Havertown, PA

The Swell Bubble Gum Factory could become the next site of a YMCA! While talks are in the preliminary stages, Haverford Township, through eminent domain, has been working on acquiring the existing property and setting up a long term lease with the YMCA.

I personally think it could be a great addition to the area. I've heard awesome things about the new YMCAs in the region, from great programming for families to reasonable membership costs. Also, as I'd love to have access to a local indoor swimming facility, this could be a great centrally located option. We'll see.

Check out this Delco Times Article for the lastest:

http://delcotimes.com/articles/2009/06/24/news/doc4a41976fc9b1c225979227.txt

Havertown homes are selling! With 67 units sold at an average sales price of $292,716, June 2009 marks the highest number of units sold in one month since June 2008 (according to Trend Multiple Listing Service Statistics run on July 1, 2009)

We've not only seen the the most sales in one month (27 more units sold then May 2009) but also the highest average sales price and the least number of Days on Market (68) for 2009. While June is typically one of the strongest months for residential sales in our area, this information is encouraging in that the trends still exist in our changed economy.

What's Driving the Havertown Market?

1. First time Home Buyers - 70% of my sales this year have come from first time home buyers taking advantage of great prices, great rates, and the $8,000 tax credit.
2. Location and Price - Havertown fits the right price range at the right location. With great neighborhoods, great schools, and great location, their are very few alternative locations that offer all Haverford Township with home selling on average just under $300,000.00.
3. Trading Up - With the draw of first time home buyers, homeowners looking for more space are finding great deals for less while being able to sell their own homes. With rates in the low and affordability being the highest its been in years, homeowners are realizing the advantages in this market.

More to come and lots to look forward to.

I'll Keep You Posted!

Last night, PA State Rep Greg Vitali held a Green Energy Meeting at the Coopertown Elementary School to update local residents and businesses on new programs and financing available for energy efficiency upgrades.

With an audience composed of about one third homeowners, one third contractors, and one third small business owners, the speakers covered various programs currently underway. They also highlighted resources that are available today for energy consumers in the area.

They split the presentation into four sections. After a brief introduction by Rep Vitali, each speaker had about a twenty minute presentation followed by a lengthy open formal and then informal question and answer period.

Dan Griffiths, Director of Energy Technology and Deployment Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, was the first speaker covering the PA Sunshine Program and the state's energy independence strategy. Pennsylvania is making an over $650 million investment toward increasing our energy independence and promoting green energy in the state. The state has already raised about $100 million in new bond funding with $30 million already being deployed in the new programs. The program includes both funding and rebates for individual projects meeting their criteria.

The second speaker was Jeffery Gatter, Senior VP of AFC First Financial. He delved more deeply primarily into the Keystone Help Program. This program provides low cost financing for Energy Efficiency Home Improvements with interest rates and rebates varying on the type of projects being proposed. This program is a key driver for both homeowners and contractors to make the investments cost effective for all involved. Rebates are available for projects completed after February 23, 2009 while financing is available for projects begun after February 23, 2009.

The final speaker was Spencer Finch from the Pennsylvania Environmental Council and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council. He added to the previous speakers by discussing the High Performance Green Building Program and highlighting how to approach these projects. The key is to start small and do the obvious projects first before starting with the major retrofits and solar/geothermal options that are available. He reviewed several of the resources available both in the area and nationally.

Thanks again to Representative Vitali's efforts to put on another great program highlighting the steps the state is taking to help the state, the residents, and the environment as they grow towards a greener future. Be sure to check his website for upcoming legislation.

Success in buying a home, like many things in life, is all about focus.

Everyday, buyers are being buffeted by contrasting news reports saying that its both a great time to buy and that people are losing their shirts in a real estate meltdown. Well, both views can be correct.

The only really important concern is what is right for you.

Before you start you really need to consider some key questions:

-Where do you want to live?
-Is it better to own or rent?
-How much home can we afford?
-What monthly payments would work with our lifestyle?
-How much money can we afford to put down today?
-Where are the right schools for our family?
-How is the commute? Which routes could work?
-Where do we spend the most time outside work?
-What style, size, and amenities would we like in a potential home?
-Where are our friends and family?
-What entertainment options do we want?
-Do we need to be near the freeway, airport, bus, or trains?

Once you have a clear focus on your goals, then you can quickly narrow down your search and put together a plan to reach your goals. You can then focus on deciding on target areas, putting together your financing, and really researching the homes in those areas.

This is truly a great time to be in the market - particularly if you are a first time home buyer and can qualify for the $8000 First Time Buyer Tax Credit. Purchasing a home can be a great experience or a confusing mess. If you start out focusing on where you want to arrive, the entire experience can be a much less confusing and much more enjoyable process.

Ready to start looking? Feel free to call me anytime. It's time to take advantage of all this area and this market have to offer.

Today, we have the opportunity to visit the Ardmore Avenue Station of the SEPTA Route 100 High Speed Line.

The SEPTA Rt 100 High Speed Line runs from the 69th Street Terminal in Upper Darby Delaware County to Norristown Montgomery County. This particular station is located at the crossing of the tracks with Ardmore Avenue just to the north of the Merion Golf Club and south of the intersection of Ardmore Ave with Haverford Road.

The station has limited parking so it is better situated as a drop off/walk up station for the local residents. It is within walking distance of much of the western areas of Ardmore Park and within range of much of the student housing for Haverford College which is located north of Haverford Road and west of Ardmore Ave. The Haverford station would be a closer stop to the campus itself. Closer to the station it becomes largely single family homes. The video provides a bit better idea of the area:

As far as real estate in the area, there is a wide mix of townhomes, twins, and single family homes in the area. Using only the twins north of the track just in the western area of Ardmore Park, the pricing is tracking what we have seen in much of the area. Activity peaked in 2006 with 30 sales and an average price of $275,000. Pricing peaked in 2007 at $278,000 with 25 sales and then fell to 16 sales at an average price of $268,000 in 2008. In 2009, we have seen an increase with only four completed sales at an average price of $305,000. All these properties were in great move-in condition.

Today there are an additional 8 properties on the market at an average of $272,000 list and 2 properties under contract with an average list price of $266,000. Based on these numbers, we should see the average sales price coming down.

So again, welcome to the Ardmore station. This is a convenient local suburban Philadelphia commuter station providing easy access to the additional connections both through Norristown and the 69th Street Terminal heading toward Philadelphia. The station is within walking distance to a wide array of housing choices. As always, feel free to contact me anytime with questions, topics, or concerns.

(All statistics are from the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed.