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Chester County Real Estate Market Trends for February 2015

Sunday, March 29, 2015
by Scott Darling

Take a look at February​’s real estate sales broken down by school district.

Downingtown School District

The number of homes selling in the Downingtown school district in February 2015 dropped by 23.26% when compared to February 2014. The average selling price decreased by 4% to $368,749. The median selling price dropped by 10.95% while the average market time decreased by 8 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 33 $368,479 $305,000 63
Feb 2014 43 $382,272 $342,500 71

 

West Chester School District

The number of homes selling in the West Chester school district in February​ 2015 decreased by 3.7% when compared to February​ 2014. The average selling price increased by less than 1% to $329,940. The median selling price increased by 2.08% while the average market time increased by 13 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 52 $329,940 $295,000 70
Feb 2014 54 $328,245 $289,000 57

 

Coatesville School District

The number of homes selling in the Coatesville school district in February 2015 increased by 26.67% when compared to February​ 2014. The average selling price decreased 2.23% to $222,607. The median selling price decreased 4.2% while the average market time grew by 2 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 38 $222,607 $216,500 97
Feb 2014 30 $227,679 $226,000 95

 

Great Valley School District

The number of homes selling in the Great Valley school district in February 2015 increased by 18.18% when compared to February​ 2014. The average selling price decreased less than 1% to $497,492. The median selling price dropped by 15.58% to $369,450, while the average market time decreased by 12 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 26 $497,492 $369,450 53
Feb 2014 22 $501,952 $437,625 65



Unionville School District

The number of homes selling in the Unionville school district in February 2015 increased by 50% when compared to February​ 2014. The average selling price increased 5.72% to $451,083. The median selling decreased 2.52% while the average market time dropped by 45 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 15 $451,083 $327,500 67
Feb 2014 10 $426,680 $335,950 112



Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

The number of homes selling in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district in February​ 2015 increased by 20.83% when compared to February​ 2014. The average selling price decreased by 9.54% to $496,004. The median selling price rose less than 1% while the average market time increased by 12 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 29 $496,004 $450,000 79
Feb 2014 24 $548,323 $447,500 67

 

Owen J Roberts School District

The number of homes selling in the Owen J Roberts school district in February 2015 increased by 53.85% when compared to February​ 2014. The average selling price increased by 20.73% to $385,152. The median selling price increased 49.79% while the average market time decreased by 9 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 20 $385,152 $362,500 96
Feb 2014 13 $319,008 $242,0000 87

 

Phoenixville School District

The number of homes selling in the Phoenixville school district in February​ 2015 decreased by 28.57% when compared to February​ 2014. The average selling price decreased 8.49% to $261,651. The median selling price increased by 4.45% while the average market time decreased by 35 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Feb 2015 15 $261,651 $272,500 58
Feb 2014 21 $285,937 $260,900 93

 

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

Information provided by Chester County Realtor Scott Darling.

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Chester County Real Estate Market Trends for January 2015

Wednesday, March 4, 2015
by Scott Darling

Even though most people start their New Year’s resolutions on January 1, some people add resolutions as the year progresses. For some, that goal is realizing the dream of homeownership. Beginning the process of buying a home can be daunting, but it is easy enough to begin working on the first step – saving for a down payment. According to the National Association of REALTORS®' 2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 65 percent of home buyers utilize their savings account for a down payment; however, buyers find many other ways to finance a down payment, including selling stocks or bonds, relying on gifts from friends or relatives, retirement funds or using the proceeds from another home sale.

Beginning to build savings should be a priority for potential buyers because it can take some time. According to NAR’s report, it took half of buyers a year or less to save for a down payment, while another 19 percent said it took between one and two years to build their savings account. Additionally, 29 percent said they needed more than two years to save.

Take a look at January’s real estate sales broken down by school district.

Downingtown School District

The number of homes selling in the Downingtown school district in January 2015 dropped by 1.85% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price increased less than 1% to $355,000. The median selling price increased by 2.94% while the average market time increased by 15 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 53 $355,000 $350,000 66
Jan 2014 54 $354,439 $340,000 51

 

West Chester School District

The number of homes selling in the West Chester school district in January 2015 decreased by 15.71% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price increased by 1.05% to $347,531. The median selling price decreased by 2.88% while the average market time increased by 7 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 59 $347,531 $320,000 66
Jan 2014 70 $343,909 $329,500 59

 

Coatesville School District

The number of homes selling in the Coatesville school district in January 2015 dropped by 7.5% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price increased 3.51% to $223,125. The median selling price decreased 6.6% while the average market time grew by 14 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 37 $223,125 $200,875 102
Jan 2014 40 $215,565 $215,069 88

 

Great Valley School District

The number of homes selling in the Great Valley school district in January 2015 decreased by 19.05% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price increased 8.1% to $474,719. The median selling price increased by 7.9% to $437,000, while the average market time decreased by 19 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 17 $474,719 $437,000 64
Jan 2014 21 $439,151 $405,000 83



Unionville School District

The number of homes selling in the Unionville school district in January 2015 increased by 41.67% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price increased 19.76% to $499,500. The median selling rose 37.4% while the average market time increased by 47 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 17 $499,500 $450,000 115
Jan 2014 12 $417,083 $327,500 68



Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

The number of homes selling in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district in January 2015 increased by 7.69% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price increased 2.16% to $435,893. The median selling price dropped 5.59% while the average market time increased by 10 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 28 $435,893 $380,000 58
Jan 2014 26 $426,673 $402,500 48

 

Owen J Roberts School District

The number of homes selling in the Owen J Roberts school district in January 2015 increased by 5.26% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price decreased by 4.72% to $308,095. The median selling price dropped 10% while the average market time decreased by 1 day.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 20 $308,095 $256,500 116
Jan 2014 19 $323,373 $285,000 117

 

Phoenixville School District

The number of homes selling in the Phoenixville school district in January 2015 decreased by 21.21% when compared to January 2014. The average selling price increased 2.74% to $279,169. The median selling price increased by 14.19% while the average market time decreased by 5 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Jan 2015 26 $279,169 $244,375 64
Jan 2014 33 $271,718 $214,000 69

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Kennett Square Home For Sale: 119 Federal Walk

Saturday, February 28, 2015
by Scott Darling

Kennett Square Home For Sale:

119 Federal Walk, Kennett Square PA 19348
MLS# 6526599

Spectacular In Every Way!



Spectacular! Move right into this spacious townhome in fantastic condition. Longwood Village is a pretty community with mature landscaping and just 42 townhomes. It isn't often that one comes on the market. Wonderful, spacious floor plan with 3 levels of living space, a full basement and a Garage! Foyer entry has hardwood floors. Spacious Living Room features a gas fireplace. Kitchen has a gas stove, hardwood floors, granite counter-tops, lots of cabinetry and a pantry. Dining Area has sliding glass doors to a secluded Deck with beautiful landscaping that adds privacy. Second floor has a wonderful Master Bedroom with huge walk-in closet and tiled bath. Two additional Bedrooms, Laundry Room and another full Bath complete the second floor. The third level is an awesome LOFT with another walk-in closet! This would make a wonderful office or 4th bedroom. Immaculate condition. Walk to shopping, restaurants, & Starbucks!

Marketed by Chester County PA Realtor Scott Darling.

 

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Chester County Real Estate Market Trends for December 2014

Thursday, January 22, 2015
by Scott Darling

2015 is off to a great start for home buyers according to an executive order announced last week authorizing FHA to cut .5 percent from the annual mortgage insurance premium for the FHA backed loans with terms greater than 15 years. For most FHA loans this will reduce the annual premium from 1.35 percent of the loan balance to .85 percent. Loans with balances above the loan limits in effect in most areas and with current MIP of 1.50 to 1.55 percent will see new premiums of 1.00 or 1.05 percent respectively. The upfront premium for all loans will remain unchanged at 1.75 percent.

Borrowers with FHA-insured loans can refinance and obtain the lower annual MIP, as long as the original endorsement was after May 31, 2009 (Older loans have a lower annual MIP. The annual MIP was increased from 0.55% to 0.90% in October 2010, to 1.15% in April 2011, to 1.25% in April 2012, and to 1.35% in April 2013 for borrowers with less than 5% down.)  

Take a look at December’s real estate sales broken down by school district.

Downingtown School District

The number of homes selling in the Downingtown school district in December​ 2014 dropped by 2.56% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price increased 1% to $379,527. The median selling price decreased by less than 1% while the average market time decreased by 15 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 76 $379,527 $357,000 54
Dec 2013 78 $376,190 $357,275 69

 

West Chester School District

The number of homes selling in the West Chester school district in December​ 2014 increased by 20.4% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price dropped by 11.5% to $317,000. The median selling price decreased by 11.9% while the average market time decreased by 2 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 118 $332,270 $317,000 54
Dec 2013 98 $375,679 $360,000 56

 

Coatesville School District

The number of homes selling in the Coatesville school district in December​ 2014 dropped by 31.76% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price decreased 1.73% to $215,000. The median selling price decreased 2.74% while the average market time grew by 31 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 58 $215,850 $215,000 79
  85 $219,652, $221,065 48

 

Great Valley School District

The number of homes selling in the Great Valley school district in December​ 2014 increased by 83.3% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price increased 15.6% to $480,567. The median selling price didn't change while the average market time increased by 15 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 44 $480,567 $435,000 63
Dec 2013 24 $415,711 $435,000 48



Unionville School District

The number of homes selling in the Unionville school district in December​ 2014 increased by 16.67% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price increased 2.09% to $475,173. The median selling price dropped 11.17% while the average market time increased by 3 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 28 $475,173 $407,500 99
Dec 2013 16 $465,457 $458,750, 96



Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

The number of homes selling in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district in December​ 2014 increased by 94.59% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price increased 1.25% to $451,108. The median selling price increased 3.8% while the average market time decreased by 15 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 72 $451,108 $410,000 49
Dec 2013 37 $445,557 $395,000 64

 

Owen J Roberts School District

The number of homes selling in the Owen J Roberts school district in December​ 2014 increased by 29.03% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price decreased by 5.7% to $318,523. The median selling price dropped 16.67% while the average market time increased by 23 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 40 $318,523 $270,000 76
Dec 2013 31 $337,788 $324,000 53

 

Phoenixville School District

The number of homes selling in the Phoenixville school district in December​ 2014 decreased by 19.51% when compared to December​ 2013. The average selling price increased 1.27% to $261,252. The median selling price decreased 8.73% while the average market time decreased by 32 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Dec 2014 33 $261,252 $218,000 69
Dec 2013 41 $257,987 $238,860 101

 

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

Information courtesy of Chester County Realtor Scott Darling.

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Chester County Real Estate Market Trends for October 2014

Sunday, December 7, 2014
by Scott Darling

You may be asking if now is a good time to be looking to buy a home before 2015. Experts predict home prices will continue to rise in 2015. Therefore, it is definitely a good time to be buying with prices continuing to climb. Here are some other considerations about house hunting during the holidays…

  • Lower seasonal prices are likely before the anticipated increases in 2015. Many homes on the market during the holidays are being offered because the sellers are being transferred. January is a high workplace transfer month. Transferees are trying to sell their homes during the holidays because they feel they have to.
     
  • Less competition among buyers is common because many are concentrating on holiday activities. If they don’t have to move for some reason they tend to wait until after the year-end holidays. That means fewer competing offers and less likelihood of bidding wars.
     
  • Seller anxiety begins to set in during the holidays. That means potentially better deals can be had. Sellers who need to move get more willing to bargain during the holidays because there is less demand from buyers.

Take a look at the Chester County real estate sales for October, broken down by school district.

Downingtown School District

The number of homes selling in the Downingtown school district in Oct 2014 increased by 20% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price increased 8.6% to $387,862. The median selling price increased less than 1% while the average market time decreased by 22 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 80 $387,862 $326,250 56
Oct 2013 100 $356,886 $326,000 78

West Chester School District

The number of homes selling in the West Chester school district in Oct 2014 increased by 7.6% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price decreased 6.1% to $367,679. The median selling price decreased 2.1% while the average market time decreased by 6 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 113 $367,679 $342,500 52
Oct 2013 105 $391,793 $350,000 66

Coatesville School District

The number of homes selling in the Coatesville school district in Oct 2014 increased by 1.7% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price increased 1.6% to $215,624. The median selling price increased 2.3% while the average market time increased by 30 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 68 $215,624 $212,500 106
Oct 2013 58 $184,794 $171,500 76

Great Valley School District

The number of homes selling in the Great Valley school district in Oct 2014 decreased by 28% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price increased 4.5% to $469,749. The median selling price increased 11.1% while the average market time decreased by 4 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 25 $469,749 $440,000 61
Oct 2013 35 $449,204 $435,000 65


Unionville School District

The number of homes selling in the Unionville school district in Oct 2014 decreased by 7.6% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price decreased 24% to $481,851. The median selling price decreased 29.3% while the average market time decreased by 3 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 24 $481,851 $415,450 79
Oct 2013 26 $641,554 $588,250 81



Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

The number of homes selling in the Tredyffrin-Easttown school district in Oct 2014 increased by 18% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price decreased 3.4% to $549,439. The median selling price decreased 1.8% while the average market time decreased by 14 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 52 $549,439 $432,500 63
Oct 2013 44 $568,789 $532,450 77

Owen J Roberts School District

The number of homes selling in the Owen J Roberts school district in Oct 2014 increased by 35.7% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price increased 19.8% to $366,364. The median selling price increased 4.0% while the average market time increased by 1 day.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 38 $366,364 $323,750 77
Oct 2013 28 $305,773 $311,112 76

 

Phoenixville School District

The number of homes selling in the Phoenixville school district in Oct 2014 increased by 34.2% when compared to Oct 2013. The average selling price decreased 3.7% to $242,828. The median selling price increased 3.1% while the average market time increased by 5 days.

Date Sold
Listings

Average
Selling Price

 Median
Selling Price		 Average
Days On Market
Oct 2014 47 $243,828 $227,000 60
Oct 2013 35 $253,338 $220,000 55

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

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2013 Tax Deductions For Chester County Homeowners

Monday, March 17, 2014
by Scott Darling

If you moved to your Chester County PA home in 2013 now is the time to anticipate itemizing deductions on your tax return. Take yourself to a quiet corner of your home and begin to plan for tax time in April. Here’s a partial checklist of some often overlooked deductions:

  • Mortgage Points: Most homeowners know that mortgage interest is deductible, but often forget that points are, too?  Points are actually prepaid interest and may be deductible as mortgage interest if you itemize deductions on Form 1040, Schedule A.
  • Moving expenses: If you moved more than 50 miles for a new job, expenses such as movers, renting a truck, storing and insuring furniture, connecting/disconnecting utilities, and the cost of lodging while moving can be claimed as deductible expenses. Refer to IRS Pub. 521.
  • Job hunting costs: When looking for a position in the same line of work you held previously, you can deduct expenses associated with trying to land a new position including out-of-town lodging, transportation, employment agency fees, business cards, and resume printing costs.
  • The standard deduction:  If you turned 65 last year remember you are now eligible for a larger deduction.
  • Medicare insurance and long-term care premiums: Medical expenses over 10% of Adjusted Gross Income are deductible. Remember to include the cost of Medicare Parts B, C, D, and supplemental insurance.
  • State sales tax: You still have a choice between deducting state income taxes paid or state sales taxes paid. Since you will choose whichever gives you the largest deduction, keep in mind the purchase of unusually large items like home building materials.
  • U.S. Armed Forces members, especially those serving in combat zones, face some special tax situations and are entitled to special tax benefits.  Click here for specific details. Moving expenses listed above also apply to the military.
  • Early withdrawal penalty:Did you cash in a CD last year? If you were charged an early withdrawal fee, you can deduct it directly on your 1040. Financial Planning and Management Expenses, Schedule A. Be sure the fee is itemized on the Form 1099 from your bank.
  • Investment Advice: The costs of investment newsletters, paid financial advisors, or other fees spent to manage your money can be deducted.

Remember the above is a partial checklist for your convenience. For more details concerning deductions related to moving to your home refer to www.irs.gov and/or consult a tax advisor.

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A Modern Christmas To All Chester County PA Homeowners

Tuesday, December 17, 2013
by Scott Darling

Yes, it is once again the Christmas season, and each of us has a favorite yuletide memory or a tradition that we include in our celebration each year.  Yet, in our fast-paced world, time marches on and customs change.  Just as candy canereal candles on the tree gave way to bubbling lights, twinkling lights, and now LED lights and hand-strung popcorn and cranberries were replaced by tinsel garlands and ribbons, Christmas 2012 brings with it new creations and unusual ideas which may well become traditions over time. Read on for the latest in tree and home decorations, stocking stuffers, unique gifts, and, of course, recipes.

Trees:

Trends for 2012 include an emphasis on skinny trees, metallic trees, and multiple trees spread throughout your home.    HGTV.com suggests thinking outside the box and reflecting your personality and lifestyle when it comes to decorating your tree(s).  Consider, then, silk flowers in your favorite color(s), ornaments made from sheet music or old books, or depicting a theme.  Nature-inspired motifs such as natural materials, birds, the sea, or your favorite animal are possibilities. Some with-it decorators even showcase their hobbies on their tree.  Gardening, golf, cooking…?        

Even tree toppers are changing.  While angels, stars, and bows are still popular additions for the tree in your home, creative sorts are replacing those with a floral arrangement, feathers, Santa’s hat, Frosty, Yoda, a cluster of colorful balls, and even the Eiffel Tower.  Click here for help in making unusual angels to crown your conifer.

Deck the Halls – and the Walls                                                                                    

Experiment with some low-cost “funky shui” in your home this year.   With a can of spray paint, unwanted picture frames, ribbon, old seasonal greeting cards, and wrapping paper you can achieve the reputation of an inventive decorator as you create unusual wall art, festive displays of branches, colorful lampshade stripes and “Christmas package” pillows, and one-of-a-kind paint-swirled bottles and glasses. 

Unexpected Stocking Stuffers Sure to Surprise

RealSimple.com and Perpetualkid.com have outdone themselves this year in terms of “who would have thought” suggestions for unique stocking stuffers for under $20.  Have fun as you fill those Santa stockings with a robot tea infuser, a hand-held sound effects machine, a cupcake shower cap, or scented straws.  Not full yet?  You can also add paper airplane push pins, permanent bubbles, or HotWheels’ new Ballistiks.  Not “outre” enough for you?  Then embrace the trendy mustache craze and include portable kits for emergency use, bracelet charms, gummy candy, or a baby’s pacifier reflecting the latest fad!

Food, Glorious Food

Tired of relying on standard fare such as plum pudding, Santa cookies, green bean casserole, and traditional turkey? Dare you try saffron turkey, cumin roasted potatoes, pine nut parsnips, and braised red cabbage—all covered in white wine gravy? If so, click here to get started.  Another appetizing menu has all the classics you want for the ultimate Christmas dinner updated with a stylish, modern flare.  FineCooking.com. gives you recipes for champagne cosmos, horseradish bread pudding, lemon thyme spinach, and ginger cake trifle—each sure to please even the most discriminating  palates.

Let’s Not Forget The Cookies

While chocolate chip, sugar, peanut butter, and candy cane cookies will never go out of style, there should always be room on the table in your  home—and in your stomach—for newcomers of the delicious sort.  Does your mouth water when you imagine chocolate/orange (or chocolate/hazelnut) cookie cups, gingerbread pinwheels, peppermint blossoms, or turtle bites?  If so, then Pillsbury can certainly help satisfy your sweet tooth.

Present Day Presents

Yes, Furbies are indeed back, but they are joined by the not-so familiar WHISKEY STONES and a new WINE-OPOLY BOARD GAME, both available at Gifts.com. Want something more cutting edge? Allmodern.com provides suggestions in 15 different categories and features items such as a gear clock, a molecule building set, and Ipad/Mp3 accessories. 

Amazon.com has compiled—and updates hourly-- a list of toys and games very popular with children this Christmas.  Sought-after selections include Moshi Monsters, Lego Creationary Board Game, and any Angry Birds Star Wars Item.  And, in spite of the advent of the IPad, Kindle, and numerous other electronic devices, many children still enjoy reading books and playing board games.  Ask your public or school librarian for age-appropriate suggestions or peruse Amazon’s book lists.

Remember, too, that not all gifts need to be tangible.  The sharing of your time and talents is most appreciated by all recipients, including children.  Think about an outing to a museum or the zoo, a shopping expedition for an Angel Tree child, caroling, cooking lessons, or a project in which the entire family participates,

So there you have it—a modern-day take on many elements of Christmas. There is one more relatively new idea which is quickly gaining in popularity, however, and that is.the determination to slow down, relax a bit, and actually enjoy the season with friends and family.  May your holiday be a rewarding and peaceful one!

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Great Article for Potential Home Sellers

Thursday, May 9, 2013
by Scott Darling

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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Curb Appeal Sells Homes

Thursday, April 25, 2013
by Scott Darling

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2013 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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Leaving Your Chester County PA Home For a Winter Get-Away

Wednesday, February 20, 2013
by Scott Darling

Some sensible travel tips for you…

After the busy December season is over, holiday bills have been paid, and life has settled in to the doldrums of RVwinter, many folks leave their Chester County PA home to treat themselves to a badly needed vacation or well-deserved weekend escape.   Whether you plan to travel via plane, train, or car, these basic but helpful tips compiled by ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) allow you to begin and end your trip on a positive note.

Before leaving:

  • Packing light saves time and energy when it comes to avoiding an overfilled trunk, wrestling with heavy bags, or struggling to fill the last empty space in the overhead bin.
  • Be sure to secure your Chester County PA home. Lock all doors and windows and don't forget to set the alarm. Also, discourage potential burglars by having a friend collect your mail, setting lights on timers, and omitting details of your trip on the answering machine or on social media sites.

Air travel:

  • Have a friend drive you to the airport, or take a shuttle or public transportation.
  • Take the worry out of getting to the airport, particularly in bad weather, by staying at a nearby hotel the night before an early flight.
  • As flights are often overbooked during heavy-travel times, it's critical to check in early. Domestic travelers should arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to departure, while international travelers should arrive at least three hours in advance.
  • Remember that delays can—and often do-- occur.  Bring water and snacks, an inflatable pillow, a good book, favorite CDs, an MP3 player, and a deck of cards to help pass time.

Car travel:

  • Before you leave your Chester County PA home, have a qualified mechanic check all the car's vitals: brakes, battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, light bulbs, and any parts that need regular maintenance. 
  • Bring emergency equipment such as a first-aid kit, flashlight, blankets, drinking water, and snacks, along with flares and jumper cables.
  • Don't leave valuables in your car. Pack all items, especially expensive electronics, in the trunk.
  • If you're traveling with children, get everyone involved by singing or reminiscing about favorite memories.  The ride will be over before you know it, and you may actually look forward to the drive back home.

Whatever your mode of travel, make sure you take time to rest, relax, and enjoy yourself !

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