Paoli, PA, March 25, 2009 - RE/MAX Main Line - Paoli is pleased to announce that REALTOR Christopher Benedict, also known as the "Big Guy," has received his real estate broker's license for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He will continue to specialize in residential and investment property sales in the Montgomery and Chester Counties, while expanding his property management services into parts of Delaware County.
"I am excited that Christopher has taken this extra step to acquire additional knowledge to deliver positive results in today's challenging Philadelphia and suburban real estate market," said Stephanie Benedict, Chris' wife and business partner. "Chris is a positive, confident REALTOR who puts people before profits, and strives to offer the best services to his clients."
Thom Toole, Broker of Record, of RE/MAX Main Line Real Estate is thrilled to announce that Christopher Benedict has just received his Brokerage License. "Chris has been a leader in the office and affords all his clients professional service both in Real Estate Sales and Property Management."
"The whole point in obtaining my Brokers License was to be able to offer our clients the highest level of customer service with knowledge and experience," said Christopher Benedict. "We at www.AskTheBigGuy.com put an emphasis on growing and part of growing involves learning and continual education."
Benedict just successfully completed extensive training and licensing through several learning options, including Polley & Associates in Newtown Square, as well as taking several intensive online courses through CareerWeb.com. To complete the Broker Course, you must be a fulltime agent for a minimum of 3 years, have completed 40 plus transactions, as well as complete all required courses. To sit for the state exam, Benedict had to complete 240 hours in courses that includes training in real estate law, management and commercial brokerage.
RE/MAX International Inc. (www.REMAX.com) is one of world's largest residential real estate sales organizations, with over 100,000 agents in over 7000 offices. 2009 RE/MAX International Inc. RE/MAX Is A Registered Trademark Licensed To RE/MAX International Inc. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each RE/MAX Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
Christopher Benedict, Broker-Associate - RE/MAX Main Line
Visit: www.AskTheBigGuy.com
Chris@AskTheBigGuy.com
610-935-3200 (office)
610-680-3688 (fax)
As the housing market cools, homeowners are looking to renters to fill their unsold homes. Many of these owners have little or no knowledge about being a landlord and the legal issues it entails. Philadelphia suburban REALTOR Christopher Benedict is seeking to help those dubbed, "accidental landlords" by offering free advice and tenant placement.
Paoli, PA (PRWEB) 5, March, 2009 - Rather than kick homeowners when they're down, RE/MAX Main Line REALTOR Christopher Benedict offers to aid the "accidental landlord". These are people who cannot sell their personal residences and are seeking to rent their vacant or unsold properties. Home owners can find more information or contact Mr. Benedict through his portal, http://www.ThisAgentWorks.com.
As more properties remain unsold, owners are becoming landlords by accident, many of whom turn to property management companies or real estate agents, rather than deal with the headaches of being a landlord themselves. While agents can find the owners a tenant, once the lease is signed, the owners are often on their own. These newly minted landlords often have little or no knowledge about tenant-landlord law, fair housing issues, or local ordinances.
Most real estate brokerages charge a fee for tenant placement. Property management companies charge a tenant placement fee, and then take a portion of the rents as commission to manage the property for the owner. Neither of these options may be suitable to a distressed owner. That is why Mr. Benedict is offering to assist in tenant placement fee-free, so more owners can afford to take advantage of having their property properly managed. This is an ideal situation for owners on a tight budget who are dreading the thought of dealing with tenant issues.
For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release (or for a sample, copy or demo), contact Christopher Benedict or visit http://www.ThisAgentWorks.com.
About RE/MAX Main Line REALTOR Christopher Benedict:
Christopher Benedict coined the brand, Ask The Big Guy in 2001. Something of a maverick on the ritzy Main Line, Christopher is developing a network of young, high-energy professionals who share his "Strength In Numbers" philosophy. Christopher Benedict specializes in working with investors, as well as continuing to provide real estate services for buyers and sellers on the Main Line and the greater Philadelphia region.
Contact:
Christopher Benedict
RE/MAX Main Line - Phoenixville, Paoli & West Chester
610-935-3200
http://www.AskTheBigGuy.com
I wasn't to surprised to see the following article in the The Philadelphia Business Journal. Titled, "Too hard to sell the house? More turning to renting." Due to an influx of just too many homes on the market, it is this Main Line real estate blogger's opinion that sellers are artificially deflating the market. Not surprising, when owners can't sell their homes, they are turning to renting instead. Many hungry agents, snapping at too little money, are turning their business to renting homes instead of selling them.
From the article: 'From Tredyffrin to Gladwyne, homeowners who have struggled to sell their properties are finding that renting is an alternative in this sluggish real estate market.
While it has been more common and relatively easy for Center City developers who constructed unsold condominiums to make the switch to rentals, the trend has stayed at bay in the single-family market. In the last few months,that's changing as "for sale" signs have been replaced by "for rent" at hundreds of single-family homes throughout the region. Chester County has 355 houses listed for rent and there are 533 in Montgomery County, according to the Multiple Listing Service. Delaware County has 232 listed.
The abundance of houses on the market for rent has created a new phenomenon in the housing market: Competition among homeowners who are trying to get their houses rented.
"There used to be so few homes for rent that you were lucky to find anything habitable," said Lavinia Smerconish, an agent with Prudential Fox & Roach. "Now people are seeing rental as an alternative to selling at a number that is under value for the house."'
To read the full article, click here: Too hard to sell the house? More turning to renting.
The only surprise from the article I came away with is that it shocked me to hear a Main Line real estate agent say that to rent homes they are now staging. Staging a home is not cheap, and even if a home is renting for $10k a month, a $3000 - $5000 staging bill doesn't seem to appetizing to me. I would tell more homeowners, if you want you home to rent, listen to the market and adjust your price!
As a Main Line Realtor and Property Manager, one of the issues I also have with the current market is that I am concerned about so many "new" landlords. Being a rental property landlord is not easy. There are so many rules and laws to follow that homeowners could be breaking local ordinances and not ven know it. For example, one of them being a local rental permit. I know for a fact in Lower Merion township and Radnor township that they are cracking down on where students are renting. Many Realtors don't know about these student-rental restrictions and are not advising their clients properly. Long after the commission is paid and the tenants have moved in, it is the homeowner who may be stuck appeasing the township!
Words of wisdom: If you need to rent instead of sell, seek good advice from a property management company who will not only fill a rental, but manage it as well.
Christopher Benedict with RE/MAX Main Line and www.AskTheBigGuy.com have recently been awarded a 2-year contract to manage Stuart Creek Farms, a development of 156 townhomes in Ambler. You can see more about the community at www.stuartcreek.com.
From SCF's website:
"Meet our new property management team - RE/MAX Main Line and the BENEDICTS. About the Benedicts: Both Penn State graduates, Christopher(pic below) and Stephanie Benedict currently manage a $20+ million dollar portfolio of properties ranging from single family homes, multi-unit investment, mixed commercial, as well as small apartments ranging from 6-20 units. A licensed Realtor and (soon to be in March 2009) Broker-Associate, Christopher currently works at RE/MAX Main Line as well as managing a private real estate investment firm, The Benedict Investment Group, LLC. Christopher and Stephanie both reside in Collegeville with their son and twin daughters."
Here's to a great new year in 2009!
Looking for Main Line Real Estate at a bargain of just $6,000,000?? If anyone is bored on April 19th and you would like to go see one of the most exciting Main Line real estate auctions of the decade, then please, by all means, give me a call! Of course, if you are in the market for a Main Line mansion, I will gladly help you buy this 17,000 SF estate home, and rebate half of the commission, which could be as much as $90,000 to you! Not bad for a day's work if you ask.
"At 11 a.m. April 19, Accelerated Marketing Group of Newport Beach, Calif., and the Main Line Realtor who goes by Linda "Z" will auction it off. Bidding will open at $3 million; reserve is $6 million." as reported by Michael Klein, Philadelphia Inquirer columnist, in the March 23rd column.
Can't wait until the day of auction to see this place? Then view the video from NBC.com: http://video.nbc10.com/player/?id=227909
or you can read up about the sale in Forbes magazine in the Home of the Week!
FOR SALE: The Bonfield Estate, a true piece of Main Line real estate history!
BRYN MAWR -- Bonfield Estate, the former home of businessman Warren V. "Pete" Musser and his ex-wife, is scheduled to be auctioned in April.
PROPERTY:Gatsbyesque Magnificence in 17,000 +/- SF of living space on an unheard of 24+/_ acres in the "Main Line", Bryn Mawr, PA.
Formerly offered at $12,000,000; Will Sell to the Highest Bidder at or above $6,000,000 reserve. Seller has right to lower reserve during bidding.
710 SPROUL ROAD, BRYN MAWR, PA
AUCTION DATE: April 19, 2008 / 12:00 noon
Click here to download the terms of sale (PDF).
Click Here to View Photographs (PDF).
"Bonfield" was built next to the old Radnor Hunt Club in the 1870's by the Clyde family. Many Fox Hunts were held here in the 1880's and later, until Radnor Hunt moved out to Malvern. Later maps show that the property was owned by Henry Breyer of the ice cream family. Henry Stewart bought the property in the 1960's and helped conserve this magnificent 24 acre property by restoring the original Estate House and keeping all the grounds in a charming and rural setting that is unparalleled on the Main Line today. This is one of the most private estates for sale on the Main Line today. It's proximity to schools and local areas of interest is one of its primary selling points.
The current owners have transformed the Estate House, Guest house, Pool House, and Greenhouse, Art studio & office into a family compound that is a quite special and unique on the Main Line. There are nearly 17,000 square feet of totally finished living areas in the four structures. The master suite contains over 1530 square feet in six rooms decorated to perfection with no compromises made. See rooms by clicking on Main Line Estate details.
Tennis players will love the indoor/outdoor lighted Har-tru tennis court on the left side of the photo above.
There are numerous nature trails through-out the property. One can visit the 2 ponds and then hike up the sloping trails to see unspoiled vistas of the countryside. Horses are possible.
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You can search the Main Line, Malvern, Paoli, Wayne, Berwyn and the entire Delaware Valley for Philadelphia Real Estate. Simply click the website above to get started and you will be well on your way.
Welcome to my profile the "Gateway to the Main Line" where you will learn all about fantastic Pennsylvania and about the wonderful Pennsylvania Real Estate available including homes, gentleman and horse farms, investment and commercial real estate and an entire MLS Search that is updated daily.
I am licensed in Pennsylvania and serve the greater Philadelphia Pennsylvania area including the major cities of The Main Line, including Malvern, Paoli, Wayne and Berwyn and the surrounding Delaware Valley area of S.E. Pennsylvania. I began my real estate career in 1997 doing real estate flips and investments, and then decided it to take it to the next step and earn my license and become a REALTOR. At this time, my wife Stephanie and I have expanded our operations to include a mortgage company, The BIG Mortgage Co. as well as an investor portal, Benedict Investment Group, LLC. I have spent the past 10 years developing a system that focuses on my clients needs and takes care of them before, during and after the closing. I have surrounded myself with excellent consumer service focused professionals which include a variety of mortgage lenders, home inspectors, title companies, appraisers & insurance companies. I do not jump from lender to lender, title company to title company etc. I prefer to use the same companies that are tried and true and will be here when the real estate market is strong or weak and that place customer service, integrity and honor at the head of their list of goals they strive for.
My philosphy is that at the end of the day, if I can create a terrific win-win situation for all my buyers, sellers and investors, and if I take care of my clients/customers needs and show them respect, my production will take care of itself. My goal is to have everyone walk away from a real estate transaction feeling they had the best service they could ask for.
My team of agents specialize in all phases of buying as selling real estate with RE/MAX Main Line, as well as offering turnkey investment opportunities in Chester County as well as Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks and Berks Counties.
My agents and I never focus on our accomplishments, rather we completely focus on the client and their needs. Through the use of several marketing programs such as Realtor.com, HomeGain, Harmon Homes, The Real Estate Book, RE/MAX International, REMAX MAIN LINE, and Tour Factory our homes sell fast and for top dollar.
Philadelphia: The city of Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth most populous city in the United States. It is also known as Philadelphia County, and serves as the county seat. It is often referred to as "the City of Brotherly Love." The city is commonly and informally referred to as "Philly," and best known for the Philadelphia Cheesesteak.
Ardmore: A community of approximately 13,000 residents, located on the Main Line, west of Philadelphia. Ardmore is a historic downtown, with one of the largest business districts in the area, and contains a delightful mix of restaurants and small specialty shops, including antique and gift shops. Historic Ardmore is adjacent to Suburban Square, one of America's oldest shopping centers.
Bryn Mawr: The name Bryn Mawr means "Big Hill" in Welsh and takes it's name from an estate in North Wales. Part of Lower Merion Township, and home to over 4000 residents, Bryn Mawr is located just west of Philadelphia along Lancaster Ave (US-30) and borders Delaware County, and is notably home to Bryn Mawr College.
Berwyn: Also known as Devon-Berwyn, the area is a densely populated split of Devon and Berwyn, in Chester County, and home to about 5000 residents. Point of interest is the Jenkins Arboretum, a 46 acre non-profit public park and wildlife sanctuary.
Devon: Regionally famous for the renowned Devon Horse Show, and the Devon Preparatory School, Devon, also known as Devon-Berwyn, the area is a densely populated split of Devon and Berwyn, in Chester County, and home to about 5000 residents.
Gladwyne: One of the wealthiest zip codes in the country, Gladwyne is a suburban community in Montgomery County with a population of over 4000 residents. Home to the Philadelphia Country Club, and, most notably, M. Night Shyamalan, the famous film director, and Andy Reid, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Haverford: Most famous for being the site of Haverford College, Haverford is a community located mostly in Haverford Township in Delaware County, however part of the area is located in Lower Merion Township in Montgomery County.
Lower Merion: Lower Merion Township is located in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania and part of the Pennsylvania Main Line, and home to about 60,000 residents, the ninth largest municipality in Pennsylvania.
Paoli: Home to about 5500 residents, Paoli is located in Chester County, Pennsylvania and sits upon portions of three townships: Easttown, Tredyffrin and Willistown.
Merion: A community in Lower Merion Township, Merion is contiguous with Philadelphia. The main commercial area of Merion is located along Montgomery Avenue and extends into neighboring Bala Cynwyd. This area is sometimes called the Merion-Cynwyd District. It includes restaurants, gift shops and other stores, as well as local landmark establishments including Hymie's Deli, the General Wayne Inn and the Barnes Foundation.
Narberth: Narberth is 1/2-square-mile Borough located in the center of Lower Merion Township. Because of its size, it is known as a "Walking Town" with shopping, recreation, library and schools all within a comfortable walking distance.
Radnor: Also known as Radnor Township, Radnor is a picturesque enclave in Delaware County, with part of the township also located in Chester County. Once a country retreat for the elite, Radnor is now home to Cabrini College and Eastern University.
Rosemont: A Main Line community partly situated in Radnor Township, and Lower Merion Township. Visually known for the beautiful campus of Rosemont College.
St. Davids: Originally named after St. David's Church, located near I-476 (a.k.a. The "Blue Route") and Lancaster Avenue. St. David's is located in Radnor Township, and borders up to Villanova and Wayne Pennsylvania.
Strafford: See Devon or Berwyn.
Villanova: The most notable feature of this Lower Merion Township and Radnor Township community is Villanova University. Also known for its wealthy citizens, such as Michael Smerconish and Pat Croce.
Wayne: A community based in three counties, located on the Main Line and situated in Delaware County, but also extends into Chester County and Montgomery County. The center of the Wayne business district is the intersection of Lancaster Avenue and Wayne Avenue, its main street. The historic Wayne station is located one block north of this intersection. Other institutions and attractions in Wayne include the Valley Forge Military Academy, with a monument from the Battle of the Bulge located by the parade ground.
Wynnewood: Once home to Kobe Bryant while attending Lower Merion High School, Wynnewood is a suburban community of 13,000 residents located just outside Philadelphia in Lower Merion Township.
Reading Terminal Market established in 1892 at 12th and Arch Streets, is the nation’s oldest continuously operating farmers’ market. The Reading Terminal Market is not a quick walk through market, so be prepared to take you time, as there are many varieties of foods to be tastes here, mostly sold by mom-and-pop shops!
The Franklin Institute Science Museum - since 1824, the Franklin Institute Science Museum has delighted families with this hands-on science museum. With a planetarium and IMAX theater, this is a great place to spend the day.
King of Prussia Mall - The Court and the Plaza at the King of Prussia combine to make up the largest mall on the East Coast. From the mundane to the ritzy, this mall really does have it all, and then some.
Longwood Gardens - When you want to feel like a trip to Europe, without an eight hour flight, a long stroll through the gardens at Longwood are sure to take you away from the United States for the day! Longwood Gardens features over 11,000 different types of plants, beautiful grounds and an Italian Water Garden that has to been seen to be appreciated.
Philadelphia Historical Sites - If you are looking for historical sites to visit, here are just a few worth visiting: The Betsy Ross House, Fairmount Park, , the Liberty Bell Center at Independence Hall, (which you may want to start at the Independence Visitor Center) and Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Philadelphia Museum of Art - Philadelphia’s premier art museum and one of the world’s finest collections of rare art. Also well known for Sylvestor Stallone's role in "Rocky" as he ran up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art many, many, many times!
EDUCATION
Public Schools on the Main Line are highly rated and are one of the reasons the Main Line attracts many new residents to the area each year. Main Line Schools are broken into 4 districts, including Lower Merion, Radnor, Haverford and Tredyffrin/Easttown. Pennsylvania has some of the best school districts in the country, and the PA legislature has put education at the top of the list of priorities.
Private Schools are generous in number on the Main Line and include, but are not limited to the Baldwin School, Episcopal Academy, Devon Preparatory School, Friends' Central School, Haverford School, Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Main Line Academy, Malvern Preparatory, Merion Mercy Academy, and Villa Maria Academy.
Colleges and Universities are highly recognized as some of the best schools in the country including Bryn Mawr College, Cabrini College, Eastern University, Haverford College, Rosemont College and Villanova University.
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