COVID-19 Chester County- Virtual Real Estate

We have pivoted to the virtual world - Buyers are buying homes sight unseen. Home Inspections managed remotely... Good time to refinance the mortgage! Is now the right time to sell or buy a home?

For more information on the COVID-19 impact on Chester County real estate you can reach me directly at 484 947 3127.

Click here to see what your Home Worth? 

Search for Homes at BelaVoraHomes.com  

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,

Coldwell Banker Preferred 

390 Waterloo Blvd, Exton, PA 19341.

Cell: (484) 947 3127

Office: 610 363 6006

What happens to Chester county Home Values under COVID19? Bela Vora Homes

For more information on the COVID-19 impact on Chester County real estate you can reach me directly at 484 947 3127.

Click here to see what your Home Worth? 

Search for Homes at BelaVoraHomes.com  

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,

Coldwell Banker Preferred 

390 Waterloo Blvd, Exton, PA 19341.

Cell: (484) 947 3127

Office: 610 363 6006

For Rent - 206 Sills Lane, Downingtown, PA 19335-Applecross Community-MLS PACT486996

For more photos visit BelaVoraHomes.com, https://www.belavorahomes.com/

Welcome to Applecross "Live Where You Play." A beautiful town home in this popular neighborhood makes for a great stay-at-home-vacation. The Applecross resort style amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, the only neighborhood in the area with a large indoor pool. Brand new club house, state of the art fitness facility, Caribbean pool bar & grill w/TVs & 2 restaurants, tennis courts, walking trails, community events & activities, subsidized golf and more. You can get involved with as much, or as little as you like. Award winning Downingtown schools with STEM Academy, ranked No. 1 in PA! This 4-year young town home is available Sept 1st! The house features an open floor plan. Walk in and you will see a large living room with a fireplace and adjoining dining area. The upgraded kitchen includes granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, gas cooking. Lovely backyard views and some privacy. Upstairs you will find a spacious master bedroom with an en suite master bath and large walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms, full bathroom and laundry room, with washer and dryer, complete the second floor. Extra storage space in the basement, 2 car garage.

Call 484 947 3127 for more information or schedule a showing appointment!

To learn more about me visit Zillow and read my reviews -                            

   https://www.zillow.com/profile/Bela-Vora/ 

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,

Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.

Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127

Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog

Home for sale - 2 Graham Dr, Downingtown, PA 19335- MLS PACT481054

Click here to view a virtual tour of the property with more photos

https://www.planomatic.com/289647

Location combined with lifestyle! New construction, in a great location, at a fair price... welcome to The Enclave at Bell Tavern! The Enclave is Downingtown's newest community of 12 townhomes on a private cul-de-sac street. These 2 story townhomes are all 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, with an in-ground basement, and a 1 car garage. Yes, no flight of stairs to reach main level, and no more unloading groceries in the rain. Enter from the front porch into the main living area, with hardwood floors throughout. The Century Kitchen cabinets with 42" wall cabinets, Quartz countertops with an oversized Stainless Steel undermount sink, Whirlpool stainless steel appliances, and recessed lights in the Kitchen. This level has a Powder room. The 2nd floor offers a generous sized Master bedroom with a walk-in closet, ceiling fan pre-wire and master bath with Quarts double sink countertop on vanity. Laundry Room in the hallway and two more bedrooms plus a full bath complete this level. Basement is ready to finish with an egress window and the heating unit tucked away to maximize the finished space. All units have a fire suppression sprinkler system. Ask for the Options list on the Quick deliveries which include 9' Basement Walls, 36" Gas Fireplace, Oak Staircase, recessed lights and more. The local reputed builder has used highly popular brands like Jeld-Wen windows, Moen Faucets, Mohawk carpets.

This neighborhood is centrally located - shopping, movie theatre, a fabulous township playground, pharmacy, Golf club all just around the corner. Award winning Downingtown East schools with access to the STEM Academy. Great location off rRt. 113 with easy access to Rt. 30, Rt. 202 Rt. 100, Rt. and turnpike for a convenient office commutes. Less than a 5 min drive to the train station for a Philadelphia commute, or to catch the Amtrak into NY city. Only a 15 minute drive from Marsh Creek state park and trails, where you can enjoy, walking, biking, boating and other activities. Quick deliveries available for immediate occupancy at pre-construction prices, or pick your lot and select upgrades for the To-Be Builts. Photos and floor plan may differ than what is actually shown.

Call 484 947 3127 for more information or schedule a showing appointment!

To learn more about me visit Zillow and read my reviews -                            

   https://www.zillow.com/profile/Bela-Vora/ 

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,

Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.

Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127

Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog

The Real Estate Shifting Market- The housing market shifts to a buyers market.

After several years of escalating home prices, bidding wars, and inventory shortages, the national US real estate market appears to be hinting toward a significant correction.  It appears the pendulum is swinging away from sellers and back toward buyers

This trend, I believe, is due to a combination of factors like - rising mortgage interest rates, high student loan balances, shifting demographics with the millennial's forming households much later in life, stellar stock market performances making real estate investment questionable and more.... 

Zillow shed more than a quarter of its market value last week, as a downturn in the housing market weighs on the company's core services and drags profits lower.

According to a Joint Center for Housing Studies - Harvard University, Immigration has become an increasingly important source of household growth and Millennial's will lead household growth.

All real estate however is local.  So whats happening in our area? We have Malvern a growing thanks to Vanguard and Great Valley corporate center, Collegeville area thanks to the Pharma companies like GSK, Pfizer, SAP adding to Newtown square growth, local IT industries hiring big time, J&J and QVC in West Chester...all leading to a steady growth in employment.

All the big builders are now building new construction communities in our area - some of the top national builders have now found northern Chester county and there is a flurry of new construction activity.  Check out all the new construction in West Whiteland Township.  With access to the mountains and all activities, NJ beaches, city life in NY city and Washington DC all within about 2 hrs drive, and of course the thriving and growing 5th larges city in the country -  Philadelphia, we are the perfect storm of population growth

I predict that the housing downturn is not likely to affect our Northern Chester county area significantly.  We will see a downward trend and shift from large single family homes on large acreage, to low maintenance town homes or smaller single family homes.  New construction is the highly preferred housing for the Asian immigrant population and it will continue to thrive.  

Always great to see if my predictions came true in hindsight.   This is what I had written last year - in my blog article How will the Trump Presidency affect Chester county real estate?  What do you think?

To learn more about me visit Zillow and read my reviews -                            
   https://www.zillow.com/profile/Bela-Vora/ 

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog

Marsh Harbour- Home For Sale-Downingtown Schools-Chester County

Immaculate, updated, well maintained home on quiet cul-de-sac street in highly sought after Marsh Harbour community! Gorgeous custom installed hardwood floors throughout the house, updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, gleaming granite counters and subway tile backsplash. Home features an open floorplan, backyard privacy provided by trees on the generous sized deck, gas fireplace for ambience. Luxurious master suite with double door entry, updated master bath with tile, double sink vanity. A finished basement, with plenty of unfinished storage space. New Roof, newer HVAC with humidifier, new Electric panel & Water Heater. ... nothing to do but move in! 

Click here to view a virtual tour of the property- http://www.homesforsaletours.com/12-blue-heron-lane--downingtown--pa.html

Enjoy the beautiful Marsh Creek State Park all year around. Summer is the perfect time for fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding or canoeing in the 500 acre lake. The 1700+ acres of the park offer walking or mountain biking along the many trails, family picnics and barbecue areas, and of course glorious lake views and sunsets. Marsh Harbour Home Owners Association includes swimming pool, tennis courts, clubhouse and fitness center. Did we mention the Award Winning Downingtown Schools, home to the STEM Academy, ranked #1 in PA? Well-situated with minutes to Major Routes (100/401/113/30), PA Turnpike.

For more information on this listing or to schedule a visit please call 484 947 3127.

To learn more about me visit Zillow and read my reviews -                               https://www.zillow.com/profile/Bela-Vora/ 

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
Website  |  Facebook  |  Blog

Spring Time at Longwood Gardens

Springtime is one of my favorite times of the year to visit  Longwood Gardens. What better way to get  get some exercise while spending time with family! Breathe in the fresh air as you stroll along the many pathways and relish the beauty of the gardens, where everyday something new bursts into bloom. 

Enjoy hundreds of lush acres featuring burgeoning gardens of tulips, daffodils, wisteria and more. Flowering cherry trees and magnolias color the outdoor landscape. Indoors lilies ans hydrangeas take center stage, filing the conservatory with fragrance and color.

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers.  Longwood  Gardens has thousands of colorful and beautiful tulips that are in bloom (more than 240,000) expected to last through early May. I have never seen so many tulips and of so many colors. This place is tranquil and beautiful! 

Guests can also enjoy the visiting the whimsical Topiary Garden, the Italian Water Garden and grand Treehouses. Daily vistor programs, including gardening demonstrations and behind the scenes tours add to Longwood' charm. 

Events At Longwood Gardens

Easter Weekend

https://longwoodgardens.org/events-and-performances/events/easter-weekend

Mother's Day Weekend

https://longwoodgardens.org/events-and-performances/events/mothers-day-weekend

Summer Spectacle

https://longwoodgardens.org/events-and-performances/events/summer-spectacle

Main Garden Fountain Premiere Weekend 

https://longwoodgardens.org/events-and-performances/events/main-fountain-garden-premiere-weekend

Bela Vora, REALTOR®,
Coldwell Banker Preferred - Exton Real Estate.
Office: 610 363 6006; Cell: (484) 947 3127
Website - Search Homes

Read my Reviews on Zillow  |  Facebook  |  Linkedin

Should I sell my home or rent?

So it is time for you to move.  You see articles in CNN Money and  Time Magazine, that talk about how, thanks to the millions of forecloures, we are fast becoming a nation of renters.  You have a friend who is building equity on his rental - seems he is minting money (not sure what he is not telling you).  Perfectly understandable that you ask your Realtor (as opposed to real estate agent) to put your house up for rent.

As home values continue to plunge, a growing number of homeowners are choosing to rent their homes instead of selling.  With interest rates at historical lows, it is also a fantastic time to buy investment property and rent it out.  Congratulations, you are on your way to become a landlord!

However, before you jump in - here is a quick checklist.

1. Has your Realtor given you an assessment of current rents and home values in your neighborhood?
2. Will the rent cover your mortgage + renters insurance  + real estate taxes + cost of finding a tenant?
3. Are you allowing for a small buffer for the times when you property may be vacant between tenants?  Also general updating - painting, maid service, carpet cleaning, minor repairs between tenants.
4. Will you be hiring a management company?  Management companies typically charge 8-10% based on services provided.
5. If not - will you be living locally or do you have friends and family who can pitch in times of need?  Connecting with handymen, checking basement for water during storms, even running a spare key to the tenant in need...?
6. Will you accept tenants with pets?
7. Do you understand the tax implications of becoming a landlord?
8. Do you have the down payment for your new home?
9. Will you qualify for the mortgage on your new home? Total debt to income ratio is key in mortgage approvals.
10.  Above all - are you ok letting strangers into your space?  No tenant will maintain your home the way you would.


If this checklist does not faze you - you are the perfect candidate for becoming an "Landlord".   Ofcourse - the real estate market does not swing back and forth easily - so all decisions you make must be relatively long term ones.

Remember it starts with understanding the current market value of your home, and the going rent in your neighborhood.   Call or write to Bela Vora today and get a free consultation and analysis for your home. Lets have the rent vs sell discussion soon.

Other articles with real estate tips