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Packing for a Move? Make it Green!

Thursday, August 26, 2021
by Scott Darling


It is time to start packing for the move, and the thought of using rolls and rolls of plastic bubble wrap, foam packing materials, or new cardboard boxes that your moving company provides can fill the eco-conscious with dread. Sure, cardboard and paper are recyclable, but what can you do to even save that much? These tips will help reduce the volume of recyclables and throwaways you will need! 

 

  • Use what you have first. If you are already anticipating the move, hold on to any packaging your deliveries have come in. Stack them out of sight if your house is still on the market, or go ahead and pack non-necessities in them and hide them under the bed or storage area. 
     

  • Other items you have on hand to use: suitcases, duffel bags, trash cans, and reusable grocery bags can all be utilized to cut back on cardboard boxes. 
     

  • Produce boxes make great moving containers! They are very sturdy and some come with lids so you will not have to use so much tape to close them. Ask for them at local grocery stores and produce stands. 
     

  • Towels, sheets, and pillows can be used in place of packing material, and towels and sheets can be used for wrapping fragile items as well. Using them is a double win because you will have one less thing to pack! 
     

  • If it is within the budget, consider using an eco-friendly moving company. 

  • Already contracted with a mover? Ask them about any green options they have in place for your move. 
     

  • It only takes a quick search online to find a company that rents clean and ready-to-pack storage containers. Many of them will deliver them to your door, then pick them up at the new house when the containers are empty! 
     

  • Another option is ordering a moving kit or just the boxes from UsedCardboardBoxes. The company “rescues” misprinted or in-almost-perfect-condition used cardboard boxes that are headed for a landfill, and ships them directly to you. 

 

Once your move and unpacking are complete, recycle what you can, or offer the items to someone local who is getting ready to move or needs storage boxes. Your efforts will help cut back on what you throw away and even save a few trees! 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: moving.com

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for July 2021

Friday, August 20, 2021
by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for July 2021

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales decrease by -20.7% in July 2021 when compared to July 2020. 853 homes sold in July with a median sales price of $432,500. The average days on the market fell by 21 days. 

If you are thinking about selling your home get a free instant home evaluation Learn More. 

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Home Modifications for the Aging-in-Place

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
by Scott Darling


When your elderly father has decided that he would like to live in his home as long as possible, or it is time to make the mother-in-law’s home a little safer, a few changes in the house need to take place.  While every family is unique, most needs of our aging parents are the same.  How can we make small improvements with a big impact on their safety and comfort? The following tips are a great place to begin: 

 

  • For the wheelchair-bound person or one who needs to use a walker, add an accessibility ramp to their most-used entry.  Contractors who specialize in ADA-compliant improvements can assist with design and added features.  
     

  • Outdoor lighting is essential for everyone’s safety, but there are many options for adding low-voltage lights to posts along ramps and atop porch rails, as well as pathway lighting along walkways. 
     

  • Wherever there are steps, handrails are a must, as well as anti-skid treads to minimize slipping. 

  • Change all doorknobs to lever-type handles for ease of opening for those with arthritis or other motor skill issues. 
     

  • Widening doorways is something that may be necessary if wheelchair use is a possibility in the future. Enlarging them to 36” is the general width for ease of use. 
     

  • The type of flooring in the home can impact whether it’s a fall risk for someone who has trouble getting around.  Low-pile carpeting or secure low-pile area rugs with double-sided carpet tape or non-slip rug padding is best. 
     

  • A walk-in or wheelchair-accessible shower with a <span class="SpellingError SCXW259056884 BCX0" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; user-select: text; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-repeat: repeat-x; background-position: left bottom; background-image: url(" data:image="" gif;base64,r0lgodlhbqaeajecap="" 8aaaaaaaaaach5baeaaaialaaaaaafaaqaaaiilgaxcchrtcgaow="=&quot;);" border-bottom:="" 1px="" solid="" transparent;"="">curbless entry is a safe choice when remodeling a bathroom. A built-in shower seat and adjustable showerhead are other useful items that can be added to make bathing safer. 
     

  • If a total bathroom remodel is not affordable, simply installing grab-bars to the shower, bath, and toilet area walls will offer security for moving around in the bathroom. 
     

  • Changing faucets in the kitchen and bath to a single lever handle or installing motion-sensor or touch-activated units are perfect for ease of use. 
     

  • Electrical issues to consider:  light switches that can be pressed for turning off and on, electrical outlets placed higher than the standard height and adding more interior lighting. 

 

Download this handy publication from AARP for other ideas to assist with setting up your loved one with independent living.  Hopefully you and your much-loved senior will look at this stage of life not as a challenge, but rather as a way to keep a distant but watchful eye over them while they maintain their sense of independence and quality of life. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: Chicago Sun Times

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FAQ for Frist-Time Home Buyers

Friday, August 6, 2021
by Scott Darling


When you read and hear that now is the time to buy a home, but are simply unsure of the process, it may keep you sitting right there in your rental! Let these Frequently Asked Questions help get you moving--to a home of your own! 

 

  • Does my credit need to be perfect?  Not necessarily, but the higher your credit score, the better the loan’s interest rate will be. Lower credit scores could cost thousands over time in higher interest rates. FICO has some tips for improving your credit score.
     

  • I am not sure how much house I can afford.  Lenders will look at your debt-to-income ratio when deciding to grant a home loan.  Get an idea for yourself by using this handy DTI calculator. 
     

  • How much money do I need for a down payment?  That depends! Most lenders require 5-20% for a down payment. USDA and FHA offer no- or low-down-payment home loans. Veterans and servicemembers have the benefit of applying for a no-down-payment VA Home Loan through the Veterans Administration as well. 
     

  • What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and will I have to pay? For most lenders, PMI is a requirement for homebuyers that do not pay a 20% down payment. The cost is normally included in the mortgage payment. 
     

  • I am pre-approved for a mortgage. Can I make an offer on a house that I love?  Sellers will likely reject an offer that has no lender back-up. Return to the bank and go through the pre-qualification process so you will know just how much you will have to offer on a property. 
     

  • Are there any tax advantages to owning a home?  While there are many costs associated with homeownership that renters do not have, there are tax credits for some of the taxes you pay, as well as for those who use points to get a lower interest rate. And with rent prices rising, your monthly mortgage payment could be lower than rent! 
     

  • How long does the whole process take?  A smooth home-buying transaction takes approximately 30-45 days. The time varies as there are so many aspects to the process, and once in a while, there are hurdles to get through. 
          

  • Who pays closing costs--the seller or the buyer?  In most cases, the buyer pays the closing costs, an expense that can run 3-6% of the cost of the home.  In some instances, however, the seller will offer to help with these costs as an incentive to buy the home. 

 

If all of your questions are not answered here, call a Realtor® before you begin your home search or mortgage approval. Their experience in helping you find a lender--not to mention your new home--is invaluable. The best thing about getting assistance from a real estate professional is that their services, in almost all cases, are free to the buyer! Now, what are you waiting for? 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

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Natural Options for a Chemical-Free Garden

Thursday, July 29, 2021
by Scott Darling

When you make the decision that you would like to use more organic products for your garden and landscaping, it can be difficult to know where to begin. There are so many mass-manufactured chemical products that are inexpensive and easy to help keep weeds and insects at bay!  The fewer chemicals we use in our lawns and gardens, the better it is for everyone, and these tips will help you get started on a more natural approach to a healthy garden, even halfway through the growing season! 

 

  • Grass clippings from your lawn can be used to mulch and enrich the soil.  According to Mother Earth News, a mulch of 1”-2” of cut grass can feed your garden for the season.   
     

  • Natural fertilizer can be found in worm castings, and vermicomposting is one project the whole family can get involved in!  Learn how to create worm beds from gardeningknowhow.com. 
     

  • Proper mulching is the best natural defense against weeds. Some plants are persistent, so the gardener needs to be persistent about keeping them in check!  Pull the plant by hand, (complete with roots), or use a hoe to get them out of the ground. 
     

  • While water is probably the most important ingredient for a productive garden, timing is important for keeping diseases and pests at bay.  Watering your plants in the evenings can cause fungi and mildew to grow, and neither is easy to get rid of once they set in. 
     

  • Learn how to identify beneficial and detrimental insects.  While they may strike fear when we see them, many stinging insects are taking care of the bad ones that are eating up our vegetables.  The Sod God offers some excellent information as well as infographics to help you distinguish between the good and the bad. 
     

  • Fragrant plants attract beneficial insects; plants like marigold, sweet alyssum, cilantro, yarrow, and fennel are just a few you can companion grow near your veggies to bring the good bugs to your garden. 
     

  • Row covers are a great and chemical-free way to keep not only insects away, but veggie-loving birds as well.  If they cover your plants completely as they grow, they will provide a barrier between your plants and the bad guys. 
     

  • If your plants are being taken over by soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies, make your own insecticidal soap--just follow these easy instructions from Horticulture magazine. 

 

Using fewer chemicals in your landscape and garden takes knowledge and a little extra work.  Contact your local extension agent for help and look for sources that have been certified as an organic entity or are written or produced by someone who has been gardening the natural way and has lots of experience.  Reap the rewards of not only a great vegetable harvest, but the rewards of keeping chemicals out of the ground and water sources.

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo Credit: Mamavation

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for June 2021

Tuesday, July 20, 2021
by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for June 2021

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales decrease by -13.8% in June 2021 when compared to June 2020. 910 homes sold in June with a median sales price of $450,222.  The average days on the market fell by 25 days. 

If you are thinking about selling your home get a free instant home evaluation Learn More. 

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Is Renting-to-Own Right For You?

Tuesday, July 13, 2021
by Scott Darling


When someone decides to purchase a home, one of the first things they must comb through is their credit report and credit score. If their credit is less than stellar, and they cannot qualify for a conventional home mortgage, renting-to-own or a lease with the option to purchase sounds like a great way to begin their home buying process. There are positives and negatives to this type of transaction; let this guide help make whether the decision is worth it. 

 

  • Rent-to-own agreements can also be called lease-to-own, lease-with-option-to-purchase, or simply a lease option. Lease-purchase agreements require the tenant to buy the property, and this can cause major financial issues if the tenant cannot follow through on the purchase, no matter the reason.  
     

  • Decide on a final purchase price at the end of the option period, or agree upon an appraisal contingency. Depending on the fluctuation of the housing market, however, this could benefit the buyer if market value goes down, but could benefit the seller if values increase.  
     

  • It may be a good idea to have a home inspection performed before getting into this situation. In the case that the inspection raises concerns, repair costs can be worked out between the tenant and the owner. 
     

  • A portion of the above-market rent will go towards the purchase of the house, most commonly in the form of a down payment.   
     

  • Some tenants agree to pay HOA fees (if applicable), property taxes, insurance and take care of the cost of necessary repairs. 
     

  • In most situations, the tenant can purchase the property at any time during the option period, but once that time is up, the option expires and the owner can sell the property to someone else. 

  • One very important thing to remember is that there is still a lease involved. If you fall behind on the payments, the landlord can have you evicted. Besides eviction, the option fee and extra rent paid will be lost. 
     

  • Sometimes a seller offers to finance the purchase altogether, and that situation will require a completely different set of agreements. Again, owner-financed sale contracts should be handled with a real estate attorney. 

 

While it may be a relief for someone who cannot get financing for a traditional home loan, a lease-with-option agreement is not something to enter into lightly. If you feel you will not be able to purchase the home at the end of the option, go into a standard lease agreement, and put away as much money as you possibly can towards a traditional down payment while working on improving your credit score. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: IndyStar

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Homebuyers and Bidding Wars

Friday, July 9, 2021
by Scott Darling

​When you see a home and know beyond a doubt that it is your meant-to-be and put in an offer, you find out that someone else feels the same way and has made an offer at the same time. Sometimes it is more than one buyer, and either way, a bidding war can begin. Let these tips guide you through the process: 

 

  • When you start your house hunt, be certain you are pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show any seller that you can buy their property. A pre-qualification is not enough. 
     

  • Before you even put in your offer, make sure there is some wiggle room in the amount. Offering the maximum that you are approved for can take you out of the contest during the first round. 
     

  • If you can offer cash for the purchase or a better-than-average earnest money deposit, sellers are more likely to add you to their “possibilities” list. Cash talks, no matter the amount of your purchase offer. 
     

  • Some potential buyers ask an agent to add an escalation clause to the contract.  The downside to this is leaving your negotiations on a purchase price laid bare for the seller to see. It may be best to make sure your Realtor® is ready with counteroffers in case your original is rejected. 
     

  • Being competitive means laying aside some contingencies.  For instance, a well-maintained home may have fewer issues in the inspection, so waiving the home inspection contingency could be enticing to the seller. This can be risky, however, if the house has not been updated in a long time, so make this decision wisely. 
     

  • If you absolutely love the home, talk to your agent about allowing your offer to be a back-up.  Keep an eye on the sale just in case it does not go through. Remember that most sales do go through, but there is always hope! 
     

  • Finally, it may simply be best to take the loss and walk away. In a sellers’ market, it may be best to let go of some of the items on your “want” list, as well as look at houses that are under budget.  

 

Your Realtor® should be knowledgeable on how to handle a property with multiple offers, and when they are, you can be sure that they are fighting as hard as you are for the house you love.  Your confidence in your agent will give you peace in the bidding war, whether you win or move on.

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.  

 

Photo credit: DS News 

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Helping Your Air Conditioning Keep Its Cool

Thursday, June 24, 2021
by Scott Darling


You may or may not have already used your air conditioning this year, but now is always a good time to do what you must to help keep it running smoothly, as well as saving money on your energy use.  The hottest part of the year is coming, and you want your unit in the best shape so you can stay cool! 

 

  • Before doing any maintenance on an outdoor unit, be sure to locate the power supply and turn it off or remove the supply pack. 

- Use a gentle spray from your water hose to clear dirt and debris from the condenser fins to help airflow and improve performance.  

- Check the drain tube on the unit and clear anything that could keep condensation from flowing freely and away from your house. Use a small piece of wire or very small bottle brush to clear out any gunk that has built up on the inside. 


  • Sometimes homeowners will hide their unit with shrubbery or other plants.  Air needs to flow unobstructed around the unit, so if anything is growing too close, it should be trimmed to a distance of two feet away. 
     

  • Changing the intake filter monthly may not be necessary, but checking it is.  If it is noticeably dirty, replace it. What if you do not have an extra on hand? Give it a quick clean with the brush attachment on your vacuum and get a new filter as soon as possible. 
     

  • While it might sound sensible to close the doors and vents of unused rooms, it is not.  Airflow is important inside, so keeping interior doors and vents slightly opened is better than closing them tight. 
     

  • On that note, if your nest is getting empty, you could consider replacing the central unit with ductless air conditioning.   
     

  • When your home has ceiling fans, use them!  Make sure the fans are turning in a counter-clockwise direction so that it gives a wind chill effect, but turn them off when you’re not in the room to save energy. 
     

 

When you need to replace your unit, do some research to decide what type of system will fit your needs and be sure the contractor you hire is installing the correct size unit for your home--even a unit that is too large can cause problems.  Just remember that keeping it clean and helping air flow freely are the two most important things for an air conditioning system. 

 

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

Photo credit: wise heating and cooling 

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for May 2021

Thursday, June 17, 2021
by Scott Darling

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for May 2021

Chester County PA single-family homes saw pending sales increase by 49.4% in May 2021 when compared to May 2020. 667 homes sold in May with a median sales price of $425,500.  The average days on the market fell by 24 days. 

If you are thinking about selling your home get a free instant home evaluation Learn More. 

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