Real Estate Information Archive

It is that time of year again!  The happiest time of the year!  That is true unless you are one of the unlucky ones who ends up bringing bugs into your home via your freshly cut Christmas tree.  Christmas tree bugs are no fun and can be a pain to get rid of once you have them.  Below are a few ideas on what to do about Christmas tree bugs and how to avoid having to deal with them. 

1.  Many Christmas tree lots have mechanical tree shakers that will get rid of the bugs for you before they have the chance of entering your home.  There are some tree lots however that do not have these services.  If you get your tree from a tree farm that doesn’t have this type of mechanical tree shaker, just be sure to do the shaking yourself with the help of a few friends.  Shake the tree back and forth a few times as hard as you can and that should help to get rid of any bugs that might be attached.
2. A good way to check to see if your new Christmas tree has bugs  is to look at it with a bright flashlight.  A few of the bugs that might be on the tree are the following:  mites, praying mantis, psocids, bark beetles, scale insects, adelgids, and aphids.
3. One way that you do not need to try in order to get rid of Christmas tree bugs  is to use chemicals of any kind.  These types of things shouldn’t be in your home and also won’t work well with Christmas lights which can sometimes get hot.  You could be in for a disaster worse than the bugs if you try to kill them with chemicals. 
4. If you find that you do have Christmas tree bugs your vacuum will become your best friend.  Be sure to vacuum around the bottom of the tree and anywhere you see that the bugs may have gone in your home.  This will help to eliminate them even if it is just a few at a time. 

Don’t worry yourself sick if you get home and find that your Christmas tree has bugs living in it.  They like the tree and much of nothing else so you don’t have to worry about them getting on you or your loved ones.  

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

Moving into a new home during the holidays can be difficult and stressful. There are so many things to plan and prepare when it comes to either event, but to combine the two is extremely difficult. How are you going to celebrate the holidays while you are packing up your home?

If you stay on top of the process you can enjoy the holidays despite your move. Here are some ways you can do both!

• New Traditions - You might be used to big, homemade meals around the dining room table, but maybe you change it up a bit.  Look for businesses that are open on that day and eat out or order in.  You can have the same sort of meal or you can go completely out of the box. This allows you to pack up your kitchen beforehand so you can enjoy the day more.
• Create a Move Zone - Keep your jovial, holiday spirit separate from the pile of moving boxes and clutter by creating a moving zone. Put all of your boxes and items that are ready for the move in that room so you keep it out of the way.  
• Go on Vacation- Pack and prepare your home for the move before the holidays arrive. Get everything ready to go then get out of town. Even if it is just the next town over, it may help your family relax and will allow you to enjoy the holidays without staring at blank walls, empty rooms, and moving boxes.

Take a look at the number of families who were able move and get settled prior to putting the turkey in the oven…
 

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

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.

If you are contemplating putting your house on the market, you may want to see if you have some of the top features home buyers are looking for.

• A large laundry room is on the list of must-haves for most home buyers these days.  The bigger the better when it comes to laundry rooms. Painting this room a fun color is also a great idea.  If you have not yet updated your washer and dryer it may be a good time to do that as well. 
• Landscape lighting is a plus if you want your house to stand out above all the others on the market.  Taking a photo of your home at night with all the landscape lighting lit may be a good way to market your home in real estate magazines.  Also if you want to add ambiance to the inside of your house you can add wall lanterns in entrance ways and hallways. 
• A finished garage is an excellent feature that many home buyers are looking for.  You can add drywall and paint as well as paint the floor of your garage.  You will be amazed at what a difference doing this will make to your home.  Make sure to add a lot of storage areas so that the man of the house will be happy about buying your home. 
•  An "eat-in" kitchen  is a must have these days.  If you don’t currently have an “eat-in” kitchen, you may want to knock out a wall to make this possible.  It could be the difference of selling your home or not selling your home.  

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

Downingtown School District

The number of homes selling in the Downingtown school district in June 2015 rose by 23.81% when compared to June 2014. The average selling price decreased by 1% to $382,254. The median selling price rose by 3.47%, while the average market time decreased by 4 days.

West Chester School District

The number of homes selling in the West Chester school district in June 2015 increased by 14.38% when compared to June 2014. The average selling price decreased by 2.04% to $384,244. The median selling price increased by 4% while the average market time decreased by 16 days.

Coatesville School District

The number of homes selling in the Coatesville school district in June 2015 the same when compared to June 2014. The average selling price decreased by 5.72% to $231,849. The median selling price decreased 2.39%, while the average market time dropped by 39 days.

Great Valley School District

The number of homes selling in the Great Valley school district in June 2015 increased by 5.88% when compared to June 2014. The average selling price increased 6.53% to $536,846. The median selling price rose by 7.68%, while the average market time decreased by 9 days.

Unionville School District

The number of homes selling in the Unionville school district in June 2015 increased by 23.53% when compared to June 2014. The average selling price increased 17.51% to $626,192. The median selling decreased 3.6% while the average market time increased by 15 days.

Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

The number of homes selling in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district in June 2015 increased 27.87% when compared to June 2014. The average selling price decreased by 18% to $504,793. The median selling price remained the same, while the average market time decreased by 22 days.

Owen J Roberts School District

The number of homes selling in the Owen J Roberts school district in June 2015 increased by 35.42% when compared to June 2014. The average selling price decreased by 5.48% to $387,502. The median selling price dropped by 3.6% while the average market time decreased by 11 days.  

Phoenixville School District

The number of homes selling in the Phoenixville school district in June 2015 increased by 34% when compared to June 2014. The average selling price increased by 2.52% to $292,529. The median selling price rose by 1.2%, while the average market time dropped by 34 days.

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

If you're thinking about investing in a rental property, experts say low home prices combined with low interest rates make this the best time in years to become a real-estate investor.  Couple this with the increase in potential renters due to foreclosures and the recent shaky economy, and you may well decide to become a first-time investor in Chester County PA real estate. 

It isn’t difficult to get into the real estate investing world. In fact, it’s rather easy. But it does require being smart and dedicated—and avoiding easy-to-make mistakes. These tips for a first time real estate investor should be beneficial in helping you become more knowledgeable and competent in sidestepping common pitfalls.

• Tip 1:  Educate yourself:  Visit numerous online sites, consult with seasoned investors of Chester County PA real estate, become familiar with terms and jargon, investigate lending procedures, explore possible locations, and analyze your personal financial situation.  Carefully researched knowledge will keep unpleasant surprises at bay.
   
• Tip 2:  Formulate a plan:  Most experts advise first-timers to limit their initial investments to residential Chester County PA real estate (many recommend concentrating on foreclosures) and to know in advance how much of a “fixer-upper” they want to take on.  Predetermining preferred locations (think in terms of schools, insurance rates, job availability, taxes, amenities, etc.) is also essential, as is deciding whether you will manage the property yourself.
   
• Tip 3:  Get your ducks in a row:  Speak to potential lenders or even a financial planner about whether you have enough assets to handle the ups and downs that could come with investing. Even if you plan to rent out the property, count on paying the mortgage whenever there's a vacancy.  It’s certainly a good idea to get pre-approved for an investment property loan.  It’s also useful to line up individuals/companies who can take care of various maintenance needs before you need their services for your Chester County PA investment real estate.
   
• Tip 4:  Be patient, but persevere:  As the market recovers, finding the “perfect” property is becoming more difficult, but it is not impossible.  Once you figure out where to look, you’ll be able to find them more easily, and you’ll start making money!  Be forewarned: there will be numerous high and low points in your stint as an investor, but if you are confident about your plan and are determined to work towards it, odds are you’ll succeed!

When the Obama administration announced the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in 2009, officials estimated 3 to 4 million borrowers would seek relief from their mortgages through the program during the worst recession and housing market collapse in decades.  More than two years later, however, those projections have proven to be optimistic, to say the least.  Mired in extensive paperwork, lost documentation, costly time delays, and extreme frustration on the part of the Chester County PA home owners attempting to participate, the program has been examined, monitored, revised over and over to make the process a smoother and more successful one.  A daunting task, however; the most recent report by the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program SIGTARP) devoted over 15 pages to a description of procedures, requirement, and changes involved with the program!

Originally designed to help financially struggling owners of Chester County PA homes avoid foreclosure by modifying their loans to a level that is both affordable and sustainable, HAMP’s success is uncertain—or at least arguable.  Critics charge that only 700,000 owners have actually benefitted from the program and claim that while the Treasury initially committed $75 billion of Troubled Asset Relief Program funds to the HAMP initiative, it now appears it will spend only $4 billion on HAMP incentives.

The members of the Congressional Oversight Panel even stated that government’s loan modification program was “ineffective,” and they claimed that the Treasury’s reluctance to address flaws of the program has had “real consequences.”  Their report also states that the Treasury has failed to hold loan servicers accountable when they have repeatedly lost borrower paperwork or refused to perform loan modifications. And TARP has stated “The program has been beset by problems from the outset and, despite frequent retooling, continues to fall dramatically short of any meaningful standard of success."

There are, of course, success stories, and supporters point out that the 700,000 approved loan modifications mean that many fewer foreclosures.  They urge financially-strapped home owners to fully investigate the program, get help to complete the sometimes grueling process, and use websites specifically designed for the potential applicant.  They also maintain that eligible homeowners entering HAMP have a high likelihood of earning a permanent modification and realizing long-term success. The rate of modifications moving from trial to permanent is up to 74 percent, and the average time to convert from a trial to permanent modification is down to 3.5 months.

Here are some sensible travel tips for you…

While many people choose to stay in—or close to—their Chester County PA home during this busy season, a large number of folks travel via plane, train, or car to celebrate with family and friends.  To maximize holiday travel happiness and minimize coal-in-the-stocking disappointment, follow these basic but helpful tips compiled by ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) as they reveal secrets that will help you and your family arrive at Grandma's house full of holiday cheer.

Before leaving:

• Packing light saves time and energy when it comes to filling the trunk with fragile bags packed with gifts or racing to fill the last empty space in the overhead bin.
• 
  Be sure to secure your Chester County PA home. Lock all doors and windows, and don't forget to set the alarm.
  Also, give your home that lived-in look to repel potential burglars by having a friend collect your mail, setting lights on timers, and omitting details of your trip on the answering machine.

Air travel:

• If possible, have a friend drive you to the airport, or take a shuttle or public transportation.
• Take the worry of getting to the airport completely out of the equation by staying at an airport hotel the night before an early flight.
• As flights are sometimes overbooked during the holidays, it's critical to check in early. Domestic travelers should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure, while international travelers should arrive at least three hours in advance.
• Remember that delays can occur. Bring water and snacks, an inflatable pillow, a good book, your favorite CDs, MP3 player, and a deck of cards to help pass the idle time.

Car travel:

• Before you leave your Chester County PA home, have a qualified mechanic check all the car's vitals: brakes, battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, light bulbs and any parts that need regular maintenance.
• Bring emergency equipment, such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, drinking water and snacks, along with flares and jumper cables.
• Don't leave valuables in your car. Pack all items, especially brightly wrapped packages, in the trunk. If you’re afraid of squashed bows, wait until you arrive to wrap the gifts.
• If you're travelling with children, get everyone involved by singing or reminiscing about favorite past holidays. The ride will be over before you know it, and you may actually look forward to the drive back home.

Whatever your mode of travel, make sure you take along a large supply of holiday cheer!