I write in response to the letter titled "Stonegate Village units weren't priced too high," published Nov. 13. My family business, Garden Homes Management, purchased Stonegate in June and has since restarted development.

The simple fact is that in the 18 months prior to our purchase, only two new homes were sold at Stonegate. That is the market speaking loudly and clearly - the homes were too expensive. The letter writer is understandably upset that his home's value has declined, but unfortunately most other people who purchased homes in 2007 are in the same situation.

As for the quality of our product, the new Marlette homes at Stonegate Village are, simply put, gorgeous. That was the universal response from the nearly 300 people who attended our open house last weekend.

Finally, Garden Homes has been in business for nearly 50 years. We own 82 manufactured housing communities, all in the Northeast, with 6,000 sites. Our sales literature and Web site (stonegateledyard.com) disclose all monthly expenses associated with the purchase of a new home at Stonegate Village, including the rent.

There is no "gotcha"- a new home at Stonegate Village is an outstanding value.

Editor's note: The writer is president of Garden Homes Management.