Real Estate Information Archive

Designers are often drawn to a simple, modern look - however, layering unique patterns and textures in the home is a quickly growing trend. Keep your space harmonized, yet distinct, with the tips outlined below.

Fancy frames.

An empty wall holds endless potential. If the room is small, expand your space with a mirror collage featuring a variety of shapes and varnishes. Is your heart set on a colorful patterned wallpaper? Showcase your favorite print in a large frame for a beautiful living room backdrop to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Art fans should collect a variety of frames in different finishes and styles to create a "living room gallery" featuring a beautiful art display.

Transitional design.

For a distinct kitchen environment, combine the artisan feel of the early 20th Century with sophisticated technology. The kitchen is the perfect setting to feature products that tout high-design and innovative technology.

Pillow patterns.

Choosing pillows isn't always easy. While it's fun to mix and match, certain textures complement each other better than others. For example, linens and wool tend to look better with woven fabrics while shiny and matte fabrics are best kept separate. Mixing contrasting textures such as silk and corduroy calls for a strong sense of design confidence - but it can be done.

Rugs on rugs.

Layering is a design tactic that fashion and interior designers use to make a statement. Start with a flat, neutral rug as your foundation and add a smaller, accent rug on top. Investing in a large rug with a subdued color is smart, but have fun with the accent rug. Whether cowhide or a geometric print - choose a similar color scheme and play with the positioning by placing the top rug at a purposeful angle.

Old, renewed. When thinking about your space, it's important to remember that design inspiration can be found anywhere. Look for antique candle holders or paperweights. Check out antique shops or thrift stores for hidden treasures. When traveling, visit flea markets and local art fairs. Transform an old object like a rustic slab of wood into a glossy countertop for your kitchen island. No matter where you travel, keep an eye out for timeworn treasures for your home.

Layering textures and patterns, combining modern with rustic - blending home design can result in a truly transformative space that captures your individual style. (BPT)

Information courtesy of Chester County Realtor Scott Darling.

Military families are going to like what the Obama Administration has been up to lately.  A new agreement was made on August 29, 2014 to lower the mortgage payments of those who fight for our country.  The agreement was made with five of the nation's largest mortgage lenders; Wells Fargo, Ocwen Loan Servicing, CitiMortgage, Bank of America and Quicken Loans. 

These new lower mortgage payments are going to help military families in the following ways:

• Give military families a little wiggle room when it comes to paying their bills
• Aid military families in being able to fight for our country while providing for their families back home
• Make military families aware that this type of help does exist and is available to them

Some military families are not aware that help from the government to lower their mortgage  has been in place for some time.  This new service will help every military family to know that it is available to them and will also make it much less of a hassle for them to receive. The big banks and financial institutions will now be notifying service men and women who qualify for lower rates.  These institutions will also make it very easy to enroll in the program.   

It is expected that thousands of military families will benefit from this new program.   It will be so nice for those who are serving us in such an honorable way to receive back a little from the government and for more military families to be able to own their own home.  Not only that, but many of these military families who take advantage of the governments help to lower their monthly mortgage payment will also be able to send their children to college or even be able to put some back to retire on. 

I personally give the government two thumbs up for this new assistance to military families.  It is a perfect time to show those who fight for our freedom just how much they are appreciated. 

According to a DexOne Corporation survey, as reported by CT Power Team, “42% of Americans say that their mortgage is the debt they most want to eliminate.” That is a completely understandable goal when you consider the savings. The important question is "How can I do it?” Here are some examples…

• Increase your monthly mortgage payments simply by adding a fixed amount to your required payments. The easiest way to do this is to use an increase in your income from time to time to increase the amount of your mortgage payment. Doing that does two things for you...
  1.  It decreases the amount of principal owed by a larger amount each month.
  2. The following month, after making an increased payment, you pay less interest because of the larger decrease in the principle.

The combination of the above two changes results in paying off the mortgage in less time than originally scheduled and you will pay significantly less total interest.

• Make additional payments on the principle at any time if you can’t increase your regular monthly payment. You can do this anytime you have a little left over at the end of the month, or you get a bonus at the end of the year, or you receive a gift. No matter how much, or how little, you pay extra it will decrease the time it takes to pay off the mortgage. That means you will save interest.
   
• Refinance with a shorter-term mortgage if you see the interest rates come down. Just keep in mind that refinancing means spending money on loan closing costs. Only consider this if the interest rates are lowered enough to justify paying closing costs. Otherwise, you can always choose to keep your original mortgage, but increase the monthly payment as outlined above.

Here’s just one example of how paying off early works…

Let’s assume you are paying on a 30-year mortgage for $200,000 at a 5% interest rate. If you pay off the mortgage in 30 years, you will pay $186,512 in interest. If you pay off that same mortgage with even payments over 20 years, you will pay as little as $116,779 in interest. That’s $70,000 that stays in you pocket!

Visit bankrate.com for more in-depth information. Also, use their online mortgage calculator. You will never regret paying off your mortgage sooner then planned.

With the summer season upon us, we need to tend to a few maintenance tasks before we can settle down in a hammock without a care in the world.  Keeping in mind the adage, “A stitch in time…”, we need to test the garage door opener in our Chester County home, check the air conditioning system, and service the lawn mower to ensure a breakdown-free summer.

• When was the last time you thought about your garage door or its automatic opener?  Like any mechanical system, the door and opener need some periodic, preventative maintenance. If you live in an area of frequent thunderstorms, a tight, well maintained garage door can also help prevent expensive results of a storm-ruptured door. The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association International has a good guide to help you inspect and test your complete garage door system. It's a good idea to make monthly inspection and testing a part of your regular routine.
   
• Sweltering temperatures may be just around the corner, and your best defense is a central air-conditioning system. If you have one at your Chester County home, there are a few things you can do to make sure that it's tuned up and ready to go when the summer heat arrives.  Before you start tinkering with the system, however, it's important to have a basic understanding of: the condenser, the blower unit, and the ductwork of your system.   Visit the DASMA website for a complete explanation and instructions on how to fine tune it.
   
• Many small tasks are involved with getting your lawn mower ready for reliable summer use. Check, belts, blades, all bolts and fasteners, tires, and wheels. If you have fuel older than 30 days stored in containers, not use it.  Any idea when you last changed the oil?  Drain it and replace it with oil the manufacturer recommends. Consider, too, replacing the sparkplug—if you do, add a couple drops of engine oil into the hole, and then replace the plug. Check your air and fuel filters and replace if they are dirty or clogged.  Follow the recommendations found at LawnCare.com.

Once you’ve completed these chores, feel free to visit yet another website for more suggestions—simple ones-- on how to maintain your Chester County home during the summer months.  So much for hammock time!

If you moved to your Chester County PA home in 2013 now is the time to anticipate itemizing deductions on your tax return. Take yourself to a quiet corner of your home and begin to plan for tax time in April. Here’s a partial checklist of some often overlooked deductions:

• Mortgage Points: Most homeowners know that mortgage interest is deductible, but often forget that points are, too?  Points are actually prepaid interest and may be deductible as mortgage interest if you itemize deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A.
• Moving expenses: If you moved more than 50 miles for a new job, expenses such as movers, renting a truck, storing and insuring furniture, connecting/disconnecting utilities, and the cost of lodging while moving can be claimed as deductible expenses. Refer to IRS Pub. 521.
• Job hunting costs: When looking for a position in the same line of work you held previously, you can deduct expenses associated with trying to land a new position including out-of-town lodging, transportation, employment agency fees, business cards, and resume printing costs.
• The standard deduction:  If you turned 65 last year remember you are now eligible for a larger deduction.
• Medicare insurance and long-term care premiums: Medical expenses over 10% of Adjusted Gross Income are deductible. Remember to include the cost of Medicare Parts B, C, D, and supplemental insurance.
• State sales tax: You still have a choice between deducting state income taxes paid or state sales taxes paid. Since you will choose whichever gives you the largest deduction, keep in mind the purchase of unusually large items like home building materials.
• U.S. Armed Forces members, especially those serving in combat zones, face some special tax situations and are entitled to special tax benefits.  Click here for specific details. Moving expenses listed above also apply to the military.
• Early withdrawal penalty:Did you cash in a CD last year? If you were charged an early withdrawal fee, you can deduct it directly on your 1040. Financial Planning and Management Expenses, Schedule A. Be sure the fee is itemized on the Form 1099 from your bank.
• Investment Advice: The costs of investment newsletters, paid financial advisors, or other fees spent to manage your money can be deducted.

Remember the above is a partial checklist for your convenience. For more details concerning deductions related to moving to your home refer to www.irs.gov and/or consult a tax advisor.

According to the report, home owners are investing in their homes once again and will see higher gains from some of these remodeling projects at resale. So, which remodeling projects offer the potential for some of the biggest paybacks at resale? The following mid-range remodeling projects offer the highest return in the Philadelphia area:

• Attic Bedroom - 72.4% ROI on resale
• Deck Addition (Wood) - 68.7% ROI on resale
• Deck Addition (Composite) - 62.8% ROI on resale
• Bathroom Remodel - 64.1% ROI on resale

Zillow has published their latest report, Four Housing Predictions, Plus 10 Hottest Local Markets in 2014 which includes:

• U.S. Home Values
• Mortgage Rates
• Home Loans
• Homeownership

Plus...The 10 Hottest Local Markets for 2014.

Download your report here!

Yes, it is once again the Christmas season, and each of us has a favorite yuletide memory or a tradition that we include in our celebration each year.  Yet, in our fast-paced world, time marches on and customs change.  Just as real candles on the tree gave way to bubbling lights, twinkling lights, and now LED lights and hand-strung popcorn and cranberries were replaced by tinsel garlands and ribbons, Christmas 2012 brings with it new creations and unusual ideas which may well become traditions over time. Read on for the latest in tree and home decorations, stocking stuffers, unique gifts, and, of course, recipes.

Trees:

Trends for 2012 include an emphasis on skinny trees, metallic trees, and multiple trees spread throughout your home.    HGTV.com suggests thinking outside the box and reflecting your personality and lifestyle when it comes to decorating your tree(s).  Consider, then, silk flowers in your favorite color(s), ornaments made from sheet music or old books, or depicting a theme.  Nature-inspired motifs such as natural materials, birds, the sea, or your favorite animal are possibilities. Some with-it decorators even showcase their hobbies on their tree.  Gardening, golf, cooking…?        

Even tree toppers are changing.  While angels, stars, and bows are still popular additions for the tree in your home, creative sorts are replacing those with a floral arrangement, feathers, Santa’s hat, Frosty, Yoda, a cluster of colorful balls, and even the Eiffel Tower.  Click here for help in making unusual angels to crown your conifer.

Deck the Halls – and the Walls                                                                                    

Experiment with some low-cost “funky shui” in your home this year.   With a can of spray paint, unwanted picture frames, ribbon, old seasonal greeting cards, and wrapping paper you can achieve the reputation of an inventive decorator as you create unusual wall art, festive displays of branches, colorful lampshade stripes and “Christmas package” pillows, and one-of-a-kind paint-swirled bottles and glasses. 

Unexpected Stocking Stuffers Sure to Surprise

RealSimple.com and Perpetualkid.com have outdone themselves this year in terms of “who would have thought” suggestions for unique stocking stuffers for under $20.  Have fun as you fill those Santa stockings with a robot tea infuser, a hand-held sound effects machine, a cupcake shower cap, or scented straws.  Not full yet?  You can also add paper airplane push pins, permanent bubbles, or HotWheels’ new Ballistiks.  Not “outre” enough for you?  Then embrace the trendy mustache craze and include portable kits for emergency use, bracelet charms, gummy candy, or a baby’s pacifier reflecting the latest fad!

Food, Glorious Food

Tired of relying on standard fare such as plum pudding, Santa cookies, green bean casserole, and traditional turkey? Dare you try saffron turkey, cumin roasted potatoes, pine nut parsnips, and braised red cabbage—all covered in white wine gravy? If so, click here to get started.  Another appetizing menu has all the classics you want for the ultimate Christmas dinner updated with a stylish, modern flare.  FineCooking.com. gives you recipes for champagne cosmos, horseradish bread pudding, lemon thyme spinach, and ginger cake trifle—each sure to please even the most discriminating  palates.

Let’s Not Forget The Cookies

While chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, and candy cane cookies will never go out of style, there should always be room on the table in your  home—and in your stomach—for newcomers of the delicious sort.  Does your mouth water when you imagine chocolate/orange (or chocolate/hazelnut) cookie cups, gingerbread pinwheels, peppermint blossoms, or turtle bites?  If so, then Pillsbury can certainly help satisfy your sweet tooth.

Present Day Presents

Yes, Furbies are indeed back, but they are joined by the not-so familiar WHISKEY STONES and a new WINE-OPOLY BOARD GAME, both available at Gifts.com. Want something more cutting edge? Allmodern.com provides suggestions in 15 different categories and features items such as a gear clock, a molecule building set, and Ipad/Mp3 accessories. 

Amazon.com has compiled—and updates hourly-- a list of toys and games very popular with children this Christmas.  Sought-after selections include Moshi Monsters, Lego Creationary Board Game, and any Angry Birds Star Wars Item.  And, in spite of the advent of the IPad, Kindle, and numerous other electronic devices, many children still enjoy reading books and playing board games.  Ask your public or school librarian for age-appropriate suggestions or peruse Amazon’s book lists.

Remember, too, that not all gifts need to be tangible.  The sharing of your time and talents is most appreciated by all recipients, including children.  Think about an outing to a museum or the zoo, a shopping expedition for an Angel Tree child, caroling, cooking lessons, or a project in which the entire family participates,

So there you have it—a modern-day take on many elements of Christmas. There is one more relatively new idea which is quickly gaining in popularity, however, and that is.the determination to slow down, relax a bit, and actually enjoy the season with friends and family.  May your holiday be a rewarding and peaceful one!

The news this year has been filled with reports of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and fires, each of which has resulted in untold loss of lives, homes, and possessions.  As we watch with horror the impact these disasters have on those affected, it is only natural that we ask ourselves,” Would I be able to sustain such losses?  Would my insurance policy cover the costs of rebuilding my Chester County PA real estate?

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)) recommends that you use your annual renewal notice or any improvements to your home as a reminder to touch base with your agent or insurer to recheck how much insurance you really need.  Do you have sufficient coverage for rebuilding and replacement? Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders, a consumer advocacy group, urges homeowners not to blindly trust that their home insurer has all the bases covered.

With fluctuations in the Chester County PA real estate market, coverage equal to the current replacement cost (excluding land), is advisable.  The first step in getting adequate coverage is to establish your policy’s dwelling limit. Your target number is the full-replacement cost of your home and its possessions. The dwelling limit bears no relation to your property’s market value, its appraised value, or its assessed tax value. And don’t mistake the cost of new construction for the cost to rebuild, which is more expensive because of factors such as debris removal and higher demand for materials and labor after a catastrophe,

(You can get a pretty good idea of what it would cost to rebuild your home by using an online calculator, available at sites such as HMFacts.com ($7) and AccuCoverage.com ($8).

It’s a good idea to purchase guaranteed replacement coverage, meaning the insurer will pay whatever it costs to rebuild your home with materials of like kind and quality, without deducting for wear and tear. Avoid actual cash value coverage, which pays only the depreciated value of your Chester County PA real estate.

Check also on your need for flood insurance, even if you don’t live near a body of water, since policies vary in their coverage of many types of water damage.

And lastly, it goes without saying that you need to update the inventory of your possessions at least annually since it is not only a record of the contents of your house and their value, but also a good indicator of whether you have enough coverage.