Andy Raffle, Yardley, PA Real Estate

Bridle Estates/Devonshire At Bridle Estates

Market Update

September 26, 2008

Bridle Estates is a subdivision of single family homes built by Toll Brothers beginning 1997 in Lower Makefield Township. Bridle Estates is built on lot sizes between approximately .4 to .7 acres, approximately and Devonshire lot sizes range from approximately 1.0 to 1.9 acres. Homes were primarily 4 and 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 baths and are primarily in the range of 4000-5000 Square Feet. Bridle Estates is located within the Pennsbury School District.

Two homes are currently available for sale at an average price of $752,450
In the past 12 months, 2 homes have sold at an average sales price of $821,250.

And the same may be true of bailing out Lenders.

I just got an email from someone from another site who saw my Blog and Profile over there and decided to send me an email. Here is the redacted email:

"What companies can I contact that will approve me for a home mortgage loan with a score of about 500? I am in xxxxxxxxxxxxx,xxxxxxxxxxxxx so is there anyone locally?"

I also know that this person wants to put no money doThe wn.

The first thoughts that come to mind are:

1.) Hasn't this person been paying attention to what's going on?

2.) Why would someoen with bad credit and no moey think that "now is a good tiem to buy a house".

Then I thought a little further and it occurs to me that this person has nothing to lose and is jsut looking to get what she's entitled to. After all, we've given plenty of people in the same situation loans in the past and, now that they're in trouble, we're going ot "help" them again. Why not?

I don't know how we, as a country, can ever get out of this mess so long as people with 500 credit scores and no money think they ought to be buying houses.

Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate. Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Real Estate Articles and read my Bucks County Real Estate Blog

Andy Raffle

www.askAndyRaffle.com

Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors

70 West Afton Avenue

Yardley PA 19047

215.493.9080x130

THE ART OF THE DEAL: TIPS FROM ANDY RAFFLE

ANDY RAFFLE HAS HOME, SWEET HOME SELLING STRATEGIES -

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CLOSE THE DEAL IN A BUYER'S MARKET?

What does it take to sell a home in a buyers' market - a fresh coat of paint or a kitchen overhaul? Lowering your asking price or offering incentives? From cosmetic to strategic, smart sellers can take advantage of a few simple tips to get the most out of their properties. Here are six strategies from Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors to securing a "sold" sign:

Though they may be obvious, cosmetic upgrades like painting and planting can truly go a long way to forming a fantastic first impression of your home. And be sure to clean, clean, clean!

1. Boost your curb appeal. Though they may be obvious, cosmetic upgrades like painting and planting can truly go a long way to forming a fantastic first impression of your home. And be sure to clean, clean, clean!

2. Make big fixes where you can. If your budget allows, invest in bigger improvements. Focus on "make or break" rooms like bathrooms and kitchens, because nothing says "uninviting" like an unattractive cooking space. If your budget is limited think about smaller home improvements in these areas which could help close the deal.

3. Let the Internet work for you. Free online tools like the Coldwell Banker Home Tracker (www.coldwellbanker.com) or Home Value Estimator can assist you in gauging your property value including home improvements you have made to your home. Using online resources allows us to engage in a dialogue and can assist us in setting the right price for your home.

4. Transparency is golden. Getting a preliminary professional home inspection and sharing it with potential buyers may help them understand your home's condition and reinforce your position as a trustworthy and responsible seller. You should also be clear about recent improvements you have made, and provide estimates on other optional upgrades - especially any for which you would be willing to foot the bill.

5. Go the extra mile. You can have your home pre-inspected and follow up by making necessary repairs. Allow potential buyers to see the report and receipts for the work. Offering a home warranty could also sway a buyer to purchase your home over another. Buying down mortgage rates or pay points on behalf of the buyer is another suggestion.

6. Be realistic. Selling in a buyer's market takes skill and strategy. In most markets, increased inventory has given buyers the opportunity to be selective in the home they want and the price they are willing to pay. Properly priced homes are selling and your sales associate will work with you to determine what that price should be. Also understand that it normally takes a bit longer to sell a home in buyer's market than in a seller's market.

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Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate. Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Real Estate Articles and read my Bucks County Real Estate Blog

Andy Raffle

www.askAndyRaffle.com

Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors

70 West Afton Avenue

Yardley PA 19047

215.493.9080x130

Sunday dinner will be a nice roast beef, potatoes, gravy, broccoli, salad and sliced tomatoes and, ofr course, a nice bottle of something red. A perusal of the inventory for something i haven;t tasted in a while brings me upon 1997 Ridge Monte Bello. I'm partial to Ridge, one of the truly great California producers under the direction of winemaker Paul Draper.

Monte Bello ius known to some due to it's position in the famous "judgement of Paris" where the 1971 placed 5th against what was thought to be competition that far outdistanced it. What I like is that Monte Bello is an elegant, while powerful, expression of California wine. Many California Cabernets have a tendency to want to club you over the head iwth too much of everything. Not so Monte Bello where the grapes ripen slowly in the cool climate of the Santa Cruz Mountains and the resulting wine does not yield the overblown alcohol levels of some of the clunkier California wine. Ridge uses American Oak in all of their bottlings, as opposed to the more common French oak but, the oak usage is very judicious, yielding none of the unpleasant banana and dill floavor that overuse of American oak can bring.

I opened the bottle and poured myself a small taste. The wine is dark, opaque nearly blackish purple in color. The aromas of of sweet black and cherry fruits with overtones of vanilla and cocoa. A taste reveals luscious fruit with good tanni=c structure and wonderful balance. The wine is still too cold, just coming from the cellar but, the promise is there. In another hour, when I'm ready for it, it will be at the ready.

Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate. Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Real Estate Articles and read my Bucks County Real Estate Blog

Andy Raffle

www.askAndyRaffle.com

Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors

70 West Afton Avenue

Yardley PA 19047

215.493.9080x130

Today's the last day of regular season baseball.  I'm a Met's fan and still hopeful that we'll see some post season play but, truly, I could do another month of regular season baseball.  I don't know abotu the rest of you - many of the races have been decided for a long time - but, here in National League East territory, it's been an increadible Septemebr for baseball fans.

No score through 5, I've got about a fingernail and a half left but, i'm sure I'll bite those off too...Just a metter of time.

Andy Raffle sells Bucks County Real Estate.  Check out my website for Yardley homes and information, search for properties, read my informative Real Estate Articles and read my Bucks County Real Estate Blog

Andy Raffle

www.askAndyRaffle.com

Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors

70 West Afton Avenue

Yardley PA   19047

215.493.9080x130