True story – Beiler-Campbell Realtors listed a home in the mid $300K’s in the Avon Grove School District for sale. Pictures were taken, rooms were measured, and the listing went on the market on a Friday. After multiple showings and offers, the home was under contract within 24 hours of listing, at above asking price. Weary home buyers see this scenario repeated every week. It’s not your imagination that there are less homes on the market for sale. There are close to 20%* less homes for sale in our region today than 6 years ago. Combine that with an increased number of buyers and it creates a fast-paced market. So, what is bringing so many buyers to the real estate market?

HOME RE-EXAMINED 
During the pandemic lock down, “HOME” became more important than ever. Things like security, comfort and living space became priorities. The desire for a place to call your own increased and buyers decided not to wait to buy a home that checks all the boxes.

STILL HISTORICALLY LOW INTEREST RATES
The current low interest rates allow home buyers to buy a larger home and enjoy lower monthly payments. This also encourages renters to become buyers - in southeastern PA, rent prices are comparable to a mortgage payment.

NOTHING NEW
In 2019, southern Chester, Lancaster and Delaware County’s stable job market, thriving economy and low interest rates created a surplus of buyers. Last year’s house hunters that didn’t find their home are still looking this year.

REMOTE WORKING CHANGES PARAMETERS
Telecommuting allows people to live further away from their office. This leads buyers to move to a less populated area and take advantage of purchasing more home for a better price than in urban areas. Realtor.com found that in the second quarter of 2020, 51% of people from urban areas using their site to shop for homes were looking in the suburbs.

MORE PLAYERS IN THE GAME
There's been an influx of millennial home buyers as older millennials have had some time to grow in their careers and pay off student loan debt. If a home is considered in the entry-level or mid-level price range, interested buyers are eager to move quickly.

The moral of our opening story? If you are thinking of moving, now is a great time to sell your home. Listing locally experienced Beiler-Campbell Realtors will ensure your transaction is conducted smoothly and ethically. 

HOW MUCH COULD YOUR HOME SELL FOR IN TODAY'S MARKET

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MORTGAGE INFORMATION


*Statistics from BRIGHT MLS on 9/8/2020 based on residential homes for sale in Unionville-Chadds Ford, Kennett Consolidated, Avon Grove, Oxford, Coatesville, Octorara and Solanco School Districts.

There are steps both Sellers and Buyers can take now to be well positioned for the spring real estate market when restrictions are lifted and pent-up demand is released.

SELLERS   1. We'll provide an online Home Market Analysis. Show us around via your phone, we'll look at comparable homes and market factors and determine an accurate list price. 2. Prepare your home by de-cluttering, clearing out closets, gardening and cleaning. 3. Look through previous photos of your home in different seasons for use when listing. 4. We'll list your home using online tools, Or, we can have all the paperwork in place and go live on the market when you're ready. Get Comfortable with your REALTOR! Right now you have time to conduct a video interview and check references. Establishing a strong working relationship with your REALTOR now will benefit you later. BUYERS   1. Get pre-approved. Using the Delaware Valley Financial Mortgage website, you can apply completely on-line. Upload documents and receive a pre-approval on a mortgage. Or contact Delaware Valley Financial Mortgage with questions. 2. We'll look at homes online and fine-tune your lists of needs in a home. When the market open, and you are seeing multiple homes quickly, it will benefit you to have clarity on what you really want. 3. We'll link you to a private MLS portal so you will see homes online as soon as they hit the market. 4. We'll arrange video tours of homes. Find one you like and we can make an offer. I have the tools to make it happen, all remotely.

CLICK HERE to request a HOME MARKET ANALYSIS
CLICK HERE to connect to a REALTOR via an AGENT ROSTER
CLICK HERE to ask a REALTOR a question
CLICK HERE for Buyer's Tips
CLICK HERE for Seller's Tips

Daylight Savings Home Maintenance Checklist

With the days lengthening and weather warming, now is a good time to tackle home maintenance projects! 

1. Clean gutters and downspouts after the last frost has passed. Clogged gutters and downspouts contribute to a wet basement and can cause the wood trim at the eaves to rot, inviting all kinds of critters into your attic space. 

2. Reseal exterior woodwork. Wood decks, fences and doors will last longer and stay in better condition if they’re stained or resealed every year or two. 

3. Check for signs of termites. Termites swarm from March through June. If you notice winged insects flying out of a hole in woodwork, that’s probably termites. 

4. Inspect driveways and paths. Freezing and thawing is rough on concrete, asphalt and other hardscaping materials. Schedule repairs as needed. 

5. Remove any firewood piles left over from the winter that are close to your home. Damp wood piles are a haven for pests that can move into your home. 

6. Schedule air-conditioning service. To get the longest life out of your cooling system and keep it running as efficiently as possible, change the filters at least once each season, and hire a licensed professional to service the equipment.

Keeping your home well maintained every season is usually more cost effective than neglecting tasks until there is a break. Take good care of your biggest investment - your home!

We recommend hiring a professional to complete home maintenance.

Local Real Estate Statistics Year over Year

Local stats from the first two months of this year, compared to the same time last year show a tighter inventory and quicker sales. This makes for an optimal time to sell your home if you are considering a move in the next few years. 

Do you wonder what your home could bring in today's market? CLICK TO REQUEST A FREE HOME MARKET ANALYSIS

4 Reasons to Move off the Home Selling Fence

Homeowners looking to sell should consider this spring a prime opportunity to cash in. If you’re weighing your options to sell, don’t play the waiting game. Here’s why:

1. Tight Inventory

There are more buyers than homes on the market. The result – homes are selling fast. “We’re seeing high traffic open houses, multiple offers, escalation clauses and quick sales when an accurately priced home in a good location hits the market”, says Anthony Beiler, President Beiler-Campbell Realtors.

2. New Buyers Are Entering the Market

There's been an influx of millennial home buyers as older millennials have had some time to grow in their careers and pay off student loan debt. If your home is considered in the entry-level or mid level price range, expect to have interested buyers eager to move quickly.

3. Low Interest Rates

Low interest rates aren’t just a helpful nudge for would-be buyers to consider your home for purchase. As you look to your next home purchase, you can likely secure a low interest rate as well.

4. You Have Equity

If you’ve been in your home for more than a couple years, you’ve been building equity as the property value increases and you make consistent mortgage payments. The more equity you have in your home, the more profit you'll likely see when you sell the property. That, in turn, can be used for a larger down payment on your next house, other expenses or savings.

Don’t be fooled into thinking an active market is an easy market. On the contrary. A dynamic market is complex and fast paced, making partnering with a trusted professional local Realtor imperative. Selecting a strong Realtor who has eagle-eye attention to detail, industry knowledge and skillful, ethical negotiating practices will ensure a smooth road to settlement.

Find out what the market value is of your home

Interest Rates are at a 3 Year Low and what a Difference it Makes!

*Based on a  30 year fixed rate mortgage on a home bought for $340,520. with 20% down. Today's rate reflects 3.375% APR 3.4522%. Payments reflect principle and interest monthly payments. Property tax and homeowners insurance vary and are not included in the illustration. Rates subject to change without notice. This does not guarantee mortgage approval.

Interest rates on a 30 year fixed rate mortgage have dropped to the lowest they have been for three years. This is prompting savvy home buyers to act now to purchase, knowing that if they wait, rates could rise. That rise could be costly - to the tune of over $1,800 every year that could be kept in home owners pockets. 

Let's run the numbers! Let's say you purchase a $340,520. home at today's interest rate with 20% down. Your monthly principle and interest payment will be $1,204. If you wait while rates increase 1% and purchase that same house at the exact same price, your monthly principle and interest payments will cost you close to $2K more a year.

The combination of very low mortgage rates, a strong economy and more positive financial market sentiment make now a great time to buy a home. 

Curious about what homes are on the market? Click here to search homes

Curious about financing? Click here for a leading local lender

Mortgage information provided by Delaware Valley Financial Mortgage, LLC NMLS#131869 402 Bayard Rd. Suite 100, Kennett Sq, PA 19348    610.932.5444   www.delvalmort.com
“As information must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each consumer, and the mortgage industry is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional loan officer or legal counsel. Delaware Valley Financial Mortgage is licensed by the PA Department of Banking and an Equal Housing Lender.” Rates are based off of a 760-credit score and 20% down.

2019 Local Real Estate Market Pulse

On a full-year basis, the local real estate market followed the national total existing-home sales which ended at 5.34 million in 2019, the same level as in 2018. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, said home sales fluctuated a great deal last year. “I view 2019 as a neutral year for housing in terms of sales,” Yun said. “Home sellers are positioned well, but prospective buyers aren’t as fortunate. Low inventory remains a problem, with first-time buyers affected the most.” Which means if you are a home owner considering selling your home in the next several years, listing now could bring you a greater and quicker return then if you wait.

Yun said conditions for buying are favorable and will likely continue in 2020. “We saw the year come to a close with the economy churning out 2.3 million jobs, mortgage rates below 4% and housing starts ramp up to 1.6 million on an annual basis. If these factors are sustained in 2020, we will see a notable pickup in home sales in 2020.”

CLICK FOR A FREE HOME MARKET ANALYSIS

INTEREST RATES FALL Creating Opportunities for Buyers and Sellers Alike!

Mortgage rates dropped to a 13-week low as we entered 2020. According to Freddie Mac, the current average rate on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage clocks in at just 3.64%—the lowest rate since October. 

“Mortgage rates fell to the lowest level in 13 weeks, as investors sought the quality and safety of the U.S. Treasury fixed-income markets,” Khater said. “The drop in mortgage rates—combined with the strong labor market—should propel a continued rise in homebuyer demand.” 

HAVE A HOME TO SELL? The fall in interest rates is creating an urgency in buyers. An accurately priced home will sell quickly, and the lower rates will give you more money to purchase your next home. 

THINKING OF BUYING? Now is the optimal time to buy. Low rates give you a lower monthly payment and increases your overall spending budget. Fortunately, for buyers who can find available listings, inventory shortages have “not yet materialized into significant price gains,” according to Sabrina Speianu, Realtor.com’s senior economic research analyst. 

Excerpts taken from Forbes.com Jan 10, 2020, 02:00pm Mortgage Rates Drop As Housing Inventory Hits Two-Year Low by Aly J. Yale Senior Contributor

CLICK FOR A FREE HOME MARKET ANALYSIS

Many homeowners believe selling a home during the winter months is not a good idea and that the spring is the only time a house can be sold. This is the furthest from the truth! Here are three reasons why listing a home in winter months can pay off:

1. Low Competition The last few years have brought tight inventory. Simply put, there are more buyers than homes for sale. Spring will bring an increase of homes on the market so listing during the winter months means you have less competition, increasing the probability that you will get the maximum amount of money for your home.

2. Serious Buyers Are Looking Recent tight inventory means some home seekers didn’t find a home over the summer months, thus creating a sense of urgency to keep looking. Serious home buyers are looking, no matter what time of year it is.

3. Quicker Transactions Right now, there are fewer real estate transactions than there will be in the spring. The fewer number of transactions means the mortgage lenders have less loans to process, and home inspectors have fewer inspections to do. These factors should lead to a quicker transaction and closing for all the parties involved.

Are you ready to list your home? The first step – Contact a reputable Brokerage that is experienced in your local market. A great real estate agent will know how to adapt to the current season and market your home to reflect that. For southeastern PA, northern MD and northern DE, that’s Beiler-Campbell Realtors with 45 years of experience. They know the local market inside and out. They’ve helped thousands of home sellers, in all months and economic climates. Don’t let the snow falling outside deter you from listing your home!

CLICK TO REQUEST A HOME MARKET ANALYSIS

November Local Real Estate Market Snapshot

Planning on selling your home next Spring? Start preparing now!

Winter is the ideal time for sellers to start preparing their home for the flood of prospective buyers in the spring. Tackling home projects while the flurries are flying outside can boost your chances of making a quick, turnkey sale come spring!

Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your home is ready for its close-up. Here are a few things sellers can do now to get ready for the spring:

• Contact a local reputable REALTOR for a Home Market Analysis. A REALTOR will show you comparable homes that have recently sold in your area and discuss factors that will influence price. Securing a REALTOR that you are comfortable with now and deciding on an accurate list price will allow for a focused marketing plan as soon as your home hits the market in the spring.

• Get your home inspected. Getting your home inspected prior to the spring selling season can give you more time to make repairs. Additionally, you might find it easier to find a contractor since many are looking for work during the less busy winter months.

• Give your home a once-over. Take a look at your home with a critical eye and make improvements and repairs. Advice from a REALTOR will help you focus on what’s important for a sale so you will not waste time with improvements that won’t pay off.

• Landscape. Winter is a great time to spruce up landscaping by trimming hedges and cleaning up flowerbeds.

• Declutter. Cold winter days are perfect for taking on indoor projects, such as cleaning closets. Decluttering can make a house look more spacious.

• Change paint colors. Consult a REALTOR for helpful tips on choosing paint colors that will show off your home.

• Be an early bird. To increase your chances of getting your home sold, be the first to the market before it is flooded with competition. Traditionally, Super Bowl Sunday marks the beginning of the spring Real Estate Market.

In southeastern PA, northern Delaware and northern Maryland, the Brokerage to contact is Beiler-Campbell Realtors & Appraisers, who offers Home Market Analysis’ at no charge. This locally owned brokerage has a track record of over 45 years of successful business, in all market climates. Partnering with a Brokerage that knows the market inside and out is vital for a smooth spring home sale.

REQUEST A HOME MARKET ANALYSIS

DECEMBER HAPPENINGS

The holidays are magical around here! We love our home towns and you will too! Check out these December events:

• Winterfest House tours, carriage rides, carolers, ice-skating Chesapeake City, MD Dec 1 thru Jan 4

• Peoples Light Presents Musical Panto Little Red Robin Hood thru Jan 5

• Yuletide at Winterthur thru Jan 5

• Brandywine River Museum Christmas 2019 thru Jan 5

• DIY Fresh Horse Head Wreath Workshop Oxford Feed & Lumber Dec 5

• Country Christmas Oxford Dec 6

• Christmas Parade West Chester Dec 6

• Pictures with Santa for pets Oxford Feed & Lumber Dec 7

• Holiday Village Market The Creamery Kennett Sq. Dec 7, 8, 14

• Christmas Parade North East, MD Dec 7

• Pops goes the Holidays Kennett Symphony Dec 7

• Candlelight Christmas Chadds Ford Historical Society Dec 7

• DIY Gingerbread House for Dogs Oxford Feed & Lumber Dec 12

• Brandywine Ballet’s Nutcracker Dec 13

• Holiday Open House National Iron & Steel Museum  Dec 13

• Breakfast with Santa Kennett Sq. Firehouse Dec 15

•  New Years Eve midnight on the Square Kennett Sq. Dec 31

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November Happenings

We absolutely love this area and know you will too! Check out all the things to do in November.

Autumn Moon Hayride Linvilla Orchard Nov 1 and 2

Fall Food & Craft Beer Celebration and Hayrides Highland Orchards Nov 2

Food Truck Rally and Wine & Beer Garden Highland Orchards Nov 3

Harvest Hopsgiving Festival New Garden Twp. Park Nov 2

Mushroom Cap Half Marathon The Creamery Kennett Sq. Nov 2

Fall Clover Market Kennett Sq. Nov 3

Taste of Kennett Food Tours Nov 3

85th Running of the PA Hunt Club Unionville Nov 3

First Sundays for Families Pirate Adventure Day Free Admission Brandywine River Museum Nov 3

Pumpkin Succulent Workshop The Kennett Creamery Nov 7

Holiday Craft Bazaar & Bake Sale Ware Presbyterian Village Nov 8

The Woodlands at Phillip Mushroom Farms  Free Cooking demonstration Nov 9

West Chester Railroad Fall Foliage Express thru Nov 10

Peoples Light Presents Musical Panto  Little Red Robin Hood Nov 13 – Jan 5

Succulent pumpkins Terrain Nov 16

Annual Harvest Run with Kennett Brewing Co Nov 16

Little Sprouts Pinecone Turkeys Terrain Glen Mills Nov 17

Holiday Artisan Faire Kennett Sq. Nov 21

A Longwood Gardens Christmas Nov 22 – Jan 5

Fireside Teats Terrain Glen Mills Nov 23

Uptown Knauer Presents Handel’s Messiah Nov 23 and 24

Yuletide at Winterthur Nov 23 – Jan 5

Holiday Light Parade and Tree lighting Kennett Sq. Nov 29

Brandywine River Museum of Art Presents Christmas 2019 Nov 29 – Jan 5

Uptown Knauer Holiday Swing Big Band Nov 29

Small Business Saturday Oxford, Kennett Sq. West Chester Nov 30 

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