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Color of the Year, Song of the Year, Person of the Year… As we come to a close on 2017, with the strongest housing market in over a decade, what better time to announce the Home of the Year? We put together a list of our best-selling home designs in 2017, and found ourselves with a three-way tie! The top floorplans chosen by our 2017 homeowners were the Alston, the Meridian, and the Preakness. Read on to learn more about what makes these plans so popular, and check out our prediction for the most popular home design of 2018.

The Alston

Featuring a coveted first-floor owner’s suite, a vaulted great room, and an open-space living area, the Alston blends traditional style with a modern layout. Alston homeowners enjoy the convenience of a garage with storage space and a large space to do laundry in the mud room entrance. There’s an island with an overhang and a walk-in pantry in the kitchen. A breakfast nook adjoins the kitchen to the outside lanai through a French door. The two-story great room has a gas fireplace, and is the centerpiece of this open-concept plan connecting both the kitchen and dining room, perfect for entertaining. The spacious first-floor owner’s suite features a large walk-in closet and private bath. Two additional bedrooms upstairs and plenty of extra storage space rounds this charming single-family home design, which is offered at several of our communities, including two of our newest communities: Northwood Farms in Palmer Township and Stone Harvest Estates in Coopersburg.

The Meridian

Recently awarded the Best Model Home Over $350,000 by the Lehigh Valley Builders Association, it’s no wonder the Meridian made our own list of “bests” this year. A personal Tuskes favorite, the Meridian was introduced in early 2017 with the opening of our Hanover Oaks model home. From the sleek curved staircase, to the partially finished basement (complete with wet bar, yoga loft, and additional half bath), to the four spacious bedrooms upstairs, the Meridian checks off all the boxes on the new home wishlist. The large owner’s suite features two walk-in closets and two vanities in the private bath. A second-floor laundry room will save you precious time and trips down to the washer and dryer. The brightly lit, open-concept kitchen and great room makes up an ideal space for family time, home-cooked meals, entertaining, or a quiet night of relaxing at home. The Meridian is available at our Hanover Oaks and Stone Harvest Estates communities, as well as on our last remaining home site in Eagles Landing; to schedule a visit to see the Meridian model for yourself, click here.

The Preakness

Favored by our Saratoga Farms homeowners, the Preakness is a stunning 3,700-square foot floorplan with three available exterior elevation styles: Farmhouse, Traditional, and Tuscan. This estate-style home has four bedrooms, with an optional five-bedroom layout in place of the two-story great room. The massive owner’s suite features a large walk-in closet, a dressing area, and a private bath that includes two vanities, a makeup counter, a large tile shower, linen closet, and soaking tub. A second bedroom with a private bath makes the perfect in-law suite or guest room, and a third full bath upstairs connects remaining two bedrooms on the second floor. Two separate staircases connect the first and second floors, where you’ll find the large two-story great room, gourmet cook’s kitchen, study, living room, dining room, and more. Arched doorways give an elegant touch connecting the different areas of the home, while the kitchen has an exciting array of amenities to offer, including room for an optional butler’s pantry or wine bar, a corner pantry, plenty of counter space, a kitchen island with overhang, top-rated stainless steel appliances, and a breakfast nook connecting the kitchen to the great room. The Preakness is only available at our Saratoga Farms community in Lower Nazareth, now in its final phase with over 70 percent of homes already sold.

Our 2018 Prediction

With such a wide variety of home designs to choose from, it’s hard to say what our most popular plan of 2018 will be for sure, but we’re in love with the Bellwood! The Bellwood is modern classic that’s never going out of style. Four bedrooms, tons of closet space, and an expansive open-space great room and kitchen… the Bellwood is the definition of functionality-meets-style.

The Bellwood model is available to see at our closeout Maple Shade community, and, because of its versatility, is offered at all of our Lehigh Valley communities. Wherever you’re looking for a new Lehigh Valley home in 2018, this plan might just be for you.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube to see our homes as they are built, to help us welcome new families to our communities, and to be the first to hear about new community announcements. If one of your 2018 goals is a new home, check out our full list of home designs or contact us to discuss which floorplans will work best for your lifestyle!

We know we’re biased, but there really is no better place to spend the holidays than the Lehigh Valley. Whether you’re in the little, ol’ town of Bethlehem (also known as the one and only “Christmas City USA”), visiting our very own town of Nazareth, or viewing the “spectacular” light displays of Allentown, you can’t avoid the magic of living in the Lehigh Valley during the holiday season.

Here’s a list of some of our favorite events around the Lehigh Valley this December. So bundle up and get ready for some Instagrammable memory-making and holiday cheer!

1. 2017 Holiday Train Exhibit

When? Now through December 30th

Where? America on Wheels Museum (5 North Front Street, Allentown)

What is it? Action-packed exhibits full of model trains, cars from the “cast” of the Transformers movies, and unrestored, classic cars in original condition. There’s something for everyone at the America on Wheels Museum this holiday season, and if you visit between now and December 30th, you can donate new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at the same time. So you can check two things of your list: donating to kids in need, and having some automotive fun with your family as well!

2. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

When? Now through December 31st

Where? Bethlehem Historic District (505 Main Street, Bethlehem)

What is it? Ride through town in style in a horse-drawn carriage that will take you around the beautifully decorated streets and shops in the picturesque Christmas City. And while you’re in town, don’t forget to check out the dozens of other Christmas-themed events, from nativity reenactments to shops with handcrafted holiday gifts.

3. Winter Light Spectacular

When? Now through December 31st

Where? Lehigh Valley Zoo (5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville)

What is it? The Lehigh Valley Zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year is a can’t-miss sight to see! The Winter Light Spectacular features everything from Toy Story lights, to light tunnels, to the Crystal Cave, to the Grinch at Whoville, not to mention Disney Princesses singing live performances, plus special appearances by Woody from Toy Story, Despicable Me‘s funniest Minions, and Olaf, Anna, and Kristof from Frozen. This is a “spectacular” event that you don’t want to miss!

4. Chriskindlmarkt

When? Open Thursdays-Sundays now through December 23rd

Where? Bethlehem SteelStacks (711 East First Street, Bethlehem)

What is it? A German-style market featuring 100 different crafters, retailers, and artisans. There are different vendors every weekend, not to mention ice sculptures and glassblowing demonstrations and delicious food vendors to warm you up when you’re done shopping.

5. Lights in the Parkway

When? Now through December 31st

Where? Lehigh Parkway (1601 Park Drive, Allentown)

What is it? Cruise through this dazzling display of hundreds of thousands of brilliant lights. You even get to enjoy this holiday spectacular from the comfort of your own car.
So let your holiday spirit fly in the one place on Earth where no one can blame you for singing along to Christmas music day and night! It’s the most wonderful time of year to get outside, meet your neighbors, and see the snow-covered magic that the Lehigh Valley has to offer.

If we missed an event that you think everyone should know about, e-mail MirandaR@TuskesHomes.com and let us know! As you celebrate this holiday season, may your home be filled with love, warmth, and comfort. Happy Holidays from Tuskes Homes!

The team at Tuskes Homes took home three awards at the 2017 Lehigh Valley Builders Awards on Monday night. Celebrating with the Lehigh Valley Builders Association (LVBA) at historic Hotel Bethlehem, Tuskes Homes won awards for Community of the Year Over 50 Units for its popular Bethlehem-based Hanover Oaks community, Community of the Year Under 50 Units for the luxurious estate-style new home community at Saratoga Farms in Lower Nazareth, and Model Over $350,000 for the brand-new Meridian model home design located at Hanover Oaks.

Both of the winning communities feature numerous amenities and are located in scenic neighborhoods with convenient proximity to the best the Lehigh Valley has to offer. Hanover Oaks, which opened at the end of 2016, has only 17 home sites remaining in the community, while Saratoga Farms is selling in the final phase of the community, with 70 percent of home sites already sold.

The Meridian home design was awarded for its spectacular open-concept floorplan, which features a spacious kitchen with modern amenities and classic white color scheme. The kitchen is a cook’s favorite thanks to the granite countertops, overhanging kitchen island, morning room, breakfast bar, and stainless steel appliances. Leading from the kitchen is a well-lit great room with a gas fireplace. Up the curved wooden staircase, you’ll find three bedrooms and an owner’s suite with a double-door entry and two walk-in closets. Back down in the partially finished basement, this home features a wet bar and entertainment room, finished bathroom, and a yoga loft or meditation room, along with plenty of additional room for storage and utility needs.

Since 1950, the Lehigh Valley Builders Association has represented builders and professionals in the homebuilding industry in Lehigh and Northampton counties. As one of the largest trade associations in the area, the LVBA is the authority for homebuilding in the Lehigh Valley, serving the region through the mission of enhancing industry professionalism standards and promoting its members’ abilities to meet the needs of the community for quality housing. Tuskes Homes is proud to partner with LVBA in providing excellent craftsmanship and customer service to the Greater Lehigh Valley.

Of all the things to be thankful for this season, the Lehigh Valley should be right at the top of the list! At Tuskes Homes, we are so grateful to build homes in some of the most amazing communities in the country (though we may be a little biased!). One of the best benefits of living in the Lehigh Valley is the huge array of events there are to attend during this holiday-filled time of year. From 5Ks, to food fights, to football and more, here are Team Tuskes’ favorite Thanksgiving weekend events in the Lehigh Valley.

Lehigh Valley Thanksgiving Weekend Events

Thanksgiving Food Fight

When? November 24-27

Where? DaVinci Science Center

What is it? If you like to play with your food, but don’t like the clean-up, come to the DaVinci Science Center this Thanksgiving weekend! This is the only place in the Lehigh Valley where you’re allowed to eat AND play with your food. There will be a marshmallow shooting gallery, carrot cannons, flying turkey, and more!

How much is it? $13 per person

Turkey Trot 5K

When? Saturday, November 25

Where? Historic Bethlehem Museums and Sites

What is it? Work off those Thanksgiving calories with this timely Turkey Trot 5k. Held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this run is a local favorite held in the picturesque Industrial Quarter of Bethlehem. Don’t forget to dress warm!

How much is it? $45 to compete, $30 for fun

Annual Easton-Phillipsburg Football Game and Bonfire

When? November 22-23

Where? Easton Area High School and Lafayette Stadium

What is it? Come celebrate one of the biggest high school rivalries in the world, held right here on the Lehigh Valley border! For over 100 years, Easton and Phillipsburg have gone head-to-head in a Thanksgiving rivalry game that will have you cheering. Visit Easton Area High School on the night before Thanksgiving to see their annual huge, record-breaking bonfire and pep rally. Whether you’re new to the LV or are a long-time local, you can’t miss this Thanksgiving tradition!

How much is it? $10 per ticket for the game, bonfire is FREE

Christmas City Tree Lighting Ceremony

When? November 24

Where? 10 East Church Street, Bethlehem, PA

What is it? Mayor Bob Donchez will kick off the Christmas season with Bethlehem’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. There will be live performances, as well as free hot chocolate and cookies. Santa will also be in attendance. And make sure to stop by and support the small, local businesses on Main Street Bethlehem – from Moravian Book Store to the Brew Works, there’s so much to see and do to get in the holiday spirit!

How much is it? FREE

Now that you have some great options, we hope you find the best activity for you and your family to enjoy! If you’re new to the area, talking to your neighbors is another great way to discover even more local activities to partake in. There’s always something to do in the Lehigh Valley, and an amazing community of people to do them with!

At this time of Thanksgiving celebration, our thoughts turn gratefully to our families, friends, and customers with warm appreciation. We wish you and your families a happy, safe, and fun Thanksgiving!

Tuskes Homes presents… The #Lot8ers

If there’s one thing you learn after three generations of building homes, it’s that a home is made from more than brick and stone; it is also made from memories and laughter. It’s our homeowners that make our communities what they truly are: a place for your journey to unfold.

Anyone can build a house, but to build a home takes heart. When we handcraft our homes, we do it with one thing in mind—you. We know that home is where your story begins. We know it’s not just where you’ll hang your hat, but it’s where you’ll make and share memories for years to come. It might be messy or clean, modern or classic, big or small—no matter what, it’s a place that reflects your personality inside and out. After all, home is where the heart is, and we believe your new home should be crafted with as much care as you’ll put into it when you’re there.

We take the time to get to know our homeowners so we can learn more about your needs and can craft a home that fits your lifestyle. The Walter family, lovingly known as the #lot8ers, chose our Hanover Oaks community in Bethlehem. We’ll take you through their journey from breaking ground to moving in, so stay tuned to learn more about their Tuskes Homes Story!

If you’ve been thinking about selling your house to build your brand-new dream home, you’re in luck!

At a time when the Lehigh Valley is being recognized as one of the best places to live in America, a low supply of housing inventory has made this a strong seller’s market. According to WFMZ, housing inventory is down almost 40 percent from the previous year, with the average home taking just 41 days on the market to sell.

In addition to the short listing time, sellers should be most excited by how much of the list price they’re receiving: on average, homes in the Lehigh Valley are selling for 98.3 percent of the list price, the highest number seen since 2007.

For buyers, the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Association recommends acting fast. Scheduling appointments and knowing what you’re approved for can help potential buyers make an offer right away. With some homes selling in a matter of mere hours, waiting even a day can sometimes mean losing the perfect home.

Here are some tips for buyers and sellers to make the most of the current housing market:

SELLERS

1. Don’t try to outsmart the market. The housing market is cyclical, and no trend ever lasts too long. Don’t wait for good weather to put your home on the market. The best time to list is now—a seller’s market won’t last forever, so don’t wait for the right season or a specific day of the week to sell your home.
2. Be prepared to move. In a market that’s selling so quickly, it’s a good idea to have a backup plan for your living situation. You don’t want to have to reject a good offer just because you have nowhere else to go. Whether you’re building a new construction or buying a move-in ready home, have a plan in mind in case the offers come quickly.
3. Know your buyers. Read up here and here on the newest generation of homebuyers to understand what they look for in a home, so you can make yours as millennial-friendly as possible. No matter how good the market is for sellers, you should always keep your home clean and ready to show for last-minute appointments.

BUYERS

1. Schedule appointments. Planning a visit with the home specialist will make you a priority client and ensures that the specialist gives you the time and attention you deserve to see your potential new home.
2. Get pre-approved. While not required, knowing what you’re approved for prior to visiting homes can help you make a decision more quickly. With homes selling so fast, putting in an offer right away is the best way to guarantee that you don’t lose your dream home.
3. Scope out the community. When you choose a new home, you’re also choosing the community that comes with it. Make sure your ideal home is also in the ideal location. Neighbors are like in-laws—you need to love your whole community, not just your home.

With opportunities for recreation, booming industries, a rich culture and history, shopping, dining, and more, Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the surrounding towns are some of the best places to live in the world—at least, in our entirely biased opinion. But one thing that’s indisputable: with such exciting developments in the region, there’s never been a better time to buy or sell your home in the Lehigh Valley.

Looking to buy a new home? We have move-in ready and customizable new construction options available in several amazing communities all across the Lehigh Valley. Click here or call Martha at 484-626-1616 to learn more!

Looking to start a new tradition with Dad this Father’s Day? We at Team Tuskes know just how special this day can be. To celebrate, we put together some of our favorite Father’s Day traditions—both old and new, across the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern PA!

If you’re in the Lehigh Valley…

IronPigs Baseball: Take Dad out to the ballgame!

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will be playing at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Enjoy the stadium’s tasty (and dad-friendly) ballpark snacks, like roasted corn from Aw Shucks, or pizza and other favorites from Pig Stop. To really show Dad he’s super, celebrate at “Superhero Night” on Saturday, and enjoy a special fireworks show at the end of the game. If you’re bringing Dad to the park on Sunday, don’t forget your baseball mitt—the field will be open to the public for fans to play catch after the game, just for Father’s Day.

Lehigh Valley Zoo: Explore your wild side!

Dads are sure to have a wild time at the Lehigh Valley Zoo, located in Schnecksville, where they’ll receive half-price admission this weekend! The zoo will be full of fun Father’s Day activities, like animal-themed craft stations where kids can make gifts for Dad. Enjoy the zoo’s Wonders of Wildlife shows, where you’ll get up close and personal with some of your favorite wild animals, and bond with Dad while interacting with animals from across the globe.

SteelStacks Grand Prix: Start your engines!

Race down to Bethlehem this Father’s Day for the first-ever SteelStacks Grand Prix! The Lehigh Valley Grand Prix and SteelStacks have teamed up to plan an action-packed afternoon of fast-paced go-kart racing and exciting family activities, perfect for Father’s Day. Racing teams, sponsored by local businesses, will zip down a half-mile track at up to 40 miles per hour. Spectators can watch from the grandstands and cheer on their favorite teams, free of charge. Then, check out the car show presented by Chevy 21, enjoy a snack from one of the event’s many food vendors, or compete in a virtual go-kart race in the Mario Kart Tourney at the ArtsQuest Center. The action kicks off at noon!

If you’re in Northeastern PA…

Sand Springs Golf Course: Hit the green!

There’s no better tradition than a round of golf on Father’s Day. Luckily, our Sand Springs community in Drums, PA is tailor-made for a perfect day with Dad! In addition to our homes, Sand Springs has an 18-hole championship golf course and a wonderful restaurant, bar, and grill. To celebrate Father’s Day, Sand Springs is offering 18 holes of golf with cart, a hot dog, and soda for just $32. Or, make a reservation for the Father’s Day FEAST—a buffet on the patio serving all of Dad’s favorites. For more information regarding tee times and buffet reservations, call 570-788-5845 today!

Spring is coming, and you might be thinking about some redecorating projects to refresh your home. Here are some interior design trends for 2017 to spark your creativity.

It’s trendy to be green. Pantone started the passion for green when it announced “Greenery” as its Color of the Year for 2017. Vibrant shades of green are showing up on walls, in carpets, bedding, linens, and accents.

In addition to the color green, the eco-friendly and natural materials are becoming even more popular. Look for more accessories made from bamboo—which is a highly sustainable plant—wood, cork, and recycled plastic accents. Jute, sisal, and hemp continue to be popular for rugs, for their durability, easy care, and natural look.

Marble is on the move. You can invest in the actual stone—for tabletops, backsplashes, and accessories—or simply go for the look of marble. Wallpaper, decorative boxes, placemats, and linens that are imprinted with the image of marbled veins brings a natural look to any room in your house.

Laundry room clean-up. The purely functional room is getting some decorating attention. Homeowners are adding custom cabinetry and replacing the old, old plastic utility sink with a more appealing stainless steel one and finishing with a vanity. Countertops, like granite and quartz, are also finding their way from the kitchen and bath into the laundry room.

Jewel tones shine. From the walls to the upholstery, the rich hues of jewel tones—amethyst purple, emerald green, sapphire blue, and garnet red—have become a popular design trend for 2017. If you don’t want to make a big change, add pillows, throws, candles, and decorative accents in these colors.

A cushy headrest. The upholstered headboard is the choice of many of today’s leading interior designers when it comes to bedroom décor. The shape, fabric, and color can be matched to any style—from sophisticated to kid-friendly.

In the raw. In keeping with the design trend toward a more natural look, interior décor will feature unfinished metals, like copper and unlacquered brass where the patina changes over time.

Above all, your home should be your personal signature. Your choices create a home that is your haven.

Calling all Tuskes Homeowners!

Fall is in full swing at all of our communities and we have noticed awesome Fall and Halloween decorations out there.  We love what we are seeing so much that we are announcing our Halloween Home 2016 contest for Tuskes Homeowners!

Show us your spookiest community spririt the by sharing your decorated home with us.  Send us your spookiest, scariest, funniest Fall and Halloween home photos. Prizes will be awarded for the Top Three! It’s EASY to Win!

We’re accepting submissions from now until October 31st! Send your submissions to marthac@tuskeshomes.com,and the winner will be announced on Facebook on November 1st.

In your submission, please include your exterior photo, community you live in, house number, name, and phone number. Then sit back with some hot cider and the candy you stole from your kids and wait to see if you are a winner!

Summer is over. The weather is going to get colder—much colder—before we see those pleasant temperatures again. Once you’ve stored your patio furniture and raked the fallen leaves, you will need to winterize your home, to protect it from all the hazards that a long, hard winter can bring.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a checklist to winterize your home.

Check your heating system.

Crank up the thermostat to 80 degrees, and listen for the furnace to turn on. Then, you should feel warm air. If that works, turn the temperature back down to the normal setting.

This is only a test. You should hire a professional to do a full inspection and cleaning of your heating system.

Put your air conditioner to bed.

You need to do more than turn off the A/C when the weather gets too cold to use it. Hose off the entire central air conditioner’s condensing unit to remove leaves and other debris. Be sure you use a heavy spray. Then, cover the condenser to prevent leaves, twigs, and other items from invading the unit. With freezing temperatures, those seemingly innocent things could lead to interior damage.

Inspect the chimney.

Creosote builds up in the chimney, leading to dangerous chimney fires. Hire a professional chimney sweep to ensure that the chimney and flue are ready for those crackling winter fires. While you’re at it, have a complete chimney inspection to find leaks that let in the cold air and ignite your heating costs.

Insulate yourself.

A burst pipe can be a disaster. Wrap insulation around any exposed piping to blanket them from the cold. If you have exterior faucets, turn off the water supply that feeds them.

Wrap an insulating blanket around your hot water tank to prevent heat from escaping.

Apply foam sealing gaskets around exterior outlets and switch plates.

Plug the leaks.

Windows and doors are notorious for housing leaks. Check your windows and doors—including the trim and the bottom of the doors—for drafts. Apply (or replace) weatherstripping. Recaulk areas where edges come together, at the corners of the house or where the roof meets the siding.

Proof the roof.

It’s no fun getting on the roof to make repairs in the dead of winter. Be proactive by checking your roof now, before the weather gets cold. Replace cracked, missing, or damaged roof shingles. Make sure the flashing is intact. And, if you didn’t already include the task in your autumn checklist, clean the gutters. All those leaves, sticks, and other unwanted stuff will add weight to your gutters when they freeze, and block the safe flow of water when the snow melts.

Shut down the sprinklers.

Water might still be inside your sprinkler lines. If it freezes, those lines could burst. After turning off the water supply, use an air compressor to blow air through the lines and push the resting water out.

Tune up your snowblower.

Imagine the first heavy snowfall. You suit up in your arctic gear to battle the white stuff. You get to the garage and discover that your snowblower won’t work. Avoid this scenario by starting it up before the winter. Fill the snowblower with gas, so it’s ready to rev up when you are. Stock up on sand or salt, and buy a really good shovel as a back-up plan.

Spend a little time winterizing your home now so you can enjoy a season without unnecessary home repairs.