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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How much is a monthly payment? How much home can I afford? These are common questions. If you’d like a general idea, you can use a Mortgage Calculator like the one that has been added to the sidebar on the right column in case you like playing with some numbers. Some people are amazed to see that the monthly mortgage payment, in fact, isn’t as much as they are paying in rental payments! In addition, with the Housing Tax Credit for first time home buyers (and those who have not owned a home in the past 3 years from date of purchase) , it makes buying a home for the first time even more of a reality.

Consult a professional mortgage broker or bank for more specifics and information targeted to your individual circumstances.

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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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Research and Test the Home for Safety

Helping guide Buyers research homes in Chester County they are interested in purchasing is part of my job as a Real Estate agent in Chester County.

The Environmental Protection Agency website should be required reading for Buyers of homes in any area. The website addresses concerns and/or possibilities of environmental and hazardous conditions including Asbestos, Flood Maps, Hazardous Waste, Lead, Mercury, Mold, Radon, Superfund Sites, and more.

As a part of your Agreement of Sale to purchase a home in Chester County, you can elect contingencies that allow you to hire a professional to inspect many different items and conditions in the home.

Many of the environmental issues can be corrected, however, it’s important to get educated in order to make the best decision involving your real estate transaction. If a home you are interested in purchasing is found to have any concerns, you might be able to ask the seller to rectify the situation. Consult your real estate expert for further information.

Thinking of selling your houses in the greater Chester County area? It’s not a bad idea to read over the website either, so you are aware of any concerns that should be addressed or disclosed to the home buyer.

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It’s almost time! On September 2nd students will return to the West Chester Area Schools to begin the school year.The school calendar is one of the first things I do when I have kids in school. Updating all of my calendars so I don’t schedule something on those random days off.

The West Chester School District attends to close to 12,000 students and includes the following schools:

West Chester Elementary Schools – Grades K-5
East Bradford
East Goshen
Exton
Fern Hill
Glen Acres
Hillsdale
Mary C. Howse
Penn Wood
Starkweather
Westtown-Thornbury

West Chester Middle Schools- Grades 6-8
Fugett Middle
Peirce Middle
Stetson Middle

West Chester Senior High Schools- Grades 9-12
East High School
Henderson High School
Rustin High School

Henderson High School will be welcoming a new principal to the school this year, Mr. Robert J. Sokolowski.

Some people like to look at the Chester County School District profiles with test scores etc before deciding to move to Chester County. You can find more information on all Pennsylvania Schools on the Department of Education site: Pennsylvania Department of Education.

You can search homes for sale in West Chester or other areas in Pennsylvania provided by Chester County Real Estate agent Kim Wood.

One of my favorite parts about the West Chester School District web page is the transportation search. If you are looking to buy a home in West Chester search the website to find out the actual schools for the address you are considering.

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First Day the Rose Tree Media students are back in session is September 2nd.
When you are getting ready to plan your year if you have children in school, it’s a good idea to check their school calendar first.

The Rose Tree Media School District is comprised of the following schools:

Elementary – Grades K-5
Glenwood Elementary
Indian Lane Elementary
Media Elementary
Rose Tree Elementary

Middle- Grades 6-8
Springton Lake Middle School

Senior High- Grades 9-12
Penncrest High

Test Scores are sometimes helpful in determining which school district you are interested in moving to in Pennsylvania.
You can find information about statistics in the school from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

If you are interested in Real Estate for sale in the Rose Tree Media School District Area you can search for homes currently on the market.

Currently a house is for sale in Glen Mills is on the market and ready for someone to buy a house in the Rose Tree Media School District. More information about the house for sale in Glen Mills, marketed by The Kim Wood Team is on the house’s website.

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First Day T/E is Back to School for students is September 2nd.
When you are getting ready to plan your year if you have children in school, it’s a good idea to check their school calendar first.

The Tredyffrin-Easttown (T/E) School District is comprised of the following schools:

Elementary – Grades K-4
Beaumont Elementary
Devon Elementary
Hillside Elementary
New Eagle Elementary
Valley Forge Elementary

Middle- Grades 5-8
T/E Middle
Valley Forge Middle

Senior High- Grades 9-12
Conestoga High

Tredyffrin and Easttown are the two townships located in the T/E School District.
The main area included is Paoli, Devon, Berwyn, Daylesford, Chesterbrook, Strattford, and Wayne.
The enrollment is over 6,100 students.

If you are new to the T/E School District you can find out how to register.

Test Scores are sometimes helpful in determining which school district you are interested in moving to in Pennsylvania.
You can find information about statistics in the school from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

If you are interested in Real Estate for sale in the T/E School District Area you can search for homes currently on the market.

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The first day Downingtown Students will be Back to School is Tuesday, September 2nd.
Ready to plan vacations for the 2008-2009 year? You better check the school calendar so the kiddos don’t miss too much school.

The Downingtown School District is comprised of the following schools:

Elementary – Grades K-5
Beaver Creek
Bradford Heights
Brandywine Wallace
East Ward
Lionville Elementary
Pickering Valley
Shamona Creek
Springton Manor
Uwchlan Hills
West Bradford

Middle- Grades 6-8
Downingtown Middle
Lionville Middle

Senior High- Grades 9-12
Downingtown East High
Downingtown West High

East Brandywine, East Caln, Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, Wallace, West Bradford, and West Pikeland are the townships located in the Downingtown School District.
The enrollment is over 11,700 students.

If you are relocating to the area and you are new to the Downingtown School District, you can register at one of the central locations. The DASD website has additional information if you are New to the District or Registering for Kindergarten.

Test Scores are sometimes helpful in determining which school district you are interested in moving to in Pennsylvania.
You can find information about statistics in the school from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

If you would like information about the Real Estate currently available in the Downingtown Area School District, you can search for homes in Chester County, PA here.

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