Events this week in Bucks County. April 8 – April 12
This is the last week to enjoy the handicraft of many local quilters throughout our area. Peddler’s Village has hosted it’s annual quilt competition and display since January 14th, and the display will end this Wednesday, April 14th. If you have not had the opportunity yet to admire the talents of many throughout our area, I encourage you to visit Peddler’s Village soon!
Flemington, NJ Restaurant Week will be taking place from April 7th through April 13th, and benefits many restaurants throughout the area. All participating restaurants or bakeries will donate a percentage of their profits to the Flemington BID Scholarship Fund, which in turn assists two Hunterdon Central graduating seniors (one male and one female) with college expenses. Those seniors have already identified business as their college major.
Willow Wellness and Chiropractic Care of Doylestown is hosting a free seminar on Wednesday, April 10 starting at 7:00 pm. They will introduce you to all-natural ways to help coughs, upset stomachs, fevers, infections and more through the use of oils and chiropractic care.
Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |Spring real estate market in Yardley & Newtown, Bucks County
If you live in the Yardley, Newtown area, you know that March was a cold, cold month. Looks like we are finally going to get some nice spring weather, this weekend.
It is hard to believe, how the Yardley, Newtown area real estate market turned around, at the start of the year. Since January, it seems as though few people want to sell, and many people want to buy. I have had listings in Yardley, specifically Yardley Estates, as well as listings in Newtown, that have sold in days, often with multiple offers, and in several cases, at prices above the asking price.
I suspect, that this will be an extremely busy real estate weekend. As an example of what is happening in the market right now, I will be showing a buyer houses in the Newtown area, at prices up to about 750,000. We have about 5 houses to look at, which is an incredibly low number of homes, given the price range we are looking at.
Because of the lack of inventory of homes, buyers really have to alter their perspective on the home buying process. After about 5 years of conditions that heavily favor sellers, buyers who are not prepared properly, will lose homes to those buyers who have taken time to adjust to current market conditions. It is a good time to review steps that buyers can take to put themselves in the best possible position.
First, I would suggest that buyers speak with a lender, and actually get approved for a mortgage as an early step in the home buying process. When a buyer makes an offer with an actual mortgage approval, rather than just the standard pre-approval letter, it will put the buyer in a much stronger, competitive position. It is really important that buyers get their financial picture in order, so that they can structure an offer that is as strong as possible.
Next, I think buyers need to make sure that they are realistic in their expectations about the market and pricing. While real estate prices in Yardley, Newtown and throughout Bucks County, have not recovered fully, it is clear that we are back in an appreciating market. For homes that are priced correctly, given location, condition, etc., the probability is that offers will come quickly, and they will be pretty close to the asking price. After many years of buyers achieving discounts from the asking price of 6 to 10%, homes with realistic asking prices will sell now sell quickly. Motivated buyers will need to adjust their thought process.
Finally, I think that buyers will need to re-adjust their thinking, so that if they are motivated to buy, they will need to be prepared to make much faster decisions, than what buyers have been accustomed to. It does not mean that buyers shouldn’t make well thought out, and informed decisions, it just means that they will need to be prepared to move quickly in order to have an opportunity to purchase well priced, new listings.
It is still a great time to buy a house in Yardley, Newtown, or anywhere in Bucks County. Prices are still considerably lower than they were at the height of the market, and interest rates are still at historic lows.
For sellers, if you are thinking of putting your house on the market, it is a great time to speak with me, so that I can show you how to get the highest possible price for your home, in a real estate market that is seriously lacking in houses for sale. We have not heard that in a long, long time! I can be reached at 215-519-1399 or email Marty@MartinMillner.com
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |Weekend Events in Bucks County. March 15th – 17th
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Lovers of fine crafts and art will find more than250 top artisans displaying and selling their unique creations in pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, home décor, furniture and home accessories, items for the garden, and photography.
Date and Time: Friday, Saturday, Sunday March 15th – 17th Friday and Saturday 10:00am – 6:00pm , Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Ave. Oaks, PA 19456
Cost: Adult Admission (At The Door) $10
Admission Good ALL Three Days!
Children Under 12 Free
St. PATRICKS Weekend Celebration
St. Patricks Day and start Spring on a greennote. Live music both days , 1 to 5 pm.. Wine tastings and other items available for purchase. Case discounts available.
Date and Time: Saturday and Sunday, March 16th and 17th, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Crossing Vineyards 1853 Wrightstown Rd., Washington Crossing, PA
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Irish Fest
Free event for the whole family! Join us starting at noon for a day filled with Irish Music, Irish Food, and of course Irish Beer! Music: Hobnail 12:00pm-8:00pm, Free The Lawsuits 10:00pm Food: Corned Beef Shepherd’s Pie Lamb Stew Cheddar Stout Fondue (Regular menu also available) Beer: Irish Dry Stout |
Date and Time: Saturday March 16th, 12:00pm – Close
Location: Triumph Brewing Company, 400 Union Square, New Hope, PA 18938
Cost: $5 cover starts at 9:00pm
New Hope and Lambertville Restaurant Week
The Greater New Hope Chamber of Commerce has announced the fourth annual New Hope & Lambertville Restaurant Week scheduled for Sunday, March 17 through Friday, March 22, 2013. This year, 22 restaurants will participate in the week, long promotion of either a fine dining. $29.95 prix-fixe dinner or $19.95 prix-fixe dinner.
Date and Time: Starts Sunday March 17th March 16th
Location: Participating Restaurants
Cost: $29.95 prix-fixe dinner or $19.95 prix-fixe dinner.
Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County.
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |
Weekend Events in Bucks County. March 8th – 10th
The Irish Rovers – The Beginning of the Long Goodbye Tour
The internationally-acclaimed, long-time Irish folk stars begin what will evolve into their final tour after a lifetime of ‘roving’ – experience them now, while you still can!
Date and Time: Friday March 8th, 7:30pm
Location: Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave., Glenside, PA 19038
Cost: $29.50 and $35.00
Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame Bus Trip
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a place to honor the game. When it opened on June 12, 1939 in Cooperstown, N.Y., the Hall of Fame officially became the home of baseball by serving as its cornerstone and housing the stories honoring the greats of baseball’s past. With over 38,000 three-dimensional artifacts in the Hall of Fame’s collection, each visitor can get a glimpse of what makes baseball special to them.
Date and Time: Saturday March 9th, 6:30am – 10:30pm
Location: Doylestown Parks and Rec. 425 Wells Road, Doylestown, PA 18901. Meet between 6-6:15 am Central Park Tennis Courts Parking Lot.
Cost: $74 Adult (18-64 yrs)
$67 Junior/Senior (13-17 & 65+)
$55 Child (12 & under)
Country legends The Oak Ridge Boys string of hits include the platinum chart topper Elvira plus the number ones Bobbie Sue, American Made, I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes, Fancy Free, Touch A Hand, Make A Friend and Gonna Take A Lot Of Riverfrom ten gold, three platinum and one double platinum albums!
Date and Time: Sunday March 10th, 2 shows – 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Location: Sellersville Theatre, 24 West Temple Ave, Sellersville PA 18960
Cost: $39.50 and $50.00
Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County.
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |
Buying HUD Homes
HUD (Housing and Urban Development) is the federal agency that takes responsibility for FHA backed loans that go wrong… A HUD home is a 1-4 unit residential property acquired by HUD when a loan backed by FHA, goes into foreclosure.
Here are some specifics about the process of buying a HUD home:
- HUD becomes the property owner and offers the home for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.
- HUD homes are appraised and then priced at fair market value for their area. The homes are sold “as is”, but the price has generally been adjusted down to reflect repairs that the homeowner will have to make.
- HUD homes are sold using a bidding process. There is an offer period, during which, sealed bids are accepted from your agent. Once the offer period closes, all bids are opened, and HUD will generally accept the highest bid, or the bid that brings them the highest net.
- If your bid is accepted, your agent will be notified within a couple of days. You will be given a settlement date – usually 30-60 days from the date of the accepted contract.
- If no one makes an offer for a HUD home within a certain amount of time, HUD will lower the price. The price will continue to drop until an offer is made and accepted.
So, what is the best way to safely purchase a HUD home?
- Find the right real estate agent. Only agents who are registered with HUD may represent home buyers and investors in the purchase of a HUD home. The best way to track down the right agent is to go through the website that lists HUD homes in your area, and determine which agent has the most winning bids.
- Be sure to inspect the property before making an offer. The listing agent has access to the property and can show it to you.
- Make an offer based on the process above
- Get your financing in order so you can close in a timely fashion. It could be as soon as 30 days from acceptance date. It would really be in your best interest to secure financing before you make an offer.
Weekend Events in Bucks County. March 1st – 3rd
Weekend Events in Bucks County. March 1st – 3rd
Kids Night Out
Want to get out for a night on the town? Or maybe just a quiet evening? Let the kids have their night so you can have yours. This program is modeled after our popular climbing camp program. It will keep kids engaged in climbing and adventure based activities throughout the evening.
Date and Time: Friday March 1st, 6:00pm – 9:00pm (Drop off and pick-up anytime in between)
Location: Doylestown Rock Gym, 3853 Old Easton Rd, Doylestown, PA 18901
Cost: $35 per child ($20 for DRG Members); $15 per sibling
- Ages 5 -12
- Pizza and all climbing equipment included
Cordus Mundi & Bel Canto Childrens Chorus in Doylestown Concert
Cordus Mundi will be singing a collaborative concert with Bel Canto Children’s Chorus (Joy Hirokawa, director) considered by many to be the best children’s choir in a several county area. Both Cordus and Bel Canto will sing separate sets, and the two groups will then join together for a group of combined SATB pieces conducted by each of the groups’ directors.
Date and Time: Saturday March 2nd, 7:30pm
Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 301 N. Main St.,, Doylestown, PA 18901
Cost: $15, with children under 12 admitted at no charge.
| Volunteer Work Day |
Help us maintain our grounds! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and/or dirty, and bring your own water bottle to refill. We hold this event rain or shine. Give us 4 hours and we’ll give you lunch!
If you’re interested, call Jenn to pre-register (215-785-1177 x14). Meet in the auditorium to sign in, get breakfast, and be assigned a task.
Date and Time: Saturday March 2nd, 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location: Silver Lake Nature Center, 1306 Bath Rd, Bristol, PA 19007
Maple Sugar Festival
Crisp and cold! The sap is running! join us as we travel to the “sugar bush” to collect some sweet sap to bring back to the kettle. We will discuss the historic significance of maple sugar in America as well as the methods used for processing this sweet treat. Sharing this bounty of the forest is an experience not to be missed. Tasty Maple Treats available for purchase.
Date and Time: Saturday March 2nd, 11:00am – 1:30pm
Location: Peace Valley Nature Center, 170 N. Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA 18901
Cost: NO FEE for program, no pre-registration needed.
Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County.
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |
Weekend Events in Bucks County. February 22nd – 24th
Weekend Events in Bucks County. February 22nd – 24th
Pairing Wine and Dessert
Event Manager Kate Sielski will warm up your winter with a special class filled with tips on how to pair wine and desserts. Includes instruction, wine tasting and assorted sweets.
Date and Time: Friday, February 22nd, 7:00pm
Location: Crossing Vineyards. 1853 Wrightstown Road, Washington Crossing PA 18940
Cost: $40 per person.
Monthly Outdoor Flea Market
Monthly flea market-to be held the 4th Saturday of each month.
Residence and business owners are welcome to sell their old and new “Stuff”
Call or email: Colleen at 215-295-1139 x 102. colleens@snipesfarm.org
Date and Time: Saturday, February 23rd, 8:00am – 11:30am
Location: 890 W Bridge St, Morrisville, PA 19067
38th Bucks County Designer House Empty House Party
Love the “Before & After” photos in decorator magazines? Can’t seem to get enough home makeovers on HGTV? Then you owe it to yourself to attend the anxiously anticipated 38th Bucks County Designer House & Gardens Empty House Party, the ultimate “Before!” Stroll the grounds, explore the empty house and meet the Design Team as they share their elaborate plans to transform this expansive, stately manor house. Enjoy light fare, decadent desserts, a copious candy bar and wine and soft drinks. Bid on items in our silent auction donated by designers, restaurants and local businesses; participate in our raffles. Tour the “After” from April 28 – May 26.
Date and Time: Sunday, February 24th, 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: 360 Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown, PA 18901
Cost: $25 in advance – $30 at the door
Bucks County Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
The Concert will consist of two works: 1. Mozart; Coronation Mass,K.317 Central Bucks High School Symphonic Choral, Cynthia E.Young, Director Maria Aleda, Soprano 2. Mahler: Symphony No.4 in G Major, Maria Aleda, Soprano
Date and Time: Sunday February 24th, 3:00pm
Location: Central Bucks South High School, 1100 Folly Rd, Warrington, PA 18976
Cost: Soprano $18.00 each – advance sale $20.00 – at door, $15.00 each - Seniors, Students – free
Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County.
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |Weekend Events in Bucks County. February 15th-17th
Weekend Events in Bucks County. February 15th-17th
Romantic Candlelit Valentine’s Dinner
Come to Crossing Vineyards & Winery to treat your Sweetheart to a unique romantic evening. Includes a five-course gourmet dinner and a bottle of house wine per couple. Cost: $89 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Call for reservations: 215-493-6500, ext. 19 or buy on-line.
Date and time: Saturday February 16th at 7:00 pm
Location: Crossing Vineyards and Winery, 1853 Wrightstown Rd, Washington Crossing, PA
Ottsville Indoor Farmer’s Market
Head to the greenhouse at Linden Hill Gardens for fresh, local food including coffee, bread, cheese, mushrooms, cookies, baked goods, chocolates, and handmade products as well as winter activities including ice-skating, smore-making and sledding.
Date and Time: Saturday February 16th, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Location: Greenhouse – 8230 Easton Rd, Ottsville Pa
Blood Drive. Sponsored by Bertucci’s Trevose and The American Red Cross
American Red Cross and Bertucci’s Trevose blood drive. Each person who donates blood will receive a voucher for a free lunch at Bertucci’s Trevose
Date and Time: Saturday February 16th, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Location: Bertucci’s , 3617 Horizon blvd , Trevose , PA
5th Annual Bucks County Bridal Show
Explore classic to contemporary wineries, historic mansions and castles, charming Bed & Breakfasts, chic ballrooms and a wide variety of vendors for all your wedding needs. FREE – Click here to Register
Date and Time: Sunday February 16th, 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Location: Bucks County Visitor Center, 3207 Street Road , Bensalem, PA
Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County.
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |
What Is The Best Time to List Your Home?
So you’ve decided to sell your home. You may be asking yourself – is this a good time to list my house? What is the best time to list a home?
Most homeowners want to list their home as soon as possible. They’ve been thinking about it for some time, and now that the decision has been made, they want to put it on the MLS as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, that is not very realistic. The REALTOR® has work to do to gather information and enter it into the MLS. The home must be cleaned and repairs made. Pictures and virtual tours must be taken, signs put up, and a lockbox installed. The home should not go onto the MLS until it is entirely ready to be sold.
So, once all of that is complete, what is the best day of the week to list the home? The best answer is as soon as possible after midnight on Thursday morning. This is because your house is now available for all the Realtors planning their weekend showings, and the house will show 0 days on the market on Thursday, 1 day on the market on Friday, and 2 days on the market on Saturday (and Saturday is the most important day of the real estate week).
The fewer the days on the market, the greater you have of selling your home quickly and attract a full price offer.
Now let’s look at the best season to sell. Opinions vary widely on this. A lot of people think that selling to coincide with the school year is best – so late spring and summer. There are surely more buyers out in warm weather, but there are also usually, double the active listings. In the off months, there are fewer listings and the buyers who are out there are more serious about buying – not just out looking. This means there is less competition and homes that sell in winter sell 1.4% closer to their original listing price.
Research shows that the tail end of winter is an excellent time to list, with March being the best month. Listing your home in March results in it being on the market for the shortest amount of time, with homes listed in October taking the longest time to sell.
In Bucks County, confidence is high and inventory is low right now. Combine that with historically low interest rates, and the result is high buyer activity. Buyers who have been sitting on the fence waiting are now jumping into the market, making this a perfect time to list your home.
A recent listing of mine in Yardley Hunt, sold within days of going on the market for virtually the asking price, and another in Yardley Estates, sold well over the asking price with multiple offers.
As March is rapidly approaching, and you have been considering selling your home, it’s time to make a move. Your window of opportunity to sell your home quickly and for top dollar is almost upon us.
Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County.
Continue Reading > Add a Comment |There are lots of great events in Bucks County this weekend. Get out and enjoy!
There are lots of great events in Bucks County this weekend. Get out and enjoy!
JOHN DENVER – A ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH CONCERT
All of your favorite John Denver hits – Leaving on a Jet Plane, Take Me Home Country Roads, Rocky Mountain High, Sunshine on My Shoulders, Annie’s Song and many more classics – like never before. Hear the timeless songs performed by live musicians, featuring members of Denver’s former touring band and a 6-piece string section, as you witness incredible projected video of John Denver himself performing live on stage. A must-see for the countless people touched by Denver’s music!
Friday FEB 8 • 8:00PM
Price: $29, $39 & $45
Location: Keswick Theatre, 291 N. Keswick Ave. , Glenside, PA
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Wine Tasting for Singles
A Unique Way to Meet New People.
Wine, cheese, and music!
Friday, February 8, 7:00pm
Cost: $10 per person
Crossing Vineyards and Winery, Inc.
1853 Wrightstown Road
Washington Crossing, PA
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SPORTSMAN’S SHOW & FLEA MARKET Sponsored by: Ralph’s Fishing Hunting & Camping
150 tables of new, used and collectable hunting, fishing, trapping, archery, guns, knives, Charter Captains, taxidermy, merchandise & services. Show held inside a large heated building. Door prizes, free appraisals, food available, free parking, and easy access
Saturday Feb, 9th
9:00am – 2:00pm
$8.00 $4.00 children 12 & under free.
Location: Leesport Farmers Market, 312 Gernants Church Road , Leesport, PA
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SINGLES WALKS – Peace Valley Nature Center
Director Naturalist Craig Olsen will lead singles of all ages for informative walks. Search for animal signs, wildflowers, birds, and whatever is out there! Bring lunch for after the walk.
Saturdays February 9th 10:30—Noon
$2 donation suggested.
PEACE VALLEY NATURE CENTER
170 N. Chapman Road, Doylestown, PA 18901
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ANNUAL DADDY/DAUGHTER VALENTINE’S DANCE
Sponsored by: Upper Bucks YMCA
Dads and their little girls can enjoy an afternoon of dancing, games, crafts and fun. Dress your best, drinks and snacks will be served. Be sure to sign up early, space is limited. Raffle tickets are available for $1 each or your daughter’s arm length for $5. Sweet heart photos available for $5 includes make your own picture frame.
Sunday, February 10th 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Fee: Full Member – Full Member:$18/child, Program Member:$20/child (Non-Member: $25/child)
Location: UBYMCA, 401 Fairview Ave , Quakertown, PA
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Feel free to contact me if you are looking for a new home in 2013.
There are a lot of great homes in Yardley, Newtown and all of Bucks County
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