nick vandekar: Who are you contracting with?
- 04/22/24 08:15 AM
You have decided to buy or sell a house, so after some research, talking with friends and family you call a few agents to discuss working with them.
But, stop. Before you go any further who are you actually going to be contracting with? You may imagine it is the agent with whom you are talking. But in Pennsylvania and maybe elsewhere that is NOT the case. Those forms that are presented to you tell a different story.
Firstly, before discussing any real estate related conversation with you, those agents should tell you about the "Consumer NOTICE". Yes, I capitalized that as it … (15 comments)
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nick vandekar: Why a buyer consultation is VITALLY important!
- 04/16/24 08:19 AM
You want to buy a home in the Main Line and Chester County areas. You go on line and search for homes and see some you like, there may even be an Open House you can visit. However, so far, you are unrepresented and not working with an agent who is going to protect your interests.
You know you should have a buyer's agent representing you, guiding you, so you ask some friends and look online. You hope that you can just make a phone call and get an agent to help you. But, this would be a BIG mistake.
When a customer … (20 comments)
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nick vandekar: We are very lucky!
- 04/11/24 07:41 AM
This is like a coming soon post about a dinner we are attending/hosting this evening.
We are very lucky to have a wide group of friends and to live where we do. Firstly, friends - most people know a small group of people, well Annie is one of those people I discovered when we got married who stays in touch with everyone she knows, I would say 70% of our guests were from her side. Many of those friends are wine collectors, her previous partner who died loved wine and introduced Annie to many of his friends, and they have remained friends. … (12 comments)
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nick vandekar: BlackLab Breads in Toughkenamon
- 04/01/24 01:14 PM
We can all lose ourselves in Facebook, but sometimes it is a place to discover a new bakery. I recently came across the BlackLab Bakery page, isn't that a great name, you want to go just because of the name. I haven't found a really good baker in our area yet.
Yes, in West Grove there is a Mexican Bakery which is great for Mexican pastries. But really good baguettes and Miche loaves. No. Well, looking over BlackLab Bakery's Facebook page I noticed their photos and they looked really good.
They are generally only open Friday and Saturday, and this weekend, I decided … (19 comments)
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nick vandekar: Sometimes you just have to be patient.
- 03/09/24 01:00 PM
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
A long, long time ago, it feels that way at least, I dug some holes in our yard and planted several tulip bulbs around our front walkway. Tulips need to be exposed to the cold and have to overwinter in the ground, preferably planted in the fall.
“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.”― Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to Die
Well, then you have to wait, and wait, through the end … (36 comments)
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nick vandekar: The Landenberg Store
- 03/04/24 08:27 AM
Michael J. Perry sent me a message last week with a link to The Landenberg Store. As my wife had the day off on Friday we decided to go visit as it is only about twenty minutes away and the link looked interesting.
Well this store is in Landenberg, obviously, right on the creek, and it was busy, we parked behind the store as the front was full, and when we went inside it was pretty busy. What had attracted us was the bread, which looked home baked, but, unfortunately is not, but still pretty good.
It seemed to be a place where … (11 comments)
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nick vandekar: This one didn't last long! Pending Sale 726 Mancill Road, Wayne PA
- 02/29/24 01:45 PM
Well, after lots of interest and multiple showings we received an offer and the promise of a second offer. My sellers did not want to be rushed as we had open houses planned for the weekend. However, when an offer meets most of the parameters that a seller wants, then the natural thing to do is to counter that offer.
Having done that, seller and buyer this morning reached terms acceptable to both, and both signed the agreement of sale.
Showings were cancelled along with the Open Houses over the weekend.
My seller is very happy, relieved to know that they are now able … (13 comments)
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nick vandekar: New month, new brokerage, new ideas!
- 02/06/24 12:48 PM
So my exciting news for this month is that after 18 years with Long & Foster Real Estate Inc., I have moved my license to a new brokerage. I have joined Realty ONE Group Advocates in Downingtown, PA.
Located at 255 W Uwchlan Avenue Downingtown, PA 19335 this is a great location for me living in West Grove and working along and around the Main Line and Chester County.
I am excited by this move as I believe that Realty ONE Group Advocates offers my clients, buyers and sellers alike options in this ever changing Real Estate Industry. It allows me to be … (23 comments)
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nick vandekar: Video - long or short form video?
- 07/31/23 11:29 AM
Everybody tells us we need to be using video to stand out from the crowd. Not all agents are the same. For several years I have been using video. If you go to my YouTube channel Selling the Main Line you can see some of those past videos. I have shared some here in the Rain and there are links to two at the end of this post.
However, today, I want to discuss long versus short form video. Long form video is much of what is up on my channel currently. There are some shorts as well, but most of what … (33 comments)
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nick vandekar: Tips and Advice for Making Your First Home a Reality
- 03/29/23 12:14 PM
"First-Time Home Buyers Guide: Tips and Advice for Making Your Dream Home a Reality"
Buying your first home is an exciting and important milestone in your life. However, it can also be a daunting process if you don't know what to expect. Here is a step-by-step guide for first-time homebuyers to help you navigate the homebuying process.
Determine Your BudgetThe first step in the homebuying process is to determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. This involves looking at your income, expenses, and credit score. You'll also want to factor in closing costs, property taxes, and other expenses associated … (18 comments)
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nick vandekar: You also need closing costs
- 02/07/23 07:31 AM
People often ask how much money they need to buy a house, and what they mean is how much money do I need to put down beside the mortgage?
However, there are plenty of other costs as well when buying a home. These are referred to as closing costs and you need enough money to cover these as well.
In Pennsylvania, we have transfer tax when real estate is sold, this is generally split equally between the buyer and the seller and depending on the township it can range from 1% each to 2% or more each.
Then you have title insurance, there are … (16 comments)
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nick vandekar: 7 Things most likely to happen when buying a home!
- 02/01/23 09:03 AM
Here are 7 things most likely to happen when buying a home and what not to do!
As much as you want to let all your friends and family know about the purchase of your new home on Facebook and every other social media site - Do not post anything before settlement.
The property might not appraise at what you are purchasing it for. With rapidly rising prices due to very low inventory appraisers who only look backwards in time for their supporting comparable values might not keep up with the market. So be prepared.
You will become irritated by all the demands for … (11 comments)
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nick vandekar: YouTube Thursday Realtor life video
- 01/19/23 06:41 AM
Every year in January our local board of Realtors installs their Board of Directors, those elected by the membership to serve and represent the local Realtor members.
With COVID I have not attended one of these for some time, however this year i booked a seat for the luncheon, the installation and the program afterwards by Terry Watson. I have seen Terry at Triple Play our three state Realtor conference and program in Atlantic City. Below is one of his famous stories which I found particularly thoughtful at the time I heard it and worth remembering as you deal with real estate … (7 comments)
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nick vandekar: 5 Things I learned from walking the Camino De Santiago
- 12/15/22 09:47 AM
A friend has been encouraging me to write about what I learned from Walking My Camino for some time. I say My Camino because everyone's is different, from the route they take, there are hundreds of routes across Europe, to that individual's personal insights.
I have been thinking about this blog for many weeks, thinking about if I wanted to write it and what I would say. With a new home purchase, the wedding and honeymoon in there as well my mind was pretty occupied.
So, here are five things I learned from Walking My Camino.
Camino means way which is why it is … (27 comments)
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nick vandekar: Excellence in Client Service Award
- 10/26/22 11:48 AM
Nick Vandekar receives the Excellence in Client Service Award 2021 from Homes.com\Homesnap.
In the photo above, Janet Rubino, Manager of the Long & Foster Real Estate office in Devon is seen presenting Nick Vandekar with the Excellence in Client Service Award 2021.
Today, I arrived at the office to discover I have received the Excellence in Client Service Award 2021 courtesy of Homes.com/Homesnap. This attractive award is now sitting on my office windowsill reassuring current and future clients that they will be looked after.
As a buyer representative or listing agent I take my fiduciary responsibilities seriously. I do not do transactions where I am … (11 comments)
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nick vandekar: Open Sunday 12-2 704 Meadowbank Road, Kennett Square
- 07/22/21 09:53 AM
Open 12-2 Sunday July 25 2021 in Kennett Square. 704 Meadowbank Road, come see this center hall colonial, the former model home of Willowdale Crossing. Totally rehabbed.
Cannot wait, then watch our video tour below.
No need to wait for new construction! Here is a former grand model home filled with natural light and has everything you could possibly dream of in a home. Located minutes away from award-winning Unionville Schools and easy access to all major routes, this stunning home is sure to impress!! The classic red brick front with a turned 3-car garage set on a wonderful lot with mature landscaping … (17 comments)
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nick vandekar: Just Listed 704 Meadowbank Road, Kennett Square PA 19348
- 07/20/21 08:32 AM
I just listed this amazing home in Willowdale Crossing in Kennett Square. The former model home it had become a little worn from use and my clients took it in hand and restored it to its former glory or even raised it.
No need to wait for new construction! Here is a former grand model home filled with natural light and has everything you could possibly dream of in a home. Located minutes away from award-winning Unionville Schools and easy access to all major routes, this stunning home is sure to impress!! The classic red brick front with a turned 3-car garage set … (20 comments)
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nick vandekar: New week, new listing coming soon
- 05/31/21 08:24 AM
Coming soon - 1 Princeton Road, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.
Virtual Tour
Welcome to the newly remodeled 1 Princeton Rd. This remodeling has held nothing back, with great flow on the main floor, a large formal living room, an open plan dining room and a large kitchen with a peninsula island and eat in breakfast area. Access to the spacious backyard and pool from French doors in the dining area and slider in the breakfast area. Also enter the main floor in-law or au pair suite with full bath from the main-floor breakfast area or direct private entrance from outside, making this home … (4 comments)
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nick vandekar: Homes for sale - new inventory
- 05/29/21 01:41 PM
Everyone is complaining about the lack of inventory and this week we did our bit to help out.
We just listed this 4 bed 3 1/2 bath town home in Coddington View in Pottstown at 192 Stone Hill Drive, priced at $300,000 it has a ton of upgrades selected by the original purchasers.
Open House Sunday May 30 10-12.
Wonderful end unit town home, with every upgrade they could get, Upgraded flooring, 9' ceilings on main level, main bedroom with trey ceiling, fans throughout the house, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, tiled showers, large step down rear deck 14' by 12' approx. size, … (16 comments)
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nick vandekar: A conversation about mortgages and buyer behaviours
- 02/16/21 11:58 AM
We all know what we should do, most of us though, don't do what we know we should or we even sometimes do the opposite. Where a mortgage is concerned that can be disasterous if you want to buy a home.
I had a conversation with Shawn DeAngelo of Prosperity Home Mortgages this week about some do's and don'ts when applying for a mortgage, watch our video, admittedly a litte long but packed with information and share any that you can think of that might derail a mortgage in the comments.
Interested in buying a Main Line home, contact Nick Vandekar, Selling the … (9 comments)
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You have decided to buy or sell a house, so after some research, talking with friends and family you call a few agents to discuss working with them.
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