As a realtor whose clientele inwww.yourgoodwill.org/shop/stores.phpcludes many mature adults, I find homeowners are frequently overwhelmed by the task of sorting through and disposing of excess clothing and home furnishings. It can be an especially difficult task for family members who must quickly clean out a deceased relative’s lifetime of belongings.
Many home sellers wonder where they can sell furniture and household items and are reluctant to sell items themselves through advertisements or garage sales. If this sounds like you, you might want to check out a couple of consignment shops that sell used furniture and home furnishings. They are choosy as to what they will accept, but if you have antiques, collectibles or currently fashionable furnishings, they might be worth calling. Here are two resources:
Classic Furniture Consignments, Marlton, NJ (856) 797-1707 www.maxexchange.com/cfc.htm
Decorators Consignment Gallery, Hopewell, NJ (609) 466-4400 www.decoratorsconsignment.com
Furniture and accessories can also be sold through auctions. Stephenson’s in Southampton and Brown Bros. in Buckingham are two well known auction houses in our area.
There are a number of local charities that accept furniture and clothing donations and some will pick up the donations. Among those charities are:
Trenton Rescue Mission (609) 815-3980 www.Rescuemissionoftrenton.org
Salvation Army, Trenton (609) 599-9801 www.Salvationarmytrentonnj.com
Salvation Army, Fairless Hills, PA (215) 946-1271
Impact, Hatboro, PA (215) 957-6131 x3105 www.impactthrift.org
Goodwill Store, Langhorne, PA (267) 364-6038 www.yourgoodwill.org/shop/stores.php
When all else fails, excess items can be given away through www.craigslist.com.
If all this sounds too overwhelming, or you want to make sure you are not giving away items that may be valuable, you might consult a pro. A professional can size up your belongings to identify valuables, and some will even assist you in sorting, packing, discarding and selling the contents of your home. Complete downsizing assistance is time consuming and can be expensive, but if you can’t do it yourself, it may be worth the expense. If you are interested in such a service, feel free to call me, I can recommend an appropriate service provider.
Showing posts with label Newtown Bucks Home Sales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newtown Bucks Home Sales. Show all posts
Monday, February 3, 2014
Friday, October 26, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Newtown Township Home Sale Statististics
The number of homes sold this year in Newtown Township through July, 2012 has significantly increased. There was a dip in July but the overall trend is positive. In fact, there were 32% fewer homes for sale in July, 2012 compared with the number for sale in July, 2011.
Average prices in the township fluctuate considerably due to the sales of new construction homes that are priced above the average sale price of existing homes within the township.
A better indication of home sale prices for existing homes in Newtown Township is the statistics for Bucks County. Prices in Bucks were up 1.5% if the average price of sold homes for July, 2012 is compared to the average price of sold homes in July, 2011. However, if home prices for the first seven months of 2012 are compared to the first seven months of 2011, prices were down 1.9%.
It is too soon to tell whether prices have bottomed out, but statistics indicate prices are relatively stable as compared the declining prices experienced since 2006.
This chart shows the month by month and year by year fluctuations in home sales over the last few years.
Average prices in the township fluctuate considerably due to the sales of new construction homes that are priced above the average sale price of existing homes within the township.
A better indication of home sale prices for existing homes in Newtown Township is the statistics for Bucks County. Prices in Bucks were up 1.5% if the average price of sold homes for July, 2012 is compared to the average price of sold homes in July, 2011. However, if home prices for the first seven months of 2012 are compared to the first seven months of 2011, prices were down 1.9%.
It is too soon to tell whether prices have bottomed out, but statistics indicate prices are relatively stable as compared the declining prices experienced since 2006.
This chart shows the month by month and year by year fluctuations in home sales over the last few years.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Pricing Homes For Sale in Bucks County
Sometimes I feel like the Grinch that stole Christmas. It's especially true when I have to tell home sellers that their home is not worth nearly as much as they thought it was.
I'm a homeowner, myself, who bought in 2007 so I feel the sting. Most people who purchased homes in Bucks County since 2004 are not going to break even if they sell soon. Sellers who have spent money on expensive upgrades that are not generally appealing to sellers may also be in the hole.
Last week I met with a nice home owner who had built his home and has lived in it for over forty years. There were some expensive features in his home, but it was in a flood plain and had flooded in the past. With so many houses to choose from, I was pretty sure his property would not sell easily. When I told him
what I thought the market value was, he responded. "Honey, if you think I would sell it for that you are crazy." While I felt bad for him and could see many positives in his home, I think he was viewing his home through rose colored glasses. Consequently, I referred him to a home appraiser so he could seek a comprehensive evaluation of his home
We in Bucks County are more fortunate than homeowners in many parts of the country. On average, home sale prices here have decreased about 21% off their highs; whereas, homes in many areas of the country have had a 50% decrease in value. The fact is, homes were never worth what they were selling for in 2006. This isn't much of a consolation to homeowners that will be selling their homes at a loss, but they need to be realistic about market facts if they really want to sell. Now that the boom is over, homes should be viewed as domiciles, rather than as a key element of retirement plans.
The good news is that homes in Bucks County are selling if they are priced correctly and marketed aggressively.
I'm a homeowner, myself, who bought in 2007 so I feel the sting. Most people who purchased homes in Bucks County since 2004 are not going to break even if they sell soon. Sellers who have spent money on expensive upgrades that are not generally appealing to sellers may also be in the hole.
Last week I met with a nice home owner who had built his home and has lived in it for over forty years. There were some expensive features in his home, but it was in a flood plain and had flooded in the past. With so many houses to choose from, I was pretty sure his property would not sell easily. When I told him
what I thought the market value was, he responded. "Honey, if you think I would sell it for that you are crazy." While I felt bad for him and could see many positives in his home, I think he was viewing his home through rose colored glasses. Consequently, I referred him to a home appraiser so he could seek a comprehensive evaluation of his home
We in Bucks County are more fortunate than homeowners in many parts of the country. On average, home sale prices here have decreased about 21% off their highs; whereas, homes in many areas of the country have had a 50% decrease in value. The fact is, homes were never worth what they were selling for in 2006. This isn't much of a consolation to homeowners that will be selling their homes at a loss, but they need to be realistic about market facts if they really want to sell. Now that the boom is over, homes should be viewed as domiciles, rather than as a key element of retirement plans.
The good news is that homes in Bucks County are selling if they are priced correctly and marketed aggressively.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Bucks County Home Sales Statistics
The number of homes sold and the prices at which they sold continued to drop during the first eleven months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010. The one bright spot in the most recent data is that the number of homes sold in November of 2011, as well as the number of homes under contract, increased significantly compared to data for November, 2010. Here are the facts:
Monthly Market Snapshot: November 2010 vs. November 2011
Homes for Sale -7%
Average Asking Price -4%
Homes Pending +10.7%
Homes Sold +8%
Average Sale Prices -6.4%
Year-to-Date Market Snapshot: 1/1/2010-11/30/2010 vs. 1/1/2011-11/30/2011
Homes Sold -4.3%
Average Sold Price -5.5%
Average Days on the Market +14.8%
Source: Coldwell Banker Hearthside Realtors Market Research for Trend MLS Data
As a homeowner, current Bucks County home sales statistics are discouraging, but, we we are actually quite fortunate. Many areas of the country have experience a 50% deterioration in home sale prices since the real estate bubble burst. Bucks County home sales prices have deteriorated to a much lesser extent
If you are considering selling your home, be realistic when setting the price. Prices during the real estate boom were inflated beyond their realistic values. Buyers are shopping around and comparing properties and prices. In the process, they become fairly good judges of relative home values.
Monthly Market Snapshot: November 2010 vs. November 2011
Homes for Sale -7%
Average Asking Price -4%
Homes Pending +10.7%
Homes Sold +8%
Average Sale Prices -6.4%
Year-to-Date Market Snapshot: 1/1/2010-11/30/2010 vs. 1/1/2011-11/30/2011
Homes Sold -4.3%
Average Sold Price -5.5%
Average Days on the Market +14.8%
Source: Coldwell Banker Hearthside Realtors Market Research for Trend MLS Data
As a homeowner, current Bucks County home sales statistics are discouraging, but, we we are actually quite fortunate. Many areas of the country have experience a 50% deterioration in home sale prices since the real estate bubble burst. Bucks County home sales prices have deteriorated to a much lesser extent
If you are considering selling your home, be realistic when setting the price. Prices during the real estate boom were inflated beyond their realistic values. Buyers are shopping around and comparing properties and prices. In the process, they become fairly good judges of relative home values.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Bucks Real Estate Market vs. National Market
Everyone has read the gloom and doom reports released by the national media; but remember, real estate markets are local and Bucks County has fared better than most areas of the country.
Nationally, short sales and bank owned properties make up about 30% of the market, but in Bucks County, this figure is between 12% and 15%. Although 12-15% is not desirable, it shows that the Bucks County home sales market has not not suffered as much as other parts of the country. There are fewer desperate home sellers in our area, and prices have not dropped as significantly as elsewhere.
This is little consolation for those who purchased homes during the peak of the market, but those who purchased before 2003 are likely to have increased their equity.
Nationally, short sales and bank owned properties make up about 30% of the market, but in Bucks County, this figure is between 12% and 15%. Although 12-15% is not desirable, it shows that the Bucks County home sales market has not not suffered as much as other parts of the country. There are fewer desperate home sellers in our area, and prices have not dropped as significantly as elsewhere.
This is little consolation for those who purchased homes during the peak of the market, but those who purchased before 2003 are likely to have increased their equity.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Washington Crossing Reenactment
The reenactment of George Washington's 1776 crossing of the Delaware River to attack Hessian troops camped in Trenton is one of the most interesting activities held in Washington Crossing.
Every year on Christmas Day, costumed reenactors board Durham boats and cross the Delaware River at Washington Crossing. It's an interesting event to watch and an exciting way to teach children history.
If you are busy on Christmas Day, there is a dress rehearsal on December 11 from 11a.m. to 3p.m. There will be additional activities and demonstrations during that time. For more information check out http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/info/calendar.asp.
I love living in an area so rich in American history. Driving by historic homes and the the sites of important events is a pleasure and a constant reminder of our amazing history.
Every year on Christmas Day, costumed reenactors board Durham boats and cross the Delaware River at Washington Crossing. It's an interesting event to watch and an exciting way to teach children history.
If you are busy on Christmas Day, there is a dress rehearsal on December 11 from 11a.m. to 3p.m. There will be additional activities and demonstrations during that time. For more information check out http://www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing/info/calendar.asp.
I love living in an area so rich in American history. Driving by historic homes and the the sites of important events is a pleasure and a constant reminder of our amazing history.
Should You Have a Buyer's Agent When Purchasing A Home?
Most home buyers start their search for a new home by viewing properties on the Internet. Many will also visit open houses. This is a great way for buyers to acquaint themselves with what is available in their price range. When they see something they might like, they tend to call the agent whose name pops up by the property on the Internet. Depending on the website, this may or may not be the listing agent.
The advantage of dealing with the listing agent is that s/he may be more familiar with the property than other qualified agents. The disadvantage is that s/he represents the seller. Is this a matter of concern, and should you have a buyer's agent when purchasing a home?
The concept of "buyer's agent" is a fairly new one. Historically, the realtor working with the buyer was actually an agent for the seller. The logic was that the realtor was being paid a commission by the seller; so, his interests were to be primary. This led to many buyers misunderstanding the role of the realtor with whom they were working and dissatisfaction with the transaction. Consequently, the concept of "buyer's agent" was born. Now, even though an agent is paid a commission by the seller, s/he can represent the interests of the buyer.
If you purchase a home from the listing agent, are you represented? Well, not to the extent that you would be if you had your own agent. When the listing agent is also the buyer's agent, s/he is a "dual agent." A dual agent must walk a tight rope and not favor one party over the other. PA law states that a dual agent take "no action that is adverse or detrimental to either party's interest in the transaction." A dual agent owes both parties confidentiality, except that the agent must disclose material defects. In other words, the dual agent must remain neutral to both parties during negotiations and during the transaction.
Some buyers are savvy negotiators and familiar with real estate transactions, but most benefit from the guidance of an experienced agent representing them alone. Many times buyer's will seek guidance on price values, appropriate starting points for price negotiations and responses to inspection issues. Although each transaction is unique, experienced agents gain a feel for reading between the lines and knowing what the traffic will bear. Having an agent that truly represents you as a a buyer is usually an advantage.
If you wish to be represented, should you wait until you find the right home? After all, if you call a real estate office, some agent will probably show you the house you are curious about, and many will agree to e-mail you new properties that meet your criteria. Well, it's possible to find a property that way, but most agents will not expend a lot of effort trying to find the perfect house for you if they think you may buy through another agent. By hiring an agent to represent you, your status changes from a "customer" to a "client". A buyer's agent in PA is obligated to make a "continuous and good faith effort" to find a suitable property for you. In exchange, you agree that during the time period of the agency agreement, you will not purchase a home through another agent. Hiring an agent early in your home search will also allow you to choose your agent rather than winding up with an agent that happened to answer the phone when you called to see a house.
When I am employed as a buyer's agent, finding my client the right home is important to me and a priority. I search the MLS daily and visit broker's open houses to see if a home meets my client's criteria. I often drive by properties to check locations and neighborhoods and frequently preview homes before actually showing them to buyers. This is a major commitment of time and effort. Many agents work this way. Buyers who shop through several agents may not be serious buyers and are less likely to buy from any particular agent. Therefore, they do not get the time and attention buyers who have shown loyalty to an agent will command.
The advantage of dealing with the listing agent is that s/he may be more familiar with the property than other qualified agents. The disadvantage is that s/he represents the seller. Is this a matter of concern, and should you have a buyer's agent when purchasing a home?
The concept of "buyer's agent" is a fairly new one. Historically, the realtor working with the buyer was actually an agent for the seller. The logic was that the realtor was being paid a commission by the seller; so, his interests were to be primary. This led to many buyers misunderstanding the role of the realtor with whom they were working and dissatisfaction with the transaction. Consequently, the concept of "buyer's agent" was born. Now, even though an agent is paid a commission by the seller, s/he can represent the interests of the buyer.
If you purchase a home from the listing agent, are you represented? Well, not to the extent that you would be if you had your own agent. When the listing agent is also the buyer's agent, s/he is a "dual agent." A dual agent must walk a tight rope and not favor one party over the other. PA law states that a dual agent take "no action that is adverse or detrimental to either party's interest in the transaction." A dual agent owes both parties confidentiality, except that the agent must disclose material defects. In other words, the dual agent must remain neutral to both parties during negotiations and during the transaction.
Some buyers are savvy negotiators and familiar with real estate transactions, but most benefit from the guidance of an experienced agent representing them alone. Many times buyer's will seek guidance on price values, appropriate starting points for price negotiations and responses to inspection issues. Although each transaction is unique, experienced agents gain a feel for reading between the lines and knowing what the traffic will bear. Having an agent that truly represents you as a a buyer is usually an advantage.
If you wish to be represented, should you wait until you find the right home? After all, if you call a real estate office, some agent will probably show you the house you are curious about, and many will agree to e-mail you new properties that meet your criteria. Well, it's possible to find a property that way, but most agents will not expend a lot of effort trying to find the perfect house for you if they think you may buy through another agent. By hiring an agent to represent you, your status changes from a "customer" to a "client". A buyer's agent in PA is obligated to make a "continuous and good faith effort" to find a suitable property for you. In exchange, you agree that during the time period of the agency agreement, you will not purchase a home through another agent. Hiring an agent early in your home search will also allow you to choose your agent rather than winding up with an agent that happened to answer the phone when you called to see a house.
When I am employed as a buyer's agent, finding my client the right home is important to me and a priority. I search the MLS daily and visit broker's open houses to see if a home meets my client's criteria. I often drive by properties to check locations and neighborhoods and frequently preview homes before actually showing them to buyers. This is a major commitment of time and effort. Many agents work this way. Buyers who shop through several agents may not be serious buyers and are less likely to buy from any particular agent. Therefore, they do not get the time and attention buyers who have shown loyalty to an agent will command.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Bucks County Home Sale Facts: First 10 Months of 2011
Home sales and prices in Bucks County have declined during the first 10 months of 2011 although October, 2011 saw a significant increase in the number of sales compared to October, 2010. Figures for 2010 are distorted by the federal New Homeowners Tax Credit which resulted in buyers purchasing homes in the first half of 2010 to receive the tax credit and decreased sales in the second half of 2010. We are now seeing home sales figures without the effect of federal stimulus.
Year-to-Date Market Snapshot: 1/01/2010-10/31/2010 vs.1/01/2011-10/31/2011
Homes Settled.........................Down 5.4%
Average Sold Price..................Down 5.3%
Average Days on Market........Up 19%
Source: Coldwell Baker Hearthside Realtors Market Research from Trend MLS.
Year-to-Date Market Snapshot: 1/01/2010-10/31/2010 vs.1/01/2011-10/31/2011
Homes Settled.........................Down 5.4%
Average Sold Price..................Down 5.3%
Average Days on Market........Up 19%
Source: Coldwell Baker Hearthside Realtors Market Research from Trend MLS.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Do you know someone who's falling behind on their mortgage payments?
Many people assumed large mortgages during the real estate boom of the last decade. When job losses or unplanned expenses occurred, they were unable to keep up with their mortgage payments.
When the mortgage amount exceeds the net proceeds that would result from selling a property, some homeowners can not afford to sell and pay off their mortgage debt. Homeowners who find themselves in this predicament should investigate whether a “short sale” would make sense for them.
A “short sale” is the term used when a lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on a mortgage to satisfy the debt, and the lender writes off the excess. This process is frequently better for the lender than foreclosure because it can be less expensive. It can be beneficial to the homeowners because their credit rating may be less affected than it would be if they were subject to a foreclosure.
Each short sale is different and the process can be frustrating. An agent experienced in short sales can make or break a successful transaction. Until recently, short sales were uncommon in our area, so few local real estate firms have had a lot of experience in this specialty. Coldwell Banker Hearthside is an exception. We have a short sale specialist who has completed over 2000 short sales during the past 30 years, and another specialist who has completed 400.
In addition to the assistance of an experienced agent, such as our specialists, we always advise a client to seek professional advice from both a financial expert and an attorney before and during the short sale process.
We can arrange a confidential conversation with one of our specialists who can provide objective information on how the process works and whether it makes sense in a particular situation.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Newtown Township Home Sale Statistics 1/1/2011-9/30/2011
SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
Market Facts1/1/2011-9/30/2011
______________
Source: COLDWELL BANKER HEARTHSIDE REALTORS MARKET RESEARCH from TREND MLS Data
· There were 151 single family homes for sale in September 2011.
· There were 130 single family homes for sale in September 2010.
Inventory is up 16.2% year over year,
· Average price of single family homes for sale in September 2011 was $410k
· Average price of single family homes for sale in September 2010 was $465k
This increase is due to relatively high priced new construction homes being sold within the township.
· 131 homes sold during the first nine months of 2011 at 93% of list price
· 167 homes sold during the first nine months of 2010 at 95% of list price
Unit Sales volume is down 21.6% year over year.
Actual Selling Prices are averaging about a 7% below the Original List Price
Summary: Inventory levels are up and year to date unit sales are down compared to the same period last year. The market is in “Buyers Market” territory with a 10.9 Month Supply of Homes in Inventory.
Note that a Market is viewed as “Balanced” with a 6 Months Inventory of homes for sale.
What does this mean to a Seller?
There is almost an 11 Month Supply of homes on the market, and generally taking about 70 Days on Market to sell, vs. 51 Days on Market last year, so selling conditions are relatively challenging. It is more important now than ever to price your home right and market aggressively. You may not have enjoyed the per year appreciation in 2007-2010 versus the ~10% experienced during most of the prior 3-4 years. Be realistic and remember the current market is what determines the price of your home.
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