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

Do you Cold call people on their cell phone number ?

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:38:32 -0500

These days cell phone services are inexpensive so we do have a lot of minutes we can use.

However we give out a cell phone numbers on our web site etc so that prospective customers can find us. We also give it out to our clients.

When I am soliciting Real Estate business , I do not call anyone on the cell phone.

Recently I have received calls on my cell phone from vendors selling all kinds of Real Estate stuff .

I am not sure if we can have a no calls list for cell phones.

I got a call in the middle of the night when I was in another country. I recently got two calls when I was on vacation in a different time zone. The calls were in early morning.

I am always polite to them as I know they are trying to get leads but the calls are getting to be annoying.

With email, I can atleast delete things I am not interested in .

How do you handle unsolicited calls on cell phone ?

Listings withdrawn .Statistics .

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:11:58 -0500

Here is some information about homes in our area..

In last 60 days many homes have come off the market for various reasons.

In Bucks County 382 residential listings were withdrawn priced under $1000,000.

166 expired and 110 were relisted.

In montgomery County

487 listings under $1000,000 were withdrawn, 217 expired and 121 were relisted.

The above does not include lots, rentals, multi units or commercial property and is subject to errors and omissions.

If you would like amarket evaluation of your home call Gita Bantwal at reMax centre Realtors 215-343-8200x 124.

visit my web site www.gitabantwal.com and look up 1000s of listings.

If your listing is an unoccupied home, please read this.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:12:03 -0500

I read an article today about a house that was vacant and it was vandalized. It seems the insurance company did not cover the loss . I do not know what kind of coverage they had or which company insured it but I have heard from other sellers who have told me that when they moved out the insurance premium had gone up as the house would be vacant.

I assume that was the reason it was not covered , but in any case when we get a listing and it is vacant we should make sure they have insurance . If the house is located in a deserted area they should make sure they have security alarm . Also do not mention in multiple listing that it is vacant.

1851 Augusta Dr, Jamison, Bucks County, Pa . Reduced . New Price $565,000

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:09:53 -0500

Great opportunity for buyers who want to live in a Toll Brothers home in Jamison.

This magnificent colonial has 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths,3 car garage, basement, first floor library,kitchen with corian counters,and breakfast.

The home overlooks the golf course and is located in Estates of Bucks County country Club.

You can look into becoming a member in the Country club so you can golf and use the swimming pool.

Great Central Bucks School district. www.cbsd.org.

Look at virtual tour on www.gitabantwal.com and see the featured listing.

Call Gita Bantwal at Remax Centre 215-343-8200x124 or direct 215-343-8206 .

If you have always dreamed of buying a vacation home, now may be the time to buy.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:12:15 -0500

This is a buyers market in most parts of America. There is a large inventory of homes to choose from.

Whether you are looking for a home in the mountains, at the shore or on the golf course you will find a home that you will love.

Ask your accountant and see how it may help you. There are benefits of owning a second home.

If you are looking ot buy a house anywhere in the country, I will be glad to refer you to an agent who specializes in the area. If you are looking to buy in Philadelphia, Bucks or Montgomery County call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124.

Look up 1000s of listings on my web site www.gitabantwal.com

If you want to buy a house on the golf course you should look at this gorgeous home at

at Estates Of Bucks County Country Club, at 1851 Augusta Dr, Jamison Pa 18929.You can buy membership in Bucks County Country Club.

It is just 2 hours from Manhatten.

Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors, 215-343-8200x124

view details at www.gitabantwal.com

The Number One Reason for a home not selling in any market is.....

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:52:59 -0500

Everyone knows that we do not have the same market that we had a few years ago.

Homes are taking longer to sell . We have many homes that do not sell when listed with an agent and sellers may look for reasons why it did not sell. The top 5 reasons why a house does not sell are :

5. The condition of the house . This is the sellers responsibility. Well maintained homes sell faster than homes in disrepair. A staged house sells faster than other homes.

4. The agent did not market it properly. A good agent is aware that most buyers are looking for homes online. The agent should market on as many site as possible. There should be good pictures and good description. Marketing is what gets people to show interest in looking at the house. We should promote the listing in as many places as possible, email to our past clients, send postcards to people living in the area as well as people living in areas nearby who might be move -up buyers or renters buying their first home , as the case may be. There are many ways we can market the home. It is one of the most important part of our job as listing agents.

3.The house should be available for showings on short notice. There should be a lock box. The seller should keep the house clean and immaculate at all times . I sold a house on black Friday. The seller wanted to take it off the market for the holidays and said they would relist in January. A buyer wanted to see it and I pleaded with the seller to let us show just that day. the buyers loved the house and bought it and it settled in the first week of January. You only need one buyer but you do not know when the buyer will be coming to look.

2. Location. Location is very important. I don't have to write more on this. Homes on busy streets take longer to sell. A good location helps sell homes faster.

# 1 REASON PRICE. Homes priced right sell faster than homes priced too high. We do not know the right price but we should compare the home with what is on the market. In this market we can not go by what a house sold for 6 months ago. Real estate is local, and some markets are better than others, but many buyers are still waiting to buy, thinking the prices may come down further. If the price is slightly lower than a similar home on the market , you may get more people interested.

If you get no showings, you may need to lower the price a lot.

If you get showings but no one interested in buying you need to reduce the price moderately.

If you get showings and you get an offer, try to negotiate the offer . There have been many instances where the first offer was the best offer. A good agent can help negotiate the offer so it will be a win- win for both buyer and seller . Sometimes good terms might be more important than the price.

If your home is in the running and they buy another house, it means a slight price adjustment might be needed. Maybe they would have bought it if it was priced slightly lower.

The Listing agent is not going to buy your house. It is a buyer who will determine what he wants to pay. He will compare with other homes and want the best value for his money. Remember this when you choose a listing agent and remember when you set the listing price.

Upper Moreland township, Montgomery county, Pa Homes under $250k

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:47:59 -0500

I looked up the mls to see available homes in Upper Moreland township.

There are 31 homes priced upto $250,000.

There is a 2 bedroom townhouse for $174,900.

There is a 2 bedroom single house for $211,700.

There are 24 single homes priced uptp $250,000 . 7 of these have a garage and basement.

If you would like to look at all available homes goto www.gitabantwal.com

Call Gita at ReMax Centre Realtors if you want to look at any house listed in mls.

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

You can help a kid in need with back to school needs. Go to www.dosomething.org

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:07:48 -0500

I received an email with weekly sales circular from staples this morning.

I had written a post yesterday about this weeks sale and how we can use some of the items to make goody bags for our client's kids and to hand out at open houses.

Today's email had a link to an organization that Staples supports. It is Staples 101 program. It is led by teens and is a campaign to collect school supplies for kids in need.

More than 11 million kids in America live below poverty level and may not get required school supplies. Staples is helping collect donations for the kids with help from kids who are involved with the collection.

You can start a collection in your area and drop off at Staples, or when you go there to buy, you can buy some extra stuff and drop off in collection box by August 31st or you can donate at $2 at Staples when you go to shop.

Go to www.dosomething.org for more information.

Some of the items needed are

pens, #2 pencils

3 ring binders

loose leaf paper

colored pencils

index cards

book covers

Renters ! If you want to be a homeowner in 2009, now is the time to start preparing.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:04:05 -0500

Renters ! If you would like to buy a home in 2009, now is the time to start preparing for home ownership.

The most important thing is to sit down with a mortgage broker or loan officer and get your credit report and find out how much you can qualify for and how much you need to save. The rates may change next year and there may be different programs but this initial interview will help you .

Once you know your credit score, you can try to improve the score. They will guide you and tell you if you need to pay off some loans.

Do not get more credit cards even if you are tempted by store credit cards which offer 15% discount on first purchase.

Do not lease a car if you can manage with your car , if home ownership is more important than a new car.

Pay all your bills and rent on time. If you do not have credit try to establish some credit. The loan officer will guide you with it.

They will also tell you how much to save for down payment and closing costs.

Once you have done this you can sit down with a Real estate agent to have an idea of home prices. If you are looking in Philadelphia are I will be glad to help you. I am an Accredited Buyers Representative and hold ABR designation.

I can refer you to a Real estate agent anywhere in the country.

Gita Bantwal ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200 x124 or 343-8206

You can buy a Single homes in Bucks County priced under $200k

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:58:58 -0500

Bucks county is a great place to live in. There are homes in all price ranges and all sizes.

I looked up the multiple listing and found 120 single homes for sale with atleast 3 bedrooms , priced under $200,000.There is a single home listed for $149,000. in Bensalem.

I found a 3 bedroom in Pennsbury school district for $174,900.

there is a 3 bedroom with one car garage in Centennial school district for $175,000.

There is a 3 bedroom cape in Neshaminy school district for $199,900.

I found a 3 bedroom ranch in Palisades school district for $175,900.

I was surprised to see a 4 bedroom home in Morrisville boro for $139,900.

There is a 3 bedroom home in Bristol for $159,900.

If you would like me to email you the complete list o homes email me at gita01@aol.com

Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors to look at any home listed in mls.

215-343-8200x124

At these prices it may be cheaper to own than to rent.

Look up 1000s of listings at www.gitabantwal.com

Pennsbury High school. Bucks County. Class Reunions.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:37:25 -0500

If you went to Pennsbury High School and graduated in 1958, 1968 or 1982 here is information about class reunions. Please inform other friends from high school if you are in touch with them.

Pennsbury High School Class of 1958 , 50th reunion. www.pennsbury58myevent.com

Class of 1968 reunion call 888-333-6569. pb68@reunioncentral.com

Class of 1982 reunion pb82@reunioncentral.com

Call 888-333-6569

If you would like to look at homes for sale in the area, please call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

visit www.gitabantwal.com and look up 1000s of listings in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.

Bella Vista Golf Course in Gilbertsville, Pa . Great place to golf.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:09:16 -0500

Bella Vista Golf Course was nominated to Golf digest's Best places to play and awarded a 4 star Rating.

It is well maintained and the layout includes four sets of tees, and is great for people of all skill levels.

It is a par -70 golf course and is known for excellent bent grass playing conditions from tee to green.

You can go to www.bellavistagc.com or call 610-705-1855 for details.

It is located at 2901 Fagleysville Rd, Gilbertsville, Pa 19525 and is convenient for golfers in Montgomery County as well as Philadelphia, Delaware and Bucks County.

After golf you can dine at the Markley Grille Restaurant at Bella Vista.

If you are looking for a place to have a party , birthdays, receptions,rehearsal dinner etc you should take alook at LaMassaria at Bella Vista. www.lamassaria.com

If you would like to buy a house in Bucks or Montgomery County and would like information about any house for sale look up my web site www.gitabantwal.com

Call me any time . Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors, 215-343-8206

Do you email large files? Check this out.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:42:31 -0500

I came across this information in the USA today.

If you email large files, you might want to try a free file transfer service www.yousendit.com

or www.sendspace.com which allow you to send files upto 100MB and 300MB respectively.

You can then send an email to people with a link from which they can download the large file.

For free online file storage use window's www.skydrive.live.com.

There are other sites like www.filesend.net , www.Largefilesasap.com and www.mozy.com

If you are looking to buy a house visit my web site www.gitabantwal.com and look at all available listings in Philadelphia and suburbs.

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

Windrush Townhomes in Jamison. Real Estate Market report dated July 13, 2008

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:08:22 -0500

Windrush townhomes in Jamison offer great value. There are 2 , 3 and 4 bedroom models. Some have basements. They all have garages. They are located in Central Bucks School district in Warwick township.

Based on information in mls there are 3 homes on the market. The lowest price is $309,700 for a 2 bedroom townhouse and highest is $332,900 for a 3 bedroom home with a basement. They have been on the market for an average of 80 days.

Two homes are pending settlement. They were on the market for an average of 12 days.

8 homes settled in the last 6 months.They were on the market for an average of 107 days before they went under contract. The highest price was $366.000 for a 4 bedroom townhouse with finished basement.

If you would like to look at any home in Windrush call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre 215-343-8200 x124

Visit www.gitabantwal.com and look at all available listings.

Stover Mill , Warwick township, real estate Market report dated July 13, 2008

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:59:07 -0500

Stover Mill is one of the best values in Central Bucks'. The homes are spacious. There is plenty of storage and if you qualify for a mortgage, it might be cheaper to own than to rent.

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

Based on information in the multiple listing there are 6 townhomes for sale as of today. They range in price from $210,000 to $234,900. They have been on the market for an average of 64 days.

During the last 6 months, 11 homes have sold and settled for an average price of $$221,979 , high price was $$249,900 and lowest price was $182,500. They were on the market for an average of 101 days.

There are 6 homes under contract pending settlement . They were on the market for an average of 38 days.

The above information is subject to errors and omissions. It does not includ sale by owners.

If you would like afree market evaluation of your home call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

visit www.gitabantwalcom and look up all available listings.

People love living in Warrington township , Bucks County

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:58:32 -0500

Warrington township is located in Central Bucks school district. there are homes in all price ranges.

Willow Knoll has 3 bedroom townhouses that sell for less than $200,000.

There are 55plus communities as well. Legacy Oaks is a 55plus community with a great clubhouse and lots of activities.

There is lots of shopping. They have Staples, Target,Home Depot, Lowe's . Bed Bath and Beyond, Borders and Wegmans.

Wegmans is a wonderful grocery store where you can find a variety of food items. It is located in the Valley Square shopping center.

If you visit Bucks County make it a point to go to Wegmans.

If you are looking to buy a house in warrington visit my web site and look up all available listings www.gitabantwal.com

1 bedroom apartment for rent in Willow Grove

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 20:44:03 -0500

Willow Grove, Montgomery county. 1 bedroom first floor apartment for rent.

Walk to train station.

Washer, dryer, refrigerator included.

Rent $650 plus utilities.

Upper Moreland school district.

Good creidt required.

Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200 x124 or direct 215-34-8206 email gita01@aol.com

Available now. minimum 1 year lease.

If you are looking to rent in Central Bucks, or Eastern Montgomery County call me.

Top Five Reasons to Buy 1851 Augusta Drive, Jamison

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 14:52:11 -0500

1. LOCATION: House overlooks the Golf Course , in Estates of Bucks County Country Club. Call for information about membership in Country Club. Commute to New York via Routes 202 /263

2. Built by Toll Brothers.

3. Listed for $599,000. 100k less than the house next door.

4.Lots of upgrades. Eaton model with 3 car garage. see virtual tour www.gitabantwal.com

5. Central Bucks School district www.cbsd.org

UPDATED JULY 24,2008 NEW PRICE $565,000

Moving to Central Bucks ? Here are some important telephone numbers.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 13:46:59 -0500

Hospital : Doylestown Hospital 215 3452200 www.dh.org

Business organizations :

Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce www.centralbuckschamber.com 215 348-3913

Greater Warminster Chamber of Commerce www.greaterwcc.com 215-672-6633

Township Offices :

Doylestown Township 215-3489915

Warrington Township 215-343-9350

Warwick township 215-343-6100

Trains :

Septa www.septa.org 215580-7800

Bucks County Courthouse 215-348-6000

Post Offices

Doylestown 267-880-3918

Jamison 215-343-4612

Warrington 215-343-1591

call 1-800-275-8777 for other tel numbers

Horsham Township, Montgomery County, Pa Real Estate Market report June 2008

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:14:21 -0500

Horsham Township is located in Hatboro-Horsham School district.

Based on information in multiple listing, there were 31 homes that sold and settled in June 2008 in Horsham township. The lowest price was for a 2 Bedroom condo . It sold for $188,000.

The highest price was $800k for a 5 bedroom , 4.5 baths home on Calabria lane.

The homes were on the market for an average of 56 days. ( the number of days from listing date to date it went under contract for sale.

The above does not include commercial property, multi units or sale by owners and homes not listed. It is subject to erors and omissions.

If you would like a free market evaluation of your home email gita01@aol.com or call Gita Bantwal at reMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

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

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:45:16 -0500

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

Based on information in multiple listing there were 24 homes that sold and settled in June 2008 . These do not include sale by owners and homes not listed in mls, and commercial property, multi units. These were on the market for an average of 60 days.

The lowest price was $169,000 for a 3 bedroom townhouse in Willow Knoll . There was a 3 Bedroom single in 55plus community of Legacy Oaks that sold for $455,000. The highest price was $620,000 for a single home in Arbor Ridge.

The above information is subject to errors and omissions. If you would like a free market evaluation of your home call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre 215-343-8200 x124

Look up 1000s of listings at www.gitabantwal.com

Another buyer lost out on Buying the Dream Home by waiting.

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:33:21 -0500

Homes are selling in Bucks County. I have spoken to a few agents who have told me that their buyers were in multiple bid situations.

I have been working with buyers who have been looking at homes for several months. They found a house they loved and wanted to make an offer that was quite low though I provided the comps .I do not mind wasting my time and writing up offers because sometimes only the seller knows what he or she will accept.

My buyers did not want to write it up and requested me to ask verbally, which I did. The agent mentioned it to the sellers and they did not even counter the offer. Th buyers said they will wait till they reduce the price.

I was keeping my eyes open for new listings but nothing came up. The buyers called me recently and asked if the price was reduced . I looked it up and saw that the house was under contract. I called the listing agent and she said they got a very good offer and it was not close to the price my buyers offered.

When I called the buyers with the news I also told them that a new listing has come up 2 houses down from this house for $20,000 more than what these sellers were asking and without some of the upgrades.

I took the opportunity to mention that in this partiular development I have seen prices going up.

I am disappointed and only hope the buyers will be more realistic next time they find a similar house.

Upper Southampton Township, Bucks County, Homes sold in June 2008

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:17:03 -0500

Upper Southampton is located in Centennial School District.

Based on information in multiple listing there were 21 homes that settled in June 2008. This does not include commercial property, multi units, sale by owners and units not listed in mls. It is subject to errors and omissions. These homes were on the market for an average of 62 days. (The number of days from date listed to date it wend under contract for sale.)

There was a 2 bedroom condo on Belmont Station that sold for $181k and a 3 bedroom single home that sold for $266,900. The average price was $320,100.

If you would like a free market evaluation of your home call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre 215-343-8200x124 . Look up 1000s of listings on my website www.gitabantwal.com

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

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:03:45 -0500

Warwick township is located in Central bucks school District. www.cbsd.org

Based on information in Trendmls there were 13 homes that sold and settled in June 2008. These were on the market for an average of 105 days. (Number of days from date listed to date it went under contract for sale.

The lowest price was $177k for a 1 bedroom unit at Knox Court condos of Heritage Creek 55plus community. there was a 2 bedroom single house in Heritage Creek that sold for $375,000.

There was a 3 bedroom townhouse in Stover Mill that sold for $227k

There was a 3 bedroom townhouse in Windrush with a finished basement that sold for $325k.

A brand new home built by David Cutler in Ridings of Warwick sold for $850,000

The above does not include homes not listed, and commercial property and multi units. It is subject to errors and omissions. If you would like a free market evaluation of your home call Gita Bantwal at reMax Centre Realtors 215-343-8200x124

visit my web site www.gitabantwal.com and look at 1000s of available listings.

Warminster Township Bucks County, Real Estate Market Report June 2008

GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR BUCKS COUNTY, PA HOMES (ReMax Centre Realtors) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:51:28 -0500

Warminster township is located in Centennial School district. Based on information in Trendmls there were 25 homes that sold and settled in June 2008. This does not include sale by owners, commercial property, multi units and homes not listed in mls. it is subject to errors and omissions.

The homes were on the market for an average of 71 days. the lowest price was for a 1 bedroom condo in Meadowood that sold for $70,000. and highest price was $450,000 for a 3 bedroom single house. the average price was $$254,832

There were 4 homes that sold in Meadowood Condos. priced between $70k and $112,500 for one bedroom units.

There was a 3 bedroom twin in Laurel Hill that sold for $232,500.

A 2 bedrrom condo in Centennial station, 55plus community sold for $185,000.

A single house sold for $247,000. It has 3 bedrooms.

Visit www.gitabantwal.com and view 1000s of listings. Call Gita Bantwal at ReMax Centre 215-343-8200x124 .