The New New Home Buyer Checklist
3 May 2009
When purchasing a new home, prospective buyers are very adept in educating themselves on the quality of the construction and the overall reputation of the builder. In today's changing economy, it is most important to further that search beyond the branding and to scratch below the surface to make sure the builder will get the buyer to settlement and most of all through the warranty period of the new home.
There are a few simple steps that can be taken prior to depositing on a new home:
- Make sure the deposit money will be placed in a 3rd party escrow account set up in the buyer's name.
- Stop some of the subcontractors working on the site and ask if the builder is paying the invoices on time.
- Ask the builder for a list of their contractors or jot down the names and phone numbers on the trucks, such as the frame supplier, plumber, electrician, roofer and siding contractors, kitchen suppliers, floring, etc. Call the contractors and suppliers to ask if the builder is current on payment.
- Place a title search to insure there are no mechanics liens. If the builder has sites in other locations, those sites should be searched, too.
- Find out which band has the construction loans, and make sure the builder is current on construction loans.
- Observe the site construction - check to see if there are houses under construction that have stopped moving forward in construction. For example, if a house is stopped at drywall and flooring, the kitchen cabinet supplier may be waiting for a payment before delivering the next set of cabinets. This could hold up a buyer's settlement.
- If there is a Homeowner's Association, make sure the upfront reserve money is held in a 3rd party escrow account.
- Investigate how much staff the builder has on site to build the house and finalize the post-settlement warranty list.
- Don't hesitate to knock on doors, or stop by the site when school buses are due to arrive and chat with the parents at the bus stop. Find out how responsive the builder was to their punch list and warranty items.
Buyer's agents and prospective buyers typically focus on getting the "best deal". Lately, they are unknowingly pitting a financially stable builder with minimal concessions against a builder who is financially unstable and offering excessive discounts to get the sale to try to stay afloat. That puts the buyer through an unfair and unnecessary negotiation where the emphasis is on the concession and not the long-term value of the new home, the builder, and the fulfillment of the warranty.
Purchasing a new home is very exciting for prospective buyers. By doing a little homework and using this simple checklist, buyers will insure that they will get to settlement on time in a new home in a neighborhood that will be built out, dedicated, and a great place to call home. It's time to start focusing on the long-term value for the "best deal" or "biggest concession" may not get to the settlement table.
Sal Lapio Homes prides itself on the financial stability of the company and the ability to deliver quality-built homes on time, and the staffing and future to fulfill the warranty on the homes.
HIDDEN MEADOWS IS HONORED WITH PRESTIGIOUS LEHIGH VALLEY BUILDERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR "BEST MODEL HOME TO $350,000" - THE PRIMROSE MODEL UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., PA - January 19, 2018 - Sal Lapio Homes and Better Homes and Garden Valley Partners are pleased to announce that Hidden Meadows was recognized with the "Best Model Home to $350,000", award presented by the Lehigh Valley Builders Association (LVBA). Over 200 members and guests attended the 27th Annual Awards Gala recently held at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Awards for Professional Excellence program is a well-established competition among members of the LVBA. Members submit communities to an independent panel of judges from outside of the Lehigh Valley for review. Categories include Builder, Remodeler, and Specialty Projects. "We are honored that Hidden Meadows was selected as the "Best Model Home to $350,000", in the Lehigh Valley for 2017," said Sal Lapio, president of Allentown-based Sal Lapio Homes. "Each and every one of us in the company takes great pride in this distinctive collection of townhomes located in Upper Macungie Township's scenic rolling countryside. I am proud to accept this prestigious award on behalf of our dedicated staff and associates who have worked so hard to create Hidden Meadows and distinguish it as one of the area's most desirable new home communities." The Lehigh Valley Builders Association particularly notes Hidden Meadows' long list of interior, exterior, and construction features highlighted in their award submission which contributed to the community wining the Best Model Home award. Many included features at Hidden Meadows, other builders consider upgrades such as granite countertops in a choice of 5 colors, 42-inch upper kitchen cabinets, truly wide open kitchen/breakfast nook/family room floorplans, arched two-panel interior doors with nickel hardware throughout, a 5-foot oversized shower with bench seating in select models. Dual master suites are also offered with each home. Close attention was paid to the overall community plan, such as inviting tree-lined sidewalks on both sides of the street and eight acres of picturesque open space to encourage social interaction among neighbors. Streetscapes were carefully considered and integrate decorative partial stone fronts, six-inch beaded vinyl siding, 30-year architectural roof shingles and carriage house-style garage doors. Additionally, every townhome at Hidden Meadows is constructed with 95.5% Energy Star-rated gas hot air heating. Energy Star-rated low E windows with Argon gas, R-19 exterior wall insulation and R-38 ceiling insulation. Sound transmission control of the common walls between the individual homes, adds to the enjoyment of the homeowners by making them feel more private. Homeowners enjoy a more carefree lifestyle because all lawn care and snow removal of the public sidewalks are handled by the community association. A ten year homeowner's warranty gives an added measure of confidence to every Homeowner at Hidden Meadows. Hidden Meadows offers models that range from 1,921 to 2,009 square feet and offer three bedrooms or dual master suites, two and one half baths and one or two car garages. These stylish Lehigh Valley townhomes are priced from $258,900. Nestled in Eastern Pennsylvania's Lehigh County countryside, Hidden Meadows is located among the rolling hills of Upper Macungie Township. With a population of over 23,000 residents, the township is among the fastest-growing municipalities in the state. Its strategic location is about an hour from Philadelphia and less than two hours from New York City. Upper Macungie Township offers world class shopping, abundant recreation, and quick access to Route 309, 476, I-78, and I-22. Public school students attend the acclaimed Parkland School District, while numerous private and public colleges and universities are close to Hidden Meadows. Sal Lapio Homes has been a leading home builder in Philadelphia's five-county area for over 36 years. Lapio-built communities encompass thousands of homes ranging from entry-level townhomes to luxurious custom homes. Each new home is built to satisfy the needs of Homeowners, providing years of satisfaction, comfort, and convenience. This family-owned-and-operated homebuilding company is dedicated to taking care of their Homeowners and in Lapio's own words, they are committed to "building high value, quality homes with unquestioned integrity while taking care of each Homeowner at every step of the way." For more information about Hidden Meadows, contact Better Homes and Garden Valley Partners, Sales Manager Linda Destan in the Sales & Welcome Center at 610-585-9131 or send them an email . Since 1969 Better Homes and Garden Valley Partners has grown from a single office into one of the area's leading providers of homeownership services by putting its customers first. A full-service real estate services company helps families and individuals realize the dream of homeownership through quick and easy access to listing information and the services of its real estate professionals. Visit the Better Homes and Garden Valley Partners website at www.bhgvalley.com . Directions to Hidden Meadows: From Philadelphia: I-476 North to exit #56, merge onto US-22 East for 1 mile, merge onto PA-309 South for 8/10 mile, take Tilghman Street West for 1 mile, turn left on Werley Road for 1/4 mile to the Sales & Welcome Center on the right.
UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., PA - July 2014 - Weichert New Homes and Sal Lapio Homes are pleased to announce that Hidden Meadows was recognized with the Best Multi-Family Community over $250,000 Award presented by the Lehigh Valley Builders Association (LVBA). Over 200 members and guests attended the 23rd Annual Awards Gala recently held at the Sands Event Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Awards for Professional Excllence program is a well-established competition among members of the LVBA. Members submit communities to an independent panel of judges from outside of the Lehigh Valley for review. Categories include Builder, Remodeler and Specialty Projects. "We are honored that Hidden Meadows was selected as the Best Multi-Family Community priced over $250,000 in the Lehigh Valley for 2014," said Sal Lapio, president of Allentown-based Sal Lapio Homes. "Each and every one of us in the company takes great pride in this distinctive collection of townhomes located in Upper Macungie Township. I am proud to accept this prestigious award on behalf of our dedicated staff and associates who have worked so hard to create Hidden Meadows and distinguish it as one of the area's most desirable new home communities." The Lehigh Valley Builders Association particularly noted Hidden Meadows' long list of interior, exterior and construction features highlighted in their award submission which contributed to the community winning the Best Multi-Family Community award. Among the interior amenities at Hidden Meadows are numerous high-end included features other builders often consider upgrades, such as granite countertops in a choice of five colors, 42" upper kitchen cabinets, arched two-panel interior doors with nickel hardware throughout, a patio, and five-foot oversized shower with bench seating in select models. Dual master suites are offered in select homes, while high ceilings and open floor plans give these townhomes a very spacious and airy appeal. Close attention was paid to the overall community plan, such as inviting tree-lined sidewalks on both sides of the street and eight acres of picturesque open space to encourage social interaction among neighbors. Streetscapes were carefully considered and integrate decorative partial stone fronts, six-inch beaded vinyl siding, 30-year (not 25-year) architectural series roof shingles and carriage house-style garage doors. Additionally, every townhome at Hidden Meadows is constructed with 95.5% Energy Star-rated gas hot air heating, Energy Star-rated low E windows with Argon gas, R-19 exterior wall insulation and R-38 ceiling insulation. Sound Transmission Control of the common walls between the individual homes, adds to the enjoyment of the residences by making them feel more private. Snow removal and landscaping is handled by the community, increasing the carefree lifestyle here. A ten year homeowner's warranty gives an added measure of confidence to homebuyers at Hidden Meadows. Six models at Hidden Meadows range from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet and offer three bedrooms or dual master suites, two and one half baths, and one or two car garages. These stylish Lehigh Valley residences are priced from $214,900. Nestled in easter Pennsylvania's Lehigh County countryside, Hidden Meadows is located among the rolling hills of Upper Macungie Township. With a population of 14,000 residents, the township is among the fastest-growing municipalities in the state. Its strategic location is about an hour from Philadelphia and less than two hours from New York City. Upper Macungie Township offers world class shopping, abundant recreation, and quick access to Route 309, 476, and I-22. Public school students attend the acclaimed Parkland School District, while numerous private and public colleges and universities are close to Hidden Meadows. Sal Lapio Homes has been a leading home builder in Philadelphia's five-county area for over 30 years. Lapio-built communities encompass thousands of homes ranging from entry-level townhomes to luxurious custom homes. Each new home is built to satisfy the needs of homeowners, providing years of satisfaction, comfort, and convenience. This family-owned-and-operated building firm is dedicated to taking care of their clients, and in Laptio's own words, they are committed to "building high value, quality homes with unquestioned integrity while taking care of each homeowner at every step of the way." The builder works closely with buyers who are interested in further customization of their townhome. For more information about townhomes at Hidden Meadows, contact Weichert, Realtors sales associate Sean LaSalle in the Sales Center at 610-585-9131 or on his cell at 610-737-5369. Directions to Hidden Meadows: From Philadelphia: I-476 North to exit #56, merge onto US-22 East for 1 mile, merge onto PA-309 South for 8/10 mile, take Tilghman Street West for 1 mile, turn left on Werley Road for 1/4 mile to the Welcome Center on the right. From Allentown: US-22 West to PA-309 South, take Tilghman Street West for 1 mile, turn left on Werley Road for 1/4 mile to the Welcome Center on the right.
10 REASONS TO BUY A HOME Publication Date: October 2010 Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership. Brett Arends explains why owning a home is a good thing. Original Source: Wall Street Journal Online Enough with the doom and gloom about homeownership. Sure, maybe there's more pain to come in the housing market. But when Time Magazine starts running covers that declare "Owning a home may no longer make economic sense," it's time to say: Enough is enough. This is what "capitulation" looks like. Everyone has given up. After all, at the peak of the bubble five years ago, Time had a different take. "Home Sweet Home," declared its cover then, as it celebrated the boom and asked: "Will your house make you rich?" But it's not enough just to be contrarian. So here are 10 reasons why it's good to buy a home. You can get a good deal. Especially if you play hardball. This is a buyer's market. Most of the other buyers have now vanished, as the tax credits on purchases have just expired. We're four to five years into the biggest housing bust in modern history. And prices have come down a long way - about 30% from their peak, according to Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller Index, which tracks home prices in 20 big cities. Yes, it's mixed. New York is only down 20%. Arizona has halved. Will prices fall further? Sure, they could. You'll never catch the bottom. It doesn't really matter so much in the long haul. Where is fair value? Fund manager Jeremy Grantham at GMO, who predicted the bust with remarkable accuracy, said two years ago that home prices needed to fall another 17% to reach fair value in relation to household incomes. Case-Shiller since then: Down 18%. Mortgages are cheap. You can get a 30-year loan for around 4.3%. What's not to like? These are the lowest rates on record. As recently as two years ago, they were about 6.3%. That drop slashes your monthly repayment by a fifth. In inflation picks up, you won't see these mortgage rates again in your lifetime. And if we get deflation, and rates fall further, you can refi. You'll save on taxes. You can deduct the mortgage interest from your income taxes. You can deduct your real estate taxes and you'll get a break on capital gains - if and when you sell. Sure, you'll need to do your math. You'll only get the income tax break if you itemize your deductions and many people may be better off taking the standard deduction instead. The breaks are more valuable the more you earn and the bigger your mortgage. But many people will find that these tax breaks mean owning costs them less, often a lot less, than renting. It'll be yours. You can have the kitchen and bathrooms you want. You can move the walls, build an extension-zoning permitted-or paint everything bright orange. Few landlords are so indulgent; for renters, these types of changes are often impossible. You'll feel better about your own place if you own it than if you rent. Many years ago, when I was working for a political campaign in England, I toured a working-class northern town. Mrs. Thatcher had just begun selling off public housing to the tenants. "You can tell the ones that have been bought," said my local guide. "They've painted the front door. It's the first thing people do when they buy." It was a small sign that said something big. You'll get a better home. In many parts of the country it can be really hard to find a good rental. All the best places are sold as condos. Money talks. Once again, this is a case-by-case issue: In Miami right now, there are so many vacant luxury condos that owners will rent them out for a fraction of the cost of owning. But few places are so favored. Generally speaking, if you want the best home in the best neighborhood, you're better off buying. It offers some inflation protection. No, it's not perfect. But studies by Professor Karl "Chip" Case (of Case-Shiller), and others, suggest that over the long-term housing has tended to beat inflation by a couple of percentage points a year. That's valuable inflation insurance, especially if you're young and raising a family and thinking about the next 30 or 40 years. In the recent past, inflation-protected government bonds, or TIPS, offered an easier form of inflation insurance. But yields there have plummeted of late. That also makes homeownership look a little better by contrast. It's risk capital. No, your home isn't the stock market and you shouldn't view it as the way to get rich. But fi the economy does surprise us all and start booming, sooner or later real estate prices will head up again, too. One lesson from the last few years is that stocks are incredibly hard for most normal people to own in large quantities - for practical and psychological reasons. Equity in a home is another way of linking part of your portfolio to the long-term growth of the economy - if it happens - and still managing to sleep at night. It's forced savings. If you can rent an apartment for $2,000 month instead of...
Great Location, Top-Quality Designs and Outstanding Features Can Be Found at Hidden Meadows. Upper Macungie Township, PA - Sal Lapio Homes is putting the final touches on two spectacular model homes at their newest neighborhood in the Allentown area. Scheduled for a January 30th Grand Opening, Hidden Meadows represents one of the most well planned communities offering cutting-edge home designs packed with features available in the valley's new home marketplace. "Homes at Hidden Meadows are priced from $206,900 and many are situated on day light or walk-out lots", according to sales manager Bill O'Brien. "People will not believe how wonderful these homes are with the additional sun light streaming into their homes." Two professionally-decorated models are being unveiled; each one showcasing the ultimate in design and detail. Each of the 6 home designs feature a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, 42" wall cabinets, open living triangle floor plans, one and two car garages, nine foot first floor ceilings, and distinctive stone and siding exteriors. These homes range in size from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet and offer three bedrooms or dual master suites. "Hidden Meadows town homes are not only beautiful, they also represent the newest and most cutting edge designs in the area," O'Brien continued. "These homes offer the most standard features and one of the best locations in the market place." Hidden Meadows is located within the desirable Parkland School District in Upper Macungie Township, one of the best neighborhoods on the West side of Allentown. Beyond the community, homebuyers will find the rolling hills, woods, and open space that characterize Upper Macungie's cozy county atmosphere. But at the same time, Hidden Meadows is close to major roadways, including Routes 78, 100, Pa. Turnpike and Rt 309, providing quick access to New Jersey, Philadelphia, Reading, or Quakertown. Numerous shopping centers including the Lehigh Valley Mall, the Promenade Shopps At Saucon Valley, restaurants, casino's and golf and country clubs and the Legigh Valley airport are all nearby, along with other recreation facilities such as Cedar Creek Park, which includes several baseball fields, soccer fields, and plenty of open space for a picnic or a walk on the extensive trail. Also within a few minutes are the renowned local and regional medical centers such as Lehigh Valley Hospital are within easy reach. "Our first release of homes at Hidden Meadows offers some of the most desirable locations with many of the homes located on a tree lined cul-de-sac" said O'Brien. "Hidden Meadows is ideally suited for home owners who enjoy travel, leisure or an active lifestyle and who understand the value of having an owners' association that provides for all lawn-care maintenance," said Stephen F. Lampmann, Vice President and General Manager of Sal Lapio Homes. Lampmann says he and owner Sal Lapio are confident about the improving economy and both believe that the federal stimulus efforts and a rallying home market buoyed by historically low mortgage rates will encourage renters and homebuyers to realize that now is the time to buy a new home. Hidden Meadows is the latest in a long line of well-designed residential communities designed and built by Sal Lapio, an Italian immigrant who came to the United States in 1967 and began building homes in 1972. Lapio began his career in the Reading area, working with his brother-in-law and father-in-law, first as a laborer and later as a mason. After several years of working in Berks County, Lapio moved to Willow Grove and focused on building in Bucks and Montgomery counties. He and his company earned their reputations for quality work by listening to customers and implementing the features and designs they wanted - all at an affordable price. In 1982, he founded Sal Lapio Homes - now based in Sellersville - a solid home-building company that recently topped off its 2,500th home. "Today's buyers have great opportunities to purchase a new home. We have a wide selection of homes available and mortgage rates are at their lowest point in years," Lapio continued. "We take great pride in taking care of our home buyers every step of the way." Located just off the PA Turnpike Route #476 exit #56, Hidden Meadows is a commuter-friendly location which offers an idyllic country setting amidst woods and farmland. To visit Hidden Meadows model homes, from PA Turnpike Route #476 exit #56 take Rt #22 East to Rt #309 south, to your 1st exit on to Tilghman Street, proceed 1/2 mile to a left on Werley Road. Proceed 1/4 mile to the Sales and Welcome Center on the right. Please call 610-585-9131 or visit our home page for additional details.
Great Location, Top-Quality Designs and Outstanding Features Can Be Found at Hidden Meadows. Allentown, PA -- Nestled in the scenic countryside of Upper Macungie Township, Hidden Meadows by Sal Lapio Homes offers a unique townhome opportunity for home buyers who want a great value, luxurious design, and an extraordinarily convenient location. Located in Lehigh County's prestigious Parkland School District, Hidden Meadows townhomes include a first or second floor main bedroom, one or two car garage, granite countertops, 42-inch kitchen cabinets, available walk-out basements, grass and trash care are provided and six-month deliveries are available. This new community also offers tree-lined sidewalks on both sides of the street, eight acres of open space and an intimate, private setting close to world-class shopping and recreation. Hidden Meadows is just minutes from the entrance to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Northeast Extension and close to Interstate 78 and Routes 309, 22, and 222, offering ideal convenience for on-the-go home owners who want an easy commute to work in Lehigh Valley, Berks County, Philadelphia, or the Poconos. "Hidden Meadows is ideally suited for home owners who enjoy travel, leisure or an active lifestyle and who understand the value of having an owners' association that provides for all lawn-care maintenance," said Stephen F. Lampmann, Vice President and General Manager of Sal Lapio Homes. Ground was broken in mid-July on the first phase of the Hidden Meadows community, which will include 82 townhomes. The first closings will occur in December. Financed by Quakertown National Bank and marketed by ERA Platinum Realty, the Hidden Meadows community offers six unique home designs ranging from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet and featuring three bedrooms or dual masters, two-and-a-half baths and one and two car garages all crafted to blend the many features desired by today's home buyers. Lampmann says he and owner Sal Lapio are confident about the improving economy and both believe that the federal stimulus efforts and a rallying home market buoyed by historically low mortgage rates will encourage renters and homebuyers to realize that now is the time to buy a new home. Those factors coupled with Sal Lapio's reputation for quality, the value-packed townhomes of Hidden Meadows and pre-construction prices starting at $206,900 make Hidden Meadows a terrific investment for home buyers, Lampmann said. Hidden Meadows is the latest in a long line of well-designed residential communities designed and built by Sal Lapio, an Italian immigrant who came to the United States in 1967 and began building homes in 1972. Lapio began his career in the Reading area, working with his brother-in-law and father-in-law, first as a laborer and later as a mason. After several years of working in Berks County, Lapio moved to Willow Grove and focused on building in Bucks and Montgomery counties. He and his company earned their reputations for quality work by listening to customers and implementing the features and designs they wanted - all at an affordable price. In 1982, he founded Sal Lapio Homes - now based in Sellersville - a solid home-building company that recenty topped off its 2,500th home. "Today's buyers have great opportunities to purchase a new home. We have a wide selection of homes available and mortgage rates are at their lowest point in years," Lapio told The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2008. "We take great pride in taking care of our home buyers every step of the way." For sales information on Hidden Meadows, call Bette or Eileen at 610-585-9131 or visit our website . For more information on Sal Lapio Homes, call Steve Lampmann at 215-257-1111, ext. 310 . Photo 1 (L to R): Scott Orzehoski, Senior Vice President of Quakertown National Bank, and Stephen W. Bauder, Vice President Commercial Lending; join Sal Lapio, Linda Nace, Rosann Paone, and Stephen Lampmann of Sal Lapio Homes for the groundbreaking at Hidden Meadows in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County. Photo 2 (L to R): Brokers Eileen Campbell, Bette McTamney and Angelo Guerra, all of ERA Platinum Realtors, join Sal Lapio, Linda Rosann Paone, and Stephen Lampmann of Sal Lapio Homes for the groundreaking at Hidden Meadows in Upper Macungie Township, Lehigh County.
In April of 2004, my family and I moved from a beautiful Collegeville townhome into a brand new home in Bella Vista. Of course, we didn't take the leap without a great deal of thought and research. We knew that if we were willing to move just a little further west, we could certainly get more "bang for our buck." Bella Vista was just one of many new developments we looked at. By comparison we found Bella Vista to be the most aesthetically pleasing with so many different models to choose from. We couldn't justify paying more for a home by another builder when even they couldn't convince us of the differences to justify the increased price. Conversely, we were not at all willing to sacrifice the quality of a soundly constructed home in a desirable setting to save a few dollars. Bella Vista was exactly what we were looking for.. but we could only have come to this conclusion after shopping other builders and communities. Fast forward two years.. In the fall of 2006 we learned that we were expecting our second child. Life was great! We had made many friends in the community and homes were continually popping up around us. As our family grew, so did our ambition. We considered possibilities in a slightly larger home so we went back to the sales office. Much to our surprise, Betty remembered us from two years prior! The personal touch meant a lot and she talked us through our options. Just when we thought it couldn't get any better, Betty presented some very attractive incentives and our new larger home in the community we loved was fast becoming a reality. So off to the design center we went, only this time we were much wiser and knew exactly what we missed out on the first time around. Patti, who also assisted us the first time around, was so patient with us as my wife and I playfully argued over the details. The options were plentiful and before long, we had constructed our second dream home on paper. We closed on our second Bella Vista property in the spring of 2007. We can't imagine raising our children anywhere else. Bella Vista residents regularly organize play dates for the little ones, coffee hours, golf outings, community sales, book clubs, ladies (and guys) nights out, Bunco for the ladies, and Halloween is quite a show! There are community distribution lists for e-mail, networking, and a ton of support for various resources and/or services. Of course, participation is always open to the masses and completely voluntary. This community and surrounding area have absolutely exceeded every expectation we had. Only a few miles from routes 422, 100, and the fast-developing Ridge Pike, everything we need is within a very short drive. However, we still appreciate the quiet, family-oriented peace of mind living in Bella Vista affords us. More than satisfied two times over, The Albanese Family
Sal Lapio has earned a stellar reputation of building quality into his homes, one home at a time. Sal immigrated to the United States on April 17th, 1967 from his hometown in Paternopoli, Italy to Willow Grove, PA. The son of a stone mason, Lapio worked with his brother-in-law and father-in-law first as a laborer, then as a brick mason. He purchased his first lot in the Reading area in 1972. After several years working in the Reading area, he moved back to Montgomery County and purchased his first community, and in 1982 he incorporated Sal Lapio Homes. Lapio has worked tirelessly to earn a reputation of buildign high quality homes with unquestioned integrity. It helps that Lapio listens to his buyers and includes many of the features and home designs that they want - all at an affordable price. His mission has resulted in a solid home building company that will soon enter its 36th year and top off its 2,500th home. Not a bad record to reflect on - but don't think Lapio is relaxing just yet. He still visits each community several times a week looking for ways to improve each home. "We take pride in taking care of our homeowners every step of the way," Lapio says. Lapio relies on a talented team and a select group of craftsmen and professionals, many of whom have worked with him for over 20 years. "Today, buyers have great opportunities to purchase a new home. For a limited time we are offering a Free Solarium or Gourmet Kitchen. We have a wide selection of home sites available and mortgage rates are at their lowest point in more than two years," says Lapio. Buy now and be in your new home in early summer. "Our goal is to build each customer's dream home and we work hard to make the purchase process as stress-free as possible," says Steve Lampmann, vice president and general manager for Sal Lapio Homes. In addition to hundreds of pre-priced options, Lapio offers a 2,500 square foot Design Center. "We consider ourselves semi-custom builders and work very closely with each new home buyer to personalize his/her home. Whether they are looking for a gourmet kitchen or a state-of-the-art exercise room, we strive to make their dreams come true," says Pattie Breyer, Design Center Manager. Current communities range from Hillside Estates, a quaint community of 19 homes on a picturesque cul-de-sac in Perkasie Borough; The Reserve at Macoby Run, a community of 140 homes adjacent to a township park in Upper Hanover; and Bella Vista, a golf course community of 213 homes in New Hanover Township. Only 3 select home sites remain within Hillside Estates. This picturesque cul-de-sac is only a short drive to Doylestown, Montgomeryville and Quakertown. Eight different home styles are offered, ranging from 2,500 to over 3,000 square feet and priced from the upper $300s. The Reserve at Macoby Run just opened its second phase of home sites, many of which are adjacent to a township park. The park includes a trail that meanders along a stream, a meadow and through woods. The community is within a short driving distance of the turnpike and the North Penn area. There are twelve different home styles offered ranging from 2,100 to 3,500 square feet and priced from the mid $300s. Bella Vista means "beautiful view" in Italian, and many homeowners can attest to its well-fitting name. Located on a 254-acre historic farm estate with buildings dating back to 1802, Bella Vista offers sweeping views of the valley and public golf course. The community is within driving distance to King of Prussia and Upper Gwynedd. Every home offers golf course views or overlooks wooded open space. The twelve different home styles offered from 2,100 to 3,500 square feet, priced from the low $300s.