MORRISTOWN, N.J. –- For Catherine Quinterno, working for a mortgage company meant daily reminders that she and her husband, Frank, were renting an apartment at a time when interest rates were never more favorable for homebuyers.

While their temporary residence in Stirling, N.J suited them well for the past three years following Frank's Colgate Palmolive transfer from South Africa to Morristown, the time had clearly come to take advantage of today's positive market conditions, as well as make a lifestyle change.

Looking for new construction amidst a vibrant and exciting environment that also offered direct train service to Manhattan, the couple found Morris Place in Morristown, and quickly became first-time buyers at the new Matzel and Mumford townhome community.

"Once we decided that this was just a terrific time to buy a home, we established our priorities which were to be closer to Frank's job in Morristown and to be near a train with a direct line to New York City," says Catherine, noting that they currently have to take two trains to travel to Manhattan where they frequently socialize, while entertaining their many visitors.

"Morristown accomplished both goals. It also offers a buzzing environment, almost like a city, with plenty of restaurants and shopping; I'm very passionate about my shopping."

Ironically, Frank had been passing Morris Place under construction almost daily on his way to work.

"We really didn't know what was being developed there," Catherine recalls. "Then we saw a photo of Morris Place on the Internet and put the two together. We absolutely loved it."

The Quinternos astutely looked at other new communities but kept returning to Morris Place.

"We looked at a number of other developments in the same price range and the quality just didn't compare to Matzel and Mumford," notes Catherine. "We searched quite a bit and Morris Place offered much more value for the money."

The Quinternos purchased the popular Jefferson model and have enjoyed the building process throughout.

"From the sales office to the developer's convenient Design Center, the entire experience has been excellent," says Catherine. "The consultants are very well informed and are extremely responsive. We're looking forward to moving into our new home this fall."

Morris Place features 76 townhomes with two distinctive two-bedroom designs at pre-construction prices from the mid-$300,000s.

The townhomes are located in three-story buildings with classic Colonial architecture featuring traditional red brick facades, black roofs and attractive clay siding designed to blend with the historic character of the surrounding area.

Spacious floorplans offer two bedrooms, 2 ˝ baths, a private sitting room within the master bedroom, a one-car garage on the ground level and a host of upscale appointments, according to Richard Selikoff, Matzel and Mumford's Vice President of Marketing and Sales.

The Washington, offering 1,762 square feet of living space, is notable for its second-story loft overlooking the living and dining area and a luxurious master-bedroom suite with a deck, walk-in closet and lavish bath. The Jefferson, offering 1,535 square feet, is a similar design minus the second-story loft. Buyers also enjoy a ground level patio off the living and dining area.

The Matzel & Mumford Organization is a K. Hovnanian Company.