Marty Millner
Archive for October, 2009
New Hope, PA, Bucks County, NEW HOPE PUMPKIN FEST COSTUME CONTEST & PHOTO BOOTH – Saturday, October 31th, 2009
New Hope Pumpkinfest
NEW HOPE PUMPKIN FEST COSTUME CONTEST & PHOTO BOOTH Come join the New Hope Chamber of Commerce on Halloween, October 31st from 12pm to Midnight at the New Hope Visitors Center for Pumpkin Fest, Costume Contest and Photo Booth. Wear your costumes as prizes will be awarded in the categories of Best Dressed Pet, Best Costume – Kids 1-8 years, Best Costume – Kids 8-13 years, Best Costume – Youth 14-18 years. For adult enter to win in the following contests: Scariest costume, Funniest costume, Most outrageous costume and Best couple costumes. From 3 to 7pm, kids are welcome to trick or treat at New Hope Merchants; free bags will be provided at the Visitors Center. Stores will be decorated and many fun activities will be available such as a Pumpkin Pie eating contest and face painting. Call me if you would like more information or visit the New Hope Chamber of Commerce Halloween site for more information and additional events that will be happening throughout the week. Be sure to stop me and say “Hi” during the fun!
What does the price have to do with selling, in Yardley, Lower Makefield Township, Bucks County?
Median price per square foot vs. Days on market Yardley, PA
How important is the price, when you are selling a house in Bucks County? I have recently worked with 2 sellers, with houses in a couple of different market areas that I service, that tell a great story about how important price really is.
Interestingly enough, both houses were contemporary. Both houses were in very nice neighborhoods. It happened that one of the homes was in Lawrence, New Jersey, while the other was in Lower Makefield Township. Both houses were very similar, with regards to age and updating.
Here is where it gets interesting. When we listed the New Jersey house, the seller indicated that she was not particularly motivated. She was looking to downsize, but was willing to wait to get a price that she was comofortable with. She ackowledged that her price was high, given recent activity, but at the time, she was willing to wait for as long as it took,to get the price she was looking for. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania seller, who was also looking to downsize, appeared to be somewhat more motivated, as that seller had already decided on where theywere going.
Based on our original listing price, which was higher than what I initially suggested, the New Jersey house remained on the market for a long time. By the time I listed the Lower Makefield Township house, the New Jersey house had been on the market for many weeks. Shortly after listing the Lower Makefield house, the seller in New Jersey became significantly more motivated. She and I discussed what she would need to do to sell her house, so she could move on with her life. I suggested a new listing price. Within several weeks of adjusting the price, we recieved a great offer on the house which the seller was thrilled to accept.
Unfortunately, the experience with the Lower Makefield house was not as successful. The seller’s initial price was somewhat higher than I suggested. The feedback consistantly indicated that the price was too high. The house needed updating, which was reflected in the price concerns.
According to the market statistics, the average days on the market, for homes in the most expensive quartile in Lower Makefield is 201 days. Unfortunately, the seller was not able to understand the critical nature of pricing, so instead of reacting pro-actively to what the market was telling them, they looked for external reasons to explain what was happening. Must be the marketing approach, the realtor, other realtors, buyers can’t really afford their house. As realtors, we have heard all the explainations. We even had an independant appraisal done, but the seller was not comfortable even reducing the price to match the appraisal. They wanted to give themselves room to negotiate.
Basically the marketing strategy was similar with both houses. Once the New Jersey house was priced correctly, we had lots of showings, very positive feedback, and within a relatively short period of time, a great offer. The seller has already moved into her new home, and is totally thrilled, while the Lower Makefield Township seller, is still frustrated, confused and pondering their situation.
I have worked with hundreds and hundreds of sellers, and it still amazes me that there are sellers who just don’t understand how critically important the price is. This has never been more true, than it is right now, given very challenging market conditions. Certainly there needs to be a consistant marketing effort, including professional photography, virtual tours, strong on-line exposure, etc. However, without a doubt, the single most important decision that sellers need to make, is the price. The house absolutely most be priced agressivley and correctly.
Warrington, Pa., Bucks County – Winding Brook Farm Autumn Family Fun Activities – Through October 31st, 2009
Corn Maze
I feel like since the weather is about to get colder out, that I need to visit every outdoor event this fall.
Well, here is another great event being held by Winding Brook Farms in Warrington, Pa. The “Amazing” Corn Maize, Hay Maze, Li’l Peepers Hayride, Pumpkin Patch, weekly entertainment, concerts and more.
CORN MAiZE: A 5 acre maze to test your skill! Come see our design this year, created by Brett Herbst, founder of The Maize, LLC. These guys are the leading corn maze design/consulting company in the world. Expect 30 minutes or more to complete the maize. A trivia question “passport” can help guide you through the maze, if answered correctly. In the event of defeat, they have “corn cops” to show you the way out. How fun!
HAY MAZE: A labyrinth of hay bales towering above your head. It will take a few minutes to wind your way through this puzzle. Kids will love to enter numerous times, at no additional charge.
LI´L PEEPERS HAYRIDE: This is an evening hayride with Family Friendly Halloween Scenes. The hayride lasts approximately 30 minutes and is suitable for all ages.
PUMPKIN PATCH: A walk-to-patch, free of charge, is available. Or take a hayride to the pumpkin patch where each person can pick their perfect
They have also launched a Haunted Hayride this year called “Night Chills” and have a combo ticket for that with their Corn Walk of Horror for $25. This is for the family members who prefers their Autumn entertainment of the “spine-chilling” variety. The Haunted Hayride runs through 10/30. The duration is approximately 30 minutes.
See their website for ticket prices and combination deals. Some events are free with purchase. Tickets are also available at the farm on event dates.
Call me if you have question or just come out and enjoy the fall weather.
Newtown, PA-Pricing your home to sell, Sept 2009 home sales and market trends
The chart to the right, tracks the median price of single family houses in Newtown, vs. the days on the market for that last quarter. As you can see, the median price has consistantly been dropping. For all single family houses, you can see that the average days on the market is currently around 226. That is a sobering statistic, if your goal is to get your house sold. Basically, average days on the market, for all single family homes in Newtown, is now over 7 months!
Don’t get too discouraged, there is hope! Homes that are priced right from the start will sell sooner and for more money. If you review the homes that sold in Newtown in September you will notice a trend. Homes that were priced in line with the market sold closer to asking price ( sometimes even above asking price) and in a much shorter time.
If you are ready to sell your home be sure to partner with your agent as much as possible when determining the price of your home and be realistic when setting the sales price. Overpricing on purpose and then counting on settling for the “real” price is setting your self up for failure.
| Address | Original list price | List price at sale | Sale Price | DOM |
| 435 E Penn St | $764,900 | $719,900 | $650,000 | 98 |
| 1016 Diamond Dr | $204,900 | $204,900 | $196,500 | 6 |
| 3001 Society Pl A1 | $275,000 | $219,900 | $200,000 | 111 |
| 125 N Park Rd | $199,900 | $199,900 | $200,000 | 8 |
| 3512 Society Pl D2 | $227,900 | $227,900 | $210,000 | 51 |
| 303 Milford Ct | $234,000 | $215,000 | $215,000 | 122 |
| 226 Leedom Way 102 | $242,000 | $242,000 | $235,000 | 12 |
| 172 Windham Ct | $265,000 | $259,000 | $250,000 | 23 |
| 26 Crabapple Pl | $298,000 | $298,000 | $270,000 | 8 |
| 46 Skyview Way | $274,900 | $274,900 | $270,000 | 7 |
| 71 Kirkwood Dr | $329,000 | $329,000 | $320,000 | 57 |
| 25 Spruce Ct | $369,900 | $344,000 | $330,000 | 49 |
| 25 Sparrow Walk | $344,900 | $344,900 | $338,500 | 19 |
| 6 Willow Ct | $339,900 | $339,900 | $340,000 | 3 |
| 528 Coachwood Ct | $379,900 | $369,900 | $350,000 | 121 |
| 42 Northrup Ct | $349,900 | $349,900 | $354,000 | 35 |
| 293 Stanford Pl | $384,900 | $379,900 | $365,000 | 126 |
| 62 Hershey Ct | $424,900 | $399,900 | $376,000 | 296 |
| 412 Taylor Ave | $414,750 | $414,750 | $400,000 | 5 |
| 76 Brecknock Ct | $449,900 | $449,900 | $437,000 | 98 |
| 35 Teaberry Ln | $449,900 | $449,900 | $445,000 | 2 |
| 17 Brecknock Ct | $499,900 | $499,900 | $480,000 | 33 |
| 151 Crittenden Dr | $559,900 | $529,900 | $499,900 | 29 |
| 209 Crittenden Dr | $509,900 | $509,900 | $500,000 | 9 |
| 2 Eldridge Rd | $675,000 | $675,000 | $590,000 | 164 |
| 25 Warwick Ct | $695,000 | $695,000 | $595,000 | 55 |
| 32 Sibelius Dr | $1,050,000 | $975,000 | $905,000 | 175 |
Is social media just a fad?
This video was sent to me, by realtors that I network with, in Arizona. Although it is not specifically related to the real estate market, I thought it was really interesting, and worth posting on my blog. There are some statistics that relate to the proliferation of social networking sites and activity, that are really amazing. It is only about 4 minutes, and definitely worth watching.
I would love to know what you think.
Is Social Media a fad? Judge for yourself. 
Yardley, Newtown, Pa, Bucks County. Many Halloween Events around the Area– October 1, 2009 to November 1, 2009
Bucks County. Many Halloween Events around the Area– October 1, 2009 to November 1, 2009
It is that time of year again! Halloween Hayrides, some very scary, some not as scary, you can take your pick.
Shady Brook Farms has something for everyone. Come early in the day to take a hayride to the pumpkin patch and then stay around in the evening for the Shady Brook Farm’s “Horrorfest”. Horrorfest has four thrilling attractions such as the Hayride of Horror, Barn of Horror, Alien Encounter and Deadtime Stories Corn Maze. You can check times and buy tickets online at Shady Brook Farms.
A great hayride for the family is at Active Acres. Here you can ride to the pumpkin patch to pick your own pumpkins. Enjoy pony rides, the corn maze, farm animals and more. It is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 3:30pm through October 26th.
We have all heard of and hopefully have toured the Eastern State Penitentiary. The Halloween attraction, “Terror Behind the Walls” is back with the New Infirmary now open. Voted #1 Haunted House in America, don’t miss the chance to be inside the 11 acres abandoned prison. Visit the Easter State Penitentiary “Terror Behind the Walls” for more information.
Come out to the Grand Opening weekend of the Valley of Fear and The Original Haunted Hayride here in Feasterville, PA. Or if you can’t make it this weekend, you have plenty of opportunities as they will be open every Thursday through Sunday from October 1 to October 25 and then daily from October 27th to November 1st. There are three main attractions for you to see. First is the Original Haunted Hayride. Second are the Miles Manor and One Eyes Willy. Third is the Valley of Fear. Visit the Valley of Fear website and print off an opening weekend coupon for 3 attractions for the price of two. You can also purchase the Fear Pass or VIP Fear Pass only which will let you skip to the front of the line on all three attractions.
What a great way to spend time outside before the weather turns cold. If you need more information, please call me.
Newtown, Pa. Bucks County, A Celtic Family Evening with The Martin Family Band – Saturday, October 10th, 2009
Martin Family Band
Come join me this Saturday, October 10th at Bucks County Community College in Newtown, Pa for an evening of lively music, dance and storytelling by The Martin Family Band. If you don’t know, The Martin Family Band let me tell you a little about them. They are from south-eastern Pennsylvania and are an exciting, energetic group that features traditional Celtic music as well as Irish step dancing. Five of the six Martin siblings along with Mom and Dad and friend of the family, Earl Pyles, have been performing Celtic music since early 2004. The band consists of the fiddling Martin sisters, Emily, Melissa, and Christy, brother, Brian, and dad, Nelson, on guitars; mom, Elaine, on bass; and drummer Earl Pyles. Their younger brother, Zach on fiddle, joins in this lively band winning the hearts of any audience. They have performed at various fairs, festivals, theaters, and other venues such as Bethlehem Musikfest, Berks Jazz Fest, McLain Celtic Festival, Sycamore Shoals Celtic Festival, Kutztown PA German Festival, the Kirkland Arts Center, and the Miller Performing Arts Center. The performance starts at 7pm this Saturday in the Gateway Auditorium at Bucks County Community College. Tickets are $15.00 for an Adult, Bucks County students and kids 12 and under are free. Tickets are available on campus at the Student Life Information Center or online at BCCC Tickets. A reception follows the performance. Audience members are invited to meet the performers and enjoy a beautifully prepared spread of Celtic food and refreshments! What a fun and enjoy night to spend with friends and family. Call me if you need any more information.
Yardley, Pa. Bucks County, The AJ Foundation’s 2nd Annual Bike Ride for Autism – Saturday, October 3rd, 2009
I just wanted to let everyone know that this Saturday is the 2nd Annual “AJF50 Bike Ride For Autism 2009″ through Bucks County, PA. If you are not familiar with The AJ Foundation, they are a non-profit organization here in Bucks County that was formed by parent and family members of children with autism. It is a great organization in our area that is dedicated to improving the lives of children with autism. One of their top accomplishments is starting one of Pennsylvania’s first private schools called the Comprehensive Learning Center that specialized for children with autism.
There are two different rides you can choose from on Saturday, Oct. 3rd. First is the 50 mile ride that starts at 8:30am, through the scenic parts of Lower Makefield and Upper Makefield. I know it seems like a lot, especially through the hilly terrain, but what a great cause you would be raising money for.
The second ride starts at 10am and is a lot shorter. It is only 12 miles through the neighborhoods of Lower Makefield utilizing all the great bike paths our community offers.
A bonus is that lunch will be provided by Giuseppe’s out of Richboro, PA . What excellent Italian food!!
What a great foundation to help raise money for! Visit http://www.ajfoundation.org/ajf-events.asp for registration. If you would like more information, please call me. Maybe I will bike into you and say “Hi”.
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