Fulfilling Needs And Wants

How did it happen that Pittsburgh's new home market sidestepped the turmoil that battered so many other markets? Steve Caprarola believes the answer to that question comes down to a few fundamentals: "People here still make their decisions about buying a new home based on their needs and their wants, not on investment speculation. Those are the core reasons for moving your family into a new home, and they haven't changed."
Caprarola's insights are based on experience. As vice president-division manager for Ryan Homes Pittsburgh North, he has responsibility for 11 Ryan communities north of the Ohio River. In 2007 his region exceeded the previous year's new home starts. This year his division plans to open two new developments. One of these will be at Bell Vue Park, which is already established in Cranberry; the other will be the brand-new Pleasant Ridge, which will be located in bucolic Pine Township.
Belle Vue Park's special appeal is its Neo-Traditional, neighborly feel, accentuated by tree-lined streets and sidewalks. Right next door is Cranberry's new and very impressive 115-acre Graham Park, where a major new Sportsplex will be built. The community offers buyers attached townhomes and single-family detached homes. It is easily accessible from I-79, and a mere 25 minutes distant from Pittsburgh.
When it is ready, Pleasant Ridge, just 15 to 20 minutes from Pittsburgh, will feature single-family detached homes. They will fit in perfectly with the comfortable lifestyle of Pine Township,
Caprarola attributes Ryan's success in Metropolitan Pittsburgh and elsewhere to the fact that people want to do business with a company that will help them select and build the home they want. "We not only build a quality home, we provide consultation, service and financing. It's one-stop shopping, and people know we have a solid reputation in all those areas."
Foot traffic at Ryan's communities has been good, and one of the most visited these days is Cobblestone, in Ohio Township. The township retains much of its pastoral heritage despite its proximity to the city. "It's a fantastic community," said Carprarola, "and only 10 minutes from Pittsburgh for those who commute."
Located between I-79 and I-279, Cobblestone offers scenic views from its hilltop domain, as well as wooded surroundings. It exudes a neighborhood atmosphere, with sidewalks, a pool, clubhouse and one-acre park. Single-family detached sites are one-quarter and one-half acre. The single-family homes range from 2,000 to 2,600 square feet, with prices starting in the $250s.
The community also features Ryan Homes' new attached villa homestyle, the Stonehurst, which has a two-car garage. In the Stonehurst, every amenity is located on the first floor for the ultimate in convenience, including the owner's suite. Upstairs, there are two additional bedrooms, a loft, full bath and plenty of storage space. Perfect for the lifestyle of rightsizing empty nesters, the prices for the Stonehurst start in the $210s.
Purchasing a new home, said Caprarola, "is a lifestyle choice." At Ryan Homes, there is a range of communities to fit every lifestyle. And, as always, Ryan Homes stands ready to help determine which community—and home—best suits yours.