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!!!

September 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! $509,900!

3853 W. Brandon Way - a Creamery, fireplace, finished basement, a SHORT SALE. Listed at $429,900 for 224 days.

4976 Melissa Ct - a Creamery, new water heater, fireplace, unfin, bsmt.. Originally $485,000 reduced to $468,000 for 244 days.

3885 W. Brandon—A creamery w/ pond views. Finished basement. Was $489,900, now $479,000 for 55 days.

SETTLED:
3936 Amberton Way - a Durham, the original Hearthstone Durham Model, fireplace, finished basement. Listed at $500,000, reduced to $489,000 for 33 days. Sold for $470,000.

3683 Seneca Ct. - a completely re-done Creamery. New high-end kitchen, full stone front, granite, stainless, finished basement w/powder room and great bar, expensive deck and fabulous lot! Was asking $569,000—Sold for $551,000 in 9 days!

4870 Green Heather Ct. - an Aquetong, great back yard, partially fin.bsmt. $425,000 and sold for $420,000 in 55 days.

3696 W Brandon Way - .83 Acres, finished basement, fireplace, deck, backs to woods. Listed at $549,900 for 184 days and sold for $510,000.

4924 Stillwater - glass cabinets, concrete patio, unfinished basement. Listed at $498,500 for 16 days. Sold for $490,000.

OFF THE MARKET:
3967 Liz Circle - extra 1/2 bath in full finished basement, granite, wet bar. Listed for $459,000. Reduced to $449,000 for 186 days.


Know someone looking for a rental in the area? We have some great homes available:

Fireside, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, large deck, backs to protected area and trees, finished basement. $2,100.

Hearthstone, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath, great patio, side entrance garage, finished basement. $2,800.

Buckingham, 1 acre, 8 year old custom built home w/4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. $2,800.


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      While it’s not a great year in Real Estate
               we have sold 30 homes so far!!!

       Need results? Call Jeri and Henri Gutner

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9th Annual Keller Williams Food Drive

Last year we donated more than 1500 bags of food to the New Britain Food Larder along with $1,500 in cash. Believe it or not this only fills the Larder for 2 months. These are local needy folks people!! Please put a bag with canned goods, paper goods, toiletries, pastas—anything you find in your heart to give—put it out at your mailbox by 9:30 on Saturday, October 2nd and we’ll be by to pick it up. Thank You So Much!!! If you’d like to deliver it, bring it to our Food/Drive, Chilli contest (I’m competing!) at the New Britain Church on Route 202 between 10:00 and 1:00 on the 2nd.



What’s Wrong with My House?


Possibly nothing! But if you are married to a man who prefers to have a food blog and every kitchen utensil available instead of the latest tools, you may want to invest in a Professional Home Inspector. For somewhere between $400 and $500.00 a home inspector will climb up on your roof and let you know what’s happening up there, go into that ridiculously small access space called an attic to look for problems, test your Air and Heat and electric, check for rotted wood and a myriad of other things. In about 2 1/2 to 3 hours you’ll have a complete picture of all the projects you need to attend to. And . . . If you are planning on selling in the next few years, how impressive would it be to hand it over to a buyer with documentation of all that you’ve repaired. Need a name? Call me!



*********     Fix it Now!  **********

Nail Pops:

Let’s face it . . . We all have a nail pop here or there. They come from the nails that hold the drywall to the studs, actually popping through the face of the drywall. It’s either from our houses settling or the wood studs drying out and squeezing the nail out of the wood, pushing it through the drywall. Fixing it isn’t difficult but it is a pain in the neck to match the paint perfectly. Pound the nail through the drywall to the stud and then just above it, place a drywall screw to hold the drywall to the stud. Finish with a few coats of spackle or joint compound and paint. Places like Lowes and Home Depot sell a whole kit that makes the job easier.


Oil Stains On Your Garage Floor:

First, DUH, fix the car. Then get kitty litter to soak up the excess oil. Clear the kitty litter and make a paste of hot water and dry dish or laundry detergent. Use a stiff bristle scrub brush to scrub the area with the paste. Hose and let dry. Spray ‘n Wash on the stain for 10 minutes helps with tougher stains but apply before detergent. Last option is oven cleaner but don’t let it linger. That stuff is strong!


Squeaky Stairs:

We mostly see that the treads (the horizontal surface of the steps) comes loose which causes squeaking. Lately we’re also seeing loose spindles or balusters. If you can get underneath the staircase fixing the tread is easy. You will need to attach an L bracket from the underside of the tread to the stringer (the long piece of wood that connects the treads and runs diagonally up the wall). If you can’t get underneath the staircase, you’ll have to attack it from above. Squeaky stair kits are available that allow you to make this fix even through the carpet. Otherwise you can secure the treat to the stringer with a trim screw.

And when all else fails . . . Call your Handy Man! Don’t have one? Call me!



Real Estate Forecast

It’s going to be the winter of our discontent. All forecasts are calling for too much supply and too little demand until the end of 2011. Banks are holding off on Foreclosures because unleashing them all would cause a huge price decline to their inventory—and we are seeing more and more of them everyday—in every neighborhood in Buckingham. The good news is that with about 4 million births, 2 million deaths and 1 million newly arriving immigrants in U.S. each year, there will be a steady demand for homes . . . over time. Historically, the net number of home-owning households rises by 1 million each year. There are 2 million weddings and 1 million divorces that add to change in living arrangements and typically, home owners look for a new place every seven to 10 years. As a result, it is predicted that in the U.S. we will see 50 to 70 million home sales over the next 10 years. The take-away here is that over the next year it’s going to be tough to sell a home. It’s going to take longer and you are going to compete with a lot of homes which means your price has to be aggressive, your home has to be PERFECT and you need to have patience. Know what’s for sale around you so that when you see a dip in inventory and you think that your house and your price will be the winner for the 1 buyer who will buy in the next month, go on the market. Timing IS everything. Call us for our wisdom!



“Neighborhood Discounts”

There’s power in numbers!! Is anyone interested in working with me on getting “Neighborhood Discounts”. I can’t do this alone but with some help I am willing to help negotiate some different deals like: driveway sealing; window cleaning; interior and exterior painting; storm door installation; new garage doors; etc. The possibilities are endless! Send me your ideas and whether you are able to help! jeri@gutner.com

Hearthstone June 2010 Newsletter

June 2010 Newsletter        Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone

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

ACTIVE: 3853 W. Brandon Way - a Creamery, fireplace, finished basement, a SHORT SALE. Listed at $429,900 for 128 days.

4976 Melissa Ct - a Creamery, new water heater, fireplace, unfin, bsmt.. Originally $485,000 reduced to $468,000 for 136 days.

3936 Amberton Way - a Durham, wall of windows, butterfly stairs, fireplace, finished basement. Listed at $500,000, reduced to $489,000 for 33 days.

PENDING: 3683 Seneca Ct. - a completely re-done Creamery. New high-end kitchen, full stone front, granite, stainless, finished basement w/powder room and great bar, expensive deck and fabulous lot! Was asking $569,000—under agreement in 9 days.

4870 Green Heather Ct. - an Aquetong, great back yard, mature trees, partially fin.bsmt. $432,500 reduced to 425,000 for 55 days.

3696 W Brandon Way - .83 Acres, finished basement, fireplace, deck, backs to woods. Listed at $549,900 for 94 days.

4924 Stillwater - glass cabinets, concrete patio, unfinished basement. Listed at $498,500 for 25 days.

TEMPORARLIY OFF THE MARKET: 3967 Liz Circle - extra 1/2 bath in full finished basement, granite, wet bar. Listed for $459,000. Reduced to $449,000 for 87 days.

SOLD: Nothing was sold during the past month.



Dalton Glen:

3781 Newbolt: A Doyle Floorplan with 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, Inground Pool, 3 car garage and .69 acres. Asking $599,000.



Cold Spring Hunt:

4965 Grundy Way - a Glenfield, 4 Bdrms, 2 1/2 baths. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. Hardwoods, granite , back staircase, fireplace, screened sun room, in-ground pool. Asking $582,500, on the market for 65 days.

5020 Mead Dr. - an Eaton in perfect condition! 2full, 2 half Baths, finished basement, granite, greenhouse. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. Asking $519,900, Reduced to 499,550.

4814 Mead Dr. - a Belmont with finished walk-out basement and large, flat yard with lots of privacy, stainless kitchen, new granite, shadow box moldings. A Gutner Team Listing. See the virtual tour at www.gutner.com. Was $534,900. Reduced to $527,500. On the market for 59 days.



Thinking of selling in the next few years? It’s never too early to start planning for the upgrades and improvements that can be put on your long-term list. If you need help deciding what “big nuts” and “little improvements” will help your home sell quicker when you’re ready, let us know. We can spend a half hour with you and help you decide where to focus.



BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR 3 THINGS:

VALUE . . . CONDITION . . . LOCATION



See all of our listings and Virtual Tours at http://www.gutner.com/


Our home is one of the oldest in our neighborhood so we’re ahead of many of you with maintenance issues. Our gutters just needed to be re-hung and our patio has settled so that water is heading back to our house. Our air-conditioner MIGHT make it through this year and our baths need updating—always something! If I were 15 years younger I’d be moving to Toll’s newest development, Plumstead Chase. Beautiful, flat, 1/2 acre lots starting at $560,000, some with very low lot premiums. If you are interested in making a move let us know. We are on the Toll Brothers advisory Board and there are many financial benefits to working with us when purchasing one of these homes.


We all watched as Belmont Square was built. They’re the town-homes just south of Dairy Queen on Main Street. In 2006 one of them sold for $739,000. In 2007 two sold; one for $620,000 and one for $569,000. Today there are three on the market. One has been on the market 333 days and is now $479,549. One is $549,000 and the third has been on the market for 330 days, now priced at $559,000. If you like the idea of in-town living there are some great buys out there!

Virtual Tour Inventory Widget



Updating Your Home? Is it a Capital Improvement?



Are you updating your home or repairing a few things? Keep track of what you’re doing and how much you’re spending as some improvements that are structural or that restore an aspect of the home to increase its value are considered capital improvements.

Capital improvements are generally built-in items that you can’t take with you and that often require a permit to install. Repairs are generally expenses to keep the home in good shape.

The importance of capital improvements is that when you go to sell your home, if you stand to profit more than $250,000 for an individual or $500,000 for a couple, capital improvements can be subtracted from the profit. This lowers your capital gains, which may eliminate or lower taxes.


You may think that these numbers are too high for you to ever benefit, but we’re selling homes for people who have been in them for 10 to 15 years and they have paid their mortgages off and have good equity. So . . . Save your receipts! (and always talk to your accountant)!
What qualifies?
New hot water heater, doors, windows, roof.

Installation of a security system, air conditioner, furnace
Insulation
New or updated plumbing and electrical wiring
adding a room, finishing a basement
New or replacement fences, in-ground pool, driveway, walkways, patios, decks, garage
nstallation of built-in microwave, dishwasher, cook top, cabinets, entertainment units.

Making your home Burglar Proof

Make sure all of your locks work and USE them.
everyone in the ‘hood has a key, it’s time to re-key.
Outdoor lights with motion detectors are a great deterent

LOCK YOUR GARAGE WINDOWS!!!

Lock your car and hide the garage door opener. If your car is parked outside, all they have to do is break in, use the garage door opener and they’re in!

When going away make sure someone brings your papers in. A good trick is large dog bowl filled with water on the front or back steps along with a pair of very large boots. Use a timer for lamps.

DON’T keep your beer or booze in the garage. First, it loses its Umph—and what’s the point of it without UPMH? And secondly . . . It’s just too tempting for teenagers.

What colors will be “HOT” in 2010?

Now, just because I tell you these colors doesn’t mean you should go crazy with it. We’re in very Traditional Bucks County and Beiges and Tans are still what buyers are looking for. But, if you’re staying in your home for a long while and love color, bright yellow is back and so is turquoise. Grey is going to be big and Lavender bedrooms are popular. Before you go painting (if you are going on the market) call me and I’ll “approve” your choices!
Privacy.

I know you’re all sick of me telling you this but it makes a HUGE difference when selling your home. Go to your deck or patio . . . Come on, right now, get up and move. Sit down and tell yourself how many of your neighbors can see you. If that number is higher than Zero, you need to do some plantings. Not many, but a few perfectly placed Arborvitae could do the trick. If you’re at the top of small hill, consider some trees that grow quickly at the back of your property. If you’re at the bottom of a hill, the same thing. If you’re flat and back up to neighbors consider arborvitae or white pines. When someone is standing at your back door, they shouldn’t be able to see the back door of your neighbor. If you have a patio, consider some nice plantings on the edge of your patio so that when you sit there, you are not completely visible. Need help? Call us and we’ll stop by!.

Fabulous interest rates and LOW prices make this a GREAT time to move or buy that second home that someone else needs to dump, or get a local investment property. We can help you with all of your needs. If not here, we have a vast network of Top Producers, like ourselves, to help you elsewhere.


It is Time to call The Gutner's 215-262-5480



email henri@gutner.com or jeri@gutner.com

April 2010 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone

All of these are 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath unless stated otherwise
ACTIVE: 4870 Green Heather Ct. - an Aquetong , great back yard, mature trees, partially fin.bsmt. $432,500 for 24 days.
3853 W. Brandon Way - a Creamery, fireplace, finished basement, a SHORT SALE. Listed at $429,900 for 79 days.
3967 Liz Circle - extra 1/2 bath in full finished basement, granite, wet bar. Listed for $459,000. Reduced to $449,000 for 87 days.
4976 Melissa Ct - a Creamery, new water heater, fireplace, unfinished basement. Listed at $485,000 for 87 days.
3696 W Brandon Way - .83 Acres, finished basement, fireplace, deck, backs to woods. Listed at $549,900 for 94 days.
PENDING: 3683 Seneca Ct. - a completely re-done Creamery. New high-end kitchen, full stone front, granite, stainless, finished basement w/powder room and great bar, expensive deck and fabulous lot! Was asking $569,000—under agreement in 9 days.
SOLD: 5040 Jennifer - hardwoods, in-ground pool. Was Asking $499,900. Reduced to $484,900 and sold for in 130 days.
3955 Liz Circle - fireplace, granite, tile floor, hardwoods, new carpets, fin. bsmt, EP Henry patio. Pending at $474,500 for 19 days.

In Cold Spring Hunt:
ACTIVE: 4965 Grundy Way - a Glenfield, 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths. A Gutner Team Listing. Hardwoods, granite, back staircase, fireplace, screened sun room, in-ground pool asking $582,500.


5020 Mead Dr. - an Eaton in perfect condition! 2full, 2 half Baths, finished basement, granite, greenhouse. A Gutner Team Listing $519,900.


4814 Mead Dr. - a Belmont with finished walk-out basement and large, flat yard with lots of privacy, stainless kitchen, corian, shadow box moldings. A Gutner Team Listing. $534,900.



4010 Hunt Dr. - a Columbia w/upgraded culinary kitchen, hardwoods through first and second floor, 2 story family room and Jack-n-Jill bath. Asking $579,900.
PENDING: 4953 Mead Dr. - 4 bdrms, 3 1/2 baths, white cabinets, granite, fireplace, media room, finished basement asking $575,000. Rreduced to $524,900 for 81Days.


Once again, I am receiving letters at home from attorneys who would like to help me lower the assessment on my house, thus lowering our taxes. And they charge 50% of what they save you!!! As you know, we helped 288 people last year lower their assessments FOR FREE! WE will be helping people again this year and ask only that you send us AN EMAIL to jeri@gutner.com with your name, address, model and improvements. We will begin the process and get back to you with what you have to do. Many of your neighbors saved several thousand dollars so don’t hesitate to act!

Roof Repairs:
Take a good look around the ceilings of your second floors. Your homes are at an age when the neoprene collar around the vent stacks starts to go. It’s really only a little rubber O ring, but with the sun it cracks and breaks. Not a bad idea to have a roofer take a look at it if your house is 10+ years old. Call me if you need help!


BUILDER Magazine’s Top 10 Elements of Style for 2010
Let’s not call them “trends” because trends come and go. Builders try to design homes that will last for generations. Builders are paying attention to Consumers who now desire less maintenance and more free time. Here’s the top ten design areas that builders agree on this year.

1. Standard height of 9 feet on first floor and a shift away from the two story great room to more effective use of second-floor space.
2. Low-maintenance/no-maintenance materials, especially on exteriors. Ceramic tile and stone floors, brick exteriors, and metal trim instead of wood on the outside are just a few examples.
3. Larger laundry rooms and mud rooms.
4. Natural materials are important on the interior—hardwoods, granite. Classic is here to stay.
5. “Me” spaces. Quiet corners and cubby holes to escape everyone, a computer niche, a junk room, a chair with a bookshelf.
6. Decline of the living room and increase in “special” rooms, such as home offices and media rooms. As houses get smaller there just isn’t room for a place you only visit to dust. It will still exist in many builders homes but it will not be a “formal” room.
7. Technology advances. Builders agree that they need to offer pre-wiring for an abundance of amenities, like Ethernet, surround sound, stereo equipment. Keyless entries, computerized security systems, advanced lighting controls, etc.
8. Outdoors for entertaining. Builders are paying attention to the back yards. Covered areas with full kitchens, home theaters, sleeping porches and dining rooms are popular. Decks and patios are still strong, but a screened porch is more popular.
9. Mixed products on the same street. Smart-growth initiatives are promoting design plans for master neighborhoods that mix singles, townhouses and condo’s.
10. Rear-loaded homes. As lots get smaller, garages are going out back or across an alley, saving the front of the home for porches. Remember your parents home, drive up the driveway and the garage is hidden back there. It’s back!



Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!


Attic Ventilation

Attic areas can hold substantial amounts of moist air. In the summer it is very hot and humid in the attic, however, in the winter it can be more humid causing a fair amount of problems.
1. The roof is roughly 1/2” away from blistering shingles.
2. As heat in the house rises, it gets trapped in the attic acting as a hat for the entire home.
By having good ventilation the hot air would be removed drawing in relatively cooler air. Insufficient air movement in the attic doesn’t allow the heat from the second floor to go anywhere. Hi temps and humidity will delaminate the roof sheathing, excessively dry out the roof framing and cause an earlier need to replace.

There are many ways to vent an attic; fans, ridge vents, gable end vents. The important thing is that it IS ventilated which will save you repairs and heating/cooling bills.

How to Save on Homeowners Insurance

1. Don’t shop on the internet. It is impossible to compare apples to apples.
2. Raise your deductible. A $1,000 deductible can save you as much as 25%.
3. Ask whomever is quoting how they figure the cost of the land into house coverage. Land doesn’t burn or blow away.
4. Buy your home and auto policies from the same company.
5. Ask what you can do to lower your costs by reducing risk.
6. Improve your home security w/alarms w/monitoring station.
7. If you’re at least 55 years old and retired or work from home, insurance companies love homebodies. They maintain their homes and are quick to spot problems.
8. Maintain good credit. It’s the first thing they look at.
9. Stay with the same insurer and if you ASK your loyalty will be rewarded with a discount.
10. Review your coverage and policy and coverage every year.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY -
BE SURE YOU HAVE SUMP PUMP COVERAGE!!!
Remember!!! We work with ALL national Relocation Companies and while they may tell you that you have to work with their selections, that is NOT the case!

March 2010 Newsletter Here’s What’s Happening in Hearthstone
All of these are 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath unless stated otherwise

ACTIVE: Last month there were no actives and we told you it was a great month to list with no competition. This month there are 6 active listings.
3853 W. Brandon Way: A Creamery ,fireplace, finished basement, a possible SHORT SALE Listed at $429,900 for 28 days
3967 Liz Circle: extra 1/2 bath in full finished basement, granite, wet bar, Listed for $459,000. Reduced to $449,000 for 36 days.
3955 Liz Circle : Fireplace, Granite, tile floor, hardwoods, new carpets, Fin Bsmt, Ep Henry patio. Listed at $474,500 for 3 days
4976 Melissa Ct: a Creamery, new water heater, fireplace, unfinished basement. Listed at $485,000 for 36 days.
3696 W Brandon Way: .83 Acres, Finished basement, fireplace, Deck, backs to woods. Listed at $549,900 for 4 days
PENDING: : 5040 Jennifer, hardwoods, in-ground pool. Was Asking $499,900 Reduced to $484,900 for 130 days.
SOLD: 5046 Rosewood, A Creamery, first floor study, 2 story family room, finished basement. Listed at $499,900 sold for $480,000 after 102 days.
Are we at the “bottom” yet?
Hmmm. Probably not. Let’s take a home in a development in Buckingham and analyze that.
In 1994 it was purchased new from the builder for $222,000. With “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should have been worth $303,822 in 2002. Nice appreciation, right? But it sold for $420,000!
Today, with “typical” appreciation of 4% per year that house should be worth $415,801 but that house would sell today somewhere around $490,000. At 4% appreciation, it won’t be at $490,000 until 2014 which tells us that our prices will be stagnant for some time. So? Are we at the bottom? It depends on how many short sales and foreclosures come our way.
We’ve been pretty lucky so far, however I know of several homes that are empty, not on the market yet, and owned by a bank. But savvy buyers know that this is the time to buy and homes ARE selling. Interest rates are GREAT and prices are GREAT! This is an unusual time where prices are low and interest rates are low. Something is going to break and our guess is that interest rates will start their climb. Inventory is already lower than last year where some neighborhoods had 10 to 15 homes for sale. We’re very optimistic about this spring! If, however, you are in trouble . . . We are working with a Short Sale Expert and would be happy to hook you up with him. Don’t go into foreclosure! It ruins you for years and years.


Computer and Electronics Recycling Day:
Drop off all your old computer & electronic equipment & help save our Earth! Proceeds to Benefit: A Family of God Lutheran Church, 4770 Route 202, Buckingham, 413 So. To Left on 202, Left into Church parking lot.
Sunday, April 11th, 9AM to 1PM. Items accepted include: Laptop Computers; Printers & Fax Machines; Televisions ($20.00 fee); Batteries (lead acid); Computer parts; Air Conditioners ($20.00 fee); Desktop Computers; DVD Players, VCR’s; Computer Monitors ($5.00 fee); Stereos and Speakers; Cables/Cords; Small Appliances; Dehumidifiers ($10.00 fee); Electronic Toys. All proceeds go to sending kids to camp for week where they will repair homes for the less fortunate. The amounts listed above are not mandatory, but suggested.


What’s Hot?
Well, according to the National Association of Home Builders decking out the kitchen makes the whole home more saleable. Kitchen designs, they say, translates to dollars.
1. “Blue is the new green”. Soft blues are catching on with consumers looking at home as a refuge. It’s calming and clean. Gray is an increasingly popular and pumpkin-orange is great for younger buyers!
2. Now that you’ve stripped all that wallpaper, it’s bAAAck! But large-scale prints and only on an accent wall.
3. Cabinets have gone through oak and maple phases: Now they’re showing up in painted white finishes.
4. The average newly built single home shrank from 2.520 square feet to 2,480 but priorities changed to price, energy and organization. Very high on the list was a kitchen big enough for the whole family to dine—-67% surveyed said they wanted space for a table, as opposed to chairs at a counter. 62% wanted a kitchen that functioned as a family gathering place. Walk-in pantries are highly desirable and a “family foyer” gets top marks—not at the front of the house but by the garage—space for backpacks, coats, boots, etc.
5. And granite . . . “it’s almost a starter-home feature” says a kitchen designer. While it has moved off of the list of “musts” and been replaced by various energy-saving features, buyers expect it.

Need Help With “Stuff” around the House?
People I can’t live without:
My Painter, HVAC guy,
My Second Husband (our handyman)
My Decorator
My Tree Guy
My Plumber and My Roofer
Need a referral? Call Us!
If you are planning to put your home on the market in the next 6 to 8 months,
it’s not too early to start talking to us!

Top Budget Friendly Improvements:
1. Conquer Clutter—Whenever we have sellers get rid of their clutter, they think the house doesn’t look like their home. DUH! That’s the idea. We want people looking at space as theirs, not yours
2. Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation
3. Top Outdoor Structures Project: Add a fence
4. Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the basement
5. Top Home Exterior Project: Repair Gutters
6. Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Lighting
7. Top Landscaping Project: Make it look neat, tidy and easy to care for.
8. Top Storage and Organization Project: Maximize and Organize Storage Space
9. Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures
10. Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances.


10 Things EVERY Remodeling Contract Should Include:
1. The Contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license #
2. DETAILS on what the contractor will and WILL NOT do
3. A list of materials. Size, color, model, brand name and product
4. All required plans. Assure accuracy. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.
5. Written notice of right to, without penalty, cancel within 3 days of signing. It’s the law.
6. The approximate start date and completion date.
7. Financial terms, spelled out—Total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation or “change” fees.
8. A binding arbitration clause, which you’ll need in the event of any disagreements. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.
9. Everything you’ve requested. Make sure all items you’ve requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. NEVER sign an incomplete contract.
10. A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year and should be identified as full or limited. The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor, or manufacturer must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.

Should you Make Bi-Weekly Payments on Your Mortgage?
With biweekly payments, you pay half of the monthly mortgage payment every 2 weeks, rather than the full balance once a month. This is comparable to 13 monthly payments a year, which can result in faster payoff and lower overall interest costs. For example, the biweekly mortgage payment process can pay off a $200,000 30 year fixed loan at 7% in approximately 24 years (75 months sooner than a standard payment plan), with a total of $68,925 in interest savings.
Your lender might offer several biweekly payment options, where you make a payment that equals half of your normal monthly payment every two weeks. There is a considerable difference between different payment plans, so you should check with the lender to find out how they will treat your biweekly payments, exactly.
What most borrowers get when they convert their loan from monthly to biweekly payments is a pseudo biweekly (or standard biweekly) payment plan. On the pseudo biweekly, the biweekly payments are credited to an account managed by your lender. Once a month, as with standard payments, the monthly payments are made out of that account. The excess amount accumulated in the account by the end of each year is equal to a full monthly payment. At this point your lender makes a double payment.
In order to set up a true biweekly (or simple interest biweekly) payment schedule, you must have a lender that will immediately credit each 1/2 monthly payment upon receipt. The lender must calculate interest for two-week intervals and apply the biweekly payments less the interest to reduce principal every two weeks. Check with your mortgage holder—This is GREAT!