Marcolla Realty & Tucker Realty

12 Terry Drive
Newtown PA 18940

609-423-9147
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10/30/2019: 4 Steps to Take When Adding on to Your House

Does your home have all the amenities you want? Imagine how relaxing it would be with a screened-in porch. Or consider the convenience of another guest suite or an indoor-outdoor kitchen for entertaining.

An addition could make your home feel more like your dream property.

Still, any renovation project is a significant investment of time and money. When deciding to add on, start with the following steps:

1. Decide what your addition will be. Knowing the purpose of the space you’re adding will guide its layout and amenities — not to mention your project budget. For example: If you want a home theater, it’s not necessary to think about window placement. However, if you plan to build a pleated extension, that is something you’d have to consider.

2. Find a contractor and an architect. Seek out a contractor who can best turn your vision into a reality at a reasonable price. Interview multiple pros to hire someone with experience, and make sure you communicate with each other effectively. Hire an architect too, as they’ll be better at maximizing the space available. See if your contractor has a recommendation, or use the same interview process to find one.

3. Apply for the proper permits. While your construction team will know about permits, you are still overseeing the project. It’s good practice to understand local requirements and make sure your team is in compliance.

4. Hire an interior designer. Working with a designer ensures a cohesive renovation. Again, maybe your architect or contractor can refer you to someone, but make sure that their design style complements the existing elements of your home too.

If you want to continue investing in your home, an addition can add years of enjoyment. But if the drawbacks of your current space outweigh the benefits, it’s time to search for a better fit. Are you interested in listing instead of renovating? Reach out to get started.

The Dave Marcolla Group, Dave Marcolla MBA Realtor®, Licensed in PA & NJ, 12 Terry Drive Newtown, PA 18940 USA Mobile - (609) 423-9147 Work - (215) 860-4200 davemarcolla@kw.com

10/16/2019: 5 Long-Term Benefits of Real Estate

How often do you daydream about retiring and walking away from your 9-to-5 lifestyle? It’s an exciting time once you get there, and you’ve probably looked forward to it for a while.

Over the years, you’ve steadily contributed to your 401(k) and IRA. You’ve even assessed your Social Security benefits. But are you sure you’re prepared for retirement?

In your planning, you may want to consider this question: How can real estate factor into my secure financial future?

Real estate is an ideal asset for retirement. Putting your money into a primary residence as well as investment properties during your working years can play a significant role in ensuring your comfortable retirement.

What makes investing in real estate a smart strategy for retirement?

1. Rental properties are less volatile than stocks. Securing an investment in a well-known neighborhood can offer stable, long-term returns that aren’t guaranteed through playing the market.
    
2. Home equity pays off. Early investment in homeownership can make a lasting impact on housing wealth, making homeowners better off financially in their 60s.
    
3. A diverse and balanced portfolio that includes property distributes risk, earns greater rewards and ultimately helps you weather future storms.
    
4. Tax deductions often come with property ownership. That’s especially true if you’re still paying off a mortgage or own rental properties.
    
5. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) are generally stable as a hands-off approach to investing. One of the best-performing asset classes available, REITs offer high returns for fixed-income portfolios.

There’s no doubt about it: Real estate investments afford you the peace of mind to actually enjoy your retirement.

Get in touch if you’re ready to further diversify your real estate portfolio.

The Dave Marcolla Group, Dave Marcolla MBA Realtor®, Licensed in PA & NJ 

12 Terry Drive Newtown, PA 18940 USA Mobile - (609) 423-9147 Work - (215) 860-4200 davemarcolla@kw.com

09/30/2019: Safeguard Your Home Against Water Damage

Water damage is one of a homeowner's greatest worries since it can result in mold and expensive repairs. The following tips can help you prevent potential sources of seepage in your home.

Don't plant next to your house. A flower or shrub border is lovely, and some folks like thorny bushes beneath their windows as a deterrent to break-ins, but watering those plants could damage your foundation. It's wiser to keep your flower beds a few feet away from the house or make sure they slope away from it.

Use gutters and downspouts to divert rain runoff away from your foundation. If you notice water pooling after a rain, that area needs gutters. Also, make sure you have sufficient gutters for your entire roof. Extend downspouts away from the house and, if possible, discharge underground with PVC pipe to drain into the street.

Check your roof regularly for loose shingles – especially after high wind or rainstorms. Inspect metal flashing for damage and make sure skylights are properly sealed. Check your attic for wet spots or any signs of mold, condensation, damage to insulation, or a rodent or insect infestation that could lead to weak areas and subsequent leaks.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

Dave Marcolla, PA RS342958 NJ1860139, Keller Williams Real Estate Realtor®,  C:609-423-9147 O:215-860-4200

09/03/2019: How to Create a More Sustainable Home

Recycling is the norm in most communities today. You probably want to make more of an effort to protect the environment beyond recycling. Here are a few methods to implement to save the planet in effective yet convenient ways.

Go "green" with your coffee. Brew a cup of certified organic coffee that is grown under sustainable conditions. If you use a "pod" type of coffee maker, buy reusable pods. This will help you save money as well. If you prefer your local coffee shop, take your own cup – not only will you eliminate waste, you might get a discount.

Switch from paper napkins and towels to cloth. A modest investment, these will last for years and add a touch of elegance to everyday dinners. Keep a stash of microfiber cloths handy and use them for mopping up spills or cleaning windows and the bathroom instead of paper towels. And linen towels will do a better job of drying your dishes than paper ones

Practice conservation in your closet. By creating a "capsule" wardrobe of fewer but higher quality pieces, you'll feel like you have more clothing and will avoid wasting money on cheaper garments you'd throw away. When you clean out your closet, donate to a charity or a shelter in need. Some companies recycle used t-shirts or treadless athletic shoes to create new products. Finally, return dry-cleaning hangers, so they can be reused.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

Dave Marcolla PA,  RS342958,  NJ1860139,  Keller Williams Real Estate Realtor® C:609-423-9147 O:215-860-4200, 

08/05/2019: Bright Ideas for a Brighter Home

A brighter home can help to create a more spacious appearance and potentially contribute to a higher resale value if you should ever put your home on the market. Here are a few easy ways to brighten up your home and let the sun shine in:

Keep your windows sparkling. Deep-clean your windows and screens to make sure sunlight is able to find its way in. After removing any dust and debris from the window, spray a mixture of vinegar and water and allow it to soak in. Wipe clean with a sponge and dry using a towel.

Add sheer, white curtains. To take full advantage of natural light, try switching to sheer, white curtains to brighten up darker rooms.

Add mirrors to smaller rooms. Mirrors will work in two ways to make your rooms appear bigger and brighter. First, they reflect and distribute light throughout a room. They also create the optical illusion of a larger space.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

Dave Marcolla PA RS342958 NJ1860139, Keller Williams Real Estate Realtor® C:609-423-9147 O:215-860-4200

04/25/2019: How to Keep Your Appliances in Tip-top Shape

Appliances are a big investment, so it is important to make sure they are regularly maintained so they'll last as long as possible. Cleaning them regularly and checking them for any leaks or mechanical issues is the first step, but there are a few lesser-known maintenance tips that will help keep your appliances humming along for years to come:

Clean your refrigerator's coils once every few months. Coils are located at the bottom or in the back of most models and can build up dirt and dust fairly quickly.

Inspect your dishwasher for any leaks, especially in the hose, and make sure the sprayer arm is free of debris.

Keep your garbage disposal clean and fresh by feeding it half of a lemon every month.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

Dave Marcolla, PA RS342958 NJ1860139, Keller Williams Real Estate, Realtor® C:609-423-9147 O:215-860-4200

03/20/2019: How can your home make you happier?

Your home should be your sanctuary, a refuge from the stresses of everyday life, where you can relax, enjoy yourself and spend time with friends and family. If your home isn't bringing you the happiness it should, take a look at the following tips to help put a smile on your face whenever you walk in your front door.

Surround yourself with mood-boosting colors. Red, orange and yellow are most often associated with generating positive feelings. If those colors don't make you smile, surround yourself with the colors that you're most drawn to. Try using one of your favorite memories for inspiration. If you took a life-changing trip to Greece a few years ago, why not paint your bedroom the deep blue of the Aegean Sea?

Fill the air with blissful scents. Many scents, including jasmine, citrus and freshly baked bread, are reported to be linked to happiness. Scent is also closely linked with memory, so filling your home with a scent tied to happy memories will give your spirits a lift.

Create a dedicated space for your favorite hobbies. Spending time on activities that bring you joy is important to your overall happiness. Whether your passion is reading, painting or woodworking, having a space devoted to your favorite hobby will motivate you to spend more time doing what you love.

Bring the outdoors in. According to Psychology Today, there is a significant link between time spent enjoying nature and happiness. To bring Mother Nature indoors, fill your home with plants and fresh flowers or just open your curtains to enjoy the view of any nearby gardens or trees.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

Dave Marcolla PA, RS342958, NJ1860139, Keller Williams Real Estate Realtor® C:609-423-9147 O:215-860-4200

03/08/2019: How Are My Property Taxes Calculated

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02/20/2019: Weatherstripping Windows and Doors: How to Find the Leaks

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose.... even though your windows are closed...." -  If that sounds disturbingly like your home in the middle of winter, we've got to talk. You may not want to admit it, but something is very wrong with your windows and doors. On cool, calm days you can't really tell if it's cold inside because you have the thermostat turned down a bit or if if that chilliness is cold air leaking in from your windows, but on windy days there's no doubt. Just looking at those windows makes you shiver. Don't suffer needlessly from low indoor temperatures and high utility bills. Instead, do something about it! It's time for weatherstripping.

What is Weatherstripping?

Weatherstripping is essentially any material you use to close up gaps between two surfaces of building materials located on an outside wall (generally). The act of installing weatherstripping is also commonly known as "weatherstripping," so it can get a little confusing.

Even though it may look like your house doesn't have any gaps between, say your window trim and the wall or the upper and lower portions of your double-hung windows, the chances are good that there are lots of small cracks you're just not seeing. As a result, you'll end up leaking climate controlled indoor airout into the outdoors. Sometimes this is really obvious. You'll feel the air temperature differential or you'll literally see bright light shining through the gaps when the room is darkened.

More often, though, you'll find some of the gaps and miss a lot more because they can be very hard to detect. Homeowners and pros alike handle this issue in a few different ways:

• They perform yearly maintenance on the weatherstripping. When you're positive that your home isn't leaking air, there's not really any reason to refresh the weatherstripping or recaulk everything that is nailed to something else. But if you're not sure of your leak status or you simply don't think you will be able to tell where leaks are forming, spending a day laying down new beads with the caulk gun and replacing any worn weatherstripping will ensure your home is ready for the coldest and hottest days.
• They take advantage of infrared camera technology. Infrared cameras are really cool. Or, at least, they can show you where things that are really cool happen to be located. Although they're not fool-proof, if you want to give this tech a try, you can pick up a model that will attach to your smartphone for a lot less than the units the pros tend to use. When an area turns up icy blue (or another color, depending on your camera settings), you can then manually inspect that area for unexpected air flow.
• They enlist the help of a energy specialist for an energy audit. Many utility companies have an energy specialist on hand to help with energy audits. Even those that don't will keep a list of independent home pros that can perform the same service. They have all kinds of neat tools in their bags and will not only point out the drafts, but can help you deal with these and the other energy losers in your home.

You may be surprised (or even alarmed!) at how much of your home's indoor air is leaking in from the outside and the other way around. But you can't efficiently weatherstrip your home until you know where the leaks are, so it's a painful, but necessary first step Again, if you're just really in love with the caulk gun, a refresh never hurt anything, but you probably have other things you'd like to be doing.

Do You Need an Energy Audit?

While you can perform a sort of DIY energy audit on your own, if you want a detailed analysis of where the weather is getting in, plus all the other hints and tips for saving energy that come with a formal energy audit, you don't have to look any further than your HomeKeepr community! Your real estate agent has already made the connections with the best home pros in the area, their experiences and recommendation can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

02/19/2019: How to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

Allergies are often associated with the arrival of spring, but indoor allergy sufferers will often find themselves sniffing and sneezing year-round. The culprit? Indoor allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet hair and dander. So how do you make sure your home is a respite from both seasonal and interior allergens and create a healthy environment for you and your family?

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are several best practices you can adopt to manage allergens in your home:

1. Keep it clean. Regularly cleaning your home will go far in reducing allergens such as dust, dust mites and pet dander.

2. Redo your floors. Replacing rugs and carpets with wood or vinyl floorings will help minimize dust and other allergens that become embedded in fabric fibers.

3. Groom your furry friends. Regularly bathing and brushing your pets will help reduce the amount of dander and pet hair in your home.

4. Go on mold patrol. Be on the lookout for any leaks or moisture in your home as this can cause mold to thrive.

Simple tips like these can create a happier, healthier and more valuable home. Thank you for thinking of me for all of your real estate needs, and be sure to share my contact information with anyone you know of looking to buy, sell or invest in a home.

02/09/2019: 5 Home Seller Strategies for Staging Your Home

There's a reason why people love looking at photos of homes for sale — it's rare that we get to see a place look it's very best, and scrolling through gorgeous room after room helps serious buyers see themselves settling down in those very rooms.

But as any seller (or photographer) can attest, getting a home ready for its close-up (also known as "staging") is not easy and is definitely not always fun. It involves a ton of cleaning, some furniture removal (or placement), a plethora of attention to detail, and usually a lot of light. This is why professional stagers charge hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars for their services.

If hiring a stager isn't in your budget or you're simply more of a do-it-yourself type, consider taking advantage of these relatively quick and easy methods for helping your soon-to-be-sold home appear shiny and new.

1. Clean, clean, clean, clean, clean

Even if you follow every other tip on the list to an exacting standard, if your home isn't clean, you won't be reaping all of the benefits that staging could generate for you. There are two big steps to cleaning for staging:

• Decluttering your home
• Deep cleaning everything ... everything

First is the clutter. This might be a good time to join the neighborhood garage sale or arrange for your sister-in-law whose kids are a few years younger to come pick up all the hand-me-downs you've been promising. It always makes sense to start with things that you don't want to pack up and move to a new location.

Don't forget about the furniture — too much furniture in a room makes it look cramped and small, so remove what you don't need.

Resist the temptation to box everything up and stash it in one room, the garage, a basement or attic — unless it's not your room. Buyers are going to want to open doors, cabinets, and drawers, and peer into closets and utility rooms, so if you want your home to look its best, you need to keep those areas neat, too.

Some sellers rent storage facilities during the process, and that's always a possibility, too. If you have family or good friends in the area who can take some of the larger items for you, then you might be able to get a smaller storage unit. (Make sure to pay your loved ones back with a gift or thoughtful gesture when the home is sold!)

When the surfaces are clear and your surroundings are feeling more vacation-home than lived-in, it's time to deep clean those surfaces. Scrub the inside from ceiling to floors; wash your windows; consider power-washing the outside to brighten it up. Plant new flowers, keep your sidewalks and walkways clear and weed-free and set some inviting chairs with fluffy cushions on your (freshly polished, cobweb-free) front porch.

Once the decluttering is done, it'll be much easier to get everything looking shiny and new — and easier to hire help, too — so make sure to tackle this step first.

2. Light up

If you haven't changed a light bulb in a while, then you might be surprised by how much brighter they've gotten — or what a difference a bright bulb can make in a room that you thought was naturally dreary and dim.Changing out your bulbs can be a quick way to give your entire home a quick lift, brightening up every room and helping potential buyers see exactly how well-maintained those original wood floors are, and examine the crown molding close up.

Experts suggest that you obtain 100 watts of lighting for every 50 square feet in your home, and consider using three different types of lighting (not just overhead lighting) to get there. Overhead or ambient lighting is important, of course, but accent lighting (on walls and tables) and task lighting (reading or under-cabinet lights) will help showcase your space in all its glory.

3. Rearrange with an eye for balance

Most of us don't live in perfectly symmetrical surroundings, but if there's a way to achieve it with your furniture, then it's worth it to try — at least for the photos. Try to balance any shelves, counters, and mantelpieces in the same way, with an eye for highlighting the accessories that will help make your home look like a retreat from a messy world.

You can do the same thing with area rugs and artwork. Arrange your floor and wall coverings to draw the eye down the halls and through the house, which will give touring buyers a pleasant sense of welcome and discovery.

4. Organize and energize

There are always going to be parts of your house that are made to hold "stuff" — but you can make that stuff look presentable with a little bit of organization.

Some decluttering and color-blocking on your bookshelves can make the display draw the eye instead of distracting from the rest of the room, for example. Kids' and pets' toys are another opportunity to organize and beautify with a decorative box or basket, or a fun shelving unit that holds everything with style.
Straighten your shoes on the closet floors and neaten up the hanging areas, then open up the doors when you leave for a buyer's tour. They'll enjoy the welcoming feeling of the open doors (and you know they were going to open them up, anyway).

5. Polish up the appliances

If you can afford it, new appliances in the kitchen can go a long (long!) way toward helping a buyer fall in love with the heart of the house. New appliances tend to help generate high returns for sellers, so depending on the condition and upgrades in the rest of your home, you might want to consider it — you might be able to find some good deals on floor models or end-of-season sales, too.

If not, help your appliances look their best by using stainless steel polish, glass polish, or whatever else you might need to help regenerate the shine on your stove.

You don't need to take all these tips when staging your home — but don't ignore them all when you're selling, either. Taking the time to pay a little bit of attention to staging before a buyer even sees the place can reap big rewards at the closing table.

01/28/2019: Purchasing Your Next Home Using a 203-K Renovation Loan

My client shared these helpful tips to consider if you find yourself in a similar situation:

1 - Not every contractor does renovation loans, and some don't even know what they are.  Be sure you're only considering contractors who are familiar with (they get paid by the bank as the work gets done, not before) and willing to take on a bank-funded project.
2 - Consider other projects that might make sense to finance as part of the loan as well.  We had a few in mind but based on budget, narrowed it down to a porch conversion to a den.
3 - Septic replacement requires getting multiple quotes, permits and typically can't be completed unless the conditions are just right.  Be sure you know your timeline, especially if you don't have anywhere to live until the work is complete!
4 - Always negotiate and then negotiate some more.
5 - Do your research on area contractors and septic companies.  Leverage local Facebook groups, your Realtor and apps like Nextdoor to get solid recommendations and interview a few before selecting one.
 

When asked if she felt the process and projects were worth it?  She said "Absolutely.  I'd do it over again in a heartbeat.  We knew this house was for us, and everyday I appreciate it more.  We love it!"

 

Curious to see how that porch conversion to a den turned out? Click Here

 

www.davemarcolla.com / dave@davemarcolla.com 

609-423-9147 - direct / 215-862-5500 - office

01/21/2019: Can Waiting to Buy Your Next Home Actually Cost You More Money?

Good news...this one's an easy one! Let's look at the facts. What makes up "cost" when it comes to buying a home? 2 things...price of the home and interest rate on the mortgage make up the cost to you of owning a home (excluding of course taxes and maintaining the property). Now, nothing is guaranteed but based on history and what we know about the market today, it's a pretty good bet to expect both home prices and mortgage rates to increase over the next year.

As they say, the numbers speak for themselves. So now that we agree, financially it makes more sense to buy now, what else should you consider? How much can you afford and can you qualify for a mortgage. Once you know that, you'll need to think about where you'd like to purchase. Some areas now qualify for zero down loans, like a USDA mortgage. Not familiar? Check out https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do to learn more and see if you might be eligible.

Still not sure where to begin? Start by talking with a licensed Realtor. They can help match you with local lenders in order to determine the type of loan and amount to borrow that's right for you. They will also work with you to find the perfect home!

Want to learn more? Visit www.davemarcolla.com or contact Dave@DaveMarcolla.com.

Dave is a Licensed Realtor in PA & NJ with Addison Wolfe Real Estate of New Hope, PA and can be reached directly at 609-423-9147.

01/13/2019: Top 5 Reasons to List your Princeton Area Home Now!

Here's why now is a good time to sell...

Thinking for selling? Have always been told spring is the time to sell, right? Well...let's think about that. There are 5 (well at least 5) reasons I can think of that might throw that advice out the window in 2019!

1 - In order to maximize return on your investment and sell your home for top dollar, you want the least amount of competition possible. When there are more choices for buyers to choose from, competition increases and your sale price may need to decrease in order to compete. Right now, inventory levels (your competition) are the lowest we've seen in quite some time. Lower than last month and lower than this time last year!

2 - For buyers to be motivated, they need to have affordable financing. Have you seen today's mortgage rates? They are astonishingly low but poised to increase throughout 2019 as the Fed likely raises rates again this year. Buyers are being told by their agents, NOW is the time to buy and get you locked in at these incredibly low rates. That means they're already shopping...not waiting until Spring.

3 - You don't only want top dollar for your home, you also want it to sell quickly. What drives quick sales? Motivated buyers, low inventory levels and mortgage rates poised to increase. Buyers right now are looking to find their dream home and get it under contract and rates locked in quickly. That means a likely smoother and quicker transaction for you.

4 - How much time do you like to spend outdoors when it's freezing cold and or snow covered? Probably not more than you have to. Neither do buyers. That means less time examining every details of the landscaping, curb appeal or exterior of the home. Less to nitpick about and less to potentially negotiate over during inspections. Of course, this means the inside of your home will be the primary focus and needs to be staged well and clean.

5 - If you need to sell to be able to purchase your next home, getting it on the market now means less stress when you start looking. Let's say you list your home mid-January. You get it sold by mid-February. Average 60 day closing means you're out mid-April. That's an ideal time to move before it gets too hot out and when you're ready to be closing on your next dream home. Once you're under contract for sale of your home, you're better positioned to put an offer on your next home. Waiting too long can mean you're not purchasing until late summer and possibly missing out on the perfect home for you!

Want to learn more or list your home? www.davemarcolla.com or Dave@DaveMarcolla.com.

Dave is a Licensed Realtor in PA & NJ with Addison Wolfe Real Estate of New Hope, PA. 215-862-5500

01/06/2019: 4 Renovation Tips to Sell your Home for Top Dollar this Spring

What sells homes in for top dollar and quick? You've probably heard it before, and it still holds true. Kitchens, bathrooms and curb appeal! There...in 3 sentences you've already got 3 of the tips. But how much renovation do YOU need to do? Over-improving can be your worst enemy. That's why the 4th renovation tip is the key. Consult a Realtor experienced with renovations and remodels!

1 - For many families, the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. That's why upgrades to a kitchen can be so valuable. Now let's be clear, the majority of upgrades won't yield 100% return on investment, but it can yield a higher sales price and likely get it sold much faster. This is why you often hear, "first impressions are critical." The better your home presents upon first impression, especially in key areas like kitchens, the more likely you are to hook a potential buyer!

So what should you focus on in the kitchen? I'll always say consult a Realtor because they can look at comparable homes for sale or recently sold and the value of your home to make specific recommendations. But typically, buyers today want stainless steel appliances, tile or wood floors, stone counters, farm sinks and decent lighting. Like with any other room in the home, you want to keep the colors somewhat neutral as that allows buyers to imagine their own colors or decorations in the room.

2 - Bathrooms, bathrooms, bathrooms. Similar to kitchens, its key to not go overboard and keep things neutral. Must haves? Current styles in tile flooring, stone top vanity ideally with 2 sinks if master, tiled or glass surround shower and most importantly, a bright and clean space! Consult your Realtor if unsure. As money spent over-improving is money not in your pocket at closing!

3 - Curb appeal. Back to first impressions. There's none more important than the exterior of your home. Just like the inside of your home, the outside should look as inviting and welcoming as possible. Think about asking a friend or family member (or of course your Realtor) to give blunt honest feedback about what they think when they pull up to your home. What might they do differently. Sometimes a second or third set of eyes can be a big help as we see our homes everyday and may miss something that someone else would be bothered by.

Like with kitchens and bathrooms, keep it simple and easy to maintain. Many times less is more. You want to be sure the front of the home is completely visible. Trim back overgrown shrubs, bushes and tress. Remove anything growing up against the home as that will be an inspection issue. Be sure water is graded to run away from the home when it rains (vs. towards it).

Dave Marcolla, MBA - Realtor PA & NJ

Dave@DaveMarcolla.com or 609-423-9147

4 - CONSULT A REALTOR with experience in remodels and renovations. Tip 4 transcends all areas of the home when prepping for sale. While anytime is a good time to sell, spring will be hot. So use the time now to get your plan in place to maximize the value of your home and get it on the market early!

12/24/2018: Twas the Night before Christmas by Dave Marcolla, MBA - Addison Wolfe Real Estate

12/19/2018: Is Winter a Good Season for the Real Estate Market?

"What have we all heard about the seasonality of selling real estate?  Typically, everyone believes the spring and summer to be the best months to sell a home.  While that may be by and large true at a national level, that's not always true in areas like Princeton and can vary by year.  

Real estate markets vary for many reasons.  There are socioeconomic influences, politics, climate, interest rates and other factors that can make selling your home a smart idea in your area.  Here in the Princeton area, we have many desirable communities like Hopewell, Lawrenceville, Pennington and beyond.  People relocating to the area or even moving within the Princeton area will be looking to purchase homes here no matter the time of year.  Why?  Things happen.  Job changes, relationship changes, births, deaths, you name it.  These things don't always happen in the spring and summer.

Right now, while the number of homes on the market in Princeton remain lower than demand, even winter can be a great time to showcase your home and find a buyer!  We're still seeing some homes come on the market and sell in hours if not days.  Will this be the case for your home?  That will always depend upon how you price it, how its stage and how it's marketed.  That's why when you're ready to sell its important to select a Realtor who knows how to do just that.  Be sure to ask what their "average days on market" stat is.  You'll want to work with someone who understands pricing, staging and marketing in a way that moves your home fast and at a great price.

Check out what SimplifyingTheMarket has to say: Top 5 Reasons to Sell this Winter. Want to know more based on where you live?  Reach out to Dave at 609-423-9147 or Dave@DaveMarcolla.com for your free home evaluation today!"

11/21/2018: Dave Marcolla, MBA - Addison Wolfe Real Estate
Dave is a seasoned marketing and financial services executive having worked for AT&T, Comcast and TD Bank since moving to the area in 2000. However, his personal passion for real estate has brought him to Addison Wolfe Real Estate "a boutique firm with global connections.

Dave is a seasoned marketing and financial services executive having worked for AT&T, Comcast and TD Bank since moving to the area in 2000. However, his personal passion for real estate has brought him to Addison Wolfe Real Estate "a boutique firm with global connections." Dave and his partner Jamie have purchased and restored 4 historic homes in Eastern PA and Central NJ. They know how important and rewarding finding the right home, and in many cases bringing it back to life, can be.

Licensed in PA & NJ, Dave focuses on helping people achieve their real estate dreams in Mercer, Hunterdon and Bucks County. His unique approach to digital, social, print and global marketing has consistently helped his clients maximize their return and get their homes sold quickly. He is committed to the communities he serves and giving back. Dave was recently named Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia and is a 2018 Bucks County "Realtors Among Us" Award Winner. Contact Dave at 609-423-9147 or Dave@AddisonWolfe.com for your free home valuation and consultation today!