I​nventory is low, so homes are selling faster than ever that are priced right and positioned properly.  Yet, with the advent of HGTV buyers expect homes to be picture perfect which sellers find frustrating. Let’s take a look at second quarter stats that were just released. 

In Bucks County, the average sales price is $354,719 that is up 7.1% from this time last year!  The number of homes coming on the market has decreased in 2017 yet the number of closed sales is greater than it was in 2015 & 2016. 

​In Montgomery County, the average sales price is $339,640 that is up 7.9% from this time last year!  The number of homes coming on the market has decreased in 2017 yet the number of closed sales is greater than it was in 2015 & 2016. 

​In Philadelphia, the average sales price is $269,592 that is up 12.6% from this time last year!  The number of homes coming on the market has decreased in 2017 yet the number of closed sales is greater than it was in 2015 & 2016. 

​In Mercer County, NJ the average sales price is stayed about the same  at $340,778 that is down -.3% from this time last year.  The number of homes coming on the market has decreased in 2017 yet the number of closed sales is greater than it was in 2015 & 2016. 

In Burlington County, NJ the average sales price is stayed about the same  at $234,090 that is down -3.6% from this time last year.  The number of homes coming on the market has decreased in 2017 yet the number of closed sales is greater than it was in 2015 & 2016. 

This September and October we will be hosting 5 home selling seminars:
Sept 13 at the Warminster Library
Sept 21 at the Lower Southampton Library
October 4 at Homewood Suites in Newtown
October 11 at the Northampton Library
October 19 at the Middletown Township building
 
As always be on the look out for next month’s market update.  If you hear of a friend or family member looking to buy or sell, remember to tell them about The Swain Team.
 

​Meticulously maintained home situated on premium lot with no homes in the immediate rear, offering expansive views as far as the eye can see.  Step inside to the foyer accented by gleaming hardwood floors that extend through to the dining room, and eat in kitchen.  The bright and airy eat in kitchen has been completely remodeled and is sure to please! The kitchen features SS appliances, newer cabinets,   recessed lighting and granite countertops.  The kitchen opens to the bright and airy family room with wood fireplace.  1st floor laundry/mud room and completely remodeled powder room complete the first floor.  Upstairs features four spacious Bedrooms including Master Suite with vaulted ceiling, remodeled Master Bath and large walk-in closet. The 3 remaining Bedrooms, and second full bath area complete the 2nd Floor. The tastefully Finished Basement features open entertaining/play area and separate area for storage. Just minutes from I-95 and the Turnpike. Located in the Council Rock School System this meticulously cared-for home is adjacent to Newtown Boro's quaint shops and restaurants.

Coming Soon!...August 28th!  To learn more about this home or to schedule a tour in advance, please call 215-757-7257 or email: TheSwainTeam@gmail.com

Picturesque 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home located in desirable Pine Tree Farms!  Lushly landscaped oversized corner lot home offering many upgrades!  Step inside the home to the foyer which leads to the sizeable living room.  You are welcomed into the living room by gleaming hardwood floors that extend throughout most of the 1st floor.  Natural light floods the living room though the bow window that overlooks the charming side yard.  The stone hearth wood burning fireplace is the focal point of the room with custom glass doors.  The living room opens to the eat in kitchen featuring new Stainless steel appliances, large pantry, and ample cabinet space.  Enjoy your morning coffee at your bistro table as you gaze out your garden window that overlooks the side yard. The main bedroom is sure to please with a sliding glass door leading to the side patio complete with a motorized retractable awning.  Entertain friends under the second side patio that offers a decorative fireplace and recessed lighting.  Home also features fresh paint, new roof (2015), Gutters (2015), Hot water heater (2016), garage with attic and loft storage, newer washer and dryer, and updated bathrooms.

Coming Soon!...August 28, 2017

Coming Soon!...September 15, 2017!  To learn more about this home or to schedule a tour in advance, call 215-757-7257 or email: TheSwainTeam@gmail.com

Picturesque ranch home situated in an ideal location!  The home features a large remodeled eat in kitchen with newer appliances, cabinets, corian counter tops, and a huge pantry.  As well the main bathroom has been updated.  The master bedroom features a walk in closet.  The basement offers ample storage and a laundry area.  Many upgrades through out including updated 220 electric, newer roof (2013), Whole house generator, and sump pump with backup.  Home is being freshly painted and new carpets are being installed.  Home is located in a quiet neighborhood in Warminster, yet just blocks from it all!

​Coming Soon...September 15, 2017!

Inventory is low, so homes are selling faster than ever!  But there are still some outliers -- homes that, for whatever reason, can't attract a serious buyer. According to The National Association of Realtors, 2017 Profile of Home Staging - the tipping point may come from a splash of paint and some carefully placed furniture.

Thirty-nine (39) percent of seller’s agents said staging a home “greatly” decreases the amount of time a home stays on the market, and 77 percent of buyer’s agents said a staged listing makes it easier for buyers “to visualize the property as their future home.”

“Realtors know how important it is for buyers to be able to picture themselves living in a home and staging a home makes that process much easier for potential buyers.
Thirty-seven (37) percent of seller’s agents say they ask that clients make minor changes such as:

• Decluttering (93 percent)
• Entire home cleaning (89 percent)
• Carpet cleaning (81 percent)
• Remove pets during showings (80 percent)
• Minor repairs (75 percent)
• Depersonalize home (72 percent)

One question we get frequently is, "Do I have to stage the whole home?"  NO you do not. Your three most important rooms are the Living room, Kitchen and Master bedroom. Twenty-nine (29) percent of respondents said these changes increased the home’s final selling price by 1 to 5 percent, and 21 percent said the home’s final selling price increased by 6 to 10 percent.

Ninety-eight (98) percent of respondents who were buyer’s agents said home staging has some effect on their client’s decision to make an offer, and 31 percent said buyers are willing to spend 1 to 5 percent more on a home that was staged.

Staging is an extra step sellers take to help sell their home more quickly and for the most money possible.

Be on the lookout for next month’s video market update.  Check out our Fall Home Selling Seminar Dates.  We hope to see you there.

Ultimately, you should hire your expert Realtor months to years in advance to do this for you. WORK WITH An Expert REALTOR WHO UNDERSTANDS HOW TO USE Innovative Marketing techniques.
 
If you are ready to buy, sell or just have any real estate questions, contact us today at 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com.  We are happy to help!

Coming Soon!...August 15th!

Coming Soon!...August 15th!  To  learn more about this home or to schedule a tour in advance, call 215-757-7257 or email: TheSwainTeam@gmail.com.

Single home with off street parking on a quiet street.  From the front porch you are welcomed home.  Step inside to the expansive living room that opens to the gorgeously remodeled eat-in kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances, granite, newer cabinets, recessed lighting, and bar seating for six.  The downstairs office/den could be easily turned into a 4th bedroom.  The completely remodeled 1st floor bath with ceramic tile and soaking tub is where you can relax after a long day.  Upstairs hosts three bedrooms and a completely remodeled bathroom.  The rear yard is ideal for relaxing, with a deck for entertaining.  The home also features a full walkout basement, above ground oil tank, central air (2 zones), updated 200amp electric and off street parking.

Coming Soon!...August 15th!

The Swain Team is proud to announce that we have added a new tool to net our sellers more! We have been selected as a Top Rated Real Estate Agent and will be featured on one of Xfinity's segments that will air during shows such as Million Dollar Listing, Property Brothers, or House Hunters. The concept of the television segment is to make it easier for residents to select the right Real Estate Agent when buying or selling their home. The segment with feature Xfinity's Video on Demand (VOD) Advanced Technology which will take you to Xfinity's exclusive interactive on demand 24/7 on channel 888.  Here Xfinity will highlight Top Rated Real Estate Agents.   

So how did we get chosen? Because of YOU!  We were chosen because of popular reviews by customers on Zillow, professional qualifications, experience, reputation and skills in dealing with customers. Every Zillow and Google review we receive helps grow our business!  Please take time to review us on Zillow or Google.  If you want a quick and easy link sent to you to do the review email us: TheSwainTeam@gmail.com.  Thank you in advance for your help!

So what will this do for our sellers? Simply, it will allow you to net more! It is just one of our many exclusive marketing campaigns designed to net you more! It allows The Swain Team to be able to feature a video of the seller's home on TV!  So your home will be advertised on TV! This is a new exclusive marketing service which will be offered in September 2017.  Be one of the first to try it out!

​Let’s Face it.  Inventory is low.  I have been saying this for months.  The fact is, low inventory and rising prices is forcing buyers to become less picky.  We are still short on inventory, and rising home prices have made it difficult for first-time buyers to purchase.

Interest rates are on an upward trend, which will make mortgages more expensive over the long term, and student loan debt continues to be a significant burden for many buyers.  But when I talk to other local realtors we all still expecting this year to be busier than last year.  It appears the housing market has remained strong because of the improved job market.  Many potential buyers in a much safer financial position. As we saw the job market increase we saw buyers become more qualified, have more money saved, and a higher salary. 

Due to the low inventory we are starting to see buyers become more flexible.  There is a slight shift back to buyers who are more willing to purchase a home that is in need of upgrades or one that isn’t in their first choice for a location. But if it needs a little work they still want it at a bargain price. The return of equity has helped considerably. There is a rise in median sales prices that has made current homeowners much more willing to sell their home.  While it hasn’t been enough to meet demand, it has made the situation much better.

In summary, when looking at the market as a whole, we are definitely in a seller’s market. However, this year has many more positive signs for buyers. The more stable job market and the improved financial position for so many people in our area are some of the biggest factors, but the increase in equity and broader array of mortgage options contribute, as well. Buyers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic this year, too.

Ultimately, you should hire your Expert Realtor who understands the market. WORK WITH An Expert REALTOR WHO UNDERSTANDS HOW TO USE Innovative Marketing Techniques TO NET YOU THE MOST!
 
BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR OUR UPCOMING FALL HOME SELLING SEMINAR DATES.
 
If you are ready to buy, sell or just have any real estate questions, contact us today at 215-757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com.  We are happy to help!

The market has changed and we are getting a lot of calls from consumers asking point blank, what is your commission?  Sure everyone wants to save when they sell.  But the bottom line is, as a seller, you really want to net the most at the settlement table.  What if we could net you more money at a higher commission? YES you read that correctly.  You will walk away from the settlement table with more money in your pocket.

Think about this… A seller hires an agent at 4% commission.  Consumers tend to think that all agents are created equal and they’re NOT!   (Example – 4% of $300,000 is $12,000).  When you hire an agent at 4% you will NOT have any communication, NO team to guide you, NOT aggressive, NO feedback from showings, NO Negotiation skills, NO professional pictures, minimal number of pictures and NO innovative marketing.  Sure the home may sell in a seller’s market but, I guarantee it won’t for the most money possible because a high level of demand through marketing WAS NOT created. 

When you go with an Expert Team who charges 5% - 6% commission you will get an Aggressive Realtor with Negotiation skills! (What is an extra $3,000 or $6,000 in commission if you could net $10,000 more for your home?) WE GUARANTEE YOU WILL NET MORE!  92% of buyers look online for homes for sale.  So your pictures NEED to be:  professional, create emotion to draw in the buyers, and there needs to be at least 25.   

More showings on your home = Higher Demand. 
Higher Demand = MORE MONEY & Seller Control of Negotiations. 

The Swain Team’s innovative marketing focuses on driving up demand so you can SELL FOR THE MOST.  We do more than just put the home on MLS.  We invest into our homes for sale to NET YOU THE MOST. As an Expert Real Estate Team we employ several strategies to net you the most. Of course we have an innovative marketing strategy that is property specific, we will work with you to create a pricing strategy, and we tailor our communication schedule to meet your needs. 

In the end, your home may sell in this market with a 4% commission but, will you be walking away with the most money in your pocket?  Remember, the total percentage commission is shared between the cooperating agent (buyer’s agent).  In some cases, a buyer’s agent may see the lower commission share rate (1.5 or 2%), and they may be less inclined to push their buyer into making the deal work or would not even bother showing your home to their clients.

We offer a complimentary market analysis of your home where we can discuss your home’s value and The Swain Team’s strategy to sell your home. 

Contact us (215) 757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com

If you are in the beginning stages and want to be kept up to date on the market in your area we can send you market updates and keep you informed.  (215) 757-7257 or TheSwainTeam@gmail.com

​Once again, our Keller Williams Langhorne/Bensalem offices are the #1 Real Estate office in Bucks County!  The numbers say it all!  We're top of the County in Total Sales in dollar amounts, Average Listings Sold, Total Buyer Sales, Total Sales Price/Listing Price Ratio, and the Fewest Average number for Days on Market!  

If you or someone you know may be thinking of buying or selling, please give us a call at 215-757-7257 or email: TheSwainTeam@gmail.com and let us know!  We would love to help you, your friends and family, with any Real Estate need!