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!!!
Monday, December 6, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
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
Friday, April 23, 2010
April 2010 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in Buckingham Square
ACTIVE: 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, brick fireplace, hardwoods, 2 car garage, asking $389,700.
4203 Sir Andrew Cir - 4 Bdms, 2 1/2 baths, in-ground pool, hardwoods, tile flr. New windows. Asking $435,000 for 16 days.
4185 Miladies Ln - 4 Bdms, 2 1/2 baths. Backs to woods. 2 car garage, hardwoods , finished basement Asking $400,000. A Keller Williams Listing . For more info go to www.gutner.com.
4226 Milords - 3 bdrms, 2 1/2 bath, deck., 1 car garage. Asking $399,900 for 274days.
PENDING: 4214 Miladies Lane - Another Keller Williams Listing. 4 Bdrms, 2 full 2 half baths, Nottingham model hardwoods, 2 car garage, fireplace, finished basement. Asking $429,900. Sold by Keller Williams in 19 days.
Settled : No settlements in 2010.
Where is Buckingham Square Competition?
Competition is defined as similar sized houses on similar sized lots in a similar area. Buckingham Square has always been a destination neighborhood for those who wanted to be in Buckingham in a beautiful, newer home at a more reasonable price than other neighborhoods. Cold Spring Elementary helps to drive the sales. Your competition is really coming from a few particular neighborhoods: Summer Hill and Summer Meadow, up Burnt House Hill Road, where homes are a little newer; Cabin Run, up off of 611 and Stump Road where buyers can get more house and more land for less money; Fireside and Summer Hill/Meadow townhomes, if buyers don’t care that it is a townhome but are at your price point or just a little lower, and some other “Cold Spring Elementary” neighborhoods where the condition is bad or the house backs up to Route 413 as these prices compare to higher prices in Buck Square. When looking at your neighborhood it’s important to look outside and see what else is moving in your price points. Need to know what your home is worth? Call us!
Come Be Our Neighbors 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. - an Eaton in perfect condition! 2full, 2 half Baths, finished basement, granite, greenhouse. A Gutner Team Listing $519,900.
4814 Mead Dr. - a Belmont with finished walk-out basement and large, flat yard with lots of privacy, stainless kitchen, corian, shadow box mouldings. A Gutner Team Listing, $534,900.
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.
For More information on these and other Cold Spring Corridor Listings go to
www.gutner.com
BUILDER Magazine’s Top 10 Elements of Style for 2010
Let’s not call them “trends” because trends come and go. Builders try to design homes that will last for generations. Builders are paying attention to Consumers who now desire less maintenance and more free time. Here’s the top ten design areas that builders agree on this year.
1. Standard height of 9 feet on first floor and a shift away from the two story great room to more effective use of second-floor space.
2. Low-maintenance/no-maintenance materials, especially on exteriors. Ceramic tile and stone floors, brick exteriors, and metal trim instead of wood on the outside are just a few examples.
3. Larger laundry rooms and mud rooms.
4. Natural materials are important on the interior—hardwoods, granite. Classic is here to stay.
5. “Me” spaces. Quiet corners and cubby holes to escape everyone, a computer niche, a junk room, a chair with a bookshelf.
6. Decline of the living room and increase in “special” rooms, such as home offices and media rooms. As houses get smaller there just isn’t room for a place you only visit to dust. It will still exist in many builders homes but it will not be a “formal” room.
7. Technology advances. Builders agree that they need to offer pre-wiring for an abundance of amenities, like Ethernet, surround sound, stereo equipment. Keyless entries, computerized security systems, advanced lighting controls, etc.
8. Outdoors for entertaining. Builders are paying attention to the back yards. Covered areas with full kitchens, home theaters, sleeping porches and dining rooms are popular. Decks and patios are still strong, but a screened porch is more popular.
9. Mixed products on the same street. Smart-growth initiatives are promoting design plans for master neighborhoods that mix singles, townhouses and condo’s.
10. Rear-loaded homes. As lots get smaller, garages are going out back or across an alley, saving the front of the home for porches. Remember your parents home, drive up the driveway and the garage is hidden back there. It’s back!
Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!
Attic Ventilation
Attic areas can hold substantial amounts of moist air. In the summer it is very hot and humid in the attic, however, in the winter it can be more humid causing a fair amount of problems.
1. The roof is roughly 1/2” away from blistering shingles.
2. As heat in the house rises, it gets trapped in the attic acting as a hat for the entire home.
By having good ventilation the hot air would be removed drawing in relatively cooler air. Insufficient air movement in the attic doesn’t allow the heat from the second floor to go anywhere. Hi temps and humidity will delaminate the roof sheathing, excessively dry out the roof framing and cause an earlier need to replace.
There are many ways to vent an attic; fans, ridge vents, gable end vents. The important thing is that it IS ventilated which will save you repairs and heating/cooling bills.
How to Save on Homeowners Insurance
1. Don’t shop on the internet. It is impossible to compare apples to apples.
2. Raise your deductible. A $1,000 deductible can save you as much as 25%.
3. Ask whomever is quoting how they figure the cost of the land into house coverage. Land doesn’t burn or blow away.
4. Buy your home and auto policies from the same company.
5. Ask what you can do to lower your costs by reducing risk.
6. Improve your home security w/alarms w/monitoring station.
7. If you’re at least 55 years old and retired or work from home, insurance companies love homebodies. They maintain their homes and are quick to spot problems.
8. Maintain good credit. It’s the first thing they look at.
9. Stay with the same insurer and if you ASK your loyalty will be rewarded with a discount.
10. Review your coverage and policy and coverage every year.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY -
BE SURE YOU HAVE SUMP PUMP COVERAGE!!!
Remember!!! We work with ALL national Relocation Companies and while they may tell you that you have to work with their selections, that is NOT the case!
ACTIVE: 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, brick fireplace, hardwoods, 2 car garage, asking $389,700.
 |
 |
4203 Sir Andrew Cir - 4 Bdms, 2 1/2 baths, in-ground pool, hardwoods, tile flr. New windows. Asking $435,000 for 16 days.
4185 Miladies Ln - 4 Bdms, 2 1/2 baths. Backs to woods. 2 car garage, hardwoods , finished basement Asking $400,000. A Keller Williams Listing . For more info go to www.gutner.com.
4226 Milords - 3 bdrms, 2 1/2 bath, deck., 1 car garage. Asking $399,900 for 274days.
PENDING: 4214 Miladies Lane - Another Keller Williams Listing. 4 Bdrms, 2 full 2 half baths, Nottingham model hardwoods, 2 car garage, fireplace, finished basement. Asking $429,900. Sold by Keller Williams in 19 days.
Settled : No settlements in 2010.
Where is Buckingham Square Competition?
Competition is defined as similar sized houses on similar sized lots in a similar area. Buckingham Square has always been a destination neighborhood for those who wanted to be in Buckingham in a beautiful, newer home at a more reasonable price than other neighborhoods. Cold Spring Elementary helps to drive the sales. Your competition is really coming from a few particular neighborhoods: Summer Hill and Summer Meadow, up Burnt House Hill Road, where homes are a little newer; Cabin Run, up off of 611 and Stump Road where buyers can get more house and more land for less money; Fireside and Summer Hill/Meadow townhomes, if buyers don’t care that it is a townhome but are at your price point or just a little lower, and some other “Cold Spring Elementary” neighborhoods where the condition is bad or the house backs up to Route 413 as these prices compare to higher prices in Buck Square. When looking at your neighborhood it’s important to look outside and see what else is moving in your price points. Need to know what your home is worth? Call us!
Come Be Our Neighbors 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. - an Eaton in perfect condition! 2full, 2 half Baths, finished basement, granite, greenhouse. A Gutner Team Listing $519,900.
 |
|
4814 Mead Dr. - a Belmont with finished walk-out basement and large, flat yard with lots of privacy, stainless kitchen, corian, shadow box mouldings. A Gutner Team Listing, $534,900.
 |
|
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.
For More information on these and other Cold Spring Corridor Listings go to
www.gutner.com
BUILDER Magazine’s Top 10 Elements of Style for 2010
Let’s not call them “trends” because trends come and go. Builders try to design homes that will last for generations. Builders are paying attention to Consumers who now desire less maintenance and more free time. Here’s the top ten design areas that builders agree on this year.
1. Standard height of 9 feet on first floor and a shift away from the two story great room to more effective use of second-floor space.
2. Low-maintenance/no-maintenance materials, especially on exteriors. Ceramic tile and stone floors, brick exteriors, and metal trim instead of wood on the outside are just a few examples.
3. Larger laundry rooms and mud rooms.
4. Natural materials are important on the interior—hardwoods, granite. Classic is here to stay.
5. “Me” spaces. Quiet corners and cubby holes to escape everyone, a computer niche, a junk room, a chair with a bookshelf.
6. Decline of the living room and increase in “special” rooms, such as home offices and media rooms. As houses get smaller there just isn’t room for a place you only visit to dust. It will still exist in many builders homes but it will not be a “formal” room.
7. Technology advances. Builders agree that they need to offer pre-wiring for an abundance of amenities, like Ethernet, surround sound, stereo equipment. Keyless entries, computerized security systems, advanced lighting controls, etc.
8. Outdoors for entertaining. Builders are paying attention to the back yards. Covered areas with full kitchens, home theaters, sleeping porches and dining rooms are popular. Decks and patios are still strong, but a screened porch is more popular.
9. Mixed products on the same street. Smart-growth initiatives are promoting design plans for master neighborhoods that mix singles, townhouses and condo’s.
10. Rear-loaded homes. As lots get smaller, garages are going out back or across an alley, saving the front of the home for porches. Remember your parents home, drive up the driveway and the garage is hidden back there. It’s back!
Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!
Attic Ventilation
Attic areas can hold substantial amounts of moist air. In the summer it is very hot and humid in the attic, however, in the winter it can be more humid causing a fair amount of problems.
1. The roof is roughly 1/2” away from blistering shingles.
2. As heat in the house rises, it gets trapped in the attic acting as a hat for the entire home.
By having good ventilation the hot air would be removed drawing in relatively cooler air. Insufficient air movement in the attic doesn’t allow the heat from the second floor to go anywhere. Hi temps and humidity will delaminate the roof sheathing, excessively dry out the roof framing and cause an earlier need to replace.
There are many ways to vent an attic; fans, ridge vents, gable end vents. The important thing is that it IS ventilated which will save you repairs and heating/cooling bills.
How to Save on Homeowners Insurance
1. Don’t shop on the internet. It is impossible to compare apples to apples.
2. Raise your deductible. A $1,000 deductible can save you as much as 25%.
3. Ask whomever is quoting how they figure the cost of the land into house coverage. Land doesn’t burn or blow away.
4. Buy your home and auto policies from the same company.
5. Ask what you can do to lower your costs by reducing risk.
6. Improve your home security w/alarms w/monitoring station.
7. If you’re at least 55 years old and retired or work from home, insurance companies love homebodies. They maintain their homes and are quick to spot problems.
8. Maintain good credit. It’s the first thing they look at.
9. Stay with the same insurer and if you ASK your loyalty will be rewarded with a discount.
10. Review your coverage and policy and coverage every year.
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY -
BE SURE YOU HAVE SUMP PUMP COVERAGE!!!
Remember!!! We work with ALL national Relocation Companies and while they may tell you that you have to work with their selections, that is NOT the case!
Monday, March 22, 2010
March 2010 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in Buckingham Square
ACTIVE: 4226 Milords, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, deck., 1 car garage. Asking $399,900 for 224days.
PENDING: 4214 Miladies Ln 4Bedrooms 2full 2 half baths, Nottingham model hardwoods, 2 car garage,, fireplace,
Finished basement, Asking $429,900 sold by Keller Williams in 19 days..
Settled : no settlements in 2010
Are we at the “bottom” yet?
Hmmm. Probably not. Let’s take a home in a development in Buckingham and analyze that.
In 1994 it was purchased new from the builder for $222,000. With “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should have been worth $303,822 in 2002. Nice appreciation, right? But it sold for $420,000!
Today, with “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should be worth $415,801 but that house would sell today somewhere around $490,000. At 4% appreciation, it won’t be at $490,000 until 2014 which tells us that our prices will be stagnant for some time. So? Are we at the bottom? It depends on how many short sales and foreclosures come our way.
We’ve been pretty lucky so far, however I know of several homes that are empty, not on the market yet, and owned by a bank. But savvy buyers know that this is the time to buy and homes ARE selling. Interest rates are GREAT and prices are GREAT! This is an unusual time where prices are low and interest rates are low. Something is going to break and our guess is that interest rates will start their climb. Inventory is already lower than last year where some neighborhoods had 10 to 15 homes for sale. We’re very optimistic about this spring! If, however, you are in trouble . . . We are working with a Short Sale Expert and would be happy to hook you up with him. Don’t go into foreclosure! It ruins you for years and years.
Computer and Electronics Recycling Day:
Drop off all your old computer & electronic equipment & help save our Earth! Proceeds to Benefit: A Family of God Lutheran Church, 4770 Route 202, Buckingham, 413 So. To Left on 202, Left into Church parking lot.
Sunday, April 11th, 9AM to 1PM. Items accepted include: Laptop Computers; Printers & Fax Machines; Televisions ($20.00 fee); Batteries (lead acid); Computer parts; Air Conditioners ($20.00 fee); Desktop Computers; DVD Players, VCR’s; Computer Monitors ($5.00 fee); Stereos and Speakers; Cables/Cords; Small Appliances; Dehumidifiers ($10.00 fee); Electronic Toys. All proceeds go to sending kids to camp for week where they will repair homes for the less fortunate. The amounts listed above are not mandatory, but suggested.
What’s Hot?
Well, according to the National Association of Home Builders decking out the kitchen makes the whole home more saleable. Kitchen designs, they say, translates to dollars.
1. “Blue is the new green”. Soft blues are catching on with consumers looking at home as a refuge. It’s calming and clean. Gray is an increasingly popular and pumpkin-orange is great for younger buyers!
2. Now that you’ve stripped all that wallpaper, it’s bAAAck! But large-scale prints and only on an accent wall.
3. Cabinets have gone through oak and maple phases: Now they’re showing up in painted white finishes.
4. The average newly built single home shrank from 2.520 square feet to 2,480 but priorities changed to price, energy and organization. Very high on the list was a kitchen big enough for the whole family to dine—-67% surveyed said they wanted space for a table, as opposed to chairs at a counter. 62% wanted a kitchen that functioned as a family gathering place. Walk-in pantries are highly desirable and a “family foyer” gets top marks—not at the front of the house but by the garage—space for backpacks, coats, boots, etc.
5. And granite . . . “it’s almost a starter-home feature” says a kitchen designer. While it has moved off of the list of “musts” and been replaced by various energy-saving features, buyers expect it.
Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!
1. Conquer Clutter—Whenever we have sellers get rid of their clutter, they think the house doesn’t look like their home. DUH! That’s the idea. We want people looking at space as theirs, not yours
2. Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation
3. Top Outdoor Structures Project: Add a fence
4. Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the basement
5. Top Home Exterior Project: Repair Gutters
6. Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Lighting
7. Top Landscaping Project: Make it look neat, tidy and easy to care for.
8. Top Storage and Organization Project: Maximize and Organize Storage Space
9. Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures
10. Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances.
10 Things EVERY Remodeling Contract Should Include:
1. The Contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license #
2. DETAILS on what the contractor will and WILL NOT do
3. A list of materials. Size, color, model, brand name and product
4. All required plans. Assure accuracy. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.
5. Written notice of right to, without penalty, cancel within 3 days of signing. It’s the law.
6. The approximate start date and completion date.
7. Financial terms, spelled out—Total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation or “change” fees.
8. A binding arbitration clause, which you’ll need in the event of any disagreements. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.
9. Everything you’ve requested. Make sure all items you’ve requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. NEVER sign an incomplete contract.
10. A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year and should be identified as full or limited. The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor, or manufacturer must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.
Should you Make Bi-Weekly Payments on Your Mortgage?
With biweekly payments, you pay half of the monthly mortgage payment every 2 weeks, rather than the full balance once a month. This is comparable to 13 monthly payments a year, which can result in faster payoff and lower overall interest costs. For example, the biweekly mortgage payment process can pay off a $200,000 30 year fixed loan at 7% in approximately 24 years (75 months sooner than a standard payment plan), with a total of $68,925 in interest savings.
Your lender might offer several biweekly payment options, where you make a payment that equals half of your normal monthly payment every two weeks. There is a considerable difference between different payment plans, so you should check with the lender to find out how they will treat your biweekly payments, exactly.
What most borrowers get when they convert their loan from monthly to biweekly payments is a pseudo biweekly (or standard biweekly) payment plan. On the pseudo biweekly, the biweekly payments are credited to an account managed by your lender. Once a month, as with standard payments, the monthly payments are made out of that account. The excess amount accumulated in the account by the end of each year is equal to a full monthly payment. At this point your lender makes a double payment.
In order to set up a true biweekly (or simple interest biweekly) payment schedule, you must have a lender that will immediately credit each 1/2 monthly payment upon receipt. The lender must calculate interest for two-week intervals and apply the biweekly payments less the interest to reduce principal every two weeks. Check with your mortgage holder—This is GREAT!
ACTIVE: 4226 Milords, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, deck., 1 car garage. Asking $399,900 for 224days.
PENDING: 4214 Miladies Ln 4Bedrooms 2full 2 half baths, Nottingham model hardwoods, 2 car garage,, fireplace,
Finished basement, Asking $429,900 sold by Keller Williams in 19 days..
Settled : no settlements in 2010
Are we at the “bottom” yet?
Hmmm. Probably not. Let’s take a home in a development in Buckingham and analyze that.
In 1994 it was purchased new from the builder for $222,000. With “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should have been worth $303,822 in 2002. Nice appreciation, right? But it sold for $420,000!
Today, with “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should be worth $415,801 but that house would sell today somewhere around $490,000. At 4% appreciation, it won’t be at $490,000 until 2014 which tells us that our prices will be stagnant for some time. So? Are we at the bottom? It depends on how many short sales and foreclosures come our way.
We’ve been pretty lucky so far, however I know of several homes that are empty, not on the market yet, and owned by a bank. But savvy buyers know that this is the time to buy and homes ARE selling. Interest rates are GREAT and prices are GREAT! This is an unusual time where prices are low and interest rates are low. Something is going to break and our guess is that interest rates will start their climb. Inventory is already lower than last year where some neighborhoods had 10 to 15 homes for sale. We’re very optimistic about this spring! If, however, you are in trouble . . . We are working with a Short Sale Expert and would be happy to hook you up with him. Don’t go into foreclosure! It ruins you for years and years.
Computer and Electronics Recycling Day:
Drop off all your old computer & electronic equipment & help save our Earth! Proceeds to Benefit: A Family of God Lutheran Church, 4770 Route 202, Buckingham, 413 So. To Left on 202, Left into Church parking lot.
Sunday, April 11th, 9AM to 1PM. Items accepted include: Laptop Computers; Printers & Fax Machines; Televisions ($20.00 fee); Batteries (lead acid); Computer parts; Air Conditioners ($20.00 fee); Desktop Computers; DVD Players, VCR’s; Computer Monitors ($5.00 fee); Stereos and Speakers; Cables/Cords; Small Appliances; Dehumidifiers ($10.00 fee); Electronic Toys. All proceeds go to sending kids to camp for week where they will repair homes for the less fortunate. The amounts listed above are not mandatory, but suggested.
What’s Hot?
Well, according to the National Association of Home Builders decking out the kitchen makes the whole home more saleable. Kitchen designs, they say, translates to dollars.
1. “Blue is the new green”. Soft blues are catching on with consumers looking at home as a refuge. It’s calming and clean. Gray is an increasingly popular and pumpkin-orange is great for younger buyers!
2. Now that you’ve stripped all that wallpaper, it’s bAAAck! But large-scale prints and only on an accent wall.
3. Cabinets have gone through oak and maple phases: Now they’re showing up in painted white finishes.
4. The average newly built single home shrank from 2.520 square feet to 2,480 but priorities changed to price, energy and organization. Very high on the list was a kitchen big enough for the whole family to dine—-67% surveyed said they wanted space for a table, as opposed to chairs at a counter. 62% wanted a kitchen that functioned as a family gathering place. Walk-in pantries are highly desirable and a “family foyer” gets top marks—not at the front of the house but by the garage—space for backpacks, coats, boots, etc.
5. And granite . . . “it’s almost a starter-home feature” says a kitchen designer. While it has moved off of the list of “musts” and been replaced by various energy-saving features, buyers expect it.
Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!
1. Conquer Clutter—Whenever we have sellers get rid of their clutter, they think the house doesn’t look like their home. DUH! That’s the idea. We want people looking at space as theirs, not yours
2. Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation
3. Top Outdoor Structures Project: Add a fence
4. Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the basement
5. Top Home Exterior Project: Repair Gutters
6. Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Lighting
7. Top Landscaping Project: Make it look neat, tidy and easy to care for.
8. Top Storage and Organization Project: Maximize and Organize Storage Space
9. Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures
10. Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances.
10 Things EVERY Remodeling Contract Should Include:
1. The Contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license #
2. DETAILS on what the contractor will and WILL NOT do
3. A list of materials. Size, color, model, brand name and product
4. All required plans. Assure accuracy. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.
5. Written notice of right to, without penalty, cancel within 3 days of signing. It’s the law.
6. The approximate start date and completion date.
7. Financial terms, spelled out—Total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation or “change” fees.
8. A binding arbitration clause, which you’ll need in the event of any disagreements. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.
9. Everything you’ve requested. Make sure all items you’ve requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. NEVER sign an incomplete contract.
10. A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year and should be identified as full or limited. The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor, or manufacturer must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.
Should you Make Bi-Weekly Payments on Your Mortgage?
With biweekly payments, you pay half of the monthly mortgage payment every 2 weeks, rather than the full balance once a month. This is comparable to 13 monthly payments a year, which can result in faster payoff and lower overall interest costs. For example, the biweekly mortgage payment process can pay off a $200,000 30 year fixed loan at 7% in approximately 24 years (75 months sooner than a standard payment plan), with a total of $68,925 in interest savings.
Your lender might offer several biweekly payment options, where you make a payment that equals half of your normal monthly payment every two weeks. There is a considerable difference between different payment plans, so you should check with the lender to find out how they will treat your biweekly payments, exactly.
What most borrowers get when they convert their loan from monthly to biweekly payments is a pseudo biweekly (or standard biweekly) payment plan. On the pseudo biweekly, the biweekly payments are credited to an account managed by your lender. Once a month, as with standard payments, the monthly payments are made out of that account. The excess amount accumulated in the account by the end of each year is equal to a full monthly payment. At this point your lender makes a double payment.
In order to set up a true biweekly (or simple interest biweekly) payment schedule, you must have a lender that will immediately credit each 1/2 monthly payment upon receipt. The lender must calculate interest for two-week intervals and apply the biweekly payments less the interest to reduce principal every two weeks. Check with your mortgage holder—This is GREAT!
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