February 2016 Newsletter - Here's What's Happening in Hearthstone

February 2016 Newsletter  

Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone

ACTIVE:  

3820 Amberton Way               $512,900 Creamery model. 4 bed, 2/1 bath, 2,640 SqFt with finished basement, 3 season sunroom and new granite in kitchen. Days on market: 14.

3750 W Brandon Way             $549,000 Creamery model. 4 bed, 2/1 bath, 2,620 SqFt with updated kitchen, EP Henry patio, deck and in-ground salt water swimming pool. Days on Market: 26

4851 Green Heather               Was $499,000, now $479,000 “Expanded” Creamery model. 4 bed, 2/1 bath, 2,720SqFt In-ground pool. hdwd flooring thru the first and second floors. 153 days on market.

4910 Crosspoint Dr                 $484,900 Aquetong model.4 bed, 2/1 bath, 2,253 Sqft with covered rear porch with mahogany decking and finished basement. Days on market: 5.

SETTLED: 

3941 Amberton Way              Listed at $599,900, Settled at $565,000. 4 bed, 3/1 baths,  upgraded kitchen and finished basement with wet bar and full bathroom. Days on market: 16.

TEMPORARILY OFF MARKET:

5037 Jennifer Ct                     Originally $440,000, raised to $445,000  4 bed, 2/1 bath, 2596Sqft, with a finished basement and in-ground pool. Days on market 159. Short Sale.

We are thrilled to announce that for the 10th year in a row, The Gutner Team is number ONE in Central Bucks Sales, closing 35 homes for more than $14,000,000 in sales volume.   Thank You for your referrals and your trust!  We love what we do!

 

April 2012 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone

All of these are 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath unless stated otherwise



ACTIVE: 4968 Crosspoint Dr—totally renovated in last 18 months. Open floor plan with wood staircase and bridge overlooking great room. $515,000. On the market for 37 days.

3976 Liz Cir—A Greenbriar model, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, finished basement with full bath, new carpet and fresh neutral paint throughout. Reduced to $499,900, on the market 324 days.

4909 Stillwater Circle—Just listed. Looks to me like an Edison, though not noted. New bathrooms, great patio and finished basement. $499,900.

WITHDRAWN: 4844 Green Heather Ct— A Ferndale, newly upgraded kitchen, Trex deck, above ground pool, finished basement. Started at $519,900. Reduced to $499,900.

PENDING: 3695 Seneca Ct—on cul-de-sac, family room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace, finished basement, security system. $474,900. On the market for 45 days..

JUST SETTLED: 3679 W Brandon Way— An Aquetong model, Hardwood floors throughout, Plantation shutters, newly upgraded kitchen, finished basement, fenced backyard. Started at $459,000. Reduced to $434,000. Settled for $430,000. Was on the market 73 days.

What buyers are looking for in 2012

You would think that buyers would be thrilled with lower prices AND GREAT rates but they want MORE.  Those great ingredients don’t necessarily translate into confidence that prices won’t continue to drop.  They want three things and three things only:

A good value.  Condition.  Location. 

You can thank HGTV and House Hunters for some of this.  Buyers are watching other buyers from around the world pick the house that is in great condition, at the lowest price and the best location.  MOST buyers do not want to deal with contractors so even if you price your home without granite and updated bathrooms, they’ll pass it up if they can, or they’ll kill you with price if they have to do the work.  Everyone is afraid they might lose their jobs.  They’re looking for a place to settle down where the mortgage, taxes, utilities and upkeep won’t kill them.  They are looking for PRICE, CONDITION, LOCATION.  You can’t change your location—but you have total control over your price and your condition. 

September Newsletter

Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone

All of these are 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath unless stated otherwise

ACTIVE:  None.

PENDING: 4835 Winterson Ct.  - A Gutner Team Listing! A Creamery model, large yard, wonderful deck and gazebo. Listed at $499,900! Pending after 76 days. See it at www.Gutner.com! 

3815 Amberton Way—full finished basement with guest room, Backyard is all new with saltwater pool, stamped concrete patio, fencing, landscaping and sprinkler system. Listed for $515,000. Pending after 34 days.

3976 Liz Cir—A Greenbriar model, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, finished basement with full bath, new carpet and fresh neutral paint throughout. Reduced to $499,900. Pending after 102 days.

SETTLED: 3925 Liz Cir—A Gutner Team Listing! A Greenbriar model, upgraded and beautifully decorated. Listed at $559,900. Sold for $550,000 in 7 days.

3843 Amberton Way, a Durham, back yard with patio and sports court, unfinished basement. Reduced to $449,900. Sold for $425,000 in 82 days.

4985 Stillwater Cir— A Creamery model, 4 bedrms, 2.5 baths. Listed at $475,000. Sold for $470,000 in 7 days.

4868 Tall Oak Ct—A Creamery, 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, finished basement with media room, workshop and storage areas. Listed for $564,900. Sold for $525,000 in 51 days.

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I’m often asked why one house sells so high and a seemingly same house sells for less.  The reasons are many.  There’s the obvious difference:  A perfect picture: Price, location, condition.  But the not- so -obvious plays a huge role too.  For example, we’ve had sellers who were buying up and got a fantastic deal on the other end and just didn’t care about the extra 10, 20 or $30,000.00.  Then there’s the homeowner who has bought something else and now needs to get their house sold as carrying two homes is killing them—or the couple who’s living with their mother-in-law in Kansas, waiting for the house here to sell and they’re ready to shoot themselves.  In some cases, those with great equity just decide that they want to be the next one sold . . .  so they complete our to-do list and price it below the competition.

      The problem in today’s Real Estate market is that those who can afford to shear off a couple of thousand for the sake of “getting it done now” become the new base-line for the next sale.  Buyers can’t get into the last sales so they look strictly at square footage, rooms and finishes.  The same for the appraiser who will tell the bank how much they should lend.  The last price of a sold is the “new” price of a neighborhood.  Foreclosures and short sales abound in every neighborhood of Buckingham and Plumstead.  It’s a fantastic time to buy and it may be the best time for many years to come to sell.  Keep paying off your home and increasing your equity and you’ll be in a better place when your time comes. 

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10th Annual Keller Williams Food Drive

For the past 9 years Keller Williams Agents have been loading up the shelves at the New Britain Food Larder which serves more LOCAL people than you can imagine!

Date:  Saturday, October 1st

Leave your goodies by your mail box before 
10:00 A.M.

Who is the most GENEROUS??  
Will it be Fireside?

Hearthstone?  
Cold Spring Hunt?

We’ll let you know who the winners are!

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 The scoop on light bulbs.

By 2012 many types of incandescent bulbs will no longer be sold in the U.S.  By 2014 all will be discontinued.  Traditional 100 watt light bulbs are going to be phased out come this December 31.  By Jan. 1, 2014 the only incandescents will be the three-way bulbs.  BUT, don’t fret!  LED bulbs are LONG LASTING and last up to 10 times as long as compact fluorescent and FAR longer than typical incandescent.  They are more DURABLE because they don’t have a filament and can be jarred and bumped.  They are COOL because they do not cause heat build-up, producing 3.4 btu’s/hour compared to 85 for the one’s we use now.  Should cut down on air-conditioning! MORE EFFICIENT using only 2—10 watts of electricity (1/30th of incandescent).  These bulbs last for years and save 80% in electricity! LED bulbs costs more but the longevity and cost savings of usage are fantastic!  And the next time you see a really bright traffic light, you’ll know they’re using LED’s!

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What Projects are Worth It?

If you’re thinking of doing some improvements stick to the most used areas of your home and those that will pay you back when it’s time to sell. 

According to Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost Versus Value Report” last year, the following projects give the highest paybacks upon sale nationwide:

*Adding an attic bedroom (which none of us can do because of our truss systems)  83.1%

*Adding a wooden deck, 80.6%

*Minor Kitchen remodel, 78.3% 

*Basement remodel, 75.4%

*Major kitchen remodel, 72.1%

*Bathroom remodel, 71%

Some remodels, according to the Magazine, let you recoup the entire cost—and then some.  Replacing your front door with a new steel unit is estimated to return 128%. Other replacement projects give great returns because they not only are re-9investments in the home, but provide great curb appeal as well.  Buyers are enticed to view a home when greeted with bright new doors, clean easy-care replacement windows, smooth new driveways and no over-grown vegetation.

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Garbage Disposal Care and Maintenance:

So . . . Who knows the rules of taking care of your disposal?  Here’s some help:

Put food in slowly.  If you shove it in it can cause a clog an will shorten the life of your system.

Grind up those chicken bones and small fruit pits!  They actually help clean the walls of the disposal.

Use only cold water and run if for 15 to 20 seconds.  This solidifies the grease so it can get ground up.

Keep it smelling nice—grind citrus fruit peels or add a few drops of dish soap and let it run for a few minutes.

Sharpen the blades by filling it with ice cubes every month or so.

DON’T:  Use hot water as it makes grease liquefy and clog the drain.  DON’T grind celery stalks and onion skins as they will tangle up and clog it the same as pasta and rice which swells with water and clogs it up.  DON’T turn off the motor too quickly.  Make sure everything is ground up and then run the water for 15 seconds to flush it out.  DON’T put your coffee grounds in because the disposal can handle it but your pipes will clog.  And finally, DON’T forget to use it because it’ll get rusty and can lead to premature replacement. 

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Kids Away At College?

Ask your insurance company for “casual driver” rates on your car insurance.  AND, lots of policies only cover $500.00 (not even the cost of that new lap-top)!  Estimate all your student has in their apartment or dorm room and be sure it’s covered.  And did you know???  College kids are targeted for 35% of identity theft.  They are very casual about giving out their social security numbers and personal info.

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Can’t say it enough!!  Be sure you add the sump pump rider to your insurance policy.  If they don’t have it . . . Change insurance companies!

Here's What's Happening in Hearthstone

ACTIVE: 4835 Winterson Ct. - A Gutner Team Listing! A Creamery model, wonderful deck and gazebo. Just listed at $499,900! See it at www.Gutner.com! On the market for 39 days.


3815 Amberton Way—full finished basement with guest room, Backyard is all new with saltwater pool, stamped concrete patio, fencing, landscaping and sprinkler system. Just listed at $515,000.

3976 Liz Cir—A Greenbriar model, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, finished basement with full bath, new carpet and fresh neutral paint throughout. Listed at $519,900. On the market for 44 days.

PENDING: 3925 Liz Cir—A Gutner Team Listing! A Greenbriar model, upgraded and beautifully decorated. Listed at $559,900. Under agreement in 7 days!

3843 Amberton Way, a Durham, back yard with patio and sports court, unfinished basement. Started at $469,900, now pending at $449,900 after 82 days.

4868 Tall Oak Ct—A Creamery, 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, finished basement with media room, workshop and storage areas. Priced at $564,900. Pending after 51 days on the market.

SETTLED: 3907 Greystone Dr.— a Creamery model, finished basement and workshop, professionally landscaped backyard with koi pond. Listed at $485,000. Sold for $465,000 in 14 days.

And now . . . The numbers:

If a buyer is looking for a 1 to 20 year old home, their route is usually Buckingham, Doylestown and Plumstead. Here’s what’s available to them:

And some little known facts from the National Association of Realtors:

-For every home that someone buys there is up to $60,000 brought back into the local economy with furniture, updates and related items.
-Every home sale affects 80 different occupations!
-Home sales are responsible for 2.5 million private-sector jobs each year.
-Housing accounts for 15% of America’s Gross Domestic Product and is a key driver in our economic recovery.
-Out of the last eight recessions, housing brought us out of six of them. So . . . go buy a house!!!!

TAX ASSESSMENT APPEAL RIP OFFS !

We recently received a solicitation from “Value Appeal” to reduce our Real Estate Taxes for our residence in Cold Spring Hunt. They claim that we are over-assessed by $2300 and that they can help us reduce our taxes by $2300. 

They are wrong in the calculation of our  assessment as we appealed our taxes two years ago and our assessment is right in line with value but "Value Appeal" charges you the $100.00 just to get a report!!!  They are obviously inflating their number to get you to use their services. 

The appeal is a simple process that will cost you $25.00 to the Board of Appeals.  IF YOU QUALIFY and that's a big IF.  Email us today to see what the county values your property at for tax purposes.  95% of you will not qualify for an appeal as the state/county has played with the assessment numbers. We would be happy to tell you if you qualify and give you the comps you need if you do qualify.  We have done hundreds of them in the past two years, and we will help you do yours before the deadline on August 1st for free. If you have any questions please email (only) us at jeri@gutner.com and we will gladly help you.

Watch us Re-Do our Master Bath!

Well . . . Unfortunately, real estate got in the way of my bathroom renovation so no new pictures to show. I did get as far as fixtures—and trying to find fixtures that match each other is no easy chore! Stay tuned to our blog for updates. Go to www.gutner.com and click on BLOG.

A friend of ours from whom we have been getting our prescription eye wear for years has opened in Rice’s Market in the new barn. Save 40% to 60% on your next purchase and mention Jeri and Henri for an added 10% off!

MOST AND LEAST AFFORDABLE CITIES! A New Jersey surprise!

Looking for the most affordable metro area with populations of less than 1/2 a million? Check out the 10 most affordable cities: Kokomo, Indiana; Monroe, Michigan; Cumberland, Md.; Elhart-Goshen, Indiana: Springfield, Ohio; Sandusky, Ohio; Bay City, Michigan; Rockford, Ill.; Fairbanks, Arkansas; and Flint, Michigan. If you want to move to the 10 least affordable areas head out to California although Ocean City, NJ ranks #4 least affordable!

The 10 most affordable with populations of 500,000 or more were Syracuse; Youngstown; Indianapolis; Warren-Troy, Michigan; Toledo, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla; Harrisburg-Carlisle, Akron, Dayton, Detroit. Median sale price of $80,000. Of course the least affordable were NY; San Fran; L.A.; Honolulu; Santa Ana-Anaheim; San Jose; Bridgeport-Stamford, Ct; Nassau-Suffolk; SanDiego and El Paso. Median sale price of $425,000.

10 Easy to-do Upgrades that add Style and Value

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home or just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

1.Update hardware on cabinets and drawers
2. Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)
3. Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms
4. Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits
5. Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)
6.Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color
7. Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space
8. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room
9. Try a fresh new color on your front door for character
10. Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

Local Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection

Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection Program for Middle Bucks is being held from 9:00 to 3:00 on Saturday, July 23rd, at CB South High School, 1100 Folly Rd., Warrington. You can bring as many 3 computers and 25 gallons of Hazardous products including: pesticides; flammables such as gas, oil, spot removers and paint thinner; caustics such as lye, oven cleaner, drain and metal cleaner; toxics such as rust/paint remover, antifreeze, weed killer, fluorescent lamps; household batteries and Lead-Acid Batteries including car, marine, motorcycle and truck batteries.



June 2011: Here's What's Happening in Hearthstone

All of these are 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath unless stated otherwise


ACTIVE: 3843 Amberton Way, a Durham, back yard with patio and sports court, unfinished basement. Started at $469,900, now $459,900. On the market for 51 days.

4868 Tall Oak Ct—A Creamery, 4 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, finished basement with media room, workshop and storage areas. Priced at $564,900. On the market for 42 days.

PENDING: None

SETTLED: 3885 W. Brandon—A Creamery w/ pond views. Fin bsmt. Started at $489,900, 3 price reductions down to $459,000. Sold for $423,000 in 175 days.

4976 Melissa Ct - a Creamery, fireplace, unfin, bsmt.. Originally $485,000 reduced to $439,900. Sold for $427,500 in 347 days.

Cold Spring Hunt:

For Sale in Hearthstone April 2011

For Sale in Hearthstone April 2011

If you are thinking about  putting you house on the market, contact jeri@gutner.com

If you would like to see any of these homes or any come in Bucks or Montgomery Counties
Please contact henri@gutner.com

November 2010 Newsletter  

 Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone

All of these are 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath unless stated otherwise

ACTIVE: 4819 Green Heather Court—A Gorgeous “Creamery” with master sitting room addition, finished basement, newer hardwood flooring, granite and a great yard! Another Gutner Team Listing!! See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com! $500,000! This home is perfect and indication of how slow the market is!
3853 W. Brandon Way - a Creamery, fireplace, finished basement, a SHORT SALE. Listed at $429,900 for 288 days.
4976 Melissa Ct - a Creamery, fireplace, unfin, bsmt.. Originally $485,000 reduced to $439,900; listed for 295 days.
3885 W. Brandon—A Creamery w/ pond views. Fin bsmt. Was $489,900, now $474,000; listed for 119 days.
PENDING: 3776 Amberton Way—Creamery model with granite, finished basement, side entrance garage, full stone front. Another Gutner Team Listing! Listed at $489,900.
3905 Amberton Way — a Creamery model, granite, custom tile backsplash, full finished basement, stone front, fenced yard. Wow! Very aggressively priced and only on the market 16 days!!! Listed at $469,900.
SETTLED: None.

Cold Spring Hunt:
ACTIVE: 5020 Mead Dr. - an Eaton in perfect condition! 2 full, 2 half Baths, finished basement, granite, greenhouse. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. NOW $482,500!!!!
4940 Redfield Rd - A Northampton, Granite counters, crown molding, large finished basement with bar. Was $495,000, then $485,000, now $475,000. On the market for 118 days. Just sold last year for $460,000.
4160 Herbst Dr - a Belmont, first floor study with custom built-ins, granite counters, stone gas fireplace,. Originally asking 535,00, reduced to 529,900 and now to $519,900. On the market for 160 days.
4140 Herbst Dr.—A Haverford with master bedroom sitting area and patio. Asking $529,900 for 29 days.
UNDER AGREEMENT: 4810 Redfield Rd, A Gutner Team Listing: Just Listed: The only Dartmouth floorplan in the Hunt! Impeccable condition! Granite and Tile in kitchen, Great Breakfast room, Master Sitting Room. $519,900. See it at www.gutner.com. On the market for 21 days!

So . . . What’s Up with your competition? In Buckingham Township alone, looking at homes priced between $450,000 and $550,000, there are 27 homes on the market. Over the past year, an average of 3 homes sell per month. Soooo . . . This means that there is a 9 month accumulation of inventory. In other words, if nothing else came on the market it in this price range, it would take 9 months to clear out the inventory. Same price range, looking at Buckingham, Plumstead and Doylestown, there are 75 homes on the market, 9 sales per month average for an Inventory accumulation of 12 months. If you want to be one of the 9 homes that sells every month you need to do a few things. Call us, we’ll help you out!

HOW NOT TO BE ON THE MARKET FOR LONG
If you are thinking that a move is in your future you need to begin NOW. You may think that you don’t have a lot to do to go on the market, but we’ll bet there are things you MUST do that you don’t even know. We are very slow between now and the end of January and if you would like us to help you make your list of to-do’s to get ready for market, feel free to give us a call. We have done this for several people and it will really help you to move your home faster and for a better price.

Still haven’t Re-Financed?

Over the next few months mortgage rates will be at their best. Whenever the market slows down, rates go down and we’re coming into the winter months. If you are staying in your home for 5 more years you should really consider recasting your loan:


Loan Amount: $200,000 Rate: 6.25 Current Payment: $1,714 New Rate: 4.25 New Payment $1,504
Loan Amount $300,000 6.25 $2,572 4.25 $2,256
If you are trying to decide if you should do a 15 year mortgage here’s something to think about:


On a $200,000, 30 year mortgage at 4.5%, you’ll pay $164,813 in interest with a monthly payment of $1,013. Pay down the loan in 15 year (by making prepayments of about $517 per month on the mortgage balance) and your monthly payment would be $1,529 and you’d pay $75,396 in interest. If you went with a 15 year mortgage at 4% instead, you’d pay $66,286 in interest and have a payment of $1,479. So ask yourself if you’d be willing to pay a few thousand dollars more in interest for the flexibility of having an extra $500 a month to cover life’s expenses without tapping home equity. Also assess whether you’re disciplined enough to actually prepay the loan. If the answer is no, then a shorter-term mortgage is a good fit.

Tips to Save $$$$ on Your Utilities


Turn down your water heater. 13% of your home’s electricity goes to heating water. Set it to 130—140 degrees and install an Insulation jacket. Insulate the first six feet of piping that comes off of your heater.

Turn off heat drying on your dishwasher.

Switch to CFL lighting (4X less energy) and look for the new LED lighting options coming to Home Depot soon.

LED bulbs can also save you money in the long term, because an incandescent bulb requires about $300 worth of electricity over ten years of use. The LED bulbs cost $40 (for the 60 watt equivalent Zetalux) and $50 (for the 100 watt equivalent) and their cost to run over ten years is about $38. Multiply that by all the bulbs in your home . . . WOW!


Install a programmable thermostat. Futures markets predict an unprecedented raise in the cost of natural gas this year. In January you will be able to pick an alternative source (other than PECO) and get a more competitive rate. It will still go through PECO for billing and pipes, etc., but you’ll be able to lower your bill a little. YOU CAN DO THIS ON YOUR OWN. Many people are running around selling this but you can do this yourself!!!

Wash your clothes with a full load on cold. 90% of the energy consumed by your washing machine goes to heating the water.


Clean the condenser coils on your refrigerator(s)!! Especially if you have pets! Get out your vacuum and do it NOW! You should do this every 3 or 4 months to cut your energy and prolong the life of your refrigerator.

75% of your energy is from “phantom” users including televisions, VCRs, stereos, computers, phone chargers, etc. Turn them off when not in use!



Keller Williams Coat Drive—
WE are working with a Philadelphia organization and collecting coats that you don’t need anymore. If you have a coat or 2 that you are ready to part with, call or email me and I will pick up or you can leave it outside in a bag, or you can drop off to me at my house in Cold Spring Hunt at 4060 Hunt Drive. THANKS!!!