4 Advantages of Downsizing as a Senior

I've written about it before and I know I will continue to since it's an important topic-Downsizing! It can take years, requires help and proper planning to get it right. 

I have the pleasure to have a guest writer today who is an expert on the topic, Michael Longsdon with Elder Freedom. I know you'll take away some valuable tips, enjoy!

 Photo via Pexels

4 Advantages of Downsizing as a Senior (and How to Get Started)

According to research by Trulia, more Americans want to move to a smaller home than a larger one. It isn’t all millennials looking for tiny homes, either; those over 55 are the most likely to want to downsize. This makes perfect sense because moving to a smaller house as you approach or enter retirement has many clear-cut benefits. In this article, we will go over the biggest ones and give you some advice to get started on your downsizing journey.  

Financial Benefits

For many, the main motivation to downsize to a smaller home is financial. You could save quite a bit of money in the process, especially if you move to a cheaper area, which may free up more cash for you to enjoy your retirement. 

That said, you may be overestimating how much money you can make from downsizing. Things like capital gains tax, moving costs, insurance, or just the state of the market can make you spend more money. Make sure you consider all these elements before buying. Downsizing may still be worth it, but it could be less profitable than you imagined. 

Before you get started with the home-selling process, take a look around online to get a ballpark idea of what your home might go for on the market. In Blue Bell, for instance, home sold for an average of $463,000. Of course, markets will fluctuate, and you might end up with more (or less) depending on where you live in the area.

Less Maintenance

A smaller home doesn’t just mean fewer expenses, it also means less time spent on everyday maintenance. You’ll be amazed by how much free time opens up once your cleaning and general upkeep are cut down. If possible, consider moving to a house without a yard, such as an urban townhouse. If this is not an option, keep the yard small (unless you are a keen gardener and landscaper) and focus on only having essential rooms. 

Good for Mental Health

Depending on how long they have been living in a house, seniors may have accumulated a lot of stuff they simply don’t need anymore. Moving to a smaller house means getting rid of a lot of this stuff, which can be good for us. 

Indeed, the act of decluttering is good for mental health. Many experts agree on this, seeing how those who declutter their lives feel liberated and relaxed. It can even have a knock-on effect on your habits: if your kitchen is tidy, you’re more likely to eat well.  

Safety

Downsizing is also a matter of safety. Moving to a smaller house decreases your risk of injury in a number of ways, especially if you take the time to make the necessary home modifications. These range from grab bars in bathrooms to step-free access and widened doorways, or even moving kitchen cabinets to be easily reachable. This extensive guide by AgingInPlace has detailed recommendations for every room in the house. 

How to Downsize

So, we have established that downsizing is generally a good idea. But how do you get started? How do you find the perfect new home? And how do you actually part with decades worth of clutter? Below are a few tips.

• Look for step-free, accessible homes. Everything else can be modified or added, but structural changes are much more complex and expensive. Currently, according to Fixr, the national average sits at around $9,000.
• Use a home renovation cost calculator to estimate how much a given set of modifications would cost, and adjust your homebuying budget accordingly.
• Look up a few decluttering methods to find one you feel works for you: there’s not just one way to do it! The “four boxes” method is especially useful for moving since you can already pack the “keep” boxes as they are. 
• Consider hiring a professional moving company to help you relocate when all is finally said and done. Not only will this take some of the stress of your shoulders, you can rest easy knowing your stuff will be in the hands of the pros. If you’re concerned about cost, it’s actually a bit more affordable than you might believe. In Blue Bell, you’ll pay $305 on average for a team of professional movers.

Downsizing is, at its core, a way of making life simpler for seniors. It can also make life cheaper, healthier, and safer, and it can free up time for you to enjoy it better. Any move is a challenge and an overhaul, but once you’re settled in you will be grateful you took the first step and started looking for a smaller, easier, more senior-friendly home. 

Enjoying Summer around Philadelphia

I admit and apologize that I've been slaaaacking with my blog posts. Being a new mom, working during a fierce real estate market and my non-profit obligations are just a few of my excuses. By far my favorite excuse is enjoying motherhood. This life change has given me the opportunity to enjoy the Philadelphia region on a new level. One thing I love doing is taking Madison for walks in various parks around Philadelphia. So here are a few I think you should check out!

1. Upper Merion Farmers Market is every Saturday until mid November. It's located at the old township building and has a wonderful park to walk around after you pick up some locally sourced goodies. What I especially liked about the play ground area is that it's shaded and has turtles!
http://uppermerionfarmersmarket.org

At Upper Merion Park with Madison

2. Sutcliffe park is a convenient spot for walking and enjoying the playground within Conshohocken. There is a covered picnic area and enough to see and enjoy for my 8 month old.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sutcliffe-Park/105565816167337
Mary H Wood park is finally opened and looking forward to visiting later this week!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-H-Wood-Park/120509151331403

3. Kelly Drive has always been a favorite of mine. Now I get to enjoy a flat running path with my daughter in her jogger stroller. We don't get there as much as I'd like, but I try to stop when I'm on my way in or out of the city.

4. Wentz Run Park is a place I've driven by for years and for some reason never visited- until recently! What a gem! A good size playground that has shade, volleyball, baseball fields, basketball court and a great walking path. I highly recommend meeting up with a friend and going for a stroller walk here.
https://www.whitpaintownship.org/216/Wentz-Run-Park

Where have you visited? I'd love to hear your recommendations and get some new ideas to take Madison.

2018 Trend

At the beginning of a new year it's natural to reflect on the previous 12 months and look ahead at what's to come. Personally, the last year was my favorite! I became a mother to our daughter Madison and professional I achieved goals and learned a lot. Now politically, well it was even more historic. 

Looking ahead in terms of the real estate, the overall assumption for 2018 is positive. Slight increase in sale prices, only a slight increase in interest rates and economic growth.

Forecasting exactly what the mortgage interest rates will be is tough without a crystal ball. But we can make some educated guesses by watching the Federal Reserve trends. It's predicted rates will go up 3 to 4 times this year, but not to exceed 5%. According to Housingwire recent article, "The MBA predicts rates will increase to 4.6% in 2018, 5% in 2019 and 5.3% in 2020."

What does this mean? If rates increase, home buyers may be priced out of the homes they want. With this threat, it will encourage many buyers that are on the fence to purchase a home sooner than later. This will spur a healthy market in 2018, especially for the 'move up' homeowners. Also, inventory is predicted to remain low, favoring home sellers-again a great opportunity for the 'move up' buyer. However, builders are gradually increasing their construction and their confidence is at an 18 year high according to the National Associations of Home Builders. "NAHB’s Chief Economist Robert Dietz said that the measure of homebuyer traffic increased 8 percent, and “with low unemployment rates, favorable demographics and a tight supply of existing home inventory, we can expect continued upward movement of the single-family construction sector next year,” he added." source: https://www.nahb.org/

Tax reform is a biggie for 2018... 
Definitely speak with your accountant to see how you'll personally be affected. Here are few changes:
1.Generally lower tax rates for individual tax filers. Example; Individual income between $38,700-$93,700 was in 25% bracket. Need law is income between $38,900-$82,500 is 22% and $82,500-157,500 is 24% bracket
2. Itemized deductions for state and property taxes as well as income or sales tax is capped at $10,000
3. Standard deduction for single is $12,000 and $24,000 for joint returns.
Here is more information >>https://www.forbes.com/

Want some good news about taxes? Locally, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery counties did not include property tax increase for 2018. However, Bucks county approved a 5.4% property tax increase.

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com

Now the important stuff 😀- what is the color of the year to spruce up your home? Try a pop of Ultra Violet! https://www.pantone.com/color-of-the-year-2018

3 Generations in 1 Home

I'm seeing it more and more and am actively educating myself on how to best service these homeowners (hence my Senior Real Estate Specialist designation). The scenario often goes like this; aging parents decide they want a smaller space and need less maintenance. The family decides it's best to move in with one of their children to save money plus possibly provide care and assistance to their grandchildren. Now there are 3 generations under one roof and space may be tight if it wasn't planned out ahead of time. (A Pew report did find that more than three-quarters of "boomerangs" — the young adults ages 25 to 34 who move back in with their parents — were satisfied with their living situation- but that's another post for later.)

It's not uncommon for my buyer clients to have an in-law suite or potential space to build a suite be on their wish list because of this exact scenario.  These homeowner's are called 'sandwich generation' and it's becoming a growing trend as the baby boomers age. Luckily as the trend grows, homes to accommodate multigenerational families are growing as well. Builders, contractors and architects are supporting this need and there are even certified aging-in place specialist (CAPS) to help.

If you decide to modify your home to fit the needs and conveniences of your parents, think about their safety and daily conveniences. Such as adding more light in rooms, installing grab bars in bathrooms and near stairways and ensuring floor transitions from room to room are smooth. Motion censored lights, remote controlled fans and window treatments and walk-in showers are desirable to the majority of homeowners and buyers and are beneficial for aging family members! Win-Win!

If you need to make extra space or even move to a more accommodating floor plan, I am your

resource. In the meantime, get some inspiration here >> https://www.thehouseplanshop.com/multi-generational-house-plans/house-plans/130/1.php  (I can' t be the only one that loves to look at floor plans, am I?!)

Lastly, there are many things to consider when living in a multigenerational home and at times can be hard for the 'sandwich generation.' Here is a link for some helpful tips:
https://www.care.com/c/stories/5326/9-tips-for-managing-sandwich-generation-stres/

Looking to invest in real estate?

There are so many different ways you can invest and plan for your future. One proven method is investing in real estate and even that has multiple methods and strategies. Do you want to be a landlord, buy and flip or be a hard money lender- the options are endless and available.

3 bed. 2.5 bath town home in West Chester, PA $235,000.00

Whether you're looking to get your first investment or are a seasoned investor, I have 3 properties that could be great rental investments.

First is 150 Weedon Ct. West Chester, PA 19380
This property is located in Exton Station, a desirable neighborhood that is right near Exton Station shopping, route 100 and many corporate centers. Rental prices in the neighborhood range from $1500 on up!

4 bed 1 bath row home in Cobbs Creek, PA $115,000

You'll want to check out this row home in Cobbs Creek too! 6023 Webster St. Philadelphia has tons of charm and offers a 4th bedroom which is unusual in the neighborhood. A landlord could easily get $1100-$1300 a month in the area. 

2 bed 1.5 bath town home in West Norriton, PA
$189,000

814 Treetop Lane in Norristown is in the popular Regents Park neighborhood. The home is 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms and features a walk out finished basement! 

Rentals go for $1200-$1600 depending on upgrades and if there is a basement and half bathroom.

For more information or questions, please contact me directly at:

Kelly@PhillyLiving.com

215-646-2900

Happy National Simply Your Life Week!

National Simplify Your Life Week, which runs August 1 through 7, is a great time to think about creating a little more serenity in our day-to-day lives. To help with that, I asked Feng Shui practitioner Eils Lotozo of Truly Home to offer some tips on just how to do that. Here’s what she had to say:

   A great way to begin to simplify your life is to deal with any clutter and disorganization that exists in your home. Gretchen Rubin, bestselling author of The Happiness Project and Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives, says one of the things that surprised her most in her research was “the degree to which, for most people, outer order contributes to inner calm.” 

   And if you really want to develop more of that outer order, you need to work on developing new habits. Says Rubin: “Habits are the invisible architecture of everyday life, and a significant element of happiness. If we have habits that work for us, we’re much more likely to be happy, healthy, productive, and creative.”  

   Here are a few easy-to-institute habits that can cut down on stress, and help your days go more smoothly:

• Stop wasting time looking for misplaced keys, phones, and wallets by designating a special spot for them near the door. Use it every time you come home. Your special place can be a pretty tray or basket, a drawer or a shelf—just make sure it’s close to the door you use most frequently, which will make this habit easier to develop.
• Make your bed every day. No excuses. A crisply made bed gets you off on the right foot for the day, shining as a beacon of order and calm. It only takes a few minutes, and in my experience, this good habit can lead to other good things. The sight of that neat bed in an otherwise disorderly environment just might inspire you to put away that basket of laundry, pick up the clothes on the floor, or run the vacuum.
• Leave your shoes at the door when you come home, and ask your family and visitors to do so as well. You’ll cut back on the dirt and bacteria that shoes can track into the house, which means you’ll have a healthier environment and you can clean less.  (But don’t just leave them in a heap by the door. Place a bin, basket, or shelves to keep those shoes corralled.)
• Don’t let mail pile up anywhere in your home, ever. Create systems for dealing with paper.  Have a designated spot for incoming mail with a trashcan, recycling bin, and shredder nearby. Set up some baskets or file folders for each person in the household to review their mail. Sort bills to be paid into a folder. If something needs to be filed, file it right away. The idea is to not touch a piece of paper more than once. Better yet, be proactive in reducing the paper flow. Switch to paperless statements for all of your financial accounts, and take steps to reduce or eliminate junk mail and catalogs. Find out how at:  http://www.ecocycle.org/junkmail
•  Create a meal plan for the week, along with a shopping list of the items you need to execute that plan. You may think you don’t have the time for all that, but winging it at dinnertime has its own consequences: too many take-out meals, extra trips to the store to pick up last minute items, or wasting food you already have in the fridge but don’t have a plan for.  A meal plan can make you feel calm and in control, and will actually save time. 
• Finally, if clutter is a genuine issue in your home, start dealing with it now. There is no way to bring a note of serenity and simplicity into a space packed with way too much stuff. Ask for help if you need it—from an organizing professional, or a supportive, energetic friend. Tackle just one room at a time, or work on clearing just one kitchen counter, one tabletop or one closet.  Remember, the more outer order you create in your home, the more inner calm you will bring to your life. 

With her company Truly Home, Eils Lotozo offers interior redesign and home staging services, Feng Shui consultations, and more, in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond. Truly Home makes it beautiful, comfortable, easy. 

Find out more at TrulyHomeRedesign.com

Or contact Eils:

 (267) 585-2303

eils@trulyhomeredesign.com

Farm Living

Have you been day dreaming about creating your homestead? Living off your land, having your own farm animals and creating amazing memories with your family? This is becoming a popular trend over the years, just search 'homestead' on Pinterest and you'll be overwhelmed with ideas! I have jumped on the bandwagon as well, doing little things here and there on our small property; installing a rain barrel, composting and conserving energy. But there is only so much we can do in a row home in an urban area. One day we'll have the land and knowledge!

If you're ready to stop dreaming and make the move, I have a great property for sale in Montgomery County, PA. Over 3 acres, ideal for your horse(s), dogs and other farm pets, garden area and more! This property is conventionally located if you're not ready to be completely separated from the world as well.  Right off rte 73, you're near shopping, dining, parks and roadways.

One thing I particularly love about the location is being within Worcester Township. For decades, the township has been preserving the land to keep the community beautiful and green. Check out more information here >> https://www.worcestertwp.com


 See more photos and details here>>
2651 Skippack Pike, Lansdale, PA 19446
$514,000 asking price

Never hesitate to reach out directly to me with questions regarding buying, selling and investing throughout Philadelphia region.

Kelly Steyn

Kelly@PhillyLiving.com

215-646-2900

Spring Decor Trends

Last week I co-hosted a fun workshop with Barbara McInnis Hayman with Decorating Den Interior Design. Barbara gave us an overview of the upcoming Spring and Summer design trends, how to make affordable tweaks in design each season and ways to use multiple patterns and textures in the same room. It was both fun and informative!

According to Pantone, the color of the year is "Greenery." So Barbara showed us many ways to incorporate this color into our homes this season. From changing out decor pillows, throws, and centerpieces.
One simple tip she suggested which I try to live by as well, is to decorate with fresh flowers. Display on your coffee table, dining room table and even bathrooms. It's a fresh and colorful decoration for Spring!

She also suggested to accessorize! Ladies, you don't leave the house with out your jewelry, so don't forget to make the final touches in your rooms!
Make it personal and fun to tie everything together. I like to display things have meaning and remind me of a vacation or loved one. Even if they don't always match the room, it brings me happiness to see them when I walk in!

One thing we touched on was using multiple textures in rooms. I love the concept, but often struggle to execute. A key tip is to layer! And those fabric layers can be different textures. Such as your rug, drapes and pillows in different fabrics and colors can bring depth and warmth to a room.  And don't forget furniture can vary too! Mix a vintage piece with your more modern and new furniture. I have started to do this in our bedroom and really like it (can't wait until it's actually completed!).

I hope this gets you in the mood to get your home spruced up for Spring! Happy decorating :)

How soon is too soon?

I often get the question "how soon should I talk with you before buying a home?" Like most things in real estate, the answer is specific to that person or families needs, but there are some general rules of thumb.

First of all, it's honestly never too soon. But it may be too soon to physically tour homes with an agent. It's important to have a real estate professional you know, like and trust when you're in the beginning stages of thinking to buy a home. Having a Realtor by your side to answer questions, offer advice and be your advocate is priceless!

Secondly, one of initial steps is to figure out how much you can and want to spend for your new home. This should be done when you are initially thinking about buying.  Sit down, create a budget and use it! (Make it a fun date night if you have to!) Here are some helpful budget templates to make the process a little more enjoyable:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bob-lotich/5-household-budget-templa_b_5696244.html
After writing out your income and expense, how much do you feel you could spend for a mortgage? Are you comfortable spending $100 or $300 more a month or are you already at your comfort zone? Are you expecting pay raises or is your car almost paid off? Look at the whole picture to really understand your budget.

Thirdly, I recommend speaking with a mortgage lender about 6+ months before the date you'd like to be in your new home. When speaking with a lender, they will provide individual advice and will provide you with the sale price you can afford at the time of your initial conversation. It's basically a starting point to know where you currently stand and make goals to where you want to be. The earlier you figure out your starting point, it will help determine if you need to save more or improve your credit.
Check out this mortgage calculator see how much you may need to save to buy a home you might of seen online ( I know you're looking online already!):
http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/savings/saving-goals-calculator.aspx
Play around on Bankrate.com with their other calculators- they are not 100% accurate, but definitely provide some guidance!

Do you know when you'd like to be in your new home? If you have that date, month or general time frame, count backwards 6 months and that is usually a good time for us to meet and discuss your real estate goals. But I'm here to be your real estate resource even if you aren't ready for a year or two!
Kelly Steyn
484-343-2406
Kelly@PhillyLiving.com
www.KellySteyn.com

Conshohocken, PA Real Estate Update

Did you know, the average days it took a home to sell in Conshohocken was 27 days quicker this February compared to last February? And the average sale price increased by over 3%! If you're looking to move here, what are you waiting for?

Conshohocken has become the place to live (check out it's ranking here www.niche.com), invest and entertain over the last few years. It's convenient to highways, has 2 regional rail stops, nestled along the Schylkill River trail and has a vibrant downtown!

According to studies, living in a walkable neighborhood increased a homes value, desirabilty and not to mention your quality of life!
Have you used Walkscore.com before? It's a fun and easy tool to see what's around such as schools, trains or restaurants and determine how 'walkable' a property is.

Here is a great opportunity for you to invest in , as the equity in the building and neighborhood continues to increase:
300 W Elm St. Unit 2413 Conshohocken, PA 19428

The Grande at Riverview

300 West Elm Street

1 bedroom, 1 bath with Loft and Deeded Parking spot! 

300 W Elm St. #2413

Overlooks the Pool and Courtyard

Open floor plan- great for entertaining!

Sources: http://realtormag.realtor.org/daily-news/2015/07/23/clients-value-walkable-neighborhoods
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-homebuyers-want-now-walkable-neighborhoods/

Gilbertsville, PA is Hot Hot Hot

Over the last 3 decades, Gilbertsville which is part of New Hanover Township, has spiked in development and population. Over the last 10-15 years, both national and local builders such as; NV/Ryan Homes, Beazer, Gambone Brothers, Sal Lapio and TH Properties have been assisting with the growth by developing new neighborhoods.
Fun Fact:
The name Gilbertsville derived from the large number of Gilbert family, descended from Hans George Gilbert who relocated from Hoffenheim, Germany in 1750. He and his sons Bernhard and Johan George Gilbert are buried in the New Hanover Evangelical Lutheran Churchyard. The village was originally a part of McCall's Manor.

Gilbertsville is within Boyertown School District and located conveniently near Rte 100, 73, 663, and 422. If you love golfing, shopping and quaint bars and restaurants- this may be a great town to call your own.

I have just the home for you too- 112 Marisa Lane- just 3 years old, lovely upgrades throughout and spacious layout!

Golf courses just around the corner too!

 https://www.bellavistagc.com/

http://www.golfgilbertsvillegc.com/

Contact me for more details and a private showing:
Kelly Steyn
484-343-2406
Kelly@PhillyLiving.com

Green Living in 2017

You have probably heard the term "VOCs" and know it's a negative thing. But do you know why and understand how they affect you and the environment?   Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are organic compounds that easily become vapors or gases. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects according to the EPA. They are common in paints, stains, adhesives, and glues, which means that many 'safe' building materials may make indoor air toxic because they’re paired with them.

When you do decide to paint, consider manufacturers using low to or zero-VOC lines, such as Benjamin Moore with its Aura and Natura brands or Ecos and SafeCoat. 

If you change out your flooring, it's important to research the product, but also the adhesives and varnishes that adhere layers of solid pre-engineered boards together. If you're refinishing old floors or using reclaimed board, natural oil is best. 

Just remember, when you purchase products, materials, and systems to remodel a home you already own or are thinking about selling, ask questions! Here is some basic information organized by category:

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/green-basics

Household cleaners can be another source of unhealthy chemicals. First of all, most cleaners contain dangerous solvents, acids and other hazardous chemicals that have been proven to cause irritation to noses, eyes, and lungs. Some of these chemicals are proven to cause indoor air pollution, and some are suspected carcinogens-especially with repeated and prolonged use. Secondly, they are bad for the environment once flushed down the drain and into our water systems.
(source: http://ecocycleecobuzz.blogspot.com/2011/03/dirt-on-household-cleaners.html)

It's very simple and affordable to actually make your own cleaning products! I currently make my own disinfectant, hard surface floor cleaner and air freshener! If I can do it, anyone can! 
Here are some recipes to get you started: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/green-living/natural-cleaning-recipes

Other helpful sites:
https://living-future.org/declare/about/red-list/ cites chemicals to watch out for; called the "Red List"
Useful guides include the nonprofit Environmental Working Group and Tree Hugger.

Ask professionals, do your research and determine what's best for you and your family! 

(Sources: http://realtormag.realtor.org/home-and-design/feature/article/2016/11/understanding-vocs-and-indoor-air-quality?om_rid=AAAmDu&om_mid=_BYZs0sB9W3kUB$&om_ntype=RMODaily)

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!