Real Estate Information Archive

Wondering if the holidays are a good time to put your home up for sale? Here are 7 reasons to list your home during the holidays...

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

The economy has been bad for quite some time now and although it has improved some over the last few years, it doesn’t seem to be getting a whole lot better.  A good way to save money is to downsize your home.  This is especially a good idea if you have already raised your family and you and your husband are left paying a mortgage on a home that is too large for you.  Let’s take a look at how downsizing your home will help you to save a bit of money, to live more comfortably as well as some easy ways that you can downsize.

• One easy way to downsize is to look for a home that has a small garage or even no garage at all.  If you and your spouse are living in the home alone and your children are grown it is likely that you don’t have a bunch of stuff to store in a garage.  Buying a home without a garage is a great way to get more house for your money and to downsize your payment. 
• Finding a home without a lot of land is another way to downsize and to save big.  You can find a lot of cute houses on the market these days that don’t have a ton of land with them.  It is also good to find a home without a lot of land if you are older and don’t have the stamina you once had to do all the yard work that is involved with a house with a lot of land attached. 
• Buying a home that is one story is also a good way to downsize and to save when it comes to buying a new home.  Buying a home without stairs is good for when you get older as well because you won’t want to or may not be able to climb them once you get up in years. 
• Realize that you don’t have to give up on the home of your dreams when you downsize.  There are plenty of adorable houses on the market that won’t break your bank account that are 1500 square feet or less.  Don’t let society dictate to you that you need a large house in order to fit in.  There are plenty of upsides to downsizing to a smaller home!

Once you set your mind in the right direction and you realize that you don’t need to have a huge house and that it’s no longer important to “keep up with the Jones’’ you will be well on your way to saving a lot of money.

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling!

It’s hard to believe but fall is finally here and Halloween is right around the corner.  Decorating your home for this time of year can be as fun as decorating for the holidays that follow them if you know how to do it right.  Let’s take a look at a few tips for decorating your home for fall and Halloween.  If you have just recently bought a new home you may want to make your house stand out in the neighborhood during the holidays and you have come to the right place to make that happen. 

• Fall decorating can be as simple as putting a few hay bales outside your front door.  If you want to take it a step further you can add a couple of pumpkins and perhaps a scarecrow as well.  Keep in mind however that less is sometimes more when it comes to decorating your home for the holidays. 
• If you are really crafty you can make a sign out of  old wooden pallets. There are a lot of “how to” videos online if you have no idea where to start making your wooden pallet art.  A good sign to make for fall is a wooden pallet sign that says something like “happy fall ya’ll”.  This is a cute sign if you are from the south. 
• A great idea for decorating the outside of your home for Halloween is to hang up t-shirt material in the shape of ghosts at your front porch.  A cool way to make the “ghosts” show up at night is to replace your regular porch lights with black lights.  As the sun sets the ghosts will begin to glow. 
• A great idea for decorating the inside of your home for fall  is to put out some fall flowers with a few ghouls and goblins intermixed in the arrangement. 
• A fall wreath for your new home’s front door is also a great way to show your decorating style to your new neighbors.  These can easily be made with a little bit of burlap and some ribbon.  Again, sometimes more is less when it comes to decorating so keep that in mind. 

These ideas for decorating your house for fall and/or Halloween are just a few ways to get things started in the décor department.  Use all of them or only a few.  Either way it is very likely that your new neighbors will take notice of your craftiness.

Information courtesy of Chester County PA Real Estate Expert Scott Darling!

Chester Springs Home For Sale:

193 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs PA 19425
MLS# 6661553

The MOST Spectacular Home!

This is by far, the most spectacular home in all of Weatherstone! Once the model home, 193 Windgate Drive will make you feel comfortable in your own home AND has all the bells and whistles. I’m not even sure that the new construction can compete with this even if they loaded on every option. Some of the most impressive upgrades include the gourmet kitchen with upgraded 42” cabinets, custom crown molding, under cabinet lighting, lots of recessed lighting, hardwood floors, designer architectural columns and a gigantic island with an overhang so you can just chill out with the chef. Adjacent to the kitchen is the formal living room with the gas fireplace, and ceiling mounted speakers for true entertaining. The expansive breakfast room is great for your morning breakfast or your casual meal. The formal dining room with its arched entrance area and designer chandelier has an ambience for both the family dinner and the elegant chef’s masterpiece. Hardwood floors cover the dining room and foyer and lead right into the family room, which is also wired for sound. The walk-thru bar that includes a bar sink and cork floors is located between the living room and family room and works great for small groups or a cozy gathering. It is highlighted by beautiful glass front cabinets and designer lighting. Upstairs you will fall in love with the master suite with hardwood floors and large walk-in closet featuring a very efficient and well laid out California closet system. The gorgeous master bathroom features a Jacuzzi with custom marble and tile surround, separate marble shower stall, recessed lighting and upgraded cabinets and vanity. There are two more good sized bedrooms and a hall bathroom that connects into one of the bedrooms which makes your overnight company feel much more at home. Heading down to the basement will never be the same again. You will be blown away by this totally finished level. The impressive bar seats at least six of your friends and behind the bar are the sink, dishwasher, icemaker, disposal, wine refrigerator and custom tile accents. The back wall of the bar is mirrored and has glass shelves and designer sconces above the custom cabinets and drawers. There are two adjacent seating areas and plenty of room for a pool table or ping pong table. Loaded with recessed lighting you can create any mood you’d like in this area. Moving to the other side of the finished area is a great spot for an office or just another sitting area. Wrapping up this area is the powder room with upgraded vanity and mirror. Lastly, the utility room houses the 2 zoned gas heating system, whole house humidifier and storage. This premium lot backs up to a beautiful green space and is just steps from the Hankin Public Library. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the cozy back deck or on the covered front porch that overlooks Weatherstone Park. As with any former model home, you know you are getting all the best possible upgrades. Schedule your visit today.

Marketed by Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Take a look at August's real estate sales broken down by school district.

Downingtown School District

The number of homes selling in the Downingtown school district in August 2015 rose by 6.42% when compared to August 2014. The average selling price decreased by 4% to $385,570. The median selling price dropped by  7.96%, while the average market time increased by 9 days.

West Chester School District

The number of homes selling in the West Chester school district in August 2015 decreased by 3.82% when compared to August 2014. The average selling price decreased by less than 1% . The median selling price increased by 3.7 %, while the average market time decreased by 11 days.

Coatesville School District

The number of homes selling in the Coatesville school district in August 2015 increased by 22.06% when compared to August 2014. The average selling price decreased by .35% to $227,766. The median selling price decreased 5.95%, while the average market time rose by 4 days.

Great Valley School District

The number of homes selling in the Great Valley school district increased by 35%. The Average Selling Price increased by 6.02% to $519,733. The median selling price rose by 15%, while the average market time increased by 22 days.

Unionville School District

The number of homes selling in the Unionville school district in August 2015 decreased by 29.17% when compared to August 2014. The average selling price decreased by 21.06% to $495,541. The median selling decreased 18.69% while the average market time increased by 29 days.

Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

The number of homes selling in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district in August 2015 decreased by 19.72% when compared to August 2014. The average selling price increased by 7.23% to $531,563. The median selling price increased by 31.49%, while the average market time increased by 10 days.

Owen J Roberts School District

The number of homes selling in the Owen J Roberts school district in August 2015 increased by 23.81% when compared to August 2014. The average selling price decreased by 12.63% to $340,771. The median selling price rose by 4.64% while the average market time remained the same. 

Phoenixville School District

The number of homes selling in the Phoenixville school district in August 2015 increased by 42.11% when compared to August 2014. The average selling price increased by 10.51% to $309,915. The median selling price rose by 10.9%, while the average market time dropped by 15 days.

Think you’re ready to buy?

Watch this short video to get advice on how to know when you’re ready to buy and find out what you need to get a competitively-priced loan.

Curious about the value of your home? Get your home's value here!

There are two typical questions raised all the time about real estate…

Sellers: “Shouldn’t I first start with trying to save some money by selling on my own as a “For Sale By Owner?”

Buyers: “Shouldn’t I just look around on my own and work with the listing agents when I find something I like?”

Both of those scenarios have hidden problems. The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. Real estate professionals “know the ropes” so you don’t need to. Here are some thoughts for you to consider!

• Sellers need true expert guidance navigating the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer ready, willing and able to pay fair market value at a time when lending standards are so stringent is not an easy task.
   
• Buyers are finding reasonable financing is not easy to come by. It can be very tricky when interest rates are volatile like they have been over the last several months. And underwriting standards are tight, meaning that you need special guidance getting pre-approved and assuring that your credit is clear.
   
• Both buyers and sellers need to be hiring a talented negotiator who could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.
   
• Sellers should also realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? 
   
• Buyers should consider working with a buyer’s agent from the start. That should be someone who really tunes into your needs and wants. That’s so they can really pinpoint the search for the right property for you. They can save you hours of spinning your wheels and they are ultimately compensated by the seller at the closing table.

Both buyers and sellers should take to heart that old saying “You get what you pay for.” Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, real estate professionals will save you money when all is said and done.

Information provided by Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

A new paint color in your home  can do wonders for your mood and it can also do wonders for helping to sell your home.  Paint colors can change your mood from happy to sad to relaxed or even make you angry.  Why not do your part to make selling your home as easy as you possibly can by choosing the right paint colors.  Below are some color ideas to get you started in the right direction.

• Blue is a nice color for a home if you are looking for a peaceful feeling.  Many people choose to paint the walls in their bedroom blue so that they will be more able to get a good night’s sleep.  Some people like to paint a spa blue in their bathrooms to make it have a spa like feel.  You can’t go wrong with blue paint when it comes to getting your home ready to sell. 
   
• Another color that gives a good tranquil feeling to everyone who enters your home is green.  Green is associated with nature and nature is typically peaceful.  You can use green in almost any room of your house where you want to feel calm and peaceful.  Some folks use light green paint in their bathrooms while others use darker earth tone greens in their family rooms. 
   
• Yellow is a good color to paint in your home if you are interested in selling it because it makes folks feel happy and joyful.  What better feeling would you want your prospective buyers to feel than joy and happiness as they enter your home.  Typically yellows are used in hallways or large foyer areas.  It is best however to stick with soft yellow colors and not get too carried away by attempting such as a mustard yellow color.  Yellow paint done in the right way will appeal to most people. 
   
• Be careful with painting grey in your home if you are trying to sell it because sometimes although you may be going for a warm inviting feel you may end up with a cold harsh feel and that is not something you want your buyers to pick up on.  Grey done right can be very relaxing and inviting.  Perhaps talking with a paint expert at your local hardware store might be a good idea before using grey.
   
• Brown is a typical staple color in a lot of homes.  If you choose to paint beige which is a light form of brown in your home, you will likely find that it can be very warm and inviting to guests or potential buyers. 

I would suggest not using orange or red in your home as a new paint color if you are going to be putting your house on the market anytime soon.  These colors tend to make people feel anxious and or angry.  Painting your home in a few new colors is a perfect way to get it ready for a great showing!  Happy selling!

Information courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

From wall stains to washing machines, indoor stains and smells can be a challenge to tackle. Luckily, there are surprisingly simple methods to erase them for good. Here are a few tips to freshen up the most stubborn spots in your home.

Conceal wall stains with primer

Have your kids made artwork of your walls, or has your leaky roof caused a water-damaged mess? Tough wall stains like these can be hard to get rid of, but are easily sealed by applying a high-quality, stain-blocking primer. For example, KILZ Hide-All Primer Sealer covers problem areas on surfaces from drywall and woodwork to concrete and brick. It even masks over dark stains without allowing color to bleed through. With only a one-hour drying time before applying a topcoat, this is the perfect one-weekend project to cross off your list. KILZ primer can also seal off odors caused by pets or smoke.

Eliminate refrigerator odors

Refrigerators are subject to a variety of spills and odors. Making time for fridge maintenance can help prevent unusual odors and keep your food fresh longer. To cleanse and polish your fridge, begin by emptying the contents of your fridge and throwing out, recycling or composting any food that is expired or beginning to smell.

Next, pull out any removable drawers or shelving and place them in the sink. Using a damp, soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, wipe down these pieces, the interior of your fridge and the door with a multi-purpose cleaner. Or, mix two tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of hot water for a natural soap alternative. Don't forget the seams of the shelves and rubber door seal.

If your fridge requires an extra-deep cleaning, unplug it while you work to avoid wasting energy. Before putting all of your food back into the fridge, wipe down the exterior of each jar or container with a damp cloth. Repeat this process every two or three months for the best results.

Make grout lines shine

Tile surfaces are prone to dirt and debris, especially in bathrooms or high-traffic areas. To keep tile looking fresh and new, grab an old toothbrush or electric toothbrush for a deeper scrub. Before you start, wash the surface with water then mix two parts baking soda with one part water. Scrub the resulting paste into the cracks and crevices, then douse with water again. If the grout lines are stained, spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and warm water onto the area and brush. After a final rinse, the grime will be gone.

Prevent a moldy washing machine

If you own a front-loading washing machine, you've probably noticed the unpleasant smell that can linger after completing a load of laundry. Despite being more energy-efficient, these machines have a tendency to hold odors and harbor mold. To clean and prevent grimy buildup, try this: instead of detergent, cycle two cups of vinegar and a quarter-cup of baking soda on a hot setting. When it's done, use a clean sponge to scrub down the inside. Finally, rinse with a plain-water cycle, and you'll see (and smell) the results.

Whether in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room, tricky stains and odors in your home can be a tough job, but with these four tips you'll be able to eliminate a few messy tasks in no time. (BPT)

Information courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

If you own a home, vacation property, boat, art or other valuables, you likely understand the importance of insurance. What you might not know is there's a good chance you're overpaying for that insurance, and furthermore, it's likely not providing the coverage you really need.

Most financially successful people who insure their assets with carriers geared primarily for the average U.S. household overpay for coverage, according to an ACE survey of independent insurance agents. Furthermore, the survey found that coverage is often inadequate, leaving their wealth unnecessarily exposed to the risk of severe financial loss.

"It's a shock to many families with substantial assets that they are overpaying for inadequate protection," says Jim Williamson, president of ACE Private Risk Services. "The reason this occurs is people frequently fail to update their coverage as they build wealth."

Unfortunately, unless people experience a severe loss, they never realize their agent and carrier no longer have the expertise, insurance coverage and services to fully meet their needs. By then, it's too late. In order to get the right coverage for your assets while paying appropriate premiums, it's best to take a proactive approach.

The first step is to conduct a personal risk review. Risks tend to grow alongside wealth and situational complexities make each person's needs unique. A sound insurance program should be developed with an independent insurance agent or broker who has experience working with high net-worth families. Learn more at www.aceprs.com.

Three important risk assessment areas to discuss include:

1. Physical and financial assets

Make a list of all properties, cars and recreational vehicles that need coverage. High-value jewelry or art collections should be assessed as well. Additionally, reviewing financial assets is important so the agent can determine net worth and recommend the correct liability coverage.

2. Occupation, activities and family status

Communicate your career and where you work to your insurance agent. Do you work from home? Do you serve on any boards of charities? Do you employ a nanny or other household staff? Additionally, discuss the needs of your family, including safety concerns or age-related issues.

3. Tolerance for risk

Think about your personal viewpoint on insurance. Do you have it mainly to serve as protection against catastrophic loss or would you prefer it to cover small losses as well?

In many cases, families discover they need more liability coverage and better protection for their home and valuable collections, while cost-savings found elsewhere in the program keep total premium about the same. In fact, 51 percent of the agents from the ACE survey said that the cost of a newly structured program with a high net-worth carrier was usually 5 percent less than the cost of the previous mass-market carrier.

Williamson notes these top ways to save:

1. Increase deductible

Agents report 81 percent of families likely have homeowners and auto insurance deductibles that are too low. You will pay substantially more for smaller deductibles, yet oftentimes wealthier families are able to cover higher deductibles in the event of an incident. For example, the ACE Platinum Portfolio policy that insures a $1 million home with a $2,500 deductible versus a $500 deductible saves about $900 a year.

2. Package discounts

The survey found 62 percent of families likely do not take full advantage of discounts earned by placing multiple policies with one carrier. Lesson: Resist the temptation to have your auto, home and liability insurance with separate carriers. Spreading policies across carriers can cause insurance gaps and eliminates opportunities to save by packaging policies together. Packaging discounts can be as high as 10 percent.

3. Loss prevention credits

Half of the agents surveyed believe that families overlook credits available for safety systems. Safety systems such as burglar alarms, water leak detection and power backup systems can reduce the cost of insurance coverage by 30 percent or more. Rehabilitating plumbing, electrical and heating systems in older homes can result in additional premium credits.

"The best way to get the right coverage is to work with an experienced agent who can provide expert counsel based on your unique situation," says Williamson. "They will be able to recommend the right options and investigate discounts so you can get more for your insurance dollar." (BPT)

Information courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Is your credit score a big deal? If you want to buy a home, it’s a huge deal!

Your credit score will determine if you can get a loan. It will also determine how much you can borrow and what your interest rate will be! To buy a home with a mortgage loan you must have a strong credit score.

There are three primary sources for credit scores in the US: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. They all use the FICO system. These are the most used sources by creditors.

FICO developed the computer software the major credit scoring companies use. FICO scores range from 300 to 850. However, many creditors consider 500 to be the bottom of the acceptable range.

Your score is a measure of your credit-worthiness and determines the interest rate that you will pay for a loan. It’s not unusual for a creditor to obtain all three of the major scores and average them. A very good score is 700, and an excellent score in 750.

The primary factors that determine your score are:

• payment history (35%)
• debt/amounts owed (30%)
• age of credit history (15%)
• new credit/inquiries (10%)
• mix of accounts/types of credit (10%)

65% of the total score is determined by only two factors: payment history and amount of debt owed. You must have a good history of paying your bills on time. And you must be very careful about how much debt you have relative to your income!

That last point is extremely important when borrowing for a home mortgage. As of 2014 the federal regulations governing mortgage lending have changed. Borrowers can no longer carry total debt of more than 43% of gross annual income, including the mortgage debt! Lenders are going to be very strict about adhering to that ratio. There are serious consequences for the lender not doing so.      

Many actions you take affect your score. Most people don’t think about:

• unpaid medical bills and parking tickets can lower your credit score
• heavy credit use can lower your score, even if you pay large balances off in full in a short time
• credit scores drop if you sign up and use store cards for initial discounts

For more advice about managing your credit, click here.

Looking forward to buying a home? Educate yourself, manage your credit score, and know your credit score before your lender does.

Information provided by Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.