Glen Russell Real Estate Professional Collegeville, PA

Fire Prevention is something that is very important to my team and I. You could deffinitley say it's a cause we all believe in, and strive to work for.

Most recently, we helped out at Limerick Community Days handing out over 300 pamphlets on fire safety and other information, and we did it in the rain!

I also have been a part of the Limerick Fire Company for 24 years, making my way up to Deputy Chief, a role I take very seriously.

This week, me and some other guys from the fire company will be traveling to local schools in the area to put on presentations about the importance of fire safety, and tips of fire prevention. It's pretty cool when you see the kids getting into it, because you know their learning something really important.

The presentations we do consist of mock drills, handing out information, and a question and answer portion. There's no reason why we can't teach something as important as fire safety, and have fun doing it.

To find out which schools we will be attending, or for any other questions about fire safety, or for all of your real estate needs, please never hesitate to call!

Make it an awesome day!

Glen Russell

610.792.3000

This years Halloween Parade will be held OCTOBER 29TH at 6:30 PM. It will be about an hour to an hour and a half long. The parade begins behind Benjamin Moore Paint, and the BP Gas Station, which are located on Main Street in Collegeville.

The parade will be making it's way EAST down Main St. and end at The Philly Soft Pretzel Factory, at approximately 7:30pm.

Remember! There is a costume contest for all different age groups!

If you would like to be in the parade, there is NO formal registration required. If you would like to be in the parade or for any other questions call Mr. Joe Greenwald @ 610.220.6454

Make it an awesome day, and I hope to see you all there!!

Glen 610.792.3000

The actual borough of Collegeville PA is very small, and often confused for the entire Collegeville area.

The information listed about is calculated from October 2007 - until August 2008.

For an area with a population of only 4,600, that is only 1.6 square miles in size, there sure is a lot of business going on!

Clearly my team and I do business in many more areas, and I would love to do a market analysis for any area in question.

Make it an awesome day & never hesitate to call for any of your real estate needs!

Glen Russell

Unlike to experience of buying your first home, when you're looking to move up, and already own a home, there are certain factors that can complicate the situation. It is very important for you to consider these issues before you LIST your home for sale.

Not only is there the issue of financing to consider, but you also have to sell your present home at exactly the right time in order to avoid either the financial burden of owning two homes or, even worse, the dilemma of having no place to live during the gap between closings.

These common mistakes have simple strategies to overcome them. Being informed will help you make better choices before you put your existing home on the market.

Rose-Colored Glass -

Many of us dream of improving our lifestyle and moving to a larger home. The problem is that most times theres a discrepancy between our hearts and our bank accounts. How many times have you drove past a home you instantly fell in love with, only to find out that it's already sold, or that it's more than you can afford. Most homeowners get caught in this hit or miss strategy of house-hunting when theres a much easier way of going about the process.

For Example: * Find out if your agent offers a buyer profile system or "house-hunting service" which takes the guess work away, and helps to put you in the home of your dreams.

* This type of program will help cross match your criteria with ALL available homes on the market, and supply you with printed information on an on going basis. A program like this helps homeowners take off their rose-colored glasses, and affordably move into the home of their dreams!

Failing to Make Necessary Improvements -

If you want to get the best price for the home your selling, and who wouldnt? There will certainly be things you can do to enhance it in the prospective buyers eyes. These fix-ups don't necessarily have to be expensive, but if you do have to make a minor investment, it will often come back to you ten-fold in the price you are able to get when you sell.

**It is very important to make these changes before you put your home on the market. **If cash is tight, look into an equity loan that you can deffinatley re-pay on closing.

Not Selling First -

You should plan to sell before you buy. This way you will not find yourself at a disadvantage at the negotiating table, feeling pressured to accept an offer that is below market value because you have to meet a purchase deadline.

* If you've already sold your home, you can buy your next home with no strings attached. If you do get a tempting offer on your home but haven't made significant headway on finding your next home, you may want to put in a "contingency clause" in the sale contract.

* A contingency clause will give you plenty of reasonable time to find a home to buy.

* If the market is slow, and your home is not selling as quick as you would like it to, another option could be renting your home, and putting it back on the market later - particularly if you are selling a smaller "starter" home.

* You can eliminate both of these options by working with an agent who offers a GUARANTEE that your home will sell. The Glen Russell Team offers The 70 DAY GUARANTEE.

Failing to Get Preapproved For a Mortgage -

Preapproval is a very simple process that many home owners fail to take advantage of. It is free, and doesn't obligate you to anything. Preapproval gives you a significant advantage when you put an offer on the home you want to purchase, because you know exactly how much house you can afford, and you already have the green light from your financial institution.

With a preapproved mortgage, your offer will be viewed much more favorably by a seller - sometimes even if it is a little lower than another offer that's contingent on financing. **Don't fail to take this important step!

Getting Caught in Real Estate "Catch 22" -

Your biggest dilemma when buying and selling is deciding which to do first. One of the points above, advises you to sell first. HOWEVER!! Some agents, including the Glen Russell Team offer a "Guaranteed Sale "Trade Up" Program that acually takes that problem away from you entirely.

*** It guarantees the sale of your present home before you take possession of your next one. If you find a home you wish to purchase and have not sold your current home yet, we will buy your home from you ourselves so you can make your move free of stress and worry!

Last BUT NOT LEAST! - Failing to Coordinate Closings -

With 2 major transactions to coordinate together with all of the people involved, such as a mortgage loan officer, appraisers, lawyers, title company representatives, home inspectors or pest inspectors, the chances of mix-ups and miscommunication go up dramatically.

** To avoid a logistical nightmare ensure you work closely with your agent.

Make it an Awesome Day!!

Glen Russell 610.792.3000

http://www.glenrussell.com/

I'll just pick up right where we left off.

14. Deal Killer Odors - Must Go! -

• Odd smells such as food, pets, and smoking that you may not notice, can often times be deal breakers.
• If a potential buyer knows you have a pet or smoke, they may start being aware of odors and seeing stains that may not even exist.
• Don't leave any clues!

15. Be a Smart Seller - Disclose EVERYTHING -

• Smart sellers are proactive in disclosing all known defects to their buyers in writing.
• This can reduce liability and prevent lawsuits down the road.

16. It's Better With More Prospects -

• When you market your homes marketability, you will most likely attract more than 1 buyer.
• It's obviously much better to have several buyers because they will compete with each other, whereas with one buyer they usually end up competing with you.

17. Keep Emotions in Check During Negotiations -

• Let go of the emotion you've invested in your home.
• Be detached and use a business like manner in your negotiations.
• You will have an advantage over those who get caught up emotionally in the situation.

18. Learn Why The Buyer is Motivated -

• The better you know your buyer, the better you can use the negotiation process to your advantage.
• This allows you to control the pace and duration of the process.
• Knowing what motivates your buyers, such as having to move quickly, puts you in a much better position to bargain.

19. What The Buyer Can Really Pay -

• As soon as possible, try to find out what amount of mortgage the buyer is qualified to carry, and how much his or her down payment is.
• If their offer is low, ask their realtor about their ability to pay what your home is worth.

20. When The Buyer Would Like to Close -

• Quite often when the buyer would "like" to close is when the buyer "needs" to close.
• Knowledge of their deadlines for completing negotiations again creates an advantage for you.

21. Never Sign a Deal on Your Next Home until You Sell Your Current Home -

• You could easily becomes an "eager seller" if you close on your second home while your still making mortgage payments on your first home.
• This could even make you "desperate" for the first deal that comes along.

22. Moving Out Before You Sell Can Put You at a Disadvantage -

• It has been proven that it is more difficult to sell a home that is vacant because it becomes almost "sad" looking, or "forgotten about".
• Buyers start to get the message that you have another home and are probably motivated to sell.
• This could wind up costing you thousands of dollars.

23. Deadlines Create a Disadvantage -

• Never try to sell by a certain date.
• This always adds uneeded stress, and is a serious disadvantage in negotiations.

24. A Low Offer - Dont Take it Personally -

• Often times the initial offer is lower than what you and the buyer knows will acually be paid.
• Dont be upset, evaluate the offer objectively.
• Be sure it spells out : the offering price, sufficient deposit, amount of down payment, mortgage amount, a closing date, and any special requests.
• This can simply be a starting point from which you can begin to negotiate.

25. Turn That Low Offer Around -

• You can always counter a low offer or even an offer that is just under your asking price.
• This lets the buyer know that the first offer is not seen as a serious one.
• Now you'll only be negotiating with buyers with serious offers.

26. Maybe The Buyers Not Qualified -

• If you feel an offer is inadequate, now is the time to make sure the buyer is qualified to carry the size of mortgage the deal requires.
• Ask how they arrived at their figure, and suggest they compare your price to the prices of homes for sale in your neighborhood or area.

27. Ensure The Contract is Complete -

• To avoid problems, always ensure that all terms, costs and responsibilities are spelled out in the contract of sale.
• It should include such terms as : The date it was made, names of parties involved, address of property being sold, purchase price, where deposit monies will be held, date for loan approval, date and place of closing, type of deed, including any contingencies that remain to be settled and what personal property is included (or not included) in the sale.

28. Resist Deviating From The Contract -

• For example, if the buyer requests a move in prior to closing, JUST SAY NO.
• State that you have been "advised against it."
• Now is not the time to take any chances of the deal falling through.

I really hope these tips have helped shed some light. If you have any questions or comments, or for all of your real estate needs. Please never hesitate to call.

Make it an awesome Day!

Glen Russell 610.792.3000

WWW.GlenRussell.Com