Today I read an article from Newsday dealing with Identify Theft.  It was both scary and informative - still trying to figure out which one it was more of.  Unfortunately there's just no way to fully protect yourself.

Awareness is an effective weapon against many forms identity theft.  Be aware of how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours, monitor your personal information to uncover any problems quickly, and know what to do when you suspect your identity has been stolen.  Be sure to get a credit report every year - it's free as required by federal law.  Here's where you can go to request it: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

If you are a victim of identify theft (I hope not) you should visit the following link for assistance: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.htm

Here's a link to the article entitled "Several steps can protect against identity theft" BY RANDI F. MARSHALL that provides key advice. 

http://www.newsday.com/business/ny-enid0811,0,1843830.story

I'm going to go run now and get that SS Card out of my wallet!  

You can search for homes at my website, www.HalliEckhoff.com and you can even create your own customized searches save them and print them. If you don’t happen to find anything you like, you can create a Property Alert email to be sent to you when a home comes up on the market with the criteria you have entered.

So start your search today – it’s FREE.

Here are two of the properties that I currently represent

 

 

Feel free to contact me to schedule time to see these homes or any homes that you come across in your search that you would like more information on. Contact Halli Eckhoff of Coldwell Banker Hearthside at 215-794-1231 x143 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Bucks County, PA.

A Home that blends old with the new

Bedrooms: 7, Baths: 4.5, Year Built: 1911, Square Footage: 7,200

Built as a wedding gift on Cadwallader family estate grounds, this stately residence exudes the grandeur of a golden era. Designed by a prominent Philadelphia architect, the structure pays homage to classic American Main Line colonial style, warmed by gracious southern plantation elements. The oversized grand entry foyer is a dramatic arrival, providing a straight through vista to the rear stone veranda. The heart of the home is a chef designed kitchen complete with a granite center island, commercial appliances and a light filled window walled breakfast room. The master bedroom suite is a study in relaxed elegance with a private sitting room, dressing room and french doored sleeping porch that offers sweeping views. 3 full floors of living space feature many private br suites, 9 ft ceilings, plaster walls and moldings, massive original doors and hardware, wood floors and a natural flow for large social gatherings. Lush grounds w/ heated pool & poolhouse(w/kit,bath).

Proudly Offered at $2,400,000

For more great photos and informtaion visit: www.HalliEckhoff.com and for a tour of this home visit: http://b.vrguild.net/c/stnd.pl?Q=0705291520511679

 

Olympic Fever that is.  I enjoyed the excitement of the Opening Ceremonies on Friday night.   Words that come to mind: Inspiring, breathtaking, and pride.  It was so inspiring to see athletes from around the world gathered together, the breathtaking site of the torch being lit and the fireworks that followed and the tremendous pride I felt as I watched the USA team enter the stadium knowing they were going to accomplish great things.  These words also relate to how I view my job as a realtor in Bucks County.  I'm often inspired by the beautiful people I meet and have the opportunity to represent, I find the Bucks County area breathtaking and I have tremendous pride in the work that I do in working with both buyers and sellers in helping them realize their dreams.

Phelps (USA) celebrates Men's 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay win (Photo credit: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

I don't know about you but I also just can't get enough of Michael Phelps.  Watching him cheer on his teammates in the relay race was simply contagious and inspiring.  During this Olympics I find myself reflecting on my own personal drive, energy and determination to assist my clients whether they are purchasing a home or selling their home and remembering that I am living my dream and in turn helping my clients realize theirs.

Let me know what you think of the Olympics so far.

Keep up the great work USA - you are making us all so proud!

 

Can you believe it's August 1st already?  Where has the summer gone?  Perhaps you are like many of my clients and you will be going to the Jersey Shore this weekend.  If you are, I hope you have a great time.  If however, you are not and you don't have anything planned yet I thought I would offer you some options:

1. You can always attend my Open House at 11 Milton Drive in Yardley PA on Sunday, August 3rd from 1-3pm.
2. Go see a play at Bucks County Playhouse - currently playing: Funny Girl
3. Tonight you can go to AHA Newtown or 1st Friday in Doylestown

For more ideas and suggestions visit http://buckscountyalive.com/events/ShowEvents.cfm?webname=bcalive

Hope you enjoy your weekend and please do not hesitate to contact me if you are interested in seeing any of my listings or if you need more information on a home that you drive by or come across during your search.

If you've purchased a home before, I'm sure you know all of the crazy things that can happen when trying to close. If this will be your first home buying experience, then you're in for one of the most exciting times in your life.  I can't promise that everything in your future transaction will go perfectly and exactly as planned. No real estate professional can promise that.  What I can promise you is that I have the knowledge and experience to help you every step of the way.

First: Take Charge When Buying a Home

If you approach the home buying process intelligently and with confidence, you are much more likely to buy a house you'll be proud to call home.

Approaching the task of buying a home can be overwhelming; there's so much to consider:

• How much house can I afford?
• How can I find the best loan?
• Where will I come up with a down payment, and how much will I need?
• Should I buy a new or resale home, and which will go up in value?
• How should I choose an agent?

And these questions are just the beginning. Buying a home is one of the largest financial transactions in your lifetime - do your research so you know what you're doing.

Here are the two most important things to remember no matter where you are on the road to home ownership:

1. You can and should understand everything that is happening in the home buying process.

There is nothing that is so complex that it can't be easily explained to anyone. Just because you don't apply for a thirty year mortgage once a week doesn't mean you have to take the first one that comes along. You'll need to learn some new terms, apply some new concepts and take the time to understand what you're getting into.  Of course, if you choose me as your agent I will assist you throughout this process.

If, at any point, something happens that doesn't make sense to you, simply ask for a full and complete explanation. If it still doesn't make sense, seek help from someone you trust like your CPA, your banker or your trusted realtor.

2. In the world of real estate sales, YOU are the most important person in the entire process.

The truth is that you, the buyer, are the one person in the transaction that makes it all happen.  Surround yourself with a team of professionals that you have confidence in and make them work for you.

Approach home buying with intelligence and confidence, and by doing your homework, and you are more likely to buy a house you're happy with and to know that you made the right decision.

My committment to you should you choose to work with me is that once we find the perfect home for you there will be several other players in the game. There will be appraisers, inspectors, lenders, other real estate agents, and title insurance companies all working together to close your deal.  

My job is to make sure that all of these players understand the common goal - to get you into your beautiful new home. If you have any questions about any step in the process of buying a home, please contact me anytime at www.HalliEckhoff.com.

Yes, that's right your heard me correctly.  Stop by my site and ask for it.  It's that simple.  Why would you want this free report?

First of all let me explain what a CMA (Comparitive Market Analysis) is for those of you who are new to real estate terms.  A CMA is a document that summarizes real estate market research and presents what are referred to as comparable properties ("comps"). In real estate, comps are used to estimate the value of similar homes within the same neighborhood. Based on the information compiled and summarized within this CMA a real estate agent is able to offer his/her advice on what your home may sell for and also demonstrate how they came to this conclusion.

Perhaps you're wondering "Why do I need it?"

It will help you determine the worth of your home in today's market (if and when you decide to sell) especially if you've done some home improvements over the years and want to know how you've increased the value of your home.

Wondering what homes in your area are selling for?  I can also supply you with information about recent sales in your neighborhood - this too will give you an idea of how your home might do if you were to list it.

Visit my website or call me today to request your free without obligation reports.  I love sharing information about the real estate market and there's nothing like working with a well informed client.

Barley Homes was ranked # 8 in the Philadelphia Business Journal as "Top Home Builders" for 2007.

I have the wonderful opportunity to represent this Top Builder and the spectacular homes that he builds throughout Bucks County PA.  Please visit my website at www.HalliEckhoff.com for a preview of these homes and to learn more about Keith Boyd.

Bucks County, named after Buckinghamshire, England, the birthplace of William Penn, founder of Pennsylvania (The Keystone State), is about 50 miles long by 25 miles wide and is located along the scenic Delaware River.

Because of its proximity to Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York, it's considered a very desirable area with much to offer whether you live here or are just visiting.  In my opinion it's a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

Here you will find modern communities that coexist with historical buildings and landmarks and an area in which many residents want to preserve the natural beauty of the County.

Want the feel of yesteryear be sure to slow down and enjoy the rich history and beauty of a Bucks County Covered Bridge.  For more information visit: http://scenicbuckscounty.com/CoveredBridges/CoveredBridges.html

There is an enormous variety of real estate available throughout Bucks County with prices ranges from 80,000 condominiums into the millions. 

The local economy remains strong with several large corporations choosing to move into this area as well as the surrounding areas of New Jersey and Philadelphia.  You can also choose to have a day of shopping at many of our local malls or visit the towns of Newtown, Yardley, New Hope, Doylestown and Lahaska for specialty and outlet shops or visit our famous Rice's Flea Market with deals galore!

For the sports fans, we have the Eagles, Phillies, Philadelphia 76ers and the Flyers.  If you're interested in supporting a AA team, visit the Trenton Thunder, only 20 minutes away from Yardley and a great place to take the entire family and every seat is a great seat.  If Golf is your game, we have a new 18 hole golf course in Lower Makefield.

For the college minded we have Bucks County Community College, Delaware Valley College in Doylestown, LaSalle University satellite campus, Princeton University, Rider University, Thomas Edison State College, Penn State Abington, Beaver College, and the College Of New Jersey.

Here are some areas in which I specialize and currently have listings that I thought I would highlight for you whether moving to or visiting Bucks County, PA.  Please visit my website at www.HalliEckhoff.com for more listings, information and history of Bucks County.

Yardley

Once a station on the Underground Railroad, Yardley is a small community located along the Delaware River in Bucks County.    Charming and quaint and one of the most historic cities in the nation, near the site where General George Washington embarked on their historic crossing, Yardley boasts real estate options that include Victorian homes, historic farmsteads,  new colonials and townhome communities along with top notch schools.  Be careful driving through Main Street - this quaint area requires you go 25 miles per hour and it's worth it so you don't miss seeing anything.  During the summer you will see everyone hanging out at the local ice cream/frozen ice shop or grabbing a delicious pastry at our famous Cramer's Bakery and in the winter you will find kids (and adults) enjoying skating on Lake Afton (manmade) pond.  There's also a canal path that is ideal for walking and jogging that will take you from Yardley up to Washington Crossing.

Because of its great location, just off of Interstate 95 approximately 45 miles northeast of Philadelphia, it gives its residents easy access to Princeton University and New York City. You will find that many people have chosen to live in Yardley because it provides for any easy commute to Princeton and New York City.

Upper Makefield

Here Homesteads served as officers' headquarters during the American Revolutionary War and are at the site where General George Washington made his famous Christmas Eve trip across the Delaware. Each year hundreds of locals as well as tourists embark to Upper Makefield's Washington Crossing State Park to witness a re-enactment of the crossing of the Delaware.

The township's well-preserved sense of history and 'place' contribute to its popularity. Its historic significance is represented in vestiges of 3 historic villages (Jericho, Taylorsville, and Woodhill) plus 3 National Register Historic Districts, Brownsburg, Buckmanville, and Dolington.

In Upper Makefield you will find luxury homes as well as contemporary, traditional, ranch style and homes on large parcels of land, both new and old, throughout the area, as well as townhome communities, including elegant 55+ communities. 

Buckingham

Physically, Buckingham is the biggest township in the county, covering 33 square miles.  Its geography is dominated by Buckingham Mountain which rises to a height of 520 feet, but its landscape is characterized by gently rolling countryside.  Blessed by many streams and rich soil, it has yielded bountiful harvests for 300 years.  Agriculture has been Buckingham's principal industry since its founding, and the Township still retains a strong farm community.

The wonderful old stone houses and barns so typical of Bucks County reflect both English and German architectural traditions.

There are Buckingham families who have lived in the Township for generations, but most of us are more recent arrivals.  Nonetheless, old and new residents have been united in their desire to preserve the scenic and historic character of the Township.  One of my interests is in preserving the historical integrity and pastoral vistas in central Bucks County.  I currently hold a seat on the Buckingham Township's Historical Architecture Review Board because of my strong desire to preserve the rich agricultural legacy of Buckingham.

Buckingham seems to have changed names more often than any other town.  First known name: Bogarts Tavern, (now the General Greene Inn), first owned by Samuel Jamison, who obtained a tavern license from the county in 1752. After his death, his widow Mary, remarried John Bogart, who also operated the tavern and the village became known as Bogart's Tavern. The Bucks County Committee of Safety held its first meeting there on July 9 1772.  Other names for this tavern include: "Vanhorns Tavern" and "Wilkinsons Tavern". The village was also once known as "Centreville" because of its central location in Buckingham Township. Although the town had been referred to by the name "Buckingham" as early as 1769, that name finally stuck permanently in 1872, when a post office was established there.

With living places for virtually every style and need, Buckingham is a delightful mix of contemporary neighborhoods punctuated by numerous historic villages including 5 districts that are on the National Register of Historic Places. These dozen historic resources are Bridge Valley, Buckingham, Buckingham Valley, Glendale, Forest Grove, Furlong, Highlon, Holicong, Lahaska, Mechanicsville, Mozart, and Wycombe.