East Goshen forming advisory group
East Goshen Township is looking for a few good residents to form a township advisory group to develop recommendations to improve the township’s finances. The new group is being modeled after Tredyffrin’s budget advisory group. The township has posted information on its website here. According to the mission statement, the township advisory group, TAG, will make a comprehensive review of all aspects of the township’s operations including, but not limited to: administration, code enforcement, financial, public works, recreation, refuse and recycling, and sewer. The object is to make recommendations for “improvements to township processes and procedures, modification of the township’s services and programs, optimizing the township’s assets and to identify possible revenue enhancements.” The board set a deadline of April 16 to receive all resumes.
Source: Daily Times; 3/5/10
Great Valley school officials discuss budget
Charging student activity fees, lowering thermostats and increasing impact and rental fees were just some of the ideas discussed as Great Valley School District officials considered ways to balance next year’s budget. District Superintendent Alan Lonoconus said no decisions have been made yet about how to trim the budget after school board members asked him to investigate some options. Estimated revenue for the the 2010-11 school year is $71.9 million. Officials are considering taking $3.5 million from the district’s cash reserves to augment that revenue. The school board has told administrators to bring the budget in at $76.3 million, which is below the district’s 2009-10 budget of about $76.7 million. The district is also considering a 1.5 percent to 2.9 percent tax increase to balance next year’s budget.
Source: Daily Local; 3/3/10
Massive downtown redevelopment project clears hurdle in Kennett Square
A massive $30 million redevelopment plan for downtown Kennett Square cleared its final hurdle this week when the Bayard Taylor Memorial Library Board of Trustees agreed to participate. When completed, the project will result in increased commerce in Kennett Square and expanded community and recreational services for area residents. Called the Kennett Area Community Development Plan, it involves four entities — the Kennett Area YMCA, the Anson B. Nixon Park, the Bayard Taylor Library and the borough.
The YMCA will get a $ 4 million, 14,928-square-foot expansion of space. The borough’s maintenance shed will be removed and a new one built at a cost of $3 million. Old brick historic buildings on the park land will be restored. The old borough building will be used for storage or training facilities. Construction of a roundabout at Walnut Street and the entrance to the park will make it much easier and safer for residents to enter the grounds. A new facility will be built near the park’s pond. A new $8-9 million library building will be constructed on what is now the Weinstein property. Additionally, the borough’s parking garage will be expanded to include more parking. There will be other parking improvements in the area of the project. When completed, the revitalization project would bring an additional 75 to 100 new employees to Kennett Square. Officials have promised that the revitalization project will not start until funding is in place, and say a realistic time frame to the project’s completion is five to 10 years.
Source: Daily Local; 2/28/10
No tax increase in the Oxford Area School District?
Several members of the Oxford Area School Board made it clear that they want to work toward a budget for the 2010-2011 school year that will not require an increase in taxes. With a millage rate of 29.5479 for the current school year, property taxes in Oxford rank among the highest in the county. District officials have already made enough cuts to lower a potential tax increase to about 1.59%.
Source: Chester County Press; 3/3/10
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Chris’s Assessment
First, let me point out something that is somewhat obvious… I have changed my charts a bit, hopefully for the better. I’d love your opinion! I changed them to make them simpler. Now what you are looking at is the line for the current year, last year, and then the 5 year trend line. Previously, there was too much going on. I hope this is better.
For Seller’s: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: If you are planning on selling your home in the next 24 months, for whatever reason, NOW is the time to do it. With the tax credit in play, we are going to see more activity between now and the end of April as, I believe, we will see in a long time. “Don’t worry about it, the government will extend the tax credit. . . . right?” Highly doubtful. For many reasons. Even without the tax credit, the chart showing the average sale price shows that between March and July is when you will get the highest price for your home. Even the pending chart proves this as the majority of the activity in the market is done between March and July.
Is now the 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)
Need to sell? We love helping homeowners in the Chester County area prepare to sell their home. Contact us now to get our list of the 5 most common ways that Home Seller’s leave money on the table. We’d be happy to help you get the most for your home.
For BUYERS: It’s simple, I’ll say it again:
- 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)
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- Seasonally, the increase in supply is fully expected
- It is at a significantly higher increase than usual and over last year.
- The rate at which it is increasing is a bit concerning. What will be very telling is if the rate of increase continues.
- If demand were keeping up with supply, this would be a good sign, but it is not. Not a great sign.
Sales Closed by Month (Demand)
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- Demand is down, and I don’t take that as a good sign. I thought initially maybe it was due to all the snow, and that could be, but these are homes that went pending 40 – 60 days before. The snow wasn’t in effe then.
- Last year at this time the demand had increased over January, and the fact that february’s number is going against the trend is not a good sign.
- Next months pending number will be a very telling sign as it sets the stage for the three best months in real estate sales in Chester County
Pending Homes Sales by Month (Intended Demand)
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- Again, another number that is bucking the trend and it’s not a great sign. Unlike the previous chart, this WAS effected by the snow, as there were several weekends that kept people inside.
- As said, the pending numbers for March will be very important. Seasonally, those numbers jump way up. Let’s see what happens. . .
Average Sale Price
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- One “happy fact” from this month is the fact that the average sale price is right in line with the 5 year trend (bright red line).
- This is mostly due to the fact that higher end/priced homes have been moving the last couple of months, and the first time home buyer market has cooled of, which has pushed that average back up.
- Due to the “Tax Credit Effect” we will probably see that average sales price drop over the next several months. This is not an indication of value, just sale price.
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!
View home for sale at 201 Julie Dr., Parkesburg, PA 19365, a modern 2 story home backing to gorgeous views of Chester County farmland.
- Built in 2002
- Gorgeous views of Chester County farmland
- Private Cul-De-Sac location
- 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
- Over 1800 square feet of living, plus a basement
- Large eat-in Kitchen with modern appliances
- Enjoy outdoor entertaining on the deck and patio
- Finished basement with recessed lighting perfect for watching movies
- High efficiency gas heat, central air
Take a Video Tour!
Get more details or set up a showing!
Tags: 19365, Homes for sale, Listing, Parkesburg
View home for sale 305 Buck Run Rd, East Fallowfield, a custom-built 2 yr old home backing to beautiful wooded countryside.
- Custom Built in 2008
- Seller paid $368,000 2 years ago!
- Backs to wooded countryside
- 4 (LARGE) bedrooms, 2 and a half baths
- More than 2900 square feet
- HUGE walk out basement ready for finishing touches
- Massive 21′x14′ kitchen with beautiful granite counters
- Enjoy country air on the deck with hot tub
- 2 master bedrooms!
- This is a home you must see in person!
Take a video tour!
Get more details or set up a showing
Tags: 19320, East Fallowfield, Homes for sale
‘Green Expo’ set for Saturday in Chester County
Caln Township will host a “Green Expo” this Sat., Feb.27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Thorndale United Methodist Church, 3503 Lincoln Highway. The expo, sponsored by the Caln Township Board of Commissioners and the Caln Township Conservation and Renewable Energy Task Force, will feature informational sessions and exhibits focused on conservation. Topics will include solar energy, geothermal HVAC, home energy audits and green energy financing, and vendors will showcase their green products and services. March 6 is the snow date. For more information and a schedule of sessions, call 610-384-0600, ext. 148.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 2/24/2010
County sale of two downtown West Chester buildings may impact community
West Chester has an opportunity in the coming months to join with other parties in the creation of a new landscape for the center block of its downtown business district. Chester County is in the process of selling two of its larger buildings in the downtown center block: the Mosteller Building; and the North Wing of the Chester County Courthouse, which houses the county treasurer’s office and the commissioners’ administrative facilities. The county has made the decision to begin marketing the two properties as one, in hopes of finding a buyer more efficiently. While county officials have signaled that they will keep the borough’s development plans in mind during the sales process, they have also promised to seek the maximum value on the property in the interest of taxpayers. Last week, West Chester Borough Council forwarded the county a copy of a study done by the West Chester Business Improvement District (BID) that lays out a vision of what the BID and, by extension, council would like to see happen with the sale. The county has promised that it will preserve the 1848 courthouse and its 1892 annex, so any thought that those properties might be threatened should be put to rest. The county will also keep as its own the courthouse fountain and pocket park that sit along North High Street.
Source: Daily Local; 2/24/2010
Big tax hike looms in Spring-Ford school district
While many details must still be worked out, Spring-Ford Area School District’s budget for 2010-11 currently includes a 6.98 percent tax increase for property owners. The school board approved its $129.4 million preliminary budget Feb. 15, because it legally was required to do so. However, officials say it’s premature to know the extent of property tax hikes until a few things are made clear, such as knowing the state’s funding allocation. If the school district receives adequate state funding, then the property tax hike could be lowered to a 5.22 percent increase.
Source: Daily Local; 2/24/2010
New budget requires tax hike for Downingtown Area
The Downingtown Area School Board unanimously passed a preliminary budget Wednesday that will not allow the district to apply for any exceptions and will set a cap on the potential tax increase at 2.9 percent. Wednesday was the last date available for the board to pass a preliminary budget. The district’s administration is still working on budget cuts to remain within the allowed 2.9 percent increase. A spokesperson for the district said about $1.4 million in cuts will be necessary to balance the budget with a 2.9 percent property tax increase. More than $1 million has already been cut from an initial budget presented in December. The 2.9 percent increase would take the district’s tax rate from 25.5 mills to 26.2 mills.
Source: Daily Local; 2/23/2010
Owen J. Roberts School budget falls $1.6 million short
The Owen J. Roberts School Board approved a preliminary budget for the 2010-11 school year that seeks two special exceptions that would allow the board, if necessary, to raise taxes beyond the state’s taxing index. As the budget now stands, the district would experience 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. For that reason, the board agreed to apply for two “referendum exceptions” from the state Department of Education. The exceptions, if approved by the state and district voters, would allow for a much greater tax increase of 5.2 percent. But even that would leave the district $300,000 in the red. The board qualifies for two referendum exceptions — one pertaining to special education costs and another to retirement funds. By law, the district must apply for those exceptions this month to be able to use them, if needed, in June. The preliminary budget is a starting document for the board that will likely be trimmed significantly before the final budget is approved in June. More information about the budget is available on the district’s Web site, www.ojrsd.com.
Source: Daily Local; 2/24/2010
Gary Keller, founder of Keller Williams Realty, gives ABC 5 secrets to selling your house:
Tags: selling your house, video
This article is courtesy of Brandywine/Springfield Waterproofing, a local Chester County waterproofing company.
WATERPROOFING PREVENTIVE MEASURES AFTER HEAVY SNOW FALLS - are most effective prior to any immediate following heavy rains. Most are well in the scope of “Do it yourself” and you can save big bucks and a lot of headaches by doing the following:
- Sump Pump Discharge Line – clear the exit area and check for no snow/ice blockage (especially if discharging into downspouts which also may be frozen).
- Pump Electrical outlet – check if fuse may have blown due to pump overheating because the discharge was blocked. Simply plug in portable lamp to test.
- Outside Basement Door Drains – remove snow/ice blockage which allows water entry under door and causes rotting. If drain is still blocked – call an outside Waterproofing specialist.
- Base of house – clear and Trench drainage for roof melting/heavy rain run off. Use caution when working under hanging ice. Large hanging ice may indicate attic ventilation concerns.
- Window Wells – clear out any snow build up as House heat can cause a fishbowl effect which collects water causing window leaks. Plastic covers can help prevent this.
- Sill Plate leakage – clear away high snow which allows water to spill over the Sill Plate. The 3 inch termite barrier (visible wall) should be visible under the siding.
- Brick Veneer Walls – clear high snow blocking the low drainage ports which allows water to drop down on the inside sill plate when heavy winds blow the water into the higher ports.
- Internal Sump Pump – if existing, check to see if operational by manually lifting float device. Sump Pumps help relieve upward hydrostatic water pressure from flooding the floor.
- Battery Backup systems – should be considered depending on content risk and especially if a finished basement in an area having power outages. A good system will also increase your existing pump’s normal capacity.
- Consult your Realtor – for any professional help. They know reliable, state registered, Home Improvement Contractors and it always pays to stay in touch with them.
Bill & Sean Worthington, Brandywine/Springfield Waterproofing – 610-280-7775
Tags: home maintenance
Commissioners move up deadlines for Chester County real estate tax bills
The county commissioners have moved up the due dates for county tax bills this year, which led some taxpayers to speculate that the county is hoping to generate additional revenue through late payment fees. But county officials said that the deadlines have changed so that the county can get tax revenue sooner rather than later. If the county gets money earlier, said Chester County Treasurer Anne Duke, it can avoid having to take out a loan to cover early 2010 operating costs. The early payment deadline has moved forward to March 16. Those who pay their bill by this date will get a 2 percent discount on their bill. The “face value” payment deadline is has moved to May 15, and anyone who pays their taxes after this date will face a 10 percent late payment penalty.
Source: Daily Local; 2/14/10
Web site for Landscapes2 comprehensive plan unveiled
Landscapes2, is available to the public at www.landscapes2.org. The interactive features include the Liveable Landscapes map, which shows the areas targeted for growth and those that are targeted for preservation. County residents who have been following the development of the plan are familiar with the Web site where portions of the draft plan were posted as it was being developed and where people could post their comments. The electronic version employs flip-book technology whereby the plan can be read as a book with a digital page turner. The plan can also be read on smart phones such as the iPhone and BlackBerry and the page will automatically adjust to the smaller screen size. The plan will be available on compact disc. It is also on the Web site as a .pdf file and can be printed. Hard copies can be ordered.
Source: Daily Times; 2/19/10
School tax hike likely in Kennett
The Kennett Consolidated School District is struggling to keep its annual budget low despite a challenging economic client. Under the proposed budget, the millage rate would increase from 23.9537 to 25.1034, or 1.15 mills. A mill is a tax of $1 per $1,000 of assessed real estate value. That means that for a home valued at $200,000, the owners would pay $5,020, an increase from the previous year of $229 or roughly 4.80 percent. The current proposed budget is set at $71,927,086. To keep up with deflated tax revenues, the district will seek to raise the millage rate above the Act 1 index, which currently sits at 2.9 for Kennett. The proposed increase would take the millage rate up 4.8 percent. The proposed budget is available for public comment and review in the district office and on the district’s Web site at www.kcsd.org. Source: Daily Local; 2/13/10
Avon Grove Sun is on the move
The Avon Grove Sun will move its office to West Chester effective Feb. 25, sharing offices with its sister paper, the Daily Local News. The Avon Grove Sun will continue to produce all the local news and sports readers have come to expect. Coinciding with the move will be an increased multimedia presence. Visitors to the paper’s Web site can expect to see video content that complements stories in the newspaper. And some stories will be posted to the Web immediately, instead of waiting for the weekly edition of the newspaper. Contact numbers will remain the same. The office number is 610-444-6590. Fax number is 610-444-4931. E-mail is AGSun@kennettpaper.com. Editor Chris Barber’s direct line at the Daily Local News will be 610-430-6961.
Source: Daily Local; 2/15/10
