Got the Spring Itch? Is it Time to Move?

After this winter of the never ending snow storm, many people who have been stuck in their old house or apartment are having thoughts of a new place to call home.  Does this sound like you?

Where do you start?  We have all heard how the real estate markets are heating up and yes, in many areas this is true.  We see very competitive sellers market in West Chester Real Estate, Swarthmore Real Estate, Media Real Estate, Havertown Real Estate, Narberth Real Estate and Glen Mills Real Estate to name just a few.  In these markets, stories of three and four bids and properties selling for more than asking have become the norm.  Mortgage rates are inching up so you should run right out and by today: right?

Not necessarily.  Take a deep breath.  Yes, housing prices are generally on the rise, but are still more affordable than say six years ago.  Are they more affordable than last year; no.  Are they more affordable than next years predictions;  yes they are.

Lets start here!  Pour yourself a glass of red or your favorite beer, sit on the couch and do an on-line search.  I'll make it a little easier just click this Search for Homes and you can access everything for sale in the Philadelphia metro region.  Time to look at houses?  NO, not yet.

Do a little more research about the area you are interested in, to familiarize your self with pricing community information and homes sold, or just click for my Market Insider Report and enter the zip code your looking for.  Look at Houses????  Maybe.  I'd prefer you talked with someone first.  Actually two people.  Find a Realtor you sync with and ask for some advice.  If the answer to all your questions is buy a house right now; find someone else.  Better yet Email me.


The Market Insider Report

Your agent should be interested in why your moving; what is your goal?  How long are you planning on being in this house?  What does your lifestyle look like?  Do you like to walk to restaurants and shopping?  Need a train?  or do you want acre of ground to get away from it all?

Second conversation; unless your paying with cash from the mattress (or your bank account) you are going to need a loan.  You can talk with my lender Bruce Hopkins at Waterstone Mortgage or your favorite lender.  MOST IMPORTANT; they need to be local, understand the local market and their fees need to be in-line.  What are normal fees?  Let me look at your estimate and I can show you or just email Bruce.

Time to look at Houses?!?!?!? Yes, know we can go look at some houses.  The search should start ideally by looking at three or four communities that meet your needs.  First time out, get a feel for life in your new community and identify what type of home you want.  Does it need to be completely finished, or do you want something that needs some updating so you can make it yours?  Is "some updating"  just some paint or do you have old house brain damage and need/want to redo everything?

Sound scary?  Its really not and for over twenty years I have helped many people take this walk.  It can be fun.  Time to move?  Email, text or call me and we can half coffee or a beer and talk about your plans and lets get that house!