The Lehigh Valley housing market is on the rise with sales velocity expected to remain high throughout the summer and into the busy fall selling period, according to a prominent local real estate brokerage. Recent data cited by Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate shows new listings have increased 4.3% to 1,251 and pending sales have risen 21.9% to 958, as provided by the local MLS, Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors, two prime indicators of a healthy real estate landscape.
A considerable factor in the growing popularity of Lehigh Valley has been the revitalization effort underway in the City of Allentown, which has fast become the region’s premier retail, shopping and entertainment hub. The City’s story of rebirth has unquestionably filtered to its immediate suburbs and created a living environment desired by today’s homebuyers as evident in recent sales numbers. In fact, the statistics indicated inventory levels in the Lehigh Valley shrank 40.5% as homes are being quickly absorbed in Lehigh and Northampton Counties.
“A large number of our homebuyers want all that comes with a suburban home and lifestyle, but still want quick access to a City environment with shops, services, community events, culture and more,” says Nick Hollenbeck, Director of Sales and Marketing for Sterling Properties, which is developing the Sterling Estates single-family neighborhood in Lower Nazareth, less than 30 minutes to Allentown and under 20 minutes to Bethlehem and Easton. “
“The Lehigh Valley mixes downtowns such as Allentown, and restaurant and entertainment centers in Bethlehem and Easton, with idyllic, country-like residential suburbs to provide just that.”
Now the third largest municipality in the state, Allentown’s desirability has been recognized by prominent publications, including U.S. News and World Report which ranked the municipality No. 79 on a recent list of 100 Best Places to Live.
“One of the main factors that has made Allentown so desirable is its proximity to major cities such as New York and Philadelphia,” says Maria Holzer, Realtor Associate at Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate. “It also offers a relatively low cost of housing compared to other cities, short commute times to large employers, and the availability of entertainment.”
With Allentown as its cornerstone, the suburban markets of Lehigh Valley have caught the attention of purchasers from throughout the buying spectrum — from first-time purchasers and move-up buyers to empty-nesters. It’s also become a very attractive destination for young families deciding to make the move from other U.S. locations.
“As a member of the CARTUS Relocation Network, we’re seeing buyers coming to the Lehigh Valley from all over the country,” adds Tricia Reed, Manager Allentown Office, Vice-President of Business Development/Relocation for Coldwell Banker Heritage Real Estate. “With all the information available on-line, buyers are very savvy in today’s marketplace and in most cases are able to know the price range of homes. They are quickly discovering the Lehigh Valley provides tremendous value in today’s competitive market.”
The influx of new buyers and the desirability of the region has created a crowded housing market with limited availability. With the supply of affordable resale homes shrinking, new home communities, such as Sterling Estates, are providing welcomed relief with a selection of different estate-style home plans offered at attractive pricing.
Residences at the 41-home community are priced from the low-$400,000s and range from 2,500 to 3,600 square-feet with upscale features such as 2½ -3½ baths, two or three-car garages luxury designer kitchens, expansive and open living spaces, first-floor nine-foot ceilings and hardwood flooring.
“Buyers who have visited Sterling Estates have remarked on the location, various design options, quality of construction and large lot sizes,” Ms. Holzer points out. “They also appreciated the fact the community is located in the sought-after Nazareth Area School District and provides easy access to Routes 33, 22 and 78, making it very convenient to Easton, Bethlehem and Allentown and all its fabulous restaurants, shopping and entertainment.”
Eight four- and five-bedroom housing designs are offered at Sterling Estates, including a unique single level ranch layout. Homes are situated on one-acre plus lots, with many backing up to wooded terrain to provide a considerable amount of privacy and peacefulness.
“The beautiful design and floorplan of the ranch-style homes at Sterling Estates has created strong demand,” Ms. Holzer says. “Also popular are the community’s ‘Quick Delivery’ homes which provide move-in dates shortly after closing.”
Purchasing from a highly-respected homebuilder is another important consideration for buyers, Ms. Holzer indicates.
“The Sterling Estates’ team is very knowledgeable and easy to work with from selecting the lot, floor plan and interior options,” she says. “They’re committed to detail and maintain their customers’ trust, which is probably the most important aspect of Sterling Estates.”
For additional information on Sterling Estates, please call 610-759-7000 or visit http://www.sterlingestatespa.com. The community’s sales office is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (closed Tuesday and Friday).
CAHN PR 