Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery Counties Real Estate. Tips for home buyers, home sellers by Gita Bantwal,Realtor at ReMax Centre Realtors.

Single homes in Pennsbury school District under $200,000

2008-08-18T20:37:50Z

I looked up the multiple listing for homes in Pennsbury School district. This is a buyers market and I found 14 homes priced under $200,000.

They all have 3 bedrooms . Some have a garage . They all have nice yard.

The least expensive single home is a 3 bedroom home in Levittown for $173,000.

There is a home in Fairless Hills for $174,900 and a 3 bedroom home in Morrisville for $195,900.

Pennsbury is a great school district.

To look at all homes in mls go to www.gitabantwal.com or call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre 215-343-8200x124

You can buy this fireplace if there is none in the house.

2008-08-18T08:46:35Z

I recently read about NEW SWITCH FIREPLACES that you can put anywhere. You can look up the information on www.ecosmartfire.com.

You have to use eco friendly ethanol. You can buy the canisters at hardware stores.

I have not seen one in person but the picture looks good and I like the fact that you need not do major renovations to install it.

I believe they cost less than $5000/

I know many people want a house with a fireplace and having this information might come in handy if we find a house that they like but one that they might otherwise rule out.

If you are looking to buy a house in PHILADELPHIA AREA call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124 or on my cell phone 215-275-8491

Fire Prevention Tips .Have you heard of Kovenex safety blanket ?

2008-08-17T15:48:13Z

Here are some tips that I like to share with tenants and buyers.

1. Do not smoke in bed. Most leases these days say 'no smoking.'

2.Do not have too many extension wires from a single outlet.

3.Never leave a lit candle unattended.

4.Check smoke detectors every month.

5.Replace batteries twice a year. I was showing a house the other day and it had a smoke detector that announced ' Replace the batteries." At first I had no idea where it came from. If yougive home buyers a smoke detector at closing, you can give them battereis twice a year and stay in touch.

6.Make a fire escape plan. Have stickers on windows saying how many pets and how many kids in the house.

7.Have smoke detectors on all levels and in all bedrooms.

8. Have small fire extinguisher and know where you keep it.

9.Do not have a dead bolt with keys from the inside. In an emergency if you can not find the keys you may not be able to get out.

10. This is a new tip I just came across. The Kovenex Home safety Blanket is something that may be good in the kitchen to extinguish small fires. www.kovenex.com.

I have yet to check it out.

Fall Recreation programs in Warwick Township.

2008-08-17T13:04:59Z

Registration for Fall programs begin on August 25. You can register in person at the township building, 1733 Township Greene, Jamison . or on line at www.warwick-bucks.org

Call 215-343-6100 if you have questions.

They have programs for pre school children,school aged children and for adults.

Some of the programs for pre school kids are gymnastics, music, and cooking with books.

Go o the web site for details and register early so as not to be disappointed.

If you are in the area and would like to any home for sale call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124 or direct 215-343-8206

Tuesday Morning tradition in New Hope, Bucks County. Rice's market

2008-08-17T08:32:25Z

Rice's sale and Country market is the place to go for all your needs.

There are 100s of vendors. You can do your Holiday Shopping in one location.

They have new items, and home made crafts as well.

It is open Tuesdays and Saturdays 7.00 am to 1.00 pm.

In 2008 it is also open on Labor Day Monday Sept 1,Columbus Day Monday October 13, ,Black Friday Friday November 28,

Their slogan is 'Find everything under the sun'

It is located at 6326 Greenhill Rd, New Hope , Pa 18938

Telephone 215 297-5993

web www.ricesmarket.com

If you are in the area and would like to look at homes in New Hope call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

look up HOMES IN NEW HOPE

Warwick Township, Bucks County, Movie and Fire works September 26,2008

2008-08-17T05:51:52Z

Location : Community Park at Meyer Way.

Begins at 8 Pm

Rain date. the following day.

There will be no parking at the park. There will be buses fom multiple sites starting at 6pm

For map with bus stops go to www.warwick-bucks.org

The eveing will begin with the movie 'Toy Story' , the elementary school collaborative project video on Warwick township and then there will be fireworks display sponsored by hatboro Federal savings.

This will be fun for all ages. Bring your blankets.

If you would like to look at homes in Warwick township call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124 or my cell phone 215275-8491

Ivyland Village in Ivyland Borough. Homes under 5 years old

2008-08-17T05:50:56Z

Borough of Ivyland, Bucks County is just .35 square miles and is smallest Borough in Bucks County.

Borough office is located at 991 Pennsylvania Avenue, Ivyland. telephone number is 215-6750110.

It has many Victorian buildings and most of the borough is listed on the National Register of historic places.

Its web site is www.ivylandborough.org

Judd builders built new construction called Ivyland Village comprising single homes and townhomes Circa 2003. It had strict requirements so that the homes did not detract from the style of Ivyland homes. Some of the models are Ash, Birch,Cherry,Dogwood .

Ivyland Boro is located in Centennial School district.

Based on information in multiple listing there are 5 homes for sale in Ivyland Village. The least expensive is a 3 bedroom townhouse with finished basement and it is listed at $379,900.It is 3 years old.There was sale in last 6 months. It was a 3 bedroom townhouse that sold for $379,900 with aseller assist of $15,000.

If you would like to look at any of the homes on the market in Ivyland or anywhere in Bucks county

call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124 or on cell phone 2152758491

Positive News about Housing.

2008-08-13T10:17:21Z

I read a report that said according the National Association of Realtors report pending sales of homes was up 5.3 % in June compared with sales in May and all 4 regions showed gains.

The good news is that it expects more gains in the 4 th quarter because of Housing Stimulus Bill.

I have seen an improvement in my market and am thinking of marketing to first time buyers who can benefit from the bill.

This may be a good time to have a First Time Buyer Seminar .

It is time for buyers sitiing on the fence to make up their minds because demand for homes for first time buyers will go up again and they may find themselves in a Sellers Market if this happens.

But Real Estate is local and buyers should still look at the market in the area they are looking to buy in , and a local agent can guide them better.

Mill Ridge Condominiums in Jamison market report August 12 ,2008.

2008-08-12T20:08:28Z

Mill Ridge Condominiums located in Jamison, bucks County are less than 25 years old. They have several floor plans with 2 or 3 bedrooms and many have basements.

They are located in Central Bucks School District. www.cbsd.org.

It is located within walking distance to shopping center where they have Genuardis Grocery store, SubWay, WalGreens, Citizens bank, State Store, Gift and Card Store,

Based on Multiple listing there are 8 homes for sale . The lowest price is $239,900 for a 2 bedroom, 2 bath 19 year old unit .There is a 3 bedroom end unit for $271,000 and a 3 bedroom with walk out basement for $283,900. They have been on the market for an average of 65 days.

Two homes are pending settlement . One was on the market for 143 days and the other for 50 days. the avaerage asking price is $239,700

Three homes sold in last six months. A 3 bedroom with basement sold for $230,000 and a 4 bedroom unit sold in 5 days for $268,000 . They were on the market for an average of 20 days.

The above is subject to errors and omissions and does not include homes not listed.

If you would like to look at any home in Jamison visit my website and click on home finder

or call gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

Fireside community in Buckingham Township, Bucks County Market Report as of August 11, 2008

2008-08-12T09:03:25Z

Fireside Community of townhomes were built by Barness Builders. There are many floor plans. Most homes have basements and garages. Some have two car garages. There are some homes with Main bedroom on first floor.

The community is located within easy access to routes 413 and 202 and convenient to Doylestown hospital and train station from where you can take the train to Center City Philadelphia. Look up www.septa.org for schedule.

At present there are 4 homes for sale according to mls. This does not include sale btyowners.

3 homes are pending settlement . They were on the market from 29 days to 174 days.

One home sold in the last six months. It was a 3 bedroom 2.5 baths, 11 yr old with garage and basement. it was on the market for 66 days. That is number of days from listing date to date it went under contract.

This does not include homes not listed in mls and is subject to errors and omissions.

If you would like to look at homes in BUCKINGHAM call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124 or cell phone 215-2758491

Bucks County River Country for River tubing and lots more

2008-08-11T19:15:44Z

Bucks County River Country is located at 2 walters Lane, Point Pleasant,Pa 18950.

They are 45 minutes from Philadelphia, 90 minutes from New Yok,20 minutes from New Hope and 10 minutes from frenchtown , New Jersey.

Reservations are recommended.

They offer tubing, canoeing,kayaking,and rafting.

It is a fun place for people of all ages.

Check out more information at www.rivercountry.net or call 215-297-5000.

If you visit Bucks County this summer, make sure you visit Bucks County River Country.

If you want to look at home is Bucks County visit BUCKS HOMES

If you are looking for lots of Activities , this 55plus Community is for you. Legacy Oaks, Warrington.

2008-08-11T07:51:32Z

A friend of mine who lives in Legacy Oaks was talking about the activities they have at the Club house. She gave me a copy of their Calendar of events for August.

This is truly a wonderful place to live in.

Here is a partial list of activities

Bocce

Billiards

Water Aerobics

Bridge

Poker

Mah jong

canasta

Book club

Pinochle

Poolside cocktail party

Pizza Nite

They have a nice club house and a lovely swimming pool.

Even if you do not want to be involved with the activities, you will love the conveniences and floor plans . It is located close to shopping and route 611 and convenient to Pa turnpike.

If you are looking to buy a house in Legacy Oaks In warrington Bucks County , Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x 124 or 2152758491..

Communities in Warwick township, Bucks County Pa.

2008-08-10T07:33:31Z

Warwick Township was founded by a petition of a group of residents on February 13, 1733.

Go to www.Warwick-Bucks.org for information about the township.

According to 2000 census the population in Warwick township was 11977. Since then there have some new developments and it has increased. Warwick township is known as " Heart Of Bucks County."

Some of the Townhouse Communities in the township are

Country Crossing

Stover Mill

Windrush

Mill Ridge

Deer Run

Warwick Green

Yorktown (55plus Community)

Bridge Valley

Country Club Knoll

You can look up TOWNHOMES IN WARWICK TOWNSHIP or call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtos 215-343-8200x124 .

Stover Mill homes are about 25- 28 years old . the rest are newer.

Open Sunday August 10, 2 to 4 . 1851 Augusta Dr, Jamison, Reduced $34k.

2008-08-09T17:15:39Z

There are 4 homes for sale in the development. I have my open house at 1851 Augusta dr from 2 to 4. the new price is $565,000.It is priced at more than $100,000 less than house next door.

The other homes are not listed with me but I will be glad to give you more information when you stop in at my open house . I can show you any home listed in the multiple listing.

Look up all homes at JAMISON HOMES Go to my home finder.

Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre realtors 215-343-8200x124

Consumer Notice is not a contract .

2008-08-09T09:26:47Z

Pa law requires Real Estate Agents to provide the consumer notice to consumers at the first contact where 'a substantive discussion about real estate occurs." Please do not disclose personal information unless you select an agency relationship.

The notice is not a contract. Once you decide on Agency Relationship you should sign the Agency Contract .

If you need legal advice please talk to an attorney before signing .

You can read the CONSUMER NOTICE

Please remember that when you go to new Construction the agent there represents the builder and they have a notice most of the time that if you are working with a Buyer's Agent the agent should accompany you at the initial visit.

If you would like to work with an Accredited Buyers Representative in your area look up www.REBAC.org

for an agent .

If you are looking in Bucks, Montgomery or Philadelphia call Gita Bantwal at 215-343-8200x 124 at ReMax Centre Realtors

Bucks County Real Estate Market. Homes Sold in July 2008.

2008-08-08T19:23:03Z

Based on information in Multiple listing there were 574 residential listings that settled in July 2008. This does not include sale by owners, multi units,commercial property and homes not listed in mls. This is subject to errors and omisions.

There are 782 residntial listings pending settlement right now.

Of homes that settled here is the break down by price.

upto $200,000 82 homes settled

$201k to $300k 215 homes

$301k to $400k 120

$401k to $500k 68

$501k to $600k 41

$601k to $800k 33

$801k to $1000k 8

above $1001k 7

This shows that there is more demand for homes under $300k . Move buyers are waiting as they do not want to lose on the sale of their home .

If you would like a market evaluation of your BUCKS COUNTY HOME Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

Stover Mill, Warwick Township, Bucks County Great buys for first time buyers.

2008-08-08T09:28:43Z

Stover Mill at Warwick are one of the best values in Warwick township. Homes are around 25 years old. They have many great floor plans , large closets and nice back yards. They have tennis courts and a playground. Some have basements .

The homes are located in Central Bucks School District. www.cbsd.org

The development is located off Bristol Rd and York Road and is convenient to drive to Warminster train station, from where you caan take the train to Center City Philadelphia and also to International airport.

There are 8 homes on the market . There is a 2 bedroom home with a family room for $210,000

There are 7 three bedroom homes ranging in price from $214,900 to $239,900. These have been on the market for an average of 62 days.

4 homes are pending settlement. They were on the market for an average of 37 days.

13 homes sold with a low price of $182,500 , high price was $234,800 and these were on the market for an average of 89 days. Number of days from listing date to date it went under contract.

If you are looking to buy a house in BUCKS COUNTY call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Raltors 215-343-8200x124 or 2152758491 cell phone.

The above info is subject to errors and omissions and does not include homes not listed.

Warrington Township, Bucks County, Pa. Real estate Market report July 2008

2008-08-06T14:33:51Z

Warrington Township is located in Central Bucks School District. www.cbsd.org

I looked up the multiple listing to check out residential Real Estate activity in July 2008

There were 22 homes that settled in July. They ranged in price from a low of $189,900 for a 3 bedroom town home in Willow Knoll to a high of $600000 for a single home with 4 bedrooms. These were on the market for an average of 52 days, the number of days from listing date to date it went under contract for sale.

There was a 2 bedroom 2 bath, first floor condo that sold for $190,000 in Hampton Green.A 3 bedroom single house sold for $219,900. A 4 bedroom single sold for $405,000 in Palomino Farm,a 5 yr old 2 bedroom townhouse with garage and basement in Bradford Greene sold for $240,000.

If you are looking for a 55plus community, there was a 2 bedrrom 5 yr old home that sold for $251,500 in Forest Ridge.

The above does not include homes not listed in mls, muti units, commercial property and sale by owners, some new construction and is subject to errors and omissions.

If you would like a free market evaluation of your home call Gita Bantwal at ReaMax Centre Realtors. 215-343-8200x124

Chestnut Grove Condos in Doylestown Township are affordable .

2008-08-06T07:00:19Z

Chestnut Grove Condos are locted in Doylestown township . They are within walking distance of the train station, YMCA, Doylestoen Hospital and Delaware Vaalley College.

The area is beautiful with lots of trees and nice lawn in the development.

There are first floor units as well as second floor units and a few have a garage.

Recent sale prices have varied between $168,000 and $215,000 for 2 bedroom units.

They are located in Central Bucks School district www.cbsd.org

You can take the train to Philadelphia .Go to www.septa.org for schedule.

There is a bus that goes to New York from Doylestown.

Whether you are looking for your first home or to downsize this is worth a look.

To look at homes in DOYLESTOWN go to my web site. and click on home finder.

Warminster Township Bucks County, Real Estate Market Report July, 2008

2008-08-05T11:11:41Z

Warminster township is located in Centennial School district.

Based on information in multiple listing service there were 20 homes that sold and settled in July 2008. The average price was $286,450. The highest price was for a 4 bedroom single home that sold for $407,000 and lowest price was $169,900. the average days on the market was 53. That is days from listing contract to date it went under contract for sale. there is a single that sold for $220,000 and a twin house that sold for $245,000.

There are 17 homes pending settlement . They were on the market for an average of 74 days. the average price they were listed for is $276,418 .

If you would like a free market evaluation of your home go to FREE MARKET EVALUATION

Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x 124

these do not include multi units, sale by owners and homes not listed and is subject to errors and omissions.

Warwick Township, Bucks County,Pa. Real Estate Market report July 2008.

2008-08-04T20:23:36Z

Warwick Township is located in Central Bucks School District.

Based on information in multiple listing there were 17 homes that sold and settled in July 2008. They were on the market for an average of 64 days. That is the number of ays from listing date to date it went under contract for sale. The lowest price was for a 3 bedroom townhouse in Stover Mill. It sold for $205,000.

The highest price was $885,000 for a single home . There was a 2 bedroom townhouse in Windrush that sold for $285,000, a 3 bedroom single in Orchard Valley that sold for $350,000 and a 2 bedroom single in 55plus community of Heritage Creek that sold for $380,000. A 3 bedroom townhouse in 55plus community of Yorktown sold for $387,000.

There are 13 homes pending settlement.These were on the market for an average of 80 days.

There are 39 active listings of residential homes .

The above does not include multi units, commercial property and homes not listed in mls and is subject to errors and omissions.

If you would like information about homes in your area visit my web site BucksCountyHomes

Call Gita bantwal at reMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200 x124

Active Rain Network is like a one stop center to help with all our questions.

2008-07-31T20:06:14Z

Active Rain has more than 101,000 members and more than half are Real Estate Agents.

This is a great place for us to share tips and network with each other. Besides Realtors , loan officers and title and insurance agents who are part of AR we are fortunate to have other groups that can answer our questions. Some of these are :

Home Stagers 2563 members

Inspectors 1942 members

appraisers 1483

Notaries 132Builders/contractors 966

Virtual assistants 925

Real estate attorneys 502

Real Estate Auctioneers 199

We can read their blogs and learn . We can also email them if we have specific questions. I am sure they will help us.

I have learned a lot from Active Rain and am glad I have this great network to turn to .

Homes are coming back on the market.

2008-07-31T19:35:01Z

I have heard of many homes coming back on the market after going under contract.

There are several reasons why this happens.

1. After the home inspection . The buyer demands too many things be corrected or asks for too much money as credit. The seller refuses and the home comes back on the market.

2.The appraiser says the house is worth less than the price accpted by seller. The buyer wants to renegotiate , seller refuses and the buyer backs out. This can be avoided by preparing the seller in advance of the consequencs of listing high.

3.The buyers get a prequalification letter but when the actual application is processed they turn them down for a mortgage .

4.The sale is contingent on sale of another property and the sale of the the property does not occur , this affects the sale of both properties.

5.Buyers find another property they like , and decide to back out .

there may be other reasons but these are the most common.

As a listing agent I try my best to keep in touch with the buyers agent and make sure the mortgage process is going on smoothly. I remind them to have an appraisal asap.I sometimes specify in the contract that it shouuld take place within x number of days.

It Is Time to Register for Philadelphia Inquirer Sudoku National Championship

2008-07-30T19:06:50Z

If you are good at Sudoku Puzzles you have a chance to win . Register by September to receive a free Sudoku T-shirt.

Championship will be held at Philadelphia Convention center on Saturday October 25.

There is a welcome reception on Friday October 24 at Independence Seaport Museum.

People of different levels can play for prizes.

Look up Philly.com/sudoku for details.

You still have a few weeks to prepare.

There is a lot to do in Philadelphia and suburbs. If you would like information about Real Estate call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

Free Movies in Bensalem .

2008-07-30T17:55:26Z

The annual Summer Movies are being shown at Commerce Bank Amphitheater , in Bensalem at 2400 Byberry rd, Bensalem. Tel 2156333635

Visit www cbaevents.com for details.

Her is the schedule for August

Tuesday , August 5, Akeelah and the Bee

Saturday , August 16, We are Marshall

Tuesday, August 19, The Ant Bully

Admission is free. Bring your blankets. Movies will be shown at dusk. Check web site for changes if any.

If you are in the area and would like to look at BENSALEM HOMES call Gita Bantwal at 215-343-8200x124 at ReMax Centre Realtors.

Visit my web site BENSALEM HOMES