April Newsletter

April 2012 Newsletter    Here’s What’s Happening in Buckingham Square

ACTIVE: 4232 Miladies Ln— 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large paver patio, unfin. bsmt. Listed for $365,000, 96 days on the market. The sellers here paid $360,00 in 2010.

4175 Milords Ln—A Devonshire, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Newer roof and windows, master suite with 2 double closets, large sitting room, and Jacuzzi tub. Started at $384,500, now $369,900. On the market for 204 days.

4191 Milords Ln—A Devonshire, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, crown molding, gas floor to ceiling fireplace, brand new deck.  Start price $409,900, current price $365,000, days on market 605.  New Granite, New trees! Seller paid $390,000 9/09.

PENDING: 4241 Miladies Ln—A Devonshire, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, wood deck with built-in hot tub. Updated kitchen w/granite. Backs to woods.  Was on the market last year for 397 day. Sellers paid $399 in 2004. Listed at $359,000 sold in11 days!

SETTLED: 4208 Sir Andrew Cir—A Bedlington model with 3 bedrooms, 1 car garage,  new windows, doors, garage doors and upstairs carpet. Updated kitchen, fin.bsmt, fenced backyard. Sold for $362,500.

In Hearthstone:

What buyers are looking for in 2012

You would think that buyers would be thrilled with lower prices AND GREAT rates but they want MORE.  Those great ingredients don’t necessarily translate into confidence that prices won’t continue to drop.  They want three things and three things only:

A good value.  Condition.  Location. 

You can thank HGTV and House Hunters for some of this.  Buyers are watching other buyers from around the world pick the house that is in great condition, at the lowest price and the best location.  MOST buyers do not want to deal with contractors so even if you price your home without granite and updated bathrooms, they’ll pass it up if they can, or they’ll kill you with price if they have to do the work.  Everyone is afraid they might lose their jobs.  They’re looking for a place to settle down where the mortgage, taxes, utilities and upkeep won’t kill them.  They are looking for PRICE, CONDITION, LOCATION.  You can’t change your location—but you have total control over your price and your condition. 

ACTIVE: 4968 Crosspoint Dr—totally renovated in last 18 months. Open floor plan with wood staircase and bridge overlooking great room. $515,000. On the market for 37 days.

3976 Liz Cir—A Greenbriar model, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, finished basement with full bath, new carpet and fresh neutral paint throughout. Reduced to $499,900, on the market 324 days.

4909 Stillwater Circle—Just listed. Looks to me like an Edison, though not noted.  New bathrooms, great patio and finished basement.  $499,900.

September Newsletter

Here’s What’s Happening in Buckingham Square

ACTIVE:  4191 Milords Ln  -   A Devonshire, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, crown molding, gas floor to ceiling fireplace, brand new deck.  Start price $409,900, current price $389,900, days on market 409. 

4241 Miladies Ln—A Devonshire, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, wood deck with built-in hot tub. Start price $419,000, current price $394,900, days on market 285.

4189 Miladies Ln— 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, large lot, walk-out basement. Start price $398,500, current price $389,900, days on market 60.

4174 Miladies Ln—a Nottingham, 3 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, kitchen has cherry cabinets and granite countertops, master bath has Jacuzzi tub, backyard landscaped with koi pond and paver patio. Just listed at $399,900, 40 days ago.

PENDING:  4225 Sir Andrew Cir—A Gutner Team Listing! 3bdrms, 3 1/2 baths, Not your typical short sale...very nice condition! Nicely finished basement with full bath & two rooms. Start price $359,900, current price $309,900. On the market for 58 days.

4215 Sir Andrew Cir— A Bedlington model, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, the 4th bedroom and family room with fireplace are upgrades from the standard model, full basement. Start price $362,500, current price $325,000. On the market for 134 days.

4214 Miladies Ln—A Nottingham, 4 bdrms, 2 full & 2 half baths, dining room with custom moldings, upgraded kitchen with granite countertops, tile backsplash and undermount lighting, finished basement. Start price $430,000, current price $389,900. On the market for 142 days.

SETTLED :   4169 Sir Andrew Cir—A Devonshire, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, remodeled kitchen with cherry, granite, backspash and tile floor, finished basement. Listed for $395,000. Sold for $370,000 in 46 days.

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I’m often asked why one house sells so high and a seemingly same house sells for less.  The reasons are many.  There’s the obvious difference:  A perfect picture: Price, location, condition.  But the not- so -obvious plays a huge role too.  For example, we’ve had sellers who were buying up and got a fantastic deal on the other end and just didn’t care about the extra 10, 20 or $30,000.00.  Then there’s the homeowner who has bought something else and now needs to get their house sold as carrying two homes is killing them—or the couple who’s living with their mother-in-law in Kansas, waiting for the house here to sell and they’re ready to shoot themselves.  In some cases, those with great equity just decide that they want to be the next one sold . . .  so they complete our to-do list and price it below the competition.

      The problem in today’s Real Estate market is that those who can afford to shear off a couple of thousand for the sake of “getting it done now” become the new base-line for the next sale.  Buyers can’t get into the last sales so they look strictly at square footage, rooms and finishes.  The same for the appraiser who will tell the bank how much they should lend.  The last price of a sold is the “new” price of a neighborhood.  Foreclosures and short sales abound in every neighborhood of Buckingham and Plumstead.  It’s a fantastic time to buy and it may be the best time for many years to come to sell.  Keep paying off your home and increasing your equity and you’ll be in a better place when your time comes. 

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10th Annual Keller Williams Food Drive

For the past 9 years Keller Williams Agents have been loading up the shelves at the New Britain Food Larder which serves more LOCAL people than you can imagine!

Date:  Saturday, October 1st

Bring your donations to the New Britain Food Larder

Located right on 202, after the 7-11 at the next light

Anytime before 12:00 Noon

Come enjoy some delicious Chili as it is also our

Annual Chili contest (I won last year)!

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 The scoop on light bulbs.

By 2012 many types of incandescent bulbs will no longer be sold in the U.S.  By 2014 all will be discontinued.  Traditional 100 watt light bulbs are going to be phased out come this December 31.  By Jan. 1, 2014 the only incandescents will be the three-way bulbs.  BUT, don’t fret!  LED bulbs are LONG LASTING and last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescent and FAR longer than typical incandescent.  They are more DURABLE because they don’t have a filament and can be jarred and bumped.  They are COOL because they do not cause heat build-up, producing 3.4 btu’s/hour compared to 85 for the one’s we use now.  Should cut down on air-conditioning! MORE EFFICIENT using only 2—10 watts of electricity (1/30th of incandescent).  These bulbs last for years and save 80% in electricity! LED bulbs costs more but the longevity and cost savings of usage are fantastic!  And the next time you see a really bright traffic light, you’ll know they’re using LED’s!

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What Projects are Worth It?

If you’re thinking of doing some improvements stick to the most used areas of your home and those that will pay you back when it’s time to sell. 

According to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost Versus Value Report” last year, the following projects give the highest paybacks upon sale nationwide:

*Adding an attic bedroom (which none of us can do because of our truss systems)  83.1%

*Adding a wooden deck, 80.6%

*Minor Kitchen remodel, 78.3% 

*Basement remodel, 75.4%

*Major kitchen remodel, 72.1%

*Bathroom remodel, 71%

Some remodels, according to the Magazine, let you recoup the entire cost—and then some.  Replacing your front door with a new steel unit is estimated to return 128%. Other replacement projects give great returns because they not only are re-9investments in the home, but provide great curb appeal as well.  Buyers are enticed to view a home when greeted with bright new doors, clean easy-care replacement windows, smooth new driveways and no over-grown vegetation.

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Garbage Disposal Care and Maintenance:

So . . . Who knows the rules of taking care of your disposal?  Here’s some help:

Put food in slowly.  If you shove it in it can cause a clog an will shorten the life of your system.

Grind up those chicken bones and small fruit pits!  They actually help clean the walls of the disposal.

Use only cold water and run if for 15 to 20 seconds.  This solidifies the grease so it can get ground up.

Keep it smelling nice—grind citrus fruit peels or add a few drops of dish soap and let it run for a few minutes.

Sharpen the blades by filling it with ice cubes every month or so.

DON’T:  Use hot water as it makes grease liquefy and clog the drain.  DON’T grind celery stalks and onion skins as they will tangle up and clog it the same as pasta and rice which swells with water and clogs it up.  DON’T turn off the motor too quickly.  Make sure everything is ground up and then run the water for 15 seconds to flush it out.  DON’T put your coffee grounds in because the disposal can handle it but your pipes will clog.  And finally, DON’T forget to use it because it’ll get rusty and can lead to premature replacement. 

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Kids Away At College?

Ask your insurance company for “casual driver” rates on your car insurance.  AND, lots of policies only cover $500.00 (not even the cost of that new lap-top)!  Estimate all your student has in their apartment or dorm room and be sure it’s covered.  And did you know???  College kids are targeted for 35% of identity theft.  They are very casual about giving out their social security numbers and personal info.

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Can’t say it enough!!  Be sure you add the sump pump rider to your insurance policy.  If they don’t have it . . . Change insurance companies!

Here's What's Happening in Buckingham Square

ACTIVE: 4203 Sir Andrew Cir—A Gutner Team Listing! A Devonshire model, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, A+ condition and upgrades and replacements everywhere! Brand new Cherry, Stainless, and Granite Kitchen! Finished Basement, New Windows and large deck overlooking heated in-ground pool. Listed for $419,000. On the market for 108 days.

4225 Sir Andrew Cir—A Gutner Team Listing! 3bdrms, 3 1/2 baths, Not your typical short sale...very nice condition! Nicely finished basement with full bath & two rooms. Listed at $359,900. On the market for 25 days.

4214 Miladies Ln—A Nottingham, 4 bdrms, 2 full & 2 half baths, dining room with custom moldings, upgraded kitchen with granite countertops, tile backsplash and undermount lighting, finished basement. Originally $430,000, now listed at $405,000. On the market for 112 days.

4215 Sir Andrew Cir— A Bedlington model, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, the 4th bedroom and family room with fireplace are upgrades from the standard model, full basement. Originally $362,500, now listed at $349,900. On the market for 58 days.

4191 Milords Ln - A Devonshire, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, crown molding, gas floor to ceiling fireplace, brand new deck. Origninally asking $409,900, reduced to $399,900, now listed at $389,900. On the market for 327 days.

4241 Miladies Ln—A Devonshire, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, wood deck with built-in hot tub. Started at $419,000, now $394,900. On the market for 203 days.

PENDING: 4169 Sir Andrew Cir—A Devonshire, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, remodeled kitchen with cherry, granite, backspash and tile floor, finished basement. Listed for $395,000. Pending after 46 days on the market.

SETTLED : 4191 Sir Andrew Cir — a Nottingham, fin bsmt, huge deck. Asking $410,000. Sold for $385,000 in 132 days.

And now . . . The numbers:

If a buyer is looking for a 1 to 20 year old home, their route is usually Buckingham, Doylestown and Plumstead. Here’s what’s available to them:

TAX ASSESSMENT APPEAL RIP OFFS !

We recently received a solicitation from “Value Appeal” to reduce our Real Estate Taxes for our residence in Cold Spring Hunt. They claim that we are over-assessed by $2300 and that they can help us reduce our taxes by $2300. 

They are wrong in the calculation of our  assessment as we appealed our taxes two years ago and our assessment is right in line with value but "Value Appeal" charges you the $100.00 just to get a report!!!  They are obviously inflating their number to get you to use their services. 

The appeal is a simple process that will cost you $25.00 to the Board of Appeals.  IF YOU QUALIFY and that's a big IF.  Email us today to see what the county values your property at for tax purposes.  95% of you will not qualify for an appeal as the state/county has played with the assessment numbers. We would be happy to tell you if you qualify and give you the comps you need if you do qualify.  We have done hundreds of them in the past two years, and we will help you do yours before the deadline on August 1st for free. If you have any questions please email (only) us at jeri@gutner.com and we will gladly help you.



Watch us Re-Do our Master Bath!


Well . . . Unfortunately, real estate got in the way of my bathroom renovation so no new pictures to show. I did get as far as fixtures—and trying to find fixtures that match each other is no easy chore! Stay tuned to our blog for updates. Go to www.gutner.com and click on BLOG.

A friend of ours from whom we have been getting our prescription eye wear for years has opened in Rice’s Market in the new barn. Save 40% to 60% on your next purchase and mention Jeri and Henri for an added 10% off!

MOST AND LEAST AFFORDABLE CITIES! A New Jersey surprise!

Looking for the most affordable metro area with populations of less than 1/2 a million? Check out the 10 most affordable cities: Kokomo, Indiana; Monroe, Michigan; Cumberland, Md.; Elhart-Goshen, Indiana: Springfield, Ohio; Sandusky, Ohio; Bay City, Michigan; Rockford, Ill.; Fairbanks, Arkansas; and Flint, Michigan. If you want to move to the 10 least affordable areas head out to California although Ocean City, NJ ranks #4 least affordable!

The 10 most affordable with populations of 500,000 or more were Syracuse; Youngstown; Indianapolis; Warren-Troy, Michigan; Toledo, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla; Harrisburg-Carlisle, Akron, Dayton, Detroit. Median sale price of $80,000. Of course the least affordable were NY; San Fran; L.A.; Honolulu; Santa Ana-Anaheim; San Jose; Bridgeport-Stamford, Ct; Nassau-Suffolk; SanDiego and El Paso. Median sale price of $425,000.

10 Easy to-do Upgrades that add Style and Value

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home or just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

1.Update hardware on cabinets and drawers
2.Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)
3.Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms
4.Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits
5.Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)
6.Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color
7.Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space
8.A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room
9.Try a fresh new color on your front door for character
10.Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

Local Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection

Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection Program for Middle Bucks is being held from 9:00 to 3:00 on Saturday, July 23rd, at CB South High School, 1100 Folly Rd., Warrington. You can bring as many 3 computers and 25 gallons of Hazardous products including: pesticides; flammables such as gas, oil, spot removers and paint thinner; caustics such as lye, oven cleaner, drain and metal cleaner; toxics such as rust/paint remover, antifreeze, weed killer, fluorescent lamps; household batteries and Lead-Acid Batteries including car, marine, motorcycle and truck batteries.



June 2011 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in Buckingham Square

ACTIVE: 4203 Sir Andrew Cir—A Gutner Team Listing! A Devonshire model, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, A+ condition and upgrades and replacements everywhere! Brand new Cherry, Stainless, and Granite Kitchen! Finished Basement, New Windows and large deck overlooking heated in-ground pool. Listed for $419,000. On the market for 95 days.

4225 Sir Andrew Cir—A Gutner Team Listing! A xxxxxxx model, 3bdrms, 3 1/2 baths, Not your typical short sale...very nice condition! Nicely finished basement with full bath & two rooms. Listed at #359,900. On the market for 12 days.

4214 Miladies Ln—A Nottingham, 4 bdrms, 2 full & 2 half baths, dining room with custom moldings, upgraded kitchen with granite countertops, tile backsplash and undermount lighting, finished basement. Originally $430,000, now listed at $405,000. On the market for 99 days.

4215 Sir Andrew Cir— A Bedlington model, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, the 4th bedroom and family room with fireplace are upgrades from the standard model, full basement. Originally $362,500, now listed at $349,900. On the market for 45 days.

4191 Milords Ln - A Devonshire, 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, crown molding, gas floor to ceiling fireplace, brand new deck. Origninally asking $409,900, reduced to $399,900, now listed at $389,900. On the market for 314 days.

4241 Miladies Ln—A Devonshire, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, wood deck with built-in hot tub. Started at $419,000, now $394,900. On the market for 190 days.

PENDING: 4169 Sir Andrew Cir—A Devonshire, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, remodeled kitchen with cherry, granite, backspash and tile floor, finished basement. Listed for $395,000. Pending after 46 days on the market.

SETTLED : 4191 Sir Andrew Cir — a Nottingham, fin bsmt, huge deck. Asking $410,000. Sold for $385,000 in 132 days.

What is Selling in Buckingham Square in April 2010

What is selling in Buckingham Square in April 2011


If you are planning to go on the market please check with jeri@gutner.com

If you would like to see any of these properties or any property in Bucks and Montgomery Counties
please contact  henri@gutner.com

Buckingham Square November 2010 etter

November 2010 Newsletter
Here’s What’s Happening in Buckingham Square



ACTIVE: 4191 Milords Ln - 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, crown molding, gas floor to ceiling fireplace, brand new deck. Origninally asking $409,900, reduced to $399,900. On the market for 113 days. Paid $390,000 in September 2009.

4191 Sir Andrew Cir — a Nottingham, finished basement, huge deck. Listed at $410,000. On the market for 48 days.

4231 Miladies Ln — 4 bdrms, 3 1/2 baths, premium lot with a finished walkout basement w/ full bath, two-tiered deck and paver patio, backs to trees. Asking $435,000. On the market for 15 days. Paid $441,000 in 2005.

SETTLED : 4232 Miladies Ln— 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths. Started at $377,900, then $369,900. Sold for $360,000 in 28 days.

4294 Milords Ln - 4 bdms, 2 1/2 baths, hardwoods, fireplace. This was a bank owned property. Foreclosure. Originally asking $349,900. Sold for $345,000 in 29 days.



So . . . What’s Up with your competition? In Buckingham Township alone, looking at homes priced between $350,000 and $450,000, there are 37 homes on the market. Over the past year, an average of 5 homes sell per month. Soooo . . . This means that there is a 7 month accumulation of inventory. In other words, if nothing else came on the market it in this price range, it would take 7 months to clear out the inventory. Same price range, looking at Buckingham, Plumstead and Doylestown, there are 75 homes on the market, 11 sales per month average for an Inventory accumulation of 6 months. If you want to be one of the 11 that sells every month you need to do a few things. Call us, we’ll help you out!



HOW NOT TO BE ON THE MARKET FOR LONG

If you are thinking that a move is in your future you need to begin preparing NOW. You may think that you don’t have a lot to do to go on the market, but we’ll bet there are things you MUST do that you don’t even know. We are very slow between now and the end of January and if you would like us to help you make your list of to-do’s to get ready for market, feel free to give us a call. We have done this for several people and it will really help you to move your home faster and for a better price.



Homes for sale with the Gutner Team!!

Hearthstone—Gorgeous Pottery Barn decorated, granite, flat yard,

hardwoods through first floor, finished basement $499,900.

Cold Spring Hunt—Beautiful Brick front in Primo condition, finished basement w/powder room.

Value priced at $482,500!

Durham Ridge—4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, granite kitchen,

huge sitting room in master, great deck and large, flat lot. $449,900.

North Branch—4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, huge lot that backs to preserved space,

Sunroom addition on kitchen, finished basement. $484,900.

Upper Mountain Estates– the Beautiful Carmel model,

decorator done, 3 car garage, 5,183 square feet! $824,900.

Investment Property—Duplex on Stump Road, good rents. $273,500.

See Virtual Tours (moving tours, not still pictures!) at http://www.gutner.com/

Still haven’t Re-Financed?

Over the next few months mortgage rates will be at their best. Whenever the market slows down, rates go down and we’re coming into the winter months. If you are staying in your home for 5 more years you should really consider recasting your loan:

Loan Amount: $200,000 Rate: 6.25 Current Payment: $1,714 New Rate: 4.25 New Payment $1,504
Loan Amount :$300,000 6.25 $2,572 4.25 $2,256

If you are trying to decide if you should do a 15 year mortgage here’s something to think about:

On a $200,000, 30 year mortgage at 4.5%, you’ll pay $164,813 in interest with a monthly payment of $1,013. Pay down the loan in 15 year (by making prepayments of about $517 per month on the mortgage balance) and your monthly payment would be $1,529 and you’d pay $75,396 in interest. If you went with a 15 year mortgage at 4% instead, you’d pay $66,286 in interest and have a payment of $1,479. So ask yourself if you’d be willing to pay a few thousand dollars more in interest for the flexibility of having an extra $500 a month to cover life’s expenses without tapping home equity. Also assess whether you’re disciplined enough to actually prepay the loan. If the answer is no, then a shorter-term mortgage is a good fit.
Tips to Save $$$$ on Your Utilities

Turn down your water heater. 13% of your home’s electricity goes to heating water. Set it to 130—140 degrees and install an Insulation jacket. Insulate the first six feet of piping that comes off of your heater.

Turn off heat drying on your dishwasher.

Switch to CFL lighting (4X less energy) and look for the new LED lighting options coming to Home Depot soon.

LED bulbs can also save you money in the long term, because an incandescent bulb requires about $300 worth of electricity over ten years of use. The LED bulbs cost $40 (for the 60 watt equivalent Zetalux) and $50 (for the 100 watt equivalent) and their cost to run over ten years is about $38. Multiply that by all the bulbs in your home . . . WOW!

Install a programmable thermostat. Futures markets predict an unprecedented raise in the cost of natural gas this year. In January you will be able to pick an alternative source (other than PECO) and get a more competitive rate. It will still go through PECO for billing and pipes, etc., but you’ll be able to lower your bill a little. YOU CAN DO THIS ON YOUR OWN. Many people are running around selling this but you can do this yourself!!!

Wash your clothes with a full load on cold. 90% of the energy consumed by your washing machine goes to heating the water.


Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator(s)!! Especially if you have pets! Get out your vacuum and do it NOW! You should do this every 3 or 4 months to cut your energy and prolong the life of your refrigerator.

75% of your energy is from “phantom” users including televisions, VCRs, stereos, computers, phone chargers, etc. Turn them off when not in use!

Keller Williams Coat Drive—

WE are working with a Philadelphia organization and collecting coats that you don’t need anymore. If you have a coat or 2 that you are ready to part with, call or email me and I will pick up or you can leave it outside in a bag, or you can drop off to me at my house in Cold Spring Hunt at 4060 Hunt Drive. THANKS!!!

What is Happening in Buckingham Square in June 2010

June 2010 Newsletter    Here’s What’s Happening in Buckingham Square

ACTIVE: 4226 Milords Ln - 3 Bdms, 2 1/2 bath, deck., 1 car garage. Asking $399,900 for 324 days.
4198 Miladies Ln - 4 Bdms, 2 1/2 baths, 2 car garage. Asking $410,000, reduced to $402,500 for 16 days.

PENDING: 4184 Sir Andrew Cir - 3 Bdms, 2 1/2 Baths. Extra bdrm in finished basement. Another Gutner Team Listing. New Kitchen, Corian , tile flr, Patio, hardwoods, 2 car garage, asking $379,700. Also Sold by The Gutner Team. See it at http://www.gutner.com/                                                      
      

4185 Miladies Ln - 4 Bdms, 2 1/2 baths. Backs to woods. 2 car garage, hardwoods , finished basement Asking $395,000 for 65 days. Keller Williams Listing . Was asking 429,900, sold for $411,000.

Settled : 4214 Miladies Ln - Another Keller Williams Listing. 4 Bdrms, 2 full 2 half baths, Nottingham model hardwoods, 2 car garage, fireplace, finished basement. Asking $411,000. Sold by Keller Williams in 19 days.
Withdrawn: 4203 Sir Andrew Cir - 4 Bdms, 2 1/2 baths, in-ground pool, hardwoods, tile flr. New windows. Asking $435,000 for 51 days.

Thinking of moving up? This is an INCREDIBLE TIME to be making a move up!!
Interest rates are LOW! Prices are Low!!

Here’s some great homes in some local neighborhoods
In Cold Spring Hunt:

ACTIVE: 4965 Grundy Way - a Glenfield, 4 Bdrms, 2 1/2 baths. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. Hardwoods, granite, back staircase, fireplace, screened sun room, in-ground pool. Asking $582,500.
5020 Mead Dr. - Perfect condition! 2 full, 2 half Baths, finished basement, granite, greenhouse addition. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. Asking $519,900, Reduced to 499,550.
4814 Mead Dr. - a Belmont with finished walk-out basement and large, flat yard with lots of privacy, stainless kitchen, new granite, shadow box moldings. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. $527,500.
4010 Hunt Dr. - a Columbia w/upgraded culinary kitchen, hardwoods through first and second floor, 2 story family room and Jack-n-Jill bath. Asking $579,900, reduced to 569,900 and now to $554,900.
5051 Mead Dr. - a Haverford, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, largest dining room available in C.S.H., double wall ovens, finished walk-out basement. New Hardwoods, new paint, new carpet. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. Asking 559,900 with an agreement coming in as we write this newsletter!
In Hearthstone:
ACTIVE: 3853 W. Brandon Way - a Creamery, fireplace, finished basement, a SHORT SALE. Listed at $429,900.
4976 Melissa Ct - a Creamery, new water heater, fireplace, unfin, bsmt.. Originally $485,000 reduced to $468,000.
3936 Amberton Way - a Durham, wall of windows, butterfly stairs, fireplace, finished basement. Reduced to $489,000.
Dalton Glen:
3781 Newbolt: A Doyle Floorplan with 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, Inground Pool, 3 car garage and .69 acres.
Asking $599,000.

See all of our listings and virtual tours at www.gutner.com
Virtual Tour Inventory Widget

Updating Your Home? Is it a Capital Improvement?
Are you updating your home or repairing a few things? Keep track of what you’re doing and how much you’re spending as some improvements that are structural or that restore an aspect of the home to increase its value are considered capital improvements.
Capital improvements are generally built-in items that you can’t take with you and that often require a permit to install. Repairs are generally expenses to keep the home in good shape.
The importance of capital improvements is that when you go to sell your home, if you stand to profit more than $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a couple, capital improvements can be subtracted from the profit. This lowers your capital gains, which may eliminate or lower taxes.
You may think that these numbers are too high for you to ever benefit, but we’re selling homes for people who have been in them for 10 to 15 years and they have paid their mortgages off and have good equity. So . . . Save your receipts! (and always talk to your accountant)!
What qualifies?
New hot water heater, doors, windows, roof.
Installation of a security system, air conditioner, furnace
Insulation
New or updated plumbing and electrical wiring
Adding a room, finishing a basement
New or replacement fences, in-ground pool, driveway, walkways, patios, decks, garage
Installation of built-in microwave, dishwasher, cook top, cabinets, entertainment units.

Making your home Burglar Proof
Make sure all of your locks work and USE them.
If everyone in the ‘hood has a key, it’s time to re-key.
Outdoor lights with motion detectors are a great deterent
LOCK YOUR GARAGE WINDOWS!!!
Lock your car and hide the garage door opener. If your car is parked outside, all they have to do is break in, use the garage door opener and they’re in!
When going away make sure someone brings your papers in. A good trick is large dog bowl filled with water on the front or back steps along with a pair of very large boots. Use a timer for lamps.
DON’T keep your beer or booze in the garage. First, it loses its Umph—and what’s the point of it without UPMH? And secondly . . . It’s just too tempting for teenagers.

What colors will be “HOT” in 2010?


Now, just because I tell you these colors doesn’t mean you should go crazy with it. We’re in very Traditional Bucks County and Beiges and Tans are still what buyers are looking for. But, if you’re staying in your home for a long while and love color, bright yellow is back and so is turquoise. Grey is going to be big and Lavender bedrooms are popular. Before you go painting (if you are going on the market) call me and I’ll “approve” your choices!

Privacy.


I know you’re all sick of me telling you this but it makes a HUGE difference when selling your home. Go to your deck or patio . . . Come on, right now, get up and move. Sit down and tell yourself how many of your neighbors can see you. If that number is higher than Zero, you need to do some plantings. Not many, but a few perfectly placed Arborvitae could do the trick. If you’re at the top of small hill, consider some trees that grow quickly at the back of your property. If you’re at the bottom of a hill, the same thing. If you’re flat and back up to neighbors consider arborvitae or white pines. When someone is standing at your back door, they shouldn’t be able to see the back door of your neighbor. If you have a patio, consider some nice plantings on the edge of your patio so that when you sit there, you are not completely visible. Need help? Call us and we’ll stop by!.

Fabulous interest rates and LOW prices make this a GREAT time to move or buy that second home that someone else needs to dump, or get a local investment property. We can help you with all of your needs. If not here, we have a vast network of Top Producers, like ourselves, to help you elsewhere.
 
It is Time to call The Gutner's 215-262-5480
email henri@gutner.com or jeri@gutner.com