Montco Real Estate

Renovated Twin For Sale in Willow Grove

Beautifully Renovated Inside and Out!

• MLS® $225,000

• Willow Grove, PA  -  Beautifully updated inside and out!

This charming 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath Twin has ALL NEW EVERYTHING!

~Gorgeous New CHERRY KITCHEN;
~New HARDWOOD Flooring on First Floor and all Bed Rooms;
~TWO FULL plus ONE HALF BATHS;
~3rd Floor "SUITE" with Bedroom, Full Bath, and Dressing Room (could be a great Office, or Sitting Room/Den/Play Room);
~ALL NEW SYSTEMS: Central Air, Electric, Heater and Water Heater;
~1st Fl Laundry;
~ALL NEW EXTERIOR: Roof, Windows, Siding, Doors;
~NEW Landscaping Installed;
~NEW Front Porch, Deep Fenced Rear Yard, Off Street Parking;
~Walking distance to train and shopping; right across the street from community playground.

This property was NOT a quick flip! The current owners upgraded and rehabbed for their personal use, reflected by the quality building materials and appointments. Not to be missed!

Features List

3 Bedrooms
2 Full Baths
1 Half Bath
Bonus Room
Cherry Kitchen
Hardwood Floors
New Central Air
New Heater
New Doors
New Windows
New Porch
New Siding

Property information

Souderton Townhouse For Sale in Westport Farms - SHORT SALE

2 Year Young Townhome!

• 1,872 sq. ft., 3 bath, 3 bdrm townhouse - MLS® $255,000 - Short Sale Opportunity!

Westport Farms, Souderton  -  Like new!

2 year young townhome in Westport Farms with many upgrades:

-Open floor plan
-2 story entrance foyer with hardwood floors
-9' ceilings on first floor
-Beautiful large kitchen with 42" cabinets and pantry closet
-Flexible living/dining rooms
-Fireplace
-Space above the mantle is wired to accomodate flatscreen TV
-Sliders from the living room lead to the rear deck
-Huge Main BR with vaulted ceiling
-Luxurious private bath with double sinks, oversized shower and great soaking tub
-Convenient 2nd floor laundry and 2nd full bath
-Full basement, one car garage and driveway parking
-Owners have installed a $7000 water treatment system - no hard water stains or bottled water!
-Clean, great condition and move-in ready!

Property information

Open House in Willow Grove on Sunday

Willow Grove  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 17 Cherry St on September 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Property information

Open House in Horsham on Sunday - Beautiful Single for $325000

Horsham, Montgomery County  -  We invite everyone to visit our open house at 226 Jefferson Ave on July 19 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

This is an absolutely beautiful, updated single home in desirable Hatboro-Horsham School District.

Visit this property's website

Property information

First Time Buyer Downpayment Assistance

Contact us for more info about this valuable program.

Horsham Day is June 6th!

It's less than 2 weeks to the next Horsham Day!

Come see us at Deep Meadow Park for information, giveaways, and your chance to win a Basket of Cheer or Summer Fun Basket.

We'll be there from 3:30 to 5:00 PM.

How soon should you expect a response to an offer to purchase a home?

The decision to make an offer on a home can create anticipation and anxiety. How soon after presenting an offer should you expect a response from the seller?

The PA Association of Realtors Agreement of Sale includes a time frame for a written response, to be specified by the buyer. There are a couple of different situations that could affect how long you might want to give a seller to respond:

• Private Owners -  If the home is owned by an individual you could allow as long as you want; anywhere from 1 hour to 1 week or more.  The longer you allow, the greater the chance that competing offers could be presented, however, there may be some cases when you would like to give the seller a few days. Typical response times might range from 24 to 36 hours, but you should discuss this with your agent and thoroughly understand the pros and cons of the time frame you specify.
• Short Sales - These homes are also privately owned, so the same rules noted above apply here.  The difference is that after you have a completed, executed agreement with the seller, you may wait for 8-12 weeks to get final approval from the lender.
• Corporate Owners/Estates - On bank or corporate owned properties you can still specify a requested response time, but generally it can take several days to get an answer. You should also remember that banks and attornies standardly operate Mon-Fri. They may also need investor approval which could increase your wait time.

In any case, a careful review if the terms of your offer with your Buyers Representative is important, and knowing what to expect and your alternatives can help relieve much of the anxiety of waiting.

Montgomery County, PA Named #1 Best Place To Grow Old

A report recently released by Forbes Magazine names this area as the "Best Place To Grow Old".

Their findings are based on several criteria, including overall economic health of the region, housing costs, income and percentage of the population for those age 65 and older, and health care.

The top 10 are:

1. Montgomery County, PA
2. Nassau County, NY
3. Pima County, AZ
4. Palm Beach County, FL
5. Honolulu County, HI
6. Brevard County, FL
7. Montgomery County, MD
8. Ocean County, NJ
9. Westchester County, NY 
10. Lancaster County, PA

Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home

Opportunity is always out there!

Many people who purchased second homes during the real estate boom several years ago did so with llittle down payment and/or interest only loans.  This may have seemed like a good idea at the time; after all, prices were skyrocketing. How could you go wrong?

Unfortunately, many of these same homeowners were hit the hardest by the changing economy: home values fell, income may have fallen as well.  Homes in resort and vacation destinations are being unloaded by individuals and banks in record numbers. This may just be a great time to consider the purchase of a vacation property.

SmartMoney.com did a little research for you and came up with these top 5 locations for bargain hunters:

1. Panama City, Florida - A Gulf Coast location, year round warm temps, bargain home prices and a soon to be opened airport make this the top pick. 
2. Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania - Yeah, The Poconos! The appeal here is that you have a year-round destination, and for folks in the Philly area its just so dang easy to get there and back. Single family homes can be had for the $100,000 to $300,000 range.
3. Crystal Coast, North Carolina - The southern end of the Outer Banks is largely unspoiled, with pristine beaches and national parks.  Inland real estate can be found at great prices, but beachfront still commands top dollar here. 
4. Lake Tahoe, California - Pretty much everything in the area has a water view, with swimming and boating in the summer and world-class skiing in the winter. California has been one of the hardest hit states when it comes to real estate values, so there are some bargain prices out there.
5. Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee - Its the most visited national park, with tons of stuff to do year-round. Home values have taken a hit there, but since tourism remains high there's a good chance of turning a profit on a vacation/rental property.

Considering a vacation home purchase?  Contact us for a referral to a great REALTOR in your destination location.

Selling Your Home When Pets Are In The Picture

I remember when we were just married and looking for our first apartment. We were having a particularly hard time finding a place that would accept our wonderful, very well-mannered dog and two cats.

When we expressed our frustration, one well meaning (distant) relative said, "Well, can't you just get rid of the animals?".

Well, NO!

We know that our pets are part of our family - loved, cherished, and important parts of our lives. The problem when trying to sell a house is that not everybody understands or shares our affection for our furry companions. It's a fact - people do not want to see evidence of animals when viewing a home.

Here are a few tips to make your house appealing to all buyers when animals are part of your family:

• Odors: Smells are the absolute #1 turn-off for perspective buyers. If you know there is a problem with urine odor, treat it thoroughly with a product like Natures Miracle. You should also ask an honest, objective friend to do a sniff test and if it is still obvious, take all measures necessary, even down to replacing the carpet, to eliminate ANY trace of urine odor. 
• Litter Boxes: Buyers don't want to see or smell any, um, leavings. Make sure the litter box is scooped and clean before any showings. If you can't be around to tidy before buyers come calling, consider an automatic box like Litter Maid, or at a very minimum get an enclosed box so all the fun stuff is not visible to visitors.
• Exterior: Remember that the yard is part of what you're selling.  Interested buyers will want to poke around outside and the last thing you want is for somebody to put their foot in it. Make sure you scoop religiously.  Better yet, your dog probably needs more exercise, so why not get into the habit of taking your pup for a walk around the block (and bring a baggie with you!)?
• Food Dishes: Keep them out of site for showings. If you get a plastic tub with a lid you can stow all the dishes quickly before buyers arrive.
• Toys: Same thing goes for chew toys, bones, balls, etc.  Grab them all and throw them into a basket or storage bin.  Bonus: nobody can trip over them if they're out of the way. 
• Your Cat: Cats will generally make themselves scarce when there are strangers in the house, but if you have an indoor cat that might make a run for the door, do your best to contain them for their safety.  Be sure to let your agent know that the cat should remain indoors!
• Your Dog: No questions - get your dog out of the house for showings.  Even the best dogs. Just do it. There are too many people who are frightened by even the tiniest or most well-behaved dogs, and this is for the animal's protection as well as yours. If you're not always around, get a neighbor or relative to help you out. 
• Birds and Exotics: These guys are a little tougher.  If the birds are large and noisy they can really freak people out. Snakes, lizards and rodents give many people the chills. Temporarily relocate them to caring friends or relatives if at all possible, but if you can't, keep their cages covered or concealed for showings.
• General Cleaning: I know from experience that we can cease to even notice the tumbleweeds of dog hair on the kitchen floor. Buyers, however, will notice. It goes without saying that fur, feathers, food, cookie crumbs, water drips, nose prints, and any other traces of our pets should be aggressively removed from the house.

Think about everything in your home from a buyer's perspective. I cannot overemphasize the importance of having your house immaculately clean and odor-free - if you want to sell, that is. Think sample house!

Most Homeowners Still Overvaluing Their Homes

According to a recent survey by Home Gain, 73% of homeowners in our region think house is worth more than the listing price recommended by their REALTOR. 

In a market like the one we're experiencing currently, this is not unexpected. People have an emotional attachment to their properties. They've maintained and updated them, and often have raised families and gone through some of life's major milestones in the comfort of their homes.

In other words, they generally are not objective when it comes to valuing their houses.

Why not just list at the price you want and let people make an offer? 

Because research shows that homes priced above their market value will take longer to sell and ultimately sell for below market value.  A 2008 study indicates that homes that do not have price reductions will take an average of 116 days to sell, versus homes with no price reductions (those priced right from the start) which take an average of 40 days to sell.

In addition, price reductions may lag behind market values, and you may end up with less than you would have if your pricing had been lower from the start.

In deciding the price at which to list your home for sale - 

• Remember that list price is the single most important marketing tool you have, and all the advertising in the world will not overcome the damage done by overpricing.
• Make sure your agent has statistics to support a pricing recommendation. 
• Also, ask for data about short sales and foreclosures in your immediate area. 

REDDay 2009

Pictured: Trish Confer, Donna Walker, Deb Confer, Marion Freedman, Julie Bonekemper, Carolyn Braithwaite, Dina Rovner, Pat Watson, Paulette Orr, Ruth Dirienzo and Bill Hamberg, Team Leader of Keller Williams Horsham.

Thanks to everybody who participated in REDDay 2009! Especially Ruth Dirienzo and Donna Walker who planned and organized the food drive to benefit Philabundance.

Mo Anderson's Response:

From: Mo Anderson

Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 9:37 PM
To: bhamberg@kw.com
Subject: RE: Horsham 748 – RED Day Food Drive

Bill, you have no idea how thrilled I am that your team took time to help others.  They will make a difference in someone’s life.  I am proud of them, I am touched by what they did and I want you to know how much I appreciate it.  Thanks for the Birthday Wishes.  I just turned 72 and this was the best ever!!!!!

Bless You,

Mo

What an awesome organization and Market Center we have!

Top 10 "Buyer Wants" in Today's Real Estate Market

What gets buyers attention in today's market?  Of course, pricing is the #1 "feature", but assuming you've priced your house to sell, these are the 10 features that buyer's want most: 

1. A Striking Entryway: Of course, a dramatic entry way and Foyer help, but a freshly painted front door, polished hardware, a new welcome mat and flowers go a long way too . 
2. Hardwood Floors: Shiny and polished are best, but if they are covered by carpet, be sure buyers know about them.
3. Stainless Appliances: Stainless is the top choice right now, but white, black and wood paneled are all good as long as they are modern.
4. Countertops: The key here is seamless. Buyers do not want seams or grout lines that come with laminate or tile.  Granite is the top choice, but Corian, Silestone and stone surfaces also work.
5. Fixtures: Updated and shiny faucets, door hardware, cabinet and drawer pulls can give a rich look for a small investment.
6. Bathrooms: Tumbled marble surrounding the whirlpool bath and steam shower is wonderful, but at a minimum, buyers want an updated vanity, framed mirrors and soft lighting.
7. Lighting: Smaller, recessed fixtures and modern task lighting light up buyers today. Globe ceiling fixtures and dressing-room style bulbs do not.
8. Carpentry: The craftmanship of baseboards and trim, six-panel doors and built in cabinetry are subtle features that mean quality construction to a buyer.
9. Closet Organizers: Wire closet shelves are the pits where buyers are concerned.  Got wire shelving? Then you know what I mean. Solid shelving is what sells.  Professionally done closets, although great, are not necessary. Stand alone units can go a long way here.
10. Lawn: If at all possible given the location, have a lawn. Even a small patch of green on a tiny lot gives the feeling of a yard.

Thinking about selling? Give us a call!

Buying a Home at Auction

Auctions are becoming a popular way to sell properties, both for banks looking to dispose of large inventories and for individuals who want to expedite the sale of their homes.

For buyers, auctions can be a great way to purchase but there are a few things you should know:

• Pre-Sale: Most auctions will have a pre-sale period when the property is open or appointments can be set for inspection. It is important that you do your due diligence prior to bidding on a home since the sale will be "as-is", with no contingency for inspections or repairs.
• Pre-Bids: At larger auctions where a volume of properties are being sold on one day, you may be able to purchase a home before it goes to auction. A REALTOR can let you know if that is the case with your home of interest.
• Bidding: There may or may not be a minimum opening bid. If the auction is "Absolute" it means that the high bid will take the property. If there is a "Reserve" then the final bid will be subject to the seller's approval.
• Downpayment: You will need to bring certified funds for a downpayment to the auction. There may be a set amount due at auction, and you will likely need to deposit a total of 5 to 10% of the purchase price with the seller when the contract is executed.
• Financing: Depending on the contract, it may be possible to finance a property bought at auction, but you should be certain that you are pre-approved and that the condition of the property qualifies. Lenders may not be willing to approve a mortgage for a home in poor condition.
• Deed: Other than sheriff's sales, auction properties are usually sold with a Special Warranty Deed, and they will be free and clear of liens or encumbrances. That means you will not owe for old judgments or taxes. Often title insurance will be provided at no expense.
• Contract: The auction company will have their own sales contract so it is important that you carefully review all the terms with your REALTOR or with legal counsel.

Interested? One great way to learn about the auction process is to attend one.  Contact us to get information about the date, time and location of the next Philadelphia area auction!

Bank Owned Properties To Be Sold At Auction

AUCTION OPPORTUNITY: Auctions are becoming more prevalent as a result of the high inventory of bank-owned properties. Check out tomorrows post for more information about how buying at auction works.

**Pre-sale period through 6/15, auction to be held the week of 6/16. Pre-auction bids are accepted, please contact us for more information!**

Bank Owned - To Be Sold At Auction

221 Race St - Old City - Philadelphia                2430 Arlington St - Philadelphia                                                                     

Bank Owned - To Be Sold At Auction