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The ranch and two-story homes offered by Meadowbrook Homes at Arbor Lakes in Minooka feature beautiful kitchens that come standard with granite countertops, hardwood flooring and an attractive appliance package (stainless steel is extra). Ranging in size

Meadowbrook Homes’ Arbor Lakes, a single-family home community in Minooka, has set a blistering sales pace for the first six months of the 2012 sales season.

Arbor Lakes has sold 33 homes that feature a long list of high-end amenities that are included in the base price of each home. In the month of June alone, the community signed nine contracts.

Priced from $169,900 to $239,900, these 1,620- to 3,105-square-foot ranch and two-story homes include granite countertops, basements, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile and Energy Star construction methods that can save homeowners up to 40 percent on utility costs.

When asked why families seem to be flocking to this community, the vice president of the company responded with several reasons.

“Great pricing, good construction quality, outstanding schools and historically low interest rates are a few of the reasons people decide to call our community home,” said Aladdin Nassar.

“Another strong reason for our success is a result of the Village of Minooka’s aggressive economic stimulus program. Every family that buys a new single-family home in Minooka receives a $10,000 check at closing. Thus, after signing legal documents, a family walks away from the table with $10,000 in their pocket.”

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, being at an all time low of approximately 3.75 percent, means that a family who purchases a $169,900 home can expect their monthly mortgage payments to be only about $783 (does not include property taxes, insurance or PMI).

Nassar said some people are under the impression that it is impossible to get a home loan from a bank these days, but that is far from true. He said interested parties can visit the Arbor Lakes sales center and discuss this with trained staff members. They might be pleasantly surprised at the answers they receive, he said.

Located in the Minooka school districts, Arbor Lakes is perfect for families with school-age children, and yet is equally attractive to seniors looking for a stair-free lifestyle with its selection of ranch homes.

Meadowbrook Homes offers 18 homes filled with high-end amenities that some other builders may charge for as upgrades or extras. For example, Arbor Lakes’ homes include in the base prices partial basements, ceramic floor tile in bathrooms, granite countertops in the kitchens, hardwood flooring (in kitchens and dining areas), sodded yards, and roofs with architectural grade shingles with 30-year warranties. All homes are also highly energy efficient, which means utility bills will be lower and less energy wasted each year.

The builder also offers homebuyers the opportunity to customize any available floor plan. Homes can be expanded, additional volume ceilings can be incorporated, and interior and exterior walls can be relocated.

Arbor Lakes’ landscaped entry marker is on the west side of Ridge Road, approximately 1½ miles south of I-80, or a mile north of Route 6 and approximately 5 minutes from I-55. Large ¼-acre lots allow homes to be built with three-car garages, and many of the lots are adjacent to the community’s two lakes that are stocked with fish.

Minooka is a controlled-growth village that is located along Interstate 80 and about 50 miles southwest of the Chicago Loop. Transportation is a breeze for area residents. Drivers can take I-55 or I-80 expressways to Chicago. The 355 Tollway is nearby. Commuters can board trains in Joliet for a 65-minute trip to the Loop. Drive times to Midway and O’Hare airports are about 45 and 55 minutes respectively.

The decorated model/sales center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or by appointment. For additional information, call Meadowbrook Homes at (815) 467-4700 or visit www.mbhomes.com.