November 2009 Newsletter                                     Here’s What’s Happening in Our Neighborhood: Cold Spring Hunt

 

ACTIVE:  4225 Leslie Drive, A GUTNER TEAM LISTING, A Haverford, 4 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, Hardwoods, New Granite and Tile Backsplash, Cherry Cabinets, Back of the House Study, Master with Sitting Room, Cedar Deck.  Just Listed at $529,900  .Click here for a VisualTour 

4211 Aly, 4 bdrm, 2 1/2 bath, hrdwds, corian countertops, trex deck, hot tub, 3 car garage.  Asking $539,900 for 11 days.

4903 Mead, A Belmont, 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, hardwoods, granite, finished basement, deck, patio.  Was Originally Asking $579,000 Reduced to $549,500 for 184 days.  Re-listed at $537,900 Reduced to $509,000 for 141 days.

WITHDRAWN:  5076 Grundy, An Expanded Cornell, 4 bdrm, , hardwoods, granite.  Was $637,500 & $619,900 for 246 days.

PENDING:  4972 Davis Drive, ANOTHER GUTNER TEAM LISTING! Expanded Northampton, 4 bdrm, 2 1/2 Bath, Hardwoods, Kitchen w/Cherry Cabinets, Granite and Greenhouse, Master  w/Sitting Room.  Large Deck Backing to Protected Space and Walk-Up Basement.  Asking $489,900 Click here for a VisualTour

 

4983 Mead Drive, AND ANOTHER GUTNER TEAM LISTING!  An Eaton, 4 Bedroom, 3 Full Bathrooms, Wide Width Hardwoods, 1st Floor Study with Closet and Access to Full Bathroom could be 5th Bedroom, New Granite Kitchen, Stainless Appliances, Nicely Finished Basement, EP Henry Patio.  Asking $544,850 Sold in 7 Days!  Click here for a VisualTour

 

4284 Michener, A Cornell, 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, hardwoods, granite.  Was $545,000 Reduced to $499,900 for 164 days.

SOLD:  5000 Grundy, A Glenfield, 5 bdrm, 3 full bath, conservatory, hardwoods, soap stone counters, deck. Originally $669,500 Reduced to $599,900 Sold for $570,000 in 406 days.

5025 Davis, An Eaton, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, granite, 4 season sunroom, new master bath, deck w/retractable awning, finished basement.  Was Asking $545,000 Reduced to $535,000 Sold for $500,000  RELO OWNED

5001 Mead, A Haverford, 4 bedroom 2 full and 2 half baths, hardwoods, granite, finished basement with powder room, trex deck.  Was Asking $539,000 Reduced to $500,000 Sold for $492,000 in 88 days.

 

  Text Box: Bad market? Well, if you’re selling and not buying it is. But if you’re buying, it’s a FABULOUS market! There are so many good buys out there that make this a great time to buy an investment property, a second home or help your kids buy a home! If it’s local, we’d love to help.

Tax Appeals

 

For all of you who appealed your taxes through us, we had our court hearing and provided the Board of Assessment with all necessary information.  You should receive their final decision by mid-November, they will be in touch with you directly.   Good Luck!

 

In this kind of  Sellers Market, lots of us are staying put and doing some remodeling/additions. 

The following are key elements that every remodeling contract should have:

1. The contractor’s name, address, phone number AND license number.

2. Details on what the contractor will and WON’T do.

3. A list of materials for the project in your contract.  This includes information about the size, color, model, brand name and product.

4. The approximate start date and completion date.

5. All required plans.  Study them carefully for accuracy.  Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.

6. Written notice of your right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

7. Financial terms, spelled out in a way that you have negotiated and understand them to be.  This includes total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation policy.

8. A binding arbitration clause, which you’ll need in the event a disagreement occurs.  Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.

9. Everything you requested.  Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items you’ve requested are included.  If you do not see a specific item, consider it not included.  Never sign an incomplete contract.

10. A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year.  The warranty must be identified as either “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.

 

   AND P.S.—Don’t wait until you sell to get your granite and that fresh coat of paint.  Do it and enjoy it!!!

 

 

Here’s your To-Do List:

 

Go down to the basement and change your filters right now.  Look at your hot water heater and see how much insulation it will need and then put it on your Lowe’s list along with batteries for your smoke detectors (even if they’re hard-wired!).  If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector, put that on your list too.  HAVE your chimney cleaned (yes, it does need it) before you start burning this year!  Be sure your gutters are clean before the ice comes and UNDO your hoses!  Then take a nice warm bath and enjoy the day!

 

Pennsylvania Seller’s Disclosure

The PA Seller’s Disclosure is 6 pages of information about your house.  The next buyers are going to want to know everything you know about your house.  Have you ever had an insurance claim?  Have you had a leak?  How was it repaired?  Do you have all necessary permits?  Is there Radon or Radon Remediation?  If you would like a copy of the PA Seller’s Disclosure just to see what kind of info you are going to need, let us know and we’ll send you a copy.  Send us an email at jeri@gutner.com