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Many Ways to Say Farewell to Your Home

Wednesday, August 17, 2016
by Scott Darling

Your home has sold.

There are many reasons why you might have to leave a home that you have lived in for several years.  You may have had to leave do to not being able to pay the mortgage because it was too high for you or you may have outgrown your home as your family has become larger over the years.  Still another reason you may have to say goodbye to your home is due to a job change that takes you from your home and places you into another area or even another state.  Below are a few ways in which you can say farewell to the place you have come to know and love as your home. 

  1. One way that you can say goodbye to your home that may help everyone feel a bit better about a move is to go around the house room by room and have each family member say aloud why that particular room was important to them and what if anything it meant to them personally. 
  2. Another way you can say goodbye to a home  or rather feel like you are still connected to it years after moving out is by planting a few trees around the house.  If you and your family are blessed enough to be able to come back and visit the home after some time you can watch as the trees begin to grow and see how they change year after year and perhaps still feel a connection to the house.
  3. Yet another clever way to bid farewell to your home is to have someone paint a picture of your home before you leave it.  You can then carry that home with you to your next home and place the picture in a prominent place for all to see.  This is a great way to keep the memory of a beloved home alive for years to come. 
  4. Making a movie of yourself and your family inside of your home before you leave it to travel to your new home is another great way to remember the good times you had there.  If you ever feel like you are missing your “old” home place you can always get the video out and feel connected to it once again.

Homes are not just walls and plaster, they are where we raise our families, where we love and are loved.  Leaving a home is never easy but hopefully these ideas about how to bid farewell to your home  will make it a bit easier for you.  

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

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4 Ways To Save During Back-to-School Shopping

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
by Scott Darling

school shopping

Back-to-school shopping can come with plenty of sticker shock, if you don't plan ahead. This year, parents said they plan on spending more this year than last, with totals exceeding $900 to outfit and supply, according to a survey by Rubicon. To shave some dollars off that total, here are a few savvy strategies to save while preparing for school.

1. Watch for extreme deals

This is the key time of year to follow the cardinal rule of the extreme saver: Keep an eye on the ads for rock-bottom prices on school essentials. In the weeks leading up to the start of school, it's your time to save big.

2. Take advantage of price matching

A traditional frugal shopper will tell you not to settle for anything but the lowest price. If you have to make six lists and drive all over town, being a penny pincher costs dearly in time. Instead, compare those weekly ads and save yourself some time by taking advantage of price matching. Staples, for example, offers a 110 Percent Lowest Price Guarantee, meaning all you have to do is show proof of a competitor's lower price, and Staples will not only match it, they tack on another 10 percent off.

3. Stock up
If you find some unbeatable deals, stock up for next year. And don't overlook this opportunity to replenish your home with art supplies to keep your child's creative flow moving along. Either way, if Junior springs a due-the-next-day project on you, you'll won't have to go the store on an already busy weeknight. A great resource to stock up is the Less List for School offered by Staples, which features season-low prices on the essentials, such as pencils, composition books, notebooks, crayons, batteries, glue and more.

4. Don't forget the thrift store

Make more room in your budget by looking at secondhand options for big ticket clothing items like shoes, coats and jackets. Choose the basics in solid colors for a timeless look. Sometimes, you'll find a like-new, high-quality item hiding in the rack, and at a fraction of the price.

At this level of spending, it's smart to capture savings where you can. Even if you save 10 percent across the board, it's worth it because you're still going home with a handful of $10 bills in your pocket. (BPT)

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

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4 Ways To Make Your Home Comfortable and Safe for Your Pet

Wednesday, August 3, 2016
by Scott Darling

pets

For millions of Americans, pets are a member of the family. They provide companionship and countless memories that last a lifetime. Having a pet-friendly home increases the likelihood that these memories will be positive.

These tips can make pet ownership simpler, and create a safer, healthier environment for your four-legged companion.

1. Pet-friendly flooring

Carpeted flooring can be a challenge for pet owners. Carpet traps unpleasant odors and is difficult to clean. Hardwood, bamboo, laminate and other alternatives - when properly maintained - offer a surface that's easier to clean, doesn't trap allergens and doesn't hide fur or other debris.

2. A space to call their own

Many pets seek shelter when startled by loud noises. Whether it's the clap of thunder or a boisterous guest, an unexpected noise can send your animal fleeing (or peeing). Having a dedicated space for your pet, be it a mudroom, door-less closet or comfy bed, provides a safe place for your animal during times of stress.

Also, pets need a little down time every once in a while. A cozy nook away from direct sunlight provides a perfect place for them to relax and recharge.

3. Picking the best paint

Even the cleanest of pets can leave marks on your walls. Choosing the right paint can make the difference between a permanent stain and one that's easily removed. Lower sheens can be difficult to clean, so opt for semi-gloss or satin.

Also, depending on your climate, you may prefer a light or dark paint color. Light colors can help keep your pet cool by reflecting the sun, while darker colors absorb the sun's heat and can warm the home environment.

4. Protect your curious pet

Pets are inherently curious. If it's within reach, chances are it will be investigated with a detective's attention. Even if the food is safe for pets, the packaging may be harmful. Medications, cleaners and cosmetics should also be kept on high shelves or behind a latched cabinet.

Most pet owners know to keep food and toxins off accessible surfaces, but it's easy to forget something on a bedside table or the edge of a counter.

Pets require time, attention and love. They will return the favor more naturally in an environment that's comfortable and safe. Consider these tips for creating a pet-friendly home. (BPT)

Courtesy of Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

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Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for June 2016

Tuesday, August 2, 2016
by Scott Darling

chester county pa real estate

FHA has recently relaxed many of its condo financing rules making it easier for condo buyers to secure loan when buying a condo. If you are in the market for a condo be sure to talk with your lender about how the new rules may help you.

Chester County PA Real Estate Market Trends for June 2016

3,045 Chester County PA single family homes were for sale in June 2016 which is a 6.43% increase from June 2015. 801 homes sold in June with a median sales price of $340,000, a 2.01% decrease from June 2015.

The supply of inventory was 6.1 compared to 5.3 in May 2015 and the Sales vs List Price was 96.4%.

Date Homes For
Sale		 Months Supply
Inventory		 Homes
Sold		 Median Sales
Price		 Sales Price vs
List Price
May 2016 3,045 6.1 801 $340,000 96.4%
 May 2015 2,861 5.3 784 $347,000 96.3%

 

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

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