This good news just came in today from the PA Association of REALTORS®!

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HUD: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs

FHA-approved lenders received the go-ahead to develop bridge-loan products that enable first-time buyers to use the benefits of the federal tax credit upfront, according to eagerly awaited guidance from the U.S. HUDDepartment of Housing and Urban Development on so-called home buyer tax credit loans that was released today.

Under the guidance, FHA-approved lenders can develop bridge loans that home buyers can use to help cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent.

The loans can’t be used to cover the minimum 3.5 percent, senior HUD officials told reporters on a conference call Friday morning.

Thus, buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge loan to bring down the upfront costs of buying a home significantly but would still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent downpayment.

There remain many sources of assistance for buyers needing help with the 3.5 percent downpayment, including many state and local government instrumentalities and nonprofit lenders.

In addition, some state housing finance agencies have developed their own tax credit bridge loan programs, so buyers in states whose HFAs offer such programs can monetize the tax credit upfront to cover all or part of their downpayment. These programs are separate from what HUD announced today.

The first-time homebuyer tax credit was enacted last year–and improved upon earlier this year–to help encourage households to enter the housing market while interest rates are low and affordability is high. The credit is worth up to $8,000 and is available to households that haven’t owned a home in at least three years. The credit does not have to be repaid, and is fully reimbursable, so households can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment.

Learn more about the credit, including how to apply for it this year even if you’ve already filed your taxes, at REALTOR.org.

Source: Robert Freedman, REALTOR® Magazine Online

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgWant to find a home before the end of the year? Visit my search site where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market ChesterCountyListings.com. In addition, I’m proud to say this site is secure and free of advertisements. Not looking for a new home yet but would like some real estate information? Visit my website. ChesterCountyHomes.com

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

I’m glad to be able to deliver some much needed good news concerning the economy and First-Time home buyers.

Congress unanimously approved a bill giving “First-Time” home buyers a tax break of up to $8,000 on any home purchased in the next year. No, this is not an “April Fools” joke.

This will be a great help for those buyers who have been trying to decide if they should or should not move forward with their plans to purchase a home in 2009. 

First-Time home buyers include those who have not had ownership interest during the past three years. This tax credit is also extended to those who closed on homes on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 30, 2009. This is also great news for those who are trying to sell their homes. Buyers will be more motivated to look for a home knowing that tax relief is on the horizon.

This YouTube video says it all …..

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgWant to find a home before the end of the year? Visit my search site where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market ChesterCountyListings.com. In addition, I’m proud to say this site is secure and free of advertisements. Not looking for a new home yet but would like some real estate information? Visit my website. ChesterCountyHomes.com

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

It’s time for the annual Keller Williams Real Estate Coat Drive and I, along with other Keller Williams’ Realtors, will be participating in this worthwhile event.

I’m asking for your help in collecting men’s, women’s and children’s coats for those in need. If you’re able to give, please call or notify me by email and include your name, address and telephone number. My email address is kshaver@kw.com.

I will be picking up donations on November 14th & 15th. Although I will be limiting my pick-up area to Chester County, PA only. You can leave your donations by your front door or next to your mailbox and I will stop by to pick them up. Please help me to make this year’s Coat Drive another big success! 

Thank You,      
Karen Shaver

                   


karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgWant to find a home before the end of the year? Visit my search site where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market ChesterCountyListings.com. In addition, I’m proud to say this site is secure and free of advertisements. Not looking for a new home yet but would like some real estate information? Visit my website. ChesterCountyHomes.com

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgWant to find a home before the end of the year? Visit my search site where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market ChesterCountyListings.com. In addition, I’m proud to say this site is secure and free of advertisements. Not looking for a new home yet but would like some real estate information? Visit my website. ChesterCountyHomes.com

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

One of the more complex systems of a home is the septic system. Because we can’t see it, we usually take it for granted. Most of us have never seen a septic system unless we have had the opportunity to visit a construction site during its installation.

Today I have a treat for you. Below is a great instructional video brought to us by Tim Carter of “Ask The Builder.com”. Tim told me he loves putting these videos together and this one goes over the the basic components of a septic system, which should give us a clearer picture of what it’s all about. Enjoy!


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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you, or someone you know, has been thinking about selling their home you can contact me through my website at ChesterCountyHomes.com. If you are searching for a home, here is a search site where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market ChesterCountyListings.com. In addition, I’m proud to say this site is secure and free of advertisements.

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

       
Disclaimer: The use of trade or firm names within this post does not imply endorsement.

Hello Readers,

I just wanted to follow up on my prior blog, which talked about the impression a fresh coat of paint makes to Buyers when putting your home on the market.

I found an amazing interactive website that helps you decide what colors to choose when preparing to freshen up your home. Even if you’re not selling your home, this is a great tool when considering a new coat of paint.

This website is provided by Valspar and along with the design tool, it also offers some great painting tips as well. Have fun!

Painting ideas by Valspar           

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you, or someone you know, has been thinking about selling their home you can contact me through my website at ChesterCountyHomes.com. If you are searching for a home, here is a search site where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market ChesterCountyListings.com. In addition, I’m proud to say this site is secure and free of advertisements.

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate
       
Disclaimer: The use of trade or firm names within this post does not imply endorsement.

Fresh paint makes the entire home smell and look new, and can bring sellers top dollar. If your home has chipped paint, exposed wood, or surfaces that looks faded it’s time for new paint. If your carpet is worn, dirty, outdated, or an unusual color, you might consider replacing it.

Many houses do not sell because of these problems. Don’t think that buyers have more money than you to freshen up a home. They typically don’t and will simply look elsewhere for a home that needs less work.

  


 

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpglf you, or someone you know, has been thinking about selling their home you can contact me through my website at ChesterCountyHomes.com. If you are searching for a home, here is a search site where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market ChesterCountyListings.com. In addition, I’m proud to say this site is secure and free of advertisements.

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

Browsing the Internet I found an article on Forbes.com written by Zack O’Malley Greenburg “America’s Best Places to Raise a Family”.  Mr Greenburg’s article reports the findings of a nationwide survey conducted by Forbes to find the top 20 counties for raising families.

Forbes.com

The survey used a number of points, which reflects what matters most to parents. One of the characteristics parents look for is a strong school system, which is why Chester County was chosen. According to the Forbes survey, the school systems throughout Chester County have an average graduation rate of 96% placing Chester County 10th out of the top 20 counties chosen. Kudos to Chester County!

Link to article …… America’s Best Places to Raise a Family.

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you, or someone you know, is looking for a new home in Chester County please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

Most buyers choose to drive by your home first before wanting to set an appointment to view it. Make sure the trees are trimmed so your home can be seen from the street. An attractive yard that’s free of debris will attract attention quickly. When in season plant flowers to add color and beauty. Have the grass mowed, trimmed and edged. Walkways should be swept and always clear away the debris. Remove parked cars or RVs that may be obscuring the view of your home from the street.

Remember, if the buyer does not like the outside, they will simply drive on to the next house. Get your home ready for drive-by traffic and give folks something extra nice to look at.  

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you, or someone you know, is looking for a new home please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

Just wanted to put out the word about some very affordable new construction that one of my Clients just purchased. The home is located in Providence Hill in East Fallowfield, Chester County, PA and it gives you a lot for your money. As an Agent, not affiliated with Providence Hill, my responsibility to my Clients is to make sure all of the paperwork is in order and that the construction is done to their satisfaction. Providence Hill offers lots of options and several floor plans to choose from. They are in the final stage of the development and are anxious to sell, so it’s a good time for any Buyer who wants new construction at a reasonable price.

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you, or someone you know, is looking for a new home please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

In 1935 the United States Congress proclaimed the first Sunday of August as the National Friendship Day. Since then, celebration of National Friendship Day became an annual event. The idea of honoring friendship caught on and soon Friendship Day became a hugely popular festival.

Following the popularity and success of Friendship Day in the US, several other countries adopted the tradition of dedicating a day to friends. Today, Friendship Day is enthusiastically celebrated by several countries across the world including India.

friendship-day-1.jpgIn 1997, the United Nations named Winnie the Pooh as the world’s Ambassador of Friendship.

 

 

 

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you or a friend are looking for a new home please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

Inaccurately reported square footage is the subject of numerous complaints made each year to state real estate commissions. A small percentage of cases involve willful misrepresentation, but a larger number of complaints occur simply because agents and sellers don’t know how to measure a home’s square footage.

Measure the House

  1. Starting at an exterior corner, measure the length of all walls. Round measurements to the nearest inch.
  2. Make a sketch of the home’s perimeter, recording all dimensions.
  3. If you must measure some areas from inside, add six inches for an exterior wall and four inches for an interior wall.
  4. Multiply the length by the width. You now have the square footage.

Measure and Calculate Square Footage

Important Facts to Remember:

Determining Finished Living Areas  

  • Must be space intended for human occupancy.
  • Must be heated by a conventional, permanent heating system.
  • Must have walls, floors and ceilings of materials generally accepted for interior construction.
  • Must be directly accessible from another finished area. That means a finished room accessed through any unfinished space cannot be counted as finished square feet.

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    karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you, or someone you know, is looking for a new home in Chester County please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 
    Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
    Keller Williams Real Estate

flag.jpgThe Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America’s birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a school teacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14th (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of the stars and stripes) as “Flag Birthday”. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14th as “Flag Birthday”, or “Flag Day”.

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you’re looking for a new home please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

 

What real estate market are we really in right now? The media projects a pretty bleak image but it’s not as bad as you might think. Linked below is an article from Time Magazine that will give you some insight.             

Ignore The Headlines

 

 

 

 

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you’re looking for a new home please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate

Strawberry Festival

It’s that time again folks! The area’s annual Strawberry Festival, benefiting the Brandywine Health Foundation. There will be lots of fun and activities for kids and adults alike. The Festival opens Thursday 5/29 at 5 pm. The link below will give you more information about the Festival hours along with a schedule of events.

Keller Williams Real Estate of Exton will be helping to raise funds by hosting one of the booths at the Festival. Have a great time and hope to see you there.   

          Strawberry Festival Website         

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karen-near-house-cropped-1.jpgIf you’re looking for a new home please visit my website at ChesterCountyListings.com where you’ll find the most up-to-date listings on the market. For more Buyer’s and Seller’s resources please visit my other website at ChesterCountyHomes.com 

Karen Shaver, REALTOR®
Keller Williams Real Estate                  

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