Saturday, December 30, 2017

Getting Ready to Produce my FIRST FULL SERIES on Buying & Selling Real Estate!!

SO here we are. Going on 15 years in the real estate game and it is still just as fun as when I started. I remember spending Friday and Saturday nights in my first apartment, up ALL night scanning Zillow like an FBI agent. I pretended like I enjoyed exercising and power walked to get a closer look at the homes for sale in my neighborhood. I became OBSESSED! 19 years old and I wanted to buy a property worse than seeing the inside of a bar (legally anyway). I don't remember exactly when I grew the cojones to call the sign on the yard but I'm sure glad I did.


 I met my super cool real estate agent Christine, with her short funky red hair and dark purple nails at a 3 story twin home with tons of restored wood in the charming Bristol Borough. Christine was hilarious. We shared the same sense of humor. She had an adventurous personality where nothing was predictable and there were new surprises around every corner. It was amazing. All my nosey self hoped it would be. We got to walk through every single room, look in closets, wander through the basement and attic. It was great! All of the molding and original trim throughout made me wonder about the previous occupants and the hundreds of years of different lives passing through each room. The choices of paint colors and furniture were interesting and the claw foot tub and kitchen cabinetry was definitely way before my time. Standing in the third floor attic, the ceiling felt 9 feet high and the front and back windows felt miles apart. This is where the afternoon sun beamed in and I got stuck in a stare. I realized in that moment, I was meant to experience this same fascination over and over.


 After that first exciting showing at the historic twin on Beaver St, Christine and I continued to meet frequently to preview other homes. She also brought me into her Fairless Hills office to meet with her in house lender. She was so excited that I was a young 19 years old purchasing real estate. She introduced me to everyone that passed us as if she was my proud mother. Btw, my parents were SUPER against this and thought I was WAY too young to be purchasing anything, let alone a property. We shopped for a few weeks until we stumbled across a duplex. That was it. I knew investing was my fate. I knew I too was meant to be adventurous and unpredictable. Christine showed me the way. Not only did she๐Ÿ”‘ unlock the door๐Ÿšช to my curiosity of architecture and historic homes and buildings, but she showed me not everyone in life has to be so serious. You can actually get paid to enjoy your passion, develop instant bonds with complete strangers and have a great time helping others fulfill their dreams. (and paint your nails whatever color you want lol)๐Ÿ’…

 Yes, there are definitely roadblocks and speed bumps all through the process of home buying. And yes, agents too experience the same anxiety as their clients when trouble arises, but hey, that's pretty much what we are signing up for. We are the trusted advisor and hand holder of those brave enough to venture into their first, second, or millionth real estate purchase.

Throughout this story you are probably thinking "Wow! This sounds super easy!" Far from from it buddy. Every transaction, we agents juggle clients, agents, lawyers, title clerks, lenders, twp workers, contractors and inspectors.  We wear a million hats and try not to drop one detail making sure we hit every due date and deadline. Good thing I'm a master multi-tasker. ๐Ÿ˜… (aka ADD plus a lot of coffee)


 I live every moment through my clients. It's similar to having your own children succeed and meet their goals. Watching my clients eyes light up as they walk through homes. Listening to them plan where furniture would fit or how many family members they can invite now for holidays. Seeing them look out the back window and envision their warm months outdoors. It's a pretty fulfilling job, I must say and I can't really imagine doing anything else.

What I can envision is helping even MORE people. But how could I possibly text & talk to more people each day?? This past year I worked like a maniac to keep all of my clients & vendors completely informed. I like to coddle and spoil my clients by answering the texts and calls 24/7. I think it's SUPER important that they are completely in the loop with the process. (My family members aren't so thrilled about mommy's office in the kitchen, on the couch, in the car, at the store, park, pool and just about wherever we go. Right on top of that ROSE!)

 So here's what I've come up with to help keep all of my clients in the loop.... HOW-TO VIDEO'S FEATURING -------ME!!!

 AHHH I'm so excited!! I don't know how I didn't think of this sooner.. Each year I get busier and busier and think "how can I ever duplicate myself!??" 

DUH WITH VIDEOS!! Awesomeness... I can't wait. 

 Now there will be a step by step video as we go through the transaction,  explaining the most important questions about the buying and selling process as well as timelines and automated reminders keeping you ahead of things.

 So stay tuned boys and girls.. I will be adding links for previews and access to my upcoming series and tutorials.

One more thing, I get such great feedback and so many questions when I do a facebook live tour of properties.  Starting in June I will be sure to a fb live tour on the weekly diamond deals at least once a week. 

Thank you for visiting my blog, and please remember to visit my website at www.RealEstatePropertyQueen.com for all of your real estate needs. 

 Happy Home Hunting :-)

<3 Melanie

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Upcoming Listing!

Attention!
Sneak peak to an upcoming multi-unit Salon listing!
Nice corner lot located at
 7131 N 20th St Philadelphia Pa 19138 


























Thursday, August 24, 2017

NEW HUD LISTINGS

HUD HOME UPDATE

Hello all! I just posted two new virtual tours for our two new HUD home listings coming to the market! Check it out under the NEW LISTINGS tab at the top of my blog!

HUD HOME STORE

Thursday, August 10, 2017

The four Essential Home Renovations That will INCREASE Your Home's Value!



I don't know about you, but if I was about to sell my home I would like to get the most out of its value.  After doing some research and being in the Real Estate business for some time now I have put together a list of 4 simple ways to increase your homes value!
Let's take a look!



1. UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN



The kitchen is the heart of the home.. So obviously it is important that it is functioning and up-to-date!  According to Brad Carlton, sales associate and real estate expert from BHG

"Updating the kitchen with new appliances and bathrooms with new plumbing fixtures may seem trivial, but it's a must! Currently, there are many kitchen features that are trending in the Atlanta area, such as wine refrigerators, drawer-style microwaves and dishwashers, commercial-style ranges, and hidden outlets."

So simply updating your kitchen can increase your homes value dramatically!



2. UPGRADE YOUR MASTER BATH

Being a main selling point of any home, the master bathroom should be eye catching as well as functional.  According to Jean Risha, a relator associate:

"The master bath should be as large and bright as possible. Texans like things big! They definitely want space in their master baths. A separate water closet and a spacious shower with multiple showerheads are musts. There is also the trend of a separate sink and water closet for each person and only sharing the shower, which we see in the most distinctive homes."

It is safe to say that you want your master bathroom to be up to date, spacious, and eye catching!



3. CREATE AND ADDITION

Adding an addition to your home not only adds square footage, it also adds major value to your home! According to Joseph Rand, Managing partner and general counsel of BHG:

"Any kind of physical expansion -- whether it's a new bedroom, an extension of a living room, or whatever space you desire -- has a huge impact. If you can add square footage to a house, you always add value. Size matters!"

So whether your moving now or in the future, think about adding some more space into your home. 



4. INTENSIFY YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

Who doesn't love the option of being inside or outside to entertain or just enjoy a beautiful night? Having a beautiful outdoor oasis will give your home a relaxing get-away tor get-togethers or beautiful nights looking at the stars! According to Senior Sales Executive Mary H

"Tap the outdoors for extra living space. In the old days, just about everyone had a front porch or screened-in area to shade themselves from the Midwestern heat, and these classic features are still in demand. A screened-in porch or backyard patio -- especially one that includes an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and small fridge -- makes a wonderful additional entertaining area."

Having a beautiful oasis outside your home will add major value to its selling price!


Now I know what your thinking...
This may sound like a lot of work, or time, or money.  But in the end it will be worth it. Your home value will go up, and on todays market it will sell fast for what you are asking! 

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Sneak Peak


Check out this beautiful home that is soon to be listed!
This is an exclusive sneak peak!

Located at 1731 Oak Hill Drive, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
This colonial style home offers 5 beds, 4 full baths, 1 half bath, and 3 fireplaces!
This home is located in the Tall Tree's community of Abington township, Montgomery County.
Kept in its original style, this home offers a rustic look.
The home owners association of this community offers the following:
-Snow removal from all roads, driveways, and sidewalks
-Landscaping functions including lawn cutting, weeding, and leaf racking,
-Pro rata share of the on-site sewage treatment plant.
-Maintenance of the tennis courts and common grounds.



Saturday, June 24, 2017

Thinking about moving?

Are you thinking about moving?

Get started by checking out your homes value in todays market using my FREE home evaluation report...

http://www.melshomevaluereport.com/

Sunday, May 28, 2017

HUD Home Facts

HUD Home Facts

What is a HUD Home?

- A HUD home is a 1-to-4 unit residential property acquired by HUD as a result of a foreclosure action on an FHA-insured mortgage. HUD becomes the property owner and offers it for sale to recover the loss on the foreclosure claim.

What is HUD?

-The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Who can buy HUD Homes?

- Anyone who has the required cash or can qualify for a loan (subject to certain restrictions) may buy a HUD Home.  HUD Homes are initially offered to owner-occupant purchasers (people who are buying the home as their primary residence). Following the priority period for owner occupants, unsold properties are available to all buyers, including investors. Its important to know you need a realtor to bid on the home for you.

Are HUD Home's fixed up or sold As-Is?

- Generally HUD does not warrant the condition of its properties and will not pay for the correction of defects or repairs. The Homes are sold in As-Is condition. Since the new owner will be responsible for making needed repairs, HUD strongly urges every potential homebuyer to get an inspection from a licensed professional home inspectorprop prior to submitting an offer to purchase.

What if I'm interested in buying a HUD home that needs repairs?

-If you are interested in acquiring a HUD Home that is in need of repair, you may be interested in applying for anFHA (203K)ff FHA 203(K) rehabilitation loan, When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. Often the interim financing (the acquisition and construction loans) involves relatively high interest rates and short amortization periods. FHA's 203 (K) rehabilitation loan is designed to address this situation. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property.

Financing a HUD home:

-HUD does not provide direct financing to buyers of HUD Homes. Buyers must obtain financing through either their own cash reserves or a mortgage lender. If you have the necessary available cash or can qualify for a loan (subject to certain restrictions) you may buy a HUD Home. While HUD does not provide direct financing for the purchase of a HUD Home, it may be possible for you to qualify for an FHA insured-mortgage to finance the purchase.

If you are interested in HUD home properties please don't hesitate to call me! I have experience in HUD home sales and would love to help you purchase your next home! Call me today!
267-243-8939

New listing

Check it out...


Townhouse - Welcome to this well maintained twin offering high ceilings and bright sunlight through out. As you enter the home the first thing you notice is the original hardwood floors in great condition. The rustic wood burning fireplace situated in the living area complements to historic charm of the home. The modernize kitchen has just recently had a complete makeover including granite countertops, beautiful new backsplash, updated cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. The laundry room is neighboring a full bathroom which completes the first floor. Upstairs you'll find more original hardwood floor throughout the hall and some of the bedrooms. And updated second floor full bathroom as well as tall ceilings, long hallways and three bedrooms complete the second floor. The third floor attic offers additional living space or a fourth bedroom. The large basement is finished throughout and offers a 300 amp service panel to support the professionally installed Internet and phone system that was previously used for a large business. This basement is equip for the next business savy buyer needing extra power, internet speed and phone lines. Newer heat, central air and hot water heater are great additions to this home that have been replaced within the last few years. Finally the side porch leads to the rear patio with a brick entertaining area and a grass gardening level. This home is in move in condition and just awaiting your furnishings. Located just a few blocks from Ewing and a few streets away from Halo Farms and the Trenton Farmers market, this property is conveniently located near shopping, public transportation and major highways. Diamond in the market, don't miss out.

Contact me today for a showing! 267.­243.8939




Monday, May 1, 2017

What's my Home Worth?




Real Estate Property Values are on the rise again and that means many home owners are taking advantage of cashing out. This past weekend ABC news discussed the impressive 13% increase in national property values.  Are you ever curious about the market in Bucks County?

There was a time not long ago where conversation was about values peaking out at the top of the market back around 2006-2007.  In this appreciating market, these home owners may have finally realized the opportunity to also cash out their equity.  A sellers market is the perfect storm for sellers trying to squeeze every dollar of value out of their property by having multiple buyers compete for inventory in many different price ranges and locations.

Many of these homeowners will try to figure out their home value by using online value tools such as Zillow, where the zestimate is hardly accurate, they use an average of sales from 6 months prior and do not take into account any your gorgeous upgrades and custom changes to your home.

Looking to find ways to maximize your investment? Freshening things up a bit always helps bring the highest dollar.  Minor things from a new coat of paint, to deep cleaning and fresh flowers in the garden really help showcase your property and can bring better bids from anxious buyers.

Do you want to know what your home is worth?

Fill out the form below to get a Free Home Value Report customized to your home from our current market data.


Online contact and registration forms from Wufoo.

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Investment Formulas for Rentals

Investment Formulas for Rentals

Ever think if your investment property is really going to make you an investment? Profitability index is a method real estate investors use to compare the initial cash required to make the investment to the present value of all its estimated future cash flow benefits. 

PI = Present Value of all Future Cash Flows / Initial Cash Investment

4 Easy Steps
  1.  Calculate the total dollar amount
  2. Designate a discount rate
  3. Calculate the present value
  4. Divide the total present value

  •  1.0 - achieved desired rate of return exactly
  • > 1.0 - exceeded your goal
  • < 1.0 - failed to achieve your goal

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Eagles Mere - Market Activity

Here is a great update on Eagles Mere in Middletown Township!


In this neighborhood holds 5 Active properties for sale. Don't miss out, Check them out now before they are gone! 


There is 1 property Pending at the moment and expecting to settle by the end of this month.

445 Mulberry Ct



There is one settled property in the last 6 months!

380 Cottonwood Dr



This neighborhood is a pleasant and quiet community! Don't miss the chance to check out any of the homes that are available!
Search more homes by going to my website!
RealEstateWithMelanie.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Restaurants in Bucks County

Wondering where to go out to eat? Looking to go somewhere new? Check out some of the top rated restaurants in the areas of Lahaska, Yardley, and Newtown.


Villaggio - Relaxed Italian restaurant offering traditional cuisine, including family-style offerings.

Porterhouse Restaurant & Pub - Relaxed pub featuring a contemporary country vibe & a menu of steak, seafood & pasta.

Nancy's Village Cafe  - Classic American breakfast & lunch fare, plus baked goods, served in a homey, shopping-plaza space.

Canal Street Grille - Cozy eatery on the Delaware Canal offers casual fine dining, American & Greek fare, & outdoor seats.

Yardley Inn - Creative New American cuisine in a Revolutionary-era inn setting with views of the Delaware River.

Trattoria Rosa Bianca - Family-run Italian BYOB in a historic, quaint Victorian home with seasonal outdoor dining.

Vecchia Osteria - Southern Italian specialties served in a warm space with outdoor seating & a BYOB policy.

Florentino's - Cozy neighborhood BYOB trattoria serving Italian classics.

Cafe Con Leche - Casual, compact BYOB featuring South American & Mediterranean-style cafe fare, plus vegan options.





Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Red Rose Gate Real Estate Update

These 3 properties sold:

37 Rose Apple Rd --------- $259,900 --------- 9/30/2016

7 Rockwood Rd --------- $299,900 --------- 10/14/2016

73 Red Ridge Rd --------- $289,900 --------- 12/29/2016



This property is pending sale:

38 Rust Hill Rd --------- $225,000 --------- 12/20/2016



This property is still active:

27 Rockwood Rd --------- $233,200 --------- 11/23/2016 



For additional information for this property or others visit www.RealEstatewithMelanie.com.