McKee Builders

Meet Donna!

2012-01-24T16:37:00.002-05:00

Donna Johnson from The Courtyards at Brandywine writes,

I am a lifelong realtor licensed in both PA and DE for the past 30 years.I have experienced many changing markets in my career as a realtor. With those changes comes the constant challenge to fuel the passion that brought me into the business in the first place. I am passionate about assisting people fulfill their wants, needs and wishes. It is so rewarding to hand someone the keys to the front door of their new home. Like a new baby, a new home is a fresh, new start and I am always honored to be part of the experience.

New construction is in my blood. I have always loved to take things apart and build them anew. Since you can only do that so many times in your personal life, it just made sense for me to focus on selling newly constructed homes. Oddly enough, my first new community that I ever sold was Hidden Forest in Downingtown, PA for Frank McKee, Sr. The fact that I am back with McKee Builders makes perfect sense. I am very particular about the builder with whom I associate with. Integrity, sound construction and consumer friendly reputation are crucial to a successful building company and McKee fits the bill perfectly.

My family is forst and foremost my most treasured accomplishment. My husband Larry and I have been married for 34 years. We have two sons, a daughter-in-law (who I adore) and as of January 16, 2012, a precious graddaughter, Lila Wren.

Besides making dreams come true for my clients, my other passions are mountain biking, hiking, gardening and cooking. I especially love to cook what I grow. My respect for all things in nature is at the core of who I am as a human being!

Meet Laura!

2012-01-12T16:56:00.003-05:00

Laura Ryan has recently started selling homes at The McKee Group's Spring Arbor community in Middletown, DE. She had been selling homes in our Foxfield community in Garnet Valley, PA for the past three years. Prior to joining the McKee Group, Laura worked in Middletown, DE for Craftmark Homes. Her first new home sales position was in Smyrna, DE for Brenford Homes.

Laura enjoys going to work each day, her favorite part of her job is when the new homeowner is able to reach the goal of moving into their new home. Oftentimes, our buyers have never purchased a brand new home or some have been in the same memory-filled home for 20 plus years. Laura understands that building a new home can be very exciting, but also can be stressful. Her goal is to minimize the stress and make every step fun for her buyers.
Laura married her high school sweetheart Fran in 1984. She is proud to say that she has been able to support all three of her children through college. "Jessica, Rocky and Taylor are great young adults that bring a smile to all they encounter," Laura beams.

Laura writes, "The Delaware beaches are a hot spot for our family! I haven't missed a summer on the beach since I was a kid. We love kayaking, crabbing, and surf fishing! We really enjoy just being with family and friends and a good book on the beach. I do have to say that winning a trip to Cancun from WOGL Oldies 98.1 was a highlight of my year last year! If you haven't entereted to win, you are missing out! I am also looking forward to cashing in on the hot air balloon trip for two that I purchased for my husband's recent birthday. We are usually a boring couple, and this has surprised even our kids!"

Meet Jessica!

2012-01-12T16:37:00.002-05:00

I am a lifelong resident of North East, Maryland and as any one who visits my community knows, I am a huge fan of our quaint, small town charm! Growing up, I spent summers at my family's summer house in Fenwick Island, Delaware and consider it to be my second home. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have three amazing children, ages 12, 10 and 5. After studying Marketing Communications at Cecil College, I attended the Mid-Atlantic School of Real Estate and received my real estate license in 2005.

I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and attending my children's sporting events. I am also an active member of the North East Chamber of Commerce, serving as past Treasurer and was honored as Coordinator of the Year in 2009.

I love sandy beaches and the ocean! I'm always up fpr travel if sand and sun are involved. The coolest thing that I have done would have to be snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico. The clear water of the Gulf, the beautiful sea life and amazing reefs were breathtaking. The craziest thing I have done would also be in Mexico when I went parasailing which consisted of little more than a boat, a lawn chair tied to a rope and a parachute. I have never been happier to plant my feet on solid ground!

I love my job!! My favorite part of the job is my clients. I truly enjoy helping them find a home that suits their needs, and assisting them in personalizing their home colors and finishes to their taste. For many of my clients, after living in a home that they had chosen for the needs of raising a family, this is the first time that they will have a brand new home to personalize as they wish. For the first time they have the opportunity to choose everything based on their wants and desires alone. It is a very exciting time and I love being a part of it. In all honesty my least favorite thing is working weekends! But... a close second would be preparing reports and paperwork! I am a people person. I like to be interacting with people and showing my visitors why the Cecil Woods lifestyle is so wonderful!

Meet Frank!

2012-01-11T16:47:00.004-05:00

Frank McKee Jr is my brother and the Sales Counselor at the Villas at Foxfield. He has worked at The McKee Group in some capacity since he was old enough to sweep a floor. From construction labor to marina services, he has gained perspective on many aspects of the Company.

Frank started working full time at the Company in Business Development and Acquisitions immediately after receiving his bachelor's degree in Business from Drexel University. Once he obtained his Real Estate Sales license, he jumped into sales at Foxfield and The Courtyards at Brandywine.

Frank says his favorite part of his job is seeing the joy on his customers' faces when they make the decision to change their lifestyle, and their lives, by moving into a McKee community. As Frank says, "Once my buyers become residents, that joy turns to excitement and fulfillment of moving to a new stage in life. This is a truly unique job because my emotions are so affected by the journey of our customers. That is what I truly love about it, especially when they are so happy that I get a great big HUG. The connections I make with such wonderful people fuel my growth as a Sales Professional and individual."

Frank says his least liked part of sales is working on football Sundays. He also struggles with real estate professionals who might not work as hard for their clients as he wants them to.

His interests and hobbies include skiing, boating, flying and travelling. One of his more rewarding projects is serving as the Vice President of Board of Directors at the Delaware County SPCA. Frank recently shared the SPCA's wish list of donations with the very generous Villa residents and now receives donations every week to deliver to homeless pets at the shelter.

Meet our Sales Counselors!

2012-01-11T16:44:00.002-05:00

Hello Readers!

Many of you have come to know your Sales Counselors very well. However, I thought it was time to really embarrass them by outting their shiny new pictures on my blog! Yayy!

Stay tuned.

Jenni

PS. Can you guess who will be first? If you guessed, my little brother then you are correct!!

Introducing...ALMA!

2011-08-24T10:12:00.002-04:00

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.

2011-08-24T10:05:00.002-04:00

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]!!!

Get to know us!

2011-08-22T15:53:00.001-04:00

This video says it all! http://youtu.be/0BpHrcJiU6s

We have a YouTube Channel!

2011-08-04T12:42:00.002-04:00

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.

Letterboxing!

2011-08-02T10:56:00.002-04:00

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...

Things to do in Wilmington

2011-08-02T10:45:00.002-04:00

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

2011-08-02T10:41:00.003-04:00

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.

Thinking about putting your house on the market

2011-07-14T10:07:00.003-04:00

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.

New Building at Brandywine

2011-06-13T14:49:00.007-04:00

A new building of gorgeous homes is started at The Courtyards at Brandywine.

Parade of Homes

2011-05-31T14:35:00.004-04:00

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

2011-05-31T12:38:00.007-04:00

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!

Thinking of our friends and family

2011-05-26T09:40:00.001-04:00

Super Fun Night Out

2011-05-12T15:54:00.002-04:00

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!!

Summer Entertaining

2011-05-10T13:51:00.008-04:00

So, all of this talk about bargain shopping made me want to draw your attention to a few items!

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

2011-05-10T13:08:00.005-04:00

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!

Award winners!

2011-04-15T14:48:00.002-04:00

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

Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T14:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day! From our family to yours. The McKees

Addition to the Book Club

2011-03-01T15:28:00.002-05:00

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.

McKee Book Club

2011-03-01T09:38:00.002-05:00

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.

Focus Group

2011-02-28T16:02:00.002-05:00

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!

Color in your new home

2010-10-20T13:57:00.004-04:00

For many of us, painting a wall is a VERY BIG deal. The hassle of painting yourself and the cost of hiring someone else can be a major obstacle. On the other hand, I think that most of us will agree that paint is the best way to make a big change. For the time and money, the impact you can make is a deal, really.

With that said I still obsess over paint colors. I have a perfectly painted house but I am still not happy with what I consider to be a lack of color on the first floor (lots of camel) and a color that is just not working in the powder room (purple). I have a sage green sofa in the family room and a mish mosh of furniture - I would like to paint the walls a turquoise or blue, but which turquoise or blue? I cannot even choose the colors for my daughter's kitchen, desk and table playset!

This is where Benjamin Moore comes in. Check out their website. They have so many tools to help you play with color that you should never go on after 9 pm, because you will be up waaayy to late!

I found this:

and I am quite please with it. I am going to tone down the green color and replace it with my sage green sofa. The bright blue on the walls and the team in accent pieces or maybe even the fireplace (yikes!) is just about perfect! Now just to get my husband to paint!

And to paint the baby's stuff.

PS. if you have done your math, you will know that the Bea is only 10 months old and cannot play with a kitchen playset. I do realize that. I also realize that I am a little bit crazy, and a little bit crafty!

Tooting my own horn

2010-08-12T16:51:00.004-04:00

This is me winning Marketing Director of the Year from the Homebuilders' Association of Chester and Delaware Counties! I have accepted many awards on behalf of The McKee Group, but this was the first for ME!

Summer vacations!

2010-08-10T14:53:00.003-04:00

A record winter has been followed by a record summer here in the Philadelphia region. It seems like everyone is doing their best to beat the heat. The pools at our communities have been packed and many our doing fabulous group trips.

As for me by the time this summer is over I will have travelled to the following destinations: Maine; the Chesapeake Bay; Ocean City, NJ; New Hampshire; and, Cape Cod!

I am doing an informal survey about popular vacation destinations from our communities so stay tuned!

My Absence

2010-08-10T14:28:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone! I am back. I am sorry for my absence BUT I have a GREAT excuse.

Here she is:

We call her "the Bea" and she is healthy and happy and gorgeous and wonderful! Our loyal blog-followers will have noted that Frank Jr wrote a few posts while I was gone. Big Sister is back! Stay tuned for a post about vacations!

Jenni

Paper Shredding

2010-03-18T15:07:00.002-04:00

McKee Builders Award-Winning Active Adult Community in Delaware County, Foxfield, is having a Paper Shredding event on April 10th from 11AM to 3PM. This is a great way to do a necessary errand, and tour our models. Visitors are welcome to bring guests who will be treated to refreshments and some infamous Philly Soft Pretzels.

There are only 7 Ranch Homesites left to build your dream home, and the decorated models are now for sale. The event will be held in the secluded rear portion of the property where the Villas sales office is located. Be sure you check out those models too, they are quite deceiving in size and some models only have one Home remaining. Plus they are the only multi-family homes in the area to offer a private one-car garage. I also recommend you tour the clubhouse during your visit. It is a fabulous Mediterranean inspired facility that is bound to make you fall in love with Foxfield.

Best,
Frank Jr.

Remember: Buy now, for tomorrow's too late!

Winter

2010-03-14T13:54:00.001-04:00

Greetings Homebuyers,

I hope you have survived this record breaking winter. We’ve seen a lot of people who are ready to move in to a fabulous McKee community where all the shoveling and snow plowing are done for you! This winter also reinforced my belief in a well-insulated energy efficient home which I’m sure many of you with high energy bills can attest to.

This is a perfect opportunity to talk about our Energy-Star Certified Green Homes in the tax-friendly state of Delaware. All McKee homes in Delaware go through a third party verification to ensure the building envelope is nice and tight. A great example of this is The Courtyards at Brandywine in Northern Wilmington where our insulation blows the competition away with R-38 in the ceilings and R-19 for all exterior walls. On top of that we use energy star rated appliances to keep utility costs down. Our quality carriage homes also feature 2” x 6” framing on exterior walls, allowing for even more of that high rated insulation.

Best Regards,
Frank McKee, Jr.

Buy now, for tomorrow’s too late!

Seasons Greetings to All

2009-12-15T11:37:00.000-05:00

Allow me to introduce myself as the new editor of the McKee Builders blog. My name is Frank McKee, Jr. and I am thrilled to be taking over for my sister Jenni. As you may have noticed it has been a while since this blog was updated. I’m pleased to report the reason is because Jenni McKee is a proud new Mom to a beautiful baby girl!

Some other exciting information I want to share with you is in regards to the new Move-up Buyer Tax Credit. This allows homeowners who have lived in their current residence for at least 5 of the past 8 years the opportunity to receive up to $6,500 in tax credits.

Single taxpayers earning up to $145,000, and married couples who earn up to $245,000 are eligible for a partial to full credit. This credit applies to sales contracts entered into by April 30, 2010 and closed by June 30 2010, so the time to act is now! There will not be an extension of this program so head out to one of our Award-Winning McKee communities and ask your Sales Counselor for more details on how you can benefit from this program.

Happy Holidays to all.

Goings-on at McKee

2009-09-24T14:10:00.002-04:00

I was at the Courtyards at Brandywine this morning with our fabulous photographer, John Martinelli. Seeing the models through his camera lens is amazing and made me focus in on details that I haven't quite seen through the big picture before. John likes to focus on entrances and first impressions. These models in particular each have a stunning entrance, but all in very different ways. Of course, I especially love the Shannon because the open family room - kitchen design was my plan! Will post pictures just as soon as I have them.

I have been very busy with a program at Neshaminy Falls to bring in some new homes there for the first time in many years. We have about 7 new homes available currently and about 5 different floor plans. I truly think we are delighting folks with the opportunity to buy new construction for as low as $89,000. We also have the Turnbridge model from Nittany Glen (click here to see a floorplan) with a beautiful cherry kitchen.

Selling My Home

2009-08-04T14:58:00.002-04:00

Hello All,

I am so sorry that it has been so long since I have last written. I have a great story to share with you however that should make up for it.

Early this summer my husband and I decided that it was time to leave our beautiful neighborhood of Queen Village in Philadelphia and move closer to work. I prepped myself for the drama and adventure that I was certain to experience with selling our home in a "down" market.

So, we got to work.

For three days, we pre-packed and cleaned. Tabletops covered with picture frames became tabletops with one or two interesting glass pieces. The books on the bookshelves got packed away leaving a tidy bookshelf with a few books neatly arranged with a vase or two. I went through each closet and pre-packed leaving what I thought I might want for the next 3 to 5 months (that is how long I thought it would take to sell!). A neighbor came by when everything was finished and gave me the advice that homes sell better if you pack your personal photos away. When I showed her that even my closets were staged, she maybe thought that I went a little too far!

We also hired some folks to do some cosmetic work as well. When we had a window leak a year ago we obviously had the windo fixed right away, however, we had lived with the stain and bubbling on the drywall and couldn't expect new buyers to.

Next we discussed pricing with our realtor. In the end we followed the professional's advice and priced our home not at what we wanted the home to be worth, but at what he knew it to be worth based on real-time comps in our neighborhood.

The house went on the market and we had two offers in 7 days!

Now we just have to buy a new house. As I walk from room to room from house to house I cannot believe the range of effort I have seen sellers put into readying their homes.

A few ideas for staging your home that you might not have already thought of:

Pre-pack
Packing up seasonal decor, uncommonly used items, collections and personal mementos will not only help buyers envision living in your home it will also make every room and appear larger AND save you packing time once your home is actually sold. It is also a great time to simply get rid of things.

Extra Rooms
Ask your adult children to come over and remove their childhood belongings from the home. Buyers do not need to see their 15 year old posters of Cindy Crawford and wrestling trophies on the wall. Keep unoccupied bedrooms imple so that the buyer might imagine that room as a home office or nursery.

Get a Second Opinion
Take a very hard look at your home. Possibly even ask a neighbor to do it for you if you think you might not be critical enough. If not, your home could sit on the market for months before anyone tells you that there is a stain on the ceiling that you just do not notice anymore or a pet smell that you have never considered.

Hire Professionals
Make sure that you hire professionals for the hardest of jobs. You might be very happy with our own handiwork, but unless you have experience, a buyer might not be.

Good luck!

Golfing!

2009-06-16T13:26:00.002-04:00

Golfing comes to McKee Builders! This weekend is the grand opening of The Links at Foxfield. The Links are a challenging, 6-hole golf course designed by Ian Scott-Taylor in the Scottish form. Good luck to all of the golfers!

Flex Dollars!

2009-06-16T13:21:00.003-04:00

I am so excited to tell you about our current promotions at Spring Arbor, Foxfield, Champions Club and our newest community, Brandywine.

The Flex Dollars program gives you money to customize your new home purchase your way. Receive $30,000 on homes at Brandywine and all single family homes throughout, $15,000 on all carriage homes and $10,000 off of the Villas at Foxfield.

Call your sales counselor for more details.

FREE basements

2009-04-22T14:47:00.003-04:00

For a limited time only, we are offering FREE finished basements on select homesites at The Courtyards at Brandywine!!

The Models at Brandywine

2009-04-07T16:31:00.004-04:00

We recently performed a framing walk-thru at The Courtyards at Brandywine. The Product Development team, interior designers, Director of Construction, Project Manager and President pore through every inch of every model before they are drywalled. That is a lot of hard hats!

We pay great attention to how each space feels. There are many, many considerations and each walk takes hours. Just a few of the questions we ask ourselves: Does each room translate properly from blueprints to frame? Do the kitchen and bathroom layouts make sense? Are the closets big enough?

We did two walk-thrus on the three models at Brandywine and are more excited than ever for the customers that have waited patiently for the job to open. We made minor changes but overall they are moving ahead with construction. I am eager to return to see the changes that were made: a prettier, grander statement staircase in one, an extra linen closet in another, extra soffits and dramatic doors and doorways, and possibly a media room in one of the basements!

MVP

2009-04-06T13:48:00.004-04:00

Every quarter, the New Homes Division awards an MVP award to a subcontractor. This subcontractor goes above and beyond to offer the very best in customer service to our homeowners.

Pictured above is Bob Conover of Young Lumber. Young Lumber is McKee's MVP for both the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2008. Thank you, Young Lumber!!

Everyday Goings-On

2009-03-30T17:02:00.005-04:00

Last week the Product Development team did a framing walk-thru of the new models at The Courtyards at Brandywine. So exciting! They look great! Sign up on the main page to receive updates.

Below is a picture of the rainbow that appeared today at Nittany Glen. Enjoy!

Facebook and McKee

2009-03-24T14:40:00.003-04:00

I have recently started using Facebook to advertise one of our communities. By now I am sure you either have a Facebook account or know someone who does. Facebook is a social networking site that has connected users of all ages from all across the globe. The Facebook advertising campaign allows one to advertise based on INTERESTS of its users. This is truly amazing.

The Village of Nittany Glen is an all-ages clubhouse community in State College, PA. Because of the draw of living near a university (especially one's alma mater), it makes sense to advertise in a space where people routinely "gather" to catch up with old friends and to discuss common interests.

Facebook Ads allows me to target users who are Penn State alums living in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. It also allows me to target users who have listed Penn State Football as an interest. Pretty neat!

Birthday!

2009-02-19T14:40:00.003-05:00

The blog turns 1 tomorrow!

More Target Shopping

2009-02-19T14:08:00.005-05:00

It has been a while since I obsessed over the deals at Target, so here it goes!

These chairs are so, so great. I don't even know what to say. I love them. One of these in a master or guest bedroom or a couple in a living room, loft or office could be just that splash of color, fun, modernity, newness that you have been looking for. I cannot pick my favorite, but I would love one in my guest room/office. At $299, they aren't cheap, but they are certainly a good price.

Check them out here.

Do It Yourself Projects

2009-02-19T13:09:00.003-05:00

In a make-believe world, I am very crafty. In reality, I am not very crafty, however, I can manage to pull off something very crafty every once in a while.

For example, I recently got a puppy. I made her a superlong fleece tug of war toy. She is no longer that interested in it but when guests come over I pull it out as if it were her favorite toy and proudly declare, "I made that."

For those of you that pretend you are crafty (like me) and those if you who are actually crafty, here is a nifty website for you to dream about.

http://www.diyideas.com/

The Courtyards at Brandywine are Open!

2009-02-06T16:32:00.004-05:00

I am so excited to announce that The Courtyards at Brandywine are officially open. Located on Route 202 in Delaware just south of the Pennsylvania border, The Courtyards at Brandywine is a showstopper of a community.

I personally worked on the brand new floorplans with our Product Development Team for this community. Six beautifully appointed designs mean that there is a home for EVERYONE. A home to match your lifestyle which you so richly deserve!

The Sales Center will be located at Foxfield (click here for directions) until the new models are built at Brandywine. The Sales Center boasts a virtual tour display so that you can "walk" and "feel" each design. Get in early on this community. Now is the time!

Click here to begin your journey!

Go Penn State!

2008-11-06T13:59:00.005-05:00

The McKee Group would like to congratulate Pennsylvania State University's football players, students and alumni on what is turning out to be an awesome season! Go Nittany Lions!

The Village of Nittany Glen is also in the middle of an awesome season! We have brand new models with kitchens like this standard.

Check them out here: http://www.nittanyglen.com/nittany_ranch.asp

The Village of Buckingham Springs

2008-11-06T13:55:00.004-05:00

Have you considered a McKee Village community? The Village communities are an exciting pathway to your new 55 and better lifestyle. You'll purchase your home, and in an unique ownership module, rent the land from The McKee Group. With that you get a clubhouse and outside amenities with a full-time social director, on-site maintenance and service staff, a carefree life and much, much more.

Check out homes currently for sale at The Village of Buckingham Springs.

A Big Day

2008-11-05T14:24:00.004-05:00

No matter how you voted yesterday, I think we can all agree that with the elections over the country can move on. Since most of my readers have homes for sale or are thinking of putting their homes for sale (to enjoy their new McKee lifestyle), let's hope that a change can boost consumer confidence enough to get people to your open houses and web listings. So, put away the knickknacks, paint the garage floor and spend some money on landscaping - I am feeling very good about your prospects!

The Villa's at Foxfield

2008-10-14T10:19:00.003-04:00

On Saturday, October 11th, we debuted two new models at Foxfield, one of our premier 55+ communities, located in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. The new Villas models begin in the low $200's and feature private garages, maintenance-free living, a golf course and a fully-equipped and busy clubhouse.

Savvy Woman Homebuyer

2008-10-14T10:17:00.003-04:00

Women - you are practical and smart! Twice as many single women by homes as do single men! Check out this resource for women buying and selling their homes.

Fall, Part 2: Fab Fall Closer to Home

2008-10-13T16:05:00.005-04:00

Fab Fall Activities

1. Maize Maze
This is my absolute favorite fall activity. Last year I discovered Cherry Crest Adventure Farm and fell in love. They have a petting zoo, crafts and even an Amish dollmaking workshop. But the best part is the 5 acre maze made out of corn! Hours of fun for groups of 2 or 200! Check it out here: http://www.cherrycrestfarm.com/, but hurry - there are only 5 weeks left and the corn is good and tall.

2. New Hope, PA
This town is adorable and worth your attention. Delicious restaurants, easy transportation and just a very pretty place.

3. Get outside and get dirty!
We know that you have said goodbye to having to do your yardwork, but if you miss it at all (probably not) - get dirty for a good cause. Join Philadelphia Cares and check out their environmental offerrings. Work on hiking trails with the Riverbend Environmental Education Center or help take care of the stables at the Chamounix Stables.

Fall, Part 1: Fun Fall Getaways

2008-10-13T15:32:00.004-04:00

Fall is my favorite time of the year! And it is my favorite time of the year to go on adventures near and far. Since our homeowners also love adventures, I thought I would suggest a few. Fall, Part 1 will feature Fun Fall Getaways. Fall, Part 2 will be about adventures closer to home.

1. Boston
My home for 12 years is a great palce to visit in the fall. I recommend driving there. The ride through Western Mass is absolutely beautiful this time of the year. Spend a night or two in a B & B there, then get up in the morning and hit the city. Take a Duck Tour and eat lunch at Durgin Park in Quincy Market. Fun fun fun.

2. Annapolis, Maryland
Fall is the time to visit Annapolis. This is one of the most beautiful towns around in my opinion and not to be missed. Go now and avoidthe heat and the crowds. Yippee! Check out http://www.visitannapolis.org/. Make sure you take a tour of the Naval Academy.

3. Cape May, New Jersey or 4. Atlantic City, New Jersey
Take advantage of the fall prices and visit the Garden State. Many of you are from there anyway! Either go Victorian and visit another era, or pretend that you are part of the Brat Pack and party it up!

Home Again, Home Again

2008-10-13T14:56:00.005-04:00

Hello Everyone!

I have been away from the blog for too long and I apologize. I have a good excuse though. I got married and went on a honeymoon!

Here's the proof:

Stay tuned for more! Jenni

On the House: For sellers, 'as is' isn't an option

2008-09-19T08:56:00.002-04:00

From our friend, Al Heavens, Inquirer Real Estate Columnist

A colleague has decided to downsize to a condo and has added her house to the substantial existing-home inventory in Philadelphia.

She and her late husband were part of the urban-pioneering movement in their neighborhood in the early 1970s. For their efforts, and as a result of the housing boom in the early part of this decade, they accumulated a substantial amount of equity that even this bump in the real estate road cannot reduce.

But she faces a buyer's market, with all that implies, made more difficult by tighter credit in the aftermath of the subprime debacle of August 2007.

The price she is asking is within the financial means of a young professional single or couple - I've seen newly minted lawyers buy Rittenhouse Square condos for about the same amount.
She also is willing to negotiate, and that puts her ahead of the pack. Agents tell me that there are plenty of sellers who remain unwilling to budge from the wrongheaded "but my neighbor sold his house in 2006 for a zillion dollars" view of proper pricing.

Still, she and her agent realize that she cannot sell the house "as is." With record inventory on the city market and sales down about 25 percent from a year ago, buyers can afford to be picky. So seller and agent need to come up with a game plan to turn the house into a sale.
Simple things: Toilets need to flush, faucets mustn't drip or drain sluggishly, water heaters must operate properly.

Heating and central air-conditioning systems go without saying. It would be better if they were newer, for the sake of maximum energy efficiency, but if they operate properly and well, and look as if they'll do the job for a few more years, then they should be fine.

Prospective buyers may ask to see your monthly heating and cooling bills, as well as your water bills. Living costs are rising, salaries are flat, and today's buyers are adding a whole host of expenses to the monthly mortgage payment to see whether they can handle homeownership.
Lots of insulation, efficient windows and doors, a roof that doesn't leak or need replacement, gutters and chimneys that are clean and in good working order are also important.

The exterior of a house tends to be more a buyer issue than the interior, since the innards are exposed to the wider world by invitation only. Today's shoppers won't be fooled by mulch or freshly planted flowers, just as they know the potpourri, freshly baked bread and boiled cinnamon stick ploys, too.

If the exterior needs painting and repair, pay for it. If the interior is gorgeous but too dark, washing the windows will let in natural light.

Don't worry about the interior. If they don't like the colors, that's easy to change.

Remember, listen to your agent. One who's worth the commission will know the market and the competition.

Most of all, hang in there. It may take awhile, but your house will sell - maybe even for more than the "proper price."

"On the House" appears Sundays in The Inquirer. Contact Alan J. Heavens at 215-854-2472 or aheavens@phillynews.com.

Some pics of the new Clubhouse at Champions' Club!

2008-08-08T14:17:00.006-04:00

Realtor.com blog

2008-08-01T14:55:00.002-04:00

We love Realtors!! Check them out here: http://talk.realtor.com/

MVP Awards

2008-08-01T10:45:00.003-04:00

Here at McKee Builders we like to give credit where credit is due.

We know that we would not be able to provide the quality that we require on our homes without the hard work and dedication of our wonderful subcontractors. We rely on them to build a quality product with quality materials on time with excellent customer service. Our relationships with our subcontractors is one of our most valued assets and we do not take them for granted.

To recognize those subcontractors that go above and beyond even our strictest requirements we present Most Valuable Player (MVP) Awards twice a year in each community.

This quarter's MVP's are (DRUM ROLL PLEASE):

FOXFIELD
Creative Carpentry Trim Crew

FOXFIELD VILLAS
Component Technology (They make the roof trusses - I had to ask!)

CHAMPIONS' CLUB
Creative Touch Interiors (CTI) (Our flooring partner)

SPRING ARBOR
MacLaren Fabrication, Inc. (They are responsible for your beautiful countertops.)

(WILD DEAFENING ROAR)

10 Ways to make sure your house does NOT sell!

2008-07-21T16:03:00.000-04:00

Pretty funny...from cnn.com...

1. Leave out your pictures, magazines, books, and knickknacks. You want a prospective buyer to feel that they know you, right?
Wrong. You want the buyers to immediately begin imagining themselves living in your house, and they'll have a hard time seeing beyond the pictures of your family at Beaver Creek and the old issues of Gun & Garden.
Even worse, they might find your taste in books laughable or your choice of evening wear tacky and decide they couldn't possibly live in your house.
So clear every surface, every side table, every coffee table, the sideboard, the desk and the dining room table. You can put one item in each room, and it should be a plant or flowers.

2. Don't change the cat litter. After all, you changed it yesterday, right? It doesn't smell that bad yet.
Or.....give your house the sniff test. It should smell fresh and clean. Nothing is more off-putting to a prospective buyer than a house that's stale-smelling, or worse.
Often, you become so inured to the smell of your own home that you don't notice scents that might offend a visitor. Empty the garbage cans, load dirty clothes into the washing machine, run a lemon through the disposal, give wood furniture a quick swipe with polish, and for goodness sake, change the litter box.

3. Express yourself! Indulge in your favorite colors in vividly painted walls and furniture. Paint an accent wall a bright color. It's fun!
Or...make your house a place anyone could imagine making their own. This means removing most evidence of your own personality. Decorate with a rigorous devotion to beige.
Neutral walls, pale furniture, soft lighting, and inoffensive art all go a long way towards creating a crowd-pleasing interior. Remove your collections to a safe place for the duration of the selling process, since you want a prospective buyer to look at the space, not get distracted by your Beanie Baby collection.

4. Stash your dirty magazines and movies in your oven or drawers! No one will open them to look inside.
Oh, yes they will. Get rid of everything you wouldn't want your mother to see. Prospective buyers will open the oven, investigate drawers for function and capacity, and study your closets and your medicine cabinet.
Part of preparing your house to sell is a ruthless purging of all these places and a thoughtful review of potentially embarrassing items in your house. If your bedroom is your personal love palace, remove any evidence of your rollicking sex life, at least temporarily.

5. Leave your furniture arranged as it is. That way people can see how much you can fit into the room!
Or....remove those extra pieces of furniture that make a room livable but add to the sense of clutter -- side tables, foot stools, magazine racks, and rocking chairs, which take up more space than a fixed chair. Create simple arrangements with maximum impact.
Often people arrange their living room as if they're hosting the neighborhood watch association meeting, with all the furniture lined up along the walls. Instead, place a sofa facing the fireplace, and flank it with two chairs facing a coffee table in between. This will create visual depth and an inviting vignette.

6. Make sure buyers know your team loyalties. Don't forget to fly that Red Sox flag!
Or...put your fan-of-the-year behavior on hold for a while, and stash your team merchandise away in the attic. What if your best prospect is a Yankee's fan? You don't want to lose a buyer over a big sponge #1 finger. The same goes for religious paraphernalia, although that may actually be less of a deal-breaker than the wrong team loyalty.

7. Don't worry about the breakfast dishes in the sink. People will understand you were in a rush to get out the door that morning.
Or....they'll think you're a slob who couldn't be bothered to put the dishes in the dishwasher, and probably hasn't taken very good care of the house. Other people's dirty dishes are especially revolting, and conjure images of squalor. If it means you have to take your family out to breakfast, make sure you leave the kitchen pristine. My Home Ideas: Company-ready kitchen
The same goes for the bathroom. Dry the inside of the sink and the surrounding counter completely before you leave the house.

8. Let the buyer fix the hole in the wall and the broken light fixture. They may want to choose their own!
Or...be prepared to lose a sale over the poor condition of your house. Everything in your house must be in good working order before you put it on the market. This process can take a couple of months, but you need to fix all broken fixtures, change all burned out light bulbs, repair any flaws in the walls, and refresh any paint that needs it.
The same goes for outdated or worn wallpaper. Some things do not get better with age, and nothing dates a room more than eighties wallpaper.

9. Leave the yard as is. After all, it's the house they're coming to see!
Or...learn to see your yard an extension of the house, and give it a thorough once-over. Trim unruly bushes, pull weeds, spread fresh mulch, and keep it mowed.
Your yard sets the expectations of the buyer before they've even stepped in your house. Consider installing attractive outdoor lighting. It goes a long way, for a little investment, toward creating a dramatic mood. And if you have a dog, go on a hunt for "land-mines" and clean them up.

10. Leave your dog in his crate while people look at your house. He's well-behaved.
Or...he's not so well-behaved when you're not there and strangers are tromping through his house. Nothing is so distracting as a barking dog when prospects are trying to get a detailed look at your house. Even though he might be contained, his voice will carry. Take him with you if you can, or drop him at a pet-friendly neighbor's house and repay them with house-sitting or a similar service.

Foxfield golf course

2008-07-21T14:25:00.002-04:00

The Foxfield golf course as been receiving some great press. Here is a sample from cybergolf.com and philly.com.

Scott-Taylor Designs Six-hole Course in Pennsylvania

Welsh golf architect, Ian Scott-Taylor, has completed the design and construction of a six-hole golf course for an over-55 community called Foxfield Clubhouse Community in Garnet Valley, Pa.
Last year, project developer The McKee Group contracted Scott-Taylor to design and build the "Old World-style" course as part of the project. In addition to the course the project includes a 9,200-square-foot clubhouse and pool and tennis facilities. Europe's first six-hole course opened in 2006 at the Northwick Park Golf Course in the Watford Road section of London. A handful of six-hole courses exist in the U.S. Today, more six-hole golf courses have been built and in planning in the States for time-strapped golfers and sites with smaller tracts of land.
Foxfield is located 20 miles outside of Philadelphia. The course will serve as a centerpiece in the development, which will also contain single-family, carriage-style, and villa homes.
Of the course, George T. Hyjurick, McKee's VP of Land Development says, "We had originally wanted a nine-hole course but Ian knew the space we had allocated for the course was not large enough. He proposed a fairly new concept - the six-hole course - that ended up being a win-win for both McKee and the homeowners. Not only can we offer an attractive and enjoyable amenity to current and potential community homeowners but also the short and long-term maintenance costs will be much less to the homeowners association than a nine-hole course due to the decision to use synthetic materials for the tees and greens. We estimate that 20 percent of our signed contracts were confirmed due to having this course."
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Scott-Taylor added: "In general, residents of 55-plus communities are savvy and discerning consumers. They expect a certain level of lifestyle and amenities that can be commanded by age-specific neighborhoods. The McKee Group was able to meet those needs at the Foxfield location where land is a premium by committing to build a marketable 'Old World Style' golf course while at the same time keeping the maintenance costs in line with the community's other compelling amenities - the pool and tennis courts."

For details about the development, visit http://www.mckeebuilders.com/foxfield.asp

Tips for Living Green

2008-07-21T13:35:00.003-04:00

TIPS FOR LIVING GREEN

1. Turn off your tap. While brushing your teeth, remember to turn off the faucet.

2. Unplug! Pull out cords for cell-phone chargers, microwaves and other "occasional" appliances when not in use. Yes, even your cell phone charge uses up energy when plugged in.

3. Ditch paper napkins. An elegant way to conserve, cloth napkins save both kinds of green (that's money and trees). Wash in cold water and line-dry for bonus points.

4. Stop unwanted catalogues! Go to http://www.greendimes.com/ and they will handle it all for you.

5. Buy local produce. You are supporting the local economy and reducing fuel consumption. It takes a lot of gas to ship fruits and veggies!

6. Try the Method line available at Target. Eco-friendly products are people-friendly products!

7. Turn down the thermostat. Doing so not only conserves fuel and money (even a couple of degrees counts), but studies show it may also help you fall asleep more quickly and have a more restful night once you do.

8. Use Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs.

9. Use a new McKee Grocery tote when shopping. Save any plastic bags you do get for pet cleanup.

10. Recycle and re-use recycled paper.

Happy 4th!

2008-07-03T14:59:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th of July!

Champions Club Clubhouse Opening

2008-06-27T09:36:00.004-04:00

Please join us for the opening of the Clubhouse at Champions' Club. This Saturday, June 28 from 11 am to 4 pm.

RSVP:
rsvp@mckeegroup.net
or
484.908.6336

Champions' Club
488 Augusta National Drive
Magnolia, DE 19962

Flooring by Mick Kenney

2008-05-16T09:30:00.000-04:00

AdvanTech Flooring

Most of the homes we build here at McKee have at least one wood flooring system. This would be over the basement or crawlspace and loft conditions. For this reason the wood sub flooring we use is very important to us. The product we most like to use is called AdvanTech. AdvanTech is a ¾’’ thick tongue and grove wood panel. It comes in 4x8 sheets. The product is manufactured with resin technology that creates a highly moisture resistant surface. We have found it performs much better than standard plywood or OSB products. Moisture can cause the seams of the wood to swell. This condition would require sanding of seams prior to finish flooring. With AdvanTech this is minimized. The product is also manufactured to be environmentally friendly. They utilize the small, fast growing tree species and use the process waste to fuel their facilities. AdvanTech is manufactured by Huber Engineered Woods. For more information go to http://huberwood.com

Organizing

2008-05-09T16:27:00.002-04:00

I am always trying to get organized. Unfortunately, I am really not at all organized although I would love to be. Here are some ideas I have had lately to get organized. Hopefully, sharing them with you will make me actually do it. Whether you are getting your house ready to sell or just moving into your new McKee home, it never hurts to be organized. Ask my fiance.

To begin, craft rooms:

This one is bright and cheery.
This one looks like I could actually pull it off.

And this one is beautiful.

Construction of the Champions' Club clubhouse

2008-04-23T11:53:00.004-04:00

The Champions' Club clubhouse is coming along! So exciting! They have even already dug the pool. Mark your calendars - the Grand Opening is June 21st!

Fox Hill Farm

2008-04-23T10:52:00.002-04:00

Fox Hill Farm is an active adult community that we are all especially proud of. Located in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, Fox Hill boasts a beautiful clubhouse and truly fabulous people.

The McKee Group broke ground on Fox Hill Farm in 1995. It was one of the first communities like it in this area and it quickly became a keystone project.

The residents of Fox Hill Farm have SO MUCH FUN. Here are just a few of their activities:
Photography Club
Trips to the Mediterranean, Wineries, Cruises
Ceramics
Yoga
Aerobics
Ladies' and Men's Golf Clubs
and my favorite, the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) Club

The residents have a nicely built and organized website for residents and visitors here:
www.foxhillfarm.org

The Village of Nittany Glen, Foxfield, Spring Arbor and Champions' Club are all well on their way!

I love this house

2008-04-18T11:35:00.003-04:00

Check it out on the Champion's Club website.

Guest Blogger - Natalie Surles

2008-04-16T15:49:00.002-04:00

Design Trends for Spring 2008, from Natalie Surles, Design Coordinator at McKee Builders' Delaware communities (Spring Arbor and Foxfield)

Although the temperature has been slow to reflect it, spring is here, and with spring comes new design and color trends. Here are a few of my favorites:

Beach Style
Spring Arbor and Champions’ Club’s close proximity to the Delaware beaches provide residents loads of inspiration for the ‘beach house’ feeling – casual and simple, with pastel patterns and stripes in soft shades of aqua, cream, peach and khaki are perfect for a bathroom or comfortable bedroom retreat. Add seashells or a small piece of driftwood for the perfect finishing touch!

Paint Color
Every season, Sherwin Williams releases several color palettes based on fashion trends. The palette called ‘No Place Like Home’ showcases classic, elegant colors inspired by a desire to balance the old and new. The colors focus on wonderful neutrals, such as Evening Shadow and Fleur De Sel, and earthier colors, such as Bateau Brown and Classic Sand.

Black and White
There is nothing that I love more than the combination of black and white – traditional silhouettes or black and white photographs matted in white and framed in black, or even white kitchen cabinetry and black granite countertops. I think the combination acts as the perfect backdrop for another color, and can be changed from season to season with little effort. My dining room is black and white, with different accent colors for each season – daffodil yellow and spring green for the spring and summer, pumpkin orange and cranberry red for the fall and winter.

Eco-Friendly Style
Bamboo rugs and pillows are more popular than ever with the green design movement. Consumers are trying to use natural colors, textures and materials in their homes. My favorite way of doing this is incorporating bamboo sticks or branches from the yard in floral arrangements.

On a personal note, something that I love to see is the mixing of old and new. I love to see traditional 18th century bedroom furniture with contemporary glass lamps, or a home with a flat-panel television on one wall, with an heirloom quilt on another wall. For some people, the thought of moving their current furnishings into a new state-of-the-art home is overwhelming. It can absolutely be done, and can be stunning!

Happy Spring!

Green, black and white

2008-04-16T14:08:00.004-04:00

As promised, here are some green. black and white ideas.

I really like this lamp and mirror both from Target.

Fabric from Calico Corner to consider.

Click here.

McKee Lifestyle

2008-04-11T15:37:00.003-04:00

Are you taking full advantage of your McKee Lifestyle? Remember one of the reasons why you purchased a McKee Home - turn the key and go on an adventure! Let Misty inspire you.

Misty of Chincoteague is a classic children's book written by Marguerite Henry about Pony Penning. Once a year (the last Wednesday in July), "salt water cowboys" swim the ponies across the Assateague Channel to Chincoteague for a fair and pony auction on Wednesday and Thursday. If you are up for an adventure that would most certainly be one!

From May 17th to October 11 (make sure to check the website in case any of this changes), take a ride on the Assateague Explorer to see the wild ponies in their natural habitat.

Some resources:

www.assateagueisland.com
National Parks - Assateague Island Information
A story about the swim.

Target Faves

2008-04-11T14:09:00.005-04:00

I have a confession to make. I LOVE Target (and Jon and Kate Plus 8 on TLC/Discovery Health, but that is a whole other story).

If I was moving into a new home, these are just some of the things that I might purchase there. Or, I might just buy them anyway.

This nifty white tray table. Summery and useful.

Beautiful and warm.

Love, love, love.

Coming soon - what I like just from their Black, White and Green section.

It's getting warmer!

2008-04-11T14:03:00.004-04:00

The weather is getting warmer. I am dedicating this picture of the pool at Foxfield to Summer. You can't get here soon enough.

Guest Blogger - Dianne Muhe

2008-04-08T16:57:00.003-04:00

Dianne Muhe is the Selections Coordinator at Foxfield. Not only does she guide our customers through the most fun part of building a new home, but she also has an eye for design that she happily shares to suit everyone's home to their personal style. The entry below is from Dianne. Thanks, Dianne!

Kitchens

Fashion, as well as color schemes, seem to come and go in cycles. How many of us have heard the phrase “if you hold on to it long enough, it will be back in style?” We can see this happening now, especially in the color of kitchen cabinets. Over the last several years, “white and light” dominated the marketplace. Now it seems people are gravitating towards the darker shades of cabinetry. Here at Foxfield, more and more people are choosing the richer shades of cherry wood like spice and chocolate for their cabinets and pairing it up with a natural granite for a warm, inviting look. Off setting this combination with stainless steel appliances gives the kitchen a state-of-the-art look. Of course, for our residents who like the light and airy look we still offer a nice selection of the more neutral shades. Remember, your home should reflect your style and taste and we are here to guide you through that process.

Real Estate Radio

2008-04-04T09:41:00.002-04:00

If you are thinking of buying a home, or just want to add some education to your Sunday morning coffee and pancakes, don't forget to listen to Jay Lamont, Philadelphia Real Estate guru.

For more information, click here. The show is called All About Real Estate and it airs Sunday mornings at 10 am on 950 am.

Innovation, the All-Natural Motivation

2008-04-04T09:28:00.001-04:00

Here at The McKee Group we put a lot of stock into Innovation. We have a committee called the Bright Ideas committee which encourages and vets employee submissions of innovative ideas. Their slogan is: "Innovation, the All-Natural Motivation."

Some recent suggestions have been a Business Retreat for Administrative Assistants and a Friends and Family Discount Program on New Homes.

I think it's pretty neat!

National 50+ Housing Awards

2008-03-17T14:49:00.003-04:00

This week I will be judging the National 50+ Housing awards at the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) headquarters in DC.

Last year we won three of these awards and traveled to Denver to accept them. From left to right is me, my dad, Frank McKee, and Perry DeSiato, V.P. of Sales and Marketing accepting the awards for Foxfield of Best Overall Community (Mid-size), Best Model (the Booth ) and Best Logo.

It is exciting to be on the other side of the judging. A lot less stressful!

The awards will be given out at the 50+ Housing Symposium in New Orleans.

Happy St. Patrick's Day from our family to yours

2008-03-17T10:10:00.001-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day from The McKee Group!

Bless This House

Bless this house, o Lord, we pray.
Make it safe by night and day.
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out.
Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let thy peace lie over all.
Bless the doors that they may prove
Ever open to joy and love.
Bless the windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heavenly light.
Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer.
Bless the people here within...
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all, that one day, we
May be fit, O lord, to dwell with Thee.

Windows - from Mick Kenney

2008-03-17T09:53:00.001-04:00

Whenever time permits, we at The McKee Group like to visit the production facilities for the products we purchase. We recently toured the Simonton Window Plant in Parkersburg West Virginia.
The Simonton Brick Mould 300 single hung is the McKee standard window. This window contains Low – E glass( low emissivity). Low E glass admits the full spectrum of sunlight but blocks radiant heat from escaping. This results in energy savings for the homeowner and a more comfortable living atmosphere. The glass is also filled with Argon gas. The Argon helps to further insulate the window glass.
One thing we learned that sets Simonton Windows apart from the competitors is they are voluntarily enrolled in the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) Certification Program. AAMA has developed a strict set of guidelines that must be met to obtain the AAMA Gold certification that our windows have. These tests include water and air infiltration, structural stability and operation.
The 300 series window is also available with the double hung option. For more information on Simonton Windows go to www.simonton.com.

Collectibles and downsizing

2008-03-14T16:31:00.003-04:00

We get SO many questions at The McKee Group about downsizing. People have many different reasons to downsize: one-floor living, smaller carbon footprint, travel, maintenance, health...I, myself, live in a 1,300 square foot home with my fiance.

You have amassed treasures that you are loathe to get rid of and we understand. So, what do you do about your collectibles?

How about swapping them in and out just like you might do with holiday decorations? I have one beautiful shelf in my downstairs powder room that is about 12 inches wide and 5 inches deep. It holds three collections! Sort of. I display one Hummel figurine, 2 Beatrix Potter figurines and 3 pieces from a nativity sceme made out of bread that friends brough back from a trip the the Dominican Republic. I rotate the pieces so that when visitors go into the powder room, it's always new.

The other thing I do is add interest to bookshelves with collectibles and photographs. I will take some pictures over the weekend and post them on Monday.

Housewarming

2008-03-14T16:22:00.002-04:00

Here's a neat party idea: Custom M & M's!

Go to http://www.mymms.com/

You can put whatever (short) phrases you want, pick colors and packaging! A great gift for the person who has everything, favor for a party or an anytime for fun kind of thing.

I tried the following combinations: TGIF (because it is Friday); McKee Group & Spring Arbor; Happy 80th and Grandmom (for my Grandmother); Thanks Boss & For the Raise (because it seemed useful); and, Club house & CC 2008.

Fun!

Scrabulous is Fabulous

2008-03-14T15:16:00.002-04:00

I urge everyone to sign up for a Facebook account - if only to play Scrabulous!

Facebook is a social networking site a la MySpace and Friendster. Log on and either get a friend to log on too, or find a friend already on it. Add the Scrabulous application and play away. If you like Scrabble, it's a fun way to stay in touch with friends and beat them at board games!

Google Search - What to look for in a new home...

2008-03-14T14:59:00.004-04:00

The National Association of Homebuilders is a tremendous resource for builders large and small. What many don't know is that they are also a resource for homebuyers.

Check out their website at http://www.nahb.org/

For a sneak peek, read their guide to buying a home.
____________________________________________________

Guide to Buying a Home

If you are thinking of buying a new home, you must pay close attention to many details to ensure that you find one that will suit your needs and preferences. Before you start shopping, you should sit down with the members of your household to discuss your preferences and the many options available to you. Here are some things you should consider:

Financing
How much can you afford? Visit our “Financing Your Home” section for resources and tools to help you learn about mortgages, obtaining financing, insurance and other useful information.

Features
An easy way to organize your thoughts is to write each separate feature that you want on a 3X5 card, and arrange the cards in order of their importance to you. For instance, if you like to cook, you may want a home with a large, well-equipped kitchen. Or you may settle for a small kitchen, so that you can have extra space for a library, office, or computer room. Some home buyers seek large, open interior spaces, while others prefer traditional rooms that afford more privacy. Some choose homes with large yards. Others opt for condominiums where they can avoid yard maintenance entirely.
While looking for a home, consider whether your needs are likely to change over time. If you plan to add rooms, find out if there is enough space on your site for such expansion and whether such additions are permitted by your local jurisdiction.

Management
Options include single-family homes, condominiums or cooperatives. With a single-family home in a development, you'll be responsible for your own yard and home, but may be restricted to certain design elements or other regulations if there is a home owners association.
A condominium is a home in a multi-unit complex, such as an apartment building or a townhouse cluster. You own the home, and you and your neighbors jointly own the common elements, such as the land around the complex, the parking areas, building exteriors, hallways, utility pipes and recreational facilities. A condominium owners association is responsible for maintaining the jointly owned elements. The day-to-day business of the complex is generally handled by a managing agency.
The owner of each condominium unit has a vote in the affairs of the community. Each owner pays a fee to cover the operating expenses of the property and usually contributes to a reserve fund for replacements (such as a new roof) or improvements (such as decorative landscaping to improve the value of the property). Changes and improvements to the complex may be made only as you and your co-owners desire. You are responsible for maintaining the interior of your condominium unit. Typically, you will not have to perform outdoor chores.
Cooperatives offer lifestyles similar to condominiums, but rather than owning your unit, you own shares of the stock of the complex. Stock owners are jointly liable for the cooperative's debts.

Pickleball!

2008-03-13T16:46:00.003-04:00

Pickleball has become very popular in some of our communities. Check it out here: www.pickleball.com and here: www.usapa.org

The original purpose of the game was to provide a sport for the entire family, according to co-inventors U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum.

How did Pickleball get it's name?
Pickles was the family dog that would chase after the errant balls and then hide in the bushes, thus Pickle's ball which was later shortened to the namesake of Pickleball.

Eons

2008-03-13T15:40:00.002-04:00

Check out this great website: www.eons.com

It is a networking website focused on baby Boomers from across the country. It is pretty neat.

Concrete in the Winter, from Mick Kenney

2008-03-13T15:14:00.002-04:00

"A question or concern we often hear from our Buyers: How will building in the winter affect our home’s quality? Most of the concern relates to concrete. There are a few steps we take to ensure that concrete is placed correctly.

The most important thing to remember is that concrete must maintain a temperature of 55 degrees for the first 24 hours after it is placed. This temperature is necessary to allow the chemical reaction between the cement and the water to take place. In order to make sure we can achieve 55 degrees, we do not place concrete unless the outside temperature is 36 degrees and rising. We also watch for severe nighttime lows. If it is too cold, we don’t pour.

Another step we take is admixtures. Add mixtures are chemicals added to the concrete at the plant that either speed up or slow down the hydration process. In the winter we want to speed it up. This is done by using hot water in the mix and often changing the cement to Type III Hi- Early cement.

Another important step is protecting the concrete after it has been poured. This is done with specifically designed concrete blankets. These blankets will be placed over foundation walls and flatwork after pour is complete and left in place over night and sometimes longer.

Something else to consider in the winter is allowing the concrete more time than normal to cure prior to backfilling a foundation or adding weight bearing to a slab."

Thanks, Mick!

An interesting Philly magazine article

2008-03-13T15:13:00.000-04:00

http://www.phillymag.com/articles/everything_you_know_about_philly_real_estate_is_wrong/

Volunteer from home or with friends

2008-03-06T15:46:00.003-05:00

I wanted to make sure you were all aware of a non-profit that I have worked with named Project Linus. Project Linus is a national non-profit whose mission is to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.” Check out the Project Linus website here.

All styles of blankets are welcome, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors as long as they are new and handmade. "Blanketeers" can be from all skill levels. This could be a great project for winter Sundays at home or even small groups in a circle. This can even be a neat group activity for children or other artistic types. Simply provide the same size muslin squares and fabric markers. Ask folks to draw on tehir squares and then all of the squares can be put together to make a security "quilt."

Health At Any Age

2008-03-06T10:59:00.005-05:00

A few years ago I committed to a healthier lifestyle and for the most part have been able to incorporate healthy activities into my everyday life.

Friends, a couple of trusted resources and an exercise regime that worked for me helped me do it. Sharing my goals with friends who had already gotten healthy was helpful and inspiring. They turned me on to healthy, low-cal foods, offered to take walks and were there at parties to make sure I didn't let the celebration get to me and eat too much! I even started a healthy eating lunch group that met once a week with our bagged lunches. Ultimately, I also joined a workplace Weight Watchers group, but I was happier in the more spontaneous lunch group where we discussed health minimally, and gossip majorly!

Two resources that helped greatly were Eat, Drink and Be Healthy by Walter Willett and a fun, informative website called Hungry Girl (I do not see why it couldn't be for men, too!).

Walter Willett is a Harvard professor who redid the Food Pyramid. His focus is on eating for health. He also came out with a more traditional weight-loss book a couple of years ago that I also like. Buy them on Amazon here and here.

Hungry Girl is a fun website with tips and tricks, polls and reviews. I highly recommend!

Healthy eating and exercise turned things around for me. I hated exercising before and I hate exercising now! BUT, I found a gym with individual TV's on each cardio machine and that reduces the pain.

Clubhouses found in many active adult communities are a perfect spot for a healthy lifestyle. They usually offer a fitness center AND places to gather for a healthy bagged lunch and support.

2008-03-03T14:37:00.005-05:00

I would love to introduce you to the Americana Series. Created to recall a time of sitting on porches and Fridays at the neighbors, the Americana Series are true ranch homes. These homes are our newest designs and have been a cause of great excitement here at the McKee Group. It's been "all hands on deck" to get these homes exactly right and the result is unmistakable. These homes live large in a beautifully designed floor plan in a small space.

At 1,324 square feet, the Charleston model offers:

Covered front porch; large great room; designer kitchen with a peninsula breakfast bar; private master suite with tray ceiling, two walk in closets and private bath; large second bedroom; two storage areas (including one heated); and, an oversized garage with additional storage space. Click here to see floor plans.

At 1,477 square feet, the Savannah model features:

Covered front porch; large great room; designer kitchen with an island breakfast bar and optional desk; private master suite with tray ceiling, two walk in closets and private bath; large second bedroom with option to convert to study; two storage areas (including one heated); oversized garage with additional storage space. Click here to see floor plans.

The Americana Series is available at Champions' Club.

Selling Your Home, Part 3: Preparing Your Home

2008-02-29T16:56:00.004-05:00

De-Personalize the House

Removing personal items is a very important step in painting a picture for potential buyers. This might seem strange since it means removing things like family pictures, sports trophies and collectible items. It really is best to pack them up and put them in storage.

Remove Clutter

EVERYTHING that is not regularly used needs to go into storage. This can be a difficult thing for you to realize since clutter does not necessarily mean junk, but years of everyday living. Clutter does collect on shelves, counter tops, drawers, closets, garages, basements and attics. Your goal is to showcase your home and emphasize spaces and designs. ALL areas need to be clutter free. Don’t forget knick knacks!

Fixtures and Plumbing - Plumbing and fixtures throughout your house should be shiny and work properly.

Painting and Wall/Ceiling Repairs - Painting can be your best investment when selling a home. It’s not too expensive and often can be done yourself. White and off-white appeal to the widest number of buyers, while expanding spaces. In many cases, it’s better to remove drapes and let the light come in!

Carpets and Flooring - Have carpets professionally cleaned and all stains removed. Repair or replace broken tiles and hardwood floor cracks.

House Odors

If you smoke, anyone entering your home will know immediately. If you follow our suggestions on painting, carpet cleaning and a professional service for a one time clean, then the majority of smoke odor has been removed. Pets also create odors that you have become used to, but are very noticeable. Keep the kitty litter box clean and sprinkle carpet freshener on rugs.

Selling Your Home, Part 2: Listing Your Home

2008-02-29T16:55:00.002-05:00

Most of us think we know what our house is worth, but do we really? A professional appraiser can determine the proper value for your home. If you list your home at the appraised value or very close to it, you will eliminate a lot of the competition. Homes priced right are the first to sell in any neighborhood!
A more traditional way of determining value is to ask your realtor to perform a Competitive Market Analysis (CMA). Have two to three Realtors perform a CMA and give you a presentation on how they will market your home.
This is extremely important for several reasons:
· A home priced right sells quickly
· It generally gives you the highest net dollars
· Relieves you of the stress of selling
· Frees up your time to purchase your new home

Selling Your Home, Part 1: Hiring Professionals

2008-02-29T16:51:00.001-05:00

In today’s volatile market, it takes professional experience and tools to most effectively sell a home. From inspection and appraisal to marketing and closing the deal, professionals can sell your home for more and save you time and stress to concentrate on your new home purchase!

Appraiser
A Certified Independent Appraisal Company performs a full appraisal of your home to indicate its market value. This is the same type of appraisal done for banks and mortgage companies. This report will substantiate current market conditions and home value, saving you a great deal of time on the market place in finding a buyer.

Realtor
Choosing a realtor is perhaps the most important decision you can make when selling your home. A few tips :
· When interviewing potential Realtors, ask each the same set of questions so that you can compare their answers
· Better to not choose a friend or family member to market your home
· Check referrals and others in your neighborhood who have used the Realtors’ services
· Do not tell the Realtor what you think your home is worth - rather ask them to tell you what they think its worth
· Have all marketing plans for selling your home put in writing
· Always use a Realtor that is a member of the Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Inspector
A licensed home inspector will inspect your home thoroughly in much the same way that any potential buyer will do. Identifying and fixing problem areas can make your home more attractive and prevent possible pitfalls in the negotiation process.

Foxfield decor

2008-02-29T16:17:00.005-05:00

For those of you building your fox collections at Foxfield, check out Horse and Hound. I particularly like the following, all from Horse and Hound, a needlepoint pillow, letter holder, stained glass artwork and coktail napkins.

Foxfield

2008-02-29T15:12:00.004-05:00

In case you haven't heard, Foxfield has won some major awards recently. We won three Best of 50+ Housing awards, including silver awards for Best Overall Community and Best Model (the Booth). Pretty exciting!

Four-legged Friends

2008-02-29T14:32:00.009-05:00

Spring Arbor and Champions' Club will both feature a Tails N' Trails Doggy Park in their host of outdoor amenities. In honor of our four-legged friends, here are some cool products to help them meet their new neighbors.

Stash your leashes on these cute puppy dog tail hooks from Ikea.

I like the anti-slip material on this food and water dish also from Ikea.

Finally, I couldn't resist sharing this Jeff Gordon doggy wear for all of you race fans living at Champions' Club!

Champions' Club

2008-02-28T14:42:00.010-05:00

Check out...

Located in Magnolia, Delaware, Champions' Club is just 7 miles from Dover, Delaware. Residents of Delaware enjoy low taxes and in a McKee community that translates into the financial freedom to spend on YOU! Put in the gourmet kitchen you have always dreamed of, go on a safari with a loved one, take flying lessons! With the extra cash in your pockets and time on your hands, thanks to our maintenance-free living, it is YOUR time to shine!

To learn more about Champions' Club, click here.

Grandchildren in New House

2008-02-20T17:22:00.007-05:00

It occurs to me that the first time your grandchildren/nieces/nephews visit your new home, you are thrilled, but also possibly anxious about your freshly painted walls!

Consider this Melissa and Doug easel from Olliebollen on sale for $29.95. It looks sturdy, cute and will keep the crayons off of your walls.

Welcome to Our Blog!

2008-02-20T13:46:00.001-05:00

We thought we would try blogging...

With a blog, our customers can learn more about The McKee Group and stay conected before, during and after their home's construction. For the most part you will hear from me, Jennifer McKee, Director of Communications. I will routinely ask others from the company to guest blog.

For now, I intend to blog about a large variety of topics. We could cover everything from selling your house and downsizing to decorating a room for grandchildren and the newest restaurant opening in Garnet Valley. I will ask some of our construction professionals to guest blog as well so that our readers can learn more about the building of a McKee home.

Thanks for reading!