W. Whiteland prepares for redevelopment
West Whiteland Township has approved a new stormwater management ordinance that addresses redevelopment. With the township mostly built out, township supervisors theorized that more projects would come before them on land that was already developed. Since older developments, built right after World War II, frequently didn’t have stormwater management controls, any redevelopment would be an opportunity “to repair the mistakes of the past,” noted John Welter, director of planning and zoning for the township. Township officials are primarily concerned about the redevelopment of sites with lots of impervious coverage built in the 1950s and ’60s. It was common in the past for building lots to be completely covered in asphalt, a practice that would be prohibited today because municipal zoning ordinances govern how much impervious surface is allowed. The state requires counties and municipalities to adopt stormwater management ordinances that control the rate and volume of stormwater discharge and how stormwater must be managed. The goal is to keep stormwater on site to recharge groundwater. Weller said few redevelopment projects have come before the township. But he speculated the section of Route 100 between Business Route 30 and the township line could be ripe for redevelopment, with developers combining small lots into larger lots. Click here to learn more about stormwater management in West Whiteland Township
Source: Daily Local; 2/2/10
East Goshen fills vacant supervisor spot
A former chairman of the township planning commission was sworn in Tuesday as the newest supervisor. Senya Isayeff will complete the term of former supervisor Joseph McDonough, who retired last month. Isayeff was chosen out of a field of six applicants by a majority of the board of supervisors at the Jan. 25 special meeting. The co-owner of a West Chester-based company that does hazardous waste abatement and demolition, Isayeff said Wednesday that he was pleased to have the opportunity to “serve, protect and perpetuate what has been a wonderful community.” A resident of East Goshen since 1995, Isayeff serves on a number of boards including the Chester County Historical Society and the West Chester YMCA. He served on the West Chester Regional Planning Commission for five years and was on the township planning commission for six years.
Source: Daily Local; 2/4/10
Unionville-Chadds Ford anticipates property tax hike above state index
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District will seek to increase the tax rate above the state index for the 2010-11 school year. At last Tuesday night’s meeting, school board member Keith Knauss said the district would apply for two exceptions that could allow the district to raise taxes above the current 2.9 percent state index. If the state allows the exceptions, the administration could raise the real estate tax rates as high as 5.89 percent in Chester County and 3.68 percent in Delaware County. With those maximum increases, the tax rate would go from 23.58 mills to 24.97 mills in Chester County, and from 20.68 mills to 21.44 mills in Delaware County. A mill represents $1 in tax per every $1,000 of assessed real estate value. Under the proposed maximum increase, the owners of a home valued at $250,000 in Chester County would pay roughly $6,200 per year in school property taxes. In Delaware County, the same home would come with a $5,360 school property tax bill. Two factors are working against the district for the 2010-11 school budget year: the lowest-ever state index of 2.9 percent coupled with the recent downturn in real estate assessments in Chester County. Add to that a decrease in real estate transfer taxes, the district’s second-largest source of income, and the figures take on a grim hue. Click here to view the proposed preliminary budget in full.
Source: Daily Local; 2/1/10
Downingtown Area officials update budget struggle
Downingtown Area School District administrators announced Wednesday they are making the necessary cuts to ensure an anticipated school property tax increase will not exceed limits established by the state. District Chief Financial Officer Richard Fazio said the district would not increase taxes 4.9 percent as originally proposed, but he doubted a 2.9 percent increase could be avoided. The only way the district could increase taxes beyond 2.9 percent is if it applies for a state exception, which most school board members said they are unwilling to do. Fazio said that to meet the 2.9 percent increase, an additional $1.4 million must be cut from next year’s budget, as it now stands. The board must pass a preliminary budget by Feb. 12 to file for the state exceptions allowing the district to increase its tax levy beyond 2.9 percent. Lower assessed property values have hurt the Downingtown Area School District. In the 2004-05 school year, the district saw an additional $4.3 million in revenue from changes to its tax base. But this year that will drop. The district expects to make 1 percent of its budget from investment interest for the 2010-11 school year. Just three years ago, interest revenue made up more than 3 percent of the budget. Click here to learn more.
Source: Daily Local; 2/5/10
West Chester Borough sewer rates likely to begin long upward climb
Sewer rates in West Chester Borough will increase this year and will continue to increase each year for the foreseeable future, borough officials said. The borough is in the process of inspecting and repairing all of its sewers. Until recently, the borough responded to sewer problems but did not try to pre-empt them, said Public Works Director Bob Wilpizeski. The borough is in the midst of cleaning all of its sewer pipes, many of which are terra cotta and susceptible to cracks, root infiltration and other problems. After they are clean the borough will send cameras into the pipes to search for damage and other problems. This project is scheduled to take eight years. And as the borough identifies problems, it will raise sewer rates to pay to repair them, officials said. This month, sewer rates will increase 10 percent; a month of sewer service will now cost $22. If a property drains more than 2,000 gallons into the sewer during a month, $5.80 will be charged for each additional 1,000 gallons.
Source: Daily Local; 2/5/10
Overview
Statistics by School Districts
Chris’s Assessment:
SELLERS: As noted last month, the inventory has taken a dramatic dive due to the tax credit. This means there is less competition. We are about to enter into the spring market, so inventory will begin to increase again. But, the extended/expanded tax credit will be pushing people to look for homes earlier than what is typical. So there is a great opportunity there for the right sellers. You can grab this anxious market and get a decent price for your home, if it is a “First time home buyer” home, which is typically $300k or less. There is no crystal ball, but with the tax credit plus fantastic rates, I believe that if you are considering selling your home in the next 24 months, NOW is the time to do it. The conditions may not be this good for a couple of years.
Is it a good time to sell? I talk with home owners on a daily basis who are asking this specific question. A general rule to follow when determining if now is a good time to sell:
- Move-up: if you are selling a home and looking to ‘move-up’ or buy a more expensive home, the very best time to do this is when the market is down (like now)
- Move-down: if you are selling a home and looking to ‘move-down’ or buy a less expensive home, the very best time to do this is when the market is hot (not now)
BUYERS: It’s simple:
- Home prices are low
- interest rates remain low
- you get $8000 for buying a home as a first time buyer, or $6500 if you currently own a home.
Right now, as a buyer, your purchasing power is at a high point. If you have some cash set aside and you qualify for a good mortgage, then you have the power to buy. That puts you in a VERY good position. I highly recommend you take steps to become a home owner. If that is you, please contact me, as I can help you put together a plan to get there.
Active Listings (Supply)
Seasonally we are at a low point for inventory levels. When you look at the graph, one thing that I notice is that Supply is at a lower level for the month of January than it has been for three years. That’s a very good sign. Come June we will have a much better idea of whether the inventory will stay low or not, and that depends on what the demand is.
Sales Closed by Month (Demand)
Just as with supply, we are at a seasonally low point for demand. The next couple of months will be very telling of where the market is and is going. I have personally seen a tremendous amount of interest and activity in real estate. More than this time last year. I believe this Spring market is going to see a lot of activity.
Average Sold Price
After seeing the Average Sold Price (ASP) take a nose dive in the fall of 2009, due to the heavy activity under $300,000, we are seeing the ASP start to creep back up. January started out 14% up from the January 2009. That is another positive sign for a market recovery.
Sold To List Price Ratio (SLPR)
The SLPR still seems to be indicating that the market is going to stay down. But I generally think that the homes that sold in January were put under contract in November/December. What was going on in those months? For the most part buyers that might have missed the tax credit and were trying to get a deal. It may have also been home owners that were getting desperate to sell and were willing to take less for their homes. There is no way to tell for sure. I would be generally surprised if the SLPR stays in the low nineties over the next several months. If it moves to the mid nineties, then that would be a great indicator of the market leveling out.
Offers of Help
- What Is My Home Worth? Want to get a good idea of what your home is worth? Complete my Home Value Survey and find out what your Chester County Home is worth. . .
- What Is That Home Selling For? “Stop the car, honey … look at that house. I wonder what it’s selling for” Does this ever happen to you? Ever wonder what that house is selling for? Search and view all homes for sale in the Chester County area
- What do I need to know before I sell? Typically when a home does not sell, there is one reason…and it isn’t price. Please contact me to discuss what you need to know before you sell!
BTW, We do have very specific data for every price range and area of town. Want specific data pertaining to your neighborhood or your own home? We have it! Please let me know if you would like a neighborhood-specific analysis by contacting me!
Here are a few good restaurants that I would recommend in the Downingtown, PA area.
Victory Brewery -
420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, PA – (610) 873-0881
I HIGHLY recommend this place. It has award winning beer, and the food is good and getting better all the time. I LOVE the Trice fries, their burgers and the Angry pizza.
Coffee Cup:
117 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA – (610) 269-9336.
The Coffee Cup is my favorite dinner right now in Chester County. Well priced breakfasts and a really home town feel. I have to be honest, and tell you I’ve never eaten anything but breakfast there, but I am sure it’s good.
The Olive Tree Mediterranean Grill:
379 Downingtown Pike, Downingtown, PA – (610) 873-7911
I lOVE this place. It’s a treat for me – fantastic greek food! I love their Greek Tycoon Salad and their Chicken Penelope Sandwich. You can also get coupons for them on Restaurant.com
Primavera Pizza Kitchen:
853 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA – (610) 873-6333
When my wife and I get out for a date night, this is usually the place we go. We love the atomosphere and the food. They usually have live music on Friday nights. Check their website.
Firecreek:
20 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA – (610) 269-6000.
Very new restaurant. I haven’t gone yet, but I have heard great things. The meals are a little more on the expensive side, so make this a special visit.
If I have left any good restaurants out, PLEASE contact me or comment on this post. I would be happy to include them.
Tags: Dining, downingtown pa
Last summer I it took a “bold” step out into the unknown and signed up for a new and intense Keller Williams training course called “BOLD: Business Objective – Life of Design”. Intense it was. . . The entire 8 week course was geared around conditioning our thinking and mindset, and the skills needed to achieve the goals that we set. It was like getting a personal trainer named “Sven” who looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger and that scared the heck out of you to get you in shape. And did it ever!
To appreciate the change that this course had on me, you must understand who I am. I am an artist NOT a sales person. I never wanted to go into sales. I perceived sales people as inauthentic – fake – just wanting to make a buck. I love to help people and please people and as a result my moods were always up and down depending on what was going on in my life. I have even struggled with depression in the past.
Since completing the BOLD course, my life is very different. Not that BOLD is alone responsible, as I have a deep faith in Jesus Christ that really is the under pinning of all success I have had and will have. But, I do have to say that the coach, Michaelann Byerly, and the course itself helped me gain the skills and mindset that seemed to be unachievable previously. It has affected every area of my life. Not only do I love what I do with a deep passion but my personal life has improved as well. It has made me a better father, a better husband, a better friend and someone who is aiming to contribute to my community in ways that I never imagined.
In short, I literally walked away a different person. So different in fact, that Keller Williams International decided to feature me in an article for their bi-monthly company magazine. They wrote a great article on how the course has effected me and I wanted to share it with you. I am honestly don’t really like the attention. But since it has been given, I honestly hope that it inspires, not only other real estate agents, but everyone, to take the steps necessary to achieve the goals that they have set for themselves. After all, if an artist who despises sales people can achieve what I have in the Real Estate business, then anything is possible!
Read the entire article from KW’s “Outfront Magazine”: PDF or Online
Resident’s solar panel request denied in East Fallowfield
An East Fallowfield Township resident is angry that the homeowners’ association where he lives won’t allow him to erect solar panels on the roof of his home. The resident lives on North Anchor Way in the Brook Crossing subdivision. He wanted to put low-profile black solar panels on his rear south-facing roof.The panels would violate one of the restrictive covenants of the development that calls for any “addition, enclosure, garage, fence, planting or other improvement or modification erected, placed or maintained within a unit shall be harmonious in design with the single family dwelling unit.” The homeowner said that the board members of the HOA advised him that an attorney had reviewed the HOA’s bylaws and had concluded that “solar panels are not harmonious.” State Rep. Tom Houghton, D-13th, of Cochranville, is in the process of lining up support for a bill, HB 2234,that would prohibit HOAs from passing restrictive covenants that bar homeowners from placing solar panels on their roof or structure. The bill, which is modeled on a similar bill enacted by the state of Delaware, has just gone out to potential co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The bill only applies to solar panels on a structure and not free-standing systems. About 25 municipalities in Chester County have drafted ordinances regulating alternative energy systems.
Source: Daily Local; 1/24/10
Lumber Yard condos to be built in phases in West Chester
The proposed 87-condominium Davis Lumber Yard development, which Borough Council approved last year, is now scheduled to be built in two phases. Hunter Davis, the developer and property owner, initially planned to build the project in one phase, but financing difficulties caused by the ongoing economic crisis caused him to alter his plans. Council last week granted Davis permission to divide the project in two. The first phase will total 38 units, Daley said. The units will be condos but will look much like town homes, according to Daley. Council last week imposed conditions on Davis that will prevent the construction site from being an eyesore should it take him more than several years to build all of the condos. Davis plans to build the units only after someone has agreed to purchase it. The Davis Lumber Yard is located at South Franklin and East Barnard streets. At just under four acres, it is one of the few remaining parcels in the borough capable of supporting a larger development. The condominiums are expected to start at $250,000.
Source: Daily Local; 1/29/10
East Brandywine unveils Bondsville Mill Park plans
East Brandywine Township held a public meeting to allow public input and to unveil its master plan for the Bondsville Mill Park project. The township plans to create a passive-recreational park on the 25-acre former mill site, located on Bondsville Road between North Bailey and Fisherville roads, with trails, natural areas and some historical renovations of former mill buildings. Site work could cost approximately $400,000.
Source: Daily Local; 1/26/10
Reaction mixed on T/E plan
Although passed unanimously, the preliminary budget that was approved at the Monday night Tredyffrin/Easttown Board of School Directors meeting did not gain the same unanimous approval from residents. The proposed preliminary budget for the 2010-2011 school year includes a projected $101.9 million in revenue and $111.15 million in expenses, leaving a $9.25-million deficit. On the table at the School Board meeting was the decision of whether or not to raise taxes in order to close the deficit. If the board approved raising taxes up to the 2.9-percent Act 1 index, the deficit would decrease to $6.85 million. If the board approved to apply for exceptions to the Act 1 index, it would be allowed to tax 3.73 percent on top of the index, which could bring the deficit down to $3.75 million. After discussion, the board voted on the motion to approve the proposed preliminary budget, with the authorization to seek out the Act 1 referendum exceptions, and the motion did not pass. The board then unanimously passed the preliminary budget with an adopted resolution limiting the tax increase to the Act 1 index of 2.9 percent or less. This was the sixth meeting during which the budget was a line item, and the board will continue to discuss and rework the budget through June. The hope is to end the year with a balanced budget. For more information and to view the budget online visit: www.tesd.k12.pa.us/index.html.
Source: Main Line Suburban Life;
Q: How do I check if my fireplace is in good condition?
Fireplaces are considered very inefficient heat sources, but they are a feature homeowners look for in their homes. There are two types of fireplaces: brick (or sometimes rock) and mortar fireplaces and a prefab unit with masonry surrounding it.
Fireplaces and chimneys are part of a general inspection. A home inspector will check for major cracks in the masonry surrounding the firebox. The inspector will then look into the flue and operate the damper to verify that it works.
Because the inspection is a visual inspection, the inspector cannot see if there are any internal problems within the chimney, but they can inspect the exterior of the chimney by observing the condition of the masonry.
The inspector will then look for creosote stains leaking out from the mortar joints, which would indicate that there is a break in the flue liner.
For more information, visit my preferred home inspector’s website, at npiweb.com/benson
Tags: Buyers, home maintenance, inspections
Here is a question that was recently asked on Trulia.com and my answer. . .
Buying a mobile home is very much like buying a car, in that the mobile home, generally speaking, does not improve in value. If you don’t have cash and need to get a loan, lenders see mobile homes exactly as the see cars. In many cases, traditional mortgage lenders do not do loans on mobile homes.
In addition to the investment/value issue, you typically have a lot rent that is somewhere between $300 – $500 per month. At current rates (5.5%) $300 a month is worth about $60,000 in purchase price. So if you buy a mobile home for $60,000, you could technically purchase a traditional home for around $120k for the same monthly payment, AND build equity and credit.
Some advantages include:
- Lower cost than owning a home.
- You can move the house itself
- Shorter time frame for a new mobile home than a new traditional home
Disadvantages:
- Value does not appreciate (not including land)
- Interest rates are generally higher than a traditional home
- You usually have to pay lot rent, unless you own the property
- Not as sturdy as traditional homes
- Not as energy efficient as traditional homes
In the end, mobile homes are a great way to save some money, but usually, when something is cheaper, it’s usually for a reason.
Tags: Buyers
Naturalizing stormwater basins focus of lecture
The Chester-Ridley-Crum Watersheds Association, in conjunction with East Goshen Township, Habitat Resource Network and other municipalities, is presenting a lecture next month on naturalizing stormwater basins. Many townships and private property owners have stormwater basins on their property, but aren’t aware that making modest changes such as adding native species can improve the look and function of the basins. Homeowners, property managers and parks managers can benefit from the lecture Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at Penn State Brandywine in Middletown Township. The free lecture is presented by Mark Gallagher, vice president of Princeton Hydro, a company that specializes in ecological and engineering consulting services. The presentation will provide examples of landscaping with native plants and the redesign of existing basins which improve the basin’s ability to infiltrate more stormwater and reduce maintenance costs. Gallagher will explain the state’s new stormwater regulations for municipalities. The lecture will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. in the Tomezsko building auditorium of Penn State Brandywine, 25 Yearsley Mill Road in Media. Space is limited. Reservations are recommended. Contact Chester-Ridly-Crum at crc@nni.com or call 610-892-8731.More information is available at www.crcwatersheds.org or www.habitatresourcenetwork.org.
Source: Daily Local; 1/19/10OJR eyes possible $1.6 million budget shortfall
The Owen J. Roberts School Board is looking for ways to avoid a potential budget shortfall for the next school year. The 2010-11 budget won’t be approved until June, but the school board got a first look at the preliminary financial plan at a workshop Monday night. It’s likely that the budget will undergo a number of revisions between now and June. Business Manager Jaclin Krumrine warned the board that the preliminary budget shows the potential for a $1.6 million shortfall, even if the board levies the 2.9 percent real estate tax hike allowable under Pennsylvania’s Act 1 taxing index. The board must decide this month whether to apply for two special exceptions that would allow for a greater tax increase. Krumrine recommended applying for those exceptions now, even though future cuts to the preliminary budget could render the exceptions unnecessary.
Source: Daily Local; 1/18/10
Coatesville official: Chetty deal meeting ’suspicious’
Coatesville City Council authorized its solicitor to review a special meeting regarding the city’s sales agreement with development company Chetty Builders. Councilman Karl Marking suggested tasking newly appointed City Solicitor John Carnes to “review the legitimacy of the manner in which the meeting was called and executed” to ensure the Dec. 23, 2009, special council session was “in accordance with the Sunshine Law and the city charter.” Council unanimously approved. The special meeting in question began at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall and lasted about five minutes. During that meeting, City Council, including some members no longer on the council, approved a sales agreement with Chetty Builders for an 84-townhouse community on a northern, 10-acre section of The Flats. The sale agreement and addendum were passed on a 4-0 vote, with former Council President Martin Eggleston and former Councilwoman Robin Scott absent. The agreement states that Chetty Builders plans to pay the city about $1.6 million for the land. But the actual purchase price will be paid to the city in installments at the closing of each townhouse in the proposed residential subdivision. The townhouses will range in price from $159,000 to $199,000.
Source: Daily Local; 1/20/10
Budget cuts under review by West Chester Area School Board
The West Chester Area School Board has begun to consider the budget cuts that the school district’s community budget task force developed late last year. On Monday night, the school board’s education committee and pupil services committee, both of which are made up of school board members, talked over some of the cuts. Among the cuts they looked at were reducing the number of high school counselors available during the summer; ceasing to offer free SAT prep courses; and starting vocational education in 10th grade rather than ninth grade. Neither panel committed to any particular budget cut. Discussions are likely to continue over the next few months, and cuts are likely to be finalized by mid-spring, officials say.
Source: Daily Local; 1/20/10
Great Valley School Board votes to limit tax increase
A split Great Valley School Board voted 6-2 Tuesday to keep any increase in taxes for the 2010-2011 school year within the state’s Act 1 index of 2.9 percent. The district is facing a $3.2 million shortfall in revenue for the 2010-2011 school year’s projected $78.8 million budget. If the board voted to apply for the special exceptions, it would have to approve a preliminary budget by Feb. 16. Since the board voted to keep the budget within the Act 1 index, the preliminary budget doesn’t have to be approved until April. The full board will continue discussing the budget at the finance committee meeting Feb. 1, which will be open to the public.
Source: Daily Local; 1/21/10
Taxes rising in West Pikeland
The West Pikeland Board of Supervisors increased taxes for the second time in the last two months, but now must decide exactly how to use the money that is already earmarked. The millage rate in West Pikeland was 0.125 mills in 2009, but in November the board voted to increase the rate to 0.2 mills in order to help balance the budget. On Tuesday, the board reopened the budget and hiked the tax rate up to 0.5 mills on a 4-1 vote, but stipulated that the additional funds generated from the most recent increase be used for infrastructure within the township. Most residents in the audience at Tuesday’s meeting threw their support behind the hike, but were concerned over the earmarking of funds for infrastructure purposes. The main cause for the board’s move to produce more revenue was that a survey was done by engineering firm McCormick Taylor on the township roads. The survey recommended a 10-year repair plan that would ultimately cost $6.5 million.
Source: Daily Local; 1/21/10
As you may, or may not know, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is in some trouble from a financial standpoint. I read the “Daily Forecast Update” from the National Association of Realtors today, and that update mentions that the loan underwriting standards for FHA loans will be changing, in the MORE STRICTER side of things. I do not have any time frame on when these changes will be implemented as of now. Several items that were mentioned to be changed are:
- Minimum Down Payment: It has been 3.5% but is rumored to be jumping to 5%. I don’t know that for sure thought. That means, that if you are purchasing a home at $200,000, TODAY your minimum down payment will be $7000. IF it goes to 5%, that jumps the minimum down payment to $10,000. That’s a difference of $3000. That can be a very big deal for first time home buyers.
- More limitations on Seller’s Assist: A Seller Assist is where, at closing, the Seller gives money back to the Buyer, usually to reduce closing costs. Currently the maximum allowed Seller Assist is 6% for an FHA loan. On a $200,000 purchase, that can be as much as $12,000 of assistance. I have not heard what they will be lowering them to, but I believe it will probably be reduced by 1 to 3%.
- Raising Minimum Credit Scores: Currently, the minimum credit score to qualify for an FHA loan is about 600. I have not read or heard what they may change it to.
Understand, the FHA does not give out loans, but does insure them. And in order to insure them, the loans, those using them and the homes they are buying must qualify for the loan. Many first time home buyers use an FHA loan when they purchase a home for several reasons:
- Credit scores are less of an issue: On a conventional loans, if your credit score is under a 720, then the interest rate that you would qualify for would be higher than what the base rate is. For instance, if the rate currently available is 5.125% and your credit score is 680, the interest rate you may qualify for may be 5.75%, for example. On an FHA loan, the rate is the rate, as long as you have the minimum score or better. So if the available rate is 5.375% (which is what it was yesterday, Jan. 19th) then that is the the rate no matter how close to the minimum score you have.
- Interest rates are generally the most favorable: If you have a less than stellar credit score, the chances that your rate with an FHA loan will be lower than that if you went with a conventional loan are very good.
- The Debt-to-income ratios are more lenient: Debt-to-Income (DTI) limitations for conventional loans are generally in the mid 30’s, meaning that if your overall debt payments (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages) constitute more than 35% of your overall Gross (pre-tax) income, then your “DTI” would be too high to qualify for that loan. On an FHA loan, currently it is in the mid to high 40’s.
- Private Mortgage Insurance is less on a monthly basis: The FHA allows the PMI to be structured in such a way that it can reduce the effect on a monthly payment by as much as 40%. That can equal as much as $100 or more and that is a significant savings for a first time home buyer.
My advice:
When, not if, but when these changes are put in to place and depending on how much of a change it is, this will definitely slow the market down. Less buyers will be able to qualify for a loan which equals less demand. So if you are a buyer or are considering buying between now and the next two years, I highly recommend that you speak with a qualified Buyer Agent today. They can help you determine how these changes will effect you and help you create a plan to put you in the best position possible when you do go to buy. For sellers – If you must seller or are considering selling in the next two years, your best window may be in the next 3 months. Speak with a qualified Realtor who knows your local market and can give you good advice.
Of course, if you live in Chester, Montgomery, Delaware, Lancaster or Berks Counties, I would be more than happy to help you.
Articles referenced in this post:
National Association Of Realtors article
Tags: Breaking News, FHA, First Time Home Buyer
In the efforts to help everyone, including myself, “Go Green”, I wanted to share this fantastic check list with you all. Not only will it “help the earth” but save you $$, which we all could use right now.
The following is a simple checklist of energy conservation/efficiency measures to use at home.
Today
- Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
- Check if your water heater has an insulating blanket. An insulating blanket will pay for itself in one year or less!
- Heating can account for almost half of the average family’s winter energy bill. Make sure your furnace or heat pump receives professional maintenance each year. And look for the ENERGY STAR® label when replacing your system.
- Review additional strategies to reduce your water heating bills. Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home.
- Survey your incandescent lights for opportunities to replace them with compact fluorescents (CFLs) or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). CFLs can save three-quarters of the electricity used by incandescents. The best targets are 60-100 W bulbs used several hours a day. Measure the clearance in the fixtures to make sure they will accommodate compact fluorescents, which are slightly bigger than incandescents.
- Turn off the lights in unoccupied rooms or consider installing timers, photo cells, or occupancy sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.
- Install a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted to temperatures according to your schedule.
- During winter, open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
- Clean or replace filters in your furnace, air-conditioner, and heat-pump.
- ENERGY STAR® labeled products can cut your energy bills by up to 30 percent. Find retailers near you at http://www.energystar.gov/ when you’re ready to replace your heating and cooling systems—as well as appliances, lighting, windows, office equipment, and home electronics.
This Week
- Visit the hardware store. Buy a water-heater blanket, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and compact fluorescents, as needed. If you can’t find compact fluorescents locally, check out ENERGY guide or Energy Federation Incorporated.
- Rope caulk leaky windows.
- Assess your heating and cooling systems. Determine if replacements are justified, or whether you should retrofit them to make them work more efficiently to provide the same comfort (or better) for less energy.
This Month
- Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills. Target the largest energy consumer or the largest bill for energy conservation measures.
- Insulate your hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
- Insulate heating ducts in unheated areas, such as attics and crawlspaces. Keeping ducts in good repair can prevent heat loss of up to 60 percent at the registers.
- Seal up the largest air leaks in your house—the ones that whistle on windy days, or feel drafty. The worst culprits are usually not windows and doors, but utility cut-throughs for pipes (”plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished spaces behind cupboards and closets. Better yet, hire an energy auditor with a blower door to point out where the worst cracks are. All the little, invisible cracks and holes may add up to as much as an open window or door, without you ever knowing it!
- Install a clock thermostat to set your thermostat back automatically at night.
- Schedule an energy audit (ask your utility company or state energy office) for more expert advice on your home as a whole. Learn more about home energy audits.
This Year
- Insulate. If your walls aren’t insulated have an insulation contractor blow cellulose into the walls. Bring your attic insulation level up to snuff.
- Replace aging, inefficient appliances. Even if the appliance has a few useful years left, replacing it with a top-efficiency model is generally a good investment. Especially check the age and condition of your refrigerator.
- Upgrade leaky windows. It may be time to replace them with energy-efficient models or to boost their efficiency with weatherstripping and storm windows. The typical home loses more than 25 percent of its heat through windows.
- Reduce your air conditioning costs by planting shade trees and shrubs around your house—especially on the west side.
- Know that you are making a difference!
Tags: Home Tips
