yardley pa: For Sale ~ Well Maintained Yardley Hunt Colonial - 09/15/09 02:06 PM

Set amid the rolling hills of Yardley Hunt. Drive up the hardscape driveway and admire the lush landscaping surrounding the prestigious home. Step inside to the welcoming foyer. To the left is the expansive living room providing the formal area for traditional furnishings and entertaining. The warm, comfortable family room is dominated by the raised brick hearth fireplace. Step up to the remodeled eat in kitchen, offering newer appliances, newer wood cabinets, pantry with ample storage, and bay window overlooking the picturesque rear yard. Adjacent is the dining room, ideal for enjoying the company of family and friends. Upstairs hosts … (1 comments)

yardley pa: SOLD ~ Well Maintained Home in Yardley, Pa - 05/27/09 12:03 PM

Best Price in the Development! As you walk inside you are greeted by the dramatic two story foyer with hardwood floors. The bright formal living room overlooks the rear yard. The sun drenched dining room is ideal for entertaining guests, and connects through to the kitchen. The kitchen features a newer dishwasher, newer stove, new SS refrigerator, wood cabinets, ceramic tile floor and a breakfast room. Relax in the breakfast room as you gaze out your sliding glass door and drink your morning coffee. The family room is accented by gleaming hardwood floors, gas fireplace, and a French door leading … (0 comments)

yardley pa: Before You Begin to Look for a Home - 12/02/08 02:31 PM
Before You Begin.....
PRE-QUALIFICATION AND PRE-APPROVAL
Many buyers apply for a loan and obtain approval before they find the home they want to buy.  Why?
Pre-qualifying will help you in the following ways:
1.      Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time.  You will know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make.
2.      You won't waste time considering homes you cannot afford.
Pre-approval will help you in the following ways:
1.      A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secured.  You are like a cash … (2 comments)

yardley pa: What Every Buyer Should Know Before Purchasing - 11/25/08 05:28 AM
1.      Property taxes and qualified interest are deductible on an individual's federal income tax return.
2.      Often, a home is the largest asset an individual has and is considered one of the most valuable investments available.
3.      A portion of each amortized mortgage payment goes to principal which is an investment.
4.      A home is one of the few investments that you can enjoy by living in it.
5.      A REALTORâ can usually show you any home whether it is listed with a company, a builder, or even a For Sale By Owner home.
6.      Working through a REALTORâ to purchase … (1 comments)

yardley pa: Why You Need a Realtor - 11/21/08 01:17 PM
A licensed real estate professional provides much more than the service of helping you find your ideal home.  Realtors are expert negotiators with others agents, seasoned financial advisers with customers, and superb navigators around the local neighborhood.  They are members of the National Association of Realtors and must abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by NAR.  A professional Realtor is your best resource when buying or selling a home.
Let a Realtor Guide br Your Guide:
A knowledgeable Realtor can save you endless amounts of money, time, and frustration. A knowledgeable Realtor knows the housing market … (0 comments)

yardley pa: Danger of Overpricing Your Home - 11/19/08 12:35 PM
The Cost of Overpricing in a Shifted Market:

1 - Fair market value declines during market shift.
2- Seller hopes a higher intial price will draw a higher offer.
3 - Market Interest is fragile(with high inventory) and wanes quickly.
4 - Salable Price is impacted by declining market values, "staleness," and competition.
5- Small price reductions only "chase down the market."
6- Properties sell when buyers see very attractive prices.
7- The Cost of Overpricing is amplified after;
To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current … (3 comments)

yardley pa: West Ferry Rd Residents Speak out Against Traffic - 11/18/08 02:00 PM
West Ferry Road Residents are complaining that there is an excessive amount of traffic on their street for a 49 home community. So the neighborhood has banded together to fight the traffic. They attended the Lower Makefield Board of Supervisors meeting on 11/5/08. The residents informed the board that their street is used as a cut through. The residents conducted an informal study, which found that 197 cars passed through from 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm on 9/15/08. Also more than 5900 cars traveled this road during a three day span in Sept. Of them, 299 were said to be driving … (0 comments)

yardley pa: How to Achieve a No Stress Move - 11/18/08 01:36 PM
Moving into a new home can be one of the most stressful situations that a person can endure, so it is vital that you find ways to make the transition as easy as possible.  There are two distinct types of stress that one faces when changing homes.  First, there is the financial aspect of the move.  Finding the right home at the right price, negotiating the purchase with a seller, filling out the lengthy paperwork involved, and handling the escrow can all take its toll.  Then there is the emotional aspect of the move, and this is often where the greatest … (2 comments)

yardley pa: Not Just A Buyers Market - 11/11/08 07:11 AM
A Buyer's Market is a Trading Up Market!  Falling home prices are a great opportunity for a savvy homeowner looking to move up.  Eeven though your home sale price may be lower, the smaller loss at the sale can be compensated by greater savings at purchase. 
 Let's think about it.  If home prices dropped by 5%, here's what it could look like if you decided to trade up:
                                                                    
 Home Price = $200,000                                                                  Home Price =$400,000Sell at $190,000 = $10,000 Loss                                                     Buy at $380,000 = $20,000 Savings
The smaller loss at the sale will be compensated by greater savings at the … (3 comments)

yardley pa: How a Good Realtor Can Maximize Your Profits - 11/03/08 06:44 AM
Most of us are not aware of the trends and fluctuations of the real estate market.  Likewise we don't know the steps necessary to maximize profits on the sale of our home.  We rely heavily on the real estate agent to lead us down the path of profits.  Considering your home is typically the most valuable asset you possess, doesn't it make sense to list with someone who will be able to generate the most money in a sale?
This report was designed to empower you with critical information necessary to evaluate an agent's qualifications and help you identify the professional … (0 comments)

yardley pa: Learn What is On Your Credit Report - 10/31/08 08:36 AM
Anyone who has ever had a bank account, mortgage, credit card, car loan, or account with a retail store will invariably have a credit rating.  Most information in your credit rating comes from companies you have credit with, as well as from certain public records such as tax liens, bankruptcies, judgments and lawsuits.  It is important to know and understand your credit rating, how the information is compiled, and how it affects your ability to acquire a loan for your new home.
Credit reports are usually divided into five sections:
1. Your credit history.
2. Who has reviewed your credit history.
… (2 comments)

yardley pa: Easily Increase the Value of Your Home - 10/30/08 05:44 AM
Whether you just want your house to look better or you are serious about getting your house ready for potential buyers to start viewing your house to purchase,
Here are 38 valuable tips to get you on your way:
 EXTERIOR:
1. Paint the exterior of your home to make it look cleaner and years younger.  If your home has been painted within the last few months, have the trim painted again. The fresh smell of paint to the buyer shows that the seller has put forth effort to prepare the home for sale.
2. Trim shrubs, especially around walkways.
3. Park extra cars down … (0 comments)

yardley pa: Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling - Part 2 of 2 - 10/23/08 05:33 AM
10 Questions to ask a Realtor  - Part 2 of 2
6. Will you give me names of past clients?Interviewing an agent can be similar to interviewing someone to work in your office. Contacting references can be a reliable way for you to understand how he or she works, and whether or not this style is compatible with your own.7. Do you have a performance guarantee? If I am not satisfied with your performance, can I terminate our listing agreement?In the heavily regulated world of real estate, it can be difficult for an agent to offer a performance guarantee. If your … (0 comments)

yardley pa: Questions to Ask a Realtor When Selling - Part 1 of 2 - 10/22/08 05:37 AM
10 Questions to Ask Your Realtor about Selling a House - Part 1 of 21. Are you a full-time professional real estate agent? How long have you worked full time in real estate? How long have you been representing buyers? What professional designations do you have?Knowing whether or not your agent practices full time can help you determine potential scheduling conflicts and his or her commitment to your transaction. As with any profession, the number of years a person has been in the business does not necessarily reflect the level of service you can expect, but it is a good starting … (0 comments)

yardley pa: After the Contract Is Signed - 10/21/08 08:20 AM

Home warranty plans go a long way to alleviate some risks and concerns.  For a modest price, the buyer can have a one-year warranty covering specified heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater or appliance breakdowns.  Coverage under most plans commences at closing.  In all cases, there are important limitations and exclusions (example:  appliances/systems must be operative at commencement of coverage).
 
InspectionsInspections and potential repairs are the number one reason sales don't close. Typically, buyers have a certain number of days in which to inspect the property and accept or reject the property based upon these mechanical and structural inspections.
How the … (3 comments)

yardley pa: Increase in the Housing Market - 10/16/08 07:22 AM
Great News!  NAR is reporting that the U.S. is seeing an escalating number of pending homes sales.  Buyers are out there taking advantages of the great deals to be had.  The Pending Homes Sales Index, claims the number contracts signed rose 7.4 percent in August.  NAR then stated the the index is at its highest since June 2007.
 These statistics indicate that the housing market is gaining momentum as consumers cash in on the deals. 
NAR has projected that next year home prices may increase 2 - 3 % next year. 
For the complete story visit: http://www.offplanpropertyexchange.com/news/2008/10/homes-sales-increase-across-us/355
To learn more about … (1 comments)

yardley pa: Home Buying Steps - Part 2 of 2 - 10/15/08 04:48 AM
5.        Make an Offer
Now that you've found your dream home, it's time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will help you determine the offer price by reviewing recent sales of homes that are similar in size, quality, and conveniences and amenities. Your real estate agent will advise you on how to create an offer that will have the best chance of being accepted.After consultation with you, your agent will create a written contract with your offer that meets all the local and national legal requirements. This document details what needs to be done by both parties to execute … (0 comments)

yardley pa: 10 Steps to Buying a Home - Part 1 of 2 - 10/14/08 08:11 AM
1.Define Needs for your Home.
Your first step toward buying your new home will be to analyze your needs.  Your real estate agent can help you determine exactly what you want your new home to look like and how it should function for you and your family.  First, write down why you are looking for a new home.  Second, establish a time frame for buying your home.
2. Pre-Approval Vs. Pre-Qualfication
There are two ways to go about this: prequalification or pre-approval for a loan. Prequalification is the simpler of the two processes. When you contact a mortgage company, they will … (0 comments)

yardley pa: 10 Biggest Selling Myths - 10/13/08 09:59 AM
10 Biggest Selling Myths UncoveredSelling a house can be a bit like having a baby -- everyone gives you advice that may or may not be true for you. Here are ten myths uncovered:1. Myth: You should always price your home high and gradually lower it if it doesn't sell.Truth: Pricing too high can be as bad as pricing too low.You may think by listing high you can always accept a lower offer, but if you do, you'll miss the buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. Offers may not even come in, because interested buyers are … (1 comments)

yardley pa: Selling Steps Part 2 of 3 - 10/07/08 05:05 AM
Selling Steps Cont.  Part 2 of 3
STEP 4 - MARKETING STRATEGYNow that your home is ready, it's time to put it up for sale and market it. Establishing a marketing strategy with your real estate agent is a must. Your agent will expose your home to the greatest number of potential buyers possible. He or she will use a marketing plan that will bring not only the most buyers, but also the most qualified buyers to your doorstep.There are many different ways to get the word out that your home is for sale. A yard sign, flyers, and direct marketing … (0 comments)

 
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Carol Swain, Realtor -www.swainsells.com- Bucks County, Pa

Langhorne, PA

More about me…

Keller Williams Real Estate

Office Phone: (215) 757-7257

Cell Phone: (215) 431-8705

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