Baking With the Grandkids

Living in a Regal Home’s community in Monmouth County gives you close access to many orchards and farms for apple and pumpkin picking.  Taking the grandkids for an outing to an orchard is a great bonding experience.  Once you bring your gatherings home you can only eat so many raw apples and carve so many pumpkins.  So what should you do with the left over apples and pumpkins?  Baking is a fun activity to do with your grandkids.  Not only is it fun, but it warms the home with laughter and delicious smells.  We created a list of our favorite pumpkin and apple recipes to enjoy with your family.

Apple Treats:

• Apple Pie Dumplings with Caramel Sauce: Everyone gets their own dumpling – http://food.chatelaine.com/Recipes/View/Apple-pie-dumplings-with-caramel-sauce
• Apple Tart with Cheddar Crust: You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to create this delicious treat – http://food.chatelaine.com/Recipes/View/Easy_apple_tart_with_aged_cheddar_crust
• Apple Pie Baked in the Apple:  A quick and easy dessert the grandkids will love –    http://www.justapinch.com/recipes/dessert/pie/apple-pie-baked-in-the-apple.html
• Apple Cardamom Cakes with Apple Cider Frosting:  This treat will have your whole home smelling like fall – http://www.countryliving.com/recipefinder/apple-cardamom-cakes-cider-icing

Pumpkin Treats:

• Pumpkin Tiramisu:  An Italian classic with a bold twist – http://www.bhg.com/recipe/desserts/pumpkin-tiramisu/
• Pumpkin Cookies:  A holiday favorite – http://www.bhg.com/recipe/cookies/melt-in-your-mouth-pumpkin-cookies/
• Pumpkin Latte Coffee Cake:  A great treat to serve with a hot cup of coffee- http://www.bhg.com/recipe/coffee-cakes/pumpkin-latte-coffee-cake/
• Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars:  This recipe combines all your favorite desserts into one- http://www.bhg.com/recipe/bars/pumpkin-chocolate-cheesecake-bars/

So, bond with your grandkids in your beautifully designed kitchen from Regal Homes.  To find out about layout options in Regal Home’s active adult communities, click here.

 

Fun Fall Activities

The crisp cool air and beautiful colors of falling leaves make fall the perfect time to spend outdoors with family and friends.  Monmouth County is home to 30 state parks and many orchards.  Living in a Regal Home’s community in Monmouth County gives you close access to fun fall activities such as apple and pumpkin picking, hay rides and festivals. 

If you are looking to pick your own apples or pumpkins you can head to:

• Battleview Orchards
  Offers hay rides and a country store where you can pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods and apple cider.   
  www.battlevieworchards.com 
• Dearborn Market
  Corn and hay maze, hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins.
  www.dearbornmarket.com
• Twin Pond Farm
  Corn and hay bale mazes, hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkins, mums, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks.
  www.twinpondfarm.com
• Wemrock Orchards
  Corn maze, hay rides, school tours, wine tasting, pick-your-own pumpkins, gourds, mums, Indian corn.
  www.wemrockorchard.com
• Westhaven Farm
  Corn maze, hayrides, farm animals, pick-your-own pumpkins.
  www.westhavenfarminc.com

Some fall activities going on at Monmouth County’s state parks include:

• Thompson Park Day in Lincroft on October 14^th.  There will be scarecrow contests, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, corn maze, arts and crafts, entertainment and much more.  So take your grand kids for a fun filled fall day!
• Harvest Home Festival at Longstreet Farm in Holmdel on September 30^th.  There will be ongoing entertainment, wagon rides, cider making demonstrations, crafts, a pie eating contest and much more. http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=3203
• Walnford Day in Upper Freehold on October 7^th.  Take the afternoon and explore the past.  Activities planned for the day include wagon rides, blacksmith demonstrations, dressing up in period garments and much more.  http://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?ID=3198

So take the grand kids out for a fun-filled weekend this fall when they come for a visit at your home in one of our Regal Home’s communities.  To learn more about Regal Home’s communities, click here.

 

Floor Plan Options for New Homes

When searching for a new home there are many house plan styles that you will incur.  When visiting a model home you will be presented with a floor plan.  A floor plan is a simple line drawing showing rooms as being seen from above.  There a many different floor plan styles and it can be quite confusing to understand and know the differences between them.  Here is an explanation for a few industry standard floor plans to help you in your home buying search:

• Single Story– Is also known as a ranch style and has both the living and sleeping space all on one level.  This style is ideal for those who don’t want stairs in their home due to physical and safety reasons.  The downside to a single story home is that the yard is usually smaller.  This is because the square footage is spread horizontally instead of vertically like in a 2 or 3 story home.

• Two Story- This style will usually have a larger yard than a single story home because they don’t take as much room on a lot.  It is usually less expensive to build and costs less to heat and cool.  There is usually more privacy in a two story home due to the separation between living and sleeping.  The biggest drawback is the stairs.  The stairs on average take up about 100 square feet of space and can be a safety hazard.

• Multi-level- Is also known as a split-level.  It began as a variation of a single story/ranch style home.  Multi-level homes are usually built on lots that slope.  Instead of having one level floor plan, it has split levels at various heights.  Stairs usually connect the levels so this is something to take into consideration.

• Loft-style-   Is a home that may resemble a single story home on the ground floor, but has an added loft level below the roof.  This area is open to the lower floor below. It is a flex space that can be used as a guest bedroom, home office or children’s play area.  A loft space adds extra living space or storage to your house design.

 Regal Homes uniquely meets and exceeds their home buyer’s expectations.  Regal Homes continuously delivers the highest quality homes at prices that are competitive, focusing on the home buyer’s overall experience.  To view Regal Home’s communities and floor plans, click here.

Back to School Isn’t Just for Kids Anymore

You’ve worked your entire life and now that you’re retired you’re faced with the question of what to do with all this new free time?  There is no right or wrong answer to this question.  It is a personal decision and may include a wide array of activities.  Retirement is an opportunity to re-examine your life and pursue new possibilities.

More and more new retirees are heading back to school whether it is to obtain a degree that was never completed, attend graduate school or maybe take some special interest classes because you love to learn.  Going back to school may be an unrealized dream for many.  Don’t worry about feeling out of place in the classroom; there is an increase in “non- traditional” students.  A non-traditional student includes older adults both in and out of retirement who return to college later in life.  Changes in the economy, increased lifespan and evolving attitudes about aging have lead to the increase of non-traditional students.

The best option for retirees continuing education is to attend their local community college.  It is less expensive than a 4 year university, but allows you to transfer to a university if that’s your choice.  Brookdale Community College is the local college for all of Regal Home’s communities located in Monmouth County New Jersey.  Brookdale not only offers classes for degree seeking students, but continuing education classes and certificates as well.  Call and speak to someone in the registrar’s office and they will provide you will all the necessary information you need to enroll.

They sometimes say education is wasted on the youth.  When you return to college after retirement you bring so much more to the table because of life experiences.  Perhaps when you return to school after retirement, you send a message to the younger generation that there really is life and a purpose after retirement.  Life is a journey, not an endpoint.  Whatever your retirement dream may be, you can achieve it.

If your dream is to stay active and continue your journey of making new friends and life long memories, contact Regal Homes for more information about an Active Adult Community that is right for you.

Grandkids Coming to Town: Central New Jersey Activities

Having your grandkids visit for the weekend is always a fun time for all.  You want to create new, long lasting memories for you and your grandchildren.  It can be a little overwhelming to plan activities that keep kids of all ages entertained.  All of Regal Home’s active adult communities including Rosemont Estates, Chelsea Square and Pineview Estates are located in Monmouth County, NJ.  Monmouth County is located in Central New Jersey and is home to more than 630,000 people.  With its central location, you can find a multitude of places to see and explore with the grandkids.  Here is a list of activities in the area to keep the grandkids smiling:

• Six Flags Great Adventure:  Great Adventure is located in Jackson, NJ, just a short distance from the Jackson Outlets.  It is home to three adventure filled parks: Hurricane Harbor (Water Park), Wild Safari (largest drive-through safari outside of Africa) and Great Adventure (home to Kinda Ka, the tallest roller coaster in the world).  So check out Six Flags for a day full of fun.   

• iPlay America:  Is located in Freehold, NJ and is an indoor amusement park.  Kids have the options of playing in the arcade, riding the rides or speeding down the iPA speedway in go-carts.  With so many games to play and rides ride your grandkids will be occupied all day.

• Liberty Science Center:  Is a bit further of a drive located in Jersey City, NJ, but well worth the trip.  Liberty Science Center is an interactive science museum and learning center for kids.  It is home to the largest IMAX dome theatre in the United States and has more than 10 hands on exhibits.  Who knows, you might spark the interest of a future scientist in the family!

• Jersey Shore Beaches:  The Jersey coastline is home to over 40 communities.  Some of the best kid friendly beaches in the area include Asbury Park, Point Pleasant and Seaside.  Asbury Park has a splash park adjacent to the beach as well as a mini golf course.  Point Pleasant and Seaside have boardwalks that contain rides, games and mini golf.  Point Pleasant’s boardwalk also contains an Aquarium.  As you can see, there is plenty to do at the Jersey Shore.

•  Your Active Adult Community:  Active adult communities have a multitude of amenities from pools to golf courses to tennis courts.  You’ll never have to leave your community to keep the grandkids entertained and active. 

Monmouth County is a great place to live and play.  So contact us today and we will find you your dream home in one of our great communities! 

Home Trends for Growing Families

The two bedroom starter home you bought when you first got married just isn’t cutting it anymore.  You have kids now and need the space.  So what are growing families looking for when upgrading to a larger home?  Here is a list of home trends in 2012 for growing families:

• Multi-purpose rooms:  Rooms dedicated to one purpose are becoming less and less popular.  Dedicated dining rooms are declining and homebuyers are looking for rooms that serve multiple functions.  These spaces typically are adjacent to the kitchen where functions such as homework, bill paying and much more are accomplished.
• Open floor plans:  An open plan makes a home seem larger with an open sight line from the kitchen to living room/great room.  Living rooms are also decreasing and being replaced with a great room.  The great room combines the family and living room together and flows into the kitchen.  Higher ceilings from 10’-11’ also add to an open floor plan.
• Jack and Jill bathrooms: Is a bathroom accessible by 2 bedrooms.  Instead of having one shared hallway bathroom, a Jack and Jill type bathroom allows for more privacy by residents.
• Functional and beautiful kitchens:  They say the kitchen is the heart of the home.  So homeowners are looking for kitchens with granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances.  Large center islands are also in high demand because they can provide extra seating as well as functional work space.
• Larger garages:  Nowadays, the garage is not only used to house the cars, but “stuff” as well.  Growing families need a place to store bikes, lawn equipment and much more.  Garages are also being used in part as a “man cave”.  A space for dad to add a TV, couch and/or a small home gym.
• Going green:  Energy efficiency is becoming a key concern for homeowners.  Compact fluorescent bulbs as well as LEDs are becoming more and more popular as well as Energy Star appliances.  Building codes have changed as making HVAC systems and insulation more efficient.  Installing solar panels are also an option builders are offering.

A house is not a home without family.  So find your dream house that you can turn into your dream home and make memories.

Primrose Acres in Monroe, NJ offers homes with an open floor plan, two story family room and upgraded kitchens with granite and stainless steel appliances.  There are also options for hardwood flooring throughout the house, Jack & Jill bathrooms or four full baths and three car garages.  For more information about Primrose Acre lots, contact us.

Preparing for Retirement

Whether you are 25 or 55, retirement should be on your mind.  Retirement is an investment in YOU, so why wouldn’t you take it seriously?  Where do you want to retire? What do you want to do?  What truly makes you happy?  Today’s retirees as well as future retirees will have a new kind of retirement.  With people living longer and healthier lifestyles than previous generations, you may be an active older American.  Whether your dream is to buy a boat, travel the country in an RV or simply “relax”, it is important to plan ahead of time for your retirement.  Saving money for retirement should be a habit to stick to.  Here are a few tips to help you to plan for your retirement.

• Know your retirement needs to save.  Take charge of your financial future, it is your responsibility.  Statistics show that Americans spend about 20 years in retirement.  What do you plan/hope to be doing during those 20 years?  Be sure to plan ahead and save, save, save.  If your employer offers a retirement savings plan, such as a 401K, sign up and contribute to it as much as you can.  Your taxes will be lower and your company may match or exceed what you are putting away.    
• Find out about your Social Security benefits.  Your Social Security pays on average about 40 percent of what you earned before retirement.  The Social Security website has a retirement calculator you can take a look at here website. 
• Live on your projected retirement income while you are still employed.  You always test drive a car before you buy it, so why not “test drive” your retirement finances?  If you start living on your projected income for retirement while you still have a steady income, it allows you to make adjustments if needed. 
• Put your health insurance plan in place.  Be sure to take the time to find a good health insurance plan and understand the different options.  It is important to already be enrolled or can immediately enroll in a health plan as soon as you are no longer covered by your employer.  Sign up for Medicare Part B at age 65, or when you leave your employer, because premiums go up 10 percent for every year that you are eligible but delay opting into the program.  Health insurance is a major cost for retirees, plan ahead and find good insurance.

Remember, retirement is an investment in yourself.  Hopefully these tips will get you on the right track to prepare for your retirement.  As mentioned earlier, retirees today are more active than past generations.  If you are looking to stay active and healthy, take a look at our Active Adult Communities and enjoy your retirement!  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Is an Active Adult Community for You?

The term baby boomer is referred to as someone born between the years of 1946-1964.  Men returning home from their tour of duty after WWII began families, resulting in an increasing number of children brought into the world.  In the United States alone, there were about 79 million babies born during this time.  The birth rate each year was about 4 million births.  The dramatic increase in births during the baby boom era helped lead to exponential rises in the demand for consumer products, homes, cars, roads and services.  Today, the baby boom has helped to lead in a rise for Active Adult Communities for those aged 55 and over. 

If retirement is in your future, chances are it will be much different than what your parents experienced.   Just because you are over the age of 50, doesn’t mean you are ready to play bingo all day.  Chances are you will still want a lifestyle that is healthy and active during retirement.  Developers have taken the time to build communities that take in the interests of this baby boomer generation.  There are communities for boating enthusiasts, cohousing communities, and communities with vast amenities such as tennis, golf and swimming pools. 

It is important to remember that not all Active Adult Communities are the same.  Here are a few questions to ask to find out if a community is the perfect fit for you.

1. Who owns the land your home will sit on? – Some communities own the land that their member’s home sit on, while in other cases the developer or investor owns it.  If the developer owns the land, there is a possibly for rent increases over the years. 
2. Is there a sinking fund for maintenance? – This is a reserve fund for maintenance for occurrences such as new roofs, air conditioning systems and septic systems. 
3. What is the reputation of the builder/developer? – Do your research; find everything you can about their past projects.  Are their past customers happy?  It is important to remember that there will always be unhappy buyers; you should look at what the developer did to best resolve complaints.
4. Can the community handle future growth? – Find out all you can about future planning within the community.  You don’t want overcrowding.
5. What rules will you have to follow? – While living in your own home over the years, you have probably created your own rules for your family.  However, living in an Active Adult Community has rules to keep all their residents happy.  Some examples include whether or not pets are allowed, exterior paint colors, guests, parking, etc.  Be sure to find out these rules before you commit to buying a home. 

The perfect Active Adult Community is out there for you.  To find out if Regal Home’s has the perfect fit for you, click here!

You Retired, Now What?

You worked your whole life to get to this point.  Now it’s time to start your life all over and re-invent yourself.  It’s ok to be a little selfish – the kids are all grown.  Owning your own home can be tiresome and time consuming so why not move to an Active Adult Community such as Pine View or Rosemont Estates where all exterior maintenance is taken care of?  Moving to a Lifestyle Neighborhood frees up your time to truly do the things you love and have had to put off during your time working.   Our communities offer amenities such as a workout room, pool, sauna and community center.

All of our communities are located in Monmouth County, Central New Jersey.  Having this location offers endless amounts of activities for our residents.  If you’re a shopaholic the Freehold, Woodbridge and Jackson premium Outlets are just minutes away.  Food connoisseurs should visit some of the Jersey Shore restaurants such as Avenue in Long Branch or local farm Delicious Orchards for some freshly baked goods.  The pristine beaches of Spring Lake and Manasquan are just minutes away as well.   Into the arts? – Visit cultural amenities such as the Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel or the mother of all things cultural, New York City for Broadway and museums.  Lastly, if you’re looking to get away for the weekend or want to plan a day trip, Atlantic City and Philadelphia are only about an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes away.

Active Adult Communities have a multitude of benefits.  Here are a few:

• A safe living environment
• The chance to build friendships with people your age
• Quiet community free of teenagers and kids
• The ability to live with like-minded people
• Amenities such as pool, gym and community center

So take advantage of these benefits, you earned it!  To find out more Regal Home’s Active Adult Communities and amenities, click here.

Have the TIme of Your Life…Now

Many home buyers are looking for top-notch amenities when choosing an Active Adult community. After all, you’re ready to relax, to have the kids and grand kids come visit for the day. This is your time to pursue whatever you want and to relax. But relaxing doesn’t mean you want to be bored. “Will there be enough for me to do?” This is the question on many peoples’ minds. Well here’s the answer, there definitely is.

With swimming, fitness centers, golf, tennis, and bocce, as the standard of many Active Adult communities it’s hard not to be busy. Also with the popularity of scheduled activities like poker night, and bingo, for residents it becomes easier and easier to get involved in what is going on in the community. These activities are in addition to the facilities that are always available to the residents.

The clubhouse is one of these amenities that are always available to the residents of the community. Here you can usually find things like the swimming pool, the fitness center, and other accommodations, such as a kitchen available to all residents, and some other form of activity, perhaps billiards and poker. Another popular amenity in the clubhouse is a craft room, for all your crafting needs. Add to this the tennis courts, golf course, and bocce courts and there certainly is a lot to do! Some clubhouses even have ballrooms for more formal events. Making an evening out easy and convenient! These things are then even further added to by the activities and events in your local area.

Like boating? No problem, there are certainly Active Adult communities close to the water for all your boating needs. Love the beach? Once again this can be accommodated for simply by the area your community is located in. You know what they say location, location, location, and they’re right. The area your community is located in makes a big difference as to what activities are available to the residents.

Bus trips to Atlantic City are a must for the communities and everyone likes to go to Atlantic City sometimes. The casinos, restaurants, shows, and boardwalk are a huge draw for Active Adult community residents. Also, trips to local plays at Count Basie or the Paper Mill Playhouse are usually available through the communities. This allows for an evening out and some fantastic entertainment as well.

This is your time to kick back and relax. To decide what activities you’re most interested in. What you like, don’t like, and even the area you really want to live in. This is the time to look forward to doing all the things you ever wanted to, go see that play you’ve been dying to see but never got around to because you were too busy with work and being a parent. Or to just enjoy all the amenities available to you. With more and more home buyers looking into Active Adult lifestyle communities, the amenities and activities are certainly an important factor in choosing a community. This makes it important to look at all the activities available, both in the community and in the area.

Check out Regal Homes’ Active Adult Communities here.