Update on Clover Ridge!

Clover Ridge is an exciting new community in Frederick, MD. It is located right off of Rt. 15 on Moran Drive, Frederick Community College and Thomas Johnson High school , this gorgeous community is perfect for commuters and families alike. 



 Since the last post, we have made some tremendous progress on these single family homes. Two houses have farming up and more are on the way! Stay tuned to the DRB blog more updates on this fabulous new community!

 

For more information on Clover Ridge, click  [here]

Reasons why people LOVE Greenville, SC

A few weeks ago, I had mentioned that Dan Ryan Builders was building three new communities being built in the Greenville area- Carilion, Verdmont, and O'Neal Village. Now, I told you guys what awesome things there were to do in Greenville, but in case you needed a bit more convincing of why this area is so special, here it is:

"1. Downtown
Greenville has an amazing downtown. If you are coming from I-85, just hop on I-385 and it takes you right to main street! Once there, a visitor has a wealth of sights, sounds, and smells. Not only do restaurants of all price ranges abound on main street and the surrounding roads, but we have so many coffeehouses (one is even underground!) and our very own quaint hardware store. Come in the evening and you will have your choice of music in several of the restaurants and bars.

Not only are there many attractions, but Greenville is planned very well. They have plenty of parking with clear signs on how to get there. In fact, on weekends (when most people are downtown) parking is free! Walkways abound with wide sidewalks and safe places to cross.

The crown jewel of the downtown is Falls Park, a beautiful green space with a large suspension bridge and waterfall. Nestled right in the middle of the city, Falls Park is a home away from home where many come to eat their lunch, have a picnic, play in the water, or maybe just sit on a bench and watch the world go by.

If non-stop Internet access gets you excited, Greenville has that too. Free wireless is wherever you need it.

2. Entertainment

There is always something to do in Greenville! We have a seemingly endless supply of museums, musical performances, plays, artists, outdoor concerts, fireworks, markets, festivals and much more! And if Greenville doesn't have enough, then there are activities in our sister cities of Simpsonville, Spartanburg, and Greer.

3. Biking

Greenville is bike friendly too and the award-winning Swamp Rabbit Trail leads from the heart of downtown almost 25 miles through beautiful countryside and past Furman University.

4. People

Some of the friendliest people live in this area. It truly is a cross section of America where many, just like me, have come to enjoy all that Greenville offers. Social clubs, churches, and community events bring the city together and although there are hundreds of thousands in the metro area, it feels like a small town wherever you go.

5. Opportunities

Greenville was recently rated the top micro city of the future. Great things lie in store for Greenville, but it is a wonderful place to live and work in today. Some of the major businesses in the area include Michellin, BMW, IBM, Lockheed Martin, 3M and Honeywell. But what makes Greenville truly spectacular is all the small mom and pop stores run by people who are bound to become your friends.

6. Real estate

Real estate prices on average have not been affected as severely as other parts of the region and Greenville and the surrounding areas have done as well as any. Even though the Greenville SC real estate market is better than most, there are plenty of deals to be found."

Now, if you need more convincing than that, I don't know what to tell you. It's clear that everyone who visits Greenville falls in love and those who live there wouldn't trade it for the world. So what are you waiting for? Call Jonathan Giles at (864) 704-2078 and make the move to this fantastic city! 

To read the full article, click [here]

To learn more about our amazing new communities coming to Greenville, SC, click [here]

Ten Tips for a Well-Run Home

"There's just not enough time in the day!"

I'm sure you have felt this way before. There is just so much to do and not enough time to do it. Here at Dan Ryan Builders, we understand it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the day. Here are some habits you can implement today to make sure your home is a happy, healthy place:

1.) Evening preparations. Make sure everything that is needed to leave the house in the morning is prepped and where it should be. Teach your children this habit as soon as you possibly can, it can make your life easier.

2.)  Do one complete load of laundry a day. From start to finish. Build a habit of grabbing everyone’s clothes after bathtime and tossing in wash. and then toss in dryer before bed. Or in the morning when you get up. Take 5-10 minutes to fold and put away that load (or have your kids do it!) One load a day may or may not be enough for your family, but doing at least one load every day will help you stay on top of the pile.

3.)  Do your best to get your dishes done in the evening before going to bed. I know this can be hard sometimes, but think how much better it feels in the morning to come down to a clean sink. Build this habit and you will appreciate it. Again, if your kids are old enough to do the dishes or at least help, then let them!

4.)  Take 5 minutes and buzz through the bathrooms with a damp cloth. Straighten, wipe, and keep a toilet brush handy for swishing the toilet. Take any dirty towels and clothes to laundry room. Some days use a paper towel with Windex to shine things up, including the mirror.

5.)  Have a bedtime routine that includes putting away toys, books, dishes, trash, etc and picking out clothes for tomorrow. Having this routine in place will help your kids learn responsibility and know what is expected of them.

Follow just one or two tips a week and see how much of an impact it makes on your life!

Raleigh named "Top Real Estate Market to Watch in 2012"!

With homes in Raleigh AND Cary, North Carolina, Dan Ryan Builders is no stranger to this wonderful area. So we were thrilled to find out that Raleigh-Cary region was named the "Top Real Estate Market to Watch in 2012"

Every year, InmanNews makes a list on the top ten real estate markets to watch. They base the list on "several key metrics, including above-average price appreciation, a flourishing job market, a high rate of sales in proportion to population, a high level of home affordability, low foreclosure activity, a below-average share of distressed sales, a low vacancy rate, and other characteristics indicating a healthy housing market."

This year, the Raleigh-Cary area was number one as the area with the most real estate potential.  On their website, InmanNews states:

"Despite a steep drop in sales, the Raleigh-Cary market saw considerable price appreciation last year, with its median sales price for single-family homes jumping 7.3 percent from third-quarter 2010 to third-quarter 2011.

Dan Ryan Builders townhomes in Raleigh, NC

Springhill community near Raleigh, NC

At $224,300, the Raleigh-Cary metro had the highest median sales price among the 10 markets on this list and was the only market with a median sales price above the U.S. median. Nonetheless, its affordability rate stayed above the national level, with 73.6 percent of its homes affordable to households earning the area's median income, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index."

So what does all of this mean? It means that the Raleigh-Cary area is one of (if not THE best) place to buy a home in the country. So, if you are looking to relocate to the Raleigh-Cary area soon, give us a call to make your dream of home ownership a reality!

To read the full article, click [here]

For more information on our communities in the Raleigh area, click [here]

New Community alert: Summerbrooke!

Dan Ryan Builders is hard at work on a brand new community in the highly desirable North Strabane Township! Sixteen gorgeous townhomes are scheduled to be built in this gorgeous area! Call Alisa Adams at (724) 939-1011 for more information about this amazing opportunity to live in this great community! Check out these amazing views from Summerbrooke!

New Communities in Greenville, SC!

A while back, we told you that we were building in the lovely Greenville, South Carolina area. In fact, we made the Greenville area a whole new division!

We will be adding three new communities full of stunning single family homes:

Carilion  is a 110 acre community located in South Carolina’s majestic Traveler’s Rest right off Highway 25. The community is nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers a variety of outdoor recreation. In addition, Carilion boasts 35 acres of parks and open green spaces that provide pleasing views and are available for use by community residents. Amenities include a Central Park with formal and open areas and reflecting pool, Resort-Style Swimming Pool, Children’s Play Area and Nearby Upscale Golf Clubs and Courses.

Carilion is only a short 15 minute drive from downtown Greenville, one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the Southeast. This convenient and ideal location provides the additional amenities and excitement that only large cities can provide while still capturing a small town southern feel. Furman University, a premier undergraduate liberal arts college that boasts Division I Sports Teams and nationally acclaimed landscaping, is a mere stone’s throw from the Carilion community as well.

 O’Neal Village is a 184 acre community located off Highway 101 in Greer, South Carolina. Greer, SC is a quaint city that is home to over 4,000 businesses, including the only BMW plant in North America, and is located near the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport. The schools in the area have been rated very highly by education.com making O’Neal Village the perfect location for families.
Additional amenities of the community include Resort-Style Swimming Pool and Cabanas, Park with Outdoor Fireplace, Post House with Amphitheater, Village Square, Wetland Park and other parks and green-spaces throughout the community. Dan Ryan Builders will be offering a variety of single family homes in this beautiful and conveniently located community.

Verdmont is a community offering 202 lots located off Fairview Road in Simpsonville, SC. Simpsonville is one of the fastest growing cities in the state yet it continues to uphold a sense of small town living and Southern charm. It is set in the countryside amidst rolling hills only 2 miles from I-385 and approximately 13 miles from downtown Greenville. Amenities include a Central Park with Formal Garden Area and Gazebo, Water Feature and Children’s Tunnel, Pocket Parks throughout the Neighborhood, Resort-Style Swimming Pool, Open Air Pavilion, Farmer’s Market, and Sidewalks throughout the Neighborhood and Children’s Play Area. One of the highlights of Verdmont community is Martin Park: a beautifully landscaped central park area that includes a picturesque pavilion, paved walking path and a pond/stream water feature. In spring flowering trees, the formal garden, random benches, an arbor with seating and a well-manicured lawn makes this an attractive area for quiet walks, jogging, bicycling, relaxing or for other outdoor activities. For more information on these brand new communitites, click

Quick, Easy Ways to Spruce Up Any Room!

It's a Tuesday evening and you walk in from a long day at the office. You're exhausted and walk into your dull and drab living room and flop onto the couch. Your significant other comes home, and utters the words that everyone dreads: "My parents are coming to visit! THIS weekend!" You take a look at your less than gorgeous home decor and panic. No time to redecorate? Think again!

Here are a few incredibly quick and easy ways to give your home a quick facelift:

Tip #2

1.) Cover Furniture-Slipcovers are the best and easiest way to make furniture look new. Consider reversible ones -- a wintry color on one side and summery white linen on the other. If you're looking for someone to sew a slipcover, check the bulletin boards in fabric store.

Tip #3

2.)  Add a Pop of Color-"You can't go wrong with a fun yellow throw pillow in any room." A few accents in citrus hues add a level of interest to any color scheme.

3.) Add an Area Rug- A rug anchors a furniture grouping, promotes an orderly feeling, and defines a space.

Tip #4

4.)  Look for Bare Areas- Ask yourself what simple items could add interest. A change may be as easy as rearranging furniture or putting an oversize potted plant in a corner.

To read the full list, click [here]

Shaun's Dream Home Update!!

 

 The siding and drywall are up on Shaun's brand new home!! This house is really starting to take shape! Stay tuned for more updates on Shaun and his incredible journey!!

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Brenda Sparks of Charleston, South Carolina for winning Dan Ryan Builders' "Like Your Style" Contest! She won a $250 gift card to Target! 

Enjoy your prize Brenda!!

An Ode to Frederick, MD

Happy Friday Dan Ryan fans!!!

A few weeks ago, I wrote about a brand, spanking new community coming to Frederick, Maryland, Clover Ridge!

As a citizen of this fair city, I thought it only appropriate to write about how amazing it is to live here. Frederick county is the largest by area in all of Maryland. I like to say it's "an hour to everything"- Baltimore and Washington D.C. are both a quick one hour drive from the Frederick area. Historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is just a half an hour north for those avid Civil War buffs. It's close proximity to these bustling regions makes Frederick the perfect place for a commuter to set up camp.

Historic homes of downtown Frederick

While Frederick is close to two of the largest cities in the area, it's small-town feel is what keeps me here. Downtown Frederick is a sight for any out-of-tower, full of quaint shops, award winning restaurants, and gorgeous architecture. 

Baker Park

Every season, there is a new reason to celebrate in Frederick. In the fall, there is the "In the Streets" festival, in the winter, the whole downtown area becomes a Winter Wonderland of twinkle lights and Christmas wreaths. Spring brings warm weather and beautiful blossoms that shower Main Street. The biggest celebration of all happens every summer on the fourth of July, when the whole city virtually shuts down and goes to Baker Park for a day of food, concerts, and fireworks to top it all off. 


Frederick has been my home for close to twenty years and I could not have asked for a better place to grow up. As I always say to my out-of-town colleagues, "I am so lucky to live here."

What to do in Greenville, SC!

As many of you loyal Dan Ryan blog readers know, we are currently building in the gorgeous Greenville area! So today, we are going to showcase this stunning city by giving you some examples of things to do there:

1.) Falls Park on the Reedy- a gorgeous park with splendid waterfalls, perfect for a long walk or just to have a quick picnic

A resident of the Greenville Zoo

2.) Bob Jones University Museum and Gallery-this gallery specializes in Religious art from all over the world and is known as a "hidden gem of South Carolina"


3.) Greenville Zoo- This "sweet little zoo" is the perfect size for small children or people who aren't too keen on walking

The stunning Peace Center

4.) The Peace Center- The largest performing Arts center in South Carolina, The Peace Center is a great venue to see live shows and enjoy some culture!

For the full list of attractions in Greenville, South Carolina, go [here]