Happy New Year 2011

Happy Holidays!

Best Wishes to All!

http://preaecards.com/cv/923af896815817b6018d24923036f0fd9a9506aa

Swarthmore Holiday Lights

http://www.thelistingwidget.com/view.cfm?tourID=7735

Green Topics Active Solar Heating

Here is some good information on Solar Heating and the difference between the air and liquid solar heating.

Holiday Lights in Media PA - Old Mill Pointe

Fun and beautiful light displays of Old Mill Pointe
http://www.thelistingwidget.com/viewMLS.cfm?tourID=7716

Delaware County Early Lunar Eclipse

Holiday in Media Pa - Rose Tree Estates

Happy Holidays!

http://www.thelistingwidget.com/view.cfm?tourID=7710

Realtor.org reports on National averages for a midrange home in 2010-11 Home improvement costs and their potential resale value.

National average for additions:

Attic Bedroom $ 51,428 resale value $37,142 or 72.2%

Bathroom $40,710 resale value $21,695 or 53.3%
Two Story $165,243 resale value $107,338 or 65.0%



Mid-Atlantic costs for the same additions are as follows:
Attic $55,218 resale value $38,394 and 69.5%
Bathroom $43,591 resale value $21,150 or 48.5%
Two Story $171,895 resale value $104,286, 60.7%


I find that many of my clients even get better deals locally. Let me know if you need some names of local capable and well priced contractors - recommended by my other clients. branka@brankadoych.com

For a copy of the full report send me an email and I will be glad to share it with you.

Green topics - how to read an "energy label"

Here is a quick overview of energy labels and how to read them.

2010-11 remodeling cost averages and their potential resale value

Realtor.org reports on National averages for a midrange home in 2010-11 remodeling costs and their potential resale value:

National:

Basement 64,519 resale value $45,186 or 70%


Major Kitchen remodel $58,367 resale value $40,126 or 68.7%

Minor Kitchen remodel $ 21,695 or $15,790 for a 72.8% resale value
Mid-Atlantic costs for the same are as follows:
 
Basement $69,106  for the resale value of $40,215 and 58.2%
Major Kitchen $60,710  for the resale value of $38,214 or 62.9%
Minor Kitchen $22,325 for the resale value of $15,246, 68.3%
 
I find that many of my clients get even better deals locally.  Let me know if you need some names of local capable and well priced contractors - recommended by my clients.
 
Also, for a copy of the full report send me an email and I will be glad to share it with you.

Green Topics - appliances how does one know about their efficency?

If you plan on purchasing a new refrigerator or a stove, washer or dryer, check information at this site first before you make your final decision on your new purchase.

Green Topics - How much will you save when properly insulating your home

Green Topics - How much will you save when properly insulating your home?

Home Buyers - mortgage interest rates are climbing!

Home Buyers - Mortgage interest rates are still very low but climbing.  In the last three weeks rates have been for FHA 4.750% and 5.00% and Conventional Rates have been between 5.00% and 5.25%.  Buyers, if you have been thinking of buying a home now is the time to act… expectation is that 6% rates are not far in the future.

Green Topics - Recommended Levels of Insulation

Here is a map of energy star recommended levels of Insulation for your home.

Green Topics - Basement

Have you been thinking of making your basement a more comfortable and free of moisture while making it easier to condition?   Here are some ideas on how to do so!

Green Topics - eco friendly remodel

If you have been thinking of remodeling this information may be of use to you on how to insulate and how to have a proper ventilation for ceilings and attics.

Market Update for Delaware County

Market Update for Delaware County - Single Homes Trend Mls reports in 2009 in November inventory of available homes was 3162 or 8 months worth of inventory while in 2010 there were 3712 homes on the market and they represent 10.6 months cumulative inventory.

What does this mean? This means that if not one home cam on the market starting today, it would take 10.6 months to sell all available homes. Sellers, prepare, prepare, prepare and price your home right!

Green Topics

Here is a link to informative article about wall insulation

Swarthmore Market Statistics

In 2009 average list price of homes in Swarthmore YTD was $419,219 and average sold price in 105 days was $373,107.  In 2010 at the same time average list price was $409,562 and in 116 days average sale price is $369,252. The good news is that number of homes sold in 2009 was 39 and in 2010 53.   (as reported in TRENDmls)

Green information - energy star

Energy star video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=l0MCZNq-LP0

Real Estate Trends in Media PA

Original list price of homes in Upper Providence township and Media Borough PA 2010 year to date has been average of $390,672. Average Sold price is $350,303 or 9.8% lower than the asking price with approximately 106 days on the market. 

Market Statistics for Newtown Square Pa - an increas of 1.5% in sold price!

Year to date in 2009 as Trend-mls reports, in Newtown and Edgemont townships homes listed under one million – were listed at the average price of $392,841 and sold at $353,909–or received 89.8% of the asking price with average 90 days on the market.  2010 in the same period - average home has sold in 87 days with listing price 453,830 which have sold at 414,133 or 91.3% of asking price - an increase of 1.5% in "sold" price.  For a no obligation and a FREE full market report or statistics in your specific market area for a specific price range feel free to call or email me anytime. 

December 2010 Real Estate News Letter by Branka Doych

This 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:

"Why Buy a Home?";

"Disclosure: Safest Way To Sell A Home";

"Should I Take My Home Off the Market During the Holidays?";

"Tips for an Eco-Friendly Holiday";

"Value in Homeownership";



Plus a roundup of November 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!

Buyers - mortgage worksheet

A mortgage worksheet for buyers

5 Additional things each Seller should know...

5 Additional things each Seller should know before placing a home for sale on the market:

 

 

1. Identify your goals, expectations and priorities

2. Have a well planned strategy for marketing your property

3. Establish a pricing strategy

4. Prepare your property for sale – there is no chance for 1st impression

5. Know your Realtor's resources and their plan for getting you to the settlement table in today’s challenging market.

5 More things a Seller should know...

In addition to Market conditions we spoke about previously, your Realtor should do the following:

 

1. Get to know your property well and its desirable features

2. Have a clear picture for you of other properties which were recently sold in your immediate market area and share it with you.

3. Have a good knowledge of homes on the market presently that are your competition with existing buyers

4. Be knowledgeable of properties which have failed to sell in the recent past in your market area

5. Provide a narrow price range for the price of your home.



 

Happy Thanksgiving - Two nice stories.

No fanfare just some good people doing good things quietly–

My colleague Ann Miller had and extra turkey. Instead of keeping it for herself and her family she wanted to share it with someone else who can use it. One of my client families have several children and live on one salary without any complaints ever. I speak of them because their humble life did not stop them from adopting a special needs child who would not have had a chance of a loving family in his country. When Ann found out about this family she made sure that she added potatoes and other fixings so that they could have a complete meal. Family was happy to receive it, Ann was happy to give it and I was happy to connect the two and make the delivery.


My friend Sharon Edman and her sister each purchased a turkey for their mom, no problem, Sharon taxed me to find out if I know of someone in need. I do. A family of four who is watching every bit of money hoping to buy a home soon and did not plan on purchasing a turkey this year. They were so happy to receive it. Sharon and her family were generous to think of others and take the time out of their busy schedule to make necessary arrangements to make the delivery.

Sharon and Ann, I am glad you are my friends and I thank you.

There are many Anns and Sharons out there giving to others every day of the year expecting nothing in return just doing the “right stuff”. Seems appropriate to remember them at Thanksgiving _ Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!


 

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Going Green

Going Green - Save Gas, Save Money

The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy

The Pros and Cons of Solar Energy - what is "energy start"?

Do's and Don'ts for choosing a contractor

The Most Essential Do's and Don'ts for Choosing the Right Contractor

Tips on Evaluating Your Home and Personal Property

Home owners insurance tips and understanding what to look for.

9 Common reasons sellers overprice their property…

Research shows that the sellers overprice their home for sale due to:




1. Lack of facts

2. Over their budget

3. Need to net more money than the property is worth

4. Greed

5. Want to leave room for bargaining

6. Sellers overpaid for property

7. Lack of motivation to sell

8. Testing the market

9. Bad advice

Capable Realtor with his or her knowledgeable and professional assistance will help avoid these pitfalls.

 

What to look for when choosing an air cleaner:

Do air purifiers really work?

5 things that each Seller should know

To price a home accurately for the best financial results seller should ask their Realtor following questions:

1. Is this a “Seller’s Market”?

2. Is this a true “Buyers Market “ in this specific area?

3. Is the cost of financing rising, dropping or remaining stable?

4. What is the average selling time in days?

5. What is the average percent of list to sold price?

Appraisal

What we need to know about appraisals

Change Happens...

Change is a the only constant in today's Real Estate world.

Landscaping plan for 2011

Here are some wonderful ideas for those who are planning for their 2011 garden

Market Review - Sellers

Current Market Review

Buyers and First Time Buyers

What buyers should know:

Best-Bet Home Imporovements

 How to improve your home for best results:

About Real Estate Investing

About Real Estate Investing

Should I buy or should I rent?

Many of the first time buyers are not sure how to proceed?  This may help you with your process of making a decision.  Click here:

Holiday season is a time to think about securing your home even more...

Here are some ideas on how to protect your home

Landscaping for 2011

As this year nears the end some of these tips may be useful for your 2011 landscaping plan.

good ideas about landscaping for four seasons

10 Tips for Creating a Household Budget

Here are some ideas of how to start a budget process for 2011

Happy Veteran's Day

Happy Veteran's Day

7 things to avoid doing when looking to buy a new home:

7 things to avoid doing when looking to buy a new home:

 

1. Don’t change jobs! Stability is a must!
2. Do not make any larger purchase – like an automobile -Your debt to income ratio will be unfavorable.
3. Don’t move money from one bank to another, not even from one account to another – this complicates transaction process, looks like large deposits which need to be explained later 
4. Don’t run credit report online on yourself. It will look like one more inquiry
5. Do not consolidate your bills before speaking with your lender – mortgage person 
6. Don’t purchase furniture which does not need to be paid in two years – no matter what you are told, it will show up as debt on your account and lower your score. 
7. Don’t pack or store your tax and income information so that you have to look through boxes to find what mortgage company needs.

 

When in doubt ask your Realtor and your mortgage broker.

 

Please watch video - Cheerleaders dance for Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Hi everyone,


About 136 former cheerleaders got together to do a dance routine to benefit "Susan G. Komen for the Cure" (Breast Cancer). Each time someone views the video, United Healthcare will make a $.10 donation to the Komen organization. Their goal is to get a million hits, which will lead to $100K raised.

Please can you take a moment to watch the video - and, just as important, pass this link onto your network of friends, family and colleagues? It benefits a very important cause!

Thanks for helping!

Click:
www.KomenPhiladelphia.org/Video

Fall Back Tonight!

Change your clock and the smoke detector batteries! 

Delaware County Real Estate Market Statistics Single Family Homes

Delaware County Real Estate Market Statistics Single Family Homes


Inventory of single homes available for sale in in Delaware County Pa in September 2009 was 3312 in 2010 3842. In 2010 monthly accumulation is 9.9 months vs. 9.2 in 2009.

The good news is that homes in our area are holding their value - the median settled price has moved from $200,000 in 2009 to $220,000 in 2010.