This is a just for fun post about one of my favorite pasttimes- READING!
I think that several of our communities have book clubs. I am going to do some research on this and then share what everyone is reading. However, I also thought that I could share some or my past and future reads. Write in if you have any to add!
Recently read (and enjoyed) books:
1. The Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay)
By Suzanne Collins
This is one of my all-time favorite series. Technically, it is a young adult series but please do not let that turn you off. Teenager Katniss Everdeen must compete in a to-the-death televised game against other children in a future world.
2. Room
By Emma Donoghue
This book is touching and terrifying at the same time. It is told from the point of view of a 5 year old who lives in an 11' by 11' shack with is Ma as prisoners.
3. The Help
By Kathryn Stockett
Just about everyone has read this book and it is about to come out as a movie - I loved it!
4. The Sookie Stackhouse Series
By Charlaine Harris
HBO's True Blood is based on these books and there are many of them. Save them for summer. They are dumb, but delicious.
5. The Historian
By Elizabeth Kostova
Beware! This is not a book about an historian (like I thought) but actually a very scary book about Dracula. I still really liked it.
Books on my to-be-read list
1. Unbroken
By Laura Hillenbrand
The sub-title reads: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption.
2. A Discover of Witches
By Deborah Harkness
A "Twilight" for adults, a supernatural for smarties.
3. House of Prayer No. 2
By Mark Richard
About a man raised "special" in the South.
This is a just for fun post about one of my favorite pasttimes- READING!
I think that several of our communities have book clubs. I am going to do some research on this and then share what everyone is reading. However, I also thought that I could share some or my past and future reads. Write in if you have any to add!
Recently read (and enjoyed) books:
1. The Hunger Games Trilogy (Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay)
By Suzanne Collins
This is one of my all-time favorite series. Technically, it is a young adult series but please do not let that turn you off. Teenager Katniss Everdeen must compete in a to-the-death televised game against other children in a future world.
2. Room
By Emma Donoghue
This book is touching and terrifying at the same time. It is told from the point of view of a 5 year old who lives in an 11' by 11' shack with is Ma as prisoners.
3. The Help
By Kathryn Stockett
Just about everyone has read this book and it is about to come out as a movie - I loved it!
4. The Sookie Stackhouse Series
By Charlaine Harris
HBO's True Blood is based on these books and there are many of them. Save them for summer. They are dumb, but delicious.
5. The Historian
By Elizabeth Kostova
Beware! This is not a book about an historian (like I thought) but actually a very scary book about Dracula. I still really liked it.
Books on my to-be-read list
1. Unbroken
By Laura Hillenbrand
The sub-title reads: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption.
2. A Discover of Witches
By Deborah Harkness
A "Twilight" for adults, a supernatural for smarties.
3. House of Prayer No. 2
By Mark Richard
About a man raised "special" in the South.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Focus Group
Thank you to the many prospective McKee homebuyers who attended the Focus Group at Champions' Club! We received invaluable information about ways to update our floorplans and marketing for our customers. Thanks to our volunteers (who came from near and far!) and spent hours providing feedback we are putting into place some great flexible ways for homes to have great "flex" rooms on the first floor.
Also, many thanks to Perry DeSiato, our McKee Group Host with the Most!
Also, many thanks to Perry DeSiato, our McKee Group Host with the Most!
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