Thrive In Place

Not only do you want to age safely in your home, but you should want to thrive in your home! What is the difference you ask? In my opinion, it means you make specific adjustments to your property for things you enjoy doing and want to continue doing for as long as possible. For example, do you love to sew and knit? Then enhance lighting around the areas you spend doing your hobby. Or do you like to cook and entertain? Then you may want to make modifications to your counter top heights and install cabinet shelving that is easy to push and pull.

You must also address your overall safety throughout the property. This could be as simple as installing sensor lighting and removing area rugs to switching out tub/shower to a walk-in shower and placing grab bars along stairs and seated areas.

Here is helpful website I recommend browsing for more tips: http://ageinplace.com/

When you're ready to make a move, make sure you hire a qualified Realtor that specializes with seniors, like myself. They have the resources and desire to help you with your needs. 

Thinking about buying or selling your home, work with an SRES® from SRES Designation on Vimeo.

Holiday's in Philadelphia

Whether you want to volunteer your time, experience a new place or stick to your traditions, there is plenty to see and do around the Philadelphia region this Holiday Season!

Need some suggestions? I've got you covered!

Christmas Village in Philadelphia features over 80 vendors selling authentic European food, ornaments and arts & crafts from all over the world!
http://www.philachristmas.com

See the train light up during special evening hours at Morris Arboretum:
https://morrisarboretum.ticketleap.com/friday-night-lights2016/

Looking to get outside? Here are top 10 places to ice skate:
http://philly.curbed.com/maps/map-philly-ice-skating-rinks

Donate coats, food and/or money for various causes and at numerous locations (check your local municipality too! I just dropped off things to our local borough hall today!)
http://www.onewarmcoat.org/donatecoats/
https://www.philabundance.org/donate/give-food/
https://sharefoodprogram.org/get-involved/donate/
http://thefoodtrust.org/contact
http://www.thehumaneleague.com
http://www.montgomerycountyspca.org/

Take a drive and see these popular light displays:
http://www.valleyforge.org/events/holiday-light-displays/

Here is my bias suggestion:
Wizard of Oz is at the Walnut Theatre until January 8th
https://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/show/the-wizard-of-oz#calendar

I hope these ideas were helpful!

Best wishes to you and your loved ones this Holiday,

Kelly Steyn

Flourtown, PA

Did you know that Springfield Township was William Penn's gift to his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springiest Penn? And that "An ample flow of water found in the Wissahickon Creek and its tributaries supported at least three local mills. It was from this industry that "Flourtown" took its name. The abundance of lime and iron ore in its bounds gave "Oreland" its appropriate designation. "Erdenheim," originally known as "Heydricksdale" or "Wheelpump" was finally named after nearby farms and means "earthly home." "Wyndmoor," originally called "Tedyuscung," is the subject of many Native American legends." This history can be found on Springfield Township's website, which I personally find so interesting! 

It's been a thriving township ever since and a desirable place to call home. It also has a high ranking school district in PA >> https://www.schooldigger.com/go/PA/city/Springfield/search.aspx
Whether looking for convenience to work or into the city, to having great local restaurants and shops near by, I'm sure Springfield Township has what you need. 

Do you know someone looking to move to the area? I have a great home available!
1207 Wakefield Rd. in Flourtown. Lovely cape home asking $389,000, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, in ground pool, detached garage and more! Clink the link for more details
http://www.phillyliving.com/listing/6895361-1207-wakefield-rd-springfield-pa-19031/

Don't wait long! The market is hot here- average days on market is only 52 days! With the average sale price over $540,000 in the township, this is a great deal! 

Need money to buy a home? Here are some options!

Did you know, there are various grants in the Philadelphia region to help people purchase a home? You may remember the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit that was part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, but that is no longer available to new home buyers. However, there are local grants and programs that are available!

Here is a quick run down and contact information more specific details and questions:

1. Montgomery County First Time Homebuyers Program- established to assist low, moderate and median income households interested in buying a home in Montgomery County.
*Assistance up to a maximum of 10% of sale price (not to exceed $10,000) and 0% interest rate!
*Some of the requirements are; you must intend to occupy the home, be creditworthy & qualified for a mortgage, currently reside and/or employed in Montgomery County and complete counseling.
Call: 610-278-3540 to start the application process!
http://www.montcopa.org/442/Homebuyers-Program

2. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) has varies programs available.
 Such as;
-Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program which provides a 0% interest second loan up to $6,000 to assist with closing costs
- HFA Preferred Risk Sharing which offers up to 97% financing and no Mortgage Insurance (MI) option.
-HOMEstead Program is a downpayment and closing cost program
Many more options to learn about on their website: http://www.phfa.org/homebuyers/

3. Individual lenders often have their own programs. Such as;
-Gateway Mortgage Group has a 4.5% grant http://www.gatewayloan.com/purchase/products/
Contact Deb Florio- 610-996-7808 or Deb.Floris@Gatewayloan.com
-Envoy Mortgage has a DPA Program- you do not have to be first time buyer! Megan Weisheipl can help you- 215-284-6076
- and more!

This local website is super helpful too- http://www.mcpho.org. It has more information on grants, counselors, and work shops!
For other surrounding counties, contact:
Bucks- 215-598-3566
Chester- The housing partnership 610-518-1522
Delaware County- Chester Community Improvement Project 610-876-8663
Philadelphia- http://www.phila.gov/dhcd/

Having the right team of a Lender and Realtor on your side can really help make your home buying experience a success and affordable.
Any specific questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me:

Kelly Steyn

Keller Williams 

(215) 646-2900 Office

(484) 343-2406 Cell/Text 

(267) 419-2970 eFax

PHILLYLIVING.COM 

KELLYSTEYN.COM

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Briefing from Home Maintenance Event

Last week I hosted my first seminar on this topic- "Tips on Keeping Your Home Like New." I received a lot of positive responses about the topic and great feedback from the attendees. As you know, I'm a Realtor and I love assisting people through the process of buying and selling properties. I also don't like to end the relationship at the settlement table! I want to be a resource to my client for many many years. So events like this can be beneficial to both past clients and future homeowners.

Just like a car and our own bodies, homes require regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently. By maintaining your home you'll save money and headaches down the road too!

Below are the panelist with some takeaways I wrote down:

Cory Rutter with Rutter a Roofing and siding

- there are so many roof options- styles and colors. Make sure you hire a professional that goes through the pros and cons for your specific home

- don't shampoo your roofs. There are companies out there advertising this and it's not ideal for your shingles

- It's not income for homeowners to be unsure of the roof age when buying a home. If you see black stains, your roof is probably at least 10 years old

- Hardie Plank siding is an appealing, tough and low maintenance siding option 

Seth Pruitt with SDP Landscaping 

- slop mulch and landscaping away from home

- make sure any gutters under the ground are clean

- too much mulch will kill a plant (2 inches is too much!)

- Buy quality soil and mulch- it makes a difference and will save your plants. 

Scott Baker with ABCS Carpet Cleaning

- weekly vacuum and use extension tools for corners and baseboards

- carpets are great at collecting dust, dirt and other crap. Get cleaned professionally at least once a    year

- furniture needs cleaning too! Do this every other time you have carpets. 

- Just like your air filter, you need to clean your carpets to keep your air clean

Also, remember when hiring professionals, don't be afraid to ask for their license and insurance!

Unfortunately, Seth with Adam Mechanical had a family emergency so was unable to make it. But don't worry, I'll be hosting another event early next year! 

Roxborough Living

There are so many things to love about Roxborough, PA! Starting with the convenience to Philadelphia all the way to the charm and history right on Ridge Pike. I lived in Roxborough for about 4 years and continue to help clients buy and sell (and rent!) in the neighborhood. 

Here is my most recent listing in the neighborhood- 332 Fountain St. Philadelphia, PA 19128

If you're looking for a home where you can walk to things- check out WalkScore! 

https://www.walkscore.com/score/332-fountain-st-philadelphia-pa-19128

Walk to parks, schools, restaurants, stores- you name it!

Questions or want to schedule a private viewing, contact me:
Kelly Steyn, Realtor® SRES

Keller Williams Blue Bell & Cherry Hill

RE License: PA-RS306853 NJ-1109349

(215) 646-2900 Office

(484) 343-2406 Cell/Text 

Kelly@PhillyLiving.com

Fall into Home Savings this Autumn

Think Spring is the best time to move? Think again!

According to a recent NerdWallet analysis, sale prices fall an average of approximately 3% from September to November! 

In addition to the price incentive, the fall tends to have less buyer competition and longer days on market. Which means you may have more leverage when negotiating terms and contingencies. 

Thirdly, interest rates are still super low! And who knows how long that will last... "Mortgage interest rates, additionally, remain low—though the Federal Reserve hinted at a benchmark rate hike this December."

Here are more details from the NerdWallet study:
https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/mortgages/home-buying-season/

**Pssst Can you wait a little longer? January or February, when homes cost 8.45% less on average than in June through August.

Crucial 1st step when buying a Home

The definition of a process is; a systematic series of actions directed to some end. 

The home buying process has many actions, all important to obtain the end goal of buying a home. 

One of the first and crucial actions in the home buying process is to get pre-approved from a mortgage lender. Yet, many put this off. Why? I've heard many reasons; I know what I can afford, I don't want my credit score to go down, I know my credit is great, I'm afraid, I don't know any, etc. 

I follow the LighterSide of Real Estate on Facebook and the other day I saw the picture to the left which made me think to write this blog today.
The pre-approval is essential and makes sense!
Why? Here are just a few reasons:

1. You'll have a clear understanding of what it costs to buy. From closing costs, title fees, current interest rates and down payment options. You can estimate online, but those are general. Every state and even city has different transfer taxes and interest rates do fluctuate based on credit scores.
2. You'll get updated credit report. How often do you check your credit report? Most people rarely look at their full report. What if there is something on there that has reduced your score and you had no idea!? This unfortunately happens more often than you think. Plus, mortgage lenders use a different credit score system. So that FICO score you get every month from your bank, may be different from what the bank gets.
3. You can not submit an offer on a home without a pre-approval letter! I think that's the biggest reason of all... what's the point of looking if you can't buy!
4. You'll know what you can afford. Maybe you can afford more than you think. Or maybe less. If you're looking at homes for $225,000 just based on your own calculations, maybe you could actually afford up to $275,000! That extra $50,000 could get you another bedroom or larger backyard you wanted.

If you're goal is to buy a home, you must take the necessary steps. Having the right team- Realtor and Lender- will make the process less scary and more fun!
Kelly Steyn, Realtor® SRES

Keller Williams Blue Bell & Cherry Hill

RE License: PA-RS306853 NJ-1109349

(215) 646-2900 Office

(484) 343-2406 Cell/Text

(267) 419-2970 eFax

www.phillyliving.com 

www.KellySteyn.com

Thinking about downsizing? Here are some tips:

Are you realizing your home, lawn or bills are becoming too big to maintain? I often consult with homeowners that are in the very beginning stages of asking themselves "are we ready to scale down?" 

Some questions we discuss during this initial consultation are; have you thought about where you want to move? Will you stay local, move towards kids or move to more enjoyable weather? Have you thought about the type of lifestyle and community you want? It's easy to get fed up with maintaining your home, but you need to dig deeper to figure out your what you want from your next home. 

Whether scaling down due to age, health or just be more economical, it's a big transition and takes time to make the official leap. 

Here are some questions to ask yourself when thinking about downsizing:

Realtor.com

What is my budget?  Have you determined the equity you may get out of your current home? A Realtor can help give you a good idea of the current market and value of your home ( I do these consultations for free!) Often your next home costs significantly less than your current. So may have a minimal or no mortgage at all. But there are also other bills to consider like utilities, taxes, medical and home maintenance. Rule of thumb- don't spend over 30% of your monthly income on housing. Ideally less than 30%.

What is the market like where I want to buy? Will I be able to find an affordable home now if it's a sellers market? Some areas are really hot right now and not showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. If you want to move to these areas, such as Denver, it may make sense to take out an equity line to purchase a new home then pay off when you sell your home. Seek financial advice to determine what makes sense for your budget and means.

How will downsizing affect my family? Will your son or daughter move back after college? Does your extended family always stay at your home for the Holidays? You can certainly work about these scenarios, but it's something to keep in mind. 

What kind of lifestyle do I want? Why are you downsizing? Simpler life? Less maintenance? Moving to a different country? Deciding what you want to achieve by this move first will help you find the home that aligns with your goals and dreams! 

If you or someone you know is thinking about downsizing, I'm happy to give a personal consultation to see if now is a good time for them.

Kelly Steyn, Realtor® SRES

Keller Williams Blue Bell & Cherry Hill

RE License: PA-RS306853 NJ-1109349

(215) 646-2900 Office

(484) 343-2406 Cell/Text

Kelly@PhillyLiving.com

www.KellySteyn.com

 

Glenside Living

Love to be outside? Visit one of these parks. Love the arts? Visit historic Keswick Theater. Love supporting local eateries? Plenty to choose from here! Love charming colonial homes? Check out this one:

548 Twickenham Rd.

http://glensidesingle.com/

All of these great sights and attractions are located in Glenside, PA. Glenside is about a 30-minute drive to downtown Philadelphia, 2 hours to New York City, 2 hours to the Poconos, and 1.5 hours to the Jersey shore. The town is super convenient to many major highways, such as US Route 1, 95, 76, the PA Turnpike. Plus in the middle of many local roads like 611, 309 and 73, making commutes simple. SEPTA has two rail lines serving the station too! 
Come check it out for yourself!

Questions about the area, the featured home above or real estate in general, contact me.

Buy a home this summer!

Why is it that summer always seems to fly by! Just yesterday I was talking with some friends about how it feels like summer is already over! Now, that's me being a little dramatic, but it honestly does feel like there's so much to do and so little warm weather left. 

Although I haven't gotten my desired sun time in, there's still plenty of time- more than a month in fact. August tends to slow down with work which makes it a great time to vacation AND house hunt!  

I recently read an article about why summer is the best time to buy. Here are 3 basic reasons that I thought were informative and may help you decide if now is a good time for you.

1. Prices will continue to rise. CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 5.9% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.3% over the next year. Get in now, before prices rise too high for what you want and need.

2. Mortgage interest rates are projected to increase. Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have remained around 4%. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by this time next year.

Higher interest rates (and sale prices) will affect your affordability and monthly payment!

3. End of Summer tends to be slower. Less buyer competition and sellers want to sell. If it makes sense for you financially and personally, there's no better time than now!

 <---This home in Pottsgrove is available and ready for a summer buyer! Click here for more details

This is pretty cool!

Summer means beach trips, weekend holiday and graduation parties, BBQ's AND selling houses. It's prime real estate time between March and August for us Realtor's. This past June was record breaking for me and I thought I'd share this cool news with you! 

I'm so thankful and humbled by all of the support I continue receive from my personal and professional relationships. I couldn't have sold $3.1 million without that help and loyalty!

I certainly was not the only one that had a good sales month! Many real estate agents were helping out their clients- Check out these local stats for June: 

Montgomery County: June sales were 13.7% above last June and are 12.3% ahead of 2015 year-to-date.
Chester County: Sales were 4.0% higher year-to-date than 2015 and the median Property Marketing Period of those sales was 33 days compared to 35 days in 2015.
Delaware: Sales in Delaware County were up 12.4% compared to last June and are 11.6% higher than 2015 year-to-date. 
Bucks: Sales in June were 5.4% higher than last June and year-to-date are 9.1% higher than 2015.
Philadelphia: June sales were 8.4% higher than last June and are up 15.1% year-to-date from 2015.

Do you know someone looking to buy or sell a home in the area? Let them know I am here to help. 
Kelly Steyn, Realtor® SRES

Keller Williams Blue Bell & Cherry Hill

RE License: PA-RS306853 NJ-1109349

(215) 646-2900 Office

(484) 343-2406 Cell/Text

www.KellySteyn.com

Vegan in and around Philly this past month

Over the last month I've had the opportunity to help 10 couples, families and individuals purchase a home, sell their current home or both! Needless to say, it's been a busy month. 

With that said, I've been driving around a lot and had the chance to scope out some vegan friendly food spots along the way! Few highlights:

P.S. & Co- This has been on my list for a while and I finally had a chance to grab lunch and tea after a buyer consultation.  It's at 17th & Locust and offers many yummy options. http://puresweets.com

Grindcore-This may become my spot for lunch and work while in the city. I have visited a few times and most recently I decided to set up shop for about an hour. Good food, carries Dotties Donuts to satisfy my large sweet tooth and free wifi. http://www.grindcorehouse.com
California Pizza Kitchen- Various locations and lunch menu can work for me! I've been at the Plymouth Meeting location for work meetings recently. 
Zoes Kitchen- Seems like more and more locations are popping up which comes in handy for me working throughout the 5 counties. 

My quick, grab and eat food when I'm not in super vegan friendly areas are Taco Bell or a Subway.

If you're on the go a lot and not sure how to eat cruelty free- check this out!

http://www.peta.org/living/food/chain-restaurants/

Looking for some local vegan fun?

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/philly-vegan-pop-flea-tickets-25194352988

Client Appreciation Party

Last Saturday I hosted my first Client Appreciation Party at Arnold's Family Fun Center. It was a great opportunity to see some clients I haven't seen in a while, catch up and play some games!

I've been so blessed to have such supportive and amazing customers over the years. My business continues to grow from them and their frequent referrals, so I wanted to give them a little party to express my appreciation!

We had prizes, plenty of games, and snacks. Even though the party ended at 5:30, many of them stayed to keep playing and hanging out which made me very happy.

I can't forget to thank my awesome vendors that helped me out with this event. If you need any of their services, I recommend reaching out to them:

Michael R. Drew

Senior Mortgage Originator

Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist

NMLS#  799901
First Choice Loan  Services, Inc.

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of First Choice Bank

Direct: 267.864.6677 | Fax: 215.933.6175

Email:  michael.drew@fcbmtg.com |Web: www.yourlendingteam.com 

Elaine E. Miller

Senior Account Executive

First American Abstract of PA

Cell: 215-262-4884  /  emiller@firstamabstract.com

Cory Rutter

Owner

Rutter Roofing

c- 215-219-8794

o- 610-584-2084

f- 610-323-3212

Visit us on Facebook! 

 

Russell Romano I Financial Advisor

2500 York Rd suite 200  | Jamison, PA 18929

Office 215-792-6871 | Cell 516-639-4585 | E-mail Russell.romano@nm.com

Website: www.russellromano.nm.com

Vegan in Devon, PA

My weekends over the last month have been pretty busy! Running around showing homes, putting signs up on my new listings and hosting Open Houses. This has resulted in more frequent 'on the go' lunches. After stopping by my listing in Devon (which SOLD in 1 day by the way!),  I had to meet clients in Newtown Square. I did my normal google search for vegan friendly spots and Black Cat Cafe popped up. https://www.facebook.com/theblackcatcafe

BLT sandwich & veggie straws. YUM!

This month I also became a mentor to a couple taking the 30 day Vegan Pledge. We meet on Sundays and other socials during the week. I'm learning so much from them and being a part of the group. I highly recommend you taking the pledge! Check it out >> http://www.peaceadvocacynetwork.org/find-a-city/

Vegan Realtor in Pottstown, PA

This week I have the pleasure of helping one of my first clients again with their real estate needs!! I worked with them to buy their first home in 2011 and now after years of growing an adorable family, they are ready to move on.

          Their house is great for first time buyers- well maintained, affordable and cozy!

1131 Queen St. Pottstown, PA 19464
Conveniently located near High St, 422 and 100!

Can't you picture having dinner outside on those warm summer nights??

The other day while I was visiting with them,  I googled "vegan restaurant near me" to grab a quick lunch. iCreate Cafe popped up so I figured I'd check it out! 

What a gem! It's located off the main street in a cute row home with LOTS of decor both inside and out. It's a Mediterranean vegan themed restaurant owned by Ashraf Khalil. He initially opened up as a computer training school, which eventually grew into providing snacks then a cafe. While we were talking he said at first he didn't think about the development around him, but over the years people have told him how they moved to the street or area because of the store. What a great impact he's making! 

In addition to the yummy food, they offer open mic night, cooking classes, movie night and more. You really must check out their store and events! 

http://www.icreatecafe.com

Moving in 2016? Here is what you need to know

New year, new goals, and new adventures!

If one of your 2016 goals is to enter the real estate market either as a buyer or seller, there are some trends to be aware of.
1. Right now, inventory is low in many areas, resulting in a sellers market. Sounds weird to some, but true! It's predicted more homes will come on the market early 2016... we shall see
2. Mortgage interest rates are on the rise, but still low. Lenders are offering more and more loan programs (and new ways of measuring your credit!) too. So if you've been putting it on hold, buying a home could be an achievable goal for you this year!
3. Selling your home? According to National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2015 survey, Buyers are looking for a fireplace, hardwood flooring, and granite countertops. Also, 2015 a new roof is #1 best return on investment. Keep these in mind when determining your asking price.

Looking for more tips? Contact me for information based on your specific needs.

sources: 
http://www.realtor.com/news/trends/hot-list-of-home-features-in-2015/?platform=hootsuite
https://www.redfin.com/blog/2015/12/five-2016-housing-market-predictions-redfin.html#.VoPiBGQrIy7