Real Estate in Chester County spreads over approximately 486,000 acres and according to the 2008 census home to 491,489 people.

When out showing houses with clients in Downingtown, PA yesterday, we discussed the different values around Chester County. The median sold price in the county for June 2009 was $349,000. So let’s take a look at what you can buy for $349,000 around the different parts of Chester County. If you would like a more “bird’s eye” view on your township or neighborhood, let me know. It would be interesting to zone in, because you’ve heard me say before, “Real Estate is very local.”

What house could I purchase in Chester County for $349,000?

The following table is based on Single Family homes for sale in Chester County, the school districts specified with the price from $349,000 – $350,000. What can you buy from the Main Line out to Oxford ?

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Don’t try to keep up with The Joneses. Live within your means … it’s more fun!

I’m not afraid to have a heart-to-heart with home buyers. I’ve advised a few people who have come in to discuss buying a home that they should wait – save more money/pay off more debt – and come back and see me when you’re ready to take the next step in a home purchase.

A friend of mine sent me this Seth Green Crib Video… enjoy.

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Asbestos Removal and Greener Alternatives

There are many things to consider when remodeling or purchasing an older home. Homes built before 1980 have the strong likelihood of containing asbestos. Due to a steady progression of technology and green sustainable methods, there are many ways to ensure your home or property is asbestos free. If you are interested in saving money, remodeling and improving your carbon footprint, here is some information to get you on the right track.

Used in millions of homes throughout the last quarter of the 20^th century, asbestos insulation can become a real dilemma for homeowners due to causing a variety of health problems, including Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Malignant Mesothelioma. These types of cancer take the lives of thousands each year.

Non-regulated asbestos material can be legally performed by homeowners, regular contractors, or licensed asbestos abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. Asbestos removal in public facilities, homes and workplaces must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Once the removal is complete, green insulation options should be given serious consideration, such as: Cellulose, Cotton Fiber and Lcynene.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC), in a study conducted in 2003, estimated a savings of $50-$65 per square foot for well-constructed green buildings in the U.S. (see table below) during that year. The numbers continue to improve as more eco-friendly options become available, and those kinds of figures have finally begun to attract those who thought eco-friendly construction was just a bunch of hogwash.

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I listened to a friend make a phone call today. It was returning someone’s call who was interested in a house he had listed for sale in Fresno, CA. He explained that although that home was under contract, he could be of assistance to find another home. It was amazing how similar we handle those calls. We want to help!

It can be a jungle out there trying to find a home of your dreams among all of the inventory available with the current Real Estate Market. With an agent who really listens to your desires in what you would like in a home; and one who is not afraid to bring you into reality… you will save time and money!

Most agents, including myself, do not charge home buyers to be of service. The most common question I hear when informing buyers of this is, “Well then how do you make money?”  I receive a fee for my service from the seller of the house if and when you have a settlement for purchase.

What types of services can you obtain from a Buyer’s Agent like Kim Wood?

• Quick notification of new homes that come on the market that meet your criteria
• Top notch negotiation skills to save you money
• Priority in communication and schedule availability
• Preview of property to save you time
• Attention to details and accuracy of paperwork
• Assistance in taking a vast number of homes for sale and narrowing them to your dream

I hope I get the opportunity to help you in the purchase of your new home West of the Philadelphia Suburbs. If you are looking into purchasing a home elsewhere, I have a large network of friends and associates that are a phone call away!

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It depends on what your definition is. If you are carrying a significant amount of debt and add a hefty mortgage to it with barely money left at the end of the paycheck to buy groceries – you could be. Buying a Home in Chester County or elsewhere should be an advancement, not a struggle and step backwards.

Most people who purchase a new home, have succeeded and are most happy with their decision.

Unfortunately, there are also people who come see me with hopes they can buy a home that is way out of their comfort zone – be it a starter home, an upgrade, or even a downgrade. From the cash home buyer to the buyers qualified to carry two mortgages with no deposit money; consulting with a financial advisor is strongly recommended.

You can not plan too much. Work the numbers. Then work them again. Look at all the scenarios… what if you lose your income for a certain period of time? What if the economy goes haywire? Plan, plan, plan.

Dave Ramsey says,

“Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help.”

Don’t be that guy/gal.

The lending institutions have tightened up the qualification levels to obtain a mortgage not too soon! So it might be a little bit more difficult to get yourself into the situation of stretching to make the house payment every month. But don’t depend on someone else to tell you what you can and can not afford. Work the scenarios. .

Poverty can strike at many different levels. It can strike in your neighborhood, town, state, and globally. Pass the word…. let’s raise awareness together on a global level.

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Sell House? Buy House? What First?

This is a common question that is presented to me more than I can count. It is important to gather research before making any conclusion. It’s sort of like getting together all of the pieces to a puzzle first; then putting the pieces together to make the master plan.

Some of the pieces to the puzzle you should investigate are:

• What is the current housing market?
• What does the future look like for the housing market?
• What is the hyper-local activity and competition around you?
• What funds do you have available to use? (And what would happen if you got stuck with two mortgages?
• If you plan on carrying two mortgage on your houses, are you prequalified to do so?
• Do you have temporary housing (or options available) if you sell first?

It can be done, but it’s sometimes tricky to have your settlements (sell and buy) on the same day. You have to coordinate moving company, be confident there won’t be any hiccups, and have impeccable timing procuring a Buyer & a new house you’d love to buy.

I can hear you now, “Aren’t there sale of home contingencies?” Yes, there are, and those could work to help with the timing issue.

There are many pieces to fit together. It can be overwhelming and sometimes painful. I won’t tell it how I think you want to hear it, I’ll give you my opinion, even if it might be painful for you – like wait and don’t buy or sell your house right now.

It is important to sit down with the experts that can help to guide you in making the decision to sell or buy first. If you are contemplating this Real Estate question around Chester County, I’d be happy to talk with you and help gather your pieces to help you make the best decision. Whether you listen is totally up to you!

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If you are a resident of Chester County, Delaware County, or Montgomery County you already know how lucky you are! If you are looking at moving to Chester County or thinking about Buying Real Estate in the general area – you might want to know how close you are to the Philadelphia Sports Teams! Even if you aren’t a big fan of the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, or Soul chances are someone in your friends/family would like to see a game.

I like any live sporting event. Not into it too much on TV (Football Sundays with the Family are my one exception). And I go all out in support for my Philadelphia sports teams! I might not know the players names, stats, and what draft pick they were – but I’ll scream and holler when it comes to game time!

I went to see the Phillies last night, thanks to Kevin Sutera of Mortgage America! I thought he knew me well enough to know that I was a bit of a scaredy cat princess, the seats were in the Terrace section (so I stood up). I still was thankful to be there! Despite that I had a blast watching the game, as did the Praying Mantis some lovely gentlemen helped rescue. He told me later his name was Manti and he flew from Chesterbrook in Wayne, PA to come watch the game. He was hoping for some photo ops and he got them.

Did you see that catch?

If you like sports – I hope you get to an event in Philadelphia. You still have time to catch some Philadelphia Phillies games, or your know football season starts soon!!! From Exton, PA it takes about 45 minutes to get to the stadium during the week on a game night. Have fun!

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Take Pictures before you Move

Many times in life we have to let things go. It doesn’t always get easier with time, let me tell you! As an Air Force Brat, I grew up moving our home every couple of years or so. That meant a lot of letting go…. learning to not get attached to a house, understanding that I probably wouldn’t ever see the people who became my friends after we moved, and saying goodbye to my grandparents in Chester County before we left for each assignment. It didn’t get easier.

There has been one thing that has made it easier for me … pictures! With every move I’ve made as an adult, I’ve found it’s much easier to throw/give things away and pack less to move if I take pictures of things first!

I wish I’d known that as a preteen. My parents still joke with me that they found a box of wrappers when moving from England back to the United States. I still think I have a good defense, “It was only one shoebox and the candies & crisps were so different than anything they had in the US!” (Crisps=potato chips. England was way ahead of US with Salt & Vinegar, Pizza, Crab, etc. US still doesn’t have Beef flavored ) The wrappers got tossed. Wish I had a picture!

When you prepare to move … take lots of pictures. Not just of the “house” but of people enjoying it! Get the kids sitting at the island for their after school snack, the neighbors gathered on your deck for a BBQ, the family lined up the stairway, etc.

To ease the pain of letting go of sentimental items, take pictures! When we cleaned out my grandmother’s house to move her to assisted living – it was hard not taking everything that I had a memory of childhood from. But taking pictures of those items made it so much easier.

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I’ve discovered over the years that I’m actually ok to hang out with. I used to hate every minute I was alone and needed people around me at all times.

I have a friend whose daughter loves to read. She has a very special place. I’m sort of envious over it. It’s a spot in a tree. Just the right spot. Comfy. Cozy. She reads for hours up in her tree. Last night there was a storm. PANIC! ::BOOM:: “What if that was my tree?”

Find your place. Love your place. Don’t let it go.

There are a lot of emotional ties that go with a house sometimes. I’ve found most of people’s emotions to be Happy Ones. If your special place is in your home… what will you do if you move ? What will you do if the storm comes?

You’ll be guided to another special place. Really. You will. It’s a place that makes you feel good. You can get to that relaxed state. No worries. You might make some big decisions while in your place.

Moving into a new home takes some getting used to. You have to let it wrap itself around you, but soon it will be comfy and you’ll wonder what you did without each other. You’ll get to know each other in no time. Maybe it will even give you a special place.

Some places to try… on the window bench seat by the nook, on the deck, in a tree, on a raft in the pool, on a bench by the creek, on the porch in a rocker…… where is your special place?

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Technology has come so far – and it isn’t going to stop. I don’t want to get left in the dust. When I have Buyers or Sellers that are looking for a Real Estate professional to handle one of the most expensive investments in their future, they need someone who is up to par with today’s marketing needs.

I began blogging a year ago on ActiveRain. West of Philly Burbs was born in the fall of 2007. What is in the future? You better believe I’ll come away knowing after this conference! And I plan on changing my business pattern to stay ahead of the game. I’m devoted to that for my Buyers and Sellers in the Greater Chester County area.

Five years ago, if you were going to buy or sell a house, you would probably look in the newspaper classified section. You would also know when the local retail store or restaurant received their copies of the latest Real Estate Print Magazines for the month as you knew when to run out and grab the latest edition.

Today, home buyers and home sellers are looking on the internet to buy or sell their home. In my business, 100% of the buyers I’ve helped have used the internet in some way. According to NAR (National Association for Realtors®) the number is over 80%. Sellers should expect their home to be marketed and talked blogged about. Sellers should not settle for a mere “MLS presence”. Your Real Estate agent should be shouting about your home from the Mountain top!

Sellers, would you like an easy way to tell if they are? Ask the Real Estate Agent to give you a property address they are currently marketing. Google search it. Make sure the first page at the least is filled with various websites.

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