Tyler G.'s Blog

YMCA in Havertown?

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:50:20 -0500

The Swell Bubble Gum Factory could become the next site of a YMCA! While talks are in the preliminary stages, Haverford Township, through eminent domain, has been working on acquiring the existing property and setting up a long term lease with the YMCA.

I personally think it could be a great addition to the area. I've heard awesome things about the new YMCAs in the region, from great programming for families to reasonable membership costs. Also, as I'd love to have access to a local indoor swimming facility, this could be a great centrally located option. We'll see.

Check out this Delco Times Article for the lastest:

http://delcotimes.com/articles/2009/06/24/news/doc4a41976fc9b1c225979227.txt

Havertown's June Real Estate Sales Mark the Best of 2009

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:15:59 -0500

Havertown homes are selling! With 67 units sold at an average sales price of $292,716, June 2009 marks the highest number of units sold in one month since June 2008 (according to Trend Multiple Listing Service Statistics run on July 1, 2009)

We've not only seen the the most sales in one month (27 more units sold then May 2009) but also the highest average sales price and the least number of Days on Market (68) for 2009. While June is typically one of the strongest months for residential sales in our area, this information is encouraging in that the trends still exist in our changed economy.

What's Driving the Havertown Market?

First time Home Buyers - 70% of my sales this year have come from first time home buyers taking advantage of great prices, great rates, and the $8,000 tax credit.
Location and Price - Havertown fits the right price range at the right location. With great neighborhoods, great schools, and great location, their are very few alternative locations that offer all Haverford Township with home selling on average just under $300,000.00.
Trading Up - With the draw of first time home buyers, homeowners looking for more space are finding great deals for less while being able to sell their own homes. With rates in the low and affordability being the highest its been in years, homeowners are realizing the advantages in this market.

What's Selling?

Amenities & Condition - There's no substitute for homes with the works and in great condition. When there's lots of homes to look at, the magnifying glass is pulled out and everything counts. The homes that reach this status are gone in days if not hours.
Central Air - While I don't have statistics to back this up, I believe Central Air is one of the best things Havertown homeowners can do to improve the value and sale ability of their homes. The buyers in the market grew up with the luxury of central air in their parent's homes and they want it badly. The home with central air will sell sooner then the home without, given similar other conditions
Family Room/Extra Space - Old homes in Havertown tend not to have 1st floor family rooms, so when they do, or have a good alternative, like a nicely finished basement, buyers become very interested.

More to come and lots to look forward to.

I'll Keep You Posted!

Loan Officer "Dragged to Hell"

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:48:33 -0500

Watch out, the Mortgage Crisis has just gone Hollywood! I was in my car listening to our local Philadelphia Morning Show, Preston & Steve, when I heard the hysterical movie promo for "Drag Me to Hell", quite the inventive name for a horror flick. When a loan officer makes of tough decision to deny the extension of a mortgage payment, the denied borrower casts a horrifying spell onto the loan officer...sending her to hell of course.

I'm going to put this in the worst case scenario category for things that can happen to loan officers.

I heard this is based on true events:)

Check out the movie trailer for yourself (its even better then the radio spot): Drag Me to Hell

Let's all keep smiling.

Cheers,

Tyler

Oh to be a Qualified 1st Time Home Buyer Today

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:52:24 -0500

People can say that I'm biased because I'm a REALTOR, but the truth is, if your a qualified 1st time homebuyer with decent credit and have a little money saved up, STOP THINKING AND START ACTING! The window of opportunity has presented itself and it won't be open forever.

When I was 23 (2003), I bought my first house because I had a decent job, mortgage rates were very low, and mortgage guidelines made it fairly easy to qualify. I had a 4.125% 3 year adjustable rate mortgage on a fixer upper that I was excited to fix. I lucked out as it was right before the big boom in our area and I ended up with some decent equity.

FAST FORWARD

Now, I wish I was a first time homebuyer all over again.

Here's the situation:

There's an incredible inventory of properties at the lowest prices the market has seen in years
Interest Rates that are averaging the lowest they've been in over 50 years
An $8,000 tax credit for qualified buyers (or 10% of the home value) can be applied to next years taxes.

Let me put this into perspective. You buy a $200,000 house using an FHA Loan. If you have a decent job, or combined income if your married, and decent credit, you should qualify for an FHA loan which requires only 3.5% down to purchase (3.5% into the deal). Beyond that 3.5% you can have up to a 6% seller's assist. This means you can finance your closing costs into the mortgage if you are in a position where you need to keep your cash in your pocket.

If this doesn't seem to make sense here's some Mathmatics:

3.5% down on a 200,000 purchase price = 7,000.00 + closing costs (around 5% of purchase price) = 17,000.00 - 5% seller's assist = $7,000.00 total

Keep in mind if you are doing a seller's assist you are raising your loan amount and do need to make sure that the home appraises for the appropriate value. I recommend speaking to a qualified REALTOR to help you determine the market value of a property before making an offer.

THERE's MORE

Taking the above scenario one step further, now you qualify for the 8,000 tax credit because you make less then $75,000 (or $150,000 as a married couple). This will be added to your 2009 tax return. This credit will be on top of the incredible buying advantage of tax deductions including real estate taxes and interest that will come off of you gross annual income. Because you pay mostly interest on a 30 year loan in the first few years, you write off a lot of interest.

WHAT's It All Mean

With a loan amount of $203,000 (3.5% down + 5% assist), interest rate of 5%, and annual taxes of $3,500.00, you have a total monthly payment of about $1600.00 (includes insurance and PMI) and paid about $8,000 in closing costs. If you purchased the home by July you would pay 5 months or $8,000.00 by the end of 2009. Given the $8,000 tax credit you will receive, you would practically break even on your payments and need less then 10,000 to purchase.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The advantages of being a qualified 1st home buyer in this kind of market are ones that we may never be seen again. While housing appreciation may not be great over the next year, the outlook beyond, although unknown, should be more favorable. And do yourself a favor, find a home that's a great price because it needs a little paint and sprucing up. Use your imagination, enjoy creating your own home and build equity quickly. While the economy would like to make you think its all dollars and cents, a home is a wonderful thing to have.

PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE

**Please note that the numbers provided are for example only. I recommend you speak with qualified professionals to make sure the situation works for you.

A Great Step Forward for a Green Haverford Township

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:18:07 -0600

As the New Year has begun so has Single Stream Recycling for Haverford Township. Additionally, you can now recycle more types of plastic and bottles!

What's Changed:

Now you can place all your recycling into one container
Green and Brown Glass have been added to the list (you can drink beer and go green)
Plastics numbered 1 through 7 can be recycled

If you need a bigger recycling container, Haverford Township is providing them for $18 a piece or you can pick up a free dical to slap on your exising trash can. You can pick up a decal at the Public Works office building at 2325 Darby Road in Havertown.

Secondly, mark your calendars for opportunities to get rid of your Household Hazardous Waste:

March 28 - Marple Transfer Station, Marpit Drive & Sussex Boulevard, Broomall

April 25 - Emergency Services Training Center, 1600 Calcon Hook Road, Sharon Hill

Sept. 19 - Covanta Delaware Valley, 2nd & Harwick streets, City of Chester

Oct. 8 - Rose Tree Park, North Providence Road (Route 352), Media

For further details you can always check out www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword HHW.

I'm Turning Off the News, Turning On the Music and Starting to Live Again

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 16:39:56 -0600

I'm sitting in my cold car this morning listening to a NPR news report about Bernanke's concern that foreclosures are effecting every market in the U.S. whether or not your market is suffering from a foreclosure problem. Its a great eye opener if you want to be depressed for the rest of the day.

Bernanke, Bush, the Big 3 Automakers, you name it, the news isn't good. The bigger problem I see is that when you and I listen, these stories effect our day and put everyone into this "Fear Funk". So while I can't change the world I'm committing to one thing:

I'm Turning off the News, Turning on the Music and Starting to Live again!

Of course Under Pressure by David Bowie was playing, but at least it made me smile. I hope you will follow and please enjoy some Holiday Cheer...we could all use a little.

Lastly, some good news for the Philadelphia Region...Jed Smith, Managing Director of Quantitative Research for the National Association of REALTORS stated on Monday at the Suburban West Realtors Association, "We project that the Philadelphia housing market to begin to show recovery in July/August of 2009 which will mean a significant uptick in sales and values."

With rates down, inventory up and prices soft, this kind of news makes me believe it is actually the best time there's been to buy real estate since I've joined the business.

Best Wishes,

Tyler Wagner

Who's Citi Group's Man Behind the Curtain?

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:05:26 -0600

What is going on with Citi Group?! I'd love to get it straight so this is what I think I have so far:

Citi Group grows fast and has produces some great commercials
Citi Group writes off a ton of debt early 2008
Citi Group finds itself in need of a government bail out in September 2008
Citi Group tries to buy Wachovia Bank with the help of the Treasury
Wells Fargo jumps in and buys Wachovia with Wells Fargo money after long debate
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008, Citi Group gets a 25 billion dollar bail out and the government insures over 300 billion in questionable assets!!

I could be wrong, but it seems that someone from Citi Group has an incredible relationship with the U.S. Treasury.

Bail out + Buy Out - Bail Out = Confused

While you ponder this please enjoy this Citi Group Commercial.

A Look at Havertown Real Estate - It might Surprise you

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:00:10 -0600

2008 is not over yet, but I'd like to shed some light on our local market in Haverford Township real estate. If you've been listening to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) advertising, you've heard the famous line repeated, "Every market is Local, talk to a Realtor". While national news focuses on the national averages, you might be pleasantly surprised to find out how our local Havertown real estate market has faired.

First of all I'd like to make one distinction. While a stock market graph looks like a plane nose diving, the real estate market graph continues to follow regular trends. As all the bad news of the stock market makes us feel like everything is sinking, this is not a fully direct correlation...there are too many other factors involved. Factors including the location of the town, who's moving into the area, and what type of industries represent large sectors of the area's population. Additionally, what type of appreciation has Havertown seen in comparison to the rest of the U.S. over the real estate boom?

I'm happy to say that Havertown finds itself in a good central location surrounded by a diverse job industry. Additionally,Havertown and the Philadelphia region experienced a much more moderate level of appreciation through the boom in comparison to surrounding metropolitan areas like Washington D.C. and New York City.

The following data was derived from TrendMLS.com, November 24th, 2008 and covers all of HaverfordTownship for sales between $0 and $999,999. I consider sales over 1 million to be unusual in our market, therefore not representative of a the majority of sales. Of the 477 sold properties this year so far, 5 were over 1 million dollars

As you can see 2007 and 2008 residential real estate sales in Haverford Township have stayed relatively equal. At times we've seen jumps and drops, but overall we can say that the average sold home in Havertown remains to fall right around the $300,000 mark.

While I wish this was the full story we have to look at the number of sales as well.

Here the graph shows that we've felt a bigger impact from a lack of sales. In 2007 Haverford Township had sold 651 units and in 2008 we are up to 482 as of November 24th. Unless Havertown experiences and incredible up rise in sales through December, I would predict that the number of sales will have declined by approximately 20%.

What does this mean for Haverford Township Residents looking to sell?

The current market is tricky, but workable. Less units are selling and there is quite a bit of competition. While average home sale prices have remained in tack, it will most likely take you longer to sell. On a positive note, if you've kept you home in great condition, made some improvements and maintained your systems, the market recognizes this and is willing to pay for the improvements. Spending some time or money giving your home a fresh coat of paint can make a world of difference.

What does this mean for Havertown home buyers?

You have a lot of inventory to sift through, but you can find some great deals. If your willing to role up your sleeves and get your hands a little dirty, Havertown offers well built homes that often need some updating, as residents tend to live in their homes for many years. Surprisingly, there have been some recent competitive bidding sections on the homes that are in great shape and priced right. You want to make sure your financing is in line in case that house pops up.

Overall, I think we can safely say that the Havertown real estate market is still intact while feeling a bit of a slow down due to the new mortgage regulations and current economy.

I'll keep you posted.

Tyler Wagner

Looking for an Adventure outside of the Office

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 17:00:56 -0600

Has anyone noticed all the new 5k Runs that are popping up these days. Running has become more and more popular all across the U.S. Whether its a 5k, 10K, Half Marathon or Full Marathon, the numbers are staggering how many people are participating. Just this weekend, Philadelphia is expecting somewhere in the range of 18,000 runners for the Philly Marathon!! Now its not only running that has been growing in popularity, triathalons have be growing as well.

Now I like running and riding, but I have to say, they can be a little on the boring side. Don't get me wrong, I ran in this year's Philadelphia Half Marathon and it was and incredible event. I've done it three times now and I go more for the atmosphere and energy then anything.

My point is if your into running and riding and are looking for a little something else to spice it up you have to try an ADVENTURE RACE. If this is the first time you've heard of it, don't worry, its probably not the last. Adventure Racing is kind of like a triathalon, but with events that often include trail running, mountain biking, orienteering & canoeing. These races are usually classified by hours rather then distances, so you'll find 4 to 6 hour races, 12 hour races and yes that's right 24 hours races for the clinically insane...you'd be surprised how many have accomplished these. Most importantly, Adventure Races are typically set up for teams, anywhere from 2 person teams to 5...and that makes it fun and interesting.

So I'm more of a 4 - 6 hour racer and have participated in a handful of races over the last 6 years. Each one is a new challenge and none are the same. If you looking for something new and are willing to try I definitely recommend you start searching. While there are many great races all over Southeastern Pennsylvania, I'd recommend checking out www.makebreak.com and tell Butch I sent you. He runs about 5 races a year and they are a blast. I'm always looking to put together teams so if your interested let me know.

Here's one of my latest races with my Team The Lost Boys at Blue Marsh Lake (Just Northwest of Reading Pa)...Wildlands Challenge

Investors & Renovators BEWARE - Banks Want Every Detail

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:59:58 -0600

The one thing I love about this business is that every deal is different! The one thing that's really hard about this business is that every deal is different! While the market for buy, fix and sell properties has declined, from time to time there will always be the occasional situation for the right investor. Just a couple days ago, I saw two fixer upper properties in Upper Darby Township, Pa come on the market and immediately sell within less then 12 hours. These were great opportunities.

The BEWARE part comes in when you sell your renovated property. Just recently a well known and respected bank went as far as to ask for costs (labor & materials) & paid receipts of all work accomplished on the home after having already received a satisfactory appraisal. This is for a home that was priced well within the limitations of value of its surrounding neighborhood.

While the information was able to be provided and the deal moved forward, the fact that a bank is trying to find value in the "cost" of jobs completed is a bit of an awakening. This goes beyond real estate theory and common sense. While a list of completed items to support the value increase in the home may be necessary, cost of the repair and renovation has no bearing on the current market value of the home.

My Advice

Be conservative, keep good records, and be aware that banks are heading toward ultra-conservative practices. None of the parties involved, including the mortgage broker, had experienced these kind of detailed requests.

What's the Matter with Your Manners?

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:10:04 -0600

"When you shake someones hand, look 'em in the eye!" Famous words I've heard many times from my dad and grandfather over the years. It sounds simple, but it is so important, particularly in real estate.

Just the other week I was sitting on an Open House when an agent stopped by with some clients. As I was happy to see some visitors, I went to shake the agent's hand and introduce myself when I was abruptly handed a business card without even making eye contact. While I had no success actually communicating with the agent, I proceeded to shake the hands (of course looking them in the eyes) of both clients who followed and offered to answer any questions they might have about the property.

I like to think the best of people, so maybe this was the 30th house they'd seen that day and the agent was completely exhausted...I've been there. So I waited for the couple and the agent to walk out and asked what they thought of the home. Strike TWO!! The agent continued on the path out the door while the clients stopped to talk briefly of their thoughts and asked some questions.

So I wish I had a great Strike THREE, but I could only say that this comes from the disappointment of my lasting impression.

This business is all about developing relations with clients and fellow agents. You'll never know when you'll meet again and you never know when you'll need a favor. So remember,

"When you shake someones hand, look 'em in the eye!"

Welcome to 2407 Merwood Lane, Havertown, Pennsylvania 19083

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:36:25 -0600

Wow! What a great house! For buyers looking for a great Havertown Dutch Colonial home, 2407 Merwood Lane offers the classic style with all the modern amentities. With a charming front porch, large entertaining deck off the back, a 2 car detached garage and a beautiful tree lined street, you might want to come over and take a look. The first floor offers a living room with brick fireplace, a large dining room (big enough to sit 10 around the table), a 1/2 bath and an eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. From the kitchen you can head down to the finished basement that covers the entire base of the home with wall to wall carpeting, natural wood trim and closet doors, and a separate laundry room. Upstairs you'll find an open hall giving access to 3 nice sized rooms, a full hall bath w/ tub, and stairs to a 3rd Floor Master Suite! This master bedroom offers great roof lines and skylines that give it a very cool feel. You also have a full master bath with stall shower. Lastly, let's not for get the systems, you have high velocity central air that was installed 2 years ago, a high efficiency oil heater approximately 5 years old, double hung replacement windows throughout the home, and a roof that's approximately 5 years old.

For more details and loads of pictures check out www.merwoodlane.com.

I'll keep you posted.

Tyler Wagner

Why I love Havertown (Part 2) - Sidewalks!

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:28:53 -0600

As a kid, I remember riding my bike around Havertown with my brother and friends everywhere. We road to every ones houses, we road down to Oakmont to stop by Mapes, we road to Paddock Park to find some cool obstacles to jump...we had a blast. If you didn't have a bike, you walked, because you could actually walk from one side of Havertown to the other safely.

What I didn't realize until much later was that Havertown is unique in that it is set up for easy pedestrian travel. Being an older town, a majority of Haverford Township's neighborhoods connect in a grid like system. Additionally, with few expections, Havertown was developed when cars weren't the main means of transportation and sidewalks where essential to get to public transportation or the local shops.

So what's the big deal? Why are a couple 4ft x 4ft pavers all lined up in a row so important? Beyond allowing the Haverford Township community to simply go for a safe walk through many different neighborhoods, I think it builds community and encourages people to get out of their homes. If you drive around town any day of the week, you'll find people out and about, enjoying the day, walking, running, Mom's and Dad's pushing strollers, kids playing in parks, and neighbors out talking to neighbors.

Its maybe not the first thing you think of when you drive into Havertown, but next time you do, see what you think.

Blown Away by Health Insurance

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:57:42 -0600

While I consider myself one to be realistic and concerned about problems in our country, Heath Insurance just slammed me in the face. For my wife and I and 2 children, we pay a monthly premium of $490.00 for an HMO program. We're young, healthy, non-smoking adults. Just yesterday, I received a letter in the mail that our premium will be raised to $1297.93 a month!!!! This isn't top of the line coverage...this is a basic plan that covers the essentials.

What are we supposed to do?? Starting this morning, I'm picking up the phone to call every health insurance provider I can find to get a different plan, but who can afford this?? If we are young and healthy, what if your a little older and unhealthy with pre-existing conditions?!

Has anyone found a good plan or insurance agent who can be trusted and really knows the system?

What's Working in Your Associations?

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:16:34 -0600

2 weeks ago I was sitting in the doctor's office waiting for the doctor when my phone rang. Of course, trying to carefully obey the posted signs reading, "Turn off all Phones" I didn't pick up...but I recognized the number. It was coming from our local association office and it was the one call I'd been really waiting for all day. So once I got in the room, I broke the rules and dialed back and found out that I'd been elected to the 2009 Board of Directors for Suburban West Association of Realtors! (Suburban West Association of Realtors includes over 5,000 Realtors in Delaware County, Chester County and the Main Line of Pennsylvania) To say that I'm excited and blown away is an under statement. I am truly pumped about joining the board.

So as I'm really looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to help our association help our members, I wanted to hear from our members, members of the Active Rain community and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) as to where your local associations have had great successes and failures. We can certainly learn from our local ups and downs but I was hoping expand our perspective so that we can continue to not only improve our Realtor community but our local communities.

Additionally, if you've found great resources or contacts that have helped your association, I'd really appreciate your feed back. While my term doesn't official start until '09, I'd love to get a jump on things.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Tyler

Philly Needs a Win

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:53:30 -0500

That's right, if your from Philadelphia or are a Philly sports fan then you know what I'm talking about. Philly Fans have been looking for a win for quite a few years and boy are we pesomistic at times. Now, just 2.5 innings away from a World Series Championship its looking like we might get what we've been hoping for. For me I was only 5 months old the last time we won the Series and funny enough now my daughter is 5 months old!! It could be fate.

Why do I mention this on my real estate blog...simply because this is what everyone here is talking about and if your interested in living in or around an awesome sports town, Philadelphia might be the place for you.

Go Phils!

Selling or Renting or Both - Its Getting Trendy

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:01:46 -0500

As I run through the lists of homes being offered in my market (TrendMLS.com), I'm finding more and more sellers opting to put their homes not only up for sale, but up for rent. With the slow down in the housing market, I believe sellers are trying anything to move on with as little finanical impact as possible.

Just today, I ran a search on Haverford Township Rentals in TrendMLS and came up with 16 homes that are currently available for rent between $1015 and $3500. While that number might not impress many people, just a year ago I can distinctly remember trying to find a friend of mine a rental and only found 3 properties listed on TrendMLS for Haverford Township.

So what does it mean?

I think its a sign of the times. While we are in a defiant buyers market, sellers are still trying to hold out for higher sales prices. Putting their homes up for rent gives them the opportunity to hopefully cover their expenses for a while until the market rebounds. Depending on each sellers' situation, this could be a smart move.

The Good & The Bad

I like to start with the good! On the upside, the seller might be able to obtain a tenant, rent the home for a year and potentially sell it to the tenant or re-list the home in a better market.

On the down side, the seller needs to be financially strong enough to pay for their "investment property" and their current primary residence. This can be tough especially in our current times. Additionally, acting as a landlord is not easy work and is not for everyone.

What I Recommend

Whether your a real estate professional or a homeowner trying to sell or rent a home, I think the key is looking long term.

First, while every situation is unique, you have to consider that the market moves together. If you just bought a home, most likely you paid a little less then you would have 2 to 4 years ago for the same home. When you go to sell your home, you have to expect to take a little hit on the price as well, but it should be a bit of a wash.

Second, the cost to renting needs to be fully considered. This includes rental management fees, time, township required licensing, property maintenance, etc. Weigh the costs carefully and if they make sense, try renting or just lower your sales price. Renting is not necessarily the easy option and typically isn't.

Third, as I'm experiencing in my local market, renting is getting more and more competitive. Renters, like buyers, now have choices and know when someone is asking too much for their home.

Lastly, BE REALISTIC. Fighting the market and denying the situation will only cause you more stress and loss of money. Experience has shown me that even a decision to take a loss now, could be a huge gain down the road.

My 2 Year old Understands Electricity

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:06:47 -0500

This past Saturday night, Havertown experienced a good soaking and a lot of wind before the big Phillies game! After just having sat down for dinner, the electricity went out as a large tree in our neighbor's yard snapped in half and collapsed on the power lines. Luckily no one was hurt the the huge branches had missed not only the home, but their light post, which amazingly was still standing in a middle of a pile of huge branches.

Sitting around the table in the dark, my 2.5 year old daughter asked, "What happened to the lights?"

I tried to explain, "The power went out and we don't have any electricity." Well done Dad, way to relate by using concepts of power and electricity to a 2 year old.

However, she responded quite appropriately, "But I have powder for my heiny and we can just go to the store and get powder for the lights!"

I couldn't have said it any better.

Wanting to Feel Special

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:58:37 -0500

I woke up this morning, a brisk morning for mid-October, and began my usual routine. I went in to get my daughter up and ready and the first thing she says to me is, "Where's Mommy? I want Mommy!" in a cute 2.5 year old voice. Now this isn't the first time she's said this to me, in fact this has been going on for about 2 months. However, the first time I heard it, the tenth time I heard it and even today, I think...when is she going to say, "Good Morning DADDY!" I want her to say my name because it will make me feel good or special.

So I'm not getting all wishy-washy here, I don't feel that my 2.5 year old daughter has the psychological edge on me quite yet, but it made me remember something that's particularly important when it comes to being a sales person, a real estate agent and a Dad. Everyone wants to feel special.

My business has been up and down like every-ones, but as I review my clients and my big successes, I realize that I did the best job when I made those clients feel like they were my special client. I think even with the swirling markets, stock market charts looking like PONG, and the housing market faltering, if you continue to make people feel special, your business will continue. Not matter how good or bad the economy people remember good service.

With that said, "GOOD MORNING ACTIVE RAIN!" SMILE :)

Why I Love Havertown (Part 1) - Location, Location, Location

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:59:11 -0500

So you might be asking yourself, what's so great about this area known as Havertown? As I've called Havertown my home for almost my entire life, I'd like to share the ins and outs that make it a wonderful place to live. This is just part 1 of many so I would love to hear from you and get your feed back to create a true experience for all who are interested.

If your heading west out of Philadelphia, your probably driving down Walnut, past 69th Street and the Tower Theater and heading up Route 3 (West Chester Pike). You'll know you hit Haverford Township once you see the latest mural at Darby Road and West Chester Pike depicting Llanerch Crossing. If you take a slight right onto Darby Road, you'll run right through the Heart of Havertown.

To begin with, the area has been developing since the beginning of the 20th century, so you're going to find many homes between the ages of 50 to 100 years old. New construction occasionally pops up, but you'll most likely find Dutch Colonials, Red Brick Colonials built by Warner West, red brick capes, twins and the occasion split level, ranger and bungalow. You'll find older neighborhoods with beautiful tree lined streets, sidewalks, and great neighborhood parks tucked all over the township. Small businesses, restaurants and bars run along the main roads of Havertown and some back streets. Along the eastern boundary of the Havertown runs the Rt. 100 line, a.k.a. the P & W (Pig & Whistle). Check out the Pig & Whistle Deli just off the Beechwood Stop if your looking for a good hoagie.

As a Realtor from a family of Realtors, one of my favorite parts of Havertown is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. 20 to 25 minutes puts you everywhere...whether its the Philadelphia International Airport, the King of Prussia Mall, South Jersey, Philadelphia, Wilmington, West Chester, etc, give yourself just under a half an hour by car or public transportation and your there. Havertown is just off the Main Line, just outside the city and right next to the Blue Route (476). So if you work in any of these areas, Havertown offers a great central location. This is also one of many reasons residential home values have remained strong because of the diversity in jobs of the Havertown homeowner.

Part 2 - Value is coming soon...

Cheers,

Tyler Wagner

What are the districting boundaries for Haverford Township Elementary Schools?

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:46:58 -0500

A great question as these boundaries seem to change all the time in Haverford Township. Here's a link to the registration page of Haverford Township Schools. Even with this map, I'd recommend calling and confirming as to whether specific addresses attend a particular elementary school. Boundaries sometimes change and sometimes occur directly down the middle of a street.

Boundaries Map for Haverford Township

The Need for Real Estate Education in Secondary Schools

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:57:41 -0500

Two years ago I was feeling a need for balance in my life as work seemed like it was taking over my life. Wanting to give back in some way to my community, I reached out to Junior Acheivement to see if I could help facilitate business learning to my local high school, Haverford High. Luckily there was a need and I began teaching business concepts and real estate concepts to high school students. If you could see the reaction and the number of hands that were raised with very good, curious real estate questions, it would have amazed you. The students not only needed the education, but the feedback I received was they really enjoyed because it was a real life lesson.

While this alone was a great experience, it opened my eyes to the fact that our school systems aren't teaching students about one of the essential needs in our society, shelter. Whether its how to rent an apartment, buy a house, or establish credit, students graduating from high schools are entering a world without any basis for how to proceed.

My goal is to make a change though our REALTOR community and create a program for those who are willing to volunteer and work with our local high schools to teach basics in Real Estate. I'm currently working with my local Board, Suburban West Association of Realtors, to modify a program that the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors had created called It's Your Move.

With all this in mind, I'd like to see what kind of interest and support is out their and if you'd be interested in helping. If enough folks are interested, I'll create a group and we can begin to work together to make this dream a success for our communities.

Lastly, as I'm striving to make this work, this is one of the main reasons I'm running for the Board of Directors this fall for the Suburban West Association of Realtors. If your a part of this great local Association, I would truly appreciate your support in this year's election. To learn more about me check out my profile at the Board.

It's Time to Jump In

Tyler G. Wagner, REALTOR (R), Associate Broker (Wagner Inc. Real Estate) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:59:41 -0500

Maybe its just me, but the more I discover about real estate on the internet, the more I realize how important it is to explore what's out there. For agents less familiar with what the internet can offer to our business, I try to compare it to the town you live in. If you sit at home, never get out and never talk to anyone, its not that great of place. But if you head out and talk to you neighbors, join some community clubs and engage in some local activities, chances are you're going to form relationships that make a place you home. So don't sit in front of the computer all day, because you'll hate you town, but by checking out some of these incredible websites, forums and discussions, I'm sure it will benefit you one way or the other.

This is my first blog on Active Rain and I have a ways to go, but I'm impressed what I see so far. I can't wait to engage in the community.