Keller William's  Winter Coat Drive Every year, thousands of men, women, and children live through the cold winter season without a coat to keep warm. You may help provide them with this basic necessity through the Langhorne KW Cares Winter Coat Drive. Please dig through your closet and donate any size Women's, Children's and Men's COATS, HATS, SCARVES, and GLOVES. Keller Williams Real Estate in Langhorne is an official drop-off location for the Greater Philadelphia Cares Coat Drive through January 19,  2008. This event is a reminder that there are thousands of people whose only holiday wish is a warm coat for their children, parents, or themselves. Thank You. DROP OFF:Keller Williams Real Estate584 Middletown Blvd, A-50Langhorne, PA 19047(Near Sesame Place - across from Macy's and Red ... 12/11/2008

When buying a new home be sure to ask the following questions: 1.      How long have you been in business? 2.      In what areas have you built? 3.      What sets you apart from other builders? 4.      What type of warranty program do you offer? 5.      What are your fees for building a home (fixed price, costs plus management fee)? 6.      How do you charge for extras? 7.      Who supervises your construction? 8.      How long have your trade people been working with you? 9.      How often will we be updated on the progress of the home? 10.  How often, during the week, are you at the job site?  The superintendent? 11.  Who will I be dealing with during construction? 12.  Will that person have the authority to make final decisions? 13.  How many hours per week do you and your supervisin... 12/11/2008

When buying a new home be sure to ask the following questions: 1.      How long have you been in business? 2.      In what areas have you built? 3.      What sets you apart from other builders? 4.      What type of warranty program do you offer? 5.      What are your fees for building a home (fixed price, costs plus management fee)? 6.      How do you charge for extras? 7.      Who supervises your construction? 8.      How long have your trade people been working with you? 9.      How often will we be updated on the progress of the home? 10.  How often, during the week, are you at the job site?  The superintendent? 11.  Who will I be dealing with during construction? 12.  Will that person have the authority to make final decisions? 13.  How many hours per week do you and your supervisi... 12/11/2008

The advantages of having an agent help you purchase a new home are the same as those for purchasing a resale home... • Knowledge of the market • Help in finding the perfect home quickly • Expertise in contract writing/negotiation • Closing assistance.  The builder has a professional representative watching out for his/her needs, and you need the same expert representation. Buying a new home is a little more difficult and time-consuming than buying a resale.  I can professionally guide you through this process.  It is very important that your interests be professionally represented when you are entering into a contract for a semi-custom or build-to-suit home.  These transactions are complex and the contract details must be exact in order to protect you and to ensure you get exactly the h... 12/08/2008

The advantages of having an agent help you purchase a new home are the same as those for purchasing a resale home... • Knowledge of the market • Help in finding the perfect home quickly • Expertise in contract writing/negotiation • Closing assistance.  The builder has a professional representative watching out for his/her needs, and you need the same expert representation. Buying a new home is a little more difficult and time-consuming than buying a resale.  I can professionally guide you through this process.  It is very important that your interests be professionally represented when you are entering into a contract for a semi-custom or build-to-suit home.  These transactions are complex and the contract details must be exact in order to protect you and to ensure you get exactly the h... 12/08/2008

1.     Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job. 2.     Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)! 3.     Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind. 4.     Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing. 5.     Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application. 6.     Thou shalt not buy furniture. 7.     Thou shalt not originate any inquiries into your credit. 8.     Thou shalt not make large deposits without first checking with your loan officer. 9.     Thou shalt not change bank accounts. 10.    Thou shalt not co-sign a loan for anyone.   To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks ... 12/05/2008

Find a Realtor you can Trust Analyze Your Needs in a Consultation Obtain Financial Pre-Qualification and Pre-Approval Select Properties View Properties Write an Offer to Purchase and Put down Earnest Money Deposit Negotiate and Counteroffer Accept Contract Go through Property Inspections Remove Contingencies Complete the Mortgage Application Secure Underwriting Obtain Loan Approval Schedule Termite Contact Title Company to exam title and title insurance Close on the Property Move in Your New Home To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks County, Pa and surrounding areas. 12/03/2008

Before You Begin..... PRE-QUALIFICATION AND PRE-APPROVAL Many buyers apply for a loan and obtain approval before they find the home they want to buy.  Why? Pre-qualifying will help you in the following ways: 1.      Generally, interest rates are locked in for a set period of time.  You will know in advance exactly what your payments will be on offers you choose to make. 2.      You won't waste time considering homes you cannot afford. Pre-approval will help you in the following ways: 1.      A seller may choose to make concessions if they know that your financing is secured.  You are like a cash buyer, and this may make your offer more competitive. 2.      You can select the best loan package without being under pressure. How Much Home Can You Afford? There are three key factors to con... 12/02/2008

Seller Agency (Single Agency) •  Agent will represent the best interests of the seller •  Agent will owe the seller fiduciary duties •  Agent must give the buyer all material facts so that the buyer can make an educated decision   Buyer Agency (Single Agency) •  Agent will represent the best interests of the buyer •  Agent will owe the buyer fiduciary duties •  Agent must give the seller all material facts so that the seller can make an educated decision   Transaction Broker (Dual Agency) •  Agent represents both the buyer and the seller equally •  Agent's objective is to get a mutually satisfactory agreement among all parties •  Agent gives all options to the buyer and the seller •  Depending on the local market, all parties may be present at contract presentation to negotiate on their... 11/30/2008

Now that you have decided to buy your home, what happens between now and the time you legally own the home?  A Title Company may handle the following items.  NOTE: in different parts of the country attorneys, lenders, escrow companies and other persons who are independent of, title companies perform some or all of these functions.  Earnest Money - An agreement to convey starts the process once it is received at the Title Company.  Once you submit the loan application, it is usually subject to a credit check, an appraisal, and sometimes, a survey of the property. Tax Check - What taxes are owed on the property?  The Title Company contacts the various assessor-collectors. Title Search - Copies of documents are gathered from various public records: deeds, deeds of trust, various assessment... 11/25/2008

1.      Property taxes and qualified interest are deductible on an individual's federal income tax return. 2.      Often, a home is the largest asset an individual has and is considered one of the most valuable investments available. 3.      A portion of each amortized mortgage payment goes to principal which is an investment. 4.      A home is one of the few investments that you can enjoy by living in it. 5.      A REALTORâ can usually show you any home whether it is listed with a company, a builder, or even a For Sale By Owner home. 6.      Working through a REALTORâ to purchase a For Sale By Owner home can be very advantageous because someone is looking out for your best interest. 7.      Your Real Estate professional can provide you with a list of items you'll need to complete your... 11/24/2008

What is a Real Estate "Closing"?  A "closing" is where you and I meet with some or all of the following individuals: the Seller, the Seller's agent, a representative from the lending institution and a representative from the title company, in order to transfer the property title to you.  The purchase agreement or contract you signed describes the property, states the purchase price and terms, sets forth the method of payment, and usually names the date and place where the closing or actual transfer of the property title and keys will occur.  If financing the property, your lender will require you to sign a document, usually a promissory note, as evidence that you are personally responsible for repaying the loan.  You will also sign a mortgage or deed of trust on the property as security... 11/23/2008

1.      Show the children the new home and their new room prior to moving.  If this is not possible, pictures or videos will help them visualize where they are going. 2.      Assure children that you won't forget their friends. 3.      Make a scrapbook of the old home and neighborhood. 4.      Throw a good-bye party.  At the party have their friends sign a t-shirt. 5.      Have your children write good-bye letters and enclose their new address.  You may wish to call the other children's parents so that they will encourage return letters. 6.      When packing, give your children their own box and let them decorate it. 7.      Start a scrapbook for your new home. 8.      Visit your children's new school, park, church, etc... Take a camera. 9.      Help your children invite new friends ove... 11/23/2008

1.      Show the children the new home and their new room prior to moving.  If this is not possible, pictures or videos will help them visualize where they are going. 2.      Assure children that you won't forget their friends. 3.      Make a scrapbook of the old home and neighborhood. 4.      Throw a good-bye party.  At the party have their friends sign a t-shirt. 5.      Have your children write good-bye letters and enclose their new address.  You may wish to call the other children's parents so that they will encourage return letters. 6.      When packing, give your children their own box and let them decorate it. 7.      Start a scrapbook for your new home. 8.      Visit your children's new school, park, church, etc... Take a camera. 9.      Help your children invite new friends ove... 11/23/2008

A licensed real estate professional provides much more than the service of helping you find your ideal home.  Realtors are expert negotiators with others agents, seasoned financial advisers with customers, and superb navigators around the local neighborhood.  They are members of the National Association of Realtors and must abide by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice enforced by NAR.  A professional Realtor is your best resource when buying or selling a home. Let a Realtor Guide br Your Guide: A knowledgeable Realtor can save you endless amounts of money, time, and frustration. A knowledgeable Realtor knows the housing market inside and out and can help you avoid the "wild goose chase." A knowledgeable Realtor can help you with any home, even if it is listed elsewhere or if it i... 11/21/2008

The Cost of Overpricing in a Shifted Market: 1 - Fair market value declines during market shift. 2- Seller hopes a higher intial price will draw a higher offer. 3 - Market Interest is fragile(with high inventory) and wanes quickly. 4 - Salable Price is impacted by declining market values, "staleness," and competition. 5- Small price reductions only "chase down the market." 6- Properties sell when buyers see very attractive prices. 7- The Cost of Overpricing is amplified after; To learn more about what I can do for you visit me, Carol Swain at www.swainsells.com . Also check out current homes for sale in Bucks County, Pa and surrounding areas. 11/19/2008

Moving into a new home can be one of the most stressful situations that a person can endure, so it is vital that you find ways to make the transition as easy as possible.  There are two distinct types of stress that one faces when changing homes.  First, there is the financial aspect of the move.  Finding the right home at the right price, negotiating the purchase with a seller, filling out the lengthy paperwork involved, and handling the escrow can all take its toll.  Then there is the emotional aspect of the move, and this is often where the greatest amount of stress is felt.  A competent and professional real estate agent can make the financial steps of the process easy, but if your emotional needs are unfulfilled, you may find yourself tired and frustrated and not acting in your own... 11/18/2008

How Much Home Can You Afford? Use the chart below to determine your monthly principal and interest payments at various interest rates for either a 15 or 30 year term. Interest Rate Factors Per $1000 Interest Rate 15 Year Term 30 Year Term       4 7.4 4.77 4.25 7.52 4.92 4.5 7.65 5.07 4.75 7.78 5.22 5 7.91 5.37 5.25 8.04 5.52 5.5 8.17 5.68 5.75 8.3 5.84 6 8.44 6 6.25 8.57 6.16 6.5 8.71 6.32 6.75 8.85 6.48 7 8.99 6.65 7.25 9.13 6.82 7.5 9.27 6.99 7.75 9.41 7.16 8 9.56 7.34 8.25 9.7 7.51 8.5 9.85 7.69 8.75 9.99 7.87 9 10.14 8.05 9.25 10.29 8.23 9.5 10.44 8.41 9.75 10.59 8.59 10 10.75 8.77 10.25 10.9 8.96 10.5 11.05 9.15 10.75 11.21 9.33 11 11.36 9.52 11.25 11.52 9.71 11.5 11.68 9.90 11.75 11.84 10.09             1. Find the appropriate interest rate from the chart above. 2. Look across the... 11/17/2008

There are many factors to consider when selecting a neighborhood that is right for you.  Think about the location in terms of commute time to work, distance from leisure-time activities, and proximity to shopping, schools, or any other places you frequent.  You may think of other factors that are important to you.  Please take some time to write them on your Home Search Criteria Form. Scout out the Neighborhood! It is important that you scout the neighborhood in person. Talk to people who live in there. Drive through the entire area at different times of the day, during the week, and on weekends. Look carefully at how well other homes in the are are being maintained-are they painted; are the yards well cared for; are parked cars in good condition?   Neighborhood Factors to Consider Look... 11/13/2008

The first step to buying is the loan process.  The First Step...in the home buying process is to find an experienced lender at the same time as you find a Realtor.  You begin the mortgage process at the same time as you begin looking, so you know the value you qualify for.  The Swain Real Estate Group can recommend a trusted, qualified lender. The Next Step...The lender begins processing your loan application, ordering credit reports, and performing verifications.  This is the prequalification phase.  Therefore, when you go looking for your dream home, you know how much you can spend for it. We're starting to run now!When you have final lender prequalification, you can seriously concentrate on finding a home that you know you can qualify to buy immediately. You're on the "home" stretch!... 11/11/2008