The Top 10 Features on a Homebuyers Want List

Homebuyers are searching for features that are cost-effective and provide lasting value, said experts at the recent International Builders Show in Las Vegas. “It’s all about family togetherness – casual living, entertaining and flexible spaces,” says Carol Lavender, president of the Lavender Design Group in San Antonio. The top 10 must-haves homebuyers are looking for
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Market Update: Real Estate Market Continues to Improve

Pending sales of existing homes in January were up 15.6% over January 2009 according to TREND MLS.  Also the median price was up 2.3% over last January.  Sales since August have risen every month over the prior year.  The biggest reasons are the $8,000 tax credit for first time homebuyers, the low interest rates and
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Winter Homeshowings: The Woes and Foes

This Valentine’s Day I was showing houses to a couple who is selling their home in Havertown, PA, Delaware County, and interested in buying a home in West Chester, PA, Chester County.  I took the couple for a second showing to a house they were very interested in putting in an offer on.  Unfortunately, the
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How to Green Up Your World

If you’re like me, you may have seen a home improvement show or two.  These shows are tailored to making your home better, whether by landscaping some new curb appeal, updating a kitchen or a bathroom or fixing a broken component like the hot water heater or the roof.  All of these things will give
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Philadelphia is among Top 10 Cities to Purchase Real Estate

Interested in relocating? Are you moving for your job?  Are you finally going to stop paying rent, and are looking to purchase your own home?  Now is the time to buy, not only to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit, but also because the  spread between what it costs to rent per month and a monthly mortgage
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HUD Temporarily Lifts 90 Day Waiting Period Rule On Flips

As of February 1, 2010, HUD has temporarily relaxed the 90 day flipping restriction on FHA loans, subject to a given purchase transaction meeting the requirements as follows: All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the sales transaction. The seller holds title
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Green Improvements for Sellers

The Green Effect             Taking a few simple “green” steps to improve your home, is one way to make your property more marketable than other less eco-friendly homes.   Real estate practitioners recommend the following low-cost green improvements:             -plant native trees and plants             -replace air filters             -weather-strip and caulk all doors and windows
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Sellers: Don’t wait until it’s too late to list your home!

Are you interested in selling your home? Are you planning to wait until the spring to list your home?   Waiting until spring may seem like a smart idea, particularly if you’re waiting to see if the economy picks up, but some experts think that waiting until the spring to list the property could be a
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First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has been extended until April 30, 2010, as long as the home is under contract by that date; the transaction must be completed within 60 days.  Eligibility and amount of new credit: $8,000 for first-time homebuyers (those who have not owned a home in the last three years). Up to
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Easttown real estate taxes may increase 12.1 percent

The township’s Board of Supervisors voted for a preliminary 2010 budget that would result in a 12.1 percent increase of real estate tax. The average assessed property value in Easttown Township is $330,000. In 2009 an owner of a property with that assessed value would have paid $1,109 in real estate taxes. In 2010, if
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