Real Estate Blog

Single Women More Likely to Buy Homes Than Single Men
Single Women More Likely to Buy Homes Than Single Men
In a long-running trend, single women continue to buy more homes than single men. The latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) sh...
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Loan Limits Rise to Reflect Higher Housing Prices
Loan Limits Rise to Reflect Higher Housing Prices
In welcome news for home buyers, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced that the conforming loan limit for single-family homes in P...
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Victorian Christmas Open House at Pennypacker Mills
Victorian Christmas Open House at Pennypacker Mills
Experience Christmas as it was in the early 20th century at historic Pennypacker Mills in Schwenksville. On December 11, Pennypacker Mills will hold...
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Local Home Buyers See Some Relief
Local Home Buyers See Some Relief
In welcome news for buyers, local home prices drifted downward over the last few months. The average sale price for homes in Montgomery County peake...
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Downsizing Made Easy
Downsizing Made Easy
The thought of downsizing creates mixed emotions for many homeowners. Though the time may be right, many people still have a hard time leaving the p...
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Spotlight on Lansdale, PA
Spotlight on Lansdale, PA
Are you looking for a walkable town with parks, restaurants, and shopping? If so, consider Lansdale Borough in Montgomery County. Incorporated in 1...
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Higher Rates, Less Purchasing Power for Buyers
Higher Rates, Less Purchasing Power for Buyers
Home buyers have become used to rock-bottom mortgage rates, but that could be changing. Rates have begun to rise, with the average 30-year rate now ...
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What New Flood Insurance Rates Mean for PA Residents
What New Flood Insurance Rates Mean for PA Residents
FEMA has announced a new rating system for its flood insurance program, called Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action. The new system represents a signif...
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Why Worcester Township is a Great Place to Live
Why Worcester Township is a Great Place to Live
Located in central Montgomery County, Worcester Township is known for its beautiful country roads, preserved farmland, parks, and trails. Worcester&#...
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Could a 3D-Printed Home Be in Your Future?
Could a 3D-Printed Home Be in Your Future?
3D-printed homes typically use a concrete layering process and can be built in a variety of styles. They take less time to build than traditional ho...
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Local Economy Looks Bright
Local Economy Looks Bright
In good news for the housing market, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate fell from 6.9% in June to 6.6% in July, according to the Bureau of Labor...
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How Fast Will Your Home Sell?
How Fast Will Your Home Sell?
At the beginning of this year, the average number of days it took to sell a house in Montgomery County was 31. By July, the average had fallen to 18....
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Philadelphia Named One of the World's 100 Greatest Destinations
Philadelphia Named One of the World's 100 Greatest Destinations
Time Magazine has named Philadelphia one of the world’s 100 best destinations in 2021, along with such renown locales as Edinburgh, Singapore, ...
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Surprise Drop in Mortgage Rates Good News for Buyers
Surprise Drop in Mortgage Rates Good News for Buyers
In good news for home buyers, rates for popular mortgages fell this month. On July 22, the average 30-year fixed rate was 2.78%, down from 2.98% on ...
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5 Steps to Avoid Buyer's Remorse
5 Steps to Avoid Buyer's Remorse
You may have read about home buyers who pulled out all the stops with their offer so they wouldn’t lose out to other buyers, only to regret th...
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10 Tips to Tackle Clutter
10 Tips to Tackle Clutter
During the height of the COVID pandemic, many of us passed the time with online shopping. Now that we’re starting to venture out and do more, ...
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Montgomery County Among Top 100 Healthiest in the US
Montgomery County Among Top 100 Healthiest in the US
Another great reason to live in Montgomery County is its ranking in the top 100 healthiest counties in the United States, according to a new report ...
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Big Price Increases Driven by Low Housing Inventory
Big Price Increases Driven by Low Housing Inventory
The local housing market has been brisk, with homes selling quickly and for high prices. Low inventory and strong demand have been fueling the price...
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Dear Seller, We LOVE Your Home!
Dear Seller, We LOVE Your Home!
Let’s say you’re competing with several other buyers for the same home and are looking for a way to make your offer stand out. You may a...
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Support Our Food Drive and Help Feed the Hungry
Support Our Food Drive and Help Feed the Hungry
Help us support our local food pantry! Coldwell Banker Hearthside’s Lansdale office is collecting donations of non-perishable food items and m...
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Yes, Home Prices Really Did Rise that Much
Yes, Home Prices Really Did Rise that Much
Real estate has featured prominently in the news—houses selling quickly, prices rising to unexpected levels, and buyers competing for a limite...
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Remodeling Projects with the Highest Payoff
Remodeling Projects with the Highest Payoff
Which remodeling projects provide the highest return on investment? According to Remodeling’s 2021 Cost vs. Value Report, exterior projects to...
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Spotlight on Skippack, PA
Spotlight on Skippack, PA
Skippack Township in Montgomery County has much to offer and is a great place to buy a home! Located about ten minutes from the PA Turnpike’s ...
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Will House Flipping Remain Popular?
Will House Flipping Remain Popular?
During the past several years, house flipping has been profitable for many savvy investors, capitalizing on strong buyer demand for updated and renova...
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Are You Thinking of Selling Your Home?
Are You Thinking of Selling Your Home?
If you’re thinking of selling your home, consider these simple, inexpensive tips for increasing your home’s appeal and selling for the h...
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Mortgage Rates Fall This Month in Welcome News for Buyers
Mortgage Rates Fall This Month in Welcome News for Buyers
After rising in March, average mortgage rates started to fall this month. As of April 15, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.04%, accordi...
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Own Your Dream Home in Beautiful Clover Meadows
Own Your Dream Home in Beautiful Clover Meadows
Don’t miss the chance to own your dream home in beautiful Clover Meadows! This warm and welcoming home has so much to offer, all on an expansi...
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What's Really Happening in Montgomery County's Housing Market
What's Really Happening in Montgomery County's Housing Market
In Montco, a tight housing market is putting the squeeze on buyers and boosting prices. Here’s why. Buyers Compete for Fewer Listings Mo...
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What Items Are Included When You Buy a House?
What Items Are Included When You Buy a House?
When you find a place you’d like to buy, how do you know what’s included with the house? In our area, it’s customary for certain i...
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Why Buying Before Selling Can Make Sense
Why Buying Before Selling Can Make Sense
In today’s fast-paced market, homeowners who want to move probably can’t count on being able to coordinate the timing of their home sale...
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Home Inspection Headaches
Home Inspection Headaches
Home inspectors typically evaluate many aspects of a home and can identify a range of concerns, from electrical problems to missing roof shingles. H...
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Mortgage Rates Inch Up
Mortgage Rates Inch Up
Mortgage rates have risen over the past few weeks but are still lower than last Spring. As of February 25, 2021, the average rate for 30-year mortga...
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Spotlight on Collegeville, PA
Spotlight on Collegeville, PA
Located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Collegeville is a great place to live! Ursinus College’s campus is in the center of town, and small...
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Homeowners Staying Put Longer
Homeowners Staying Put Longer
Recent statistics back up what local agents have noticed for some time—that homeowners are staying in their homes longer than they used to. In...
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Buying in Today's Market
Buying in Today's Market
Last year was surprisingly good for sellers but challenging for buyers. Demand for homes outstripped supply, prices rose, and many buyers found them...
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Montgomery County Preserves 10,000 Acres of Farmland
Montgomery County Preserves 10,000 Acres of Farmland
Montgomery County announced that it has permanently preserved more than 10,000 acres of farmland on 177 farms through its farmland preservation prog...
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How to Bring Birds to Your Yard
How to Bring Birds to Your Yard
Birdwatching is a practice that dates back to time immemorial, with descriptions of the practice (and of beautiful birds) going back to the earliest...
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Smart-Home Technology Powers Forward
Smart-Home Technology Powers Forward
Smart- home devices can now be found in many homes and are on course to become even more popular this year. Smart TVs and speakers are two of the m...
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Mortgage Rates Drop Even Further
Mortgage Rates Drop Even Further
The new year got off to a good start for home buyers looking for a mortgage. As of January 7, the average rate for 30-year mortgages was just 2.65%,...
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Why You Should Do a Radon Test
Why You Should Do a Radon Test
Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless, and invisible radioactive gas that can seep into homes from the ground. Exposure to it can cause lung canc...
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Housing Market Poised for a Great 2021!
Housing Market Poised for a Great 2021!
The new year promises to be a good one for home sellers, continuing the trend that unfolded this year. 2020 ended with prices up, and many sellers r...
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Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
It’s no secret that sellers whose homes show well have an edge in today’s market. More than ever, buyers want homes that are up to date ...
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Conforming Home Loan Limit Rises for 2021
Conforming Home Loan Limit Rises for 2021
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued new conforming loan limits for 2021. In most of the country—including Philadelphia and su...
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Are You Thinking of Becoming a Landlord?
Are You Thinking of Becoming a Landlord?
If you’re considering investment property to put your extra cash to work, you’re not alone. How do you decide whether this is the right ...
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Demand For 55+ Homes Remains Strong
Demand For 55+ Homes Remains Strong
Empty nesters often find themselves with rooms they no longer use, especially second-floor bedrooms, and property they no longer want to care for. M...
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Take a Trip Back in Time at the Peter Wentz Farmstead
Take a Trip Back in Time at the Peter Wentz Farmstead
Are you looking for a fun family outing? Consider a visit to the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester Township, where you’ll learn what life was...
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Where Are All the Houses For Sale?
Where Are All the Houses For Sale?
When the COVID-19 crisis hit in March, it caused new listings to plunge, just when we would typically expect a large number of homes to come onto th...
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Don't Forget About Property Taxes When Searching for a Home
Don't Forget About Property Taxes When Searching for a Home
When searching for a home, don’t forget to look at property taxes in addition to asking prices. Homes with the same asking price may have diff...
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Waiving Inspections in a Seller's Market
Waiving Inspections in a Seller's Market
In a balanced market—where buyer demand is in sync with the availability of homes for sale—it would be unusual to see home buyers waivin...
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Third-Quarter Housing Report Shows Impressive Local Price Gains
Third-Quarter Housing Report Shows Impressive Local Price Gains
Home sellers have been enjoying rising sale prices, reflecting historically low housing inventory and rock-bottom mortgage rates. Third-quarter numb...
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Mortgage Rates Hit a New Low
Mortgage Rates Hit a New Low
Freddie Mac reported that mortgage rates hit another record low this month. As of October 15, the average rate for 30-year mortgages dropped to 2.81...
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Top-Paying Jobs in the Philadelphia Region
Top-Paying Jobs in the Philadelphia Region
The Philadelphia Business Journal has produced a list of the highest-paying jobs in the greater Philadelphia area, using data from the Bureau of Lab...
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Local Economic Roundup
Local Economic Roundup
The stock market has rallied since its COVID-induced plunge in March and is now close to pre-pandemic levels. But the market’s comeback is onl...
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Check Out Chester County's Guide to Local Farm Products
Check Out Chester County's Guide to Local Farm Products
As we’ve been spending more time close to home, interest in local food producers has increased. If you want to explore the wide variety of cho...
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Montgomery County Ranked in Top 5% of Healthiest Counties in the US
Montgomery County Ranked in Top 5% of Healthiest Counties in the US
Montgomery County has been ranked in the top five percent of healthiest counties in the Unites States for 2020 by US News & World Report. Out of...
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What's the Difference Between Market Value and Appraised Value?
What's the Difference Between Market Value and Appraised Value?
Market value and appraised value are common terms in real estate, and though it may seem as though they’re used interchangeably, they’re...
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Fantastic Market for Sellers in the Souderton School District
Fantastic Market for Sellers in the Souderton School District
Sellers in the Souderton School District have experienced a great housing market during the last 60 days. As we head into the Fall, buyer demand rem...
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Seller's Market in the Phoenixville School District
Seller's Market in the Phoenixville School District
The recent seller’s market in the Phoenixville School District in Chester County has been great for homeowners. Contributing to the brisk marke...
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High Prices for Sellers in the Methacton School District
High Prices for Sellers in the Methacton School District
Homes continue to sell quickly in the Methacton School District, and prices have been high—with many over asking price. During the last 60 days...
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Great Market for Sellers in the Perkiomen Valley School District
Great Market for Sellers in the Perkiomen Valley School District
The last 60 days were stellar for home sellers in the Perkiomen Valley School District. During that time, 116 homes sold and settled. Most sales wer...
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Biking on Montgomery County Trails
Biking on Montgomery County Trails
For outdoor exercise, it’s hard to beat biking on Montgomery County trails. Two of the best-loved trails are the Perkiomen Trail and the Schuy...
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What's Selling in the Wissahickon District?
What's Selling in the Wissahickon District?
The Wissahickon School District comprises Lower Gwynedd Township, Whitpain Township, and Ambler Borough in Montgomery County. Most homes in the dist...
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North Penn Area Homes Selling Quickly
North Penn Area Homes Selling Quickly
The last two months have been a bright spot for sellers, as housing inventory has remained low and some sellers have received multiple bids. During ...
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Escalation Clauses Make a Comeback, But Offer No Guarantees
Escalation Clauses Make a Comeback, But Offer No Guarantees
In today’s heated real estate market, some sellers are receiving multiple bids soon after listing. When faced with competing bids, buyers need ...
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Professional Office for Sale in Exton Commons, Chester County
Professional Office for Sale in Exton Commons, Chester County
If you’re looking to purchase a professional office in Chester County, consider this new listing in beautiful Exton Commons: Good condi...
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Low Housing Inventory Sparks Bidding Wars
Low Housing Inventory Sparks Bidding Wars
In today’s market, low housing inventory is a challenge for many buyers. In some areas, it can result in bidding wars as soon as houses come o...
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New Guide to Bucks County Farmer's Markets
New Guide to Bucks County Farmer's Markets
One of the amenities of living in Bucks County is easy access to farmer’s markets, orchards, and wineries. Bucks County’s Fresh From Buck...
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Why Some Houses Sit On The Market
Why Some Houses Sit On The Market
Have you seen a house sitting on the market and wondered why it hasn’t sold? Even when most houses are selling quickly, some remain on the mar...
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June Housing Market: Optimism and Uncertainty
June Housing Market: Optimism and Uncertainty
New Listings Rise In Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties, the number of new listings rose this June compared with May, as more sellers became ...
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If Only This House Was In That Location
If Only This House Was In That Location
I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard buyers say, “If only this house was in a different location, it would be perfect!̶...
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May Prices Mostly Up As Inventory Remains Low
May Prices Mostly Up As Inventory Remains Low
After plunging in April, the number of new listings in Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties rebounded somewhat in May but remained down significa...
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Common Issues Flagged By Home Inspectors
Common Issues Flagged By Home Inspectors
Home inspectors typically evaluate many aspects of a home, but some items are flagged time and again for needing repair or replacement. Among the ...
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Real Estate Is Back In Business
Real Estate Is Back In Business
Many buyers and sellers will be happy to know that Governor Wolf announced today (Tuesday, May 19) that in-person real estate activities can resume ...
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Mortgage Rates Hit An All-Time Low
Mortgage Rates Hit An All-Time Low
Buyers in today’s housing market continue to enjoy some of the lowest mortgage rates on record. In early May during the COVID-19 crisis, mortg...
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Spotlight on Lower Gwynedd
Spotlight on Lower Gwynedd
Known for its beautiful homes set amid lovely surroundings, Lower Gwynedd Township is located just north of Ambler and south of Lansdale in Montgomer...
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Buying Your First Home
Buying Your First Home
Let’s say you want to buy a home but don’t know where to start. How should you begin? The first thing to do is to determine your price r...
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Local High Schools Among Top in PA
Local High Schools Among Top in PA
Thirteen Philadelphia and suburban high schools rank in the top 25 in Pennsylvania for 2020, according to a new study by US News & World Report....
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A Housing Market Unlike Any Other
A Housing Market Unlike Any Other
New listings plunged in April in Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery Counties, as COVID-19 continued to affect the housing market. Not only were new listi...
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When— And Why—to Order a Survey
When— And Why—to Order a Survey
As many home buyers learn, it’s not always clear where a property’s boundaries are, especially when the home has several acres or the pro...
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What Items Are Included In A Home Sale?
What Items Are Included In A Home Sale?
When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, you’ll need to know what’s included in the sale. You can find a list of Items that ar...
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Can You Have An Appraisal If You're Paying Cash?
Can You Have An Appraisal If You're Paying Cash?
Many buyers are aware that if they’re getting a mortgage to buy a home, their lender will order an appraisal to protect its investment in the ...
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First-Quarter Prices Rose But Home Inventory Fell Dramatically
First-Quarter Prices Rose But Home Inventory Fell Dramatically
Local Home Prices Rise Bucks, Montgomery, and Chester Counties all saw a rise in average home sale prices during the first quarter of 2020 compare...
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Spotlight on Lansdale
Spotlight on Lansdale
Located in Eastern Montgomery County, Lansdale Borough is a walkable town incorporated in 1872 that has retained its small-town feel. Businesses and...
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Buying and Selling in Communities with a Condo or Homeowner's Association
Buying and Selling in Communities with a Condo or Homeowner's Association
When buying a home in a condo or homeowner’s association, how do you know what rules will affect you once you move in? In Pennsylvania, sellers...
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April 6 Update: COVID-19's Effect on the PA Housing Market
April 6 Update: COVID-19's Effect on the PA Housing Market
Since my last COVID-19 post on March 29, we’ve seen more Pennsylvania sellers change their listing status from “Active” to “T...
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Seller's Property Disclosure: One Of the Most Useful Real Estate Documents
Seller's Property Disclosure: One Of the Most Useful Real Estate Documents
In Pennsylvania, home sellers are required to disclose any material defects to prospective buyers before an agreement of sale is signed, though ther...
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The Use and Occupancy Inspection: A Hidden Headache For Sellers?
The Use and Occupancy Inspection: A Hidden Headache For Sellers?
Many municipalities require a use and occupancy inspection when a home is sold. Also called a U and O inspection, this is separate from the buyer...
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How COVID-19 is Affecting the Housing Market
How COVID-19 is Affecting the Housing Market
Concerns about COVID-19 and Governor Wolf’s recent orders have affected the local real estate market, as they have other areas of the economy. ...
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Spotlight on Worcester
Spotlight on Worcester
Located in central Montgomery County, Worcester Township is known for its beautiful country roads, preserved farmland, parks, and trails. Worcester&#...
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Demystifying Buyer Closing Costs
Demystifying Buyer Closing Costs
It’s no secret that buying a home usually comes with significant costs. Not only do you need funds for your down payment, but you’ll nee...
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67 Homes Sold In the Methacton District During the Last 90 Days
67 Homes Sold In the Methacton District During the Last 90 Days
During the past 90 days, 67 homes sold in the Methacton school district, which comprises Worcester and Lower Providence Townships. This is the numbe...
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Office Update During the Health Crisis
Office Update During the Health Crisis
To prioritize the health and well-being of clients and staff, Coldwell Banker Realty Corp.’s office will be operating with limited staff until...
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Spotlight on Phoenixville
Spotlight on Phoenixville
Located in beautiful Chester County, Phoenixville has undergone a remarkable renaissance during the last fifteen years. A former steel town, it is n...
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Boost Your Sale Price with These Simple Improvements
Boost Your Sale Price with These Simple Improvements
In today’s real estate market, updated, well-cared for homes sell quicker and often for a much higher price than those in need of improvements....
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Should You Buy Or Sell First?
Should You Buy Or Sell First?
One of the most important decisions to make if you want to sell your home and buy another home is whether to buy or sell first. Advantages of Buyi...
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Spotlight On Skippack
Spotlight On Skippack
Skippack Village is a quaint, small town in Montgomery County, whose walkable main street, restaurants, and boutique shops make it a popular destina...
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How Much Of Your Asking Price Can You Expect?
How Much Of Your Asking Price Can You Expect?
When planning to list their home, sellers often ask how much of their asking price they can expect. One place to start is to look at statistics deta...
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What to Expect with Inspections
What to Expect with Inspections
One of the more stressful aspects of buying or selling a home is the inspection process. Buyers typically receive a seller property disclosure state...
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The Popularity of 55+ Communities
The Popularity of 55+ Communities
As people get closer to retirement age, many would like to transition to one-level living or a home with at least a master bedroom and bath on the fi...
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The Stucco Quandary
The Stucco Quandary
Over the last twenty years, many stucco homes have been built in the Philadelphia suburbs. Some have stucco on all sides, others have stone or brick...
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Spotlight on Collegeville
Spotlight on Collegeville
Located in Western Montgomery County, PA, Collegeville is home to Ursinus College and to Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline pharmaceutical offices. Collegevi...
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How An Appraisal Contingency Protects Your Interests
How An Appraisal Contingency Protects Your Interests
What happens if you’re in the process of purchasing a house and your lender’s appraiser says the house is worth less than you agreed to ...
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Prices in Three Counties and Selected Zip Codes
Prices in Three Counties and Selected Zip Codes
Montgomery, Chester, and Bucks counties have average countywide house prices that vary less than might be expected, but prices within each county va...
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Pros and Cons of New Construction
Pros and Cons of New Construction
Many buyers would choose new construction if price were no object, and it’s easy to understand why. However, buyers should also consider the pot...
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What to Expect When Downsizing
What to Expect When Downsizing
The thought of downsizing creates mixed emotions for many homeowners. Many can’t wait to move into a smaller house with less upkeep but have a...
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How to Lower the Chance Your Sale Will Fall Through
How to Lower the Chance Your Sale Will Fall Through
In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of home sales falling through. Not only does this create extra stress for sellers, but i...
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Renovation Projects That Offer the Highest Return
Renovation Projects That Offer the Highest Return
Homeowners often want to know which renovation projects will offer the highest return on investment when they sell. Data from Remodeling’s R...
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Montgomery County Prices Rise Higher Than Expected
Montgomery County Prices Rise Higher Than Expected
Montgomery County finished the year with a surprisingly strong average housing price increase of 7.1%. Of our local counties, Chester and Delaware C...
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