Vacant home...keep it insured. - 07/31/09 10:14 AM
I have written before about keeping your home covered by insurance until settlement with graphic photos of a home that burnt down the night before settlement on my street. However, in today's market with people moving trying to fins jobs many homes are sitting vacant and insurance companies will not cover them if they are unaware in the case of a claim. Some insurance companies will cover you if you notify them, many won't, so you may need to change insurance carrier to keep your home insured.
 It is not enough that Uncle Ernie stops by once a week to check … (0 comments)

Time flies to get the First Time Buyer Credit! - 07/30/09 10:29 AM
   Time is flying fast to obtain the First Time Buyer Credit. Whilst there is plenty of inventory many buyers are being demanding making low offers and asking for seller assists or not making any choice, overwhelmed at the selection of homes on the market.
But, if you think it through you have to act soon. Most settlements take 45 days to settle from offers being made. Yes they canbe done more quickly but with the recent problems with appraisers, and mortgage underwriters taking their time to give mortgage commitments you need to act soon.
The credit disappears unless renewed by congress November … (0 comments)

Places I like - Chanticleer, Wayne, PA - 07/27/09 06:51 AM
So to continue with this series, last week on a glorious summer day we visited Chanticleer in Wayne, PA on the Main Line outside of Philadelphia, one of our favourite places. This is a wonderful garden that in our opinion rivals Longwood Gardens and feels more real. What I mean by that is Chanticleer in Wayne, PA does not groom the plants for just a one week show, what you see is how it really is. There may be some weeds in the borders, the plants show there age sometimes and whilst there is this reality it is still impressive.
Only open during … (0 comments)

Philadelphia Golf Courses - 07/20/09 11:36 AM
When searching for a home, remember to smell the flowers along the way - or is it the golf courses.   Philadelphia has many private and public golf courses.  Four links are very useful for locating a course near your new neighborhood:  www.golfphilly.com, www.golfphilly.org, www.golflink.com/golf-courses/city.aspx?dest+philadelphia, www.philadelphia.com/golf/, www.golfholes.com/pa/philadelphia-golf.htm.   
Each site lists many of the same locations, but with a little different twist.  Aside from the courses, there is information about the facilities where you can take the family for a meal.  No matter what the weather, it is always a calming rest from the rigors of house hunting to enjoy a relaxing meal … (0 comments)

Places I like - Valley Forge Park - 07/15/09 11:00 AM
Ever since I moved here 20 years ago I have loved Valley Forge. 3700 acres of National Park right on your door step to enjoy, trails to jog, bike or hike hills or along creeks or the Schuykill River. This 10 minute video gives a short tour of the park with some interesting clips from around the park. Hope you enjoy and make a trip, it is well worth it. For more information you can read some of the history on our website.
 
Valley Forge a short tour produced by Nick Vandekar on WellcomeMat  
… (0 comments)

Places I like - 07/14/09 04:35 PM
This is the beginning of a new series I decided on today as I was driving around that there are masses of places I like, that you may not have tried.  Some are restaurants and cafes, some are stores, some are just cool places like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, always worth a visit.
Today I discovered a really cool little place to eat. Gateway Shops just off the 202 and 252 supposedly Wayne but more like Devon and really close to Chesterbrook is a place I like to hang out. it has cool shops and cafes aplenty. It is one of those … (0 comments)

How can you appraise if you are unfamiliar with the area? - 07/09/09 02:17 PM
Just finished reading a commentary on a survey  on the new HVCC from NAR. As I blogged recently in Why are Appraisal firms using appraisers from way out of the Area we have had two appraisal issues in the last week. I also heard from agents whilst out this week that they are having problems, so the issue is current right here in Pennsylvania with appraisers from out of the area being used and not understanding the development, the homes or the pricing in the area.
So rather than improving the appraisal situation from the commentary the survey implies the situation is … (0 comments)

84 Highpoint Drive, Berwyn, PA video - 07/08/09 01:50 PM
New video of our listing in Daylesford Lake of a great end unit on a quiet street, beautiful upgraded kitchen, and lots of room. Priced aggresively at $459,000 with 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths and 3 car garage. Want to live in award winning T/E schools close to Paoli station and minutes from King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge Park.
 
 

84 Highpoint Drive, Berwyn, PA 19312 produced by Nick Vandekar on WellcomeMat … (0 comments)

How many photos? - 07/08/09 08:02 AM
I have had a web site for a long time and one of the main features I looked for was the ability to post multiple photos. It seems odd to say that now but our own MLS has only recently allowed us to post more than six photos, now we can post twelve and still agents only post six or even less.
My buyers want to see photos, they skip properties with no photos, they ask why aren't there any photos, sometimes it is because the property has a tenant and it is hard to get in to photograph or it … (0 comments)

Why are the appraisal firms using appraisers from way out of the area? - 07/08/09 07:41 AM
I understand separating appraisers from mortgage brokers and bankers but do these third party firms have to use appraisers from way out of the area?
We have had two appraisals recently by banks that are way off the mark. One of these appraisals is off by $55000 and the bank then advises the client not to get another appraisal. The banker is in Texas, so may not know or understand the pricing in our area.
Another is a townhouse development and the same model two doors over is listed in the report as having 2000 square feet, but the subject property … (0 comments)

Local Phoenixville restaurant rocks! - 07/07/09 06:45 PM
Last week we needed to go up to Lowes at Oaks and as it was a great weekend weather wise and it was our wedding anniversary we decided to find somewhere for breakfast on the way. We wanted somewhere different and a little funky. As Phoenixville could be on our way if we took backroads we thought we might find somewhere good to eat.
We drove up over the hills and coming along Whitehorse Road to the junction with Route 23 I spy the Bookend Cafe out of the corner of my eye and through the buildings from the junction. I point … (1 comments)

 
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Nick & Trudy Vandekar Realtors Main Line PA Homes for Sale Lic AB067198

Devon, PA

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Long & Foster Real Estate Inc

Address: 92 Lancaster Avenue, Devon, PA, 19333

Office Phone: (610) 225-7400

Cell Phone: (610) 203-4543

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