RE/MAX Fit To Sell - Winter Curb Appeal

Gwyn Ayre Lower Gwynedd Townhome For Sale. Well Maintained

Remax Action Realty, Gwyn Ayre, Lower Gwynedd, Ambler, For Sale,Townhomes, Search MLS for Sale in Montgomery COunty PA. Joanne Genesio, real estate, wissahickon school district

Your Home’s First Price Should Be Its Best Price

Your Home’s First Price Should Be Its Best Price

Sellers: Itemize What You’re Taking With You

Sellers:

Itemize What You’re Taking With You

Believe it or not, after months of searching countless homes, finding the perfect one, negotiating price and finally agreeing to a deal, a sale can fall apart over a disagreement about curtains.
When striking a deal to sell a home, it’s important that you are perfectly clear about what you are taking with you and what you are leaving behind. The general rule is that if something is attached to the structure or the ground, it is real property and stays with the house. If removing the item would ruin or disfigure the walls, the item generally stays.
If you need a tool to remove it, it stays. Legally, these are called fixtures, which include everything permanently attached to the property such as a fence, built-in appliances, ceiling fans, flowerbeds and shrubs. Conversely, if you can disconnect, unhook or detach an item from the home with bare hands, it’s free to leave when you do. This is known as personal property and should never be assumed to be part of the sale. Items that fall into this category are furniture, potted plants, free-standing appliances and an outdoor grill.
A good rule of thumb is to not show your home with any fixtures you are planning to take.
Replacing them is the better option.
Every real estate agent has a story about a deal falling through because of an argument about what a buyer thought was staying. For this reason, you should walk in each room with your agent and make a list of things that you will be taking with you. If you decide to leave the curtains, chandeliers or are open to giving up some of the outdoor furniture, it may just help with a sale. People appreciate the notion of getting something for free, and a savvy agent will hint to a prospective buyer that fixtures and furnishing may be negotiable. Unless the items are really important to you, let them go with the home. Use them to get the price you want and then replace the items in your new home.
By itemizing and discussing all the things that stay and go at the outset, there will be no miscommunication on closing day.







Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.

Selling an Ugly Home

Selling an Ugly Home



Let’s say that you inherited an old house in a distant location and want to put it on the market. You may not have the time, resources or energy to make it perfect and just want a quick sale.

Or, maybe you had renters at your property who did substantial damage and you don’t have the money to make necessary renovations.

Fear not. Just because the house needs work doesn’t mean you can’t sell it. Many homebuyers today are shopping for deals and want to see the potential in your home. In that case, leave brochures for new cabinets in the kitchen, color palates around the bedrooms and even create computerized images of what updates could look like.

In addition, secure bids from licensed contractors on necessary fixes and provide them to your potential buyers. People may overestimate the cost of a new roof, shower stall or drywall repair and fresh paint. Estimates will bring the home into clearer perspective.

Work with your real estate agent to make the home as presentable as possible for the least amount of money. Make a room or two inviting so you have the photos that will attract buyers to what you can call “a fixer upper.”


Of course, nothing is going to attract people more than a low price. Obviously, you will need to discount the sales price to gain an advantage over comparables in better condition.

A down-and-out house doesn’t mean you’re stuck. With small repairs, research and practical pricing, you can turn that “Ugly Betty” into a sale.

Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

How to Buy and Sell a Home at the Same Time

AOL Real Estate

Now that the real estate market is picking up again, many people are looking to sell their homes at last. But when you sell, you have to move somewhere -- which usually means buying another home. Buying and selling at the same time brings up a whole new set of challenges, but those who plan well in advance can make it happen smoothly. Here are five ways to successfully buy and sell a home at the same time.

1.
Prepare to be stressed. Buying a home is stressful. Selling a home is stressful. When you do both at the same time, the experience is super stressful, not to mention emotional and difficult on many levels. You're potentially carrying two mortgages or trying to time the purchase with the sale. There will be a lot of sleepless nights, worrying over finances and pressure to make a decision. It's enough to ignite a family war.

Accepting upfront that this process will be extremely stressful will help in the long run. Know that most homeowners go through this, and there is success at the end of the long, dark tunnel. Plan everything as much as possible in advance. Do your homework. And take care of yourself. You're going to be busier than usual.

2.
Meet with your agent early on. Owners often believe their home is worth less than what the current market will bear. That's why it's important to meet with your real estate agent early on, even months before you plan to buy or sell. Researching online valuation tools or doing basic research will help to guide you. But a local agent will help you understand your home's true current market value and marketability. A good agent is in the trenches daily and knows your neighborhood and market inside and out.

3.
Learn the market where you want to purchase. After getting some hard numbers for your home's sale you need to do the same on the purchase side. What's on your wish list? What are your priorities? Determine your needs and understand what you will get for your money on the purchase side. You need to know this to factor in how financing will work with the buy/sell. Also, understand that market. Is it more or less competitive than where you live now? How long can you expect to search for a home? This will factor into your sale timing. If you're moving within the city or town where you live, your listing agent will likely serve as your buying agent. If you're moving just outside your area, you may need to ask your agent to refer you to an agent knowledgeable about that area.

4.
Know your numbers. Once you understand the numbers on both the purchase and the sale, you need to know your financing options. Many people today don't have a strong-enough financial foundation to purchase another home before selling their own, so knowing this upfront can help you plan more appropriately.

Engage a local mortgage broker or lender and understand what kind of down payment you'll need to make a purchase, given the price point and type of home you seek to buy. How much equity do you have in your current home, and is the equity available? Do you have enough of a down payment liquid and would a lender allow you to make the purchase before selling the home? Find out by going through the loan pre-approval process. A good, local mortgage professional is as valuable as a good real estate agent.

5.
Make a plan. Now that you know your numbers, it's time to come up with a plan and execute. The plan can vary greatly, depending upon any number of conditions. Some examples: Buying in a competitive market? Adding a contingency that your current home must sell before you buy probably won't work.




• Selling in a competitive market? You may be able to negotiate with the buyer for a longer escrow or even a rent back. This would buy you time on the purchase side.
• Selling in a slow market and buying in a competitive market? Need the sales proceeds in order to do the purchase? Unfortunately, you're in the worst-case scenario. Consider the option of selling your home first and moving into temporary housing. While not the most physically convenient, it could be less stressful.
• Need temporary housing? Start researching those options now well in advance

Understanding the variables: There are so many variables that can come into play when buying or selling. Each one may affect your decision-making process. Identifying and planning for the variables as much as possible early on will help you avoid sleepless nights, stressful days, or fights with your spouse or partner.

By Brendan Desimone AOL Real Estate

Staging for the Spring

Any home stager will tell you that “staging is staging” and the principals remain the same throughout the year—keep things clean, clutter free and colorful. But that doesn’t each season comes without its own brand of staging magic. For spring, there are a number of things you can do both inside and outside to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Barb Schwarz, creator of Homes Staging® and CEO of Stagedhomes.com, suggests adding splashes of color to your porch with potted flowers. She favors larger pots placed on each side of the front door bearing tulips or daisies with greenery in the middle. Bringing spring colors into a home is just as easy, especially with accessories like throw pillows, area rugs, artwork, towels and bedspreads. “Change accessories and the whole house changes,” Schwarz said. Swap-out decorative pillows on a sofa for a fresh, new look. “This year nature colors are really in; green is really big and hot orange is an accent that is strong.” Designers recommend using other knickknacks that speak of spring, such as pears, eggs, sea shells, nature, leaf patterns in fabrics, wicker, real leather and rust metal as contrast. Schwarz said it’s also a good idea to replace the drapery panels in a home or office. She recently changed a den from a daisy pattern in blue to cream plain panels that went from ceiling to the floor “and the whole room looked bigger and more elegant,” she said. Of course, all rooms in the house are important and there are ways to liven up each one as the spring season blooms. You want the buyer to buy the whole house, not just one or two rooms staged, so it’s important to create a cohesive design. Yet don’t forget your “great outdoors.” Clean up your yards, remove fallen leaves and dead plants, and trim bushes and hedges. Indeed, spring brings more buyers so take advantage of all that the season has to offer. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide.

Selling in Colder Months

Selling in Colder Months While the warmer months are generally regarded as the time for home sellers to get their property ready for sale, marketing the home in winter and early spring is just as important. Homebuyers are out looking for homes 12 months a year and there’s no reason to drop the ball on sprucing up a home December through March. Here are some tips for selling a home in the winter months. Heat it up: If you are planning an open house or have showings scheduled, turn up the thermostat and make the home warm and inviting. A cold home shopper will race through a house and start questioning the windows and insulation. Light it up: For homes with fireplaces, this is the perfect opportunity to show the potential buyer how cozy a fireplace can be. Leave some marshmallows and sticks nearby and invite those seeing the home to test it out. Take care of snow and ice: For those selling in heavy wintry climates, make sure that the walk is clear, the driveway is shoveled and put down salt to control any icy surfaces. If a buyer pulls up to the house and has to slush through inches of snow, they may not even bother to enter. For those who aren’t currently living in the home that is for sale, make sure to hire someone to clear it for you. Use photographs: If you have a beautiful lawn, stellar landscaping or an outdoor pool or deck, many times these are quickly overlooked or passed by because of snow. Take some eye-catching photos of these amenities during the warm months and display them during a winter showing so buyers can get a better understanding of what the outside truly offers. Schedule Open Houses: There are still many who don’t believe that selling in the winter is a good idea, so it’s a great time to take advantage of less competition. Many serious buyers often come out during the winter months, including corporate clients who usually need to relocate within the first quarter of the year. Emphasize the Positives: Does your street get plowed quickly? Is it near public transportation to make it easier to get to work in the snow? Is it within walking distance of stores? Does it have a great hill for the kids to sled down in a safe environment? If so, accentuate these features. Since a lot of people are waiting until spring to put their home on the market, having a home ready in winter is a great way to beat the rush. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Horsham Colonial for Sale, Prudential fox & roach,Wynmere Downs, Search mls for sale. Joanne Genesio

Horsham Colonial for Sale, Prudential fox & roach,Wynmere Downs, Search mls for sale. Joanne Genesio

WINTER IS APPROACHING...IS YOUR HOME READY?

Winter Is Approaching … Is your Home Ready?





Autumn winds blow a chilly reminder that winter is fast approaching. Perform the following maintenance tips each fall to protect your property's value and prevent major repairs.

Roof, Gutters and Downspouts

Rain, ice, snow and wind can all cause damage to your roof and gutters. Now’s the time to trim back all tree limbs and vegetation away from the roof. You also should remove debris, such as leaves and sticks from your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters don’t allow water to properly drain away from the home, which can cause seepage in your ceilings and walls. You can also invest in gutter guards, a screen that prevents debris from entering the gutter and directs the flow of water away from the house and into the ground.
Water Heater

You don’t want to find out that your water heater isn’t operating properly when you need it most. So use this time to perform an annual inspection, which includes having your tank’s pressure and temperature relief valve checked. In addition, remove sediment from the bottom of the tank by draining two gallons of water to improve heat transfer and the efficiency of your heater.
Heating and Cooling System

If you have a forced warm-air heating system, you should check the exhaust vent and air shutter openings for dirt and dust. Clean any lint and dirt from the blower blades, motor and burner (if you have a gas heater). Vacuum air passages and check and replace, if necessary, fan belts. To prevent airborne dirt from circulating throughout your home, wash out your reusable filter or replace it if it’s disposable.
Doors and Windows

To help control heating costs, make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed. Now is the time to repair or replace weather stripping around door bottoms and jambs and window frames. Check for loose or missing glazing putty and caulking for deterioration. If you have storm windows, install them.
Water Pipes


Frozen or burst pipes can cause major damage to your home and be expensive to remedy. Before frigid weather hits, protect your pipes in unheated areas from freezing by adding insulation, which reduces heat loss from hot-water pipes and condensation on cold water pipes. This can be accomplished by wrapping the pipes with heating tape or blanket insulation and duct tape or by encasing the pipes with preformed plastic foam. In addition, examine your pipes for cracks and leaks.
Fireplace

Before you light the logs and get ready to settle in front of a cozy fire, make sure that your fireplace is in good working order. Clean the chimney flue and, if needed, have it inspected and repaired. Check the seal on your flue, which is designed to keep out drafts. Replace the seal if it is loose or damaged.
If you decide to perform the fall maintenance yourself, disconnect the power for any electrical or gas systems. In addition, before inspecting, cleaning or making any repairs refer to your owner’s manual for all equipment for proper instructions, which should be the final authority on any maintenance.

Outdoor Surfaces and Landscaping

Fall is also a great time to seal your driveways, wood patios and other hardscape surfaces. In addition, prune tree branches away from your home and electrical wires. Plant spring flower bulbs and move sensitive potted plants indoors.
Although this list is merely a guide, it can help you keep your home in good shape and have a winter free of major repairs.






Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Improve Your Credit Score Those about to start house hunting should check their credit score before things get too serious. There is nothing quite as frightening in the mortgage process as learning that your credit report contains a late payment or other blemishes that can prevent you from buying a property. The higher your credit score, the better your chances are of financing a home. A credit score of at least 620 will give consumers a fighting chance to secure a home loan; 720 should qualify in most cases. However, a lower credit score doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t finance a home. Credit score repair begins with your credit report. You can request a free copy of your credit report annually from the Federal Trade Commission at AnnualCreditReport.com. Check the report for errors. Don’t panic if your report contains blemishes. There are steps you can take to fix negative marks, regardless of whether the marks are in error or if you’ve missed a payment or two. The simplest thing to do if you’ve missed a payment is to call the creditor and ask them to erase the negative listing. You can also do this with a well-documented letter. There is no guarantee that a lender will do this, but if you’ve been a good customer through the years, this method has proven to be successful. If you are one of the many who have defaulted on a student loan you can enter into a “rehab program,” which will get your account back on track after 12 months. This may not be the quick fix you need when buying a home but the sooner you do this the better. For disputing a negative mark that was not your fault, you can try disputing the account with the credit bureaus as “not mine.” One quick fix used by borrowers to boost their credit score is to have an older family member with a sound credit rating add you as an authorized user on a credit card. This can help increase your score and you wouldn’t even need the card in your possession. With more loans requiring higher credit scores today, it’s never too early to start fixing credit challenges. Prudential Brookfield

31 GRANDVIEW DR-ANOTHER GREAT LISTING IN IVYGREENE....

31 GRANDVIEW DR

Horsham Township Colonial for Sale in the Squires Community. Joanne Genesio, Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors, Ambler, Search MLS for Sale in Montgomery County PA.

Horsham Township Colonial for Sale in the Squires Community. Joanne Genesio, Prudential Fox & Roach Realtors, Ambler, Search MLS for Sale in Montgomery County PA.

For Sale--55 and over Ivygreene Community

http://62ivygreenerun.com/#

Sellers: Itemize What You're Taking With You

Sellers: Itemize What You’re Taking With You Believe it or not, after months of searching countless homes, finding the perfect one, negotiating price and finally agreeing to a deal, a sale can fall apart over a disagreement about curtains. When striking a deal to sell a home, it’s important that you are perfectly clear about what you are taking with you and what you are leaving behind. The general rule is that if something is attached to the structure or the ground, it is real property and stays with the house. If removing the item would ruin or disfigure the walls, the item generally stays. If you need a tool to remove it, it stays. Legally, these are called fixtures, which include everything permanently attached to the property such as a fence, built-in appliances, ceiling fans, flowerbeds and shrubs. Conversely, if you can disconnect, unhook or detach an item from the home with bare hands, it’s free to leave when you do. This is known as personal property and should never be assumed to be part of the sale. Items that fall into this category are furniture, potted plants, free-standing appliances and an outdoor grill. A good rule of thumb is to not show your home with any fixtures you are planning to take. Replacing them is the better option. Every real estate agent has a story about a deal falling through because of an argument about what a buyer thought was staying. For this reason, you should walk in each room with your agent and make a list of things that you will be taking with you. If you decide to leave the curtains, chandeliers or are open to giving up some of the outdoor furniture, it may just help with a sale. People appreciate the notion of getting something for free, and a savvy agent will hint to a prospective buyer that fixtures and furnishing may be negotiable. Unless the items are really important to you, let them go with the home. Use them to get the price you want and then replace the items in your new home. By itemizing and discussing all the things that stay and go at the outset, there will be no miscommunication on closing day. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.

HARP 2.0 Can Help Underwater Homeowners

HARP 2.0 Can Help Underwater Homeowners For homeowners who are underwater on their conventional mortgage, the government has enacted a new Home Affordable Refinance Program to help eligible participants pay down the principal without having to pay mortgage insurance. The new HARP 2.0 Refinance Program was made available to U.S. homeowners March 17, 2012 and those eligible can refinance by Dec. 31, 2013. “You can use HARP even if you’re far underwater on your mortgage. There is no loan-to-value restriction under the HARP mortgage program so long as your new mortgage is a fixed-rate loan with a term of 30 years or fewer,” said Dan Green, a loan officer with Waterstone Mortgage in Columbia, Md. “If you use HARP to refinance into an adjustable-rate mortgage, your loan-to-value is capped at 105%.” The original HARP program (also known as Making Home Affordable) was started in April 2009 and changes were introduced last fall by the Federal Home Finance Agency and confirmed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This program had several roadblocks that made it difficult for homeowners to refinance. For instance, the program only assisted those with mortgages with a loan-to-value ratio between 80% and 125%, but in many hard-hit housing markets homes have lost more than half their value making owners ineligible. To be eligible today, a loan must be backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and the mortgage must have a securitization date prior to June 1, 2009. FHA, USDA and jumbo mortgages are not HARP-eligible. One of the changes in HARP 2.0 is that borrowers will now be able to refinance regardless of how much their homes have depreciated. Previous loan-to-value limits were set at 125%. Appraisals and underwriting have also been eliminated, as most homeowners will no longer be required to get an appraisal or have their loan underwritten, making their refinance process smoother and faster. Certain risk-based fees for borrowers who refinance into shorter-term loans will either be eliminated or modified. HARP only applies to first mortgages. “HARP 2.0 is meant for first liens only,” Green said. “Second liens are meant to subordinate. You’ll get to replace your first mortgage and your second mortgage will remain as-is. Just be sure to mention your second mortgage at the time of application so your lender knows to order the subordination for you.” Remember, the Home Affordable Refinance Program is not meant to save a home from foreclosure. It’s meant to give underwater homeowners a chance to refinance without paying PMI. Prudential Fox & Roach is an independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol.

1318 Squire Drive-Horsham Twp Colonial located in the Squires Community

1318 Squire Drive

1432 Kathleen Court Mint Condition Warwick Condo

1432 Kathleen Court

FREE SHREDDING EVENT!

SHREDDING EVENT


Shred all those old documents that have been accumulating quickly and dispose of sensitive papers safely - while you watch!

APRIL 27, 2013 10am-12pm

Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
1600 North Bethlehem Pike Suite 100
Lower Gwynedd, PA 19002

rsvp-joannegenesio@comcast.net

Horsham Township Colonial for sale in the Squires 5 Baron Lane

5 Baron Lane