The Advantage team was excited to accept 5 awards at this year’s Frederick County Building Industry Association’s Awards of Excellence!

… And the awards keep coming! Our new home builders in MD were honored to receive 5 awards at last week’s Frederick County Building Industry Association’s Awards of Excellence. Each year, the awards recognize the best of what Maryland homebuilders have accomplished. From new home, commercial or remodeling projects, to marketing materials, sales models and more, the awards celebrate FCBIA members’ products and services that provide quality and value to the community. Our team took home the following awards:

Best New Home Design — Single Family $500,000-$650,000: The Van Buren at The Mill at Clearfield
Entries are judged on creativity, workmanship, layout, functionality, use of environment, technology and materials, and value.

Best Sales Model — Single Family $500,000-$650,000: The Van Buren at The Mill at Clearfield
Entries are judged on overall continuity with the marketing program, including landscaping, signage, sales office and merchandising.

Best Interior Merchandising — Single Family $500,000-$650,000: The Van Buren at The Mill at Clearfield
Entries are judged on the application of color, texture, materials, use of interior space, furnishings, accessories and window and wall treatments, and how they appeal to the target market.

Best Website — Advantage Homes (in collaboration with Power Marketing)
Entries are judged on the ease of access, information presented, creativity, flow from page to page and consumer friendliness.

Sales Manager of the Year — Jim McCormack

Million Dollar Club (Minimum sales performance of $1 million net new home sales volume for the period Jan. 1, 2012-Dec. 31, 2012.)

• Amy Goline: $13.1 million; 36 homes
• Chris Burke: $11.2 million; 12 homes
• Allison Llerena: $4.4 million; 9 homes
• Tom Crichton: $4.2 million; 7 homes

Thank you to each and every employee of Advantage Homes, Pleasants Development and Pleasants Construction. Without your many and continued contributions, these awards would not have been possible. And, congratulations to Jim McCormack for earning his third individual achievement award for Sales Manager of the Year! To learn more about our new homes in MD, click here.

Our new homes in MD feature large soaking tubs that mom will love!

With Mother’s Day just a few days away, here are five things mom wants when purchasing a new home, and why our new homes in MD should be her first choice:

• A Functional Kitchen: When it comes to the kitchen, mom wants the very best countertops, floors, cabinets and appliances, especially if they’re energy efficient. Advantage Homes is committed to building 100% ENERGY STAR homes. Learn more about the fantastic energy savings our homes offer here.
• Closet Space: With all the responsibilities of work, kids and more, mom doesn’t have time to waste searching for stuff she can’t find. She needs closets and storage spaces that help manage the family’s belongings. Our new homes in Frederick MD feature built-ins and extra coat or linen closets that help tame the clutter and make finding necessities a breeze.
• Location, Location, Location: A beautiful home in a shady neighborhood isn’t going to cut it. Mom wants a home that’s close to work and amenities, has a low crime rate, is safe and secure, is located in a reputable school district and has little traffic. Our award-winning Frederick County new homes at Brunswick Crossing are perfect because of their curb appeal, amenities and close proximity to Washington, D.C. Brunswick Crossing offers fun and convenience close to home. There’s plenty to see and do here, plus it’s a safe neighborhood perfect for raising a family.
• A Place to Relax: At the end of the day, mom deserves a quiet place to de-stress and unwind. Our large master baths fit the bill. Just one look at the size of our master bathrooms — and Jacuzzi soaking tubs with optional Whirlpool jets — and she’ll be thrilled for a place to indulge in at the end of the day.
• Space for Socializing: Our new homes MD designs feature spacious living rooms, sun rooms, finished basements and rear decks that provide extra space for entertaining, social gatherings and privacy. Advantage Homes’ open floor plans mean more living space and better traffic flow between the couch and the kitchen. Plus, mom can cook and do other household duties while safely watching the kids play in the same room.

To learn more about our new homes in Maryland or schedule a visit for mom to one of our decorated model homes, visit our website.

We’re excited to share the launching of our new website! As you may have already noticed, the redesign features quicker and easier navigation, and a number of new options for viewing and selecting new homes MD features. Homebuyers interested in our new homes in Maryland will find it easier than ever to select a home that enhances their lifestyle and accommodates their changing needs.

Working in collaboration with Hagerstown marketing firm Power Marketing LLC, the new site was built with the user experience in mind. Here are a few of the updated features you can expect on the site.

• Floor Plan Search allows you to browse our new homes in Maryland by features like location, price range, number of rooms and more. This is similar to search options on sites like homes.com, and makes finding ideal new homes in Maryland within your budget much easier.
• Browse our photo gallery directly from each floor plan page, as well as the Gallery tab on the top navigation bar.
• View Specifications to browse and select specific features and design center options to build your décor, color scheme and finishing touches. From exteriors, lighting and flooring options, to plumbing, countertops and appliances, this section features product descriptions and photos that inspire you to create a beautiful design completely your own.
• View Area Amenities to scope out nearby schools, stores and more near an Advantage community.
• View Site Plan offers a detailed map of each lot’s location within a community. We update lot availability frequently, so you can check the status here and see a lot’s proximity to community amenities (parks, pools, walking trails, scenic views and more).
• Social media plugins were added to each community section, so you can share a new homes MD model with friends on Facebook, Twitter and Google+.
• More Brunswick Crossing townhomes added to the Quick Deliveries section.
• Energy Savings section features helpful charts comparing HERS ratings, estimated annual energy costs and estimated annual energy consumption of various models. The charts also compare these savings to those of an existing home.

We’d love to hear your feedback on our new site! Leave a comment below or click here to share your thoughts with us on Facebook. To learn more about our premier Maryland homebuilders, visit our new website.

Guests enjoyed a tour of Advantage Homes’ award-winning model homes, including The Asbury (top left, L-R); Amy Goline (L) and Jim McCormack present winner Laura S. Donohoe with the grand prize- an iPad mini; realtors chat around an Advantage Homes plat table; an impressive 50 realtors attended the event; a colorful, delicious spread of veggies, fruit, sandwiches & more was provided by Beans in the Belfry.

On Tuesday, April 9 our award-winning team of Maryland builders hosted a realtor luncheon at Brunswick Crossing — one of our most successful events to date! Fifty realtors toured our decorated townhome and single-family home models, enjoyed a lunch catered by Brunswick restaurant Beans in the Belfry, and entered a special drawing for a chance to win an iPad and gift cards.

Guests toured three of our new homes md models: The Essex, The Asbury and The Eaton. Beans in the Belfry provided an assortment of delicious finger foods including mini quiches, sandwiches, fresh cut fruits & veggies, brownies and other desserts. The event culminated with six prize drawings at The Asbury. Congratulations to the following realtors (in no special order) who won door prizes:

• Laura S. Donohoe, Buyer Agent at The Ahearn Team of Real Estate Teams: iPad Mini
• Deb Bargeski, Hall of Fame Realtor at RE/MAX Plus: $100 Dutch’s Daughter Gift Card
• Thea Dec, Sales Associate at RE/MAX Plus: $25 Visa Gift Card
• “Buzz” Stephen S. Macintosh, Associate Broker/Owner of Mackintosh Realtors: $25 Visa Gift Card
• Cynthia Zonneveld, Buyer Specialist at Jay Day & The Day Home Team at Keller Williams Realty: $25 Visa Gift Card
• Emery Csulak, Associate Broker at Long & Foster Real Estate: $25 Visa Gift Card

“As a builder, we recognize the value of working closely with local realtors,” said VP of Sales & Marketing Jim McCormack. “This luncheon was an opportunity to meet and greet new and existing partners. And show them our resort-style Brunswick Crossing community and the quality craftsmanship that defines Advantage Homes.”

To learn more about our new homes in md at Brunswick Crossing or special Agent Alliance benefits, click here. To see more photos from the luncheon, visit our Facebook page.

“A little over a year ago my wife and I relocated our family to Brunswick, Md. from San Diego. We were renting a really cold, old home that was poorly built, cramped and uncomfortable for our family. We started looking for a family-friendly neighborhood that would give us a true sense of community.

Less than a mile from our old home was 5-star community Brunswick Crossing. For a little more a month than our rent, we now own a brand new Advantage townhome in Brunswick Crossing. No other communities in the area can match all that Brunswick Crossing has to offer. From Advantage’s high standards of building excellence (featuring Energy Star savings) to all of Brunswick Crossing’s amenities, we get a lot of bang for our buck.

We love the strong sense of community here. Everybody is getting to know each other, and we don’t feel isolation between each rooftop. We didn’t have that at our old house. There’s an easy, friendly environment at Brunswick Crossing, and everybody takes pride in their homes and their community. We love everything our family can do here — the walking trails, playgrounds and more. We’re looking forward to the shopping center and grocery store in the works, and the community center under construction.

Buying a house for the first time is very nerve-wracking, but we didn’t experience any of that with Advantage Homes. Step by step, we got to see the progress and ask tons of questions. When we walked through the model homes, the salespeople gave us a very in-depth description of everything — from the materials used to how the homes were built. They were knowledgeable and professional, and we never felt rushed or pressured to make a decision. It never felt like a business relationship with Advantage Homes. It feels like an ongoing friendship, from our initial purchase still to this day.”

— Scott & Brittney Moore, Brunswick Crossing Homeowners

At Brunswick Crossing, your favorite Maryland homebuilders Advantage Homes offers a lifestyle so relaxing you’ll never want to leave your own community. From resort-style amenities to luxurious features, Brunswick Crossing promises fun and convenience right in your own neighborhood. Here’s a taste of the good life you’ll experience living in this award-winning planned community:

1. Explore the great outdoors with tubing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and camping within walking distance of the C&O Canal and Potomac River.
2. Get fit at Brunswick Crossing’s tennis and basketball courts, fitness center, planned swimming pool and 26+ miles of paved walking paths.
3. Wine and dine in your gourmet-style kitchen including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and maple cabinets.
4. Hop the MARC train to work or go sightseeing for the day.
5. Host dinner parties, play a game of charades with the kids, enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book, or watch the kids play while you cook dinner with your large, open floor plan.
6. With easy access to Frederick, Montgomery County and Washington, D.C., you can spend the day exploring the nation’s capital, enjoying downtown nightlife and restaurants, or shopping ‘til you drop.
7. Save up to $3,000 a year with Advantage’s Energy Star savings.
8. There’s always something happening at Brunswick Crossing. Get to know your neighbors or enjoy a fun afternoon at community concerts and family-friendly festivals on the event lawn.
9. Buy now and move in tomorrow at The Eaton’s immediately delivery townhomes.
10. Impress your guests and live like a king or queen thanks to Advantage’s timeless quality, personalized attention and custom design specifications.

What would you do in your Frederick County new homes at Brunswick Crossing?

Our energy efficient new homes MD are all about saving you money in the communities you live in and love. As an Energy Star partner, our Maryland builders sell homes that are not only Energy Star certified, but can also deliver an additional 20% energy savings to environmentally conscious homeowners.

With a strong reputation as energy-efficient Maryland builders, we’re excited to announce that Advantage Homes has qualified for a new Energy Star logo. This illustrates our 100% Energy Star built homes status. That’s right — Advantage Homes has a 100% commitment to building nothing but Energy Star certified new homes in Maryland!

Here are a few of the ways our energy-efficient new homes Maryland can make your home a little greener and save you a lot of money:

• R-20 in the exterior walls and R-49 in the attic
• High efficiency water heater that uses 10-15% less energy than standard water heaters
• Air Seal Package for the entire house, including mastic on duct work
• Premium insulation package for attics, basements, floors, walls and ceilings
• High-efficiency 90+ natural gas direct vent furnace and 13 SEER high-efficiency air conditioner
• Plus much, much more

To learn more about our energy efficient new homes in MD or our Energy Star certified Maryland homebuilders, visit our website.

Ready to move into a beautiful new townhome built by premier Maryland homebuilders Advantage Homes? Then, wait no more. The builders in Maryland are excited to showcase 7 new immediate delivery townhomes at award-winning community Brunswick Crossing.

New homes md buyers will enjoy the exceptional features The Eaton model offers: English basements, border stoops, owner’s bath shower niche, upgraded tile, rear deck, full brick fronts (depending on lot), three different elevation styles (varies by lot) and much more! Prices start in the mid $200s.

Nestled in Brunswick’s serene location, these new homes in Brunswick Maryland offer plenty of amenities that families will enjoy all year long. This perfectly planned community features a community recreation center (currently being built), a swimming pool, tennis courts, walking and biking trails, and parks. Plus these immediate delivery townhomes are close to Brunswick schools, restaurants, fitness centers and so much more. Your family will love living here!

We invite you to visit the model showroom at 1420 Potomac View Parkway in Brunswick 7 days a week, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Mondays 2-6 p.m.). To learn more about these new homes in Maryland, click here or call Amy Goline at 301-834-7052.

Advantage Homes’ new front elevation renderings: (clockwise from top left) The Van Buren, The Asbury, The Bancroft, The Hamilton, The Innsbruck, The Abbey

Your home’s entryway should feature a combination of fine detail and warmth that transforms it from just another entry to an inviting welcome point to your home. It’s one of the first things visitors see when entering your home, so you want it to make a great first impression.

Nothing captures natural beauty and elegance quite like stone, so why not dress up the front of your new homes in Maryland with it? Affordable and aesthetically appealing, stone is a great option for both your home and your wallet. Maryland builders Advantage Homes are proud to announce that we now offer stone front elevations on many of our new homes in Maryland.

These optional stone fronts and partial stone fronts are available on all single-family homes (townhomes excluded) in our exceptionally planned communities: Crown Pointe, Brunswick Crossing, Valley View and The Mill at Clearfield. Each model features three elevation (front) options to choose from, and there’s a partial stone front for each. Prices range from $5,000 to $8,500, depending on model and elevation options.

To learn more about these new stone front elevation options, homes for sale in Gaithersburg MD, Energy Star homes in Frederick, MD, or our premier Maryland home builders, click here.

Each year at our company awards ceremony, we honor our staff’s passion and dedication to building, designing and selling new homes in Maryland. At this year’s company holiday party, we recognized the following exceptional employees:

• Outstanding Service Provider: Dino Broccolino, Sun Trust Mortgage
This award is presented annually to a subcontractor or supplier who demonstrates service above and beyond what’s expected.

• Trade Partner of the Year: Larry Flohr, Robert A. Tull Plumbing
This award is presented annually to a subcontractor or supplier who best demonstrates the most outstanding quality and service to Advantage Homes during the year.

• The Richard Stover Memorial Award for Employee of the Year: Charlie Kaiser, Advantage Homes
This award is presented annually to the employee who exhibits an affirmative and constructive attitude toward their job and team members; willingness to assist others within the company; made consistent and significant contributions to company goals through job performance; overcame obstacles or adverse conditions to achieve intended goals; exceeded requirements and expectations of their supervisor and peers.

• The Mark Evan Thomas Award: Gary Miller, Advantage Homes
This award is presented annually to the employee who best displays a passion for his/her work; dedication to getting the job done right the first time; honesty, integrity and fairness; and realistic expectations of themselves and others.

Congratulations to all the winners!