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Devon, PA Real Estate News

By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Using Video in your business?   As we see the rise of the use of videos by businesses, I have been trying to get used to using it myself. Initially, I hated seeing and hearing my voice. Then I took a different tack and started interviewing people and filming our listings. As the focus was not on me, I was more relaxed. Then I created a YouTube channel, SellingTheMainLine, and posted the videos there as well as on my website and recently created different playlists such as local community videos, places to visit, listings, mortgage information, local businesses, testimonials, etc. What about an AR "Featured Video"? I have filmed some about local communities and places to visit locally that got me in front of the camera. I had seen the featured video on my profile here on AR for weeks and...
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By David Henke, Realtor, Homes Just West of Philadelphia PA
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)
Happy 4th of July 2014!     It may be a bit of a rainy start but be sure to take some time to relax, spend time with your friends and family, and enjoy. After today it looks like the perfect weekend. David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate, Inc - Wilmington, DE/Devon, PAOffice:610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808www.DelawarePAHomes.com
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Tredyffrin and Easttown Townships are a great place to be this July 4th. Lots to do in the two townships if you are at home. Berwyn in Easttown Township has a Bike Parade and Picnic in Johnson Park at the end of Bridge Avenue, sponsored by Penn Liberty Bank, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Moon Bounce and Games. Registration at 10.15, Starts at 11.00 am. Lots of fun, seeing the kids parade their decorated bikes. Contact Tom Toscani 610-647-4901 Then get out of the heat for a while at home, celebrate with family or you can just head over to Valley Forge National Park.       Valley Forge National Park for a family picnic and to hear Thomas Jefferson read the Declaration of Independence 11am - 1pm, readings at 11.30, 12.30 and 1.30.         Then in the evening starting at 7.30 pm in Wilson Farm Park...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Selling a Philadelphia main Line home has now become a multi round game of negotiation. 1) Agreement of sale 2) Inspections 3) Appraiser 4) Walk thru prior to settlement   For those who think a buyers agent does nothing you as a buyer cannot accomplish on your own remember as a buyer you are emotionally invested and sometimes to negotiate well you need to be calm, cool and relaxed. You focus on your goals alone while a good buyer's agent will dig to discover what the sellers goals might also be so that both sides reach settlement achieving most if not all their goals. They can advise you on value and price so that you don't overpay but also you don't miss a home that might seem expensive but which is packed with value due to location, features and benefits compared to other homes on th...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Right behind our office in Devon PA is this great little Tredyffrin Township Park. Many may not even know it is there. It used to belong to the Italian American Club located nearby, but was purchased some time ago by the township and now provides some green space in a fairly built up area,right behind Devon BMW a place of  quiet where you can stop for a few minutes and relax and enjoy the trees and the grass. There is also a couple of places nearby you can stop for coffee and a sandwich on Berkely, Pour Richard's Coffee Co. and The Black Cat Cafe (hours here are restricted over the summer).  
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By David Henke, Realtor, Homes Just West of Philadelphia PA
(Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc)
Welcome to Summer! It's that time of year to recharge while the days are long, the temperature is hot, and there are a multitude of things to do and see.  Be sure to take some time to relax, travel, enjoy life, and - perhaps -  buy a house. David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon, PA/Wilmington, DEOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808www.DelawarePAHomes.com
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
I have over the last year had several frustrated clients who have been confused by how much money they need to buy a house. They see signs, and adverts saying "Only 3.5% down needed". But in fact it is always more. There are several additional add on costs to that 3.5% down that are needed. 1) Title Insurance - the mortgage company is going to insist that their interest is insured and you may choose to insure your own interest as well. The amount in PA is set by the state and depends on the price of the home and the mortgage. 2) Real Estate Transfer Tax, this can vary from state to state and county and township, for example it is 1% in many local townships around us for buyer and seller, but some charge 1.25% of the sales price. Philadelphia is much higher 2.5% to both sides. 3) If you ...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
We all strive to be fit and healthy. We work out, play sports, encourage our kids to be active and try to set examples for them. But when was the last time you checked your house for how healthy it was for you and your family. When we buy a home we use a home inspector, to give us a snap shot of the home on that day. We may test for Radon, Termites usually, but if it was clear did you ever think to get a re-test, rarely test for Lead Paint, and unless there is an obvious issue probably don't think to test for Mold. But a house changes over time, just like us, it gets older, things fail just like us with knees or hips for example. So, that home inspection, which you pushed in a draw with all the other information from closing or put on a shelf and never looked at again, is probably outd...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
How can you improve your chances of buying a home especially when there are so many multiple offer situations? Paying Cash, waiver of contingencies, mortgage pre-approval but what if you could actually not just have a pre-approval but an actual commitment when you go house hunting? Prosperity Home Mortgage is offering buyers the Buyer Advantage. It takes about 7-10 days and you end up as a buyer with an actual commitment with a Commitment Letter putting you in a stronger position than a buyer who only has a pre-approval. The Prosperity Buyer Advantage is complimentary, there is no additional cost to obtaining this. It allows you as a buyer to make a stronger offer, the seller does not have to wait for you to make a loan application as you already have the commitment. It allows you as a ...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
One of the issues many real estate agents complain about is the online valuations many buyers and sellers find, be it Zillow or Trulia or elsewhere. However, our job as a real estate expert is to help with the interpretation of the reams of data buyers and sellers are finding online today. The internet is a great tool, but sometimes, it gives you too many results for a search term and the answers are overwhelming. Also, you may have to dig down many pages to find the best answer, not always is what is on the first results page the best information. This video from YouTube is a great explanation of the accuracy of Zillow's Zestimates. I hope it helps you understand that working with your agent and this information helps you find the best value for a home you may be considering buying or ...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
If you are looking for a luxury home in Tredyffrin or Easttown Townships you have plenty of choice in both townships of homes priced at a million dollars or more. From new to hundred year old houses, from homes in a development to those on land there is plenty of choice. Tredyffrin Township has fourteen homes, of which one is under contract priced from a $1,000,000 to $2,850,000, the latter price for an 8600 square foot house which is $331 per square foot for a four year old stone home located in the Highgrove development. Easttown you currently can choose from thirteen homes on the market of which one is under contract and several are not currently allowing showings, also priced from $1,000,000 to $4,495,000 for a 113 years old, 13,603 square foot house, which is $330 per square foot. ...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Long and Foster Real Estate, just launched a new advertising campaign in the Philadelphia area. We got a lot of comments from people last year when we ran a similar campaign. Have you seen any of moving signs around the area? Find an agent - buy a home. I am available to help you find a home along the Main Line, be it a condo, to a luxury mansion. Buying or Selling along the Main Line? The only address you need is mine, but just imagine how this will help me sell your home whether it is a condo, colonial, horse farm or a luxury property! Find an agent to sell your Main Line Home- look no further you found us, now lets get your home sold! This is just one of the tools we use to get your home sold, we have plenty of other tricks in our bag as well. Contact us today and let's get you movin...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
So many people today are moving over to Gluten Free diets, and some even becoming Vegan. We ourselves, admitedly we cheat, are mostly vegetarian, but recently trying to be also gluten free. So often, we go about our business and miss what is around us. Just a short walk from my office is a Whole Foods market, and that is where many people go, but they may miss Raw Can Roll which is not a stone's throw away and far better. Some of the best hummous I have tasted on the Main Line. But more than that, is the gluten free deserts...delicious. Well worth a visit. Mostly everything is raw, in the winter they have hot soup, but otherwise you are eating fresh produce that is mainly organic and so healthy. Watch our video and let us know what you think. Are you a smoothie drinker? I had not had br...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Whatever type of home you have you need to be prepared for the coming thaw following this harsh winter. Melting snow can cause flooding. There has been a lot of news about the recent changes to Flood Insurance recently and many people are confused. Here are 6 myths you may believe about flood insurance. Myth # 1 My homeowners policy will cover damage caused by a flood Truth - Flood is not covered under standard homeowners insurance policies. Purchasing a separate flood policy will give you peace of mind. Myth # 2 Flood insurance is too expensive and my homeowners insurance is already too much! Truth - Flood insurance costs only a small fraction of an average Homeowner premium. Preferred risk policies start as low as $129 a year - that's less than 35 cents per day. The average flood dam...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Wondering how you should decorate that room? Another quick clip from our interview with Deb Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors. Here she lets us know her opinion on the Design Trends for 2014. Need help with a room give Deb a call at 610-964-8403. Most buyers today want everything to be move in ready, but if you have a little vision or use someone like Deb Bettcher from Decorating Den Interiors you can get a good deal and have the home of your dreams. Let us help you find the house on the Main Line and Deb can decorate it for you.
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
We had a great interview last week with Deb Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors in Wayne, PA. This is a second clip from that interview where we get to see inside her studio and what she is currently working on.     We still have a little more footage with trends for 2014. If you want to reach out to Deb you can contact her by email at DebBettcher@Verizon.net, or call her for an appointment at 610-964-8403. In the meantime, if you are looking for a property where you may be able to use Deb's talents give us a call.
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
This week we sat down with Deb Bettcher of Decorating Den Interiors and got tons of footage discussing Interior Design. This first video is really an introduction to Deb. Let us know what you think. Keep an eye open for some other videos from this interview as we discuss 2014 trends
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Clutter is a major problem with many homes for sale. You cannot see the rooms for toys, or clothes, or closets are overflowing giving buyers the impression that there is little space. How do you overcome this? We turned to The Organizing Consultant, Anna Sicalides and asked her for some tips. Watch the video and let us know what you think. I think we will be meeting with Anna again and getting some tips for specific rooms.
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Every year we post the sales data for specific sevelopments in our area. Old Forge Crossing is a wonderful development of condos in the Devon area, you can read about the history and some other information about the development on our page www.OldForgeCrossing.com. We just listed and sold a one bedroom condo in Old Forge Crossing in one day in January. Totally updated, with newer bathroom and kitchen, newer heater and air conditioning and one of the larger size end units. If you are interested in knowing the potential of your condo in Old Forge Crossing please contact us, or if you are interested in buying in here as we may be able to find you just what you are looking for. We will be listing a 2 bed 2 bath second floor condo in February in a great central location in the development. A...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
You are recently engaged and excited to think that soon you can buy your first home on the Main Line together. But, before you start looking at Main Line houses on the internet or even physically there are 3 things you can do now to improve your chances of being successful in the competitive sport of house hunting.   1. Check your credit report. There are multiple sites that will give you a credit score today, but you need to realize that this score will not be the same as the one obtained by a mortgage company. Also, whilst giving you a score, they will not necessarily give you background information on all the accounts that are open in your name. So go to the government website  annualcreditreport.com and check out your report.  Your aim is to clean up your credit. Check that credit ...
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Devon, PA Real Estate Professionals