Heather's Bucks County Real Estate Blog

Searching Homes for Sale in Bucks County, PA? Ditch your "Must Have" Lists

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:57:36 -0400

If you're searching for a home in Bucks County, PA, you may have your "must have," "desirable," and "would be nice but not necessary" lists all typed out.

Here's my advice - chuck 'em.

Oh, we've all heard about making your lists. We start our journey armed with a mental picture of our dream house, and then blaze through home search websites, ignoring the 3 bedroom homes, or those without a fireplace, or without a 2 car garage.

One of my favorite Soulful Sisters Susan Haughton wrote a great blog, entitled, If Buyers are Liars, then I'm the Biggest One of All. Spawning a surge of posts by like-minded (and awesome) REALTORS like Kim Brown and Jennifer Allan, we've all decided to nod our heads and agree with each other wisely.

You may think you know, but you have no idea.

Have you ever had a mental picture of exactly what you wanted? Maybe it was an outfit, or a piece of furniture, or even your new home in Bucks County? The subsequent shopping trip is usually a lesson in futility, because you can hardly ever find what you've envisioned in your mind.

Once you start looking at homes in Bucks County, you'll find that those lists you've made are pretty worthless. You buy a home, not a house, and that's more than the number of bedrooms, fireplaces, and acreage. When you walk into a home that works for you, it's an emotional connection, a feeling of "This home is GREAT!" I've recently compared it to this: You've always had a thing for blonds, however, you haven't been connecting with any of the blonds you've been meeting lately. Then, WHAMO! You meet this smoking-hot, charming brunette, It's love, baby!

So, how do I suggest Buyers search for homes in Bucks County?

Get a list of every home on the market in your price range / area.
Take a Sunday drive past every single one and cross out all of them that immediately give you an "I don't like it." feeling.
Tour the rest. If it ain't working for you, move on. Give it a fair shot, but you won't talk yourself into liking a home the longer you stay in it. You either like it or you don't.
Realize that "I don't like it" is an complete answer. Sometimes, there is no "because."
As you continue to tour, figure out what you like and don't like. Haven't found a new development you like after looking at 5 or 6? Then you can probably eliminate them from your search from now on. They just don't do it for you.

You can visit my website to start your search for homes in Bucks County, PA.

You also should find a REALTOR who really "get's it."

(Psssst, click below)

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

5 Things to do this Spring in Wrightstown, PA

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 19:26:24 -0500

Do you feel it? Spring is coming. Oh, sure, it's pretty far off, but we've been spoiled by some pretty warm days lately, and I'm getting antsy for Spring.

Here are 5 things to do this Spring in Wrightstown, PA. Mark your calendars!

1. Tour the Hortulus Farm and Nursery.

Looks like Renny Reynolds and Jack Staub have taken back over the operation of the farm and nursery for the 2009 Season. You can book a tour of 8, or they are now offering open tours every Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. during the gardening season. Starts April 15, 2009!

2. Sign the kids up for Tri-Township Baseball League.

Last day to sign up is March 13th, and the season starts on April 18th. Games are held at the Grange Fair Grounds on Penns Park Road. Baseball isn't my sport (I'm more of a soccer kind of girl), but this is a great league to be a part of.

3. Take the kids to Wrightstown Elementary School's Spring Fair.

I don't know how these Parents and Teachers organize something so...well...involved and wonderful for the kids, but this thing kicks some serious butt. If you have a child starting Kindergarten at Wrightstown Elementary School next year (and if so, sign-ups are now), definitely try to make it. It will give your son/daughter a look at the school, and you'll get a feel for the wonderful community fostered at the school. It's scheduled for March 28th from 10-2.

4. Sign up to be a member of Anchor Run CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Fresh, organic vegetables for six months out of the year. You pay for a farm-share and then commit to either 4 hours (half share) or 8 hours (full share) over the course of the growing season. I hear wonderful, wonderful things about not only the delicious produce, but the community feel of the co-op. ***Ooops, looks like you missed this one. They are no longer accepting applications for 2009 Membership. I'm leaving it in, because you should put it on your list for next year! Get there early.***

5. Used Book Sale at Wrightstown Village Library.

This is probably THE most adorable library you'll ever go to. This little library packs a big punch with the number of programs it offers. While you're helping fund the library and scoring some cheap books, get a summer schedule and gear up for "Movies by Moonlight" - movies shown outside on the side of the library, while you relax on the lawn. AWESOME! The used book sale is scheduled for May 2nd (9-5) and 3rd (1-5).

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

Tanner Brothers Dairy in Richboro PA - Local Milk, Produce, and Ice Cream

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 12:45:58 -0400

Tanner Brothers Dairy in Richboro PA offers local homeowners a great place to shop for milk, produce, and most importantly...ICE CREAM.

If you like what you see, there are a few home developments within walking distance of Tanner's. Visit my website if you'd like to find a home for sale in Richboro.

Located at the intersection of Almshouse and Hatboro Roads in Northampton Township, near Richboro, PA, Tanner's has been offering locals families farm fresh milk for over 100 years.

Our family does a "Tanner's Run" at least once a week. What do I like about Tanner Brothers?

The Sweet Corn on the Cob
The Half and Half
The Chocolate Milk
The Butter
The Snacks

Yep, you read that right. The SNACKS. We find that they run cheaper than the local supermarkets. They also have some of the smaller brands - Good's comes to mind. They have a great selection of breads, and a few home-made desserts, including butter cake. I hadn't seen a butter cake in years!

I've become a Tanner's Half and Half devotee. Honestly, it's the creamiest one I've tried, and in my coffee? ... swoon ... Pretty much all the dairy there is delicious.

For the kids, there is chocolate milk so thick it could easily be considered a milk/milkshake hybrid. What Tanner Brothers is really known for around here is their ICE CREAM. Plenty of variety and made with milk fresh from the cows in the pasture that surrounds the parking lot. The kids love to get huge ice cream cones and stand at the fence and watch the cows laze in the pasture. It's such a throwback to years gone by...sitting at the split rail fence at a working farm, eating ice cream made from the milk of the cows in front of you.

Their produce is farm fresh, and ridiculously cheap. I make a mean tomato, mozzerella, and basil salad in the summer and I can score all three there for super low prices (and the tomatoes rock). We just grabbed the sweet corn on Monday, and we're having again on Wednesday because it's just THAT good.

Tanner Brothers is a local favorite for those in Newtown, Wrightstown, Buckingham, and Richboro. It's worth the trip!

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

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See you there!

Cozy, Nestled, Adorable, Peachy Keen

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:43:41 -0400

Karen and I had this discussion on Facebook one day, too. (insert rioutously funny MLS descriptions)

I'll never forget the first time my husband and I pulled up to a "fixer-upper." It was the first house we had ever gone to see. My husband, who NEVER curses, sat in the car with a look of shock on his face, and said, "Oh my God...this place is a...is a...is a...shithole!"

We'll never see that in the comment section of the MLS!

Via Karen Rice | Lake Wallenpaupack | Pike & Wayne County, Northeast PA Homes (WEICHERT, REALTORS® Paupack Group ):

Sometimes you get so tired of wading though the mumbo jumbo of bubbly and giggly real estate ads. This home is adorable! This home is COZY! This home is NESTLED among TOWERING TREES...blah, blah, blah, blah.

Sometimes I'd like to see more realistic ads:

This Is One Ugly House, But It's Priced Like a Palace!

The Kitchen Floor Is Ugly As Sin

Dark Interior Will Appeal to the Vampire In You

Relive Those Funky 70's With These Authentic Ugly Rugs!

Got Oxygen Mask? You'll Need It In This Smelly Place

More Rustic than The Ponderosa But Nowhere Near As Nice

No Ghosts Here - They Were Afraid and Left!

BYOB - Bring Your Own Bulldozer!

Would Make A Great Brothel

It's Priced Cheap - What Do You Expect?

All That's Missing is the Condemned Notice

JUST LIKE A SCENE FROM "BREAKING BAD"

More on The Vampire/Dark Theme:

VAMPIRE'S HAVEN - No Sunlight, EVER!

Edward & Bella's Love Nest

Dark, Somber & Stuffy - Who Needs Light, Bright, & Airy?

Cold As A Crypt - Dark As One Too

Sometimes you just have to be silly. Most agents would never say this in print about actual properties unless the sellers had a great sense of adventure and sense of humor to boot...but it's fun to think it. :)

Use the links below to learn more about real estate for sale and about my innovative marketing plan for sellers in Pike and and Wayne County of Northeast PA.

Areas Served: Hawley, Honesdale, Lake Ariel, Lake Wallenpaupack, Lords Valley, Greeley, Greentown, Tafton, Waymart, and Lackawaxen. Planned Communities: The Hideout, Hemlock Farms, Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Fawn Lake Forest, Pocono Springs, Masthope, Indian Rocks, Tink Wig, Woodland Hills, and other communities in NEPA.

Consumer Notice

Please become a Fan of Wallenpaupack Real Estate on Facebook

Pike & Wayne County PA Real Estate - Home Sales ©Copyright by Karen E. Rice. All rights reserved.

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

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Average Sold Price for homes in Bucks County, PA and Council Rock School District - June 2010

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:33:58 -0400

We continue to see stable pricing for homes for sale in Bucks County, PA, as indicated by both the median price and average price for homes in Bucks County year - over - year, June 2010.

Below are the home price statistics for Bucks County, PA:

Median Price is UP 3.4% to $299,900

Average Price is UP 1% to $339,820

Council Rock School District home prices also remained stable:

Median Price is UP 1.4% to $388,000

Average Price is UP 0.5% to $433,595

***FYI, I know that it's nearly impossible to read these charts. That's why you should definitely shoot me an email and let me send you pretty, full-sized .pdf ones. I can run these reports any way you want, but I usually recommend township & zip or school district. If you go with a more narrow search, the samples become too small and the results skewed.

Give me a call or email! Let me run your numbers!

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

Ah, Spring! Landscaping Dreams and Rural Delights...

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:27:24 -0400

It's gorgeous out today. I'm blogging from a back patio that I haven't seen since about September, and listening to the happy sounds of mowers and weed wackers. Spring yard cleanup may be the only time I look forward to manual labor. (I don't shirk it, but let's just say it ain't exactly my deal either!) I wanted to share with my readers this great find in Wrightstown, Bucks County:

Hortulus Farm Nursery & Gardens

I am deeply ashamed to admit that, while I can walk to this hidden treasure, I've never taken a tour of the gardens. I need to. I have no idea how to garden in my soil.

I've moved one tree to three different locations in my yard because it always "looks stupid" a year or two after the move.

I once planted 200 tulip bulbs (while 7 months pregnant!) only to have them be clear cut by a herd of deer.

I had large flower gardens that required the equivalent of one year's college tuition spent in annuals.

We've gone with the dirt and weed landscaping since our rehab ripped up the front of our yard. Although I'm leaning towards hiring a company to landscape, there's that inner artist (ego-ist) in me that thinks I can do it on my own. I want a naturalistic look, with ferns and perennials that look more beautiful as they age.

Maybe I can actually swing it with a tour of the Hortulus Farm under my belt.

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

How I won a $50,000 Jackpot by Re-financing my Home (and how you can too if your mortgage is "older" and at 6-7%)

Heather Oberhau, Bucks County Real Estate, e-PRO (Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:17:43 -0400

I just won $50,000 today! (‘Kay, not really, but I did SAVE myself $50,000 over the next 15 years)

15 year mortgage rates are at 4% today.

I was shocked at how low they were and decided to do a little investigating “just to see” if I could manage converting my 30 year loan to a 15 year one. If you’ve been in your loan for 5-7 years, and are at an interest rate of 6-7% you should run your numbers and see if a 15 year mortgage can save you a boatload of interest and knock significant years off your loan. Bet you it can!

Check out the tables below:

For a loan amount of $250,000

Years Rate Monthly Payment Interest over Life of Loan 30 Fixed 6% $1498 $290,000 15 Fixed 4% $1849 $83,000

Now, lets take a look at these numbers if you’ve had your mortgage for 5 years…

By remortgaging the remaining balance, you’ll have a monthly payment of $1720, save $134,000 in interest, and pay off the original loan in 20 years as opposed to 30 years.

HUH?

I seriously expected you to follow all that?

Let’s do it again for a loan amount of $150,000:

Years Rate Monthly Payment Interest over Life of Loan 30 Fixed 6% $900 $173,000 15 Fixed 4% $1109 $49,000

If you’ve had your mortgage for 5 years…

By remortgaging the remaining balance, you’ll have a monthly payment of $1035, save $73,000 in interest, and pay off the original loan in 20 years as opposed to 30 years.

If you really study these numbers, the difference in the monthly payment really isn’t too enormous when compared to the amount of interest you’ll be saving, as well as the years you’ll knock off your loan.

If you’d like me to run some numbers for you, feel free to shoot me an email, call me out on Facebook, or hit the mortgage calculator yourself!

Our in-house Mortgage Rep, Tom Fullen, hooked me up today, and always does a great job. I used Tom even before I started to work for Prudential and he always gets me a great rate, and gets the loans done.

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

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 -0500

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.

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

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 -0500

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!

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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 -0500

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!

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

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See you there!

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 -0500

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!

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

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 -0500

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!

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

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 -0500

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?

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

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See you there!

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 -0400

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.

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Visit my website to search for homes in Bucks County.

You can also find me on:

See you there!

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 -0400

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.

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