Within the gates of Saw Creek Estates, there are, as of today, seventy-nine homes for sale through the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service, ranging in price from $29,000 - $273,000. That is a wide range of values but not unusual for communities in the Poconos which have a variety of housing options, home sizes, locations, etc.
Saw Creek Estates is made up of single family homes but it should be noted that there are two separate townhome Associations inside of Saw Creek, Mill Pond and The Falls, that share some of the amenities of SCE but have their own rules and fees. There really is something for everyone here in this gated, amenity-rich community in the Eastern Poconos.
Here is some interesting home sale data for Saw Creek Estates (not including the townhouse areas). See how the average sale price and the number of homes sold has played out since 2006. Prices have definitely taken a hit due to the national housing decline, and foreclosures and short sales continue to put downward pressure on values. However, we have reached a point where some of the buys are just too good to pass up, and many buyers are finally jumping in and buying that dream home or vacation property.
All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. The listings on this site are displayed courtesy of the IDX program of Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS and may not be the listings of the site owner
I-80 and the Delaware River from the Appalachian Trail, Delaware Water Gap
The decision to buy a house is a major one and there are a lot of things to think about when selecting where to live and what kind of property to buy. There are obvious things like personal style preferences, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, etc, but anyone who has been in the real estate market lately knows that it's much more complicated than that. Especially for people considering a move to a new area. Here I will outline some of the things that may help you decide if the purchase of a vacation home here or a full-blown relocation is right for you. And if you find that a conversation via phone or email would help get some of your concerns answered, feel free to contact me anytime.
Why come to the Poconos to buy real estate?
This is a key question in my interviews with potential buyer clients when I meet with them to evaluate their needs. Creating the real estate consumer's perfect-home profile is an important step to get us focused on the right properties, as this question really helps hone in on priorities. Answers obviously vary but there are a few answers that come up all the time, and they just might help you make the decision to dive in to the Pocono real estate market:
Location, location, location
Whether they are looking for a primary home to live in full time, a weekend getaway place, or a potential retirement home, people are drawn to the Poconos' location because of its ideal proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, being less than two hours to either city. Those who work in or around either of these places find that commuting from here to their job in their own car or via the commuter bus is very manageable. I find that business owners, entrepreneurs, and self-employed people who need access to the major metropolitan areas only a couple of times a week, especially, appreciate our location and access to major routes such as I80, the Northeast Extension of the Turnpike, and I78 via Route 33.
Breathing room
Living in an apartment in a city has its benefits: close proximity to public transportation, walkability to stores and other conveniences, the energy, the nightlife...lots of pluses! Sometimes people get to a point, though, where they want to spread out. "Space" is one of the most often mentioned priorities of potential homebuyers as they describe what they need in their new home, whether it's living space inside, or space between houses outside. Privacy and space to spread out are very available here in the Poconos. Property sizes here are very attractive to purchasers used to postage stamp sized, or smaller, yards. A quarter, half, or one acre property is normal here. As for inside space, I can't tell you how many times I've showed homes here and buyers look at a closet and say,"that would be called a bedroom in the city!"
Price, value, and affordability
Prices may have come down all over, but the fact remains that a real estate purchase in some areas, such as Upstate New York, is still out of reach for some home buyers. Even if the prices are within reach, many buyers have trouble justifying spending more money somewhere else when we have such values available here. And as prices begin to increase in other areas, we remain affordable. Granted property taxes are not as affordable as they used to be, but our prices reflect that and a bit of savvy shopping with the right professional help can go a long way in finding a good value.
What are YOUR priorities?
Each real estate purchaser has his or her own priorities when it comes to selecting where to buy. The considerations listed above are usually the ones that push buyers to investigate the real estate market in the Poconos, but there are many other considerations in narrowing things down to a specific area, neighborhood, or school district, and in eventually selecting THE house. Your financial situation, the type of mortgage you qualify for, the size of your household and your lifestyle, and myriad other things will determine where you look and what kinds of homes you look at. When the time comes to select a real estate agent to help you, make sure they understand what is important to you and how to guide you toward your perfect house. A keen understanding your needs along with industry and market expertise and local knowledge are invaluable traits of the professional you'll select to help you.
Situated on a corner lot with mature plantings and a rockin' chair porch from which to enjoy it all, this home has remarkably spacious rooms despite it's seemingly small stature. There are some wood floors under the carpeting, and the dining room has built-in curios, typical of the craftmanship found in homes built in the 1950's. There is also a nice big kitchen which opens to a sun room facing the back yard.
There are lots of bonus features here including a basement, a carport and outside storage sheds. And, the walk-up attic could easily be finished in to a studio, home office or an extra bedroom.
A Poconos Walkable Community
Water Gap is a unique location, much-loved and well-known for it's small town atmosphere. It's famous for it's yearly jazz festival and other cultural activities. Additionally, most homes, including this one, are within walking distance to the town's main attractions, the post office, places of worship, stores and restaurants and more. Also, hike the Appalachian Trail from the access point a few blocks away!
Commuting And Traveling Are Easy From Here
Located just over the border from New Jersey, this town offers great access to Route 80 for those who need to commute to that state or to New York City. Travel options include commuter bus service which serve most of the major stations. If you prefer scenic driving, follow route 611 south along the river and be inspired!
Priced under $200,000, this home is ideal for 1st time homebuyers, retirees looking to downsize or anyone looking for a modest home that is a good value.
Other Pertinent Property Details
2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom 1,135 square feet, plus basement and attic Lot size: .28 acre Oil heat Affordable taxes: $2,737.49/year
For more information on this home or for any other Pocono real estate need, contact me via email[email protected] or by phone 570.421.8950
Starting Monday, October 6, 2008, the Pocono Pony of Monroe County Transit Authority will be shuttling residents from Penn Estates to the commuter bus stops that serve Martz Trailways and other Pocono buses which travel to New Jersey and New York every day. This is a great new service which we hope will enhance the quality of life of those commuting from Penn Estates to jobs in NY and NJ.
Public Transportation is Convenient & Economical
For only $2.50 each way (or less if you buy books of 20 one-way trips), residents can get a ride on weekdays from the front or back gates of the community to the Martz stations at 447 or Delaware Water Gap. We recommend riders walk or get dropped off (kiss n ride!) at either gate as parking is not available at this time. This is a two month trial of this service so please spread the word!
MCTA Pocono Pony Bus Schedule for Penn Estates
For more information, call the MCTA Pocono Pony at 570.839.6282.
EDIT 1/2/09: PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF RIDERSHIP. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SEEING THIS RESUME, PLEASE EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST TO THE PENN ESTATES MANAGEMENT OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS. IF WE GET MORE PEOPLE TO RIDE, PERHAPS WE CAN RESUME AGAIN IN THE FUTURE.
Are Dinner Parties & Quiet Nights By The Fire Your Idea Of The Good Life?
Check out this stylish contemporary home is available for rentOctober 15. Located in Penn Estates, a private community in the heart of the Pocono Mountains,
this house is one in which you can really express yourself and live the lifestyle you deserve. Minutes to all of the Stroudsburg Schools,
shopping, Pocono activities, and the major driving routes of I80, 611,
209 and I78 via route 33, you have access to all the best local things and a convenient commute to New York, New Jersey, the Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia.
Lot 131 Section F Hyland Drive, Penn Estates - A Rental With Style!
3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, brick fireplace in the living room, and a kitchen and dining room that will make your heart pound! Over 1,800 square feet of beautiful space accented with tile and hardwood. Rental is
$1,200 per month plus the tenant pays for all utilities. Use of the
community amenities (pools, tennis courts, etc.) is included in the
rental amount.
For more information on this Penn Estates rental home, or for help with any of your Pocono real estate needs, contact me via email at [email protected], IM PoconoBuyersRep, or by toll free phone 888.794.5589 ext. 103.
