Heather's Bucks County Real Estate Blog

Buck County Open House - 3/14 in Warrington, PA - 512C Taylor Ave.

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:10:13 -0600

Please join me at my open house and tour this gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath home inWarringtonTownship / Central Bucks School District:

Sunday March 14th from 1-3.

512-C Taylor Ave

Warrington, PA

www.TaylorAve.com

$405,000

So, what's special about this home? A lot. Maybe we'll start there...this home is located at the end of a small dead-end street. Private without being secluded, and no traffic, although you're close to shopping. Come Spring and Summer, you're going to be outside enjoying the newer, expansive deck, the pool, the lighted HORSESHOE PITS! A recent second story addition, and updated throughout, this home offers the feel of newer construction, with the charm of an older home. All 3 full baths have been renovated, themechanicals have all been updated, the kitchen has been updated...there is literally nothing to do to this home. Truly move-in ready.

Located in desirable Central Bucks School District, and in close proximity to Street Road and 611 (and the new Valley Square Shopping Center - with Wegman's!) this home offers a great home, and a fabulous school district, in a convenient location.

Can't wait for the weekend to come to the open house? Take a virtual tour of this property by clicking here.

Bucks County and Council Rock Sold Home Prices - February 2010

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:54:04 -0600

I'm going to try to do some monthly updates for all of you analytical types out there who need DATA and CHARTS to understand the real estate market in Bucks County and Council Rock School District. Here's a little secret - I can give you these stats for ANY area, school district, township, even zip code. Want to know about the real estate market in Pennsbury School District? Email me and I'll send it right out. Want to know about the real estate market in Doylestown? Email me and I'll send it right out. I've got your numbers, baby, you just need to let me know what numbers you want!

As a Realtor, I know all anyone really cares about is price, and Bucks County Median and Average prices are up from last year. YAY! Good news regarding Bucks County real estate prices! Looking at the chart below (click for a larger view), Bucks County median price is up 4% and the average home price in Bucks County is up 3% from last year.

Council Rock School District also saw an increase in the median home sale price... a considerable increase of 10%. The average sold home price in Council Rock decreased by 1%. I think this is due to a softening in the high end price point, which more greatly affects the the averages.

So, heartening news for home prices in Bucks County and Council Rock School District. I'm anxious to see how the early Spring selling season we've been enjoying will impact these numbers.

Remember, if you want to see how your little corner of the world is doing, just ask!

Isaac Newton's - Newtown's Favorite Place to Eat, Drink, and talk Beer

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:29:09 -0600

The other day, I met a few friends from grade school for lunch in Newtown. (By the way, how magical is Facebook for re-connecting? You can find me on there right here). We went back and forth about where to meet, but when one mentioned that she may want to have an...ahem..."adult" beverage, there was only one place to go.

Isaac Newton's

18 South State Street

Newtown, PA

215-860-5100

I got there a little early and sat at the bar to hang out until my girls came. Everyone is super-friendly and I got to talking with the bartender, Tim Gannon. We figured out that we used to work together in high school, so if you're local, you might know him. Tim is wicked-smart about beer, and was able to figure out what I would like, even though I have no idea of what kind of beer I drink (blinks vacantly). I heard Tim have a whole discussion with another customer about hops, wheat, something-else-that-I-have-no-idea-about. Smart dude. He works M-F starting at 11:30.

Check out their on-tap beer list (which is constantly changing):

(You can't see it, but the top right hand beer is Heavy Sea's Holy Sheet Belgian Ale. Hysterical.)

On top of the beer and mixed drinks, Isaac Newton's has amazing food, and their french fries with what I call "that delicious dipping sauce" are a must. My husband and I come here with the kids sometimes for dinner, and they do a really nice job with families - huge booths upstairs, fast service so the kids don't lose it, and great kid's meals.

So, with good food, a great beer selection, and knowledgeable staff, you can imagine Isaac Newton's is a pretty popular place. If you're in Newtown for the day, or looking for a place to meet up after work or for a casual date, it's a definite "must-try." I'm not the only one who thinks so...Isaac Newton's was just named the 9th best beer bar nationwide by www.ratebeer.com.

If Tim's there when you go, tell him I said "Hi," and make sure you get the fries!

Open House 1/31 from 1-3 in Warrington, Bucks County - Central Bucks Schools

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:18:02 -0600

I've got a s-weet new listing that hit the market today, and you can be one of the first to view this gorgeous 4 bedroom, 3 bath home for sale in Warrington at the open house on Sunday.

512-C Taylor Ave.

Warrington, PA

Open House Sunday 1/31 from 1-3 pm

www.TaylorAve.com

$405,000

This home is so special...at least I think so because its location very similar to my own home. It's tucked at the end of a small dead-end street and the location.....sigh. I live at the end of a dead-end street, and there is really nothing like it. Traffic? Uh, not unless you've invited them! The home has a yard made for enjoyment, with a 30' x 14' deck, above ground pool, and lighted horseshoe pits.

What is really wonderful is that all this privacy, and you are only minutes away from some seriously good shopping and restaurants. It's the perfect spot: privacy without isolation. You're going to love it...

And then you'll get to tour this great home and enjoy the equally show-stopping interior. This home underwent a major renovation around 4 years ago, so it feels very much like newer construction. Roof, siding, heater, Pella windows and doors...everything's been updated. Large rooms, and an open floorplan really fit today's Buyers. All this, and Central Bucks Schools.

I hope you'll visit me at the open house this weekend...I'll be holding one of the best in Bucks County :) You can find a listing of other open houses in Bucks County by going to Prudential Fox & Roach and clicking on the red "Open House" flag.

Take a look at the photos for 512-C Taylor Ave, and I'm sure you'll be impressed. See you at the open house!

Five Reasons why 507 River Road is the Ultimate Vacation or Weekend Home in Bucks County

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:49:24 -0600

Springtime in Bucks County usually brings forth the New York and Philadelphia Buyers who are looking to purchase a weekend or vacation home in one of our scenic River Towns in Upper Bucks. Lucky for me, I have one of the most adorable homes for sale at 507 River Road. This quintessential Bucks County Bungalow would make a wonderful vacation/weekend home for many reasons, but here are my top five reasons this is the ultimate vacation home:

1. Proximity! Located just an hour away from Center City Philadelphia, or an hour and a half from New York, you won't waste your time travelling to your weekend home, you'll spend it enjoying it.

2. Scenic Location! This home is located on one of the most famous, scenic roads in Bucks County, but more than that, it's unique hilltop location is the perfect setting in which to spend your downtime in your weekend getaway. Far from the McMansions the pervade our suburbs, this historic cottage offers you something different.

3. Things to Do! In a short drive, you can enjoy shopping, dining and nightclubs in New Hope, taste local wines, tube on the Delaware, or explore Ringing Rocks Park. Head into Lumberville, and eat at the fabulous Black Bass Hotel, or explore Frenchtown, NJ. While there is much to do just a short distance away, this home is located outside the hustle and bustle of town; a perfect combination of solitude without isolation.

4. Low-Maintenance and Low-Carrying Costs! The gorgeous, naturalistic property offers plenty of outdoor living and entertaining space with absolutely no lawn to maintain. Inside, the kitchen and bath have both recently been renovated with energy efficient fixtures and appliances. The home is being sold fully furnished with wonderful, heirloom, eclectic pieces. In the winter there is a fireplace for warmth, and in the summer there is a wooded lot for cooling, making energy bills extremely reasonable. Taxes are only around $185/month!

5. Because of the charm! Honestly, it's the intangible that is the biggest draw to this home. It is so utterly charming and unique: the home, the location, the area itself...I recently took a walk along the canal, and there is just a different feeling to River Living in Bucks County. It truly is a local "vacation." You must visit it to truly appreciate how special this home is.

Oh, and the Seller is offering two new Simmons Natural Care by Danny Seo mattresses, so you'll never have to worry about "Who's been sleeping in my bed?" JACKPOT!

How do I find a good agent in Bucks County?

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:57:25 -0600

I've been answering questions on Trulia for a while now, and I find the same questions come up repeatedly. One of the most frequently asked (and furiously answered) is:

"How can I find a good Agent?"

Agents, I guess, have a bit of a reputation for being dirtbags...who knew?

I've answered the "How do I find a good agent?" question several times on Trulia: most recently here, got into it a bit with another REALTOR here, and answered it circuitously here.

To break it down to the one critical question you should ask yourself about a real estate agent:

"Do you trust him/her?"

There are a lot of ways for people to be "good agents" and I believe there are many "good agents" here in Bucks County. Some agents think it's being a bulldog during negotiations. Some agents think it's knowing all the numbers. Some agents think it's having good professional practices. While I agree that most of these are necessary (except for the bulldog one - I think that's the absolutely WRONG way to do right by your client...but that's a different post) the bottom line for me is that I want my clients to trust me.

I want them to trust that I'm taking care of them.
I want them to trust that I have their best interests at heart.
I want them to trust that I'll always tell them the truth.
I want them to trust that I know what I'm doing.

If I don't have that level of trust, then I'm not the right woman for the job. Now, trust is earned, and I earn that trust by doing things like: knowing what I'm talking about, actually putting my clients' best interest at heart, telling them the truth, etc.

So, when you're looking for an real estate agent in Bucks County, ask yourself the very fundamental question:

Did this person earn my trust?

Things Buyers Will Just Have to Overlook

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:27:32 -0500

My good friend Kim Brown suggested that I title this post "$%&* Buyers Will Just Have to Learn to Overlook" and add it to my $%&* series, but I'm trying to clean up my image (well, maybe just my language)...

So, my previous two posts were some tough love posts for Sellers, outlining some of the things Buyers don't give a $%&* about, and several things they DO give a $%&* about.

It's your turn for a little tough love, Buyers. Don't worry, though, I'll be gentle...

In light of the touted "Buyer's Market", some Buyers are going a little crazy. They feel that they should get any house they want, for any price they want, and the Sellers should make any repairs they want done. I've seen offers come in on properties, asking for the property to be painted colors of the Buyer's choice, and appliances to be replaced. Drunk with power, some Buyers are asking for the moon, and fully expecting the stars to be thrown in for free.

Understand that, with a typical resale purchase, you are purchasing a home as you see it, not as how you want it to be. If you want to put on a larger deck, or want the bedroom painted red to match your linens, or hate the new pink carpeting, well, those are things that you are going to have to take care of on your own. You may make adjustments to your offer price for them to see if the Seller will make concessions that way. However, submitting a list of requested "upgrades" with your offer is the wrong tactic to take.

No house is going to be everything you've ever wanted. You need to have a little vision. Don't even look at paint and carpeting, because it's the cheapest fix around, and you're going to have to replace it at some point anyway. Look beyond their brass faucets, ugly chandelier, and gaudy mural. You can update the home however you like after the purchase. Asking the Seller to update the home to your liking isn't feasible. They're not going to do it.

Let's Take...A Long Walk. Walking the Canal in Upper Bucks County

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:08:17 -0500

I had an errand to run at my listing at 507 River Road in Upper Bucks County. It's a gorgeous property that would make a wonderful vacation home for someone in Philadelphia or New York.

We're just coming off a week of cold, rainy weather, so I decided to load up the dog and take a walk along the Delaware River. The weather is mild (sorta...compared to the 40's), the leaves are golden, and the sun was shining.

There are so many pretty "finds" when you walk the canal. This little waterfall is only one house away from my listing, and is an extension of a larger one on the other side of River Road. If I didn't have the dog, I would have grabbed a photo of the larger waterfall. There are many artists living along River Road, and it's evident in their homes and their landscaping. I should have taken more photos of the funky homes that line the canal. There was also one home with a phenomenal, drop-dead, labor of love yard that had me seething with jealousy.

But really, the allure is the Delaware River itself. River living in Bucks County is the vacation home without the drive or the isolation. It's gorgeous scenery, antiquing, lazy days of drinking coffee and watching the water (but we have high speed internet, Central Air, and nice restaurants).

Come tour this great vacation home (or full time if you're feeling like River living suits you all year long)

Make sure you take a nice long walk.

Why Wrightstown? The Village Library

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:01:51 -0500

As a die-hard Wrightstown, PA fan, I'm going to start a series on why you should move to Wrightstown. As a resident, I've got all sorts of goodies to share with you, but I'll start off with this one, because I was there this afternoon and remembered how great it is...

The Wrightstown Village Library

Seriously, how cute it this place?

Located on Penns Park Road, right outside of the elementary school, this little library has an amazing amount of programs for such a tiny little building. Can you do a research paper from here? Probably not, although they'll get any books you need from other libraries. (Er, did I just date myself? Do you use books anymore for research projects? ) What you will get is a nice selection of new releases, and a diverse range of books that most suburbanites care about - parenting, cooking, dog training, and the lastest trashy romance. They have a killer kid's section, movies outside at night, and other really cool events.

Here are just a few of their summer programs, geared towards children. Programs start the week of June 16th, and you can sign up now.

Toddler and Pre-School Read Aloud Groups - Wednesday mornings:

10:00-10:30 for 9 month to 3 years (includes music, snack, and bubbles)

10:30-11:15 for 3-5 year olds (includes craft and snack)

Book Clubs (Starting as young as 4!):

4-6 Year Olds - July 10,17, 24 (6-7 p.m.)

6-8 Year Olds - July 9, 16, 23 (6:30-7:45 p.m.)

8-10 Year Olds - August , 13, 20 (6:30-7:45 p.m.)

10-12 Year Olds - August 14, 21, (6:30 - 7:45 p.m.)

Independent Readers

Pick up a summer reading log, bookmark, and carry bag and receive prizes for every 10 books you read, tickets and stickers to collect along the way.

Want more information on any of these programs? Contact the library at 215-598-3322. The library is located at 727 Penns Park Road. www.buckslib.org

Buck County Open House Sunday, 9/13 in Bristol Boro - Come Visit During the Italian Festival

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 07:37:15 -0500

I'm holding another open house on Sunday, September 13th in Bristol Boro, Bucks County, coinciding with the Bristol Lions Italian Festival. Enjoy the music, enjoy the food, enjoy touring this GORGEOUS home on historic Radcliffe Street!

907 Radcliffe Street

Bristol, PA 19007

For Sale $425,000

Open House September 13th from 1-3 p.m.

Bedrooms:	4
Bathrooms:	2½
Area:	Historic Bristol Borough
Style:	House
Square Footage:	3,068
Lot Size:	0.47 acre
Year Built:	1901

Rich in history and located on one of the most prestigious streets in Bristol Borough with views of the river, this turn of the century home melds the charm the historic-home-lover demands with the updates a modern homeowner expects. View our photo and virtual tour to truly appreciate this property.

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Heather Oberhau e-PRO, ASP, e-Certified

Office:	215-860-4778
Mobile:	215-584-2700
Fax:	215-579-2508
Email:	Heather@SoldbyHeatherO.com
Website:	soldbyheather.blogspot.com

Open House on Radcliffe Street, Bristol Borough, Bucks County - Rescheduled!

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 10:59:18 -0500

907 Radcliffe Street

Bristol Boro, PA

$435,000

Please join me for the open house this Sunday,

August 9th from 1-3 p.m.

This is an amazing opportunity to own a very special property on Radcliffe Street. Situated on almost a 1/2 acre lot (with possible subdivision). Four Bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and tons of gorgeous vintage features, this home has been beautifully updated.

Please visit our website at www.907Radcliffe.com for additional photos, information, and a virtual tour.

Technorati Tags: home for sale,bristol boro,open house,radcliffe st,bucks county

Open House in Bucks County, Warminster Township: July 26th from 1-3

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 11:01:20 -0500

449 Valley Road

Warminster, PA

$279,900

Be the first to tour this drop-dead gorgeous, HUGE home by visiting our open house this Sunday:

July 26th

1-3 p.m.

If you're looking at homes for sale in Bucks County, especially in the Warminster area, this is truly a must see home to put on your list! Totally renovated, thoughtfully updated, and with a phenomenal amount of living space, you'll be happy your visited the open house.

Want to see more photos? (You really should take a look). Visit our website at:

www.449Valley.com

Hope to see you there!

6 Things I Promise to Do for Buyers and Sellers in Bucks County

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:14:46 -0500

I'm being bombarded by a general lack of professionalism, not just in Real Estate, but in life in general. So, in a bit of a rant, here are

Six Things I Promise to Do for Sellers and Buyers in Bucks County!

1. I'll call you back. I'll email you back. Promptly.

2. When I tell you I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it. If, for some reason, it doesn't get done, I'll let you know beforehand why it wasn't and when it will be.

3. I'm going to keep you updated on your status. If you've listed your home with me, I'm going to automate reports that give you feedback and website stats. I'm going to call you and let you know how your open house went. If you're buying a home with me, I'm going to call and let you know where we are in the offer process, the negotiation process, and the settlement process.

4. I'm going to take good pictures of your home. Not only am I going to take good pictures of your home, but I'm going to hire a professional photographer / virtual tour provider to take good pictures of your home. No pictures with me in the mirror, or trashcans at the driveway, or dishes in the sink. I promise your home will NEVER appear on www.lovelylisting.com

5. I'm going to conduct myself as an adult at all times. Even when I'm mad. I'm going to remain courteous. I'm not going to curse, yell, or employ excessive snottiness with you, a cooperating agent, a mortgage lender, or a repairman. No matter how irritated, angry, or even enraged I am.

6. I'm computer literate. That means that not only will I employ the latest online tools to promote your home, but I also know how to do things like: scan and email documents and put the right people on copy of emails. I also know how and when to use "reply" vs. "reply all."

There it is. My promise of Professionalism.

Give me a call if these sound like qualities you expect from a REALTOR while you search for homes in Bucks County!

Technorati Tags: bucks county,real estate,sellers,buyers,professionalism,realtor

Bucks County Sellers - Yes, you CAN sell your home in 30 days!

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:13:11 -0500

In fact, you can sell your home in Bucks County in THREE DAYS. I just did.

420 Brandywine Court

Warminster, PA

$165,000

Sold in 3 Days

48 Brecknock Court

Newtown, PA

$470,000

Sold in 12 Days

What's the secret?

Staging the home before you list it. One home was professionally staged, the other I did myself (it was my personal fix & flip investment). Staging works!
Pricing the home with good, solid comparables, and pricing it within the pricing reflected by those comps.
Pictures and internet presence.

Easy access to the property, and property in showing condition when Buyers tour

Honestly, it's a lot of front end work - getting a house ready to sell isn't easy. Nor is marketing the home. I probably spend a good 40 hours marketing a home before it ever hits the MLS.

If you do the right things before the house goes on the market, however, you'll realize a quick sale, at the right price, and it will position your home to be in demand during those first crucial weeks on the market.

Ew! Dahling, you don't want to live THERE!

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sun, 31 May 2009 20:24:05 -0500

Recently, there was a question posted on Trulia.com where the poster asked about the safety of a certain neighborhood. Typically a post will generate several replies by REALTORS. This one?

<<crickets chirping>>

One brave soul, named Joe the Builder ventured a reply as to his opinion on the safety of the neighborhood, and then questioned why REALTORS didn't rush to answer. It engendered a great discussion (and slight thread hi-jack) between us, and you can read about it here.

Here's the thing...REALTORS are bound to uphold the Fair Housing Laws, and one of those has to do with something called steering. Steering is when a REALTOR will try to guide someone to a neighborhood, school district, area, price range, etc, based on their own personal opinions. It can range to overt discrimination (only showing a Russian Buyer homes in an area with a large Russian population) to more subtle "opinion" based steering (encouraging a Buyer to buy in one school district over another).

Because of Fair Housing Laws, REALTORS are not supposed to give an opinion on the quality of neighborhoods, school districts, or areas. Now, I've got an opinion, all right. Trust me - I always have an opinion! But, I'm not allowed to spout those opinions off to you as they relate to "better" neighborhoods, school districts, etc. The best I can do is point you in the direction to find the information you need: police stations, websites, data sources, etc.

It's important for you to realize that no matter how much you trust your REALTOR, and how much we WANT to tell you what we think, we just CAN'T, and that's a limitation that may be frustrating for all involved, but ultimately serves the higher good.

For more information on Fair Housing Laws, click here.