WINTER 2024
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Dear Readers,
Happy 2024! As we kick off this new year, I am feeling energized and excited to announce some big news. My father, Jay, is once again the #1 agent in Bucks County for sales in 2023. This may seem like old news because he has done this for over the past 25+ years. The real excitement (I am definitely biased) is that I am the #2 agent in Bucks County for overall sales!
I find it amusing that I am so excited for this stat because I’ve never enjoyed being 2nd place in anything in my life. In fact, my room as a teenager was plastered with inspirational quotes that encouraged me to work harder. My personal favorite, is an African proverb that I still carry with me today.
The years of hard work and mentorship are paying off. I am often asked, “How do you guys do it?” The simple answer is that we care. In every industry there are people who do not care about their clients--it’s a sad reality. They are only out to satisfy their own interests and the concepts of service, skill and empathy are obsolete. While some argue that these types of folks make the rest of us look bad, I think these individuals help magnify our expertise and professionalism.
I am encouraged that the market will remain strong but either way we will continue to get up and start running.
Hope you enjoy!
Gina Spaziano
Gina & Jay Spaziano
Jay Spaziano Real Estate
1113 General Washington Memorial Blvd. Washington Crossing, PA 18977 (215) 860-2800
gina@jayspaziano.com jayspaziano.com
TTHE USE AND HISTORY OF STAIRS dates to the beginning of time when humans were still dwelling in caves. They used flat rocks or logs to easily gain access to the structure. As man evolved and building techniques advanced, staircases did too. Architects and designers made their mark by designing unique staircases. Stairs are more than just a practical fixture of the home. You can make a statement in your home’s entryway and capture your guest’s attention.
Traditionally, most homes have one staircase. In the past, larger homes with two staircases were meant to separate servants from the family. The nicer staircase was usually in the front hall and the
smaller, narrower, and usually steeper one in the rear for servants. Most large new construction homes have two staircases, with a rear or back staircase originating from the kitchen or family room, providing an alternate route upstairs. Not only does this provide extra convenience, it can alleviate wear and tear on floor coverings on the main staircase.
There are quite a few different staircase styles. Straight staircases are the most common. A variation of this staircase is an intermediate staircase, which features a central landing that breaks up a long stretch of stairs. A quarter turn or L-shaped staircase features a 90-degree turn
after a landing. Switchback or half turn stairs are another form of straight stairs. They feature a 180-degree turn, creating a U-shape at the landing located between the two parallel flights of stairs. These stairs take up less linear space and can easily fit into small space designs. A winder staircase is similar to a quarter turn or L-shaped staircase, however, instead of a landing where the turn is made, winder stairs are continuous with pie-shaped or triangular steps at the corner. Spiral stairs have one central post to which all steps are attached and feature a compact design. They are used when space is a factor. A curved staircase does not have a landing and features a continuous set of stairs which follow the arc of the banister. Circular staircases appear to follow a circle with a single center of curvature and a large radius. While circular stairs do go around and the steps are tapered, they are more like normal stairs than a spiral staircase because the curve is more relaxed. A bifurcated or split staircase is a wide set of steps leading to a large top landing with two narrower staircases branching off in opposite directions. A grand, dual, or butterfly staircase has two separate flights of steps that come together in the middle at a central landing. A floating staircase is designed to minimize or hide the supporting structure of the staircase giving the impression that the stair treads are floating. It is a popular choice in open concept spaces.
Adding a gallery wall, updating carpet or a runner, or painting an element of the staircase such as the railing or riser, is a quick low-cost makeover. If your stairs are wood and you have a runner, consider adding stair rods. Replacing current balusters with ones containing architectural designs or accents is another way to update your staircase. Looking forward, the staircase trend for this year is a mix of wood and metal – wood steps and metal rail – and floating staircases are in style. ●
NNESTLED ALONG THE SCENIC CANAL in Upper Black Eddy, just steps from the 19th Century Roastery barn, is the Homestead General Store. As the birthplace of Homestead Coffee and home to the Lewis family for the past 44 years, the General Store is a cozy place where locals and travelers alike gather to enjoy the scenery, fill their bellies, exchange the talk of life, and rest before carrying on with their day.
Homestead Coffee Roasters is a family-owned and operated, Certified Organic coffee roastery with a big love for quality, community, and sustainability. Brothers, Michael and Trevor, grew up living above the Homestead General Store and adopted the Coffee Roasting business from their father, Rick, in 2008. Over the years, they have come to understand that the creation of an expertly crafted cup of coffee is a holistic process, with many factors contributing to the final product. They take pride in meticulously curating this process, from choosing to work exclusively with small farms and cooperatives, to continually tasting and refining the roasting of the beans, to helping train inspired and knowledgeable baristas. Growing up these past 40 years in a café of their own, they know the strength and beauty of a family-owned, community-oriented business. It simply cannot be replicated by businesses with a string of shops. With that knowledge, they have always focused on working with other locally owned
cafés, restaurants, and grocers in meaningful partnerships, to provide freshly roasted and incredible coffees to our communities and beyond.
The Homestead General Store features a traditional breakfast and lunch menu, deli counter, fresh baked goods, an assortment of drinks – of course, including Homestead coffee – local kombucha and nitro cold-brew coffee on tap, ice cream, and seasonal home goods and gifts. Be sure to take advantage of the outdoor seating, weather permitting, along the canal or under the gazebo by the lawn. Stop in sometime for a bite to eat, experience what locals call a “true example of Hometown USA”, and say hello to Rick, who always makes you feel like you’re a part of the family. ●
1650 Bridgeton Hill Road
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
homesteadcoffee.com/pages/general-store
A remarkable find in one of the most exclusive and sought-after neighborhoods in Upper Makefield Township, welcome to the comfortable yet luxurious 24 Weatherfield Drive. An elegant estate nestled on a 2+ acre parcel within the confines of a custom neighborhood setting allows for the best of both worlds: privacy and community.
1. Scan QR code with the camera app
2. Tap the notification to open the link View this home online!
Quality and superior craftsmanship exudes both inside and out beginning with the elegant stone and Hardie Plank exterior embellished with black framed windows and glass doors that bring the outdoors in and a stunning paver driveway and parking court to greet guests. This stately home offers 4 finished levels of flexible, family friendly spaces. Everything about this property is masterfully planned with ultimate comfort and gorgeous aesthetics in mind. Some of the home’s noteworthy features include a designer kitchen with breakfast area equipped with quartz countertops, separate coffee bar, expansive island, state-of-the-art stainless-steel appliances and the neighboring Butler Area with built-ins outfitted with an ice maker and access to the large walk-in pantry. Beyond, the dramatic 2-story family room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and hardwood floors showcases an open back staircase. Access to the covered outdoor porch provides delightful views of the yard, pool and spa. A walk-out lower level with multiple rooms including a living room with stone fireplace, the ultimate sports bar, wine cellar, gym and full bath with shower and sauna, all with direct access to outdoor patios, pool, and gardens. Other notable amenities include an updated and reconfigured bath to include an eye-catching wet room, au-pair suite, new HVAC, and a newer roof. This magnificent estate offers exceptional value and an opportunity to live and host in the most idyllic setting within close proximity to I-295, Princeton, New York City, and Philadelphia. ●
WWE HAVE ALL HEARD the benefits of downsizing are numerous. Carefree lifestyles, maintenance-free living, more free time to do the things you want. However, before making that transition, it is extremely important to consider the consequences of such a decision. At the end of the day, swapping a large house for a smaller dwelling is a huge adjustment. You may find that your home is a lot easier to part with when you’re moving to a new home that offers a lifestyle or location you love. You should honestly assess whether your current home is adequate for the lifestyle you want in the next phase of your life or if something smaller is more appropriate. To enjoy the benefits of downsizing, you need to consider whether a smaller home will serve you and your family well and complement your lifestyle. It doesn’t make sense to downsize and then be unhappy
because there isn’t enough space or there is no spare bedroom to use for guests or the location is too far for friends and family to visit.
If you agree on a location and that a smaller space will work with your current lifestyle, family and future goals, you will be able to fully appreciate the benefits that come with it. Most will enjoy the fresh start. Moving to a smaller home gives you the opportunity to declutter. We have all been there, whether simply cleaning or redecorating, decluttering – the process of removing unneeded or unwanted items from your living space – is often easier said than done. It can be difficult, especially if you’ve lived there much of your life and it contains a lifetime of memories. While it can be hard to let go, removing unnecessary clutter from our lives while downsizing provides many healthy benefits, both mental and
A new home is like a blank canvas and functions in much the same way. Downsizing gives you the chance to assess your vision for an ideal homestead.
physical ones, many of which help relieve stress, promote self-confidence, and improve mental clarity.
As we get older, we accumulate furniture and sentimental belongings. By moving to a home that will not be able to accommodate all of these possessions, you are offered a clean slate. Possessions –both big and small – can quickly become a burden, and without a valid reason to declutter, your space can be quickly overtaken leaving you feeling overwhelmed. Downsizing forces you to prioritize your possessions, parting with anything that does not serve a purpose anymore. Our environments play a large role in our happiness and ability to thrive. Our brains are easily distracted by our surroundings, so cluttered environments make it difficult to accomplish what we want to do.
Thinking about how you will be able to manage a large house as you get older can be overwhelming. Household chores and home maintenance take up time, energy and strength. Downsizing to a smaller, easier-to-manage space, especially if you choose a retirement community,
relieves you of many common home maintenance tasks and frees up more time to do what makes you happy. Instead of spending time cleaning a large home or mowing the lawn, you can now spend that time doing what you want, not what the house needs.
Typically, another main benefit of downsizing is the fact that a smaller home will incur lower monthly costs. Instead of heating up, cooling down, or powering a large 4-5 bedroom home with multiple living spaces, you are servicing a much smaller footprint. Also, the same holds true for your homeowner’s insurance.
A new home is like a blank canvas and functions in much the same way. Downsizing gives you the chance to assess your vision for an ideal homestead. Many of us spend years accumulating possessions and trying to fit them into our homes. When you move, you can keep the things you love and eliminate the clutter. A new home offers you the opportunity to decorate as you wish, building a new nest that is a unique and beautiful space reflective of you, your family, and your story. ●
PP.O. Box 1098
Southampton, PA 18966
philadoptables.org
info@philadoptables.org
PHILADOPTABLES, a 501(c) nonprofit corporation, was formed in 2009 by Southampton resident, Michelle Helms. She, along with a very supportive board of directors, provide assistance to rescue organizations and animal shelters, especially the Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly), helping Philadelphia’s most at-risk animals. Over the years, donations from Philadoptables has equipped the shelter with medical equipment and supplies as well as branching out to help other local rescues. Philadoptables holds pet food pantry events and assists with medical bills for senior pet parents in need. They have a special passion for community cats and provide assistance to spay/neuter programs and work to keep these outside kitties as happy and healthy as possible.
Everybody deserves a second chance, especially the homeless, abandoned and at-risk pets of Philadelphia. With your help Philadoptables can give these precious pets a second chance at a new and better life.
Your gift to Philadoptables goes directly toward helping Philadelphia’s homeless animals. They are entirely volunteer run. ●
Tiffany needs a special home and this poor girl deserves a nice quiet life. Tiffany is 5 years old, weighs 11 pounds and is looking for an adult only home. It’s best for Tiffany to be the only pet in the home! She is bossy with other dogs/cats. She needs to be your one and only! She is a typical chihuahua and does not like to share her people. Tiffany takes a day or two to trust new people, but then will give you her whole heart along with all the kisses she can muster up! She’s a very sweet girl once you get to know her and see her shine! She loves playing with toys, napping in comfy beds especially when she can sleep cuddled up next to a warm human in bed. She will use potty pads as well as go outside. She’s a great eater, very food motivated and smart. Tiffany loves going on long walks and does well on the leash! This girl has been through a lot and is so deserving of a family to call her own! She will make someone very happy as a companion dog in a low energy home! Tiffany is spayed, vaccinated, heart worm negative, and microchipped!
Meet Clair! This diva has the looks of Audrey Hepburn and the purrrsonality of Mariah Carey! She enjoys having paparazzi and will let you know when to pet or not to pet. Clair's owner passed away and she is experiencing many changes. This lovebug is looking for a quiet home with no other cats.
10-year-old Clair has a slight cloudiness in her right eye, and has been checked out by the vet. The vet says it doesn't bother her, and she's likely had it since birth. She possibly has limited vision in that eye, but other than that, it is of no concern.
Meet Delta! This sweet shepherd mix has been in foster care while waiting for her forever family. Delta is around 3 years old and 65 pounds. She is housetrained and currently lives with a dog and cat! However, her favorite friends are little kids. Delta does great with children and would love to be a part of any family. Delta enjoys day trips with her foster family including running errands or going out to eat. She is a social butterfly.
For more information or to adopt any of these wonderful animals, please contact info@philadoptables.org
BUCKS COUNTY is one of the three original counties in Pennsylvania. As colonists settled, villages were established and connected by dirt roads, with each village having its own history and character. Makefield was one of the five original townships of Bucks County, established in 1692. It was divided into Lower Makefield and Upper Makefield in 1737. Northampton Township was established in 1722 when a petition and a map were presented to the Court requesting to establish a new township on lands lying “between Southampton Township and other lands and Neshaminy Creek.”
Durning colonial times, most communities in Bucks County were either (1) a hamlet: a small settlement that has no central place of worship and no meeting point or (2) a village: a small settlement with community related services such as a central place of worship, central meeting place, post office, or general store.
Edgewood Village, originally known as Woodside, in Lower Makefield mainly encompassed the area surrounding the intersection of Stony Hill Road and Yardley-Langhorne Road. Yardley-Langhorne Road was once a major stagecoach route between Philadelphia and the Yardley Ferry, eventually heading to New York. This Village has undergone several name changes – the most notably being Edgewood, throughout the history of the county. In the past it was known as Stradlington, Biles Corner and Summerville. Thomas Stradlington was the village blacksmith. Dr. William Biles had a home and his practice at the intersection of Stony Hill Road and Yardley-Langhorne Road. In 1850, the name was changed to Summerville because it was a popular vacation spot for Philadelphia families. It remained as Summerville for 2 short years and then in 1852 it was changed to Edgewood. In 1935 it was changed back to Woodside until 1978 when the last and final name
change occurred, and the name of Edgewood was restored. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Formerly known as the hamlet of Smoketown, Churchville was inhabited by early Dutch settlers who had a love for tobacco and smoked it through long stemmed pipes. It gained its new name of Churchville after the construction of the North and Southampton Reformed Church in 1816, literally putting the “church” in Churchville. The church still stands today in its original location. The original structure was made of wood and it was remodeled in 1845 adding slate and fieldstone which can still be seen today. The rafters in the attic above the sanctuary are painted with the names and dates of some of those who worked on the building during the 1845 construction period. Churchville extends from the intersection of Bristol Road and Bustleton Avenue, the original crossroads, and also includes the intersection of Churchville Road
Did you know that a tavern could serve as a central meeting place in colonial times? They served several purposes: a place to eat and drink, meet, rest, and catch up on local news!
and Knowles Avenue with Bristol Road. When the Philadelphia, Newtown, and New York Railroad (which at its longest ran from Philadelphia to Newtown) Station was established in 1878 (and then relocated to just north of its original location in 1892), Churchville experienced an expansion. At the beginning of this growth, the area around Bristol Road retained the name
Churchville while the area around the new train station was called Churchville Station. As time went on, the two areas merged together and became known as Churchville. Many of the original homes and sites have been preserved and maintain a high degree of integrity. Churchville was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. ●
Jay’s sales experience has momentum and is one of the many reasons he has been the top producing agent in Bucks County over the last 25+ years. 2023 proved to be another record-breaking year for Jay in the number of transactions closed and volume. Momentum, along with experience, dedication, and service, matters in navigating this market. Below is a recap of our listings which sold in 2023.
If you are thinking about listing your property or are interested in viewing any of the special homes in our portfolio, please contact us at jay@jayspaziano.com or 215-860-2800. We will personally meet with you to develop an individual plan to effectuate your housing goals.
See what our clients are saying! "
Jay and Gina Spaziano made selling our home an easy process. We really can't say enough about their level of professionalism, from the beginning when we sat down at our kitchen table to the closing of the transaction. My husband and I have sold many homes in our 33 years of marriage, and this was the easiest transaction by far. Every step of the way, we had clear and concise conversations helping us negotiate the deal and never felt pressure to accept terms that were not agreeable to us.
Thank you so much Jay and Gina for your representation in selling our home.
- Jean B.