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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends - September 2015

Thursday, October 29, 2015
by Scott Darling

home

A biennial opinion survey on housing issued conducted by the National Association of Realtors shows that fears of selling have abated dramatically since the housing recovery went into high gear two years ago. Over the past two years, homeowners’ confidence in recouping the price they paid for their homes has risen 29 percent. 

Seller confidence extends to their outlook for next year.  Four in ten adults in the survey (41%) expect prices to rise in their market. Some 47 percent said prices will stay the same and only 6 percent expect them to decrease.

Take a look at how many successful sellers there were in our market last month…

September's real estate sales broken down by school district.

Downingtown School District

The number of homes selling in the Downingtown school district in September​ 2015 dropped by 13.68% when compared to September​ 2014. The average selling price decreased by 4% to $336,427. The median selling price dropped by 7.91%, while the average market time decreased by 14 days.

Date Sold
Listing

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​ 2015 82 $336,427 $308,500 42
September​ 2014 95 $350,376 $335,000 56

 

West Chester School District

The number of homes selling in the West Chester school district in September​ 2015 remained the same when compared to September​ 2014. The average selling price decreased by less than 1% . The median selling price decreased by 0.36%, while the average market time decreased by 2 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​ 2015 104 $371,516 $348,750 42
September​ 2014 104 $373,299 $350,000 40

 

Coatesville School District

The number of homes selling in the Coatesville school district in September​ 2015 increased by 29.17% when compared to September​ 2014. The average selling price increased by .45% to $227,766. The median selling price increased 4.92%, while the average market time dropped by 19 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​t 2015 62 $231,775 $225,000 63
September​ 2014 48 $230,734 $214,450 82

 

Great Valley School District

The number of homes selling in the Great Valley school district increased by 11.9%. The Average Selling Price decreased by 10.76% to $467,530. The median selling price dropped by 8.22%, while the average market time increased by 34 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​ 2015 47 $467,530 $385,000 89
September​ 2014 42 $523,926 $419,500 55



Unionville School District

The number of homes selling in the Unionville school district in September​ 2015 increased by 18.52% when compared to September​ 2014. The average selling price increased 21.21% to $472,250. The median selling increased by 11.14% while the average market time increased by 21 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​ 2015 32 $590,247 $472,250 87
September​ 2014 27 $486,969 $424,900 66



Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

The number of homes selling in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district in September​ 2015 increased by 35% when compared to September 2014. The average selling price increased by 15.23% to $531,563. The median selling price increased by 21.25%, while the average market time increased by 3 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​ 2015 54 $529,430 $436,500 66
September​ 2014 40 $459,468 $360,000 63

 

Owen J Roberts School District

The number of homes selling in the Owen J Roberts school district in September​ 2015 increased by 62.96% when compared to September​ 2014. The average selling price decreased by 5.24% to $340,771. The median selling price rose by 9.28% while the average market time dropped 23 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​t 2015 44 $331,636 $309,250 59
September​ 2014 27 $349,961 $283,000 82

 

Phoenixville School District

The number of homes selling in the Phoenixville school district in September​ 2015 decreased 13.33% when compared to September​t 2014. The average selling price increased by 4.48% to $$307,115. The median selling price rose by 11.35%, while the average market time dropped by 16 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
September​ 2015 39 $307,115 $279,500 49
September​ 2014 45 $293,938 $251,000 65

 

Curious about the value of your home? Get your home's value here!

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5 Tips For Creating Fall Curb Appeal

Thursday, October 29, 2015
by Scott Darling

house

Soon, all things pumpkin spice will be here, including the home visitors that bring them. In preparation of the door bell ringing, create a little spice of your own with some seasonal curb appeal. You don’t have to limit yourself to pumpkins and hay bales — below are tips and projects for sprucing up your home’s view from the curb this season.

Front door, first impressions

Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. Give your door a fresh face with a coat of paint in a bold fall color to draw the eye to this focal point of your home.

Another project is to replace the door entirely. Consider options with decorative glass accents, and stunning sidelights (windows on either side of the door) to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy. Plus, as temperatures start to drop, Energy Star -qualified entry doors will help maintain your home’s energy efficiency.

Accessorize with new hardware

Replace your front door hardware for a quick, easy facelift. Choose hardware finishes that compliment light fixtures, mailbox and house numbers for a polished, cohesive look. You’ll be delightfully surprised what a difference new hardware can make in creating an updated look to your home.

Refresh exterior body and trim colors

For a dramatic change, repaint your home’s exterior. It’s bold and can make your home stand out from other homes on the block. Not up for the bold change? To make an impact with a smaller change, add new trim colors. When updating trim, choose color schemes that match your home’s primary exterior color, or complement it with a fresh twist.

Create points of interest with plants

You don’t have to stop enjoying beautiful plants and flowers simply because summer is over. Add pops of color by arranging pots filled with hearty fall flowers like mums, sedum or asters around your front door, or on a porch or deck. Incorporate planters or container gardens of varied sizes, shapes and colors to add visual interest.

Accent with lighting

As summer light fades into shorter, darker days, add exterior accent lighting to the front of your home. Illuminate a walking path with ground-insert solar lights. Or consider solar spotlights to bring out landscaping or to shine on your updated front door. Install matching light fixtures outside your front door, garage door or patio door to provide well-lit entrances that are stylish and inviting to neighbors and guests.

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How Much Spook Are You Willing To Live With

Thursday, October 29, 2015
by Scott Darling

In honor of Allhallows Eve, Trulia polled 2,005 U.S. adults to find out how men and women react differently to some very eerie home hauntings. You won’t believe which ghoulish living situations men and women find totally acceptable, and which they could really, um, live without.

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Tips for Decorating Your Home for Fall

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
by Scott Darling

decorate home for fall

It’s hard to believe but fall is finally here and Halloween is right around the corner.  Decorating your home for this time of year can be as fun as decorating for the holidays that follow them if you know how to do it right.  Let’s take a look at a few tips for decorating your home for fall and Halloween.  If you have just recently bought a new home you may want to make your house stand out in the neighborhood during the holidays and you have come to the right place to make that happen. 

  • Fall decorating can be as simple as putting a few hay bales outside your front door.  If you want to take it a step further you can add a couple of pumpkins and perhaps a scarecrow as well.  Keep in mind however that less is sometimes more when it comes to decorating your home for the holidays. 
  • If you are really crafty you can make a sign out of  old wooden pallets. There are a lot of “how to” videos online if you have no idea where to start making your wooden pallet art.  A good sign to make for fall is a wooden pallet sign that says something like “happy fall ya’ll”.  This is a cute sign if you are from the south. 
  • A great idea for decorating the outside of your home for Halloween is to hang up t-shirt material in the shape of ghosts at your front porch.  A cool way to make the “ghosts” show up at night is to replace your regular porch lights with black lights.  As the sun sets the ghosts will begin to glow. 
  • A great idea for decorating the inside of your home for fall  is to put out some fall flowers with a few ghouls and goblins intermixed in the arrangement. 
  • A fall wreath for your new home’s front door is also a great way to show your decorating style to your new neighbors.  These can easily be made with a little bit of burlap and some ribbon.  Again, sometimes more is less when it comes to decorating so keep that in mind. 

These ideas for decorating your house for fall and/or Halloween are just a few ways to get things started in the décor department.  Use all of them or only a few.  Either way it is very likely that your new neighbors will take notice of your craftiness.

Information courtesy of Chester County PA Real Estate Expert Scott Darling!

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Chester Springs Home For Sale: 193 Windgate Drive

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
by Scott Darling

Chester Springs Home For Sale:

193 Windgate Drive, Chester Springs PA 19425
MLS# 6661553

The MOST Spectacular Home!

This is by far, the most spectacular home in all of Weatherstone! Once the model home, 193 Windgate Drive will make you feel comfortable in your own home AND has all the bells and whistles. I’m not even sure that the new construction can compete with this even if they loaded on every option. Some of the most impressive upgrades include the gourmet kitchen with upgraded 42” cabinets, custom crown molding, under cabinet lighting, lots of recessed lighting, hardwood floors, designer architectural columns and a gigantic island with an overhang so you can just chill out with the chef. Adjacent to the kitchen is the formal living room with the gas fireplace, and ceiling mounted speakers for true entertaining. The expansive breakfast room is great for your morning breakfast or your casual meal. The formal dining room with its arched entrance area and designer chandelier has an ambience for both the family dinner and the elegant chef’s masterpiece. Hardwood floors cover the dining room and foyer and lead right into the family room, which is also wired for sound. The walk-thru bar that includes a bar sink and cork floors is located between the living room and family room and works great for small groups or a cozy gathering. It is highlighted by beautiful glass front cabinets and designer lighting. Upstairs you will fall in love with the master suite with hardwood floors and large walk-in closet featuring a very efficient and well laid out California closet system. The gorgeous master bathroom features a Jacuzzi with custom marble and tile surround, separate marble shower stall, recessed lighting and upgraded cabinets and vanity. There are two more good sized bedrooms and a hall bathroom that connects into one of the bedrooms which makes your overnight company feel much more at home. Heading down to the basement will never be the same again. You will be blown away by this totally finished level. The impressive bar seats at least six of your friends and behind the bar are the sink, dishwasher, icemaker, disposal, wine refrigerator and custom tile accents. The back wall of the bar is mirrored and has glass shelves and designer sconces above the custom cabinets and drawers. There are two adjacent seating areas and plenty of room for a pool table or ping pong table. Loaded with recessed lighting you can create any mood you’d like in this area. Moving to the other side of the finished area is a great spot for an office or just another sitting area. Wrapping up this area is the powder room with upgraded vanity and mirror. Lastly, the utility room houses the 2 zoned gas heating system, whole house humidifier and storage. This premium lot backs up to a beautiful green space and is just steps from the Hankin Public Library. Enjoy a cup of coffee on the cozy back deck or on the covered front porch that overlooks Weatherstone Park. As with any former model home, you know you are getting all the best possible upgrades. Schedule your visit today.

Marketed by Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

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How To Avoid Haunting Situations When Buying A Home

Thursday, October 8, 2015
by Scott Darling

haunted house

It’s that time of year again, when little ones dress up and go out into the streets looking for tricks or treats.  Many older children as well as adults love to look for haunted houses to visit during this time of year as well.  While Halloween is all good and fun, no one wants to end up purchasing a home that gives them nightmares!  In this article we will look at a few tips on how to avoid haunting situations when buying a home.

  • Avoid buying a home in a bad neighborhood  by going to your prospective place of residence during the weekends.  On the weekends folks typically get outside and do yard work around their homes.  You may even be able to talk to some of  the folks who live there to see what they are like before you make a home purchase in that neighborhood.  It’s also a good idea to drop by on a Saturday night to see if there are any loud parties and such going on.
     
  • If the home you want to purchase is covered in siding, make sure to have it checked for any water issues so that you don’t end up being haunted by mold once you move in. 
     
  • Always have a thorough home inspection   before you purchase a home.  This way if there are problems that need to be dealt with, you might be able to negotiate with the sellers to get the issues fixed before you buy.
     
  • Whether or not your loan officer requires a water test, be sure to have one done before making an offer on a home.  You never know what may be in the water, especially if the home is in a rural area.  Don’t let hard water or water with worse issues haunt you…check to make sure it is safe and clean before you buy.
     
  • Ask your Realtor to see the latest insurance bills for the home you are looking into buying.  This way you will have an upfront idea of what you may be charged each month and you will be able to set your budget around it. If the home you are looking at is in an area with high flood rates you need to definitely make sure you have all of your bases covered so that you don’t end up with a bill that is going to haunt you each month.

Lastly, ask your Realtor as many questions as you possibly can so that you will feel comfortable enough to make an offer without any fears or doubts looming over you.

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4 Things Every Homebuyer Needs To Know

Thursday, October 1, 2015
by Scott Darling

Buying your own home is an exciting thing to do in your lifetime.  There are ways you can know if you are ready for home ownership or not.   Here are a few things you might want to think about before buying you own home.

home buyer

  1. One of the biggest things you need to consider before buying your own home is what your debt to income ratio looks like.  To find out what your numbers are you need to get on a budget and stick to that budget for a few months.  This will give you a good indication of just how much money is going out versus how much is coming in. 
     
  2. Another thing to consider before buying a home of your own is how long you plan to live in a particular city or town.  If you know for a fact that your job is not going to move you or that your family will not lead you in another direction then you may be fine to go ahead and purchase a home of your own.  If you think that your job may lead you to another city in the next few years, it may be best to stay put if you can for a while and not take the leap into home ownership.  Once you find a place that you and your family are comfortable in and your job is steady and not moving you around, you will then be more likely to fare better buying your own place. 
     
  3. Another thing to think about before making a home purchase is the neighborhood in which you are considering living.  For instance if you are an older couple and you notice all the other families in the neighborhood have little children running around, you might not feel comfortable living there.  Go to the neighborhood you are considering buying in on a Saturday afternoon and you will most likely be able to see what things are like in that area.
     
  4. Lastly consider buying versus renting.  A recent study showed that you can expect to pay 15.3% of your monthly income on housing if you buy versus 30.1% on renting.  From these numbers you can see that the cost of buying is quite a bit less than renting.  As I said before however if you plan to move to another area soon it may be best to rent for at least a little while. 

Once you do decide to settle down and purchase your own home you will find that there is nothing like it!  Save your money and get your debt to income where it needs to be and you will be well on your way to owning your own home in no time!

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