While this post may not be wildly popular with the real estate community..In my opinion, it needs to be said:

 This economy has put a strain on everyone's lives; that goes without saying. But without sounding like "Susie Sunshine" here, there IS a silver lining to this recession.  It has taught all of us to do what our grandparents have always known-decide what you REALLY want and SAVE for it.  There is pure satisfaction in knowing that you just purchased that bag with your hard earned cash and you won't be paying for it month after month on your credit card.The difference between paying with cold hard cash is a tangible one as well.  Having to physically count out each bill and coin makes it pretty hard to ignore how much of your money you're actually handing over.  When signing those credit card slips you can somehow con yourself into believing that it's not really money you're spending. 

    This new outlook on spending is of course, spilling over into the real estate market.  The mortgage industry is just not as eager to squeeze you into that home that you probably shouldn't be buying anyway.  Good thing.  Buyers are home shopping with a more realistic attitude these days.  While that 5 bedroom home with all that extra space might be nice, the reality of having to heat that home down the road has taken on a more important place in the decision making.  The concept of having a Plan B in case you lose your job has become one of the deciding factors in a home purchase these days, thankfully. In years past, the idea of losing your job seemed like some fairy-tale possibility off in the distance.

   So, to you-Nasty old recession- I say, " Thank you for the reality check, we are learning to take responsibility for our actions, practicing the age-old art of saving our pennies and becoming aware of all the true waste in our lives."  Kudos to us!

All of you savvy home shoppers in the Montgomery and Berks County areas of Pennsylvania,  I'd be more than happy to help you find the home of your dreams-just give me a shout:

SoldbyFaith@aol.com

Faith

    I'd written a blog some time back about a really fun exhibit that I'd seen at Pottstown's Community Days.  It is called Reflections of World War II.  It is a large trailer/vehicle that has been converted into the "Home" of a typical family during WWII; from an old icebox, and nostalgic music on the radio to the exact bedroom with chenille bedspread that my own grandparents had, back in the day!   The people that "live" in the exhibit are all dressed in the garb of the day...They are true history lovers and are there to make the experience truly real for you and your family.  I wanted to include their calendar of events so during the course of this Summer of high gas prices- you might be able to have some fun during what many families are calling their STAY-CATIONS!

If anyone would like any more information about this unique exhibit; I've included their website below the calendar of events...ENJOY!

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

August 2 Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Harry James Orchestra

August 10 Let's Dance Orchestra, Gring's Mill, Reading, 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Aug 16/17 "EAA Chapter 122 Salutes Our Veterans" Waggoners United Methodist Church, Carlisle, Pa. 
Free supper for re-enactors on Saturday and Sunday Morning Brunch.  Dance on Saturday $8.00 per person $15.00 per couple.

August 16 Ice Cream Social at Lititz Springs Park, Lititz with the Moonlighters' from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

Sept 6  Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Walt Wagner band

Sept 20 Sunnybrook Dance,
Pottstown, The Boilermakers

Sept 27 Community Days at Pottstown Airport, Pottstown 9:00am to 3:00pm

Oct 25  Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown Halloween Party

Nov 8/9 Troops and Trains, Strasburg MORE INFO TO FOLLOW

Nov 15  Sunnybrook Dance, Pottstown, Swing Fever Dance Band (This is their dinner/dance) MORE TO FOLLOW

Dec 13 Christmas in the Air, Reading Regional Airport, Reading (MORE INFO TO FOLLOW)

http://www.geocities.com/reflectionsofww2/re-enactors.html

Coldwell Banker Hearthside

350 W. Main Street, Collegevile, PA  19426 Office: 610 489-7700 

 My Cell: 610 996-3195

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday July 20 1:00 to 3:00PM

502 Lemon Street, Stowe, PA

MLS # 5381366

NO HIGH HEATING OIL costs for you this Winter When You Make this  YOUR NEW HOME...It is affordable electric heat.

This well kept end unit in Pottsgrove School District has beautifully restored original hardwood floors in the living room as well as the stairs, new hardwood laminate in kitchen/diningroom and new carpeting throughout the upstairs. Three bedrooms with plenty of closet space.  One car garage and off street parking as well.   This home has been very well cared for and is ready for it's new owners.  Won't last long at this price....$149,000

Stop by and see for yourself!

Directions:  West on High Street to Grosstown Rd. Turn right onto Grosstown and proceed to Monroe St. turn right follow to Lemon St. Turn left and proceed aprox 4 blocks to 502 Lemon on right.

Coldwell Banker Hearthside

350 W. Main Street, Collegevile, PA  19426 Office: 610 489-7700 

 My Cell: 610 996-3195

 This well kept ready to move in end unit has affordable electric baseboard heat! Surprisingly spacious with nearby public transportation, no condo fees--what more could you ask for?  3 bedrooms with ample closet space, 1.5 baths and basement with single garage and plenty of off street parking.  This is an affordable, clean and well cared for home that won't last long at the price!  Why not call to schedule your showing today?

MLS #5381366 502 Lemon Street, Stowe PA   $149,000

For more pictures: http://www.vflyer.com/home/flyer/mls/home/1750159

Coldwell Banker Hearthside

350 W. Main Street, Collegevile, PA  19426 Office: 610 489-7700 

 My Cell: 610 996-3195

Let me start my photo show of our soggy, yet very exciting beginning to the 4th of July festivites; the traditional parade!  These two very attractive people above are my daughter, Megan  and my grandson, Ashton under the required umbrella awaiting the beginning of the parade. Although, it wasn't quite the same with the steady rainfall...I have to say the beautiful array of umbrellas did add a unique look to the day!

How about this contraption?  We couldn't tell if it was a motorcycle or a car! Personally, I think it looks like a new age Batmobile!

I wish you could see the detail alittle better in this picture...These are all mini-versions of work vehicles; a tractor, cement mixer and there's also a mini-tractor trailer... They called it their Big Toys on Parade!

These people had too much fun, I'm telling ya!

I watched this man get on and off this bike with no effort whatsoever... he was absolutely amazing!

What would a 4th of July celebration be without Uncle Sam?  At the end of the parade, you could shake hands with Uncle Sam and the kids would get a flag from him down at the festivites at the Memorial Park just down the street.

I hope everyone's holiday was as wonderful as mine! I feel sincerely blessed and grateful for everyone at the Parks and Recreation department and all the other people that made our somewhat soggy holiday a great one!  They even managed to pull off the fireworks after hours of rainfall--Awesome event everyone!

 30 Years Pottstown has been celebrating the 4th of July like it's supposed to be!

I must say that the residents in and around the Pottstown area are one very lucky bunch during the 4th of July Holiday.  To me, it has come as second nature, a celebration that has been here for most of my life.  But, as time rolls on, I've come to realize that not every town is fortunate enough to have such a wonderful tradition to look forward to.  As a matter of fact, in speaking with many friends from around the country, very few towns have the type of camaraderie of this special holiday and there are many people that travel miles to join our hometown tradition.  Many, many thanks are due to the hard work and dedication of the Pottstown Parks and Recreation department  as well as the many donations from our residents and friends. 

The 4th of July holiday brings the opportunity to get out and have some good ol' fashioned fun and run into friends, family and school mates that you probably haven't seen in ages--at least since you bumped into them last 4th of July!  The excitement kicks off with a car show and a flea market prior to the 4th and the day is ushered in by - what else- a parade.  Not just any parade, one that has just about everyone, young and old is seated in their lawn chairs along High Street to watch the innovative and funny floats, the many bands and community groups, schools and of course our 4th of July Homecoming Queen (who was elected at the festivities the evening before) all go by, proudly.  The excitement follows the parade into Memorial Park where you can get just about any type of food your little heart can imagine.  There you can watch hot air balloons take off, baby contests...oops did I forget the fireworks?  Sound like fun?  Anyone in the area-please stop in and help enjoy our 4th of July holiday fun. You may decide to make it YOUR new Independence Day tradition, too!

 Here is the schedule, just in case you might like to join us!

For more information about the 4th of July in Pottstown here is the official website: http://www.pottstownjuly4th.org/index.htm

Faith LaRosse
Coldwell Banker Hearthside Realtors
350 W. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426
cell: 610 996-3195
office: 610 489-7700 ext: 3607
www.FaithLaRosse.com SoldbyFaith@aol.com

The Homeownership Initiative Program in Pottstown just got a healthy jolt--IT DOUBLED! This time it's in your favor, Mr. (and Miss-don't want to leave anyone out!) and Mrs. Homebuyer in Pottstown!  Usually, we're dreading gas prices, taxes, food prices etc. doubling and we all know what it feels like when those prices are doubling by leaps and bounds these days. But this time you're receiving - not giving!

 This program began several years ago with money that was received through the Montgomery County Revitalization Fund.  It's purpose is to provide forgiveable loans to new homebuyers in Pottstown to make improvements to their homes.  The original program was set up for a single residence to have a $5000 maximum available.  That limit has just jumped to $10,000.  How great is that? The program was also created to try and encourage the conversion of Pottstown's many multi-unit properties back into single family homes.  Originally there was a $5000 limit per unit removed-that has just doubled for the first unit to $10,000 and remained at $5000 for each additional unit.

The new guidelines apply to all applications made on or after July 1 for any property located in the boundary area and purchased on or after July 1, 2007. As of this time, the program has been extended through Feb 1, 2010. 

Sounds pretty good, doesn't it?  For more details on Pottstown's Homeownership Initiative Program you can visit  http://www.pottstown.org/economic-Information.htm

Faith LaRosse
Coldwell Banker Diamond Realtors
350 W. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426
cell: 610 996-3195
office: 610 489-7700 ext: 3607
www.FaithLaRosse.com SoldbyFaith@aol.com

Flashback three years ago.... if you had a home to sell that was clean and in good condition, you could pretty much bank on it selling pretty quickly.  As a matter of fact, in many neighborhoods, buyers had to have the speed of light on their side to get an offer placed in time before that average home was snatched up right before their eyes.  Buyers were overlooking the little things that they otherwise might be focusing on in a home and going with the idea that they can make those little fixer-upper changes on their own. 

  Flashforward (is that a real word--I dunno; not sure on that one!) to 2008... your home must not only be clean and in good condition--it really must be virtually flawless and presented impeccably. 

Having an agent that has an excellent staging team on board is extremely helpful in getting homes sold in a challenging market.  Some sellers have difficulty getting past the idea that "It's only paint-the new owners will probably want to paint it their colors anyway".  This is probably one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a seller.  Buyers, as I have mentioned in past blogs, make their decision as to whether they like a house or they don't within a few seconds of entering the front door.  It is the initial reaction to what they see AND FEEL.  If your living room is painted in bright yellow and they hate yellow--your house already has a huge strike against it. Couldn't they just re-paint?  Well, of course they could and it's not even an expensive investment on their part.  But, it has created in their mind the feeling that maybe this house isn't right "from the start" and they begin to look at and focus on the negatives instead of the positives in the property.  This also holds true with clutter and overcrowded rooms.  Sellers have the mind-set, "Well, they're not buying my stuff, they're buying the house".  Again, some years ago, the buyers would gladly overlook your "stuff" because they didn't want to take the chance of losing the house of their dreams.  Today, the buyer has the ability to be more choosy and a clutter free home just presents that warm and fuzzy feeling that they are looking for...not to mention gives your home a more spacious feeling!

So, if you'd like to sell your house as quickly as possible in this market; your best bet is to take the time to make sure your home "Puts it's Best Foot Forward"  so to speak.  Here's another favorite saying:

You Only Get One Chance to Make a Great First Impression!

Faith LaRosse
Coldwell Banker Diamond Realtors
350 W. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426
cell: 610 996-3195
office: 610 489-7700 ext: 3607
www.FaithLaRosse.com SoldbyFaith@aol.com

   Flashback three years ago.... if you had a home to sell that was clean and in good condition, you could pretty much bank on it selling pretty quickly.  As a matter of fact, in many neighborhoods, buyers had to have the speed of light on their side to get an offer placed in time before that average home was snatched up right before their eyes.  Buyers were overlooking the little things that they otherwise might be focusing on in a home and going with the idea that they can make those little fixer-upper changes on their own. 

  Flashforward (is that a real word--I dunno; not sure on that one!) to 2008... your home must not only be clean and in good condition--it really must be virtually flawless and presented impeccably. 

Having an agent that has an excellent staging team on board is extremely helpful in getting homes sold in a challenging market.  Some sellers have difficulty getting past the idea that "It's only paint-the new owners will probably want to paint it their colors anyway".  This is probably one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a seller.  Buyers, as I have mentioned in past blogs, make their decision as to whether they like a house or they don't within a few seconds of entering the front door.  It is the initial reaction to what they see AND FEEL.  If your living room is painted in bright yellow and they hate yellow--your house already has a huge strike against it. Couldn't they just re-paint?  Well, of course they could and it's not even an expensive investment on their part.  But, it has created in their mind the feeling that maybe this house isn't right "from the start" and they begin to look at and focus on the negatives instead of the positives in the property.  This also holds true with clutter and overcrowded rooms.  Sellers have the mind-set, "Well, they're not buying my stuff, they're buying the house".  Again, some years ago, the buyers would gladly overlook your "stuff" because they didn't want to take the chance of losing the house of their dreams.  Today, the buyer has the ability to be more choosy and a clutter free home just presents that warm and fuzzy feeling that they are looking for...not to mention gives your home a more spacious feeling!

So, if you'd like to sell your house as quickly as possible in this market; your best bet is to take the time to make sure your home "Puts it's Best Foot Forward"  so to speak.  Here's another favorite saying:

You Only Get One Chance to Make a Great First Impression!

How many times when you were a child did you hear that one? This one was my grandmother's mantra.  If you really think about it; how often were you in a situation uncomfortably sitting with your foot neatly jammed in your mouth...truly wishing you could take back what you just said?  If only you'd have exercised that favorite saying...

If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say Don't Say Anything At All!

Well, Nan--I'm here to tell you that in Real Estate I have to disagree with you on this one.  At least from a listing presentation's perspective.  Let's try these scenarios on for size and see which one you choose as the seller:

Situation 1- You are selling a home that you and your family have lived in and loved for over 20 years now.  But, it is time to move on and you believe that your house is perfect and ready for the market.  Your agent comes in and does his/her initial walk through and you sit down at the table to discuss your home and it's listing.  During your discussion, you talk over the pricing and any questions you may have.  In this situation, you agree on the price and he/she quietly takes the pictures of your home and smiles sweetly, you shake hands and off he/she goes to list your home. 

Situation 2- Same seller and scenario, but this agent comes in and walks through your home with you and points out situations that may need to be addressed; possibly painting the window sills or (GASP) removing the large abstract painting in the living room that your daughter did for you in the sixth grade.  He/she presents to you the idea of replacing the carpet in the bedroom, because, as sometimes happens- a homeowner may have become so accustomed to something they tend to miss it. But, the bedroom carpet has a lingering  odor of cat pee-pee! This agent smiles sweetly, you shake hands and off he/she goes to prepare your listing.

Now, obviously, the first situation's agent has instituted the If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say Don't Say Anything At All philosophy.  While he/she is busy being polite, he/she also detected the smell of the pee-pee and also realized that the painting, while valuable to you, was quite distracting to buyers.  But, for fear of insulting you decided to keep it to herself and hope for the best.  Did I mention that the first scenario's listing was sitting on the market for 3 months with regular showings but NO offers?

The second scenario, decided that "nice to say or not" - You, the seller NEED to know that other people can smell the "cat's little indiscretions" in the bedroom and that perhaps a more neutral painting would work better in the living room.  That agent knew that she needed to risk offending or insulting you because the pure fact is that your house WON'T sell if you don't address the facts.  Now, we'll assume that these sellers got over the tough talk and took care of the things that the agent suggested.  Guess what?  Their house was on the market for 3 weeks and received  3 competitive offers. 

Now, Mr. Seller-which agent do you want to work with?  I have to say, thanks to my grandmother, I believe that you should always be polite and kind in everything you do.  But, when it comes to getting my listings sold... I choose to use another little ditty that she used to say.... Everything goes down alittle easier with a little bit of honey.  You never heard that one?  Whenever I was small and needed to take medicine-she'd follow it up with a teaspoon of honey. I'm thinking she may have just made this one up.  But, she also used it when she had to deliver tough news...So, when I am at a listing that needs a little tough news- I put on my best (honey sweet) smile and deliver it in my best (honey sweet) voice.  After all, I'm there to get your home sold-period.  Right? Pass the honey.

Faith LaRosse
Coldwell Banker Diamond Realtors
350 W. Main Street, Collegeville, PA 19426
cell: 610 996-3195
office: 610 489-7700 ext: 3607
www.FaithLaRosse.com SoldbyFaith@aol.com