The Gutner Team's Bloghttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/blogBucks and Montgomery Counties Pennsylvania real estate market news provided by The Gutner TeamMon, 14 May 2012 03:00:00 GMT3 Brokers and public Open in Buckingham PA Tuesday

12 to 2

2344 Deer Meadow Ln Furlong PA 18925

 

 ( Buckingham Forest)

 MLS6048864
$649,900

Lunch; Hearthy Soup

Wednesday

12 to 2

4160 Herbst Dr Doylestown PA 18902

 

 (Cold Spring Hunt)

MLS 6039923

$500,000 (Henri)

Lunch

4223 Sir Andrew Cir Doylestown PA 18902

 (Buckingham Sqare)

 

 MLS 6046826

$384,900 (Jeri)
 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/3-Brokers-and-public-Open-in-Buckingham-PAhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/3-Brokers-and-public-Open-in-Buckingham-PAMon, 14 May 2012 03:00:00 GMTReal Estate Market Statistics for the Philadelphia Area WARM WINTER BRINGS OUT BUYERS!

Pending properties rose sharply while prices continued to dip precariously as the Philadelphia area* real estate market moved, slowly, in the direction of a recovery.  Last year, three winter weekends were lost due to 2-foot snowstorms – this winter has been extraordinarily mild, and buyers were extraordinarily busy in February!

STATISTICS

This newsletter will compare FEB-2012 to FEB-2011 for the Philadelphia area*.  The information was gathered from the “Market Statistics” section in TREND:

Closed (Residential) Units were up 12% compared to FEB-11:  up 11% in PA, and up 15% in NJ

Closed Dollar Volume ($600 million) was up 8% compared to FEB-11:  up 7% in PA, and up 13% in NJ

Pending Properties were up 41% compared to FEB-11:  up 45% in PA, and up 31% in NJ (this bodes well for the spring!)

Distressed Properties:  20% of closed sales were distressed properties – this is a drop in percentage from 2011, but the number of distressed sales remains about the same

Days on Market for closed units increased 8% compared to FEB-11 – an average of 110 DOM for a closed property in PA, and an average of 131 DOM for a closed property in NJ

New Listings - there were approximately 8,300+ new listings in FEB-12 – the highest number of new listings in a February for 3 years; even with this increase, there are fewer properties on the market now than there were last year at the same time

TAILWINDS

Pending Properties point to an active spring.  It looks like it will be easy to beat 2011 numbers for unit sales and dollar volume.  Interest rates remain low, while FICO scores remain high!

HEADWINDS

Prices are under GREAT pressure, even with extra buyers. Inventory remains stubbornly high, and prices fell 3% in February (CHART BELOW). The average price in FEB-11 for a property in PA was $230K, and the NJ average price was $213.

INVENTORY CHECK

The numbers below represent “annualized” inventory** (see explanation below).  The suburban counties of Bucks, Montgomery and Chester are doing better than other counties as inventory levels struggle to stay below last year’s levels:

Berks County remains problematic with 9.3 months of inventory, slightly above MAR-11

Bucks County rose to 7.5 months, about ½ month less than MAR-11 – it remains better than many counties with less than 7 months of inventory in the under $300K price range

Chester County rose slightly to 7.5 months, similar to the MAR-11 level

Delaware County is troublesome with more than 9 months of inventory – it has been consistently higher than 2011 levels

Montgomery County shows improvement with approximately 7.3 months of inventory – lower than MAR-11

Philadelphia County is stabilizing, slightly above 9 months (about the same as 2011)

Burlington (NJ) County remains above 1 year (about the same as 2011)

Camden (NJ) County remains stratospheric with more than 14 months of inventory (and it stubbornly remains above last year levels)

Gloucester (NJ) County continues to improve and is now slightly under 12 months of inventory – almost 2 months below MAR-11 inventory

Mercer (NJ) County is slightly below MAR-11 with 9.8 months – strangely, the crowded segment of this county is in the under $300K range (more than 10 months) while the $700K-$1 million range has slightly above 7 months of inventory (and $300-$700 has only 8 months of inventory)

**”Annualized” Inventory - to get a similar number for the area where you have listings:  find out how many properties sold in the last 12 months and divide that by 12 (to get an average of how many properties sell per month), then unclick “Settled” and click “Active”; then, divide the number of “Active” properties by the average number of sales per month (the previous number) to get “annualized inventory.”

This Information was compiled and prepared by Mr Chips (Chuck Cosgrove)

 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Market-Statistics-for-the-Philadelphia-Area-2http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Real-Estate-Market-Statistics-for-the-Philadelphia-Area-2Thu, 15 Mar 2012 03:00:00 GMTTwo Brokers open. Buckingham Forest and Fireside Communities Both in Buckingham PA Did two brokers open on Tuesday March 13 on our latest two listings.

a) 3876 Powder Horn Dr , Furlong PA,  18925

Served a good Irish meal ( corned beef and cabbage)  in honor of St Patrick .

Great attendance , we got about 25 fellow Realtors to see this fantastic priced home.

Very happy with all the positive comments, most admired feature was the very large

bonus room.

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Two-Brokers-open-Buckingham-Forest-and-Fireside-Communities-Both-in-Buckingham-PAhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Two-Brokers-open-Buckingham-Forest-and-Fireside-Communities-Both-in-Buckingham-PAWed, 14 Mar 2012 03:00:00 GMTMy Listing Book (just a test) ]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/My-Listing-Book-just-a-testhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/My-Listing-Book-just-a-testWed, 03 Aug 2011 15:14:00 GMTOpen Houses for 6/26/111) 5179 New Hope Rd, New Hope PA 18938 (Buckingham TWP) 

Play VisualTour

 

2) 2050 Cathill Rd Telford, PA 18969

 

Come and visit between 1-4pm on Sunday, June 26. Jeri will be doing 5179 New Hope Rd and Henri will be at 2050 Cathill Rd.

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-for-62611http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-for-62611Thu, 23 Jun 2011 03:00:00 GMTOur Bathroom Update Project (UGH)Our Cold Spring Hunt house is now 18 years old and while our master bath is completely functional, it would be a source of contention for a future buyer.  Are we selling?  Well, the kids are gone and the house is way too big for two people who are never home so yes, the thought crosses my mind daily.  Where would we go?  Good question.  I'd love a little ranch on a small piece of property with a big open floor plan . . . There aren't any.  AND . .. the thought of actually getting my house ready for my peers (other Realtors) to traipse through is just so overwhelming.  So, the decision was to make it nice for a buyer and we'll enjoy it until that little ranch shows up!

I have chosen a contractor who I have worked with before and my first order was to remove the wallpaper.  Not bad paper, but wallpaper and we all know that's a big sin!

I hate my huge tub and my smaller shower but I'm trying to do this for a reasonable amount of money and removing the tub and enlarging the shower shot the price up over where I wanted to be.  We're doing new, larger tiles with some nice trim in the shower; rescuing my very nice vanity and raising it; adding granite (not my favorite, but necessary); changing shower door to clear glass and changing the fixtures.  I have already been shopping for fixtures and the biggest problem is finding a faucet for the tub that matches all the new stuff out there.  I'll be heading to Weinsteins Plumbing Supplies in Willow Grove as I've been told they have a huge selection.

So, stick with us as we go thru the re-do.  I'll let you know costs, etc. as we go!  Hopefully, by the end of May, we'll have the big Reveal!

 

 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Our-Bathroom-Update-Project-UGHhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Our-Bathroom-Update-Project-UGHWed, 04 May 2011 03:00:00 GMTOpen Houses For 4/17/2010 in Bucks County 4 Open Houses 4/17/2011 from 1 to 4 PM

  

238 Kulp Dr. Perkasie Pa 18944 (Bedminster Hunt)

 

Play VisualTour

 

Meet Beth Stahl, to discuss the purchase of this lovely home in Bedminster Hunt. Beth will guide you through the process to make your transaction as smooth as possible. If you also need to sell your present home, he can assist you with that too . Beautiful home in a neighborhood with lots of ammenities! 

 5425 Ridgeview Dr. Doylestown . PA 18902 

Play VisualTour

Meet Jeri Gutner  Don't be deceived by the unassuming size of this solid home!  7,000+ square feet of finished space all warm and cozy and located in sought-after Buckingham Township! 

610  Essex Ct. Perkasie, Pa 18944

Play VisualTour

Meet Lynn Benson, to discuss the purchase of this lovely home. Lynn  will guide you through the process to make your transaction as smooth as possible. If you also need to sell your present home, she can assist you with that too.  Great home with great floorplan on quiet cul de sac! 

5179 New Hope Rd, New Hope PA 18938 (Buckingham TWP) 

Play VisualTour

 

Meet Ron Sisca ,to discuss the purchase of this lovely home. Ron will guide you through the process to make your transaction as smooth as possible. If you also need to sell your present home, he can assist you with that too. But be warned!  When you come, you won't want to leave! 

 

 

 

 

 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-For-4172010-in-Bucks-Countyhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-For-4172010-in-Bucks-CountyFri, 15 Apr 2011 12:49:00 GMTOpen Houses 11/14/2010Open Houses 11/14/2010 from 1 to 4PM
1) 5020 Mead Dr in Cold Spring Hunt, Buckingham 18902
2) 4810 Redfield Dr in Cold Spring Hunt, Buckingham 18902
3) 610 Essex Ct in Wykford Commons, Perkasie PA 18944
4) 3271 Berry Brow Dr in Hilltown Ridge, Chalfont PA 18914

Come and visit. Jeri will be doing 5020 Mead Dr and Henri will be at 4810 Redfield.

Lynn Benson will be at 610 Essex Ct and Mike Olinger will be at 3271 Berry Brow

If you know us stop by and say hello. If you don't , stop and meet us.

We can discuss the sate of the Market, renovations, handymen, landscaping or just shoot the breeze.

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-11142010http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Open-Houses-11142010Thu, 11 Nov 2010 03:00:00 GMTWhat's HappeningWhat is Happening  in Cold Spring Hunt April Newsletter

What is Happening In Patriots Ridge April Newsletter

What is Happeining in Northbranch April Newsletter

 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Whats-Happeninghttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Whats-HappeningTue, 27 Apr 2010 03:00:00 GMTWhat is Happening in Cold Spring Hunt 

Link to the April Newsletter

http://coldspringhunt.blogspot.com/

 

Presently only one active in CSH

link to virtual tour:

http://tinyurl.com/yf8ac76

4953 Mead Dr Reduced to $524,900

offered by Barry Angely Remax Centre

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/What-is-Happening-in-Cold-Spring-Hunthttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/What-is-Happening-in-Cold-Spring-HuntSun, 28 Mar 2010 03:00:00 GMTTrends: One Level LivingHuge Housing Trend—The last 4 First Floor Master Bedroom Units in Fireside all sold within 6 Days!!  The trend towards homes with first floor masters is growing at an incredible rate—as is the aging population.  Fireside is one of very few Bucks County neighborhoods that has townhomes with first floor main bedrooms.  We also have a beautiful, 13 year young ranch style home in MINT, MINT condition with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a full finished basement.  Located just 6 minutes north of Fireside in the Award Winning Neighborhood of North Branch, this meticulously cared for home is located in a neighborhood of mostly 2 story colonials on a quiet cul-de-sac and backing to protected space and a bucolic Bucks County Farm.  While you will have to cut your own grass, there’s no Association Fee, so that $100.00 per month will easily cover a years worth of lawn care!  5414 Nicholas Ct Pipersville PA 18947

 

 

 

 

 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Trends-One-Level-Livinghttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Trends-One-Level-LivingFri, 19 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMTInventory Accumulation For Bucks County
January February March April May June July August September October  
8.6 9.1 9.8 10.2 10.5 10.5 10.2 9.8 9.8 9.2  
24.6 26.4 25.6 22.9 19.3 15.4 10.9 4.3 5.4 -1.1  

If you look at these number there is a relative small significant change from month to month. But if you compare the numbers to last years numbers ( in percentages, you will se an optimistic view of were we are headed towards. October is the first negative accumulation month in three years , and the August and september figures show a significant decline. This numbers are from Trend and for Bucks County, PAsingle homes

The first row indicates Months on market. Bottom row represents difference from previous year

 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Inventory-Accumulation-For-Bucks-Countyhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Inventory-Accumulation-For-Bucks-CountyTue, 17 Nov 2009 03:00:00 GMTCold Spring Hunt Nov 09 Newsletter 

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

 

 

 

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Cold-Spring-Hunt-Nov-09-Newsletterhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Cold-Spring-Hunt-Nov-09-NewsletterMon, 09 Nov 2009 12:20:00 GMTShould I Buy a Home Now?I’m often asked if this is a good time to buy a home.  Some clients are concerned that home prices may fall further than they have already.  They are assuming that the best course of action is to wait for the bottom in the market and then buy.  The problem with this approach is that you don’t know where the bottom is until you see it in the rear view mirror, meaning until you’ve missed it!

Home prices are one factor in determining your cost of ownership, but so are interest rates and financing availability.  Even though interest rates have gone up in the last six months, they are still near historic lows.  Since your monthly mortgage payment is a combination of paying down your principal and paying the interest owed, if home prices come down a little further but interest rates go up, it could cost you even more to service a mortgage on an identical home!

While a home is a major investment, it is also the center of your personal life.  It’s important to live in a home that reflects your taste and values, yet is within your financial “comfort zone.”  To that end, it may be more important to lock in today’s relatively low interest rates and low home prices, rather than to hope for a further break in prices in the future.

Please give me a call if I can be of any assistance in determining how much home you can afford in today’s market.

]]>http://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Should-I-Buy-a-Home-Nowhttp://www.thegutnerteam.com/Blog/Should-I-Buy-a-Home-NowThu, 05 Mar 2009 18:46:00 GMT