There are some pretty important decisions you have to make when you’re planning to build a home in the Poconos. Choosing the right lot is huge. So is selecting the right builder for the job. But picking the right floor plan for your new home is a right up there as well. But how do you go about choosing the right plan? 

If you’re contemplating building a custom home in the Poconos there’s a good chance that the spectacular view have something to do with your plans. So wouldn’t it make sense to simply build you home in the middle of that great scenery and be done with it? Why in the world would you want to do anything to the property surrounding your home?

There’s no doubt that the Poconos Mountains are a beautifully rustic area with trees, mountains, and streams practically everywhere you look. Some people tend to think that homes built in the Poconos have to reflect that rugged, rustic look.

Some people think of the Poconos as a great place to get away from it all for a few days—or even a few weeks. Once they get a taste for the beauty and peace and quiet, however, a lot of them decide that this is the place they want to spend all of their time.

You’ve heard it time and again: The kitchen is the heart of the home. Increasingly, new homes are built with the kitchen taking a prominent place in the design of the home, because that’s where the action is. Whether it’s entertaining guests, doing homework, paying bills, preparing meals, or eating—everyone seems to gravitate toward the kitchen. 

Do you feel like clutter is about to drive you out of your Poconos home? You’re not alone. And that feeling of being overwhelmed by your “stuff” can take a toll. Robin Zasio, PsyD, LCSW, and author of The Hoarder In You: How To Live A Happier, Healthier, Uncluttered Life comments, “"I'm a firm believer that physical clutter creates emotional clutter."

There’s something you need before you begin building a custom home in the Poconos: Inspiration! If you’re like most people, staring at a blank sheet of paper and trying to come up with ideas of what your dream home might look like is tough. Maybe you can identify with the homeowners who say, “I don’t know yet what my dream home looks like—but when I see it, I’ll know it!”

Valentine’s Day conjures up images of boxes of chocolates, bouquets of red roses, and a romantic dinner for two. As nice as those things are (and don’t overlook them!) what really makes someone feel loved and appreciated is doing something for them that they really want—and maybe can’t do for themselves.

One of the reasons people relocate to the Poconos is to enjoy the greenery that surrounds them so much of the year. But there’s another kind of “green” that can help homeowners use less energy, save on utilities, and be a little easier on the green that grows outside their homes. Whether you’re building a new custom home in the Poconos or remodeling and existing home, here are four simple ways to use less energy and save money—while lessening your impact on the environment.

What do you do when the home you’re currently living in no longer fits your lifestyle? Do you move or remodel? And if you decide to move, how do you balance the benefits of a new home with the challenges of selling your existing home? Is it worth it?