It’s A New Year – What’s Your Resolution

Soon, 2014 will be coming to a close. Throughout each and every year, we all have our ups and downs, good times and bad, and we are always glad to welcome a brand new year to see what lies around the turn.

A tradition of course is making a New Year’s resolution. Many of us never keep our resolutions – but there are of course some that stick by their resolution to the end – and make their lives better because of it!

All of us have had an entire year to plan our resolution - although of course most of us will procrastinate until New Year’s Eve until we choose one. A resolution is simply a fresh start to the new year – a way to start a new way of life or living.

What is your New Year’s resolution? It could be to lose weight, stop smoking, stop drinking, work less, spend more time with your family, exercise more, get out of debt, buy a new home – the list is completely endless.

I hope you have a safe New Year with your family, friends and loved ones. If you are thinking of buying or selling your home in 2015, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Prepare – The Snow Is Coming

It may not seem like it now, but at some point this winter, we will see some beautiful white fluffy flakes falling from the sky. Some of us have already had a small dusting, but the big stuff more than likely is around the corner and will be here faster than any of us can imagine.

Get ready and be prepared for the snow, so you can stay safe when it hits. Here are some tips to help you be ready when our winter storms come around the bend.

Replace your windshield wipers. Winter is always a good time to replace your windshield wipers to prevent streaking and make your driving visibility easier.

Stock up on ice melt. It’s never fun to have to run out and purchase ice melt – after the snow has already begun to fall. Be sure to have at least 1 or 2 bags already on hand so you can use them as needed – especially on icy mornings.

Make sure you have your “winter accessories” – hat, gloves, boots – and that all are in good condition.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or are considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Out and About In Bucks County

Looking for a new way to enjoy Bucks County? Bucks has so much to offer – and there is literally something to do for everyone who lives or visits this amazing area.

Enjoy the scenic Delaware River in a tubing, raft, kayak or canoe trip with Bucks County River Country. Open during the summer months, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Delaware River in a way you have never imagined before!

The Churchville Nature Center offers multiple hiking trails, picnic areas and a wildlife garden. They offer various tours throughout the year, such as a Saturday morning bird walk.

Enjoy a trail ride on a beautiful horse in Nockamixon State Park. Haycock Stables offers trail rides, horse riding lessons, summer camps, and more.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or are considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Writing a Letter Is a Lost Form - Let’s Bring It Back

Communication is important to all of us. But, when was the last time you wrote a letter? I can almost bet, if you have children, they have never sat down to write a letter.

All of us are well aware of our modern forms of communication – email, texting, Facebook, and even Instagram - that tons of teens use. Somehow, in the modern evolution of technology over the last several years, writing a letter has seemed to completely fall through the cracks.

December is actually “Write a Friend” month. So, here’s a challenge. Write a letter. Pull out your old stationary (or go buy some new), and write someone about what you’ve been involved. It can be a family member, friend, etc. Once you start to write, you might be very amazed at how long your letter becomes.

Encourage your kids (or grandkids), to write a letter to their family members. Hint hint – grandparents love to get a handwritten letter. You might be surprised at how much they enjoy writing to their loved ones. It’s a great rainy day activity, and will more than likely keep them quite occupied!

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or are considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Fall Leaves – Enjoy Them!

Know the phrase “take the time to smell the roses”? I invite you to take the time to enjoy the fall colors.

Take a look around. Our area is inundated with amazing colors right now. The trees are blazing with orange, yellow, and brown. The leaves are scattered all over the ground. It’s a beautiful time of year to take a walk, enjoy the crisp fall air, and breathe in the scenery before it is all covered in snow.

Walk around your development – or even better – take a stroll through one of our many local parks. Some parks in Bucks County that are great to visit include Lake Towhee in Langhorne, Silver Lake in Bristol Township, Tinicum in Erwinna, and Core Creek located south of Newtown.

All the parks mentioned above offer hiking trails – some also have picnic areas, off-lease dog parks, playgrounds, and boating and fishing areas.

Enjoy this beautiful weather – and get a breath of fresh air!

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Thank you for your service!

Thank you to everyone who has served in our military forces – for your dedication and pride in our country.

Thank you for protecting our country. Thank you for ensuring our safety. Thank you for giving us freedom. Thank you for being a part of the history of the United States of America. Thank you for serving in our military.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

What will you be this Halloween?

Remember when you were a kid? Pretending to dress up, be a soldier, playing cops and robbers… for most of us, those are what we remember most about our childhood. And some of us might even still have some of those outfits!

Halloween is that one time of the year that we all have the chance to act like our kids. It doesn’t matter if your children are still young, or if they’re grown up and moved away. Everyone has experienced Halloween and the magic of pretending you are someone else for a couple of hours.

Stay safe this Halloween. Have fun with the holiday! If you are handing out candy or treats to trick-or-treaters, keep your porch light on so they can walk up safely. If your children are trick-or-treating, inspect their candy for tears in the wrappers – and don’t let them eat anything that is damaged or torn. Make sure they have a glow stick or flashlight so they can be seen easily by passing cars. Above all, make it memorable. Some of the best conversations you will ever have will happen while you’re walking around, or even while you’re checking out all of the treats they have gathered!

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Homes for sale in Bucks County

What is important in your Bucks County home search? It could be the school district, distance to a nearby park, the size of the backyard, or even a development in which you have always wanted to live.

Here’s the great news – Bucks County has EVERYTHING you’re looking for. We have incredible school districts, beautiful local and state parks, spacious homes and yards, and even convenient locations. Most homes in Bucks County are close to nearby highways, making commuting to work a breeze.

There are a multitude of homes currently for sale in Bucks County, located throughout Yardley, Richboro, Washington Crossing, Doylestown, Trenton New Jersey and more. If you do not see a home you’re interested in in the select few I have chosen, feel free to visit MartinMillner.com and view all homes currently on the market.

21 Cornwall Avenue in Trenton, NJ - Stunning, beautiful, classic colonial home in Hiltonia. Enjoy the spacious and charming layout, featuring 4 bedrooms, and 2 1/2 baths. Living

room with beautiful stone fireplace. Formal dining room. Central air, and large, well appointed, eat in kitchen with loads of cabinet space, stainless steel refrigerator and dishwasher. Family room offers an additional retreat. Gleaming hardwood floors. Finished lower level. Master bedroom with full bath, and 3 additional well proportioned bedrooms, and additional full bath. Gorgeous yard. Neutral, charming and spacious.

7018 N Radcliffe Street in Bristol Township - Don't miss the chance to see this spectacular, totally renovated and upgraded, brick cape on a wonderful, almost half acre corner lot, with views of the river. The covered front porch, that extends the entire front of the house, adds charm and character. Enter the front door, and appreciate the gleaming, stunning, diagonally spaced, hardwood floors. The living room is huge. Gather around the oversize,

gas fireplace on cold winter nights! The chef of the house will delight in meal preparation in the sun drenched, spectacularly remodeled center island kitchen, that features granite counters, custom, soft close cabinetry, and beautiful tile back splash, along with hardwood floors and stainless appliances. Enjoy the oversize eating area, that offers access to a large deck, which is an ideal spot for those warm summer evening cook outs! Spacious master bedroom and office, along with totally remodeled bathroom with laundry connections, complete the first floor. The upper level offers 2 good size bedrooms, one of which provides views of the river, along with a sumptuous, full bath that features a gorgeous, custom mosaic tiled shower. You will also appreciate the refinished molding and trim throughout. Buying this home is like buying new construction! New carpets in bedrooms, roof is new, windows are new. Electric has been upgraded to 200 amp service. Converted to gas heat, and central air. Great location for commuting, close to Rt. 1, 95, train stations, and all of the wonderful attractions that Bucks County offers.

502 Wheatfield Lane in Newtown - Welcome to this absolutely stunning, custom, stone front, center hall colonial home that will wow you with its blend of unique and spectacular amenities. You will appreciate the gorgeous, gleaming hard wood floors, along with custom trim and molding detail. Enter to a soaring 2 story foyer, and beautiful turned staircase. The chef of the house will delight in the fabulous, center island gourmet kitchen, with granite counters, premium stainless appliances, including Sub-Zero refrigerator and double ovens,

along with microwave, and cherry cabinetry. The sun-drenched breakfast room opens to the expansive deck. You will love the spectacular great room, with high ceilings, walls of windows, and a gorgeous full stone, fireplace. Formal living room and spacious dining room, are well appointed, and charming. First floor library/office is just for those who need to get paperwork done at home! You will appreciate the elegant master bedroom suite, that includes a sumptuous master bath with Jacuzzi tub and walk-in shower. Spacious princess suite, along with 2 other good size bedrooms, are found on the second floor. The 3rd floor is also finished, and includes 2 more bedrooms along with full bath and sitting room. The lower level is finished as well, and offers additional living space, that includes recreation room, powder room and gathering area. The lot is spectacular, and includes a gorgeous deck that overlooks a beautiful pool and spa. 3 car garage, and circular driveway along with professionally landscaped gardens! Roof is new, new 3 zone heating system, with heat pumps, and propane back up. This is truly a unique and wonderful home, in every way.

If you are looking for a new home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Bring a new friend home

You’ve bought your dream home. In some cases, it might feel a little empty – like something is missing. Maybe your new home could stand some new wall art, or extra furniture to fill in the gaps. Or, in some cases, maybe it needs an extra family member!

October is “Adopt A Shelter Dog month”, and thankfully Bucks County SPCA in Lahaska is ready to help you bring a new friend into your life! Located on Street Road, the SPCA currently has an abundance of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, and even a ball python. All of these little critters are just waiting for a new parent to bring them into their lives.

Dogs and puppies may be adopted for a fee of $150, while cats and kittens may be adopted for $50 to $75. There is a small animal adoption charge of $5 and up, which depends on the small animal and type.

If you are looking for a new home for yourself and your newly adopted furry friend, or are considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Apple picking is here again!

Get outside and enjoy beautiful Bucks County! Many of our local farms offer u-pick opportunities, giving you the chance to pick your own strawberries, apples, peaches, cherries – and many other delicious fruits!

Solebury Orchards in New Hope currently has Honey Crisp  and Crimson Crisp apples, as well as various flowers that you may pick yourself. You pay per-pound for your apples, and you’ll enjoy a tractor ride out to the orchards. Many other apple varieties will be available throughout the picking season, and you may few when each type will be at it’s peak for picking on the Solebury Orchards harvest chart.

Pick your own apples and pumpkins at Shady Brook Farm, which is located in Morrisville. They offer various other forms of entertainment such as a corn maze, giant inflatable pillows, barnyard animals and a trike track. You will also enjoy a tractor ride out to both the apple orchards and pumpkin patch!

Located in Ivyland, Solly Farm has both fruits and vegetables available during their pick-your-own seasons. In the fall, enjoy picking apples, pumpkins, tomatoes, peas, beans and peppers each weekend.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Your next walkthrough can be easier with a checklist!

When looking for a new home, walking through a home you are considering purchasing can be overwhelming. There are so many factors to consider, things to look for – not to mention making sure the home is right for your family and budget.

I have created a simple checklist you can use, which will make your next walkthrough experience a little easier. You can use this checklist during an open house or when your agent takes you through a home personally. If you do not currently have a real estate agent, I would be more than happy to speak with you and show you homes currently for sale throughout Bucks County.

Outside of the home:

Ensure the foundation is not cracked

Look for extensive cracks in the driveway and sidewalk

Check the siding – making sure none is missing or damaged

Inside the home:

Flip on some light switches and ensure they work

Bring a small appliance (such as your cell phone charger) and make sure outlets in each room work correctly

Turn on faucets and check for leaks

Look for water stains on ceilings

Check around the windows for mold and/or signs of water damage

Make sure windows open and close properly

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Camping in Bucks County

Get outside and enjoy beautiful Bucks County. We have several local campgrounds that are minutes away from our hectic lives, and minutes away from downtown locations.

Quakerwoods Campground is located in Quakertown and offers camping opportunities for those who enjoy using tents and RV sites. Water and electricity hookups are available for both tents and RVs, and you may also rent either a cabin or an RV. The campground has many activities such as fishing, swimming, mini golf, volleyball, playgrounds and discount tickets to Sesame Place and Dorney Park. Laundry facilities are available.

Located in Upper Black Eddy, Colonial Woods Campground offers tent sites, RV sites and cabins. All sites are wooded, giving a real feel of living in the wilderness. They have several amenities such as bingo games, outdoor movies, a heated pool, tennis and basketball courts, fishing, spa and much more!

Experience camping in Quakertown at Little Red Barn Campground, which has been family-owned for over 40 years. The campground is pet-friendly, and offers activities such as a game room, swimming pool, horseshoe pits, volleyball, playground and even free wi-fi.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Doylestown, or New Hope, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Keep your lawn green – even in this heat!

Many local businesses in Bucks County can help keep your lawn looking fantastic throughout the seasons – fall, spring and even summer! If your lawn is not looking its best, consider contacting one of the following small businesses to see how they can help.

Evergreen specializes in landscape design, large property landscape management and landscape installation. They are located in Richboro and are a full-service landscaping company.

Located in Doylestown, Central Bucks Landscapers specialize in outdoor scenery, lawn maintenance and garden maintenance. They also provide tree and brush services, snow removal and fall/spring cleanup.

Contact Iggy’s Landscaping in Doylestown to renovate and restore your lawn and landscaping. They also offer snow removal, and sell premium mulch and firewood.

Infinite Landscaping of New Hope provides mulching, lawn maintenance, landscaping services, lawn drainage, rock gardens, hardscaping and much more.

Throughout Bucks County, I encourage you to patronize our local businesses and merchants. If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Washington Crossing or Doylestown, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Where to get a unique cup of coffee

Starbucks is definitely not the best place in Bucks County to get a good espresso, latte, or just a plain old cup of java in the morning. We have many local coffee shops where you can grab a quick breakfast and enjoy a great blend of coffee first thing in the morning – while you’re headed to work or running errands.

Rillings Bakery on Street Road in Warminster has specials each week, offering a danish or donut with a cup of coffee for a discounted price. The bakery offers delicious homemade breads and pastries, decorative cupcakes, amazing cakes, pies, tortes – the list goes on forever. The bakery has been in business since 1981, and has three generations of master bakers.

Fred’s Breakfast is a “members only” breakfast club located on East Randolph Street in New Hope. There is currently a waiting list to obtain membership – and yes, you must be a member to eat here! Breakfast is custom made, there are only 31 seats at the counter, and all seats have a river view while you’re enjoying your meal and chatting with fellow club members.

Langhorne Coffee House located on South Bellevue Avenue in Langhorne serves breakfast and lunch all day and is the perfect stop for a cappuccino, latte, chai tea, espresso – and even a delicious homemade omelet or wrap.

Hang out at the Zen Den on Donaldson Street in Doylestown. Known by the locals as a “funky, chic coffee boutique”, they offer organic coffees and teas, display artwork by local artists, and are known for their comfortable seating arrangements and live music.

Throughout Bucks County, I encourage you to patronize our local businesses and merchants. If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Washington Crossing or Doylestown, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Should I Use An Agent Or Sell On My Own

Sometimes, life is all about choices. Choosing the right car, a good school, or even something as simple as what to make for dinner.

However, when it comes to selling your home, there could be choices in which you may not feel too comfortable making the decisions. For instance, if you decided to sell your home, and a potential buyer asked you about the average price of home sales in your neighborhood – would you have the answer?

A realtor can assist of course in the sale of your home, and can also help you find a new home. They can answer any questions about the process of selling your home, comparative market values of other homes in your neighborhood, schedule open houses, assist with moving and much more. If you choose to list your home for sale with a realtor, it will be listed on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), allowing your home to be readily accessible by real estate agents throughout the United States and assisting in a quick sale in most cases.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Washington Crossing or Doylestown, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Go Green – Easily!

Now that the weather is getting warmer, there are some great alternatives to helping our planet and becoming a “green” person. These are very simple steps that can be taken everyday – which will help you save money, help the planet, and make you feel wonderful!

1. Purchase a composting bin. These are great to toss your leftover vegetables and fruits. They will turn into a rich compost which is perfect to mix into your vegetable garden, flower garden – or anywhere you would like to add fertilizer naturally to your plants.
2. Keep your lint from your dryer. Birds love using lint to line their nests!
3. Donate your old newspapers to animal shelters. It will be used as cage liners.
4. Buy houseplants – they are great at bringing not only color but also oxygen into your home.
5. Use cloth napkins instead of paper – they add a bit of class to your meal and help to save our precious trees.
6. Recycle. Be sure to separate your trash from all recyclable items. If you are not sure what is recyclable, you may check this online list.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Washington Crossing or Doylestown, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

School Is Almost Out – Now What

School is almost out for the summer. Within the next couple of weeks, the ice cream trucks will be ringing their bells in neighborhoods across Bucks County, kids will be playing in each other’s yards, and the quietness you’ve experienced in your development will be temporary filled with laughter and the sounds of children playing.

Summer is wonderful. It’s filled with not only the sounds of children playing and laughing, but the scents of bbq’s each night, splashing in pools, the smell of freshly cut lawns, and the gorgeous colors of flowers in bloom.

It also means relaxation – summer is a time many of us get to enjoy time as a family, either for a vacation or just a quick getaway on the weekends. We are located so close to the Jersey shore, it’s very easy for all of us to enjoy some time on our local beaches. Bucks County is near the Pocono mountains, which are perfect for camping and hiking, not to mention many of the great amusement parks in our area such as Great Adventure and Hershey Park!

I hope you take the time this summer to enjoy some relaxation, take a well-deserved dip in the pool (especially after the winter we all experienced), and spend some time with your families and loved ones.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Washington Crossing or Doylestown, or considering selling your home, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

Why Move To Washington Crossing?

Located in Upper Makefield Township, Washington Crossing is famous for General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River in 1776 during the Revolutionary War.  Every Christmas Day, the town reenacts the crossing of the Delaware with an actor portraying General Washington.

The town has many landmarks such as Washington Crossing Historic Park and Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve. The town also has many shopping opportunities which offer a “hometown feel”, such as Crossing Vineyard, Colonial Farms,  and Francisco’s On The River.

Living in Washington Crossing is not only a step back into history at times, but the town is also known for its relaxing factors. The area offers hiking, bike trails, wildlife sightings and much more.

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Washington Crossing or Doylestown, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.

The Meaning of Mother’s Day

What does Mother’s Day mean to you?

Created in 1908 by Anna Jarvis who simply wanted to honor her mother, Mother’s Day became an official holiday in the United States in 1914. Originally, the holiday was meant as a day of personal celebrations between mothers and their children – however over the years Mother’s Day has been a celebration of all mothers in our lives.

Some of us might celebrate Mother’s Day with our own families, and some might remember mothers who have passed away and left cherished memories. No matter how you might celebrate Mother’s Day and how your life may have been changed or enriched, I hope all moms have a great Mother’s Day this Sunday!

If you are thinking of moving to Yardley, Washington Crossing or Doylestown, call me today at 215-519-1399 or visit my website for more information.