Issuu

MARCH 2020

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

MARCH 2020 PUBLISHER

Dana Weissenberg | Dana.Weissenberg@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Ashley Barrett Kanoff | ashley.kanoff@lifestylepubs.com

There’s No Place Like Home THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR HOME IS IT’S THE ONLY ONE EXACTLY LIKE IT. Sure, your neighbors’ homes may have a similar style or paint color. But the way you decorate each room and the memories you create make it uniquely yours. Maybe you’re in the market for a new home and are ready to build new memories. We have some fantastic real estate agents to recommend to you, plus beautiful interior designs to give you some inspiration for your renovations.

AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER

Jayme Emery CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Barrett Kanoff, Donna Hoffman, Jennifer Lombardi, Christa Kusler, Dave Marcolla CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ashley Barrett Kanoff, Oscar Mikols, Jennifer Lombardi, Lynn Goodwin, Jerry Biggans, Peter Rymwid Architectural Photography, Jacob Schroeder

If you love your current house and want to do some small things for a little refresh, this issue includes tips for making your house into a home. Follow us: @NewtownLifestyle (IG and FB) Happy March, Newtown!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

Dana Weissenberg, Publisher

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Bathroom by Interiors by Donna Hoffman

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PETER RYMWID ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY 4

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

LifestylePubs.com/Newtown

Proverbs 3:5-6 Newtown Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Newtown Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

photo: www.tomgrimes.com

Timeless, Elegant and Comfortable Spaces / Full-Service Interior Design Patnering with Clients Throughout Bucks County

KARIN@KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM | WWW.KARINECKERSONINTERIORS.COM (609) 474-0069 | PENNINGTON , NEW JERSEY

INSIDE THE ISSUE MARCH 2020

FEATURES 12 Art Makes the Space Art: The game changer that can make your space sing

21 Hosting Made Easy Two simple but fabulous recipes, sure to please a crowd

26 A Beginners Guide to Investment Properties How to get started in the real estate investment world

28 12

28 Home Trends: Tips and Tricks Creating a house that feels like home

DEPARTMENTS

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Inspired By

16 DIY 21

Food & Wine

24 Open House 26 Financial Buzz 28 Trend Setter 31

Realty Report

32 Lifestyle Calendar

W W W.W I L L I A M J E A N S A LO N .CO M

Hair ∙ Makeup ∙ Bridal ∙ Skin ∙ Nails 385 Oxford Valley Road, Suite 408, Yardley

267.392.5262

GOOD TIMES 1.

NBA/ McCaffrey's Newtown Holiday Parade Newtown Business Association and McCaffrey's Food Markets hosted the annual Holiday Parade in Newtown. The parade was a huge event that continued to provide a magical experience for the whole Newtown community. Photos by Lynn Goodwin.

1. North Marching Band - Photos by Lynn Goodwin | 2. Photos by Lynn Goodwin | 3. Uptown String Band - Photos by Lynn Goodwin | 4. Photos by Lynn Goodwin | 5. Corporal James Warunek with Owen, Kellan, Eagan, and Cora Rodowicz. Photo by Nicole Rodowicz | 6. The Rodowicz Family: Tyler, Eagan, Kellan, Nicole, Owen, and Bob | 7. U11 Champs - Photos by Lynn Goodwin | 8. Girl Scouts - Photos by Lynn Goodwin

Sesame Place Christmas Parade & Newtown Holiday Tree Lighting

The Newtown Mercantile Group presented the annual Newtown Christmas tree lighting held at the Newtown Fire House on First Friday in December. Throughout December Sesame Place in Langhorne celebrated with their Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade. 8

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

Family | Business | Real Estate | Estates | Litigation

divorce sucks. your lawyer shouldn’t. (215) 942-2100 phillyesquire.com

Feasterville | Philadelphia | Doylestown | Norristown

Mike Petro • Marianne McGinty • Michael Kuldiner • Adrienne Anderson

AROUND TOWN that engage children, spark their imagination and develop their life-long passion for learning through the Council Rock Education Foundation. ht tp://cre duc ationfoundation .org/events/ rock2020/

IRON HILL BREWERY AND RESTAURANT Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant will be opening their new location on South Eagle Road in the Village at Newtown Shopping Center. Located in the heart of Newtown, Iron Hill is planning to open the 7,500-square-foot space this spring. The L-shaped restaurant will be along West Road, and will feature

NEWTOWN BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HOSTS ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT, APRIL 4TH

seating for approximately 350 including a bar area, dining room, and outdoor dining space. "Iron Hill is thrilled to open our 11thPennsylvania desti-

On Saturday, April 4th the NBA will host its annual

nation in Newtown in 2020," said Kevin Finn, co-founder

Easter Egg Hunt, this year at Goodnoe Elementary

of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant. "As we explored com-

School, 298 Frost Lane in Newtown. All are wel-

munities throughout Pennsylvania, we quickly realized

come to attend this traditional holiday activity cel-

that Newtown was a perfect fit for us and we are excited

ebrating the joy and fun of a good old-fashioned

to be a part of the growth in this outstanding community.

Easter Egg Hunt for both children and adults. Along

We have a long history of quenching consumers thirst for

with various age group sections we will have a sec-

craft beer and made from scratch food in a fun and com-

tion for blind children with eggs that have beepers.

fortable setting; which is something we feel will comple-

Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Lower Bucks Food Bank. Member businesses of the NBA will be donating prizes and candy for the event. The rain date is April 11.

ment the current establishments throughout the town."

NEWTOWN SHAMROCK SHUFFLE 5K & FESTIVAL - MARCH 14TH, 2020

The Easter Bunny will be on hand to Meet and

Join us on March 14th for the fifth annual Newtown

Greet everyone. To participate, simply come with

Shamrock Shuffle 5k... because everyone is a little bit

family and friends to Goodnoe Elementary School at

Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

8:30am to meet the Easter Bunny; the hunt will start

This Shamrock Shuffle offers more than your typical

promptly at 9am. This lively event is over in less than

5K. Once you finish running through historic Newtown,

one half hour and will create memories for all. For fur-

we invite you to keep the party going! In lieu of the Irish

ther information please contact event Chair Jessica

Festival this year we are beginning a Shuffle through

Grosso at jessicagrosso123@gmail.com or check

Newtown where participating bars, restaurants, and

www.NewtownBA.org.

shops will be offering specials and giveaways. All 5k par-

ROCK THE FUGE TO BENEFIT K-12 EDUCATION FOR KIDS! Come one, come ALL and get ready to ROCK!

ticipants will receive a custom finisher medal and quality finisher shirt! Our loved race course through historic Newtown will also remain the same as previous years. Time Limit- All participants must maintain a 20 min-

Gather a table of friends and join us for a night

ute per mile pace (a speed walking pace) and be able

of fabulous entertainment with a special guest per-

to complete the course within 60 minutes or less of

formance by BONEHEAD at the FUGE - Saturday,

crossing the start line.

March 21 from 7 PM until midnight. A night of fun outstanding food, spirits, music, dancing, silent auction, raffles and more. PLUS this year we've added a VIP Backstage Lounge with a specialty craft bar. Proceeds go to support innovative K – 12 S.T.E.A.M. projects, not covered by the annual school budget, 10

Iron Hill's signature on-site brewing facility as well as

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

Shamrock Shuffle 5k ticket- $55, Kid's 5k Ticket (15 & Under) $20 For

information

the

Newtown

Shamrock Shuffle 5K & Festival, please visit http://www.newtownshamrockshuffle.com

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vb March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY ARTICLE DONNA HOFFMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY PETER RYMWID ARCHITECTURAL PHOTOGRAPHY

ART MAKES THE SPACE ART: THE GAME CHANGER THAT CAN MAKE YOUR SPACE SING

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

Donna Hoffman

WHAT DO ALL THE BEAUTIFUL ROOMS ON YOUR PINTEREST BOARDS HAVE IN COMMON WITH THE FABULOUS SPACES IN YOUR HOUZZ IDEA BOOK OR FAVORITE INSTAGRAM FEED? So, that’s a trick question. All the room images that get you dreaming and excited have a lot in common, to include excellent and cohesive professional design. That alone explains why they’re being saved to pinboards in the first place. But aside from great design, one of the key elements fabulous rooms share, regardless of design style is this: Every stellar, love-living-here space that captures your design imagination contains on-point wall art. ART IS POWERFUL. The right wall art can make a space better. The right wall art can transform spaces from meh to amazing. The right wall art makes rooms memorable. Apart from kitchens, which have wall space generally dominated by cabinetry, (or possibly a little open shelving), all of the rooms that make design lovers swoon contain wall art that has been strategically selected and placed. Every design pro understands the power of wall art and the importance to include it in the total budget thinking that supports designing any room well. Yet for countless super intelligent design enthusiasts, wall art remains one of the most misunderstood, overlooked and underrated design elements. LET’S DIG DEEPER. Wall art has an actual function in your space. It can act in any of these mission critical ways: + Hung artwork holds needed visual weight in an area of a room. For example, wall art over your sofa or on a long wall in an open concept plan is adding visual significance or heft to that location. + Hung artwork introduces an important new color to a space or reinforces an existing color. For example, hanging an art piece that splashes a new color into a neutral space is driving a visual contrast

CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

while hanging a black and white piece in a black and white room is underscoring an existing color palette.

General price guidance given is for the Bucks County, PA region. Entry Level: In the entry level, pieces range from $24-$1,500.

+ Hung artwork creates a mood in a room, providing either

Sometimes called bridge price point artwork, these are

a balance or a counterbalance. For example, an abstract paint-

mass-produced pieces delivered at a price people want.

ing hung in a transitional bedroom will make that room feel

Framing costs can account for more than 50% of the price.

more modern, yet that same piece hung in a modern bedroom acts to reinforce the existing modern design style.

Entry level art will generally be prints, photography or giclés, which are images printed onto stretched canvas.

+ Hung artwork can add a needed texture or form to a room,

This artwork is generally not original, however in the mid-

possibly both. For example, a mirror-framed Chanel perfume bot-

dle to upper end of this price point, it’s possible to find some

tle print hung in a teenage glam bedroom adds shine, bling and a

small original pieces in certain galleries. But if you’re looking

perfect subject matter. Think about it: A boho or farmhouse bed-

for something sizable, 36” wide or more, you won’t find original

room will have very different artwork on the walls than a modern

work in this price range.

bedroom. While the art differs massively in these differing design

Mid-Level: In the realm of mid- level artwork, you’ll find wall

styles, the arts influenceable power within the room is the same. art pieces ranging in cost from $2,000-$5,000. Wall art can push a space into different design directions based solely upon its size, subject matter, color/texture, medium (print, oil, acrylic, photography, mixed media) and frame choice, or possibly not framing.

With this budget, you’re able to look at original art and in all manner of mediums, styles, subject matter and sizes. From oils and acrylics to watercolors, to mixed media and more, a whole world opens to you. Larger pieces will often command a higher prince, but not always. It depends upon the artist.

THE BIG ART MISTAKES DESIGN LOVERS MAKE

Upper-Level: Here prices can be $6,000 and up. A piece

There are two very common wall art mistakes that sep-

by an accomplished and living artist whose work sells reg-

arate the girls from the women in design, the DIY-er from

ularly can go for up to $25,000 in Bucks County, though a

the professional.

recent trip to a Palm Beach gallery uncovered prices rang-

Art Mistake #1 is not having any artwork in a room. Spaces filled with naked walls will forever look undone and cold. Even uber modern, uber minimalist spaces have some type of wall art perspective.

ing from $10,000-$30,000. Again, artist popularity, size and region of sale affects pricing. A favorite gallery owner Tamara Cannon, Curator of Gallery Piquel in New Hope and Lambertville, offered this regarding

Does every inch of wall call for hung artwork? Not even remotely.

mid and upper level art costs: “When clients ask me if some-

The art to selecting and hanging art (forgive the pun) is

thing is a good investment my answer is always this: While

selectively strategizing where visual weight is needed versus

historically, fine art has often been an excellent investment, the

where empty space, or “negative space”, is needed.

truth is that if you buy a piece that gives you joy, it will enrich

Art Mistake #2, which is equally problematic, is hung artwork that is the wrong size for its location. The rule of thumb I teach to get artwork proportion correct is this: Wall art should be selected in size AND hung in position relative to the thing it sits above, next to or near.

your life for years to come. Buy what you love!” I agree. Do you need a trust fund to have a great outcome in your home? No. When it comes to fantastic results with art in any space, no matter the price point, remember this: It’s about the right

Read that last paragraph again, it’s that important.

art, correctly selected and properly placed that is the game

Proportion mistakes are massively common, particularly

changer that can make your space sing.

wall art that is too small for its location. ABOUT DONNA HOFFMAN: DO YOU NEED A TRUST FUND TO HAVE GREAT WALL ART?

A multi-award-winning Bucks County based designer, Hoffman’s company, Interiors by Donna Hoffman, specializes

I have the pleasure of designing for private clients in

in new construction, renovation, whole home and full room

beautiful residences, as well as teaching DIY design enthu-

design, delivering livable luxury to discerning clients. Seen in

siasts around the country who are decorating on their own. I

Forbes, Real Simple, TV and radio, she’s considered a design

share this to emphasize that I see all manner of budgets and

thought leader. Also called the nation’s #1 design coach,

so much is possible within all of them.

Donna founded TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.com, to provide

Art costs do vary by city, region of the country and how collectable an artist might be. With this in mind, let’s break the art world (wall art), into a three-tiers: entry level, mid-level and upper level. 14

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

on-line courses that empower DIY’ers across the country. Follow @idhdesigns

March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

DIY ARTICLE HAYLEY HYER PHOTOGRAPHY NICOLETTE MARTIN

check your groceries at the door

SPEND MORE TIME AT HOME + GET MEAL KITS DELIVERED FOR EASY COOKING AND HEALTHY LIVING

Choos in g

choose your meals

a bra n d ALL PLANT-BASED Purple Carrot

FARM FRESH + ORGANIC Sun Basket

FAST + EASY COOKING Gobble

When you sign up for a meal subscription box, you get to decide if you want all of your food for the week delivered or just a couple of meals. Maybe you want to ditch going to the grocery store altogether and use your box as your main source, or maybe you are just running out of dinner ideas and want to try some new recipes. Either way, you can pick the plan that is most compatible with what you are looking for, and with many companies, you can also decide whether your boxes ship weekly, bi-weekly or monthly.

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

CUSTOMIZABLE Imperfect Foods

delivery

TIP:

Most food subscription boxes will allow you to choose a delivery day and time frame that works best for you. Since

Try to avoid leaving your boxes overnight! You can always log in to your account and choose to skip a delivery if you realize you won’t be home.

can reuse the insulation and ice packs in kids’ lunch boxes, on road trips or in your own lunches at work.

Imperfect Foods’ items come from local grocery stores

With sustainability being a primary focus for these

and farms in your regional area, the day of the week your

companies, most of the items are recyclable. Imperfect

box is delivered depends on your specific zip code. But you

Foods has an option for you to leave unwanted boxes

still get to choose a window of time for it to arrive.

and ice packs on your porch for your delivery person

Your grocery items will be packaged as intuitively as

to pick up when they drop off your next box, and Sun

possible, with any freezer items in specially insulated sacks

Basket provides detailed instructions on how you can

and refrigerator items tucked in with ice packs. Bonus: You

recycle each item yourself. CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

TIP:

DI Y (CONTINUED)

If you have a babysitter who likes to cook, you could set out the instructions and ingredients for them to have something fun to do with your kids—it beats ordering pizza again!

ingredients + Prep

Depending on what you order, you may need some of your own supplies. When you select your meals, think about what you will need to cook the food in and if any other kitchen utensils would be helpful. Have them ready to go so you don’t have to make any last-minute trips to the store, defeating the purpose of getting your box delivered! Look over the prep times and cook times to ensure you won’t be rushed, and have fun! If the meals are foods you would enjoy reheated, you could do all of your cooking the day you get the box to meal prep for your week, or you can just store the ingredients to the other meals in your fridge and cook them throughout the week.

cooking

If you’re a little less-experienced in the kitchen, meal kits are great for learning! Read the instructions carefully before you get started so you don’t feel frazzled while the heat is up high, and take your time. Gobble is great for beginners because all of the meals are prepped for you and can be cooked in 15 minutes with just one skillet. If you want to learn how to do more plant-based cooking for your health and the environment, Purple Carrot makes it easy to enjoy delicious meals and not even miss the meat. If you are a more seasoned chef, feel free to take your own spin on the recipes and add some extra flavor or swap out ingredients to make it perfect for your palate. If you know what you want to make and have your own recipes already,

TIP:

Imperfect Foods is a nice choice because you select all of

Place used dishes and pans in the sink with soapy water as you cook so they can start soaking for easy clean-up when you are done!

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

the individual ingredients yourself. You can help eliminate food waste, use organic, high-quality ingredients and save money all at the same time—without leaving your house.

let’s eat!

This is the really fun part! It’s time to start taste-testing. Make a note tab in your phone for tracking what you love and what isn’t your favorite. That way, when it’s time to select more meals, you know what you have tried and what you absolutely have to try again. Don’t forget to ask your family what was a hit and a miss. Who knows—maybe the kids love some of the Purple Carrot recipes and don’t even notice how many veggies they are eating!

$$$ c o s t b r e a k d o w n imperfect foods You choose how much to spend

l ea rn more

based on what you add to your

onl i ne

spend $60 on your box.

IMPERFECT FOODS imperfectfoods.com

PURPLE CARROT purplecarrot.com

SUN BASKET sunbasket.com

GOBBLE

gobble.com

cart. Shipping is $5 or free if you

purple carrot Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $10-$12 per serving. Shipping is free.

sun basket Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $11-$13 per

TIP:

serving. Shipping is $6.

Try out a few different boxes. You can pause your subscription for the first one while you try a second one. Just remember to cancel the accounts you don’t want anymore!

gobble Box price is based on how many meals and how many servings you order. Meals cost $12 per serving. Shipping is $7.

March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Esquire

GREAT OLDE FASHIONED AMERICAN TAVERN FARE. Lunch and Dinner for the whole family.

Private Parties Corporate Events & Meetings Wine, Craft Cocktail & Beer Pairing Dinners Open 7 Days a Week 11:00 am to Midnight Sun Thru Thurs. 11:00 am to 1:00 am Fri and Sat. Live music Thurs, Fri & Sat.

Located at the corner ofMain and Afton in downtown Yardley

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Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

2 North Main Street Yardley, PA 19067 215-493-9191

FOOD & WINE

LE BU T FAB

UL US

O RE

R E C I P E S , SU

PLE

A SE A CR

hosting made easy

HOSTING ANY TYPE OF PARTY AT YOUR HOME USUALLY MEANS PREPPING FOR DAYS, SHOPPING, COOKING, CLEANING- ALL TO IMPRESS

YOUR

GUESTS

AND

ENSURE THEY HAVE A GREAT TIME. So whether you’re planning a dinner party, housewarming, or hosting your monthly book club, inviting your guests into an interactive food experience will not only ease the stress of chopping, simmering, and sauteing- it’s also more fun! There are so many options when it comes to letting your guests build and create their own dish, one of my favorites has become a make-your-own bruschetta bar. It’s extremely easy to throw together (even last minute) and pairs perfectly with this ginger sangria recipe.

ARTICLE ASHLEY BARRETT KANOFF CONTINUED >

March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

hosting tip 1

hosting tip 2

If your guest list is no match for your home’s square footage, throw an open house! Then people can drop in anytime during a span of several hours rather than everyone showing up at the same time.

Keep all of the food simple. Order bite-size foods that can be kept at room temperature, as well as pre-cut fruit, cheese and cookie platters.

GINGER SANGRIA INGREDIENTS + 1 bottle red or white

+ 1 lime

wine - (I’ve followed this

+ 1/2 cup berries:

recipe each way and both

strawberries, black-

are delicious!)

berries, blueberries,

+ 1 can ginger ale

or raspberries, fresh

(regular or diet)

or frozen (I’ve used

+ 2 shots gin - (I’ve used

frozen mixed berries)

Tanqueray or Hendrick’s)

+ 1 small can diced

+ Splash orange juice

pineapples with juice

+ 1 orange

+ 2 tablespoons sugar

+ 1 lemon DIRECTIONS 01 Pour the wine into a large pitcher. 02 Cut lemon, lime and orange into wedges. Squeeze the juice into the wine and toss in the fruit. 03 Stir in sugar, pineapple, gin and orange juice. Chill overnight, if possible. 04 Immediately before serving, stir in berries and ginger ale. 05 Serve over ice and enjoy! 22

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

B U I L D -Y O U R - O W N BRUSCHETTA BAR

hosting tip 3 If anyone asks what they can bring, say “alcohol.” They’ll likely pick something they like, which makes it easier for everyone.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

+ Grilled/Toasted bread slices (baguette, sourdough, etc.)

01 Heat a grill over medium high heat.

+ Assorted meats (sliced salami, prosciutto, pepperoni, pancetta, etc.)

02 Generously drizzle the bread with olive oil on both sides.

+ Soft cheeses (ricotta, cream cheese, bleu, brie, chevre, etc.)

Use tongs to transfer the slices of bread to the grill and grill

+ Hard cheeses (Parmesan, gouda, cheddar, etc.)

for a few moments until grill marks are present. Flip and

+ Antipasto or veggies (olives, peppers, marinated artichokes, mushrooms, etc.) + Savory spreads (pesto, tapenade, etc.) + Sweet fruit or spreads (berries, figs, dates, honey, jam, etc.) + Fresh greens or herbs (arugula, rosemary, basil, thyme, etc.)

continue to grill the bread on the other side for a minute more. Remove and set aside. 03 Arrange the toppings on a large platter or table and serve with the grilled bread.

+ Charred corn (you can take an extra shortcut and grab a bag of frozen charred corn at Trader Joe’s) March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

OPEN HOUSE

renovation

inspiration

MAPLE LANE

DECIDING ON WHETHER OR NOT TO BUY YOUR DREAM HOME & RENOVATE? WE KNOW THE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP YOU DECIDE! ARTICLE THE MARY DWYER TEAM | PHOTOGRAPHY OSCAR MIKOLS, JERRY BIGGANS, AND JACOB SCHROEDER

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

COURT STREET

BROADLEAF

THE MARY DWYER TEAM WORKED WITH THE "DREAM TEAM" OF

lifestyle and appreciate the history of the home. They are in the

HOUSE OF MESSINA DESIGNS AND ALL SERVICE ALL PURPOSE

process of remodeling the home. The Mary Dwyer Team takes

LLC - 35 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE "CREATING HOUSES

pride in helping our clients find the perfect home that meets their

INTO HOMES" FOR THREE OF THESE FEATURED HOMES.

needs. Whether it’s a first home, a downsize, or a move into town, the Team helps their clients enjoy the best of Newtown living.

MAPLE LANE:

With the recent low inventory, we can help clients find a home

Having helped hundreds of clients find their ideal home, the Mary

that meets many of their needs, but may need renovations to

Dwyer Team knows the importance of making a house a home.

make it perfect for them. The Team can guide the clients to our

Mary bought her home from her parents and over the years she

trusted local vendors, like Shelley and Keith, who are currently

worked on upgrading the house to meet the needs of their family.

working with clients on two different renovation projects.

Mary recently completed a full kitchen remodel with the help of the “Dream Team” of Shelley Messina from House of Messina Designs and Keith Murray from All Service All Purpose, LLC who have 35

BROADLEAF:

years combined experience “creating houses into homes.” Shelley

The Mary Dwyer Team represented the buyer when she pur-

and Keith are true professionals who have worked with many of the

chased this townhome in Newtown Grant. She was downsizing

Mary Dwyer team clients to help them make their new houses their

from a large home in Upper Makefield. House of Messina and All

own. Mary’s new kitchen incorporates the barn beams they installed

Service All Purpose LLC remodeled the kitchen and other rooms

many years ago with a modern farmhouse update.

throughout the house. The Mary Dwyer Team can help their clients make a house their own.

COURT STREET: The Mary Dwyer Team represented the buyers of this historic home in Newtown Borough. Their clients wanted an in-town March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

ARTICLE ASHLEY BARRETT KANOFF

FINANCIAL BUZZ

A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO INVESTMENT PROPERTIES HOW TO GET STARTED IN THE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT WORLD

CHRISTA KUSLER FROM AMERICA ONE MORTGAGE

WHAT'S YOUR BUDGET AND DOES IT MAKE SENSE

AND DAVE MARCOLLA FROM KELLER WILLIAMS

TO FINANCE YOUR PURCHASE?

REAL ESTATE SHARE THEIR ADVICE AND KEY THINGS

DM: Money talks, so having cash on hand can be important

TO CONSIDER WHEN LOOKING TO INVEST IN RESI-

if you are making a very competitive offer on a hot property.

DENTIAL REAL ESTATE.

However, you need to consider what you can be making on that cash if were kept liquid and invested in other ways vs. a low cost

REALISTICALLY, HOW MUCH MONEY AND

mortgage. Keeping the cash liquid will also help if you need to

RESOURCES ARE REQUIRED? DOWN PAYMENT?

update the investment property once you take possession.

CK: For the best interest rate and lowest payment, 20% down is required. The interest rates do have adjustments

IS IT BETTER TO BECOME A FLIPPER

based on the type of property. For example, a condo is a

OR A LANDLORD?

higher interest rate than a single family and a duplex. Also

DM: Yes! The answer is both. It really depends on your

keep in mind most condominiums have association fees

long term goals. If you become a landlord you benefit from

which will drive up your payment.

potential growth in equity overtime in owning a piece of real estate. However, you also then need to maintain it and deal

CAN I MAKE A LOT OF MONEY?

with tenants. Some landlords will choose to pay a manage-

CK: For a borrower considering a multi-family, it can be a

ment company to handle that for them. Alternatively, a flip

great opportunity to live in one unit and rent out the other. In

can allow you to make an instant profit and move on...IF you

some cases the rent from one or more of the units can cover

are lucky enough to get a great deal on a desirable property

the cost of the mortgage partially or in some cases in FULL!

and don't over-improve it get it sold for top dollar fast! This is

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

where it's key to partner with a Realtor that has finance, project man-

Christa Kusler, NMLS # 139862

agement and marketing experience. Financing options vary for each.

215-807-9300 Branch Manager

HOW IMPORTANT IS LOCATION? DM: Location. Location. Location. It's true...it's HUGE. To see this for yourself, check out recently sold homes that are the same in

America One Mortgage LLC,NMLS#1780221 https://www.blink.mortgage/app/signup/p/ americaonemortgagellc/christakusler

type and size and finishes but in very different neighborhoods. Also look at how fast they sold or rented. You don't want to be struggling

Dave Marcolla

to find a buyer or tenant.

MBA / C-RETS / ABR / SRS / SRES NJ & PA Licensed Realtor

IS IT BETTER TO PURCHASE A HOUSE, TOWNHOUSE,

Principal, The Dave Marcolla Group

DUPLEX OR CONDO?

www.davemarcolla.com / dave@davemarcolla.com

DM: It really depends. If the location and everything else is equal,

609-423-9147 - direct / 215-860-4200 - office

you'll have less maintenance as a landlord, by investing in a townhouse or condo, and less property updates if flipping. A duplex gives you the advantage of often times twice the rental income of a single home and the opportunity, if you wanted, to live in one half and rent the other. A single family home in a very desirable school district and neighborhood will always be in demand. There's not a hard fast rule, but it really comes back to selecting the "right" property that will help you best achieve your goals.

March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

TREND SETTER LET YOUR HOME TELL YOUR STORY. AS AN INTERIOR DESIGNER AND OWNER OF BLOOM DESIGN STUDIO, I FEEL IT’S

ARTICLE JENNIFER LOMBARDI & ASHLEY BARRETT KANOFF

MY OBLIGATION TO KEEP UP ON THE LAT-

PHOTOGRAPHY JENNIFER LOMBARDI

EST TRENDS AS THEY COME AND GO AND GUIDE MY CLIENTS ACCORDINGLY. While seeking out the latest and greatest can be fun and exciting, it doesn’t always translate well into

our homes. So, here are a few of my tips and tricks to creating a house that feels like home- and not just any home- your cozy, relaxing, retreat, that is a reflection of you and the ones you share it with! NUMBER 1. PLAN Always start with a plan. Let designing your space be a process, take your time and save up for that “splurge” item you’ve been eyeing. Be okay with the NOW. Avoid buying things mindlessly to fill up your home just because you’re having friends and family over for a party. No one will care about your amazing new furniture, they will just remember how you welcomed them in and how you made them feel. NUMBER 2. COLOR PALETTE Yes, daunting at first but trust me, it will make things much easier when shopping for your home when you’ve decided on a few colors that will be a common thread throughout. A color palette will keep you focused and help you to avoid buying something that you’ll have no place for in the end.

TIPS AND TRICKS T O C R E AT I N G A H O U S E T H AT FEELS LIKE HOME 28

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

NUMBER 3. BIG TICKET ITEMS Now you can start thinking of your bigger items, and where you’d like to invest your money. I prefer a more curated look. I tend to look for pieces rather than sets. A simple inexpensive sectional paired with a “splurge” item, like a beautiful leather chair, or a vanity that stands out, will help a room look intentional and well designed without blowing your entire budget. NUMBER 4. ART Let’s fill up those walls! Art in whatever form, should give you all the feels. A black and white gallery wall filled with the faces you love and memories of days gone by, one large abstract modern painting, or a bohemian carved wood piece will all have a big impact as long as they’re aesthetically pleasing, speak to you,

and the scale is right. Think big wall, big art! NUMBER 5. TEXTURES Whether it be pillows, accessories, baskets to corral your kids’ stuff, or cozy blankets…just always keep in mind rule number 2- your color pallet! If you like to follow the trends or switch things up for the seasons- pillows and accessories are a great way to experiment… but again, remember your color pallet! I can’t say it enough because I feel like this is where you can easily derail from your plan. NUMBER 6. LIGHTING This is often a design element that is overlooked, but is so important! My tip for lighting would be to layer. Your room may have recessed lighting, which is great

for everyday use, but adding in dimmer switches, wall sconces, lamps, even battery operated candles and fairy lights to a book shelf help to create ambience and warmth. NUMBER 7. WOOD TONES AND THE COLOR BLACK These design elements are high on the trend setting list at the moment, but to me they are tried and true classic elements that will stand the test of time. Adding in some wood tones to any space automatically warms it up, and black can be so grounding that it tends to instantly make a space look effortlessly timeless and pulled together. NUMBER 8. PLANTS I’m a total plant nerd! I inherited my love for plants and my green thumb from my sweet Dad. Plants breathe life into a room, fill up an empty corner, help to keep the air clean in our homes, all the while softening sharp corners and vertical lines and adding

texture, color and warmth to a space. Don’t be afraid of plants, I hear so often- ”no way, I’ll kill it”, but plants, like people just need a little sunlight and LOVE! I hope these tips help to make the process of designing your space exciting and fun, and a little less daunting. I believe that your home should be a reflection of who you are, where you’ve been, and the people you love. Your home should simply... tell your story. "Let your home tell your story." Jenny Lombardi BLOOM Design Studio, Newtown, PA @bloomdesignstudio1 Passionate about creating livable, lovable, timeless spaces. March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

If you are going to MOVE, why not IMPROVE?

Purchasing or Refinancing a HOME that needs a few updates! Contact your local renovation loan team. Call us at 215.807.9300

TheKuslerTeam@gmail.com | 215.807.9300

N E W TOW N

Balanced in body. Empowered from within. *Offer available to new clients. Please contact the studio directly to learn more. 30

Newtown Lifestyle | March 2020

2875 S. Eagle Rd, Newtown 215.860.1625 newtown@barre3.com barre3.com/newtown

REALTY REPORT REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

NEWTOWN

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

20 GREAT HILLS RD

$1,649,000

$1,575,000

95.50%

2170 GRAYSTONE LN

$879,900

$860,000

97.70%

1067 WINDER DR

$899,900

$850,000

94.50%

5 BARCLAY CT

$880,000

$805,000

91.50%

1073 N KIMBLES RD

$789,900

$772,000

97.70%

91 DAVID DR

$769,000

100.00%

465 DURHAM RD

$749,000

$720,000

96.10%

6 DORCHESTER LN

$729,900

$700,000

95.90%

277 WILLOW DR

$675,000

100%

232 POLK WAY

$669,000

$660,000

98.70%

240 WOODHILL RD

$689,000

$655,000

89.80%

202 E PENN ST

$600,000

$618,500

103.10%

1025 COUNTESS DR

$619,000

$612,500

99%

289 CINNABAR LN

$629,880

$610,000

96.80%

1206 UNIVERSITY DR

$565,000

$575,000

100%

1283 YALE DR

$550,000

$564,900

95.70%

Report Provided by the Mary Dwyer Team. This data is a sampling of sold properties from previous months. Source: BrightMLS system.

Your local

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Mary Dwyer Licensed PA & NJ

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Unlicensed Administrative Assistant

MaryDwyerTeam.com | Licensed in PA & NJ 1010 Stony Hill Road, Suite 150, Yardley 215-504-7500 (office) 215-313-8386 (cell) ©2019 BHH Aff iliates, LLC. An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway aff iliate, and a f ranchisee of BHH Aff iliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.®

Mark Moffa Licensed PA & NJ

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Robert Zheng March 2020 | Newtown Lifestyle

MARCH

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

12-17

"WINE & SPIRITS" TAROT CARD READING & WINE TASTING

SUPER SCIENCE SUNDAY

2020 NEWTOWN IRISH FESTIVAL

Crossing Vineyards & Winery

Recreation 100 Municipal Dr,

The Green Parrot will host it's

Get together with your friends for

Newtown, PA

annual Irish Festival. Please follow

a fun night out. Enjoy wine tasting,

Discover the World of Science Around

their Facebook page for updates on

dessert and a private Tarot Card

You. Come join Newtown Township

events and entertainers!!

reading. Reservations are a must.

for our Super Science Sunday. Super

@GreenParrotRestaurant

Cost: $40 per person. Call 215-

Science Sunday is a FREE event

493-6500, ext. 19 or buy on-line: