ISLAND LAKE, IL - June 12, 2006 - Ed Halvey and Jane Kay are an engaged couple who knew what they wanted in the single-family home they were purchasing for their life together. They were also determined to get it, and their initiative propelled them into position as the first buyers at scenic Walnut Glen in Island Lake.
"We are currently living in the Pines of Lakemoor, a townhome community developed by Residential Homes of America, Inc. (RHA)," said Jane Kay. "I purchased this townhome from RHA, and have had a wonderful experience with the home and the builder. I was actually waiting for the company to build another community in the area, so we were delighted when we received mailings about the new RHA community coming to Island Lake. In fact, the night before the preview opening, Ed got in line at 3 a.m. and we signed on as the first buyers in the new community. We wanted to be sure we had our choice of the homesites so we could have our favorite."
Jane has two daughters who wanted to remain with their friends in the Wauconda schools, so the location of Walnut Glen is ideal.
"Walnut Glen has the charm and tranquility of the country, with gorgeous land and views of mature trees," Jane said. "Our home overlooks the wetlands and offers complete privacy, with a neighbor on only one side."
Ed and Jane purchased the Elm design, a 2,901-square-foot home with four bedrooms, 2 ½ baths, full basement and 2 ½-car attached garage.
"We prefer the classic styling of the Elm floor plan with the traditional central foyer separating the living room on one side and the formal dining room on the other," Jane said. "We also like the spacious room sizes, and the home includes many desirable features in the price, such as nine-foot first-floor ceilings, hardwood or ceramic flooring in the foyer, a full basement and a large first-floor laundry, landscaping and an oversized garage with a spacious storage and work area. These included features save thousands of dollars and will enhance our enjoyment of the home."
The couple is adding several options to their home, including a first-floor den, a fireplace, hardwood floors throughout the first floor and a gourmet kitchen.
"We are also choosing several items off the RHA "Good Ideas" list, a new program that offers some unique convenience features. Our selections include a sitting bench with storage in the mud room, a handy niche for keys and mail, a vegetable sink on our kitchen island, an exterior outlet package with a convenient switch inside our home and a high-speed wireless package. People today are looking for convenience, and RHA certainly provides it."
Ed, Jane and the girls will move into their new home in December, and with plans for a July wedding, it is an exciting and busy time in their lives.
"We are totally comfortable with the buying and construction process with the RHA staff because everyone is so dependable," Jane said. "In my experience, RHA always delivers on promises made, and the staff is very responsive. Now that Ed is getting to know RHA, he is equally comfortable and impressed."
Walnut Glen will include 222 single-family homes on one-fourth acre homesites. Base prices range from $296,990 to $364,990, and the community has no SSA special assessment taxes.
The neighborhood plan of Walnut Glen is environmentally friendly with carefully preserved areas and views of wooded groves. Two recreational park areas are included in the community, and the Lake County Forest Preserve district's Millennium Trail will pass through Walnut Glen and connect to the McHenry County Illinois Trail System. When completed, this system of scenic trails will extend from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.
Seven two-story floor plans are offered, ranging from 2,244 to 3,368 square feet, with three or four bedrooms, 2 ½ to 3 ½ baths, full basements and two- and three-car attached garages. Distinctive exteriors feature Traditional, American Farm House and other classic styles. Detailed architecture will feature varying use and color of brick and siding, with interesting rooflines with gables and welcoming porches.
One of the most respected home builders in the Chicago area, Residential Homes of America, Inc. has been recognized for the highest standards of quality and integrity with the Diamond Builder Designation from the Home Buyers Warranty Corporation for its superior workmanship and spotless claims record. RHA was the only homebuilder in Illinois to receive the coveted award which is a one-time only, life-time award given only to those builders who have demonstrated at least a five-year track record of offering the highest standards of construction, design and customer service in their markets based on strict criteria.
To visit, take Route 176 to Darrell Road, north 1 ½ mile to Neville Road, west on Neville Road to Dowell Road, south on Dowell to the Walnut Glen Information Center on the west side of the street. Or, take Route 120 west to Darrell Road, south 1 1/2 miles to Dowell Road, south one mile to the Walnut Glen Information Center. Hours are 11a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Call (815) 344-3030 for more information or visit rhahomes.com or walnutglenhomes.com.
