Leah Leighton's Real Estate Blog for Levittown Pa

Fantastic Investment Opportunity!! - 2+2 Duplex - Morrell Park - NE Philadelphia

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:17:22 -0800

Leah Leighton | Century 21 Alliance | leahsells@century21.com | (267)505-5043

3432 Ashfield Lane, Philadelphia, PA

2+2 duplex in desirable Morrell Park. New heaters, water heater,
carpeting, and more...

4BR/2BA Multi-Family, 2 units

offered at $199,900

Year Built	1967
Sq Footage	1,600
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	3,920 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Fantastic investment opportunity! 2+2 duplex in desirable Morrell Park.
Upgrades include new heaters in both units, new water heater, newer windows, new roof, and all new window treatments.
This end unit with fenced yard, full basement, off street parking for two cars, and close proximity to shopping, schools, and all major highways is priced to sell.
Hurry - won't last long.....

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

leahsells@century21.com

(267)505-5043

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jan 12, 2009, 8:00pm PST

OPEN HOUSE - LEVITTOWN PA - SUNDAY - 1/25/09 - 1-3 PM - "REDUCED" $168,000

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 22:51:28 -0800

Leah Leighton | Century 21 Alliance | leahsells@century21.com | (267)505-5043

47 Gingerbush Lane, Levittown, PA

Reduced for quick sale!!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $169,900

Year Built	1953
Sq Footage	1,200
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Adorable 4 bedroom 2 bath cape in desireable Goldenridge section. New siding, new roof, new sidewalks and curbing.
Huge corner lot!
Seller willing to assist buyer with closing costs with acceptable offer.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Living room	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Washer	Dryer	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Huge corner lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

leahsells@century21.com

(267)505-5043

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 23, 2008, 2:39pm PDT

Levittown - Bucks County - Pa - Priced to sell.... (Bucks County Pa Real Estate)

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:28:08 -0700

Leah Leighton | Century 21 Alliance | (267)505-5043

47 Gingerbush Lane, Levittown, PA

Reduced!!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $179,900

Year Built	1953
Sq Footage	1,200
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	Unspecified
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Living room	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Washer	Dryer	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Huge corner lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

(267)505-5043

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 15, 2008, 9:48am PDT

Falls Township Ranch - Levittown - Bucks County - Pa - Real Estate for sale

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 21:35:05 -0700

Leah Leighton | Century 21 Alliance | leahsells@century21.com | (267)505-5043

80 Buttonwood Lane, Levittown, PA

Priced to sell....

3BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $199,900

Year Built	1953
Sq Footage	1,400
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Covered spaces
Lot Size	6,970 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

Cute as a button!!
Don’t miss this expanded Falls Township ranch home with large dining room addition, a fireplace, plus a bonus room that could be used as an office, playroom, or den / study. Home has been freshly painted, and boasts a large wrap around patio, and a beautifully landscaped fenced in yard.
Also includes a newer heater (under contract with Harris Fuels). All this, plus the award winning Pennsbury Schools!! Hurry – Won’t last long…

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Fireplace	Living room	Bonus/Rec room
Dining room	Refrigerator	Washer
Dryer	Laundry area - inside	Balcony, Deck, or Patio
Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Covered parking

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

leahsells@century21.com

(267)505-5043

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 8, 2008, 4:46pm PDT

Levittown Pa Real Estate - 4 bedroom - 2 bath cape - PRICED TO SELL!!!

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:51:15 -0700

Leah Leighton | Century 21 Alliance | (267)505-5043

47 Gingerbush Lane, Levittown, PA

Priced to sell!!

4BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $200,000

Year Built	1953
Sq Footage	1,200
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	0 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Living room	Refrigerator	Stove/Oven
Washer	Dryer	Yard

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Huge corner lot

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

(267)505-5043

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Sep 6, 2008, 10:04am PDT

Fantastic Investment Opportunity!!!

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:25:13 -0700

Leah Leighton | Century 21 Alliance | (267)505-5043

3432 Ashfield Lane, Philadelphia, PA

2+2 duplex in desirable Morrell Park. New heaters, water heater,
carpeting, and more...

4 Bdrm Multi-Family, 2 units

offered at $214,900

Year Built	1967
Sq Footage	1,034
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	3,920 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

(267)505-5043

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 1, 2008, 11:27am PDT

REMODELING YOUR HOME: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

Sat, 31 May 2008 12:11:11 -0700

REMODELING YOUR HOME: HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH?

By: Leah Leighton

The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of their house is by remodeling existing rooms or adding on to its current plan.

Some choose to build recreation rooms and studies while others add new appliances, fixtures and cabinets to enliven rooms and make their home more attractive to future buyers.

But, when should you decide to stop sinking money into a home and buy a bigger place? And how much rehab is too much when it comes time to recovering remodeling costs through a home sale

For instance, if you've just spent $1,000 remodeling your living room and didn't expand your small bathroom, the chances of increasing the number of interested buyers are slim.

With these concerns in mind, Century 21 sales associates offer a few tips for those struggling to add value to their home.

First, always protect the character of your home. Nothing sticks out more than a new addition that is in a completely different architectural style. Be consistent. Recognize your home's character and stay within its framework.

The most financially rewarding areas to remodel are usually the kitchen and bath. Newly re-done cooking spaces and cabinets can attract more buyers and may command a slightly higher price for the home than a comparable one on the market. Simple repairs that are made to last will bring you the biggest returns upon sale.

Enlarged bathrooms are the most popular attraction for new home buyers, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Today, the most popular additions for younger buyers are sunken whirlpool baths and showers. But be sure to install modest, solid amenities. It's easy to quickly over-spend on bathroom fixtures.

Buyers are, by convention, more interested in above-ground living space - not basements, yards and walkways. Swimming pools can be a poor investment if installed for the sole purpose of increasing a home's value; it's rare that a pool's cost will be recovered in a home sale. It can also be a negative feature for potential buyers with very young children.

Replacing worn carpeting, tiles and wood floors can give your home an immediate advantage over similar properties in the area. Updating paint colors in all areas of your home can also prove beneficial.

However, it's recommended that you use neutral colors, such as gray, beige and off-white when adding new floor and wall coverings. Fewer buyers will then turn away because of differing tastes.

Stay simple with your remodeling and look at your home as though you were the buyer. Chances are that if you find the upstairs bedroom could be brightened by a larger window, potential buyers will probably feel the same.

Don't go overboard. Concentrate on improving two or three deficiencies in your home. More than likely, the time and money you spend adding quality to your home will be rewarded with greater profit at selling time.

For further info - please contact:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

2378 Trenton Road

Levittown, Pa 19056

(267)505-5043

leahsells@century21.com

www.leahsells.com

HOW TO GIVE YOUR HOME A FACE-LIFT

Thu, 15 May 2008 12:04:28 -0700

HOW TO GIVE YOUR HOME A FACE-LIFT:

THE SELLERS' GUIDE TO A QUICK SELL

One of the great challenges to selling a home can be showing all of its space, decor and natural light potential. For example, every home has crowded closets and dead space. Sellers should be aware that areas such as these are easy to spruce-up with a little elbow grease and old-fashioned innovation.

Begin by evaluating your closet/storage space, determine which areas can cut-down in clutter. Go through old clothes, shoes, etc., and get rid of anything that will not be used and in turn create more space. Consider organizing shelves and other areas to make better use of your storage space, including your garage and basement. Also, try to throw out or give away any old furniture that is no longer of use. All of the discarded items can be given to Good Will, Salvation Army or even sold at a yard sale.

"Although most sellers keep their homes clean and well-decorated, it can be difficult to convince a buyer of a home's potential when clutter is noticeable. As brokers, it's our responsibility to offer any tips that will expedite the sale and make the experience more enjoyable for the seller," (Leah Leighton, Century 21 Alliance)

Once you've eliminated the unwanted items and furniture, begin the 'renovation' process. For non-storage spaces that could use a little more decor, consider adding a small bookshelf complemented with a cozy reading chair. Always be sure you're filtering as much light into your property as possible. Open or replace curtains. For example, light from a window overlooking the backyard offers a room more color, a great view and the illusion of more space.

Always maximize the potential of existing decor; wash old curtains, re-stain old wood casings, anything that refreshes and emphasizes all the potential of the space and decor of the home.

Prospective buyers are often more drawn to homes with features that they don't have, those with clutter-free closets, open sunny rooms, and cozy little corners. To ensure you've realized all of the above characteristics the last step should be to bring in a friend and observe their reaction. Make sure it's an honest friend, who will offer suggestions as well as notice the improvements. Seeing your own home through someone else's eyes is a great way to make a home optimally attractive and more sellable to prospective buyers.

Be diligent in your efforts and be sure the renovations improve the aesthetic appeal of the home. All the hard work will be worth the reward of a successful sale.

For further info contact:

Leah Leighton

(267)505-5043

www.leahsells.com

leahsells@century21.com

MOVING ON: POWERFUL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 14:17:58 -0700

MOVING ON: POWERFUL TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME

Maybe you're moving to a larger home to accommodate a growing family, relocating for a new career opportunity, or purchasing a townhouse for retirement. Whatever the reason for the move, you'll need to take the necessary steps to sell your home for the best possible price, within a reasonable amount of time. Where do you begin?

If you're like most people, you'll start by seeking assistance from a professional. A local real estate sales associate, who knows your neighborhood, can help you determine a fair market price. The sales associate should also recommend the extent to which you should make repairs or improvements to your house.

In order to select a real estate professional who's right for you, ask family, friends and neighbors for referrals. Attend open houses and interview several sales associates to find out how professional or experienced they may be. Get a written outline of how they plan to market your property and the services they will offer you.

Once you've identified a qualified professional, the rest is chemistry. Is the sales associate someone with whom you would like to work closely? Do you feel comfortable with the sales associate as your partner, working with you to give you advice and acting as your representative? Does he or she practice a consultative selling approach, focusing on the long-term client relationship and on the importance of exceeding client needs and expectations or is he or she caught up in the proverbial 'hard sell?'

The brokerage firm that your agent is associated with is also important. Research the firm's success rate and commitment to quality service. Does it survey existing clients in order to ensure customer satisfaction? What are the results of those surveys? How in tune are they with consumer needs? Do they offer guidance with mortgages or any discounts for other home related or moving services?

Determining your home's fair market value is one of the most important decisions you'll make during the home-selling/buying process. Your sales associate can help you set a fair price based on local market conditions. For instance, she or he will provide sale prices and other statistics of homes similar to yours that have recently been sold. Prospective buyers will be comparing your home to others on the market. Therefore, setting a comprehensive price can determine if your property will or will not sell.

For the first offer made, it's rare that the prospective buyer matches the asking price. If the offer is reasonably close to the asking price, carefully consider the offer before you consider turning it down. Curiously, it's the first offer that can often be the best offer. If the first offer is unacceptable to you, it may in your best interest to have your sales associate respond with a counter offer. Whenever considering an offer, ask yourself if you would purchase the property for the amount being offered. Always be willing to negotiate, especially if the prospective buyer is pre-qualified for a mortgage.

Once you decide what terms are acceptable, let your sales associate negotiate with the prospective buyer to work out the best agreement for you. You'll need to be patient while the buyer arranges financing and as the real estate company compiles and prepares pertinent data.

Careful planning and sound advice from a real estate professional can make selling your home a very satisfying experience. For further information, please contact, Leah Leighton - Century 21 Alliance - 2378 Trenton Road, Levittown, Pa 19056 - (267)505-5043

www.leahsells.com

leahsells@century21.com

2+2 duplex - Morrell Park, Philadelphia Pa

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 11:14:09 -0700

Leah Leighton | Century 21 Alliance | (267)505-5043

3432 Ashfield Lane, Philadelphia, PA

2+2 duplex in desirable Morrell Park. New heaters, water heater,
carpeting, and more...

4 Bdrm Multi-Family, 2 units

offered at $214,900

Year Built	1967
Sq Footage	1,034
Bedrooms	4
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	2
Parking	2
Lot Size	3,920 sqft
HOA/Maint	$0 per month

DESCRIPTION

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Leah Leighton

Century 21 Alliance

(267)505-5043

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: May 1, 2008, 11:27am PDT

HOW TO DETERMINE THE PRICE OF YOUR HOME

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:57:25 -0700

HOW TO DETERMINE THE PRICE OF YOUR HOME

By Leah Leighton - Century 21 Alliance

Why is it that some homes sit on the market for a year while others sell like hot cakes? Frustrated sellers will blame a bad market, while a good real estate professional will tell you that many times, a slow sale is often attributed to the listing price.

If a home is overpriced, buyers will stay away. But, if the price is competitive with similar homes in the area and "shows" better than the competition, it will have a better chance of being sold quickly.

The secret is perfecting a technique that's as American as apple pie: comparative shopping.

Although comparing houses with different styles, square-footages and locations is challenging, real estate professionals still feel it's one of the best methods to use when determining a home's market va A responsible real estate agent will effectively evaluate a home's worth through a process known as Comparative Marketing Analysis (CMA). Taking a look at assets, such as a swimming pool, bigger than normal living spaces, a fantastic view, adjacent city parks and other attractions, the agent will begin to compare your home with similar properties, called "comparables," that have sold in the area within the last six months. Typically, the agent is able to recommend a realistic price range that will ensure you top dollar and a reasonably

However, factors such as the amount of time needed to sell your home can alter the agent's price recommendation dramatically.

Typically, people should check with real estate offices in the community to determine the typical duration that listings are on the market. Sales associates will explain that the marketing "norms" vary with prices and properties. Based on this criteria, the agent feels confident that he or she will be able to sell it for a price that both you and the buyer will be happy with. However, if you're under time constraints because of unexpected job changes or moving agreements you've made on another property, this will narrow your chances of selling the home for top dollar in the market.

Assuming you have sufficient time to market the home, here are a few small steps you and your agent can take to finding the right price for your property.

The best comparisons can be made with similar homes that have been sold within the last 45 days as opposed to the standard six months. Any longer and other factors, such as the economy, could cloud your view of how much your home is really worth.

Another good benchmark is to review the selling prices of homes that have just been sold and are pending closes. Most MLS services provide information on deals pending that most real estate agents should be able to shore with you.

A good rule of thumb before setting a price is to make 20 comparisons of comparable properties within a one-mile radius of your house. Once completed you can feel comfortable that the price you've picked is a good gauge of the home's worth and won't discourage qualified buyers.

Being open and honest about what you see as the home's greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses will also help an agent get a better feel for how to best evaluate (or assess) and market your home. Think of your home as if you were the buyer. If your home is listed at the right price, you're well on your way to a speedy and fruitful sale.

For further info:

www.leahsells.com

leahsells@century21.com

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