Name
GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI BUCKS County & Philadelphia, PA HOMES
Company
RE/MAX Centre Realtors
Brand Affiliation
RE/MAX International Inc.
E-mail
Contact GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI BUCKS County & Philadelphia, PA HOMES (RE/MAX Centre Realtors)
Website
http://www.GitaBantwal.com
Office Phone
(215) 343-8200 x 124
Cell Phone
(215) 275-8491
Alt. Phone
(215) 343-8206
Fax
(267) 927-0514
Address
attention Gita Bantwal, 2701 York Rd, Jamison, Pa, 18929
Description
Search 1000s of listings on www.gitabantwal.com I specialize in listing and selling homes in PHILADELPHIA,BUCKS,MONTGOMERY COUNTIES.You can reach me at home or office 7 days a week. Call me any time

Areas Of Expertise

I am REALTOR                               who subscribes to the code of ethics of National Asociation of Realtors.

 I served on the Grievance committee and Professional Standards Commitee of Bucks County Board of Realtors for several years.

I am a Certified Residential Specialist. I hold the CRS designation which is held by less that 5% of all realtors.  It requires courses in technology and special training in Listing and Selling Real Estate.

 

www.crs.com/about-CRS/56

If you are considering a short sale call me to see your options. I am a Certifeid Distressed Property Specialist and have CDPE designation.

I am an Accredited Buyer's Representative and hold the ABR designation. Visit www.rebac.net   

I specialize in listing homes in Philadelphia and suburbs, mainly Bucks and Montgomery Counties and North East Philadelphia.

Bucks County has a number of wonderful Active Adult communities. I will be glad to email you information about the 55plus communities in Philadelphia and suburbs.

FIRST TIME BUYERS -It gives me great pleasure when I help renters realize that for the amount of rent they are paying and with as little money as possible they can own a home of their own.I help them negotiate good terms and price .I show them how they can search all available listings in multiple listing by registering on my web site.They can be notified automatically when a listing comes up that matches their criteria.

SENIORS. I hold SRES designation and specialize in active adult communities.

MOVE UP BUYERS-I help move up buyers sell their house and buy another house with as little stress as possible.I am a Seniors Real Estae specialist and specialize in helping Seniors sell and move to retirement communities.I have several reports for Seniors.I hold the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation.

 INVESTORS-I help Investors buy rental properties and in finding tenants.I have experience in 1031 Exchanges.

 SELLERS-I help sellers in Staging their homes and with minimum expense to seller I produce great results.I list the house on more than a dozen internet sites.I hold OPEN HOUSE,I advertise in newspaper and REAL ESTATE magazines if needed.

RENTERS. I can help you find rentals, or lease  properties. with option to buy.

TRANSFEREES.If you are relocating to any where in the country,I will refer you to an experienced agent in the area.

RELOCATING TO THE AREA? I will be glad to help you with my relo package : http://activerain.com/blogsview/397447/bucks-county-relocation

My Market Area

I have lived in Central Bucks area for  over 30 years.I have sold houses in Bucks and Montgomery counties as well as in

Philadelphia. Some of the towns I have served are :

Bensalem,Warminster,Warrington,Jamison,Doylestown,Buckingham,Southampton,Jamison,Warwick,Hatboro,Horsham,Willow Grove, Abington,Furlong,Huntingdon Valley,Philadelphia, Mayfair, Somerton,Quakertown,Rydal, New Hope, Yardley, Morrisville,Lower Makefield,Upper Moreland,Lansdale,hatfield,North wales,Montgomeryville, and surrounding areas.

There is good public transportation in many parts of the suburbs and in Philadelphia. Go to www.septa.org for routes and schedules.

Go to www.gitabantwal.com and click on home finder to find available houses.

You can register on my web site and be notified of listings as they come up. Just provide your email info and name.  Our multiple listing service covers 14 counties. I service Philadelphia,BUCKS,and MONTGOMERY COUNTIES.

If you are visiting Bucks County Read  :  ' Twenty Things to do when you visit Bucks County'

http://www.activerain.com/blogsview/374657/Twenty-things-to-do

 

If you are relocating to the area please read :

Bucks County Pa Relocation Package , Courtesy of Gita Bantwal

http://activerain.com/blogsview/397447/bucks-county-Pa-relocation

Relocating to Bucks County ? It is rich in history.

http://www.activerain.com/blogsview/447064/relocating-to-bucks

 

For information about schools in Montgomery County ,  read Public schools in Montgomery county

http://activerain.com/blogsview/246470/public-schools-in-montgomery

For information about Bucks County schools read

Bucks County Pa School District

http://activerain.com/blogsview/243902/Bucks-County-Pa-school

If you would like to read the local newspapers Intelligencer/ Record or Courier Post go to www.phillyburbs.com

or Read the Philadelphia Inquirer at www.Philly.com

MY QUALIFICATIONS. AND MY BLOG WITH TIPS FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

 QUALIFICATIONS:

B.S.  Bachelor Of Science

CRS: Less than 5% of Realtors hold this designation.

 

 

ABR :Accredited Buyers representative. The designation is a benchmark of excellence in buyer representation.

GRI: Graduate Realtors Institute is a designation for those who graduate from Realtors institute. We have to complete a comprehensive education program in Residential real estate to graduate.

SRES: Seniors real estate Specialist. I specialize in helping Seniors in all their Real estate needs. I offer several FREE REPORTS that will help them in buying and selling a home.

I have been Licensed since 1992. I am a full time Realtor and am available on week days and weekends to show you homes.

 

I have the CDPE designation. I can help with short sales.CDPE

                            MY BLOGS.    

 

 

 

HERE ARE SOME OF MY ARTICLES ON ACTIVE RAIN

 

 

 

 

 

1.Housing Market  in Warrington Township, Bucks County, Pa and monthly market reports

2.Available rentals in Bensalem ,Bucks County, Pa.

3. Why people relocate to Warminster township, Bucks County, Pa

4. 55 plus communities in Warwick township, Bucks county, Pa

5. Housing market improves in Warwick township, Bucks County, Pa

6. Housing values in Warminster township, Bucks County, Pa and monthly market reports

7. Central Bucks is  a good place to live in   http://activerain.com/blogsview/91292/central-bucks-is-a

8. Monthly market reports and quarterly reports for Warwick township and for Central bucks.

 Foreclosure help in Philadelphia : Read this post http://actvra.in/m9M

 

                                                        TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS.

1. Five Biggest Mistakes Buyers Make when looking for a house.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/163600/Five-biggest-mistakes-buyers

2. Get your Free Credit Report before looking for a house. Click here for info

http://activerain.com/blogsview/147272/Buyers-Get-Your

3. The Advantages of Hiring a Buyer's Agent  http://activerain.com/blogsview/100328/The-Advantages-Of-hiring

4. Looking for Quick Delivery Homes ? Look up these area builders.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/190744/looking-for-quick-delivery

5. Great Buys at Pulte built Doylestown Station condos.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/190648/great-buys-at-pulte

6. 55plus Community in Warminster,Bucks County

http://activerain.com/blogsview/189111/55-community-in-warminster

 7.Home buyers ! Please Read this important information before you buy in Pa.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/498946/home-buyers-please-read

8. Will your furniture fit in your new home? Check out this post . http://actvra.in/fxb

9.Ten important tips for home buyers in Philadelphia and Bucks County http://actvra.in/mbc

 10. Things to remember when you go to an open house. http://actvra.in/mbf

11. Ten steps to home ownership   http://actvra.in/mdX

 TOP TEN REASONS TO MOVE TO PHILADELPHIA AND SUBURBS

Top ten reasons to relocate to Philadelphia and suburbs

1.Economy. There are many job opportunities in Philadelphia and suburbs. There are pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and universities. You can  even live in the suburbs and work in New York or New Jersey. There are people who live here and commute to NY city. We have great public transportation.

2. Higher Education. There are many great institutes of Higher Education in Philadelphia. We have University of Pennsyllvania and Wharton Business School, Temple University, Drexel University , Lehigh University,Villanova, and many more. Some of the suburbs   are located  within easy commute to Princeton University in New Jersey.

3.Health Care. We have world class hospitals in Philadelphia. People from all over the country come to  Hospital of University of Pennsylavnia and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. University of Hospital hospital is among the few hospitals in the Nation that offers Proton Beam therapy for Cancer.

4.Sports. Philadelphia is a great city for sports and fans. We have something for every one. Football fans love Philadelphia Eagles, Baseball  fans love the  Phillies, Hockey  fans have the Flyers and for Basketball we have Sixers.

5. Food. There are many fine restaurants in Philadelphia and suburbs. Some of our specialties are Philly Cheese Steaks and Soft Pretzels.

6.Shopping. There are wonderful Shopping Centers in Philadelphia and Suburbs. The Gallery in Center City, King of Prussia Mall, Franklin Mall which has  outlet stores, Peddlers Village in New Hope  are some of the great place for shopping.

7.Public Schools. There are many good public schools in the area. You can look up school reports at www.greatschools.net

8.Cultural Activities and Recreation. There are good  public golf courses, museums, casinos, race course and public parks.

9.Friendly people . The people are friendly and there are peope from all over the world.

10. Homes are affordable. There are homes in all price ranges and all styles. There are wonderful active adult communities which offer lots of activities and amenities;  there are homes perfect for first time buyers; there are luxury homes. You can look up all available listings on my web site www.gitabantwal.com

 

 

 

 

 QUESTIONS I AM OFTEN ASKED BY CONSUMERS:

Q. What is a short sale?

A. When a seller's lender accepts less than the amount owed when the property is sold , a short sale occurs. When a buyer makes an offer on a short sale the offer has to be accepted by the lender and sometimes it takes a long time to hear back from the lender.

Q. I have less than perfect credit. I want to buy a home. Can you help me?

A. I like to help people  realize their dream of Home Ownership. I wwill be glad to talk to you . You should talk to a lender and see if you can qualify for a mortgage. You need not have a perfect  credit score. The lender  may be able to tell you what you can do to improve your credit so that you can buy next year.

 

Q.  I want to buy a home in a community with home owner's association, I have heard they have strict rules.

A.   Read the following post http://actvra.in/m9y

Q. Is it better to buy than to rent a home ?

A. Read the following post : http://actvra.in/m9z

Q  Can you send me information about local schools ?

A. Check out this post about school reports  http://actvra.in/m9F

 Q How can I prepare for an open house ?

Answer ;

 

The agent will advertise the open house and put up yard signs and try to get people to the open house.

Here are some tips for the seller :

1. Clean the  entire house  including garage and remove clutter.

2. Mow the lawn and remove toys from the driveway and yard  or in winter shovel the snow  from driveway, sidewalk and walkway.

3.Lock up valuables and prescription medicines.

4.Take your pets with you .

5.Put fresh flowers in some of the rooms.

6.Turn on all lights.

7. Have the air conditioner or heater on  with thermostats at comfortable settings.

8.Remove photos and your diplomas from the walls,

9.Organize the closets and pantries .

10.If you are hosting the open house your self as a sale by owner, do not forget to have the buyers sign a guest registery. If you have an agent, do not stay for the open house.

 Q. Who pays the buyer's agent ?

ANSWER :  It will depend on your contract with the agent.

 

 

. If you employ me as your Buyer's agent, you do not have to pay me any thing. I will accept the fees offered by the seller's agent as mentioned in the multiple listing. 

When a seller lists with an agent , the seller offers a certain amount to the listing agent and the agent signs a contract with the seller as to how the agent will split the fees with another agent who procures the buyer. This amount  is mentioned in the mls .

The amount is paid to buyer's agent at settlement. If you do not buy a house I do not get paid for my time and expenses.

When you sign a buyer's agency contract with an agent , you should read it carefully. Some agents may mention that if the seller does not pay a certain amount, you may have to pay the difference. The term of contract and fees are negotiable.

If you need legal advice before signing the contract, talk to an attorney. Please note that laws vary by state.

Q. We are relocating to another city while our home is on the market . What should we do ?

 

 Answer.

Advice for sellers who are relocating and have their home on the market for sale.

If your home is on the market and you have to move before it sells here are some tips:

1. Do not take the furniture with you.  Make sure you have  insurance. A vacant home takes longer to sell and you will get low ball offers. It is easier to rent a few items of furniture at the new location.

2.Do not turn off heat and electric. Have a timer so that lights are turned on at certain times.

3.Hire someone to take care of lawn or snow as the case may be.

4.Take all your valuables with you.

5.Have your agent send you comps regularly so that you know about the changes in the market. Have there been any homes under contract or new listings ? Make price adjustments if necessary.

6.Before you move take care of maintenance items around the house.Have the home cleaned and carpets shampooed .

7.Have a close friend or neighbor keep an eye on the house and give them your contact number.

8.Do not forget to stop delivery of the newspaper .

9.Hire a good agent based on referral from your friends  or neighbors or someone you feel comfortable with after interviewing a few agents.

10. If the home has a sump pump it is important for someone to check it often because there have been problems where the sump pump stopped working.

Q. I am buying a home from a FSBO.What should I look out for ?

If you are buying a home directly from a seller, please read this :

Here are five biggest mistakes buyers make when buying from FSBO

1. Being unrepresented.  Sellers may be experienced  and may have sold a house before or may be investors or attorneys. Do you have experience buying houses?. You may have bought a house 10 years ago, but laws may have changed. You might want to ask an attorney or buyer's agent to help you with the transaction.

2. Making the deposit check out to the seller. How will you be protected if the seller cashes the check and you do not get approved for the mortgage and seller refuses to return the deposit.? Your attorney or agent wil guide you about the deposit check.

3.Not knowing market value.You might not know what the homes are selling for and may offer more that what it is worth. an agent will help you with the comparable sales in the area. you can probably look up some sites on the interent, but some of them are not accurate.An agent has upto date information. If you think you are saving buying from FSBO , you might want to think again.The FSBO is probably trying to save the commission.Both of you are going after the same savings.

4.Not knowing how to negotiate.You might feel awkward negotiating and making a low offer or  offending the seller. The agent can do this on your behalf.If you have a buyer's agent you can negotiate the fees for buying 'sale by owner,'  in advance with the agent ,

5. Failing to have contingencies like inspections, appraisals and obtaining the  mortgage in the contract.Failing to ask for seller's disclosure is a mistake as well.

If you know the market well, if you are an attorney yourself or will use an attorney you might get some good deals , if not be careful . Remember BUYER BEWARE.

Q . I want to become a landlord and buy investment properties. Can you give me some tips ?

This a question we often hear from consumers who would like to start investing in real estate.

I was recently asked this question.

Answer. You should first determine how much money you want to invest in real estate. Then talk to a lender and see how much you would qualify for and the down payment required.Lenders often require a larger down payment and the rate is slightly higher for investors.

When you buy a property to rent it out, you should see what kind of rent to expect, is it in an area where it is easy to rent and whether there will be positive cash flow. You may need to put down a larger amount or look for some other propery. There are many people who buy  properties with negative cash flow. You should talk to your accountant and see the true cost of buying and renting.

You should allow for vacancy . Even if you find a property that is already rented, when the tenant moves out , it may become vacant for a few months. Can you afford to pay the mortgage at that time ?

You need to set aside some money for repairs and maintenance.

Are you going to find the tenant, screen them your self or are you going to use an agent for finding the tenant and managing.? Allow for the expenses. It helps if you are handy and can do minor repairs or know a good handy man.

You should work with an agent who has knowledge of sales and rental market in the area.

This is a good time to buy rental properties in many areas. Prices are low and more people are renting as lenders are stricter in lending money for mortgage. There is a demand for rentals.

                                                          TIPS FOR HOME SELLERS

1. Sellers  ! Spend a couple of hundred dollars and sell faster  http://activerain.com/blogsview/97128/sellers-spend-a-couple

2.  For Sellers. Things to do before a home inspection  http://activerain.com/blogsview/96082/for-sellers-things-to

3. Your Home is under Contract for sale. Is it time to remove the lock box?

http://activerain.com/blogsview/183350/your-home-is-under

4. Sellers! If you can't afford to reduce the price, consider renting it out.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/147587/sellers-if-you-can't

5. Ten Things I do as Soon As I Get a New Listing. http://activerain.com/blogsview/95608/ten-things-I-do

6. Sellers! Get Ready For The Fall Market Now.  http://activerain.com/blogsview/171801/Sellers-get-ready-for

7. Sellers !  Please read this information before you list your house.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/506883/sellers-please-read-this

8. Moving Checklist

http://activerain.com/blogsview/501126/moving-checklist

9. You can update your kitchen without spending a fortune.  Read http://actvra.in/8K8

10. You can update the bathroom without spending a fortune. http://actvra.in/m9P

11. Sellers ! tip #1 . How to create a great first impression   http://actvra.in/m9T

12. Is it easy to contact the agent ? http://actvra.in/mdZ

13 Sellers ! Things to do for the home inspection. http://actvra.in/mxq

 14. Look up all available listings of homes for sale in Philadelphia and suburbs at  www.gitabantwal.com

 

 

 

 

ATTENTION SPORTS FANS.

We have major professional teams . Basketball fans  have Sixers .     Gp to www.nba.com

Football fans  will love the Eagles. visit www.philadelphiaeagles.com

Baseball fans will love the Phillies  visit  www.philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com

and Hockey fans have Flyers.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Some of the Universities and Colleges in the area  are :

University of Pennsylvania and Wharton Business School

Temple University

Drexel University

Lehigh University

Penn State Has a Campus in the area

Villanova

St Joseph

La Salle

Bucks County is within an hour of Princeton University.