What's New at Country Walk

COUNTRY WALK COURTYARD HOMES START AT $173,900

Country Walk of Lake Ridge, a 55-plus resort community in Ocean County’s Manchester Township continues to draw potential home buyers looking for affordable, newly constructed homes in a country setting along with all the recreational amenities associated with higher priced communities. The community is developed by the Kokes Organization, a family business that has been building active adult communities for over 45 years.

According to Jeff Mead, a company spokesperson, the Courtyard homes at Country Walk start at $173,900 and have been attracting buyers who appreciate value as well as comfort and convenience in a country setting.

“Courtyard homes are attached, single level, one and two bedroom residences with an oversized attached garage. Two models – The Laurel and The Fairfield – are priced at $179,900 and $196,900 respectively. Both are ideal for singles and couples who want all the benefits and onsite recreational amenities of an adult community at an affordable price,” Mead said.

The community offers a total of four Courtyard home styles. Each showcases a great room, kitchen, central air conditioning, laundry room and attic storage.

Mead noted that buyers often say the Courtyard homes are a pleasant alternative to traditional attached housing in the area. He said the efficient floor plans, the included features, the attached garage and especially the onsite clubhouse are attributes that greatly appeal to buyers. "We believe that comparatively speaking, we offer the best value in the area."

Mead added that although the majority of residents live here year ‘round, some of Country Walk’s buyers bought a Courtyard home as a summer residence. “Our intention is to offer the Lake Ridge lifestyle to a broader range of the active adult population including those who wish to own both a summer and winter residence.”

He pointed out that like all the other Lake Ridge communities—including The Reserve of Lake Ridge and The Enclave at The Fairways -- the on-site clubhouse has become the community’s social center because of the wide variety of recreational facilities available.

“The clubhouse is within walking distance of the available Courtyard homes and features an outdoor pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, billiard room, and a great room for parties, dances and other forms of entertainment. The recreation area, adjacent to the clubhouse, includes tennis and bocce courts.”

Danielle Kokes, vice president of sales and marketing, emphasized that 12 specially designated Courtyard homes include upgraded features that were previously charged as options.

According to Kokes, specific Courtyard homes now come fully equipped at no extra charge with deluxe General Electric appliances which include a stainless steel side-by-side refrigerator, a range with extra large sealed burners, a space saver microwave oven, and a super capacity quiet power dishwasher. She added that kitchens also include granite counter tops with a choice of edging, ceramic tile flooring, and 42-inch Aristokraft kitchen cabinetry with three door styles and a choice of ten finishes.

She added that home buyers can save up to $20,000 on other select free-standing two bedroom, two-bath ranch styled homes that are finished and ready for occupancy.

“More and more people who tour our models have already sold their homes and want to move into a newly constructed home very quickly, usually within 30 to 60 days. We believe that this trend will continue as more and more people sell their houses and then move to more desirable, resort-style active adult communities such as those we build.”

Kokes emphasized another reason why homebuyers are drawn to Kokes communities. “We can now offer financing to our buyer and to the qualified family who wants to purchase our buyer’s old house.” She explained that The Kokes Organization has partnered with Wells Fargo & Company in order to offer buyers a variety of 30-year fixed rate home mortgage packages at very favorable rates.

“Qualified Kokes community buyers can select one of many packages including conventional mortgages that require a down payment as low as 10 percent,” stated Thomas Crowley, a Wells Fargo loan specialist. He added that these mortgage packages do not impose a commitment fee, attorney review fee, origination fee or points. “We also offer the same financing packages to the qualified buyer who wishes to purchase the house of the Kokes’ customer and we will waive the traditional appraisal fee.”

The Kokes Family has been building active adult communities for over 45 years. For more information, directions and to see floor plans, visit the Communities of Lake Ridge website at www.lakeridge.com or call 888-363-5253.

To reach Country Walk take the Garden State Parkway southbound to exit 88. Stay right to Route 70 west. Continue approximately 12 miles on Route 70 west to Manchester Blvd. Turn left. At next light turn left onto Wranglebrook Rd. Proceed 2 miles to Pinewald-Keswick Rd. (Route 530). Turn left. Go 2 miles to Township Line Rd. Turn left. Continue to Country Walk entrance on left.

Within walking distance of the available Courtyard homes at Country Walk is the community clubhouse, shown above, which features an outdoor pool, fitness center, billiards and card rooms among other amenities.