Maybe you’ve been considering building a new home in the Poconos for some time. But before you pick a floor plan or sign a contract there are three things you need to know. These three things are something that real estate agents have trumpeted for years: “Location, location, location!”

A lot of time and effort goes into thinking and planning before you even begin building your new home in the Poconos. A lot of that time will be spent thinking about how you want your home to look and feel. And while the exterior of your home may be the “face” of your home—it’s what’s inside that really matters.

If you’ve thought about building a custom home in the Poconos (whether it’s a vacation home, a second home, a retirement property, or your primary residence), you’ve probably given a lot of thought to why you want to be in the area. But have you given much thought to the design of the house itself?

Sometimes trying to figure out what home prices are doing in the Poconos area is a bit like trying to nail jell-o to a tree! It depends on the specific area you’re looking at and on the kind of house you’re considering. Even then, prices can bounce around quite a bit.

As builders in the Poconos we see an increased awareness about energy-efficient homes—and an increased demand for homes that are easier on our resources. Maybe it’s not the first thing you think about when considering a new home in this beautiful area, but here are three reasons you should think about energy efficiency for your new home in the Poconos.

You know how real estate agents are always talking about “location, location, location!” They’re right, of course, but there’s a whole lot more to the right location than just a street address, or the proximity to shopping or work. If you are considering building a custom home in the Poconos, you may have visions of an idyllic lakefront property with stellar views. Ah, but how do you find the right lakefront lot? And what else should you be considering beside the vistas?

Did you know trick or treaters would have to walk from New York to Boston just to burn off the calories they consume in one night? That you can be fined $1000 for trick or treating in Illinois? That kids eat the equivalent of 13 big macs of candy?

If you’re considering a vacation home, a second home, or even a place to retire in the Poconos, you’ve probably wondered whether it makes more sense to build a new home or buy an existing home. Depending on your specific situation, there are arguments to be made for both courses of action.

The following infographic from Pashmina Developers lists the top 5 reasons of why owning a home is preferred to renting one. The top five reasons as listed in this infographic are equity gains, the freedom to renovate your home, the pride of ownership, cost, and tax advantages.

Whether you are preparing your home for sale, or getting your home ready for out of town relative, these tips from The Picket Fence will have your home looking beautiful, polished, and inviting for any occasion.