Traditions of America

Category: 55+ Lifestyle

  • Summer Is the Perfect Time to Explore Liberty Hill

    Summer Is the Perfect Time to Explore Liberty Hill

    When you are ready to take the next step to a more rewarding, relaxing lifestyle, Traditions of America at Liberty Hill could be the place for you. This active adult community in State College is low on stress and high on opportunities for careers, culture and fun!

    Life at Liberty Hill is low on maintenance and convenient to many attractions. You can give up tree trimming and snow shoveling and instead:

    • Explore a city ranked by Money Magazine as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
    • Enjoy our resort-style amenities
    • Take advantage of lifelong learning opportunities at nearby State College
    • Hit the Fitness Center or heated outdoor pool
    • Join in on trips and clubs organized by a full-time Lifestyle Director
    • Work on a new business venture
    • Hike beautiful terrain in the Thompson Woods Preserve

    Whatever your passion or whim, you’ll have time to pursue it (and likely make several new friends ready to join in) at this vibrant State College, PA active adult community. See our list of Top 10 Reasons to Live at State College. Watch the video to learn more:

    As one Liberty Hill resident put it, “The beauty of this location and the community are what sold us.” Another resident adds that there is something here for everybody: “Liberty Hill is a great place to live with lots to offer every individual. Our community feels like a small village nestled in a valley but minutes away from new opportunities and adventures.”

    With over 95% of our homes sold and limited inventory remaining, you can Live Better now at Liberty Hill with one of our Featured Express Homes, offering you the chance to move in quickly instead of building from the ground up.  Click here to explore our featured homes. Explore our online – from snapshots from neighborhood events to a video tour of the Clubhouse – and then come explore our community for yourself. Our Welcome Center is open during the summer from 10am-6pm (summer).

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Helping You Live Better with HomePlus

    While purchasing your dream home can be very exciting, the road to getting the keys can be a stressful trip for some.  Traditions of America has developed a number of innovative programs for our 55+ active adult communities to help prospective homeowners manage their move.  Those who have taken advantage of these programs have found their anxieties eased allowing them to make the transition to this new chapter a happy one.
    HomePlus is one of these programs, and focuses on a home financing solution known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM). HECM is the only type of reverse mortgage insured by the Federal Government and allows for the purchase of a new home without monthly payments.

    Traditions of America employee Julie headshot photo

    Traditions of America is proud to be one of the first to offer this financing option and is currently hosting a series of free educational seminars where prospective homebuyers can learn more. These seminars are being led by Julie Didyoung, a HECM Specialist who has helped many of our homeowners understand and utilize this option when purchasing their Traditions of America dream home. We asked Julie to share some insights about HomePlus and what this option could mean for you:

    What is the biggest misconception about HECM?  
     Julie: Many, if not most, people are unaware that a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) can be used as financing for the Purchase of a home. HECM for Purchase is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured program for homebuyers who are age 62 and older and has been available since 2009. Most people are aware of the refinance use of HECM loans that have been available since 1989, but haven’t heard about the newer use of these loans to buy a new residence. It is the same loan program that has been around for over 25 years now, with all the same protections offered by the FHA insurance, but the benefit to the homebuyer is different than the benefit to a current homeowner that is refinancing to “tap into their equity”.
    Rather than paying all cash, the buyer makes a onetime investment of about 45% to 55% of the home value, and finances the rest using funds from a HECM. Like a traditional mortgage, the home they are purchasing secures the loan. But unlike a traditional mortgage, there is no obligation of monthly mortgage payments, which helps boost their cash flow. They own the home as long as they live in it. The loan only comes due when they leave or sell the home, or if they fail to meet their responsibilities—which include maintaining the property and keeping current with homeowners insurance and property taxes. 
    Can you really keep your liquid assets with this solution? How?
     Julie: HECM for Purchase home financing can help you preserve more of your savings and invested assets, at the time you purchase your new home, because you don’t have to pay all cash in order to be free of monthly mortgage payments. * 
    Establishing a retirement financial plan early, without the obligation of monthly mortgage payments, might actually allow you to preserve your assets longer so you have the peace of mind that you can maintain your retirement lifestyle long-term.
    * (Of course, as the homeowner you’ll still be responsible for property taxes, homeowners insurance, and property maintenance.)  *A HECM is home-secured debt payable upon default or a maturity event.
    What is one piece of advice you’d give to anyone considering HECM?
     Julie: Have an open mind and learn more about the HECM financing option! Knowledge is power and by learning all of the benefits and protections associated with this financing you will be able to compare it to your other home buying options of paying cash or using a traditional mortgage that requires monthly payments and then make the best choice for you and your unique situation. 
    I encourage anyone who is age 62 or older to explore this option. I am always happy to explain this program to the trusted advisor (Financial Planner, Attorney, etc.) of a home buyer as well so that the buyer can get the benefit of that person’s educated opinion.
    What is the first step to take if you want to explore this option?
    Julie: Attend one of Traditions of America’s upcoming HECM seminars or speak with a new home counselor who will put you in touch with myself or someone on my team. We have worked with home buyers at Traditions of America for years and specialize in the use of HECM financing to purchase a home.
    Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Fun is Springing up at Traditions of America at Silver Spring

    Fun is Springing up at Traditions of America at Silver Spring

    Spring is in full bloom at Traditions of America at Silver Spring.  The homeowners of this Harrisburg, PA 55 and over active adult community love this time of year, as the warm weather brings an abundance of opportunities through the many programs and events taking place each day at the community.

    “There is so much that you can do and enjoy, some people have a hard time deciding what they’d like to attend first,” said Karen Karkuff, Lifestyle Director.

    We asked our homeowners to share some of their favorite things about this time of year, and here’s what they had to say:

    “It’s golf season, so I am definitely looking forward to getting out with the guys to play.  I like Mayapple Golf Course.  We also have fun with Pickleball…and I can’t leave out my favorite…Scotch Tasters!”- Ron Walters, Traditions of America at Silver Spring homeowner. “I am looking forward to getting outside on my patio, watching things bloom and enjoying cooking out.  Plus, I look forward to my exercise classes, yoga and CORE,” said Ron’s wife Vicky Walters.

    Here are some of the happenings that Ron, Vicky and other homeowners noted as tops on their must-attend lists  visit our photo gallery to explore pictures from past programs and classes:

    Earth Week Volunteer Seedling Project: Homeowners will celebrate Earth Week by wrapping tree seedlings which will be given to local elementary children for Arbor Day.  The program is a part of the community’s ongoing “Attitude of Gratitude” project.

    People standing around in front of a building

    Classes:  A variety of classes and programs take place regularly at the Clubhouse, including a six-week ballroom dance class, book club, exercise classes and more.

    Area Outings: Residents of Traditions of America communities enjoy a number of day and overnight trips to nearby destinations.  This spring Silver Spring homeowners will take New York by storm, participate in a golf tournament, attend a Senators baseball game and tour the Harrisburg Symphony.

    Parties Galore: Many homeowners are already planning on attending Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo and Memorial Day Pool parties taking place at the Clubhouse.

    Experience how you can Live Better with Traditions of America at Silver Spring when you join us for our upcoming Live Local, Live Better event on Sunday, April 26th.  Sample delicious food, enjoy a massage and tour our community. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

    Be sure to visit our website to learn how you too could call Traditions of America at Silver Spring home and join in on all the fun!

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Spring 2015 Design Trends

    Spring 2015 Design Trends

    Slowly but surely Spring is upon us! It has been a long and cold winter, but these spring design trends will brighten and warm your Traditions of America Dream Home. Not only have geometric shapes become popular in jewelry and art, they are also becoming an eye-catching statement piece in home design. Using bright colors and different shapes can make a bold or subtle statement to your home. Tiling your walls and floors can create an interesting geometric design. Add a pop of color through your décor and painting scheme.

    Indigo is this spring’s go-to color. Incorporate this striking shade into your home from wall color to accent pillows and everywhere in between. This calming and cool color will have you ready for spring and beyond.

    Sleek and modern Kitchen appliances have increasingly been popular for some time now, but KitchenAid’s new line has upped the ante for appliance design. The contemporary look will have you feeling like a gourmet chef in your own home! Traditions of America has added this fantastic line to the many options available for your dream Kitchen.

    Technology is growing in popularity for 55 and over homeowners. Many products and devices are making our homes easier to care for, safer and more energy efficient. The Nest thermostat learns your schedule, programs itself and can be controlled by a smart phone, saving you in heating and cooling costs. Control4 integrates controlling lights, music, home theaters, climate control and security through your smartphone or tablet.

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Traditions of America Communities… Low-Maintenance, High Opportunity

    Traditions of America Communities… Low-Maintenance, High Opportunity

    I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for winter to be over!  This season, much of the country has seen record low temperatures and snow falls, with many ready to trade the snow days for warmer days filled with abundant sunshine. While the homeowners of Traditions of America’s 55+ communities are certainly ready to welcome spring, shoveling is one thing they are always able to avoid. All of our active adult communities are low-maintenance; we take care of the shoveling and yard work so you can make the most of your days.

    ”Because we don’t have to deal with the weary part of winter, we are free to enjoy the cozy fireplace and spend time inside our serene homes with family and friends – not outside shoveling.”    – Shirley Palermo, Traditions of America homeowner

    Whether working up a sweat during a Zumba class, enjoying a game of billiards, participating in one of the many homeowner-hosted clubs or just visiting with neighbors, our resort lifestyle is perfect for doing more of what you love and less of the heavy lifting (or shoveling).

    But don’t just take our word for it, hear what our homeowners have to say. 

    At a Traditions of America active adult community, each day offers a new opportunity to explore when you say goodbye to shoveling and raking. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about how you can take advantage of our low-maintenance, high-fun lifestyle.

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Part 2: Meet Our Community Managers

    Part 2: Meet Our Community Managers

    Last week we introduced three of Traditions of America’s Community Managers who are responsible for every component of the construction of our award-winning active adult communities.

    Today, we invite you to meet two other members of our dynamic team who are dedicated to helping you create the home (and lifestyle) of your dreams.  Read on to learn what they enjoy most about their job and what they do when they aren’t with their Traditions of America family and be sure to share thoughts on topics you’d like to see in future blogs within the comment section.

    Mike McAneny, Traditions of America at Sewickley Ridge Community Manager

    What makes the role of a Community Manager vital to the success of Traditions of America?

    As a Community Manager I wear many different hats, providing insight and direction to each department. I try to look at things from a macro point of view each day and not lose sight of our overall mission to develop and building outstanding homes whiles exceeding customer expectations.

    What do you enjoy most about your role?

    I most enjoy two parts of the process – getting to know our homeowners early on during the design process when we discover what is important to them in their new home and why they chose our community.  Secondly, of course, is settlement day.  I really enjoy the look on my customer’s faces when they see everything come together and are so excited to move into their new home.

    What do you like to do when you aren’t working with new homeowners?

    When I’m not working I am raising my six year old son.  We really enjoy doing outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, camping, soccer, baseball and golf.

    Kurt Bernier, Traditions of America at Liberty Hill, Community Manager

    What makes the role of a Community Manager vital to the success of Traditions of America? 

    Our #1 priority is to give our customers an exceptional experience from start to finish, and the Community Manager is the one person to oversee all aspects of that process – sales, design, construction and warranty.  The Community Manager is there as an advocate for the customer and oversees every step of the process.  We also remain in contact post-closing to continue to deliver exceptional customer server, no matter how busy things may be in the community.

    What do you enjoy most about your role?

    Going into their homes once they have settled and seeing how much we helped make their vision a reality, especially knowing how much they were looking forward to seeing it… seeing that dream kitchen come together with all the convenience they had always wanted, or that basement movie room with adjacent bar area, etc.

    What do you like to do when you aren’t working with new homeowners?

    There is nothing better than a night with my wife watching classic movies such as “On the Waterfront”, “The Magnificent Seven” or “African Queen”.  And I still can’t watch “The Wizard of Oz” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” without getting choked up!

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Meet Our Community Managers

    Meet Our Community Managers

    Easy…

    Stress reducing…

    Everything I wanted…

    My dream home…

    It’s not unusual to hear our homeowners echo these sentiments again and again about their experience with their new Traditions of America home, and in all cases there is one group of individuals largely responsible for eliciting this happiness and satisfaction.

    The Community Managers at Traditions of America manage every component of the construction of our award-winning 55+ lifestyle communities.  These dedicated individuals are passionate about creating a positive home design experience.  To them it’s not just a job, it’s an opportunity to help create dream homes for each and every individual who calls our communities home.  They take pride in what they do and it’s reflected in the way they live out our mission to provide superior products and services.

    We asked our Community Managers to share a little about themselves and what they enjoy most about their job and the people they serve, and here is what they had to say.  Be sure to tune in next week as we introduce you to even more members of this group and share what makes them so vital to Traditions of America and why they truly make the process easy, stress reducing and a dream for so many.

    Frank Cirrincione, Traditions of America at Silver Spring Community Manager

    What makes the role of a Community Manager vital to the success of Traditions of America?
    The Traditions of America Community Manager is the essential link between a customer’s dream of owning a brand new, custom home and making it a reality.  We give guidance on home customization and help find solutions for unique needs and requests. The Community Manager supervises the entire Construction Team and vendors to ensure that all work hand-in-hand to deliver a high quality, low-maintenance home that new homeowners can be proud of for many years to come.

    What do you enjoy most about your role?

    Mostly I enjoy listening to our customers’ needs and desires and then making it a reality.  I also enjoy seeing them after closing with their new friends and participating in all of the great activities the community offers.

    What do you like to do when you aren’t working with new homeowners?

    When I am not with my Traditions of America family, I am traveling across the Mid-Atlantic with my wife of 15 years and my two daughters to cheerleading competitions (pictured above).  I’m a proud Cheer Dad and love to watch Lauren and Samantha compete!

    Brian Lynn, Traditions of America at Bridle Path Community Manager

    What makes the role of a Community Manager vital to the success of Traditions of America?

    To me, the role of the Community Manager is critical in that it ties together the different parts of our team to give our customers a consistent, comfortable feeling from contract to beyond closing. It is a rewarding feeling to interact with customers at community events both before and after they have settled into their homes. The residents at Traditions of America at Bridle Path have a strong sense of community, and it is a privilege to be a part of their lives. 

     What do you enjoy most about your role?

    Our buyers put a lot of thought and planning into the design of their home. Many homeowners here at Bridle Path have tailored their home around their hobbies and activities.  We have built rooms designated for activities from quilting and crafting, to baseball card collecting. We’ve built workshops, garages, gourmet kitchens, bars and theaters. It is always exciting to see these personal touches come to life.

    What do you like to do when you aren’t working with new homeowners?

    I am a Bethlehem native and actually grew up just a few miles from Traditions of America at Bridle Path. I have been building new homes, in many different roles, for 14 years since graduating from LaSalle University in Philadelphia. My wife, Missy, and I have three children (Avery, 11; Owen, 9; Nathan, 7) and spend much of our free time coaching youth sports.

    Mike Palilonis, Traditions of America at Lititz Community Manager

    What makes the role of a Community Manager vital to the success of Traditions of America?

    The Traditions of America communities are based on a Community Management System, where the Community Manager, in effect, is the builder for a particular community.  The benefit of this system is that you’re dealing with one senior level management person who is in charge of the designers, construction and virtually everything within the community.  The advantage of this style of homebuilding management is that the community manager is on your job site almost every day running the job and coordinating with subcontractors to build your luxury dream home. The Community Manager is also in your home as it is being constructed, so they know it inside and out.  If questions or concerns arise they are available seven days a week.

    What do you enjoy most about your role?

    I enjoy being able to help turn our buyers dreams into a reality.  Once it becomes a reality, the buyers truly start to understand our “Live Better Lifestyle” as they begin to branch out and meet new people within their community and participate in all the great planned activities.

    What do you like to do when you aren’t working with new homeowners?

    When I’m not working with my Traditions of America family, I’m hanging out with my beautiful wife and two young children.  We love to travel and see different parts of the east coast.  Being a proud parent, I love to give my kids the chance to see the great country they live in.  

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team

  • Welcoming You Home In 2015

    Welcoming You Home In 2015

    It’s hard to believe that 2015 is here. The New Year not only marks a time of reflection of the year gone by, but serves as a time of preparation for the year to come. For Traditions of America, 2014 was filled with many exciting milestones, including the opening of Traditions of America at Saucon Valley and the welcoming of new Homeowners across all of our active adult communities. As we kick off 2015, we look forward to another year of helping our homebuyers Live Better.

    Our team at Traditions of America takes the Live Better philosophy to heart in our personal lives as well. From spending time with the grandkids, to welcoming new family members and giving back to the community, we each experienced a special end to 2014 with the excitement of a new year on the horizon.

    Here’s what some of our team had to say about Living Better in 2014:

    “I enjoyed the end of 2014 playing cars on the floor with my grandson Jeffrey, and dressing baby dolls with my granddaughter, Ava,” said Traditions of Americas Event Coordinator, Barbara Hansel.

    “2014 was a year of firsts. I got married, moved into a new home and got a puppy, Milo.” Traditions of America Brand Manager, Megan Cook said about 2014. “I can relate to all new Traditions of America homeowners, because I look forward to enjoying all the new things in my life and transforming my new house into my home.”

    “I stepped away from 15 rewarding years in wellness, to quickly discover my ‘retirement’ career had a surprising similar byproduct; transformation. I’ve supported people as they move from home selection to settlement and witness them relaxing, playing, laughing, developing profound friendships. It’s rewarding to know that 55+ can be a healthy and happy life experience!” said Nancy Schmitt, Regional Sales Coach. “With my new role in 2015, I am looking forward to supporting each of our sales experts touch more lives in a positive way.”

    “As a family, we enjoyed buying, packing and donating items to homeless at the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia.  The kids are still expressing appreciation for all they have, and thinking how they can share that generosity with others.” said Traditions of America Partner, Nathan Jameson of how he and his family spent the holidays.

    The Traditions of America team has enjoyed a wonderful year of Living Better and look forward to enjoying all the magic to be unveiled during 2015.

    How do you plan on Living Better in 2015? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

    By Traditions of America Marketing Team