Real Estate Trends in Media PA

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Media, PA, United States
Direct: 610-420-0498 Office 610-627-4937 BHHS Fox and Roach Realtors Email: Branka@BrankaDoych.com Visit my website: www.BrankaDoych.com

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Stink Bug Invasion hits our local area!

The Halyomorpha halys, otherwise known as the stink bug, is rearing its ugly head in great quantity in many local areas.  The down side, there is no chemical to get rid of them. The good news is the population will decrease after the first frost.  For more information about the stink bug problem, read Gretchen Metz's article in the Main Line Media News site.
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/articles/2010/09/29/main_line_suburban_life/life/doc4ca264019cbc0775493498.txt

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Monday, September 27, 2010

Main Line Today Home & Garden Event Oct. 1 and 2

Main Line Today magazine and the Home Builders Association of Chester and Delaware Counties host their Home & Garden Fall Event on Friday, October 1 from 6 to 9 pm and Saturday, October 2 from 10 am to 9 pm at The School at Church Farm in Exton, PA.  This year’s event offers:


• Over 60 exhibitors featuring a wide array of home and garden products and services including Home Builders - Interior Design - Landscaping - Furnishings - Accessories - Renovations.


• Saturday workshops presented by experts:
  1. Angelo Anastasio of Greenable on "Debunking the myths about green building products and why buy green."
  2. Steve Buerkle of Signature Solar on "How to save on utility costs through solar installation."
  3. Wayne Megill Jr. on "The economic benefits of buying new construction."
  4. PECO Energy
  5. Dale Smith of Sterling Kitchens on "Kitchen and bath design trends."

• 
“Going Green” demonstrations.

• Products to help consumers save money, save energy and protect the environment.

• Great food from the Bistro at Our Town and Cupcakes Gourmet.

Friday night opening featuring art by well known Chester County artists, fine food, acoustic guitar and home fashion expo. Raffles to benefit The American Red Cross.

For tickets (only $4.00!) go to:
https://today-media-inc.ticketleap.net/main-line-today-s-home-garden-fall-event-10-01-2010-20-0 
Enter HEB or HEB2 for 2-day pass.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Find the Most Walkable Neighborhoods! See how your home scores on the walkability scale.

Check out this great website that shows where the most walkable neighborhoods are.  Type in your address to see how it scores or, view the Walk Score Map which shows walkable locations and distances from the address. You can even check out how far your commute to work will be.

How Walk Score Works:
Walk Score is a number between 0 and 100 that measures the walkability of any address.


Walk Score Description
90–100 Walker's Paradise — Daily errands do not require a car.
70–89 Very Walkable — Most errands can be accomplished on foot.
50–69 Somewhat Walkable — Some amenities within walking distance.
25–49 Car-Dependent — A few amenities within walking distance.
0–24 Car-Dependent — Almost all errands require a car.

Go to http://www.walkscore.com/ and see how your present home scores or where you might like to live next!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

How to reach municipalities in Delaware County

Lansdowne Borough
12 E. Baltimore Ave.
Lansdowne, PA 19050
Phone: 610-623-7300
Fax: 610-623-5533
Web: http://www.lansdowneborough.com/

East Lansdowne Borough
155 Lexington Avenue
East Lansdowne, PA 19050
Phone: 610-623-7131
Fax: 610-259-2636
Police Fax: 610-622-5403
Web: http://www.eastlansdowne.org/
 
Upper Darby Township
100 Garrett Road
Upper Darby, PA 19082
Phone: 610-352-4100
Fax: 610-734-7709
Web: www.upperdarby.org/

Norwood Borough
10 W. Cleveland Ave.
P.O. Box 65
Norwood, PA 19074
Phone: 610-586-5800
Fax: 610-586-5802
Web: www.norwoodpa.org

To find contact information for other municipalities in the county, go to http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/towns/index.html

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

FREE - Community Arts Center's Fine Arts & Crafts Festival at Rose Tree Park this weekend

The Community Arts Center’s FINE ARTS and CRAFTS FESTIVAL will be held on September 25 & 26, 10 am - 5pm (rain or shine) in Rose Tree Park, Media, PA. Original art and craft work will be for sale in ceramics, fiber, jewelry, polymer clay, mixed media, photography, wood, watercolor, oil, acrylic, mosaic, painted furniture, and printmaking. There will be live musical entertainment, fine food, children's activities, and artists' demonstrations. Admission and parking are FREE!

Rose Tree Park is located on Route 252 in Media. It is easily accessible from I-476.. The address is 1671 N. Providence Road, Media, PA. For more information call 610-566-1713 or visit http://www.communityartscenter.org./

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Study shows postive affects of owning a home!

According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, there are many positive affects that result from owning a home including:

1. Homeowners are more active in their communities.
  • Homeowners move far less frequently than renters, and therefore are involved in the same neighborhood and community for longer. People become more connected socially and strong communities are beneficial to all individuals.
  • Homeowners are proven to be more politically active and are more likely to vote in local elections compared to renters. In addition, homeowners have a higher membership in voluntary organizations.
2. Homeowners benefit from improved education opportunities.
  • The decision by teenage students to stay in school is higher for those raised by parents who are homeowners compared to those whose parents are renters. Access to economic and educational opportunities are also more prevalent in neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership. Furthermore, studies have shown that changing schools frequently due to moving impacts negatively a child’s educational outcome.
3. Homeowners report higher levels of self-esteem and happiness when compared to renters.
  • Studies have shown that homeowners say they are more healthy physically and are more likely to believe that they can do things as well as anyone else. The study says that homeoners report higher self-esteem and happiness than renters, which increases their overall health.
Enjoy the long term financial benefit of owning a home and at the same time develop a great sense of community and social ties! Be part of the American dream and buy a home!
 

Monday, September 20, 2010

Contact information for municipalities in Delaware County

If you need information from your borough or township, go to the Delaware County website for contact information:
 http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/towns/index.html

Listed below are Media, Borough, Middletown Township, and Upper Providence Township.

Media Borough

Third & Jackson Streets
Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-566-5210
Fax: 610-566-0335
Web: http://www.mediaborough.com/

Middletown Township

27 N. Pennell Rd.
Lima, PA 19037
Phone: 610-565-2700
Fax: 610-566-3640
Web: http://www.middletowntownship.org/

Upper Providence Township

935 N. Providence Road
Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-565-4944
Fax: 610-565-8924
Web: www.upperprovidence.org

Friday, September 17, 2010

FREE TO ATTEND: 31st Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival in West Chester

1. WHAT:  31ST Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival


2. WHEN:  Sunday, September 19th from 12 noon to 5:30 pm
                   (Rain Date- Sunday, September 26th)

3. WHERE: On Gay Street between Matlack & New Streets, West Chester PA

4. WHO:  60+ Restaurants and Food Vendors

                110+ Crafters and Info Booth

                Beer and Wine Garden on Church Street

                Chester County Culinary Challenge:
                          Watch 4 Chefs battle it out to see who is the area's top chef!

                3 Stages with Great Bands:  Barakka * Dirk Quinn Band * New Pony
                                                            North End * Sounds from Atlantis
                                                            Steppin Razor * The National Rifle

FREE TO ATTEND!

Additional Information Website: http://www.west-chester.com/recreation.php

Thursday, September 16, 2010

FREE Household Hazardous Waste Collection TODAY 9 to 3 at Rose Tree Park

Household products containing toxic chemicals can be a threat to people and the environment, if improperly discarded. Never discard these materials in the trash as they may harm your sanitation workers or result in a collection vehicle fire. It is also not safe to pour them down a sink or storm drain as they end up in the environment polluting the air, water, and/or soil.
 
Bring items between 9 am and 3 pm to Rose Tree Park, N. Providence Rd. (Rte. #252) Media, 19063 Upper Providence Twp

For additional information, contact:
Delaware County Solid Waste Authority for disposal suggestions 610-892-9627
Driving Directions can be found by visiting:  www.co.delaware.pa.us/recycle/hhw.html

WHAT TO BRING:

Flammables
• Oil-based Paint
• Paint Thinner
• Spot Removers
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Gas / Oil Mixture
• Heating Oil
• Motor Oil

Pesticides

Caustics
• Cleaners
• Solvents

Toxics
   Pool Chemicals
• Rust / Paint Remover
• Antifreeze
• Mercury Thermometers and Switches

Household Batteries
• Rechargeable
• Lithium
• Button Batteries
• Ni-Cad (power tools)

Lead-Acid Batteries

Cell Phones

Free Johnny Appleseed Arts & Music Festival at Linvilla Orchards outside Media

Come to the Johnny Appleseed Arts & Music Festival this Saturday and Sunday, September 18th and 19th.  Local artists and crafts persons will be exhibiting their works - woodcrafts, jewelry, photography, and much more. Live music will be presented on the following days and times:

SATURDAY
10:30 The Broozers
1:00 Run of the Mill String Band
3:30 Zorro Gato

SUNDAY
10:30 The McChords
1:00 Genny and the Westmont Playboys
3:30 The Fair Trade

LOCATION:  Linvilla Orchards, 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA  Telephone #610-876-7117
For more information visit their website at  http://www.linvilla.com/

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Easy Fixes for 3 Household Problems!

1. Oil Stains on Garage Floor: 
  • sprinkle cat litter to soak up the stain
  • clear cat litter and using a stiff bristle brush, scrub with a paste of hot water and dry dish or laundry detergent
  • hose area and let dry
  • alternate method:  put Spray 'n Wash and dry detergent on stain for 10 minutes
  • last option:  spray on some oven cleaner and then wash down thoroughly
2.  Leaky Faucets:
  • Use a rubber washer, an O ring, or seals depending on what type faucet.
3.  Squeaky Stairs: (tread or horizontal surface of steps comes loose causing squeaking)
  •  If you can get under the staircase, attach an "L" bracket from the underside of the tread to the stringer (the long piece of wood that connects the treads and runs diagonally up the wall)
  • If you cannot get underneath the staircase, purchase a squeaky staircase kit which allows repairs to be made from above, even through carpet. Otherwise secure the tread to the stringer with a trim screw.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Free Energy Conservation Workshops in Delaware County

Free educational workshops to help people learn how to save energy and conserve water in their homes and at work will be offered by the Delaware County Conservation District and the Pennsylvania Resources Council. The "Bringing Home Green Energy" workshop will teach homeowners and renters about alternative energy resources like compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar-powered water heaters, insulation, low-e windows, energy Star appliances, and more.  It begins Sept. 16th. A complimentary fluorescent light bulb (CFL) and course materials are included. One participant will win a free home energy audit worth $250.

The "We All Live Downstream" workshop will be scheduled in the spring and will offer information on conserving water (benefits of native landscaping for water conservation, rain gardens and rain barrels), environmentally friendly auto care, and more.

 For more information and workshop dates contact the Conservation District at 610-892-9484 or visit http://www.delcocd.org/.

Monday, September 13, 2010

7 REASONS WHY ACTIVE ADULTS MOVE

1. Move for Lifestyle
2. Move for Work
3. Move to Flee Dissatisfaction
4. Turn Second Home into First
5. Move for Health Reasons
6. Move to simplify life
7. Move for Family

Friday, September 10, 2010

Swarthmore Historic House Tour on Sunday, September 26th

The Swarthmore House tour which takes place every other year is scheduled for Sunday, September 26th from 1 to 5 pm. This year’s tour will showcase some of Swarthmore’s finest homes including four Victorian homes on Park Avenue. Also on the tour is the Courtney C. Smith house, a grand, 3-story Second Empire Style house which is also the home of the Swarthmore College president. It is an example of modern architecture in the Bauhaus tradition. Wister Center, the newest building on the college campus is on the tour as well. Tour tickets are $20.00 before Sept 26th and $22 the day of the tour. They can be purchased at various Swarthmore town center locations. Visit the Swarthmore Historical Society website for more information. http://www.swarthmorehistoricalsociety.org/

Thursday, September 9, 2010

24th Annual Great Media Garage Sale this Weekend!!

Two days to find great bargains in the Borough of Media! Come out this Saturday and Sunday, September 11th & 12th between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm for The Great Media Garage Sale. Hundreds of residents within the borders of Media Borough will settle on sidewalks, streets, and front yards to sell their treasures while buyers from around the region flock to find some good deals. Maps will be available as of Sept 10th at Quincy’s (State & Jackson) and Koffee Korner (Jackson & Jasper) for locations that are registered. Otherwise, cruise the streets to find the sales.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Could your home have been purchased from a Sears catalog?

Can you imagine buying your home from a catalog?  From 1908 – 1940 Sears Modern Homes program offered over 500 ready to assemble “designs” from bungalows to mansions.  A quaint, three-room and no-bath summer cottage called the Goldenrod could also be purchased. The outhouse was sold separately. The details of construction and completion of the home was enclosed with a shipping schedule and mailed to the customer. The pre-fab houses were sent by rail and arrived pre-cut with a set of specifications and instructions on how to put it together.
There is a large collection of Sears Modern Catalog Homes still in existence. The Crescent Hills section of Hopewell VA has 44 homes. Elgin, Illinois has the largest known collection of over 200 homes. There are some homes in Pennsylvania as well.
If you want to learn more about these homes go to the Sears Archives website. Sears no longer has records but has suggestions on how to find out if your home might be from Sears. Rosemary Thornton, the author of The Houses That Sears Built offers this “How to Identify a Sears Home Kit” at wikihow.com.

So how's that for some fancy catalog shopping?

Friday, September 3, 2010

"Chase Me Comrade" at the Hedgerow Theatre - last week!

Hedgerow Theatre, the oldest continually running American Repertory Theatre is minutes from the Borough of Media. The Ray Cooney farce, Chase Me Comrade is in its final week. The story is about a Russian ballet dancer who wants to defect to the west. Unfortunately, he ends up at the home of one of England's top Ministry of Defense officials - a man who would turn him in as a defector if he realized who he was.. Everyone including the Minister's daughter, Russian spies and even the local constable gets into the act. Confusion, innuendo, mix ups and misunderstandings all hit the stage at once! What starts sanely instantly ramps up to hyper speed and no one knows who is what or where. Shows are Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm, Saturday matinee at 4 pm, Sunday matinee at 2 pm and Wednesday 9/8 at 1 pm. Get your tickets by going to the Hedgerow Theatre website. http://www.hedgerowtheatre.org/

Thursday, September 2, 2010

What do buyers and sellers want in a Realtor?

Prudential Real Estate did an online survey of people who own homes and people who intended to buy a home within two years. It found that people are aware that today's real estate market is very complicated and requires greater sophistication. 
  • 69% agree that buying a home is a much bigger decision than it used to be.
  • 76% agree that buying or selling a home is more complicated than in the past
  • 89% agree that previously "any home used to sell" but that marketing a home today must be much more sophisticated. 
Because of this it is no surprise to see that:
  • 93% agree that finding an agent and real estate firm they can trust is more important than ever.
Many people are searching for their information online. Unfortunately not all information we see online is reliable, which can hurt buyers and sellers. That's why it is crucial to select a professional Realtor with the knowledge, experience and creativity to guide you through the process. When buying, it is important to have current information about what is on the market. When selling, it's important to understand that buyers are looking for value, and sellers who have their homes in great condition, have them priced right, and use staging techniques will experience success. Prudential Fox and Roach can assist in all of these areas. We are the market leader with a history of trust and integrity dating back to 1866. Our professionals are experts and the consultants of The Trident Group (mortgage, title, and insurance) will make the process easy and convenient while helping you settle on time, with great service and value.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Branka's September 2010 Real Estate Market Update

Here is a link to my "September Real Estate Update":
http://realtytimes.com/142/BrankaDoych
August Real Estate Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter. 

This month's issue includes topics such as:

"Priced to Sell";

"Most Homebuyers Have No Regrets";

"Staging a Photo Ready Home";

"Handling Neighborly Disputes";

"Social Benefits of Housing";


Plus a roundup of August real estate activity as well as much more advice and information
I hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too!