Central Keystone Living Summer 2023

Central Keystone Living Magazine is owned by the Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg.

Our Mission:

Supporting Building Industry Professionals & Serving as a Respected Community Resource.

2023 HBA BOARD of DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Stephen Fleming, Biltbold, Inc.

VICE PRESIDENT

Robert Wright, RJ Wright Design/Build

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT

Christopher Patrick, Bob Means Plumbing

SECRETARY

Colette Nelson, Landmark Homes

TREASURER

Nicole Shenk, Univest Home Loans

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Greg Harris, G.P. Harris Construction, Inc.

BUILDER/REMODELER DIRECTORS

Russell Goodling, Russell Goodling Construction

Ben Havens, Creative Building Concepts

Bryan Rodriguez, Berks Homes

Ben Smith, Smith Homes, Inc.

Bobbie Van Buskirk, A. P. Williams, Inc.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS

Brad Baer, Classic Rock Fabrication

Matt Harshbarger, F&M Trust

Justin McClure, Daflure Heating & Cooling

Steven Snyder, Steven R. Snyder, Attorney at Law

BUILDER LIFE DIRECTORS

Jim Hutchison, Hutch Homes, Inc.

Gary Lenker, Donco Construction, Inc.

Mark McNaughton, The McNaughton Company

Butch Miller, PA Manufactured Housing Association

ASSOCIATE LIFE DIRECTORS

Wayne Keech, Affiliated Settlement Services Group, LLP

Jim Pigott Jr, Pigott Agency LLC

LEGAL COUNCIL

Jim Diamond, Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellot, LLC

STAFF

Executive Vice President

Kristi Walsh, IOM

Kristi@Harrisburgbuilders.com

Administration & Communications Manager

Andreja Rocknage

Andreja@Harrisburgbuilders.com

Member Services Manager

Krystal Shearer

Shearerk@Harrisburgbuilders.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

PRESENTING SPONSOR:

FEATURED VENDORS

FEATURED VENDORS

FEATURED VENDORS

Many professional vendors and service providers are needed to build a home and take it from design to reality. Visitors to the 2023 Showcase Home will have the opportunity to chat with featured vendors and see their products and services firsthand.

Many professional vendors and service providers are needed to build a home and take it from design to reality. Visitors to the 2023 Showcase Home will have the opportunity to chat with featured vendors and see their products and services firsthand.

Many professional vendors and service providers are needed to build a home and take it from design to reality. Visitors to the 2023 Showcase Home will have the opportunity to chat with featured vendors and see their products and services firsthand.

INTERIOR FURNISHINGS & DECOR

INTERIOR FURNISHINGS & DECOR

INTERIOR FURNISHINGS & DECOR

David's Interiors is Central PA's home for the finest quality, latest fashions, and the best brands available in home furnishings. Come to Davids to make your house feel like a home

David's Interiors is Central PA's home for the finest quality, latest fashions, and the best brands available in home furnishings. Come to Davids to make your house feel like a home

David's Interiors is Central PA's home for the finest quality, latest fashions, and the best brands available in home furnishings. Come to Davids to make your house feel like a home

EXTERIOR FURNISHINGS & DECOR

EXTERIOR FURNISHINGS & DECOR

EXTERIOR FURNISHINGS & DECOR

Stauffers of Kissel Hill has helped generations of gardeners select the best flowers, houseplants, succulents, lawn care products, and home decor for their outdoor living spaces.

Stauffers of Kissel Hill has helped generations of gardeners select the best flowers, houseplants, succulents, lawn care products, and home decor for their outdoor living spaces.

Stauffers of Kissel Hill has helped generations of gardeners select the best flowers, houseplants, succulents, lawn care products, and home decor for their outdoor living spaces.

projects

projects

CAFE SPONSOR

CAFE SPONSOR

All furnishings & decor on display at the Showcase Home will be for sale.

All furnishings & decor on display at the Showcase Home will be for sale.

All furnishings & decor on display at the Showcase Home will be for sale.

*Photos depict samples of the Decorator’s work on other projects

CAFE SPONSOR

*Photos depict samples of the Decorator’s work on other

*Photos depict samples of the Decorator’s work on other

Join Us!

The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg (HBA) is pleased to present the 2023 Showcase Home – your perfect destination for Mother’s Day Weekend! Visitors are invited to experience the best in local design and craftsmanship of a $1+ million home built by Roland Builder.

Looking for a Home for Today’s Lifestyle? Then look no further than Roland Builder’s “Organic Modern Craftsman Home” nestled in the blue mountains off Linglestown Road in Harrisburg, PA. A harmonizing blend of styles and nature’s beauty, this design duo merges traditional craftsman features, warm neutral tones, rich textures, and natural materials into a bright and modernized yet sophisticated design. The best of both worlds.

Porches, masonry columns, wide eaves, gable brackets, neutral palette, and decorative finishing details all contribute to the aesthetic appeal and complement nature’s background. The interior design focus was to create spaces to be both stylish and soothing. This home has a calming and organic allure where you will find a sense of serenity as soon as you open the front door.

Brent Roland, President and son of founders W. Lee and Rosalie, values the family reputation and is carrying his parents’ vision into this modern century. Brent leads a highly qualified team of professionals who share his passion of Enriching Daily Life of Families.

The Roland Builder team is honored and excited to be the Premier Builder of 2023 Harrisburg Builder’s Association Showcase Home.

The Showcase Home is more than a self-guided tour, it is an experience celebrating not only the finest in new home construction, but also the local vendors and service providers who help make it happen. There’s something for everyone. Looking for décor inspiration? The first floor of the home will be fully decorated and furnished with the latest design trends. See something you like? Getting the look has never been easier – as a special feature of the event, all of the furnishings and décor will be for sale. Thinking of updating? The Showcase Home boasts cutting edge appliances and technology, and visitors will have the opportunity to chat with participating product and service vendors at the end of their tour. Ready to build your dream home? Meet the builder behind the Showcase Home in-person to start the process. At the conclusion of the tour, visitors may purchase flowers, light refreshments, and other gift items from local vendors.

Next Door Photos

THE SHOWCASE HOME EVENT RUNS FROM MAY 11–14, 2023 FROM 11AM–6PM DAILY. There is no cost to attend; however, voluntary donations may be made to the HBA Scholarship Fund to help develop the next generation of builders.

About the HBA: The Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg (HBA) is an organization of local home building professionals engaged in the construction (residential and commercial), services, and remodeling industries representing various trades such as contractors, plumbers, electricians, roofers, HVAC contractors, landscapers and many more. We serve all corners of Central PA with a focus on Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, and Juniata counties. As a group of peers and partners we strive to strengthen and support our communities and our customers by protecting the dream of home ownership and the principles of affordable housing. For more information and to seek all resources for your home, visit www.harrisburgbuilders.com.

Which Kitchen Layout Fits Your Lifestyle?

By Ross Garner, Creative Building Concepts

You’re sick of bumping elbows with your partner in the kitchen. Your kitchen cabinets are overflowing. If you catch your hip on that cabinet corner one more time, you’re going to lose it. Some parts of your kitchen just aren’t ideal for the way you want to use it. Your dream kitchen simply has features your current kitchen lacks. There are a million reasons our clients rethink their kitchen layout and even more ways we can help them come up with great solutions to their current woes.

At Creative Building Concepts in Central Pennsylvania, we appreciate clients who are willing to get the details right in the planning stage. In fact, one of the most common mistakes we advise against is flying through the planning stage in a rush to get started. The point of a customized kitchen is an individualized design that not only addresses your current pain points but elevates your lifestyle by offering new possibilities. Researching kitchen layouts is a

IN FACT, ONE OF THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES WE ADVISE AGAINST IS FLYING THROUGH THE PLANNING STAGE IN A RUSH TO GET STARTED. THE POINT OF A CUSTOMIZED KITCHEN IS AN INDIVIDUALIZED DESIGN THAT NOT ONLY ADDRESSES YOUR CURRENT PAIN POINTS BUT ELEVATES YOUR LIFESTYLE BY OFFERING NEW POSSIBILITIES.

great way to get started with your custom kitchen planning to ensure you get the most from your kitchen remodel. Exploring options will help you find the perfect one for your space and the way you plan to use it.

While you’re exploring your kitchen remodel options, why not delve into the world of cabinets? Our primer on kitchen cabinets for a remodel is a great place to start.

Types of Kitchen Layouts

CORNER KITCHEN OR L-SHAPED KITCHEN

Corner kitchens use an L configuration to keep most of the cabinetry and appliances on two walls at a ninety-degree angle to each other. This is a great shape for small or multi-use spaces and pairs nicely with an island. Any time two walls of cabinets abut, corner cabinetry presents unique customization needs. If you are planning custom cabinets anyway, this is a nonissue.

WALL KITCHEN

Many open concept spaces spread the kitchen along one main wall. Some choose to augment with an island. A one-wall kitchen is also a great choice for tiny, multi-use spaces such as lofts. Wall kitchens often make excellent use of vertical space. You can always create more storage by going up.

U- OR C-SHAPED KITCHEN

U- or C-shaped kitchens are one of our most timeless and popular kitchen layouts. This versatile shape allows you to designate different zones of your kitchen for different tasks and layout your flow according to the way you plan to use it. U-shaped kitchens sometimes include one little jut into the open space, forming more of a G-shaped kitchen.

GALLEY KITCHEN

A galley kitchen gets its name from a traditional kitchen inside a ship. A galley kitchen makes use of small spaces by two opposing walls with kitchen features. The space between often doubles as a pass-through to other areas of the house. Galley kitchens can be excellent and efficient space savers. In fact, many of our clients who seek to add a second kitchen opt for this layout. Second kitchens are one of our favorite trending kitchen ideas.

PENINSULA

Not everyone considers a peninsula its own type of kitchen layout. That’s understandable. A peninsula is a countertop and cabinet area that juts out into the surrounding living space. There are several layouts where a peninsula is an option. Consider one for your L or galley kitchen if you have the space.

ISLAND

Kitchen islands are another feature that can be included in several kitchen layouts. Similar to a peninsula, it is more of a feature than a complete kitchen layout. Depending on your space, you could add a kitchen island to any of the main four kitchen layouts listed above.

Types of Kitchen Islands

Kitchen islands are not going out of style any time soon. Their versatility will always allow them to adapt to modern needs and support daily work. You can include just about any kitchen feature, and this is likely to continue to be true. Duplicate a sink or other frequently-used feature to make your kitchen hospitable to multiple cooks or flow more easily when preparing your favorite dishes. Here are some of our favorite features to build into a kitchen island:

• Sink

• Custom Cabinetry

• Dishwasher

• Prep Station

• Trash

Kitchen Island Ideas

You can customize your kitchen island for just about anything. Don’t miss the opportunity to design a kitchen island that dazzles. Here are some kitchen island ideas to help you match your lifestyle to your kitchen island design:

• Canning and large scale prep station

• Art and homework island

• Family command station

• Entertaining and extra seating

• Multi-level, multi-purpose island

• Coffee bar

What Type of Kitchen Layout is Best?

The best kitchen island for you will depend on the size and shape of your kitchen space, the features you would like to include, the amount of stuff you need to store, and the way you plan to use your space. Some aesthetics lend themselves better to a given layout. Many people love a U-shaped kitchen, but they’re not for everyone. Discussing your situation with a designer and contractor will help you find the best solutions for your space and lifestyle. If you live within our Central Pennsylvania service area, we’d love to talk to you about your kitchen or other remodeling projects. We would love to leverage our expertise and build something creative with you. Reach out today to get started!

4 Renovations for a Luxury Bathroom

By Greg Harris, G.P. Harris Construction, Inc.

Bathrooms are an essential part of your home, and upgrading your space can make an instant impact on the feel and function of your interior. When considering updates for your bathroom, a few changes can significantly add value to your home and improve the feel of your space. This article will showcase a few improvements to make your bathroom feel modern and luxurious!

Update Tile

Dated linoleum or tile can make a bathroom appear aged and tired. We now have a vast array of tile options that can give your bathroom an instant lift while still providing your space with a timeless feel. The size and orientation of your tile can make a dramatic addition to your space, and we can help you determine the placement, size, and orientation that fits your ideal bathroom aesthetic. Additionally, modern tile grout is more resistant to stain and mold, meaning that your tile will require less scrubbing to appear like new!

Heated Floors

If you are replacing your bathroom flooring, consider adding heated floors before the final installation of your floor cover. Heated floors are an inexpensive way to add warmth and luxury to your bathroom. During fall and winter, tile floors feel cold, even when the heat is on. However, a heated floor system requires little energy and makes a big difference when you step out of the shower on a cold morning. Investing in updates that make you and your family more comfortable is essential when it comes to making your house feel like home.

Improve Lighting

Bathrooms are multi-use spaces, and sometimes they require a few lighting options to make the most of the functions it serves! Consider where an added lighting option could improve the functionality of your space. For example, incorporating lighting around the vanity can help brighten up the bathroom and allow you to see yourself more clearly in the mirror. Additionally, adding recessed lighting in the shower and tub area will adequately illuminate the space and help prevent slips and falls.

Update Counter Surfaces

Updating the counter surfaces of your bathroom can instantly improve the aesthetic, making it look and feel more contemporary and luxurious. Quartz countertops are elegant, easy to maintain, and can provide your bathroom with timeless luxury. Additionally, it comes in various color options so you can find the perfect match for your style.

If you want to take your bathroom to the next level, contact us! We can help you plan and complete a bathroom renovation that will complement your home and improve the functionality and feel of your space.

Thinking About Home Remodeling? Start Here

By Anna Briseno, National Association of Home Builders

Sooner or later you may join the millions of people who remodel their homes each year. Perhaps it’s at that moment when you realize that avocado green and harvest gold are no longer the “in” colors for today’s trendy kitchens. Or maybe you have an epiphany one day as you stand in line to use your own bathroom. Whatever the impetus, the thought crosses your mind: Maybe it’s time to start a home remodel. The reasons for home remodeling are as varied as the projects we undertake.

Some of these include:

• Adding more space

• Upgrading cabinets, counters, appliances and fixtures

• Creating a floor plan that’s customized for your lifestyle

• Improving energy efficiency with new windows, doors, insulation, and climate control systems

• Increasing the resale value of your home

WHERE TO BEGIN

The first step is to develop an idea of what you want to do with your home remodel. Write a prioritized list of your needs and wants. There are many sources to find design ideas for your home remodeling project. Look at magazines and websites and collect pictures of homes or remodeling projects you like. The more clearly you can envision the project and describe it on paper, the better prepared you’ll be in making your decision.

Think about traffic patterns, furniture size and placement, colors, lighting and how you expect to use the remodeled space. If your decision to remodel involves creating better access for someone with limited mobility, you may want to consider contacting a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist.

You may want to improve home efficiency and hire a professional remodeler for green home remodeling. These projects include replacing windows and doors, upgrading heating and cooling systems, adding insulation, and other remodeling to make the home more energy-efficient, easier to maintain, and comfortable.

Figure out how much money you have to spend on the home remodeling job, furnishings, landscaping or any other cost you might incur.

CAN YOU DO IT YOURSELF?

Once you have created your list of priorities, you’ll need to decide how to accomplish that vision. For the handyman or woman, a do-it-yourself project can be both rewarding and cost-effective. However, more than 30% of all jobs home remodelers perform come from failed DIY projects.

Hiring a professional remodeler is the best way to ensure your project’s success. These remodelers are dedicated to maintaining the highest integrity and standards in the industry.

If you decide to hire a professional, your next steps should be finding a reliable contractor, and avoiding contractor fraud. Hire a member of the Metro Harrisburg Home Builders Association by visiting www.harrisburgbuilders.com.

Exterior Home Painting Tips

By Anna Briseno, National Association of Home Builders

If you’re thinking about painting the exterior of your home yourself, your first decision shouldn’t concern the color or sheen of the paint but, rather, who’s going to do the painting. Deciding whether to hire a contractor or do the work yourself has implications for your social calendar, your peace of mind and your pocketbook. With so much at stake, how do you make the right decision? This information from the Paint Quality Institute can help you make the right decision.

1. Do you have enough time to do the job? Repainting a home can take a full week or two. For many people, that translates into a lot of vacation days or weekends. Are you willing to make the sacrifice?

2. Do you have the patience to do the job correctly?  While painting can be fun and psychologically rewarding, good surface preparation — essential to any successful paint job — can be tedious. Will you really take time to properly prepare the surface before yielding to the urge to paint? (Consider renting power-washing equipment to speed surface preparation.)

3. Can you afford to hire a contractor? By doing the job yourself, you can save a lot of money, however, having your home professionally painted will be faster and eliminate the need for you to buy equipment, prepare the surface, and do the actual painting.

4. Do you have the proper equipment?  The highest quality acrylic latex paint costs more than $20 per gallon, but it takes more than paint and elbow grease to do the best job. You’ll also need ladders, scrapers, sandpaper, brushes or rollers and

safety equipment. Do you have these items? Are you willing to invest in them?

5. Are you in good health and reasonably fit?  Achieving professional-looking painting results is within the skill level of most do-it-yourselfers, but if you are out of shape, you may find the work somewhat taxing.

6. Do you enjoy physical work? From a psychological standpoint, many homeowners get enormous satisfaction from completing a home improvement project. Along with the cost savings, this is one of the rewards that go to those who do their own painting.

7. Have you done exterior painting before? As with most home improvement projects, painting is easier “the second time around,” after you’ve mastered surface preparation and application techniques.

8. Are you afraid of heights? Look to the highest point of your house. Would you be nervous painting it from a ladder? If so, proceed to your telephone directory and check the listing for “Painting Contractors.”

If you ultimately decide to do your own exterior painting, proceed with confidence. Exterior painting is one of the top do-it-yourself projects (trailing only interior painting). Many homeowners go it alone and get great results.

Whatever you decide here are a couple tips: Make sure the surface is properly prepared and spend a few extra dollars for the best quality exterior paint. Properly-applied top quality acrylic latex paint can last up to ten years or more — so it will be a long time before you must make this decision again.

What Room Should I Add to My House?

By Brad Baer, Classic Rock Fabrication

Room additions are a great way to make more space in your house. Whether you want extra space to relax or entertain, a contractor who specializes in home design can help you figure out what type of room would make a good extension to your home. A contractor will assist you with planning the room design, figuring out how much the addition will cost, and seeing the project through to the end. Here are a few types of room additions you can have completed.

GREAT ROOM

A great room functions as something like a living room, family room, and study combined. This versatile room can be used by couples and families as a home office space as well as a space to entertain guests indoors. A contractor can help you decide what size great room suits your needs, which depends on the size of your existing house, the size of your family, and how you plan to use the room.

SUN ROOM

A sun room is a space that is usually a bit separate from the rest of the house and contains many large windows so you can enjoy the weather outside without being exposed to the elements. A professional can help you design this space, which you can use throughout the year. Sun rooms are good room additions for keeping plants, entertaining, or simply relaxing and letting the natural light boost your mood.

GUEST ROOM

A guest room is a great addition if you host guests during the holidays and other occasions. After building a guest room, the people you have over can enjoy staying in their own space.

SCREENED PORCH

A screen-in porch is one of the easier room additions you can have completed and makes for a great entertainment space. This room brings the outdoors and its beauty closer to the center of the house. Consider hiring a professional to add one of these four rooms to your home.

CONSTRUCTION LENDING Through Mid Penn Bank

BUYING A HOME IS ONE OF THE LARGEST INVESTMENTS ANYONE CAN MAKE.

As a result of the pandemic and rising interest rates, the American dream of owning a home has become more difficult as housing inventory is at an all-time low.

Many people hoping to purchase a home are turning to new construction to make their dreams of owning a home a reality. But building a new-construction home comes with a different set of concerns than buying a previously built home.

One of the main differences between the two is how to finance the building of a new home. Many people dream of building their own home, but few have the up-front cash needed to build it. This means that most will require a loan to cover the cost of construction.

While applying for a traditional loan is fairly standard, it can be more challenging to secure a loan for new construction. This makes sense as you are asking a lender to give you money for something that doesn’t yet exist. For that reason, there are more complex underwriting guidelines for securing a construction loan.

When you finance the construction of a new home, you need a lender that knows the ins and outs of construction loan financing as well as the intricacies of the home building process. Mid Penn Bank and our local team of professionals in the MPB Mortgage division are the premier lender in Central Pennsylvania in construction financing. Step by step, our lenders will walk you through every stage of building and financing your new home.

Building a home can be stressful, and it is important that you feel confident that you are financing with someone who understands the nuances of a construction loan. MPB Mortgage’s Mark Bitting has been specializing in construction lending for almost 30 years and is a leading expert in the area. Builders and realtors regularly refer clients to Mark not only because of his expertise but also because of the unwavering service he delivers. The relationships and trust that he has built in the industry are unmatched.

Mark works diligently for his clients and has unparalleled expertise in this financing niche. Throughout his career, borrowers have asked Mark to take over in the middle of the building process after they have struggled with a different lender. Because of his perseverance and connections, he has gotten the projects back on track and created clients for life.

Brent Roland, president of Roland Builder in Mechanicsburg, Pa., said of Mark, “Mark Bitting has been a valued partner for over 20 years. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the mortgage process and serves his clients with great care and compassion.”

While Mark is Mid Penn Bank’s leading construction lender, he is backed by a team of professionals with 110 years of collective construction lending experience in Central Pa. The entire team shares Mark’s passion for exceeding expectations and providing top-notch service to every client.

Mid Penn Bank works strictly with local professionals to assist our customers from start to finish. We have strong relationships with local builders, realtors, underwriters, and appraisers that make the process as smooth as possible. Building a home comes with many variables but the MPB Mortgage team is equipped with the resources to react to problems quickly and efficiently.

You may be wondering what the differences are between traditional mortgages and construction loans and which one is right for you. Unlike conventional loans, construction loans pay solely for the process of homebuilding. The approval, appraisal, and disbursement procedures are very different from a traditional mortgage. Also, the loan itself covers more than just building costs. In most loans, the land, labor, plans and permits, contingency reserves, and interest reserves are all included in the loan bundle. Construction loans are very short term, generally with a lifespan of one year or less, and mortgage balances can fluctuate throughout the time period. Since there is more risk with a construction loan than a standard mortgage, interest rates may be higher.

The approval process also differs from a regular mortgage. Mid Penn Bank’s mortgage team works closely with many local builders to assist homebuyers. The originator of the construction loan will require detailed plans, a construction timetable, and a budget that makes business sense.

Construction loans call for more equity than a traditional mortgage. Fortunately, the land on which the home is being built can often be used as all or part of this down payment if the homebuyer owns it fully.

Another difference between a construction loan and a standard mortgage is that the loan pays out as progress is made on the project.

Generally broken down into phases, the money is disbursed as each phase is completed or as the funds are needed. Our construction lenders keep a close eye on the progress of each project we finance and personally visit the homesite to verify that construction is moving at the projected pace.

Construction loans draw funds in conjunction with each phase of building and the borrower normally only repays the interest on the loan for the duration of the building process. Construction loans are generally converted to a regular mortgage once construction is complete. The borrower typically converts the loan to a conventional mortgage and begins repaying both principal and interest. Because of this, our involvement often doesn’t end when your home is built. Our experts are here to help you even after the building phase has ended.

Choosing the right lender is of critical importance to financing a new home. When you partner with Mid Penn Bank and MPB Mortgage, you will receive 100% local service during every step of your project. You will never call an 800 number if a question arises; you will call our team directly and speak to a person familiar with your account. Our lenders sit within earshot of one another and work together to find solutions to problems in a fast and effective manner. We strive to make the homebuilding process as seamless as possible so that you can focus on watching your dream home become a reality.

Mid Penn Bank has the experience, expertise, and connections to see your project through from beginning to end. Contact us today to experience the Mid Penn Bank difference.

You may be wondering what the differences are between traditional mortgages and construction loans and which one is right for you. Unlike conventional loans, construction loans pay solely for the process of homebuilding. The approval, appraisal, and disbursement procedures are very different from a traditional mortgage.

An Easy-to-Follow Change of Address Checklist

By Bryan Rodriguez, Berks Homes

It’s time! Settlement has been scheduled, and boxes are packed and just waiting to be whisked away into your beautiful new home.

What’s next? A very important step, actually... changing your address. But who, what, where, how? No worries, I got you! I’ve done this several times and here is my easy-to-follow change of address checklist.

USPS

This is probably the most important and will help capture most of your mail; think bills, personal letters, invoices, and merchandise, and forward to your new address for one year. Magazines and the like will only be forwarded for 60 days. But that’s ok plenty of time to change the address with each individual sender.

IRS

You can do this when you file your yearly taxes or submit Form 8822. If you wait until you file your taxes, the IRS will automatically update your home address to what you use on your tax form as they process the tax return.

Driver’s License & Vehicle Registration

If you are moving from within Pennsylvania, it’s easy. Change of address is required within 15 days of the change and can be done online rather quickly. Or if you’d rather, you can go into one of the PA Department of Transportation locations to make the change in person. Both driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations can be done this way.

If you are moving to Pennsylvania from out-of-state, it’s a bit trickier. The change must be made for the license within 60 days, so you do have a bit more time, but you will need to visit a PA Driver’s License Center location to take a vision exam and pay the

HBA HOUSE AD

fees. The Vehicle Registration address change must be made within 20 days of the move. You will need to provide proof of PA car insurance, verify your VIN and have an emissions test conducted, for cars 11 years or younger. After you have completed the necessary steps, you will have to visit the DMV with the required documents and applications and to pay the fee.

Banks/Credit Card Company/ Loan Provider

The last thing you want is to find out you are several months behind on a payment because you were not receiving your statements. Contact your bank, credit card company, and any loan providers such as mortgage or car.

Voter Registration

Depending on where you move, you many find yourself in a different voting precinct than you are accustomed to. Updating your address now will help avoid voting issues when the time comes.

Monthly Subscriptions

These include magazines, subscription boxes, etc.

Utility Company(s)

This will happen when you call to move service to your new address. But it’s a good reminder to make sure you contact all utility companies to get your service transferred/set up at your new home.

In addition to these primary changes, there are, of course, other people and places that need to be notified of your new address. Doctors, dentists, gyms, employers, auto and life insurance carriers.

Although the list appears to be endless, if you take it stepby-step, and take care of the primary places, the others will fall into place. Although it may be a hassle, it is well worth the effort to make sure your mail, bills and other important documents find their way home!

HBA HOUSE AD

HBA HOUSE AD

HBA HOUSE AD

HBA HOUSE AD

SPRING HOME MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

By Colette Nelson, Landmark Homes

SPRING HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED! WITH CHANGING SEASONS COMES DIFFERING HOME MAINTENANCE NEEDS. YOUR HOME MADE IT THROUGH THE WINTER, SO LET’S ENSURE IT IS READY FOR THE SPRING SEASON WITH THESE HOME MAINTENANCE TIPS.

1. REPLACE YOUR HVAC AIR FILTERS

It’s important to change the air filters in your home at least every 3 months. Replacing your air filters frequently will help improve the air quality in your home, improve energy efficiency, extend the life of your HVAC unit, lessen the frequency that repairs are needed, and help with better temperature control in your home.

2. SERVICE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT

Not only is replacing the air filters a critical task on the checklist, but it’s also a good idea to get your air conditioning unit serviced by a professional. With the warm months coming ahead, it’s important to make sure your unit is in shape to be working at the best of its ability.

3. CLEAN WINDOWS AND SCREENS

Not only are dirty windows an eyesore for a home, but they can also lead to issues with energy efficiency. You can hire a professional or opt to clean them yourself. If you choose the latter, then here are some tips for effective window and screen cleaning:

WINDOWS

First, if the windows have dust or dirt then start by using a clean and dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess, in order to reduce streaks.

White vinegar is a great all-purpose cleaner that will leave your windows streak free.

Make a 50/50 mix consisting of white vinegar and hot water.

Use a bucket or a bowl and apply your 50/50 mix with a sponge or microfiber cloth.

NOTE: If you prefer to use a spray bottle then make the solution a bit weaker since the acidity of the vinegar can damage the spray mechanism.

Wash the window from top to bottom using your cleaning solution.

Use a squeegee or cloth to dry the cleaning liquid.

5. REFRESH YOUR OUTDOOR SPACES

Give your yard a little refresh by removing any debris, trimming trees and shrubs, planting new flowers/plants, adding a fresh layer of topsoil, reseeding any necessary grass patches, and cleaning your patio/deck.

WINDOW SCREENS

First remove the window screens from the windows. Use the hose attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt and debris on both sides of the screens.

Make a solution of hot soapy water and soak the screens in it for 10-15 minutes in order to loosen remaining dirt and stains.

Use a microfiber cloth with fresh water to clean the soap from the screens.

Let the screens dry outside before placing them back on the window.

4. INSPECT THE EXTERIOR OF YOUR HOME FOR ANY DAMAGE

The winter weather can be harsh on the exterior of your home. So, you will want to conduct an inspection to find any potential damage.

Inspect the roof for any loose or missing shingles. Check your gutters and clean out any debris. Inspect the siding for any damage.

6. DECLUTTER YOUR SPACES

We’ve all heard of spring cleaning! It’s the perfect time to declutter your home by removing any items that you no longer need or want, both inside your home and in your garage.

NOW YOUR HOME IS READY FOR THE SPRING SEASON!

WHICH MORTGAGE OPTION IS BETTER FOR YOU?

By Colette Nelson, Landmark Homes

Credit Score:

Whereas FannieMae and FreddieMac (Fannie and Freddie), the two conventional lenders, have risk-based adjustments due to credit score, and more specifically on transaction type, FHA is more lenient when it comes to lower credit scores. FHA will still have a very attractive interest rate, even if the borrower’s credit score is in the higher 600s, whereas Fannie and Freddie start adjusting the rate when the credit score goes into the lower 700s.

Appraisal:

I’ve heard many people say, “I don’t want to get an FHA loan because I have heard the appraisals are more like home inspections.” This is not completely true. Yes, FHA will check certain things to ensure that the homeowner does not have unexpected bills within months or even a year after moving in (old roof, struggling HVAC, handrails missing on stairs, chipping/peeling paint, wood rot, cracked concrete stairs, low water pressure, etc.), however, many of these are considered health and safety issues and will ALSO be pointed out on a conventional appraisal.

Sellers Assist:

With Fannie and Freddie, if a borrower puts down the minimum 5%, they are allowed to ask the seller for 3% of their closing costs to be paid. With FHA, the borrower only needs to put down 3.5% and the seller is allowed to pay up to 6% of their closing costs.

Mortgage Insurance:

Fannie and Freddie will only charge mortgage insurance if the loan is higher than 80% loan to value, whereas, in most cases, FHA charges mortgage insurance premium (MIP) on their loans. Fannie and Freddie do not offer mortgage insurance directly; they accept mortgage insurance from the various independent mortgage insurance vendors that have been vetted.

Refinance/Cash Out Refi:

FHA could be a great option for someone with a lower credit score (under 700 as an example) who is looking to cash out for debt consolidation or other reasons. FHA is much less sensitive to credit score, regardless of transaction type (purchase, refi, cash out refi). The drawback with an FHA loan is that the monthly

mortgage insurance premium is on the higher side and typically stays on the loan. If you have a good deal of equity (20% or more) and a high credit score, conventional could be your better choice as there will be no monthly mortgage insurance. At the end of the day, your Mortgage Loan Officer will look at all the data points for each person’s specific transaction and help guide them to the financing best suited for their shortand long-term needs. There is a lot to navigate when buying a home. Working with an experienced mortgage loan officer, like those at Univest Home Loans, can help guide you through the process and determine if a conventional loan, FHA loan or another financing option is best for you. Contact us today at 877-723-5571 to have a conversation about your unique needs.

Univest Bank and Trust Co. is Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #415882

There is a lot to consider when buying a home. One common question is how to choose between an FHA or conventional mortgage. To better understand which loan would be best suited for someone, it is helpful to review a few factors that go into the different types of loans that are offered.

I’ve heard many people say, “I don’t want to get an FHA loan because I have heard the appraisals are more like home inspections.” This is not completely true.

BUILDING THE FUTURE

As regional and national demand for skilled trades increase, so do the opportunities for our local future workforce in the homebuilding industry. Students who are considering their education plans should not overlook what a career in the building trades can provide. First line supervisors of construction trades have a median wage of $72,600 and the top 25% highest paid supervisors earned in excess of $91,310 according to a recent study done by the Bureau of Labor and Statistics.

With ever-increasing costs to attend a fouryear college and no guarantee of employment upon graduation, any student who is un-

decided about college should investigate other alternatives. Those considerations can begin early with students who are entering high school. Our area offers high school students exceptional training in the building trades at Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical Center as well as Dauphin County Technical School.

Robert Brightbill, Building Construction Technology Instructor at Dauphin County Technical School, shares his perspective on the subject:

“In the 20-plus years of my career as a teacher at Dauphin County Technical School, I have

seen a lot of change. One of the biggest changes is the support that our students are now getting from their parents and their sending schools to come to DCTS. In the past, the focus was on pushing all students towards some form of post-secondary education. High School career and technical study options were often overlooked or thought of mostly for students that were not as academically inclined as some of their peers. I have personally seen that has changed in the last 10 to 15 years. So many Generation Xers went to a four-year college, graduated, couldn’t find a job that paid a life sustaining wage and ended up getting re-trained in a technical subject

From Concept to Reality…

Come see the Student Build Project at the 2023 Showcase Home and place a bid on the swing. Proceeds from the sale of the swing help support the Dauphin County Technical School Construction Program.

to find work. Their experiences helped them to realize there were opportunities in Career and Technical Education that they missed out on and that maybe career and technical training is the best track for some students. Businesses are realizing that too. I know that all industries are in need of qualified workers, but I am most familiar with the construction industry. The construction industry is ready and willing to hire entry level workers at a life sustaining wage. The work is hard, hands on, sometimes dirty; but the opportunities are real. Industry partners are stepping up. The members of the local construction community, through organizations like the Home Builders Association of Harrisburg, are developing new and innovative strategies to grow the local workforce. Companies are partnering with the local career and technical centers to provide job-shadows, cooperative education opportunities, and mentorship to high school students. These efforts create a

direct pipeline to rebuild the workforce from the ground up. Other member companies are going even further. For example, Bob Means Plumbing recently partnered with DCTS on a project house. DCTS students are renovating a condemned row house in uptown Harrisburg. Bob Means Plumbing helped with the permits and the plumbing on the house. Students gained first-hand knowledge of how to install a drain/waste/vent system as well as how to rough in the water supply system in the house. In a few weeks, Bob Means will be back on site showing the students how to trim out the house and install all of the fixtures. This partnership is a perfect example of what industry and Career and Technical Schools can do together.

The Home Builders Association of Harrisburg has been partnering with DCTS and Cumberland Perry for many years. This partnership started with students building displays at the annual home show, erecting

handicap ramps on featured homes and judging the annual Parade of Homes. There is a sense of pride that goes into designing and building projects of this scope and partnering with the HBA. DCTS appreciates the partnership that has allowed us to help our students grow in their chosen industry, or as we say at DCTS, “Find your direction.”

This year, the students from DCTS are participating in a Student Build Project for the 2023 Showcase Home by building an outdoor swing.

Thank you to the Student Build Project Sponsor!

The Not-So-Obvious Benefits of Buying a New Home

By Anna Briseno, National Association of Home Builders

HOME BUYERS HAVE THE CHOICE OF TWO TYPES OF HOUSES ON THE MARKET: RESALE OR NEW.

Home buyers planning to buy a brand-new house or condominium often cite energy efficiency, open layout, a warranty, and being able to select appliances, flooring, paint colors and other design elements as factors driving their choice.

But builders say that buyers can be drawn to a new house for reasons that aren’t so obvious. Here are a few more benefits of a brand-new home that you may not see in the sales brochure.

BUILDING A COMMUNITY TOGETHER

A brand-new community is one of the built-in benefits of many new homes. When families move in to a subdivision at the same time, they often form lasting bonds of friendship and neighborliness right away. Nobody is the “new kid on the block,” and many home builders host community parties in new developments to help owners meet and connect.

Popular amenities like pools, walking trails and tennis and basketball courts offer additional opportunities for interaction among neighbors of all ages. Often new communities are comprised of home owners in the same stage of life, such as young families or active retirees, so neighbors can get to know each other through carpools, PTA meetings, tennis matches or golf games.

ENTERTAINING

Throwing a party in an older home can be a challenge because smaller, distinct rooms make it difficult to entertain guests in one large space. Today, new home layouts feature more open spaces and rooms that flow into each other more easily. While you are preparing dinner, you can still interact with guests enjoying conversation without feeling closed off. The feeling of spaciousness in today’s new-home layouts often is enhanced with higher ceilings and additional windows that bring in more light than you would find in an older home.

A CLEAN SLATE

For some buyers, parking the car in a sparkling-clean garage or being the first to cook a dinner in a brand-new kitchen is part of the appeal of new construction. In addition, you won’t have to spend time stripping dated wallpaper or repainting to suit your own sense of style — creating your own home décor from the get-go! The advantages of being the first owner extend to the outdoors. Instead of inheriting inconveniently or precariously placed trees, or having to tear up overgrown shrubs, you can design and plant the lawn and garden you want.

OUTLETS, OUTLETS EVERYWHERE

Homes built in the 1960s and earlier were wired much differently than houses today. Builders had no way of anticipating the invention of high-definition televisions, DVRs and computers that we enjoy today — and the very different electrical requirements they would introduce. New homes can accommodate advanced technologies like structured wiring, security systems and sophisticated lighting plans, and can be tailored to meet the individual home owner’s needs. Anyone who has ever lived in an older home can also attest to the fact that there are never enough outlets, inside or out! Today, home builders plan for the increased number and type of electronics and appliances used by today’s families, so you can safely operate a wine cooler, Christmas lights and your laptop — and more.

YOU WON’T HAVE TO SPEND TIME STRIPPING DATED WALLPAPER OR REPAINTING TO SUIT YOUR OWN SENSE OF STYLE CREATING YOUR OWN HOME DÉCOR FROM THE GET-GO!

Budget Blinds

Adjust your window treatments remotely from across the room, or across town!

We bring the showroom to you in Harrisburg, Hershey & Carlisle. We expertly measure your space, install beautiful window treatments, and back it up with the best warranty in the business so you can sit back and relax.

Budget Blinds — Top brands, professionally installed.

Ask Us About:

• Blinds

Beautiful,

Musser Home Builders

For over 50 years, our custom home building business has been committed to delivering exceptional results to our clients. With our core values centered around relationships, integrity, learning, collaboration, and excellence, we have established ourselves as a trusted and reliable design build firm. We take pride in working closely with our clients to create homes that meet their unique needs and exceed their expectations. Whether you’re looking to build a new home or remodel an existing one, our team is here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to start your journey towards your dream home.

Victory Closets

PROFILE - MUSSER

ISSUE: 2305

Hoffmann Publishing Group

ORG/PUB: Central Keystone Living

AD EXPORTED BY BECKY WEAVER DESIGN / BECKY@BECKYWEAVER.COM / 717-615-2243

VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM!

4224 OREGON PIKE BROWNSTOWN

717-553-7860

sv@victoryclosets.com

patented system allows you to reconfigure your closet at any time without tools, fasteners, or support pins. Simply lift and move! Locally manufactured, the Victory Closets system gives you the ability to easily reconfigure your closet or pantry layout, whenever and however you’d like, without the use of tools or fasteners. Our design and quoting process is stress free, easy, and enjoyable.

Visit our showroom at 4224 Oregon Pike, Brownstown, PA 17508.

4224 Oregon Pike Brownstown, PA 17508

717-553-7860

sv@victoryclosets.com

victoryclosets.com

ISSUE: 2305

ORG/PUB: Central Keystone Living

395 Gettysburg St. Dillsburg, PA 17019 717-432-3496 musserbuilder.com PROFILE - VICTORY

DESIGN/WORKING

AD: 2305

Central Keystone Living, published by Hoffmann Publishing Group, features content about home construction, renovation and maintenance tips, highlighting indoor and outdoor living projects, trends, décor, products, landscaping, financing, and more. Central Keystone Living is mailed to Home Builders Association of Metropolitan Harrisburg member and non-member trades professionals, affiliated associates and advocates, newly moved homeowners, business and community leaders, and physician, dentist, allied health and beauty salon waiting rooms for a total of 35,000 readers throughout Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and Juniata counties.

Reserve your spot for the Fall 2023 Parade of Homes Issue now!

2669 Shillington Road, Box 438 Reading, PA 19608 717-979-2858

Sherry@hoffpubs.com hoffpubs.com

ISSUE: 2305

ORG/PUB: Central Keystone

KOUNTRY KRAFT