About Chester County, PA

I love to sit Open Houses especially this time of year when people are getting out and about to see homes that are on the market. I chose to sit this home at 160 Sheldrake Drive in Paoli, PA 19301 this Sunday from 2-4 PM. It was the model home for the development when it was first built 49 years ago, and this is the first time it has been on the market since then. Situated on a nice lot of 0.64 acres it has a nice presence in the neighborhood.

It is a solid stone colonial, and I wrote about what is a colonial a few weeks ago, and this one is in excellent condition according to the listing agent, with deep window sills, hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, built in book shelves and much more. I am looking forward to seeing the home. Taxes at $6483 last year are reasonable for this area for the size of the lot and the home. Whilst it is close to downtown Paoli, with its shops and train station, this neighborhood is not a high traffic area and the homes are set amid mature trees giving pleasant shade during hot summer days.

So stop on by and visit for a while at this home filled with character priced at $599,000, it will be open Sunday February 12th from 2-4 PM, this may just be your Valentine!

For those who live here, the condo association fee at first seems high but it covers lots of things.

Gas for the dryer, gas for cooking, gas for hot water, water, pool fee, tennis courts, exterior maintenance, trash collection, a club house and snow clearing, a host of social activities arranged for homeowners and those who rent here.

What it does not cover is the cost for the sewer, this is billed separately and this year it is $250, bills go out during February and are due March 1st, if you are later than March 10th there is a late fee. Like most places sewer bills are always in arrears, so you are actually paying for your 2011 fee.

Your other utilities cable either Verizon or Comcast are available is extra, gas for your heating and electricity are not included in your condo fee and are paid separately.

As I mentioned Old Forge has an active community, and some events taking place in the coming months are a Spring Brunch March 4th 11 - 1 PM to which you bring a dish to share.

March 16th St Patrick's Day Happy Hour at 5 PM in the Clubhouse

And the annual Old Forge Crossing Flea market and Crafts Fair Saturday April 28th from 8 - 1 PM. Contact the management office if you are interested in a table.

A good number to know if you live in Old Forge Crossing is the emergency hot line 610-687-5678 especially if you have a sewer or sink back up in the evening or over a weekend, call this number to avoid damage and stop any problems for your neighbors.

Old Forge Crossing is in a great location, it is a great place to live, either as a homeowner or as a tenant. Old Forge Crossing is an approved condo development for FHA loans making purchasing easier here than other condo developments not approved. If you need details on any available properties give me a call and we can help you.

The maximum sold price for a house was $2,354,000.

The minimum sold price for a house was $22,500.

The average sold price was $314,572.

The average amount of days on the market was 112.

290 residential houses sold in Chester County in January 2012.


(Information from Trend MLS)

Previous Reports for Chester County, Pennsylvania
(Missing a report you would like to see? Let us know)
First Quarter 2011 Chester County PA
Second Quarter 2011 Chester County PA

Chester County, Pennsylvania Real Estate - Houses Sold January 2012

One of the things about living and working in a village is that it is always evolving, and Berwyn, Pennsylvania is no different. Straddling two townships, Easttown and Tredyffrin it is a beautiful place. From when you step off the train having travelled along the famed "Main Line" you can't fail but notice the friendliness of the surroundings.

But don't take my word for it, watch the video and then take some time to come visit.

Do I Really Need a Home Inspection (Phoenixville)?

If you are in the market to purchase a home, the answer is probably - YES!

Some buyers get stressed out by all the money involved in buying a home and think saving $360 by skipping the home inspection is a good place to save money. The house "looks" OK and surely the sellers would tell them if there were any issues!

That's not always the case. It doesn't mean the sellers are being dishonest- they might not realize there is a serious issue with the home they are selling.

And just because the house "looks" OK- clean, well-maintained, etc.. doesn't mean there isn't an expensive repair lurking around the corner.

I met a guy named Jeff at a networking meeting in Phoenixville a few weeks ago. Jeff was telling me his story of how he had recently purchased a home in Phoenixville and decided against having a home inspection since the home appeared to be in good shape. He had worked in construction for a few years right out of college and considered himself rather handy. He didn't see anything alarming with the home and admited he wanted to save that $360 by skipping the home inspection.

When he went to refinish his basement last summer, the contractor he was hiring to do the work, pointed out some pretty serious issues with the framing beneath the 1st floor. There were 3 I-beams that someone had cut through to allow for some ductwork.

One of my previous post Squeaky Floors screamed trouble at Home Inspection (Malvern), describes this very situation that I discovered in a home inspection last year. Cutting through an I-beam compromises the structural integrity of the floor and usually can't be repaired. The beam has to be completely replaced.

Jeff postponed finishing the basement until he figures out what to do. He is looking at a significant cost of repairs. If he had opted for the home inspection prior to buying the home, he would have known about these beams and would have had options. The sellers could have fixed this issue, he could have walked away from the home, or paid to fix it himself. At least he would have had the knowledge upfront.. and options!

The home inspection should not be the area you look to save money. In actuality, it is often the one thing that will get you MORE MONEY off the purchase price when material defects are discovered and negotiated with the seller.

With the right professional home inspector in Phoenixville, PA, you get someone who is familiar with residential construction and maintenance of homes. Even the most experienced owner lacks the knowledge and experience of a professional home inspector.

Buying a home in Phoenixville (or wherever you are looking), could be the biggest investment you will ever make. Schedule a quality home inspection and you can buy that dream home with confidence!

David Artigliere, owner of ARTI Home Inspections LLC, is a ASHI-certified home inspector in Phoenixville, Pottstown, Norristown, Reading & surrounding areas.

Contact David atl 610-220-1907 for more information!