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Common Real Estate Myths

Wednesday, April 13, 2022
by Scott Darling

If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, you may have already come across some of these common real estate myths.  Real estate myths are abundant and are quite prevalent in the real estate world.  Below you will find a few real estate myths to be wary of whether you are buying or selling a home. 

  1. Some folks believe that if you don’t use a real estate agent you are likely to get a better deal.  This is totally false because no matter which one of you have the agent…one of them is going to get the commission be it the buyer’s agent or the sellers agent.  The only way to get around dealing with paying a commission to a realtor is if you sell or a buy a home that is for sale by owner.  If you do decide to purchase or sell by owner, be very careful because there are a lot of things that can and perhaps will go wrong when you try to go it alone.  Real estate agents deserve all the commission they get because they do a lot of work that you don’t have to worry about doing yourself. 
     
  2. Another common real estate myth is that you should set your asking price higher than what you expect to make.  If you price your home too much above the market value you are likely going to be doing yourself an injustice.  Folks are going to pass your home by because they know that it is not in their price range.  Setting your home at a reasonable price is a good way to get buyers to show some interest and not be scared off by sticker shock. 
     
  3. Yet another common real estate myth is that all of the houses listed in the multiple listing systems are all available to look at online.  Most of the houses on MLS are listed online but if you don’t tell your realtor that you want your home listed online he or she may not do so. 
     
  4. Another real estate myth  is that having an open house will basically guarantee that you home will sell.  While open houses are good to get folks out looking at your house, they don’t always bring the buyer to your door.  Typically those that look at your house during an open house are just browsing and likely won’t give you an offer. 

Do your part not to let these real estate myths fool you by knowing them ahead of time before you buy or sell a home.  

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

Photo credit: Realty Leadership

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Mortgage Shopping: Avoid These Mistakes

Thursday, April 7, 2022
by Scott Darling


Searching for the right mortgage for your new home is likely the most important step when buying a new home. Having that preapproval lets you know how much house you can afford as well as getting your wallet ready for budgeting. There are some things you can do that can make lenders second guess your application, and you want to avoid doing anything that can sabotage the purchase of a new house: 

 

  • - Not knowing what is on your credit report can set you up for a surprise when a potential lender pulls it for inspection. Obtain a free report through your bank or credit union so you can correct or dispute errors before you fill out a loan application. 
     

  • - Sending late payments on credit cards and other monthly bills during the approval process will show on your credit report. 
     

  • - Opening a new line of credit for large purchases will raise your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Except in emergencies, avoid buying anything on credit until after closing on your new home. 
     

  • - In the same manner, closing credit accounts can negatively affect your credit score. If you have paid off credit card balances, leave them active, as this shows lenders that you have credit options available. 
     

  • - Trying to help a family member get a loan by co-signing with them will raise your DTI and can discourage lenders. 
     

  • - Unless it is completely unavoidable, changing jobs can hurt your loan chances. Lenders like to see a steady income from employment with the same company or same field. 
     

  • - If you are using gifted funds to assist with the down payment, do not deposit the money into your bank account without documentation from the giver. Learn more about the procedures for down payment gifts from the balance. 
     

  • - Do not let poor credit and lack of a 20% down payment keep you from buying a house. FHA, USDA, and the VA all have programs to help make the dream of homeownership a reality. Check each website for eligibility requirements. 

 

Lastly, buying a home without a REALTORⓇ can be a costly mistake. No, there is no money coming directly from your pocket to pay the buyer agent–their pay comes from the home sale. Find a reputable agent who knows how to find the right house for your budget as well as your wants and needs, plus knows all about negotiating a home sale price. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: Clover Mortgage

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7 Budget-Friendly Bathroom Redo Tips

Monday, March 21, 2022
by Scott Darling


 

According to HomeAdvisor.com, the average bathroom remodel costs about $10,000! When yours is crying out for help but the money for a complete overhaul is not in the budget, there are plenty of options that are easy on the wallet. Find some inexpensive inspiration in the following tips: 

 

  • - Something as simple as updating your light fixture can be a huge improvement. Whether you buy brand new at your local home store or a good-as-new used piece, this is an easy DIY. Call a reputable electrician if you choose to add lighting or move the current connection. 
     

  • - Add style to a plain mounted mirror with a frame! Framing kits come with everything you need for this quick update and are available at home centers and online for less than $100. 
     

  • - Old linoleum that is in good condition can be covered with adhesive-backed vinyl tile or painted with porch paint. Create a custom look by using a stencil. Supplies may cost a bit more than other paint jobs, but it beats the expense of replacing the flooring. 
     

  • - Are the walls covered in thirty-year-old wallpaper? The easiest fix for that is to paint over it! Benjamin MooreⓇ suggests you start by sealing any peeling spots with adhesive and applying clear caulking where wallpaper meets the ceiling or the floor. Save time by using paint with built-in primer, and paint as you would any other wall surface. 
     

  • - A new faucet is a quick way to update the sink. Confident do-it-yourselfers can switch the old with the new with help from this step-by-step video how-to for faucet installation from Home Depot. 

  • The most inexpensive update for the cabinet would be paint and new hardware. Even laminate countertops can be painted or tiled for a fresh look. 
     

  • - If your budget is tight, just the purchase of a new shower curtain, window treatment, inexpensive framed prints, and one nice coordinating towel set can make a huge improvement to a dated bathroom. 

 

Having several remodeling jobs on the to-do list usually means beginning with the most affordable projects. Making budget-friendly bathroom updates will help ease the urgency of needing a full renovation. Save yourself stress and money by holding out just a little longer, and when it’s time, you’ll have the perfect bathroom! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: Simple Made Pretty 

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for February 2022

Wednesday, March 16, 2022
by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for February 2022

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales decrease by -3.4% in February 2022 when compared to February 2021. 355 homes sold in February with a median sales price of $445,682. The average days on the market fell by 7 days. If you are thinking about selling your home get a free instant home evaluation Learn More. 

 

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Spring Cleaning Tips!

Wednesday, March 9, 2022
by Scott Darling

It is almost that time of year again--time to throw the windows open and start washing, scrubbing, sweeping almost every room in our homes. Deep cleaning some items is necessary not only for the sake of cleanliness, but to keep our homes looking great. Add these to your list: 

 

  • - Your kitchen cabinets/pantry should be emptied and wiped down, and while you are at it, check your spices! McCormickⓇ reports that whole spices last 3-4 years, 2-3 years for ground spices, and herbs have a shorter life of 1-3 years.  Check their expiration dates and toss or keep. 
     

  • - If you do not regularly clean your oven because of the fumes, mix enough baking soda and water to create a paste. Cover the interior with the paste and allow to sit overnight. Use a plastic scraper to remove the paste and grime, and wipe with a damp cloth. 
     

  • - Carefully move the kitchen appliances and sweep or vacuum the dust bunnies and dirt, then mop with a hot water/vinegar combination to wipe away build-up dirt and grime. 
     

  • - Bathroom exhaust fans can collect dust like ceiling fans, so give them a good cleaning to keep the humid air from causing mold or mildew to grow.  Today’s Homeowner has step-by-step instructions for getting your fan clean and running efficiently. 
     

  • - While the bathroom is getting its spring clean, place hairbrushes and combs in the sink and get them clean. Makeup brushes should be soaked, given a lather, then rinsed in cool water and allow to air-dry. 
     

  • - Vacuum both sides of mattresses and prop them in the sunlight for a few hours if possible.  The sun’s rays freshen them, and sunlight can help kill some germs. When you replace them on the beds, make sure the mattress is flipped and rotated from its original position. 
     

  • - Walls collect dust and dirt as well! Remove dust and cobwebs with an extended duster, then use a flathead mop to wipe away dirt. Different wall treatments require different cleaning methods to protect them and bring them back to almost new. 
     

  • - Curtains and blinds collect a lot of dust but are usually washable, so check the manufacturer’s information before you toss them in the washer or clean them.   
     

  • - Once your deep clean is complete, take care to wash or clean brooms, mop heads, and dusters, as this simple move will help your home stay fresher as you do your regular cleaning. 
     

Never consider spring cleaning a monumental task! Spread it out over a few days or weekends, making lists to stay organized and the job will not overwhelm you.  Getting the entire family involved will help things go faster, too!  Once everything is gleaming, you can enjoy the coming months more, knowing your home is clean, and the job is done for another year. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: Everyday Cheapskate

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7 Easy and Affordable Home Improvements

Friday, March 4, 2022
by Scott Darling

It is not necessary to completely overhaul every bathroom in your home, remodel the kitchen. or put down new flooring to give your tired home a boost. Small, affordable improvements can get big results. 

 

  • - Decluttering every space in your home is probably the first place to start.  Getting organized is one of the best and simplest ways to improve your home’s look. Selling items on social media marketplaces or having a yard sale will also put money in your pockets for an added benefit! 
     

  • - A quick and easy fix-up for your interior is paint! Not only is it inexpensive, but it is also an easy DIY when you tackle one room per weekend. 
     

  • - After painting, why not add some crown molding? Purchase plaster-coated foam molding that can be cut with a handsaw and put into place with joint compound. 
     

  • - Spruce up your mudroom, kitchen, or bathroom floors with self-stick tiles. This type of vinyl flooring comes in many styles and colors, and you can create a pattern for some added style. 
     

  • - Simple kitchen updates can make a big difference: a countertop makeover, new hardware for cabinets and drawer pulls, peel-and-stick backsplash installation, or new paint on the cabinetry. 
     

  • - While costing a bit more, if your bathroom needs a boost, ready-made sink cabinetry,  prefab tub/shower kits, or tub refinishing kits can be purchased at a local home store or online for thousands less than hiring a pro.  
     

  • - If a total exterior paint job is not in the budget, give the house a thorough pressure-washing and paint the shutters and front door. Brightening the landscaping with fresh mulch and seasonal annuals in containers are other dollar-saving ways to give the outside an update. 

 

Homeownership can be expensive, but your desire to make updates do not have to be.  If you are thinking of putting your house on the market soon, even the smallest improvements can make your home “show” better and sell faster.  Add some sweat equity, follow directions exactly, and many jobs can be done on your own.  Either way, you will benefit from the fresh, new look! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: This Old House 

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Take Care While Cleaning

Thursday, February 24, 2022
by Scott Darling


We have spent a lot of time and effort keeping things clean lately, but are we thinking about how we can clean without damaging countertops, flooring, or other surfaces?  Proper cleaning keeps them looking good as new! 

 

Stainless Surfaces 

  • - Regular wiping with plain warm water is your first defense in cleaning any stainless surface, followed by a microfiber cloth or paper towel drying. Get rid of fingerprints with  a glass cleaner containing ammonia. 
     

  • - For scratches, use a clean cloth with a few drops of mineral or olive oil.  Wipe in the direction of the grain, and minor scratches will disappear. 

 

Countertops 

  • - Countertops need daily cleaning, but they need disinfecting as well. Some chemicals in sanitizing products could be harmful, so to give surfaces some TLC while killing germs, use white distilled vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or just good old hot, soapy water. 
     

  • - Mild soap mixed in warm water is great for general cleaning, as well as keeping germs at bay for granite countertops. Applying bleach, ammonia or even acidic vinegar can be harmful, so spray with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water if you need to disinfect. Having it resealed annually helps protect it, as well as maintain the germ barrier. 
     

  • - Quartz is a tough surface, but treat it gently; since it’s a manufactured product, using anything to scour away an errant stain will scratch the surface. Warm, soapy water is best to keep it sparkling.   

 

Flooring 

  • - Hardwood floors are fairly simple to care for: sweep often, and vacuum using the bare floor setting once a week. Chemical products for mopping are a no-no: a mop dampened with warm water and a mild soap is best, then rinsing any residue with a clean water mop. 
     

  • - Caring for tile is similar to hardwood using a damp microfiber mop and mild soap mixed with water.  As the floor is drying, buff with a dry microfiber cloth for a beautiful shine.  Unsealed grout can be cleaned safely with a paste of baking soda and water applied with a soft brush. 
          

  • - Mix a half cup of vinegar in a gallon of warm water when mopping vinyl floors. (The odor will vanish after it dries, or you can add some lemon essential oil to combat the initial smell.) Remove scuff marks by rubbing the streaks with a tennis ball, melamine sponge (sold as “magic” eraser/sponges), or clean pencil eraser. 
     

 

Advertisers bombard us with messages saying that we need their products to keep our homes clean and sanitized, and while those things are important, not all of those products are safe.  Natural cleaners and mild detergents mixed in hot water clean just as well while protecting the material of each surface.  

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: istock

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for January 2022

Wednesday, February 16, 2022
by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for January 2022

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales decrease by -22.0% in January 2022 when compared to January 2021. 451 homes sold in January with a median sales price of $439,981. The average days on the market fell by 10 days. If you are thinking about selling your home get a free instant home evaluation Learn More. 

 

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Protecting Seniors from Scams

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
by Scott Darling


Scammers are getting more and more creative with their swindling schemes, and older adults are no exception.  Some scams target the general population, but many aim specifically at senior citizens, and we should make our older friends, neighbors, and family members aware. This article features five common schemes: 

 

  • Fake Social Security Claims:  This scam can begin with an official-looking letter in the mail or a phone call. The caller informs the recipient that there is a problem with their Social Security benefits or suspicious use of their SSN and could stop receiving their monthly deposits if the requested information is not provided immediately. Remind your older adult that the Social Security Administration will never call asking for more information unless they have applied for benefits. They should simply hang up and call their local SSA office or file a report through the SSA Inspector General Office website. 
     

  • “Family Member” in Trouble:  Someone posing as a family member, most commonly a grandchild, will contact the elderly person and claim to be in serious trouble. The caller says that they need money immediately and will als0 stress not to contact their parents to avoid getting in trouble with them. In spite of their urgency, the senior adult should hang up or disengage and contact another member of the family, or call the person claiming to be in trouble to make sure everything is okay. 
     

  • Homeowner Scams:  Older homeowners are targeted because they normally live in a home without a mortgage and a higher value than the purchase price.  Property tax scammers will offer to send someone to re-assess the value of the property to lower the taxes, but for a fee. No matter how official the correspondence may seem, the homeowner should always contact their local tax office to make sure they are not being had. 
     

  • Deceased Spouse’s Fake Debt:  Fraudsters have no shame, and will go through obituaries, then contact surviving family members to claim that the deceased has an outstanding debt.  The best defense against this is to not give out any financial information, and most certainly do not pay anything. The estate handles any outstanding accounts, not surviving spouses. 
     

  • Medicare Scams: Phone calls come daily–to those who are not even over 65–claiming to be a Medicare representative.  The most common claims the caller will make are asking to verify information, saying the account has a refund flagged, or offering free medical supplies.  Simply hang up without engaging in conversation.   

 

Though it may be difficult, stress to the older adult that their financial protection is as important as their physical well-being.  Giving a scammer any personal information can result in identity theft and financial ruin, so it is imperative that no matter their financial status, older adults understand not to trust any phone calls that initiate a financial or personal information transaction. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: OrlandoSentinel.com

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Ideas to Brighten Your Home Décor in Winter

Friday, February 4, 2022
by Scott Darling


Brighten the darker cold days with a few small changes or easy decorations; here are a few ideas:  

 

  • Simply using bright-colored accessories such as cozy throws, pillows, slipcovers, or accent rugs will reflect the natural light coming through the windows and help boost your mood. 
     

  • Interior lighting can affect our disposition, especially in winter. Install daylight-type bulbs in ceiling fixtures, but use warm bulbs for lamps and sconces. 
     

  • Natural items are not just for holiday decorating. A basket of pine cones with battery-operated LED lights woven through them or a simple wreath of twigs can double as decor for wintertime. 
     

  • Clip small branches and twigs, spray them with white paint, (or leave natural), and display them in vases with artificial snow, small pine cones, or leftover whole nuts as a filler.  
     

  • Snowflakes, no matter where you live, are a fun way to brighten up your interior. Have the kids cut out paper snowflakes or make these popsicle stick snowflakes. Hang them from a windowsill or use clear removable sticky dots and adhere them to the glass.  
     

  • Create a whimsical wreath by wrapping a foam core wreath with an unused knitted scarf, adding mittens in place of a bow. This is another easy craft where children can participate! 
     

  • Start forcing the flower bulbs you received as gifts to add a bit of green and color to your decor. Amaryllis and paperwhites are the easiest to grow indoors because they are tropical plants. 
     

  • Another way to give a spring-like feel inside is to force-bloom flowering tree branches! Just follow these tips from Fine Gardening.  

 

Decorating for the colder months should be inviting and give off warm, cozy feelings. Boosting light and incorporating natural elements are just a couple of ways to make the home feel festive without a holiday theme. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling. 

 

Photo credit: amazon.com

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