This is a video I submitted to demonstrate a very small portion of what I can do for you as a Buyer Real Estate Agent. It was a submission for a contest that I was selected to participate in by ActiveRain. Myself and my mentor, Missy Caulk, are in the top three teams chosen as finalists in a Business Makeover2Takeover.
The finalist will be announced in San Francisco soon - I’ll keep you posted… for now… enjoy just a small piece of what I can do for you as a homebuyer in the Chester County, Pennsylvania area. (It actually takes about an hour to address the process and what I can do for you).
The township parks in Chester County are amazing. I’ve really been enjoying exploring the different walking trails and scenery that the parks offer.
A couple of weeks ago, I walked in East Goshen Township’s park for the first time. I stopped to take these two pictures with my phone (sorry they aren’t great)…..
I’ve had two requests this month for “a favor”. Both future sellers wanted some advice about selling their home, but it wouldn’t be happening for a while. (Six months-36 months). I’ve explained, this isn’t a “favor”, I consider this a part of my service!
Of course, timing is everything as far as pricing a home, so I won’t be able to offer much help as far as that goes unless we are talking about <30 days. The market changes frequently in - I wish I had a crystal ball in the Real Estate world!
It doesn’t matter that the homes are in Thorndale or Norristown, the story will be similar around the entire Greater Chester County Area. My focus will be what the sellers can do toadd value to the price of the home.
Each home has different needs as far as increasing value. I have a long checklist, but some homes only need a few items worked on. So I don’t mind taking the time to come out and give my professional opinion about what to do to prepare the house and property for selling.
I will tell you what the majority of home buyers are requiring in the homes they buy during this market.
There are so many homes for sale on the market today, there are plenty of homes to chose from. Buyers are not looking for fix-up projects like they used to. They’d rather pay a little bit more, and have it ready to move in. A year ago, I could help my clients disregard even carpet and paint in the home they were looking at. Not anymore. Why? Because there is another home a block away that is the same price or a tiny bit more with brand new carpet and new paint. (No offering money for credit is not as effective right now).
A few of the items that seem to get repeated on many of the homes I market for sale in Greater Chester County:
Clean, Clean, Clean: Most of the time this means de-clutter. My general rule for people is “pack like you are going away for a month to a vacation home, then put all of the extra stuff in storage somewhere.” I get a lot of “ewh” and “how can I live” comments from that, however, I’m only telling you what will increase value, you can take it or leave it, just know it will cost you in the long run.
Curb Appeal: Take a look at the frontage of your home from the mailbox to the front door. How does it look? Need some weeding? Add some splashes of color (plants)? Does the front door need a coat of paint? New kickguard?
Flooring: This depends on the wear and tear (and color), sometimes you can get a good carpet cleaning that makes it sparkle again.
Repairs: If you’ve had some things you keep meaning to fix - do it! Home Buyers do not want to come into a home and have fix up projects waiting for them. The overall appearance makes all the difference.
Upgrade: This is a bigger project, and depends on how long you have until you sell your home, however, if your bathrooms and/or kitchen have lime green or purple stoves or bathtubs, consider upgrading. Maybe it isn’t super old and you can get away with some new flooring. In any case, take a look at it, and think with a Home Buyer’s set of eyes.
Again, this is a very personalized list. If you’d like some help trying to decide what to do to get your home ready to sell at the very highest price possible, I’d be happy to come and give you some pointers. You can request an appointment via email Kim(at)KimWood.net or call me at (610) 692-6823.
Over an acre of peace and quiet rests this magnificent 5 year old home. It’s an overused phrase - but “LIKE NEW” is so true with this house. The owner has taken great care and you won’t doubt it when you see this home.
Five Bedrooms! Five and a Half Baths! Full Bedroom, Living Area, Kitchen, Bath in Lower Level - perfect for an au-pair or inlaw suite. Freespan (no poles) 4-car garage. Studio. Views from every window are amazing. Some even feel like you are in the top of the trees!
If you are looking for a place to call home in the Chester/Delaware County area, make an appointment to see this house in the Rose-Tree Media School District. For more information www.SlittingMill.info.
It’s always important to know where the closest medical facility is if you are moving to Chester County, PA. If you buy a house in the Greater Chester County area, be sure and ask your Real Estate agent where the closest hospital is located.
Jennersville Regional Medical Center
1015 West Baltimore Pike
West Grove, PA 19390
(610) 869-1001
Licensed Beds: 51
Currently a Chester County Trauma Center Task Force has been formed with volunteers to research the feasibility of establishing a trauma center in the area. Chester County is the most populated county in Pennsylvania without a trauma center! Persons needing trauma service in Chester County would be transported further, taking extra time to get service that could impact the patient’s health.
The closest trauma centers to Chester County are:
Lancaster General Hospital (Lancaster, PA)
Reading Hospital (Reading, PA)
University of Pennsylvania Hospital (Philadelphia, PA)
A common question that most of the people who buy a house in Chester County (and Montgomery County & Delaware County) with me is, “What is the Assessment Price and why is it so different than the asking price?”
The assessment price is shown on our MLS printouts that a Buyer is given before viewing a home for sale in the area. It is a portion of the market value price for the property that the county has established. (Each county is a little bit different however, In Chester County, PA, the figure is based on 100% of the appraised value as of 1996.)
You can determine how much money you will pay in taxes based on the Millage Rate. (List for Chester County Millage Rates(For Chester County, PA you have to add the Millage for the School Districts to this sheet) , Montgomery County Millage Rates, Delaware County Millage Rates) The millage rate is the rate the tax revenue is generated. It is 1/1000th of assessed value.
To calculate the taxes for a property, use the formula AV(assessed value) x M (Millage) = T(tax)
For example: Assessed Value = $100,000 Millage Rate= 3.804 mills (.003804) Tax = $380.40
What is the Assessed Value? $380.40 x .003804 = $100,000
What are the Taxes? $100,000 x .003804 = $380.40
If you need some help finding your Millage Rate or Calculating the above… contact Kim Wood any time
Do you write a blog with information on happenings in Chester County? Montgomery County? Delaware County?
I would like to get some link love together on blogs that periodically at least (doesn’t have to be your main focus) give some shout outs to our area.
Many people that are relocating to the beautiful area West of Philadelphia would love to have a centralized spot they can gather information - why not here ? They might start with buying a new home in the suburbs of Philly, but ultimately have interest in what goes on around the area as well!
If you would like some love in my sidebar - please place your link below in a comment.
It’s always fun to get out into the different communities in and around West Philadelphia Suburbs! Today, my daughter (19) ran a 5K in Kennett Square.
Her personal trainer, Dave, from Old School Fitness in Exton, encouraged her to come out for the run. I’m so glad he did! My other two daughters (21 & 5) and I tagged along. Because we had Little One with us, we opted for the 1-mile Fun Walk, they even had a ribbon for finishers (Little One was quite pleased).
Daughter, 19 did a great job, I was so proud! I thought it was her first, but she reminded me she ran in Downingtown’s Good Neighbor Day Run, held annually on July 4th.
If you have never participated in an organized walk or run - get out there and give it a shot! Especially in the small towns around the area that host these special events. Usually they are raising money for charities or other causes. It feels good to be with such a large group of people getting their feet moving!
I’m the loud one at the finish line cheering as the runners enter the shoot. I’ve volunteered at runs before, and even co-chaired one for a couple of years. People appreciate the yells of encouragement, so I hear. (Yes, Daughter was quite embarassed).
On another note… .The Historic Downtown of Kennett is so quaint and cozy, despite the smell of mushroom farms around the area :) Today was no different. We even stopped at a local townspot, Sunrise Cafe & Tea Room, to eat brunch. Quite tasty I must say!
Kennett Square is located approximately 60 minutes West of Philadelphia. If you are considering a move to Kennett Square; Chester County, PA. I’d love to help!
I hope I can feature neighborhood parks on West of Philly Burbs from time to time, there are so many gorgeous ones around!
This morning, I chose East Brandywine Township Community Park for my exercise walk. I loved it because the trails winded in and out and around about. It wasn’t just around in a circle a few times.
If you live around the Downingtown, Guthresville, Glenmoore area (or if you are considering a move to this part of Chester County) be sure and come by for a visit if you haven’t already.
LittleOne4 enjoys the playground! There are two playgrounds, picnic pavilions, walking trails, soccer fields, baseball field, tennis courts - complete with restrooms!
I was quite impressed with the massive construction going on as I rounded the trail on the far side; it appeared to be more soccer fields! What do you do when you want to know? Call or email East Brandywine Township - their response time is record! I received an email from Mr. VanLew in no time!
“The Township is installing 2 soccer fields and 2 baseball fields. Along with the fields is an extension of the walking trail and enlarging the parking area. This project has been in the planning stages for many months and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks” Matthew VanLew, E Brandywine Township.
But guess what else I learned? The fields can not be used for a couple of years to allow the new grass to become established. It’s their “rest” time. Hopefully we’ll have some obedient township members & visitors cause those fields will look yummy!
There were some other additions the Township wanted to include, however the bids came in higher than expected, so they had to delete the pavilion, restrooms, and dugouts for the time being. “They are expected to be included in the budget within the next two years in order to complete this portion of our park project,” said Mr. VanLew.
Mr. VanLew also included a plot plan of the new addition, please email me for a copy. East Brandywine Community Park; 436 Dilworth Rd, Downingtown, PA 19335.
Stop by and visit to find out the local happenings. Not only Real Estate. I love where I live, and I hope it shows!
If you are relocating to Chester County, PA; Montgomery County, PA; Delaware County, PA you'll find information about the West of Philadelphia Suburbs here.
CONTACT:
Kim Wood
REALTOR(R)
RE/MAX Main Line
(610) 692-2228 Main Reception
(610) 692-6823 Direct
