5.        Make an Offer Now that you've found your dream home, it's time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will help you determine the offer price by reviewing recent sales of homes that are similar in size, quality, and conveniences and amenities. Your real estate agent will advise you on how to create an offer that will have the best chance of being accepted.After consultation with you, your agent will create a written contract with your offer that meets all the local and national legal requirements. This document details what needs to be done by both parties to execute the transaction. It should protect the interests of both parties and will ensure your financial position as the buyer.   6.      Negotiating to Buy Once your offer is made you may need to negotiate with the sell... 10/14/2008

1.Define Needs for your Home. Your first step toward buying your new home will be to analyze your needs.  Your real estate agent can help you determine exactly what you want your new home to look like and how it should function for you and your family.  First, write down why you are looking for a new home.  Second, establish a time frame for buying your home. 2. Pre-Approval Vs. Pre-Qualfication There are two ways to go about this: prequalification or pre-approval for a loan. Prequalification is the simpler of the two processes. When you contact a mortgage company, they will ask you for some basic information about your finances? How much money you earn, your debt load, etc. They will take this information and give you a rough estimate of how much of a loan you might qualify for.Pre-app... 10/14/2008

Makefield Brook Market Update October 13, 2008 Makefield Brook is a subdivision of approximately 40 single family homes built by Toll Brothers in the late 1980's, early 1990's. Homes are primarily 4 and 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 - 3 1/2 baths and range from approximately 3,000 to 4,000 sq. ft., with a median of 3,700 sq. ft. Lot sizes range from 0.33 to 1.5 acres with a median of 0.5. 2 homes are currently available for sale at an average price of $649,450.In the past 12 months, 5 homes have sold at an average sales price of $731,667.   10/13/2008

10 Biggest Selling Myths UncoveredSelling a house can be a bit like having a baby -- everyone gives you advice that may or may not be true for you. Here are ten myths uncovered:1. Myth: You should always price your home high and gradually lower it if it doesn't sell.Truth: Pricing too high can be as bad as pricing too low.You may think by listing high you can always accept a lower offer, but if you do, you'll miss the buyers looking in the price range where your home should be. Offers may not even come in, because interested buyers are scared off by the price and won't bother to look. By the time the listing price is corrected, you will have lost a large group of potential buyers. Your real estate agent will offer you a comparable market analysis. This is a document that compares your h... 10/13/2008

Recently, I talked about the possibility of adding another hour a day of phone prospecting to my schedule.  I've decided against that plan and will, instead, add an hour of door knocking.  One of my managers calls it returning the real estate business of 80 years ago and, perhaps that's right but, it seems like a logical next step on the prospecting progression. Here's how I see it; most of my prospecting calls are made in the hopes of getting a face to face with a potential client.  Door knocking eliminates the middle step of making the appointment.  I've already got face time and an opportunity to present my marketing materials; even if it is a casual conversation as opposed to a full blown listing appointment. Right now, I am preparing the proper marketing package for door knocks.  I... 10/10/2008

Market Snapshot August 31, 2008 Single Family Homes Average sales price 1.1.2008 through 8.31.2008 $495,000 +3.3% from the same period last year ($470,000) Units sold 1.1.2008 through 8.31.2008 188 units, -26.3% from the same period last year (255 units) Average Days on Market 65 days, +12% from the same period last year (58 days) Inventory of homes on the market, 210 units, -10.3% from the same time last year (234 homes) Average price of homes on market $571,000, +3.4% from last year ($552,000)   Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate.  Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Real Estate Articles and read my Bucks County Real Estate Blog   Andy Raffle www.askAndyRaffle.com Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors 70 West Afton ... 10/09/2008

Selling Steps cont. STEP 7 - SELLING SERVICE PROVIDERSOnce you accept an offer to sell your house you will need to make a list of all the things you and your buyer must do before closing. The property may need to be formally appraised, surveyed, inspected or repaired. Depending on the specifics reached during the negotiations, you may pay for all, some or none of these items. If each procedure returns acceptable results as defined by the contract, then the sale may continue. If there are problems with the home, the terms set forth in the contract will dictate your next step. Depending on the contract, you or the buyer may decide to walk away, open a new round of negotiations or close.   STEP 8 - PRE-CLOSE PREPARATIONA few days before the closing you will want to contact the entity that ... 10/07/2008

Selling Steps Cont.  Part 2 of 3 STEP 4 - MARKETING STRATEGYNow that your home is ready, it's time to put it up for sale and market it. Establishing a marketing strategy with your real estate agent is a must. Your agent will expose your home to the greatest number of potential buyers possible. He or she will use a marketing plan that will bring not only the most buyers, but also the most qualified buyers to your doorstep.There are many different ways to get the word out that your home is for sale. A yard sign, flyers, and direct marketing are just a few of the many options available. If you are in a buyer's market you will have to be extra careful when choosing a plan. You don't want your property to sit unnoticed. You and your agent should structure your marketing strategy so that the ... 10/06/2008

Selling Steps   STEP 1 - DEFINE NEEDSWrite down all the reasons for selling your home. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to sell and what do I expect to accomplish with the sale?" For example, reasons for selling include: a growing business that needs more space or a job opportunity that necessitates a move to another city. Things you want to accomplish with the sale may include the time frame in which you'd like to sell or a particular profit margin. Work with your real estate agent to map out the best path to achieve your objectives and set a realistic time frame for the sale.  STEP 2 - PRICING STRATEGYYour next objective should be to determine the best possible selling price for your house. You will need to take into account the state of the local market, the condition of your home and sa... 10/06/2008

Some Services offered by Carol Swain:  •        Virtual Tour: We will create a virtual tour of your home.  The virtual tour can be e-mailed to potential buyers, advertised, and listed on various websites including REALTOR.Com as well as www.swainsells.com.      A Virtual tour makes your home more searchable for a potential homebuyer on the internet.  Buyers are more likely to search through homes with a virtual tour first.  As a result, the virtual tour ensures your property is at the top of all searches.  •        Talking House: Create a talking home for you.  The talking home gives potential buyers the opportunity to hear prerecorded details on your home. This helps eliminate uninterested buyers as well as help create a buzz about your home.  If someone is interested the Talking Home ... 10/03/2008

Brookstone Market Update October 1, 2008 Brookstone is a subdivision of 2-story townhomes and single level condominiums (1st and 2nd floor condos available) built in three phases by Realen Homes, in Lower Makefield Township in the early 1990's. All units include one car attached garages, fireplace and the amenities of the community which include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and walking trails. 4 units are currently available for sale between $269,900 and $282,000.  Average price is $275,425.In the past 12 months, 13 homes sold between $250,000 and $340,000.  Average sales price is $284,346.    Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate.  Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Real Estate Articles and read my Bucks County Rea... 10/01/2008

Looking for something fun to do this fall? Visit Shady Brook Farm, a place for family fun.  In addition to our pick-your-own crops, great special events and festivals, their Farm Market stocks all your farm fresh produce, deli, dairy, and gardening needs.   You can visit them on the web at www.shadybrookfarm.com .  Pumpkin Fest will be open daily starting Oct. 4, 2008 through Nov. 2, 2008.  There will be Hayrides to pick your own pumpkins, themed play areas, straw maze, farm learning center, giant corn maze, and much more.  Check it out and bring the family. If you are looking for homes in Yardley, Pa visit Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . 10/01/2008

Mirror Lake Farms Market Update September 30, 2008  Mirror Lake Farms is a subdivision of detached, single family homes in Lower Makefield Township, PA.  Mirror Lake was built by Frank Kelly Builders in the early 1980's. Lot sizes are typically right around 1 acre with a few larger lots of 2 acres or more.  Homes are mostly 4 or 5 bedrooms and typically have between 3.5 and 3.5 bathrooms.  Mirror Lake Farms is within the Pennsbury School District.   2 units are currently available for sale, average price is $624,00.In the past 12 months, 2 homes have sold, average sales price is $700,050. Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate.  Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Real Estate Articles and read my Bucks County Real Estate... 09/30/2008

Yardley Hunt Market Update September 30, 2008 Yardley Hunt is a subdivision of single family homesin Lower Makefield Township. Yardley Hunt was built in several phases and totals approximately 600 total units.  The homes were built on lot saizes of between 1/3 and 1 Acre with the majority built on .38 or .44 Acre lots.  Most homes are 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath homes although there are some homes with 3 or 5 bedroons and different numbers of bathrooms.  9 homes are currently available for sale between $459,000 and $524,900.  Average price is $524,911.In the past 12 months, 16 homes sold between $390,000 and 592,000.  Average sales price is $489,500. Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate.  Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Re... 09/30/2008

So if you are thinking about selling there are a few things you should concentrate on when preparing.  Buyers tend to want to buy homes that are in move-in condition.  Typically, homes that are well maintained and priced right will sell quickly.  Curb AppealYour home maybe totally remodeled on the inside, but lack curb appeal on the outside.  This could potential limit the number of buyers you can actually get in the door.  Make sure your lawn is well manicured.  Remove dead plants, and spruce up the garden.  Remember to pick up toys, garbage cans, and hoses.  Clean your windows.  Paint the outside of the home, if necessary.   Make your home look desirable.  Clean everything from top to bottom It is hard sometimes when you live in the home to see things as potential buyers may.  Every r... 09/29/2008

Bridle Estates/Devonshire At Bridle Estates Market Update September 26, 2008 Bridle Estates is a subdivision of single family homes built by Toll Brothers beginning 1997 in Lower Makefield Township. Bridle Estates is built on lot sizes between approximately .4 to .7 acres, approximately and Devonshire lot sizes range from approximately 1.0 to 1.9 acres. Homes were primarily 4 and 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 baths and are primarily in the range of 4000-5000 Square Feet.  Bridle Estates is located within the Pennsbury School District. Two homes are currently available for sale at an average price of $752,450 In the past 12 months, 2 homes have sold at an average sales price of $821,250.   09/28/2008

THE ART OF THE DEAL: TIPS FROM ANDY RAFFLE ANDY RAFFLE HAS HOME, SWEET HOME SELLING STRATEGIES - WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CLOSE THE DEAL IN A BUYER'S MARKET?   What does it take to sell a home in a buyers' market - a fresh coat of paint or a kitchen overhaul? Lowering your asking price or offering incentives? From cosmetic to strategic, smart sellers can take advantage of a few simple tips to get the most out of their properties. Here are six strategies from Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors to securing a "sold" sign:       Though they may be obvious, cosmetic upgrades like painting and planting can truly go a long way to forming a fantastic first impression of your home.  And be sure to clean, clean, clean! 1.        Boost your curb appeal.  Though they may be obvious, co... 09/28/2008

Two of my daughters spent the day on a fundraiser, not for their sports or dance teams or even a club at school.  No, they instead spent the day raising funds for a group of people that they really don't know at all. Today was Harvest Day in Yardley, Pennsylvania.  Harvest Day is a tradition where merchants and crafters and the like set up tables and sell their wares throughout the town.  There are also games and food and some great entertainment.  The town is typically busy with people and my daughters saw it as an opportunity that has benefited from the generosity of others after being hit with several large floods in recent years.  This article details the fiundraising effort that my daughters and a group of their friends undertook and what was a pretty yucky days here in Yardley.  T... 09/27/2008

Whether you are looking for a home to live in or to buy as an investment , Yardley Commons is a great buy. The community is located close to the Delaware River. You can walk to the train station and take the train to center city, or walk to the  boro which has great  shopping and restaurants. It is within easy commute of Philadelphia and Princeton, NJ and Trenton from where you can take the train to New York. I looked up the multiple listing to see recent sales. Here is what I found.:  A 1 bedroom 1 bath sold for $147,000 in May 2008. and a two bedroom sold for $164,000 in May  A 1 bedroom unit  sold for $158,000 in April 2008  and another sold for $168,000., A  2 bedroom units sold in August  for $175,000 and another  2 bedroom sold in June for $177,000. 12 units sold in last 6 months.... 09/23/2008

Handsome red brick colonial situated on a wooded lot, enter the home through the spacious slate foyer. The foyer leads to the generously sized eat in kitchen with newer appliances, garbage disposal, pantry, built in wine rack, exposed beams, and a bay window overlooking the serene rear yard. The beamed family room with brick hearth wood fireplace has French doors that open to the covered patio to expand your leisure activities outside. Upstairs hosts 4 bedrooms, and two full baths. The master bedroom offers a dressing area with ample closet space, and a private adjoining bathroom. The home also features a full basement, laundry room, front porch, hardwood floors throughout under carpeting, and two car side entrance garage. Visit www.swainsells.com for a virtual tour, and more pictures. ... 09/22/2008