Real estate blog entries tagged with realtor by Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County (Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)

Home : Blogs : Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 : The Main Line and Chester County Real Estate Blog : Tag "realtor"

realtor: Fall newsletter - 10/20/25 12:48 PM

🍁 Fall Real Estate Update & Home Maintenance Tips
by Nick Vandekar, Associate Broker & Realtor®
Realty ONE Group Advocates
As the leaves turn and the days grow shorter, fall is one of my favorite times of year here in Chester County. Homes look beautiful framed by the changing colors, and it’s also a great season to think ahead—both for homeowners staying put and for those considering a move.
🛠️ Fall Home Maintenance Tips
Keep your home in top shape before winter arrives:
• Clean your gutters to prevent clogs and ice buildup.
• Inspect your roof for missing shingles or loose flashing.
• Seal gaps and cracks around … (14 comments)

realtor: Another 5 Star Review Finding the Way Home! - 07/15/25 01:55 PM

Finding the Way Home!

Helping clients is in my DNA, my whole being believes that clients need to understand what their options are and what are the consequences of the decisions they are making throughout. Which is why I have the motto - Helping you make the right decisions throughout the transaction.
That is never more so when things go wrong ad not because of anything you have done, but simply due to life.
I recently had a client who has been renting for a long time. She decided now was the time to purchase a home as her lease was coming to an … (17 comments)

realtor: The fun of checking in with past clients - 07/10/25 12:17 PM

One of the joys of being a Realtor and working with young first time buyers is discovering the changes in their lives when you check in with them.
I had reached out to some past clients and got back some lovely photos of their new baby born in March. A little girl called Quinn. I also heard about one of their dogs needing surgery on a herniated disc and the improvements they are making to the house. Baby proofing it now there is an additional member of the family.
It is part of what makes this job worthwhile to hear that the house … (17 comments)

realtor: 5 Star testimonial from a buyer cleint - 07/08/25 08:37 AM

While waiting for my client to conduct the final walkthrough before settlement I noticed this large blue heron flying through the neighborhood. I always seem to see Blue Herons, and consider them my Spirit Animal, where ever I go and this reminded me. Those with the Blue Heron spirit animal in the Native American tradition possess innate wisdom and strength that helps them maneuver and co-create their own situations and achievements in life. Exceptional Support Every Step of the Way!

I had a great experience working with Nick. He was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and always responsive — even while on vacation! His … (13 comments)

realtor: New listing 166 Hood Farm Drive, West Grove, PA 19390 - 06/11/25 12:16 PM

166 Hood Farm Drive, West Grove, PA 19390 – Big Elk Community
Welcome to 166 Hood Farm Drive, a beautifully upgraded single-family home nestled in the desirable 55+ Big Elk community in West Grove, PA.
Thoughtfully designed with main-floor living in mind, this 3-bedroom home features a versatile layout where one of the bedrooms has been converted into a stylish home office—perfect for working remotely or managing household affairs. With Luxury Vinyl Plank floors throughout the main level. The open-concept living area is anchored by a cozy gas fireplace, ideal for chilly evenings, and flows seamlessly into a spacious kitchen and … (15 comments)

realtor: It took a while, but it settled at last. - 06/02/25 12:17 PM

I had young clients who were intent on buying a larger home. We looked for a long time, but due to the lack of inventory and their unwillingness to enter into a bidding war we were not being particularly successful.
They had purchased a new construction townhome in Spring Oak in Malvern by J.P. Orleans with me several years ago and as their family grew they were now interested in buying a single family home. With four young children in tow we continued looking at homes. I suggested they look at the development they were in and see if the builder had … (21 comments)

realtor: Too Late for this one! 362 Quigley Drive is SOLD! - 05/30/25 08:32 AM

This great home settled yesterday, my sellers love the neighborhood so much they bought a single family home in the same development, Spring Oak in Malvern which settles today.
We negotiated for them to remain in the house for a few days so they can get the new house painted and the movers can pack everything up and move them next week.
The buyers are happy as they moved to be closer to some friends who are now neighbors and for work relocation.
This great neighborhood features a wonderful clubhouse and pool.
If you need help selling or finding the perfect home, give me a … (10 comments)

realtor: What does AI say about you? - 04/21/25 07:42 AM

Inspired by a post from Roy Kelley I asked ChatGPT "Tell me about Nick Vandekar blogger on Active Rain below is the response I was given. Noy a bad bio at all in my opinion.
Nick Vandekar is a seasoned real estate professional based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, specializing in the Main Line and Chester County areas. As a full-time REALTOR® and Associate Broker with Realty ONE Group Advocates, he brings over 20 years of experience to his clients. Nick is known for his prompt communication, strong negotiation skills, and commitment to client education throughout the buying and selling process.
In addition to his … (24 comments)

realtor: Just Listed - 362 Quigley Road, Malvern, PA 19355 - 03/24/25 09:04 AM

Welcome to Spring Oak
Welcome to 362 Quigley Drive, a Kingston II model, a stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath, with a plumbed in bath in the basement, end-unit townhome in the sought-after Spring Oak community of Malvern, PA.
Nestled in the award-winning Great Valley School District, this home offers the perfect blend of charm, convenience, and modern luxury. Spring Oak is more than just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. Picture kids riding bikes, neighbors chatting on tree-lined sidewalks, and weekends spent exploring scenic walking trails and bike paths. With low-maintenance living and resort-style amenities, you’ll have more time to enjoy what truly matters.
Plus, with easy … (19 comments)

realtor: Why have a home inspection on the Main Line and in Chester County? - 03/20/25 12:01 PM

People often think home inspections are for reopening negotiations on the price. But this is far from the truth. Check out my quick video for the real reason for a home inspection.

Buying a home on the Main Line or in Chester County, contact Nick Vandekar for guidance and representation, Selling the Main Line and Chester County with Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, email Nick@VandekarTeam.com to set up a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs and find out the process for buying a home in Pennsylvania on the Main Line or in Chester County and surrounding areas.
… (10 comments)

realtor: Main Line Market Reports, Lower Merion, Radnor and Tredyffrin Easttown - 03/19/25 09:07 AM

February 2025
Main Line School Districts Market Report
This report includes Lower Merion, Radnor and Tredyffrin Easttown.
Inventory has risen a little with the months of inventory showing about 2.5 for all the three school districts, this is still well below the 6 month level for a totally balanced market. So demand is still higher than supply, but there is choice for buyers as they survey the market.
Prices are strong in all three school districts, Lower Merion has a wider selection of housing accounting for the disparity between Median Sold Price and Median Listed Price.
Buyers still need to be prepared in advance to make … (8 comments)

realtor: Can Your Credit Score Help You Buy a Home? Absolutely! - 03/18/25 10:42 AM

Buying a house can be a long and winding road of ups and downs. But being prepared and knowing the steps can help you weather the emotional storms that invariably come along.
Knowing how your credit score is calculated can be helpful to establishing a good strong score which will help you obtain a mortgage for the best rate.
The riskier you are to lend money to, the higher the rate of interest will be on that mortgage which can make the cost of the loan prohibitive.
1) Payment history, paying your bills on time makes up 35% of your score. Set an alarm … (18 comments)

realtor: Springing Forward and Selling your home! - 03/10/25 01:23 PM

As Spring rapidly approaches you may be considering is now the right time to sell your home?
Kenny Chesney said:“Sunshine and spring bring out the best in everyone.”
There are many things that go into deciding if now is the right time to sell your home. What are you trying to achieve? Is it to downsize or buy a larger home due to changes in family circumstances? Are you dealing with a death or divorce situation?
Sometimes a time just comes when you know you need or want to move for a variety of reasons. When it is time, that is the time to … (21 comments)

realtor: How to negotiate the best deal when buying a home - 03/10/25 11:35 AM

Who doesn't love a deal? I know I do. Having grown up as the son of an antique dealer I heard my father for many years negotiating when purchasing items for stock and when he was selling as well. It made me a better negotiator when I followed him into the business many years later. When every penny counts and it is your business you tend to study how to be a good negotiator.
Main Line and Chester County buyers and sellers of real estate want a good deal and using an agent with excellent negotiation skills is a good beginning. But … (20 comments)

realtor: Using video to attract serious buyers - 03/10/25 07:51 AM

Professional photography catches the eyes of potential buyers on line, but video can seal the deal. Today more people watch video short and long form than might read the description of a house.
Whilst photos can show the rooms, a real video, not one of those tours of stitched together photos, can tell the story. When showing a house for sale, clients walk through the rooms, see the natural light, get a feel for the size and flow of the house. Well video can do the same thing. It can show a Main Line or Chester County buyer if this house might … (5 comments)

realtor: Tips for touring homes like a Pro! - 03/05/25 08:43 AM

Buying a home can be stressful, but Main Line and Chester County buyers guided by Nick Vandekar, Selling the Main Line and Chester County with Realty ONE Group Advocates have an advantage, and often they have fun as well.
Touring homes with the intention of buying one is different to just visiting someone's home. As a Realtor I have toured many, many homes over the 20 plus years I have been selling homes. I used to sell antiques, and when i was out hunting for inventory I often thought about what clients wanted. I found touring homes a similar experience, I walk … (22 comments)

realtor: Really! You want what? - 02/28/25 11:22 AM

Main Line and Chester County Home sellers ask what is reasonable for a buyer to ask for following a home inspection?
Dealing with Inspection Requests is an art, not a science. Like any negotiation it requires knowledge of what each party is trying to achieve and a willingness to listen actively and ascertain what is possible and what is not.
A home purchase is a multi stepped journey. First there is finding the right home, then a matter of negotiating a contract with price and terms acceptable to both parties. And then multiple other steps to closing.
Then it is a matter of completing … (18 comments)

realtor: How much money do you really need? - 02/27/25 07:55 AM

Main Line and Chester County buyers often get confused about how much money they need to buy a house. Many people get confused by the down payment and the amount of money they need to close on a house. Some people get confused between the down payment and the earnest money deposit.
The down payment is the equity in the house you are paying for with cash you have in savings or another type of account. The balance of the purchase price if you are not paying cash is paid for with the mortgage.
The earnest money deposit is the money you offer … (17 comments)

realtor: Is an adjustable rate mortgage right for you? - 02/21/25 10:38 AM

There are many things to consider for buyers of Main Line and Chester County Homes and with the rise in interest rates one of the big questions being asked "Is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Right for You?"
So let's examine this and give you the information so you can feel confident about the decision you will make on what type of mortgage to use.
Firstly the fixed rate mortgage is exactly that, the rate is fixed for the duration of the loan. You basically know what you will be paying for the term of the loan, the only part that might adjust is … (22 comments)

realtor: "Is it a buyer's or seller's market? Why it Matters" - 02/19/25 12:52 PM

Main Line and Chester County Residents know the market has been hot for the last few years. With little to no inventory and multiple offers many buyers have been making several offers before either putting their house hunt on hold or being successful.
Here we are in 2025, interest rates have risen over the last few months to hover between 6 and 7%, house prices have been rising every year and in some cases from month to month, so is that changing the market?
For the past few years it has definitely been a seller's market. Sellers have sat back seeing their equity … (16 comments)

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