Delaware County, Pennsylvania Real Estate Blog

The Long and Winding Road Of Real Estate

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 17:16:47 -0400

The Long and Winding Road Of Real Estate

Realtors® work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds and no two real estate transactions are quite alike. The other day as we started to work with a new client I was reminded again how the world of real estate offers the opportunity for a Realtor® to learn about new areas, new rules and regulations, changes in codes, you name it, our line of work is not static.

With each new client, I embrace the fact that we are on a road to a different place, a new learning experience, different from any prior experience of helping a client to buy or sell real estate. One client may lead us down a road where we gain new insights into new construction; another may take us down a road that offers us insights into their culture for they are relocating here from a foreign country.

The one thing that is for sure, is that the long and winding road of real estate always leads back to helping and finding the situation that is best for our clients in the best way we know how.

(Written by Gloria - Inspired by a song)

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Doug Durren and Gloria Todor, Realtors^®CENTURY 21 Absolute Realty
Serving Delaware County, Pennsylvania and Surrounding Areas
610-909-0687 Doug 610-328-4300 x131 Office
484-431-3686 Gloria Visit our Blog
Email GloriaTodor@Century21.com

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Save Money and the Environment by Conserving Electricity

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:24:01 -0400

Thanks to Yvonne here are a few ways to save!

Via Yvonne Martin (Keller Williams Realty Services):

You can save money and the environment by conserving electricity. Here are four easy ways to start conserving electricity and saving yourself money today:

Don't just turn off; unplug. Just because an appliance or device is turned off, doesn't mean it isn't using electricity. Devices that are plugged into an electrical outlet are responsible for approximately 5-10% of your monthly electrical usage. When you are not using your hair dryer, toaster, cell phone charger, etc., turn them off and then unplug them until you use them again.

Replace incandescent bulbs with CFLs. Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) lasts 10 times as long as regular incandescent light bulbs, use about 75% less electricity, can save $30 over the lifetime of the bulb and ends up paying for itself within six months.

Energy Star. While the Energy Star appliances may be a little pricier up front, over time, they actually save you money thanks to their efficient use of electricity. An Energy Star appliance uses 10-50% less electricity than standard appliances and they help reduce air pollutants and emissions. Also, many utility companies as well as government agencies offer rebates when you purchase a new Energy Star appliance to replace an old, outdated appliance. Check with the salesperson and your local utility company for more info.

Daytime use. If your house is empty during the day, you should set your thermostat higher (like 85 F). Set your programmable thermostat to go off approximately 30 minutes before you typically get home so that the house will be cooled off before you get there. If you are home during the day, you may want to open all the windows as soon as possible to help cool off the interior of your house naturally.

By following these simple rules, you can save money and the environment by conserving electricity. Do your part for the environment and your pocketbook.

Yvonne Martin, The Martin Team, Let My Family Bring Your Family Home to Hammond Real Estate

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Upon Departure, How Clean Should You Leave Your Vacation Rental?

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:56:29 -0400

Great advise from Tamara about how to spend your vacation time.

Via Tamara Camden Vacation Rental Agent (All Rentals 2 Remember, inc.):

Upon Departure, How Clean Should You Leave Your Vacation Rental?

I occasionally get this questioned asked by others, and although each situation is unique and each vacation rental has its own standards, the general consensus I have found in the industry is to "leave the home in the same condition as found".

Vacationers should not be expected to spend their precious vacation time cleaning hours on end mopping the floors, scrubbing the bathtub and toilets, etc. on short stays, such as a weekly rental. However, there are some common courtesies that should be considered, and if in doubt, be sure to ask the Homeowner or Property Manager their expectations prior to renting.

On my personal rentals, I don't expect the guests to make the bed when departing, because I know my local Caretaker is going to be washing the sheets shortly after. What is appreciated though, is that upon departure, the home is basically picked up with everything in place as found, and there are no crumbs and trash left behind to attract island bugs. It is recommended to do the dishes and laundry (towels) the night before so that the cleaning person does not have a lot of extra work to do. This is particularly important if there is a turn-around guest coming in later that departure day, as the laundry takes the most time for the Cleaner in-between guests.

If you don't want to clean during your stay, many vacation rentals have optional housekeeping for an additional fee that can be arranged.

Some Property Owners/Managers will have a clause in their rental agreement that advises if the unit is left abnormally dirty and if the Cleaner has to do additional cleaning, that this additional fee may be billed to the Guest, or deducted from the security deposit.

It's a win-win situation for all when common courtesy is followed, and everyone is happy. Many homeowners take pride and joy in sharing their home with guests, and hope guests will feel the same way in caring for the rental. My experience is that most owners don't expect clean pristine perfection upon departure as they want their guests to enjoy themselves, but would still like guests just to take a little bit of time to keep the place fairly tidy to make it easier for the transition to the next guest. The homeowners and their cleaning personnel always appreciate the respectful renters, and they are always welcome back!

Tamara Camden, Licensed Vacation Rental Agent

Specializing in Florida Vacation Rentals (and some in the Caribbean)

All Rentals 2 Remember, inc.

ph (305) 293-0856

http://www.AllRentals2Remember.com

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He's Tops!

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:47:32 -0400

Not many cities have statues on top of their City Hall to honor one of their founders like Philadelphia does with William Penn.

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Conshohocken, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold - June 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:36:47 -0400

Here is information about residential houses that sold in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania for the month of June 2010.

The maximum sold price for a house was $374,900.

The minimum sold price for a house was $170,000.

The average sold price was $252,931.

The average amount of days on the market was 29.

22 residential houses sold in Conshohocken in June 2010.

(Information from Trend MLS)

More info for Conshohocken, Pennsylvania:
March and First Quarter 2010 Houses Sold
April 2010 Houses Sold Conshohocken PA
May 2010 Houses Sold Conshohocken, PA

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Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:31:29 -0400

Here is information about residential houses that sold in Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania for the month of June 2010.

The maximum sold price for a house was $1,199,000.

The minimum sold price for a house was $183,000.

The average sold price was $358,896.

The average amount of days on the market was 38.

32 residential houses sold in Upper Merion Township in June 2010.

(Information from Trend MLS)

(Gloria is an UM HS Alumni)

Other Real Estate Reports for Upper Merion Township:
January 2010 Houses Sold
February 2010 Houses Sold
April 2010 Houses Sold
May 2010 UM

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Bridgeport, Pennsylvania Real Estate 19405 - Houses Sold June 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:24:18 -0400

Here is information about residential houses that sold in Bridgeport, Pennsylvania 19405 for the month of June 2010.

The maximum sold price for a house was $303,000.

The minimum sold price for a house was $134,900.

The average sold price was $223,633.

The average amount of days on the market was 40.

3 residential houses sold in Bridgeport in June 2010.

(Information from Trend MLS)

(Bridgeport, the town where Gloria grew up)

Other Real Estate Reports for Bridgeport, PA:
January 2010 Houses Sold
February 2010 Houses Sold
March and First Quarter 2010 Houses Sold
April 2010 Houses Sold Bridgeport, PA
May 2010 Houses Sold Bridgeport, PA

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Rose Valley Boro, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 11:12:20 -0400

Here is information about residential houses that sold in Rose Valley Boro, Pennsylvania for the month of June 2010.

The maximum sold price for a house was $692,500.

The minimum sold price for a house was $390,000.

The average sold price was $550,833.

The average amount of days on the market was 81.

3 residential houses sold in Rose Valley in June 2010.

(Real Estate Information from Trend MLS)

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Why Can't We All Get Along?

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:22:52 -0400

Great video! Thanks Joan!

Via Joan Cox (Metro Brokers - House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate):

This is just the funniest video you have seen!     This deer and dog must really be having the time, and especially those who got the opportunity to see this!    Not an every day site!      I know my two kitties would not be doing this!     That deer does not act like a DEER!    Just absolutely hilarious!
(THANKS Charita for helping me!)

Joan Cox, GRI,ABR,CRS, CNE,e-Pro      Denver Real Estate

A Denver Metropolitan Realtor       Search for Homes in Denver

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Sunday Real Estate Crossword Puzzle

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:13:48 -0400

Great puzzle made by Carla!

Via Carla Muss-Jacobs Principal Broker/Owner EBA Portland LLC | www.EBAPortland.com | (Exclusive Buyers Agent Beaverton Portland):

ENJOY!! I'll post the KEY in a few days!!

ACROSS 1 A specific type of real estate 4 A specific type of real estate 5 Three little letters that mean so much to Wall St. 7 Organization founded in 1901 8 Home buying helper 9 21st century version of 'walk-away' 11 Manner of pay 14 The price is right 15 Caution: they might have a dog 16 Loan secured by property 17 Takes a while to sell 20 They've moved on 22 Some things to think about 26 Highly successful real estate network 28 Person in charge 30 Principal, interest, taxes, insurance 31 Legal agency relationship 32 Trust loyalty accounting 33 It's king 34 Has nothing to do with SS Act of 1935 DOWN 2 Lenders' number 3 No agency relationship 6 A closing must have 10 A lender tease 12 A year in review 13 Ownership from wall to wall 18 Created by a Cuomo 19 Real estate mantra 21 Court ordered 23 No listings for you 24 Cause of the "meltdown" 25 What motivates some 27 A government lie 29 Not all real estate agents

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~ Representing Buyers Since 1999 ~

Carla Muss-Jacobs, ABR, CEBA, e-PRO, Realtor®

Principal Broker/Owner
EBAPortland, LLC
YOUR Exclusive Buyer's Agent

(503) 810-7192 / Carla@CarlaHomes.com

CHECK OUT www.EBAPortland.com for Home Buyer TIPS!

All rights reserved (c)

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Concord Township, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold - June 2010

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:25:25 -0400

Here is information about residential houses that sold in Concord Township, Pennsylvania for the month of June 2010.

The maximum sold price for a house was $630,000.

The minimum sold price for a house was $102,500.

The average sold price was $350,840.

The average amount of days on the market was 94.

20 residential houses sold in Concord Township in June 2010.

(Information from Trend MLS)

Real Estate Info about Concord Township, Pennsylvania:
April 2010 Houses Sold
May 2010 Houses Sold

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Nether Providence Township, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:19:49 -0400

Here is information about residential houses that sold in Nether Providence Township, Pennsylvania for the month of June 2010.

The maximum sold price for a house was $810,328.

The minimum sold price for a house was $117,000.

The average sold price was $392,585.

The average amount of days on the market was 136.

25 residential houses sold in Nether Providence in June 2010.

(Information from Trend MLS)

Other Real Estate Info about Nether Providence:
2008 2009 A Comparison Houses Sold
January 2010 Houses Sold
February 2010 Houses Sold
March and First Quarter 2010
April 2010 Nether Providence Houses Sold
May 2010 Nether Providence

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"Like" Me: Facebook Page Tips & How to Gain Exposure for your Facebook Page

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 14:45:47 -0400

Great tips from Anna!

Via Anna 'Banana' Kruchten, Phoenix Property Shoppe 602-380-4886:

"Like" Me: Facebook Page Tips & How to Gain Exposure for your Facebook Page

Last week, I was totally clueless.

But now, *cue the trumpets* I think I finally get it!

There’s SO MUCH you can do with your Facebook Page, it’s ridiculous – but fun. For instance, you can add a “Join My List” tab to your page so people interested in receiving newsletters & e-mails from you can add themselves to your Constant Contact mailing list FROM your Facebook. How great is that?

Next, I learned how to add the "Like Box" to the ActiveRain inside blog (sidebar) & the RealBird listings. Everyone should be doing this! By doing so, you can gain more exposure, i.e. our company name will be on the Facebook walls of those who “like” us as well as the News Feed of their friends. This means more & more people will see the company name, therefore attracting more people to the Facebook Page & gaining the company exposure. If that didn’t make much sense, just know this is a GREAT feature if you’re looking to get your name out there.

Thanks to ActiveRain friend Steve Baklaich, he showed me how to embed a Photobucket slideshow in your Facebook Page. This is definitely a useful tool if you want to host images online.

Lastly, here are some tips I learned to get the most out of the Facebook Page (THANK YOU RealBird Blog on ActiveRain!):

Allow your Fans' posts to show up on your Page Wall to give your Facebook Page a more community feel. You don’t want to just be a talking head.

Like I mentioned earlier (and I can’t stress this enough), add the Facebook Page Fan widget to your blog, website and single property websites.

In your wall posts, attempt to get your fans talking. Ask them questions, motivate them to take action, and like we all do with our ActiveRain posts, add a call to action!

Ask fans to ‘Like’ your update!

Ask "yes" or "no" questions.

Become fans of your fans. "Like" them. Comment on their wall posts.

Don’t rely on auto-posts. Give your Facebook Page a personal touch & let your fans know you're not just an automated machine. You are a living, breathing person after all.

Through all of this research & scouring the web, I realized the importance of the “Like” button on Facebook & how to interact with those who "LIKE" the Page.

If you have more tips to share, let us know! It’d be greatly appreciated.

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Have one of the gorgeous Phoenix homes caught your eye? Or do you know of someone interested in purchasing a home in the Valley?

Anna 'Banana' will make your home purchasing process smooth and stress-free.

Feel free to contact me by phone 602-380-4886 or Email Anna Banana

You can also visit our website for more information on Phoenix and the surrounding areas.

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The Masters Series

Anna "Banana" Kruchten was recently chosen as one of 12 Masters of Real Estate by the National Association of REALTORS® at realtor.org. ‘Banana’ has a knack for using unique strategies to market her properties, gain new clients & train her agents how to build a successful real estate practice.

Let's Connect!

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The 3 Secret Companies that Really Control Google Local [SEO TIPS]

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:38:03 -0400

Thanks Brad for all this great information.

Via Brad Carroll - Real Estate Web Designer (Dakno Marketing):

I'm number #1 - well, after the first 10 results! That's a statement that plagues many agents who appear at the "top" of the search engines. That's because for so many local based searches, Google first shows the local "7-pack."

Suddenly, being "#1" organically means your site doesn't show up until half way down the page of the search results. With this in mind, I thought I would give some quick tips on how to ensure you show up at the true top of the page.

Now I'm sure most everyone knows about Google Local (or Google Places as they now call it). But to really optimize for the local results you have to take a step further.

Want to Rank Well for the Big 3 Search Engines?
Then Pay Attention to the "Other" Big 3

Most searches happen on either Google, Yahoo or Bing. But these search engines actually rely on other companies for their local data. Localeze, infoUSA, and Acxiom are the backbone of the entire local search ecosystem. Basically, they're some of the most important sites that you have never heard of! Just take a look at the graphic below. It shows just how important they are to Google, Yahoo and Bing’s local search results.

Now that you know who really powers the Local Ecosystem, let's look at a few optimization tips to ensure you show up for the infamous "7 Pack"

Google Local Optimization Tips

Step 1: Get Listed!

The first step is to ensure you are listed in the local search engines. Fortunately, the "trickle down" approach of the local ecosystem means that you'll only really need to list your business with these top 3 providers - Localeze, InfoUSA, and Acxiom. Of course, you will also want to submit your business to Google Places - to help verify Google’s info. Localeze and InfoUSA have online submission forms. Acxion, on the other hand, doesn't allow direct submissions. Instead, you'll need to go through UniversalBusinessListing.org - (note that this is a paid service).

Step 2: Optimize when signing up for these local directories.

You’ll want to follow a few simple optimization tips...

Make it complete!
Incomplete data makes it difficult to verify your business. Ensure your information is complete!

Always reference your business Name in the exact same way - EVERYWHERE!
For example, don’t submit your business name as Joy Rice Realty Group on Localeze then The Joy Rice Team in Google Places. These will be seen as two separate businesses.

Local Numbers
Use a local number instead of an 800 number when submitting your business information. This helps Google "localize" you.

Max out the Categories
Google allows you to associate your business with up to 5 categories. Populate all 5!

Use Keywords!
Use relevant keywords in your description. Don’t just say you’re a real estate agent. Say that your a Plano TX real estate agent

Build Local Link Love!
Get linked up in other local directories (like BBB), Bing Local Listing Center is another great directory and is doing some really cool things with their local business search. Show Google that you focus on the local market.

Encourage Reviews
Instead of sending your sellers an evaluation form, encourage them to leave a reviews on sites like Yelp!

Get Cited "Locally"
Work those relationships with the local media (you ARE following them on Twitter - Right?) Reach out to other local bloggers.

Submit Your Information to Hyperlocal News Sites
Sites like outside.in and topix.net allows you to submit your local content for free. Are you going to get a ton of traffic? Probably not. Is it a no brainier because it's 100% automated? YES!

Bonus Tips

Need even more tips? Here are few for the "advanced" users...

Maintain a Google Calendar (make it public) and set location information for open Houses, Local Events, etc.

GeoTag your videos and Photos! (YouTube/Flickr)

Create custom Google Maps and link them back to your site. Hoboken Condo agent Walter Burns create a simple Hoboken parking garage map that has received over 1,000 views - Make sure this is under YOUR Google account. If you have a Virtual Assistant this, have them create it under your account.

Don't forget about the contact us page of your site - as well as your footer information. And remember, ensure your address and phone number matches exactly!

I know that some may look at this list and think "This is just too much work." While it does take work, I think the pay off far outweighs the couple of hours it would take to optimize for local results. After all, if someone is looking for real estate in your area, don’t you want to be at the top of the search results?

Like this post? Please click the suggest button above!

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Upper Providence Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 07:23:08 -0400

Here is information about residential houses that sold in Upper Providence Township, Pennsylvania for the month of June 2010.

The maximum sold price for a house was $650,000.

The minimum sold price for a house was $250,000.

The average sold price was $424,200.

The average amount of days on the market was 145.

10 residential houses sold in Upper Providence Township in June 2010.

(Information from Trend MLS)

Real Estate Posts for Upper Providence Township, Pennsylvania:
2008 2009 A Comparison Houses Sold
January 2010 Houses Sold
February 2010 Houses Sold
March and First Quarter 2010 Houses Sold
April 2010 Upper Providence Houses Sold
May 2010 Upper Providence Houses Sold

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Delaware County, Pennsylvania Real Estate Blog

The Long and Winding Road Of Real Estate

Save Money and the Environment by Conserving Electricity

Upon Departure, How Clean Should You Leave Your Vacation Rental?

He's Tops!

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold - June 2010

Upper Merion Township, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

Bridgeport, Pennsylvania Real Estate 19405 - Houses Sold June 2010

Rose Valley Boro, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

Why Can't We All Get Along?

Sunday Real Estate Crossword Puzzle

Concord Township, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold - June 2010

Nether Providence Township, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

"Like" Me: Facebook Page Tips & How to Gain Exposure for your Facebook Page

The 3 Secret Companies that Really Control Google Local [SEO TIPS]

Want to Rank Well for the Big 3 Search Engines?Then Pay Attention to the "Other" Big 3

Google Local Optimization Tips

Upper Providence Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold June 2010

Want to Rank Well for the Big 3 Search Engines?
Then Pay Attention to the "Other" Big 3