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All About Pennsylvania Real Estate

By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(Fathom Realty)
        Earlier this week my wife and I couldn’t waitto try out a new restaurant that had recently opened. The Lucky Dog Cafe opened up right nextto a Harley Davison Dealer on Beaver Valley Pike,RT.222 . We got there at 5:15 and the place was packed . I was wanting a Hamburger and decidedon a Patty Melt ( see above) . Laura decided on Beef Tips . Open faced with mushrooms & onions.They also her poured a very generous glass of Pino Grigio . The staff was very attentive and the meals came out quickly ! Needless to say the Lucky Dog has a new friend . 
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
Delaware County PA Realtors® 2025We are Delaware County PA Realtors® and have been helping Sellers and Buyers of residential real estate since 2004. Doug brings his many years as a contractor to our team and I bring my experience working in customer service. We enjoy helping people navigate the world of real estate from the early stages of figuring out what needs to be done first, to staying on track finding or listing your house, to getting to closing.Over the years we have helped:-First Time Home Buyers-Sellers upgrading to a larger home-Sellers downsizing -Sellers wanting to move into a 55+ Community-Families dealing with an estate of a loved one who has passed-Short Sale situations when times get rough-Investors buying and selling real estateWhatever your reason for wanting to buy o...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Professional photography catches the eyes of potential buyers on line, but video can seal the deal. Today more people watch video short and long form than might read the description of a house.Whilst photos can show the rooms, a real video, not one of those tours of stitched together photos, can tell the story. When showing a house for sale, clients walk through the rooms, see the natural light, get a feel for the size and flow of the house. Well video can do the same thing. It can show a Main Line or Chester County buyer if this house might work for them or not; both are excellent results as our aim is to attract serious buyers not just those who want to look at homes.Generally, I want to show how the home flows through a video and pick out any special features. Obviously, with a large...
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By The Jeff Rickert Team, Poconos - RSPS - The Jeff Rickert Team
(RE/MAX Property Specialists)
 Looking for a Hot Tub home in the Poconos?Friend, family or maybe yourself looking for a hot tub home? RE/MAX Property Specialists 570.972.2940 Contemporary home in the gated, amenity-filled community of Arrowhead Lake. This home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and a second story space for storage or a small office. Dining room has a luxury hardwood vinyl flooring. Kitchen has the same floors and a kitchen island. Living room has a stone wood burning fireplace and French doors that lead to the sun room with lots of windows. There is also a door to the back deck. Game room has extra space for the family and leads to the deck that opens to the fenced in yard & hot tub. Primary bedroom has an attached bath featuring granite counters and a washer/dryer closet. Home also has a shed for extra storag...
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
55 Plus Delaware County PA March 2025 Market ReportDelaware County PA offers a wide range of housing situations for people who want to live in a Senior Community.  They range in price, style and amenities, from a modest home to a luxurious townhouse.Market Report for Senior Communities in Delaware County as of March 5, 2025:9 Active Listings/Coming Soon14 Listings Pending Sale/Under Contract7 Listings Sold in February 2025Price Range $93,900 - $1,242,683(info from Bright MLS various broker/agents)If you are in need of guidance from experienced agents, give us a call.Fox Hill Farm - 55+ Glen Mills, PAThe Villas At Golf View - 55+ Springfield, PATraditions At Ridley Creek - 55+ Brookhaven, PA
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Buying a home can be stressful, but Main Line and Chester County buyers guided by Nick Vandekar, Selling the Main Line and Chester County with Realty ONE Group Advocates have an advantage, and often they have fun as well.Touring homes with the intention of buying one is different to just visiting someone's home. As a Realtor I have toured many, many homes over the 20 plus years I have been selling homes. I used to sell antiques, and when i was out hunting for inventory I often thought about what clients wanted. I found touring homes a similar experience, I walk though a home with an idea of what my clients have told me they want in a home.It is more than just three bedrooms and two baths, I usually sit and talk with clients for a while to discover what makes them tick, to uncover their ...
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
Things About Houses – LathYears ago before dry wall was used on the interior walls of a house, lath and plaster completed the walls inside houses. Back then lath was made from wood, before the use of metal strips. The lath would be attached to the studs horizontally to the ceiling and floor. Plaster would then be applied to the lath, three layers actually, according to Doug. The last layer of plaster would be the the smoothest and ready for adornment, such as paint or wallpaper.The walls in our 1915 house were constructed in this manner. I know this because when we did upgrades, we removed the plaster and lath and replaced the walls with drywall. One thing Doug pointed out to me when we were removing the lath and plaster was horse hairs in the plaster between each piece of lath. I was h...
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By June Piper-Brandon, Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
(Coldwell Banker Realty)
Registration Opens for MAQ - March 1, 2025 at 10 amRegistration opens March 1 at 10 am for the 2025 Mid-Appalachian Quilters Retreat in Gettysburg, PA to be held June 6-8, 2025.Classes fill up quickly, so you won't want to wait too long to register. Check the classes out on their website and be ready to register at 10.There are some new teachers this year, I am one, I have taught quilting for years but I have never taught at MAQ, I am so excited to have had my proposals accepted for this year's retreat.  
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By Pocono Luxury Homes The Jeff Rickert Team, Poconos Luxury Homes
(RE/MAX Property Specialists)
  Mike brings 30 plus years in sales experience. He is a veteran who served 13 years In the PA Army Guard stationed locally. Mike is an active member of his community for 39 plus years and is so excited to be turning that local focus toward real estate. His background in Solution Engineering and Business Development offers the perfect opportunity to mold his passion for real estate with his commitment to the Poconos and surrounding area residents.Please welcome Mike.   I'm ready to chase the next home for YOU! Michael Baird REMAX Property Specialists CELL 570.730.0391 OFFICE 570.972.2940 michael.baird@remax.net Email Mike Baird Website
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By Pocono Luxury Homes The Jeff Rickert Team, Poconos Luxury Homes
(RE/MAX Property Specialists)
83 Lake Drive, Lake Harmony, PA 18624MLS #PM-122009 Want to come play in the snow? ATTN INVESTORS-RENTAL DREAM! 100' LAKEFRONT! 4BR/4 BA oversized 4000 sq' retreat! Upgrades include40 yr roof, new siding, laundry room, & A/C ductless units installed throughout the home! This spacious home has room to add 3+ more bedrooms for investment opportunities! Vaulted ceilings open to 2nd story allowing unblocked views of the lake! The walk-out Lower Level includes a full 2 BR/1 Bath apartment! This home is so large it hosts 3 Living Rooms, 2 Dining rooms, kitchen & Kitchenette, a family room, and a game room! Sold Turnkey by MOTIVATED SELLER! Although Kidder Township is STR friendly, this home has never been rented. SOLD FURNISHED! Bring your motorboat and golf cart! Welcome to the Poconos! Pub...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Main Line and Chester County buyers often get confused about how much money they need to buy a house. Many people get confused by the down payment and the amount of money they need to close on a house. Some people get confused between the down payment and the earnest money deposit.The down payment is the equity in the house you are paying for with cash you have in savings or another type of account. The balance of the purchase price if you are not paying cash is paid for with the mortgage.The earnest money deposit is the money you offer with the agreement of sale to show your sincerity in wanting to purchase the house. Typically in our area, The Main Line and Chester County the earnest money deposit is paid in two instalments. One within 5 days of acceptance of the offer, usually an amo...
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
Recently I received a packet of milkweed seeds for a $1 donation, thanks to Live Monarch Foundation.All I had to do was mail a self addressed, a stamped envelope and $1 bill to:Live Monarch FoundationPO Box 1339Blairsville, GA 30514I enjoy gardening in the summer/warmer months and I particularly enjoy seeing butterflies visit the flowers in my garden. I’ve noticed over the past few years a major decline in the monarch butterflies that visit my butterfly bush and flowers. Reading up on the matter, I found out monarchs are in major decline because of many factors hindering their migration every year and the habitat that supports their survival.To counter their decline, Live Monarch Foundation is hoping many people will plant milkweed seeds to grow this flowering plant on their property. T...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
There are many things to consider for buyers of Main Line and Chester County Homes and with the rise in interest rates one of the big questions being asked "Is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage Right for You?"So let's examine this and give you the information so you can feel confident about the decision you will make on what type of mortgage to use.Firstly the fixed rate mortgage is exactly that, the rate is fixed for the duration of the loan. You basically know what you will be paying for the term of the loan, the only part that might adjust is taxes if you pay those through your mortgage company. This is a great product, having come from the UK many years ago where we had floating rates and the mortgage interest rate would rise whenever the bank rate rose and fall when it fell, made for a l...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Main Line and Chester County Residents know the market has been hot for the last few years. With little to no inventory and multiple offers many buyers have been making several offers before either putting their house hunt on hold or being successful.Here we are in 2025, interest rates have risen over the last few months to hover between 6 and 7%, house prices have been rising every year and in some cases from month to month, so is that changing the market?For the past few years it has definitely been a seller's market. Sellers have sat back seeing their equity increasing dramatically, and they have come to expect offers without contingencies. No inspections, cash offers often and definitely no home for sale contingencies.But, is the market changing? In the past few weeks we have seen a...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Selling a home can be a grueling process, even in a market with low inventory and what has seemed like rising prices for the past couple of years. There are just so many facets to a transaction. Well Main Line and Chester County Residents relax, I am here to explain and help give you confidence to make the right decisions throughout the transaction.When you receive an offer it is made up of many parts, whilst most sellers look to the price first, there are many elements. These are called the terms of the offer. They may include the settlement date, whether the buyer is paying cash or using a mortgage. Is the buyer going to do inspections? Does the buyer have another home that has to be sold to buy your home?These are all types of contingencies. So let's explore what they mean for you as...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
By commenting on each other's posts, we create friendships and relationships with the writers of the posts. How else can you cultivate relationships with Active Rain members? Commenting forms a line of communication. We acknowledge each other and our thoughts.Do comments lead to discussion posts? Yes, of course, they do. Perhaps they may even result in a phone call or text message for further discussions. Friendship and comments are a two-way street; we all have something valuable to say. The conversation may even inspire someone to write something. It is vital to engage in conversation. After a while, you wonder if anyone is reading what you say. So, inspire someone today. Tell the writer they wrote a good story. Tell them you like their photo, enjoyed the book review, or will try thei...
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
What do I love about what I do as a Realtor®?First off, I must say that I love visiting houses and to see what people have done with their houses and property.  People can be so creative. And I love seeing old houses for their fine attention to detail with amazing handwork.  In this area of SE PA, there are many old houses that have maintained these details and charm.For the work itself as an agent, I love the fact that I am not a hardcore salesperson, even though that is what my state license might imply and what some people may think Realtors® are. I prefer to think of our work as being guides in the world of real estate, and that is what I love, being a guide.When we were exploring whether to become Realtors®, we took advantage of a handful of learning opportunities, it was during th...
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
A quick video I put together today about the changing real estate market. Let me know what you think and if your local markets are also seeing changes? Not much to add here, other than inventory is still at historically low levels, but showings are down, contracts are down, days on market are rising, and sales price to list price ratio is dropping. 
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By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Main Line and Chester County sellers looking to sell their homes are finding that professional photography sells their homes faster. As I was preparing to write this post, I wanted to use some non-professional photos, but I have been using a professional photographer for so long I actually could not find any in my files.A professional photographer can offer so many different benefits, from perfect balanced photos, 3D photo tours, drone photography that shows the setting of the home and even real video.Obviously using a professional photographer to provide the list of options above takes time and costs money. But, as an agent I have found the investment well worth the cost. I cover the cost of photography for my clients as I feel so strongly about using a professional photographer.Profes...
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By Gloria Todor, & Doug Durren (484) 431-3686 in SE PA
(Premier Property Sales & Rentals)
Residential Houses For Sale in Springfield, Delaware County, PA as of February 17, 20256 Active ListingsPrice Range $368,500 - $1,300,00023 Houses Pending Sale/Under Contract Sold in Springfield in January 2023 2024 2025 # Sold 9 9 12 Average Days on Market 11 39 29 Minimum Price Sold $290,000 $340,000 $310,000 Maximum Price Sold $500,000 $677,100 $765,000 Median Price Sold $390,000 $461,000 $524,900 (info Bright MLS various brokers/agents)Smedley Park   Springfield PAGolf View 55+ Community in Springfield PAIchiban Seafood Buffet 
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Pennsylvania Real Estate Agents and Real Estate Professionals