Delaware Valley Real Estate - OnPoint with Letitia Stevenson

Has There Ever Been a Better Time to Buy a Home? (Delaware Valley Real Estate - Southeastern PA)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 14:14:10 -0400

Has There Ever Been a Better Time to Buy a Home? (Delaware Valley Real Estate - Southeastern PA)

While Southeastern Pennsylvania house prices have declined since the peak of the market (down 7.15% since 2006*), prices have appreciated over the past ten years (up 71% since 2000*) and housing (in my opinion) has become the most attractive asset class in America, especially for investors, as well as, home buyers looking to stay put for a while.

You may be asking yourself: "Has There Ever Been a Better Time to Buy a Home?" Well, there is a time for everything, including buying a home. But how do you know if the time is right for you? In the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of The Chairman's Report (Southeastern Pennsylvania Edition), Larry Flick, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS, looks at several ways of answering this question using regional market trends.

*Source of Above Data: Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Single-Family Aggregate Index, 2000Q1=100), SA (Philadelphia Metro Division PA Counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia).

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Southeastern PA - Fall/Winter 2011 PFR Chairman’s Report

Has There Ever Been a Better Time to Buy a Home? (Delaware Valley Real Estate - Northern Delaware)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:34:48 -0400

Has There Ever Been a Better Time to Buy a Home?

(Delaware Valley Real Estate - Northern Delaware)

While Northern Delaware (Wilmington DE-MD-NJ Metro Area) house prices have declined since the peak of the market (down 13.74% since 2006*), prices have appreciated over the past ten years (up 58% since 2000*) and housing (in my opinion) has become the most attractive asset class in America, especially for investors, as well as, home buyers looking to stay put for a while.

You may be asking yourself: "Has There Ever Been a Better Time to Buy a Home?" Well, there is a time for everything, including buying a home. But how do you know if the time is right for you? In the Fall/Winter 2011 issue of The Chairman's Report (Northern Delaware Edition), Larry Flick, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS, looks at several ways of answering this question using regional market trends.

*Source of Above Data: Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Single-Family Aggregate Index, 2000Q1=100), SA (Wilmington DE MD NJ Metro Area Counties: New Castle, DE, Cecil, MD, Salem, NJ).

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Northern DE - Fall/Winter 2011 PFR Chairman’s Report

341 Rockmeade Dr Wilmington DE 19810 (SOLD) - Ballymeade (Brandywine/North Wilmington)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:41:25 -0500

341 Rockmeade Dr Wilmington DE 19810 (SOLD)

Ballymeade (Brandywine/North Wilmington)

Main Features:

Status: SOLD

List Price: $338,500

MLS Number: 5761451

Type: Townhome | Sq Ft: 2,075

Bedrooms: 3 | Full Baths: 2 | Half Baths: 2

Municipality: Brandywine

Virtual Tour/Photos:

Click here for Virtual Tour and Additional Photos

Description:

Beautiful 3BR/2. 2BA open floor plan, end-unit w/granite counters in the upgraded eat-in kitchen, security system, hardwood floors, rear deck & fenced yard. Master bedroom features a walk-in closet, tray ceiling, large bath w/separate shower, soaking tub & dual vanities. Second level washer and dryer make light work of laundry. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath w/tub complete the second floor. The spacious lower level media room is nicely finished and has a second powder room. Click here for More Details.

Google Area Map:

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Listed by - Broker: Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS® - Greenville

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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304 Charleston Dr Wilmington DE 19808 (SOLD) - Limestone Hills (Pike Creek)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:39:44 -0400

304 Charleston Dr Wilmington DE 19808 (SOLD)

Limestone Hills (Elsemer/Newark/Pike Creek)

Main Features:

Status: SOLD (60 DOM)

List Price: $382,500

MLS Number: 5876690

Type: Single Family Home | Sq Ft: 2,550

Bedrooms: 4 | Full Baths: 2 | Half Baths: 1

Municipality: Elsemer/Newark/Pike Creek

Descritiption:

Do spacious, lovely, updated & well maintained describe your next home? If so, then "This is the One." Formal living and dining rooms for special occasions and many other choices for casual get togethers. , i.e. family room w/fireplace that opens onto 16' x 20' screen room w/vaulted ceiling, 16' x 24' deck (both newly constructed), patio, fenced rear yard and a 23' x 23' beautifully finished bonus room w/4 double door closets. Check out the updated powder room w/marble topped vanity and fixtures and the main bathroom's granite countertop, double sinks, new vanity and fixtures. The first floor laundry and nearby office are only steps from the large, eat-in kitchen which has a conventional and a convection oven. If you need creative space requiring the use of hand tools then the finished 12' x 12' workroom (complete w/laminate floor) on the lower level is ready and waiting. Roof was resurfaced in '03, AC replaced '07, heat pump 2000 and furnace motor '08. Immediate occupancy is available!

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Listed by - Broker: Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS® - Greenville

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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200 Cherry Blossom Pl Hockessin DE 19707 (SOLD) - Westwoods

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 04:29:24 -0500

200 Cherry Blossom Pl Hockessin DE 19707 (SOLD)

Westwoods (Hockessin/Greenville/Centerville)

Main Features:

Status: SOLD

List Price: $454,900

MLS Number: 5744884

Type: Single Family Home | Sq Ft: 3,100

Bedrooms: 4 | Full Baths: 3 | Half Baths: 1

Municipality: Hockssn/ Greenvl/ Centrvl

Vitual Tour/Photos:

Click Here for Virtual Tour and Additional Photos

Descritiption :

Elegant curb appeal describes this 2-story colonial with a 2-car turned garage. The grand scale of the master suite provides for quiet relaxation and the sunken master bath is meant to be shared - separate shower,privy closet, dual sinks and a large soaking tub. The main floor is perfect for casual or formal living with separate living and dining rooms, an office and powder room at the front of the house, and an expansive family room with gas fireplace in the rear overlooking a sunroom and 2-tier deck. A second gas fireplace in the spacious finished full basement only adds to the fun waiting in the game room with wet bar, mirrored exercise area, full bath and a large craft/office that includes the office furniture. Click Here for More Details.

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Listed by - Broker: Prudential Fox & Roach REALTORS® - Greenville

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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DSHA Update August 15, 2011 - Rate Change (Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:25:35 -0400

DSHA Update August 15, 2011 - Rate Change (Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program)

DSHA has reduced the interest rates under its Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program (SFMRB). The SFMRB program offers 30-year mortgages with a fixed interest rate to first-time homebuyers, i.e., buyers who have not owned a principal residence within the past three years.

Current interest rates, 30 year fixed-rate mortgage (As of this post, Rates Subject to Change):

3.5% (formerly 4.25%) - New, Existing or 203K Acquisition/Rehab Homes Loans (without SMAL)
4.5% (formerly 4.875%) - New, Existing or 203K Acquisition/Rehab Homes Loans (with SMAL)

Qualified buyers can also use the Second Mortgage Assistance Loan (SMAL) program for down payment and closing cost assistance up to $10,000 in conjunction with the Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program, making it possible for the buyers to purchase with little to no money out of pocket.

The content provided in this post is presented as a courtesy to be used only for informational purposes and is not represented to be complete or error free. For the latest information, rates, requirements and updates on DSHA's affordable homebuyers programs, please visit DSHA's Homeowenership online. Or, contact a participating mortgage lender/mortgage consultant, like Gail Frederick from Trident Mortgage (DSHA 2010 Top Producing Lender).

If you have any real estate questions, please contact me (Letitia Stevenson).

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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Are You Really Ready to Sell Your House? (Delaware Valley Real Estate)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 17:25:12 -0500

Are You Really Ready to Sell Your House?

Getting ready to sell your house? There are many reasons for selling a house. Perhaps your family is expanding and you need more space. Or, perhaps you're moving from the city to the suburbs (or vice versa). Whatever your reasons are for selling, here are some questions you should ask yourself before your decide to put your house on the market:

Am I motivated to sell?
Do I understand the current real estate market?
Am I realistic about pricing?
Am I prepared to clean, declutter and stage my house?
Is my house in shape for a thorough home inspection?
Am I prepared to make my house accessible, i.e., make it easy for agents to show my home to potential buyers?

If you’re ready to sell your house now, getting it sold will come down to how well your property competes with other homes on the market. Is Your House Ready to Compete in Today's Marketplace?

Thinking of Selling Your Home? Get It Sold!

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The Chairman’s Report: A Message from Larry Flick, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS® and the Trident Group. The Winter 2011 edition of The Chairman’s Report answers the question “What about the seller?” in a buyer’s market.

GET YOUR OWN COPY! For a copy of this report, please contact me and it will be sent directly to your inbox.

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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Buying a Home: Are We There Yet? (Delaware Valley Real Estate)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 19:33:59 -0400

Buying a Home: Are We There Yet?

Are you thinking of buying a home? But, you’re still sitting on the fence, wondering “Are we there yet?” That is, “Has the real estate market really reached a turning point?” Read On. It could be a turning point for you!

The Summer 2011 issue of The Chairman’s Report below answers the question “Are We There Yet?”

In This Issue:

Is Buying a Home Still a Good Investment?

Are Real Estate Prices at the Bottom?

Is There Going to be a Double Dip Recession?

Isn’t it Hard to Get a Mortgage Now?

Why Now is the Time

What If I Need to Sell?

Are We There Yet?

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The following regional editions of the Summer 2011 PFR Chairman's Report are available:

Wilmington DE

Southeastern PA

Central NJ

Southern NJ

NJ Shore

GET YOUR OWN COPY! To request a copy, please contact me and indicate which edition of this report you would like sent directly to your inbox.

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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Delaware Property Transfer Tax Exemption – Qualified AREAS (New Castle County)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:18:15 -0500

Delaware Property Transfer Tax Exemption - Qualified AREAS (New Castle County)

ATTENTION: Delaware First Time Home Buyers

Many Delaware municipalities and counties have enacted the 1½ percent tax, so generally the Delaware transfer tax is a total of 3% (1½ percent to the State and 1½ percent to the county or municipality). This amount is split between the buyer and seller of real estate, unless the parties agree otherwise.

The State offers NO Property Transfer Tax Exemption; however, the New Castle County has an exemption - .75% of county transfer tax fee - for first time home buyers (FTHB).

In the City of Wilmington, you are a first time buyer eligible for the Property Transfer Tax Exemption if you have not purchased a residence in the City in the last three years.
In unincorporated New Castle County, you can never have owned residential property anywhere (including other states or foreign countries) to qualify for the exemption.

AREAS THAT QUALIFY FOR FTHB EXEMPTION:

26 - City of Wilmington* (2-Digit Number Represent 1^st two positions on parcel number)
UNINCORPORATED, New Castle County

AREAS THAT DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FTHB EXEMPTION:

INCORPORATED, New Castle County (2-Digit Number Represent 1^st two positions on parcel number)

15 - SMYRNA (Town) Note: Part of Smyrna is in Kent County
16 - ARDEN (Village)
17 - BELLEFONTE (Town)
18 - NEWARK (City)
19 - ELSMERE (Town)
20 - NEWPORT (Town)
21 - NEW CASTLE (City)
22 - DELAWARE CITY (City)
23 - MIDDLETOWN (Town)
24 - ODESSA (Town)
25 - TOWNSEND (Town)
27 - AREDENTOWN (Village)
29 - ARDENCROFT (Village)
30 - CLAYTON (Town) Note: Part of Clayton is in Kent County

Additional Information:

NCC Deed Office
HELP LINE (302) 395-7700

Information in this post is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, tax or other professional assistance.

If you have any real estate questions, please contact me. Whether buying, selling, or just curious to learn more, I'm here to assist you. Please contact me with your questions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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Delaware Down Payment Assistance Programs for First Time Home Buyers

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:00:15 -0400

Delaware Down Payment Assistance Programs (First Time Home Buyers)

Many first time home buyers find it nearly impossible to save cash for the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home. Down payment assistance programs (DAPs) and other buyer assistance/financing programs help home buyers overcome two common barriers to buying a first home:

DOWN PAYMENT
CLOSING COSTS

Looking for down payment and closing cost assistance? Here are a few potential options to consider:

1 | Delaware First Time Home Buyer Program (SFMRB) with SMAL (for down payment/closing cost assistance)

The Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program (SFMRB) offers 30-year mortgages with a fixed interest rate to first-time homebuyers, i.e., buyers who have not owned a principal residence within the past three years. Qualified buyers can also use the Second Mortgage Assistance Loan (SMAL) program for down payment and closing cost assistance up to $10,000 in conjunction with SFMRB program. With the SMAL program, buyer must participate in HUD-approved housing counseling program.

To get started today, contact Gail Frederick from Trident Mortgage (DSHA 2010 Top Producing Lender) for more details. Also, visit DSHA's Homeowenership Website for more information.

2 | USDA Rural Development Loans (require no downpayment)

USDA Rural Development (RD) Loans offer 30-year mortgages with a fixed interest rate, 100% financing (no down payment), and no monthly mortgage insurance. Also, any difference between the contract price and the appraisal value can be used to finance normal closing costs.

USDA Home Loans are available in rural areas of the country, provided a market exists for the property, funding is available, and the home meets HUD's minimum property standards. Currently, there are two types of USDA loans available for new and existing single family homes:

Contact a Delaware RD Representative for specific details, requirements and borrower qualifications. Also, check out these additional resources:

3 | Delaware Down Payment Assistance Programs (DAPs)

Delaware Down Payment Assistance Programs (DAPs) offer financial assistance for qualified buyers. Depending on the program, DAPs may be used for down payment and/or closing costs. Of course, all programs are subject to provider restrictions including availability of funds.

PROGRAM NAME

Note: NCC = New Castle County

LOAN TYPES*

DAP Maximum Assistance Amount

Contact Name

Phone #

IDA: Delaware First State Community Loan Fund Delawareans Save Individual Development Account (IDA) Program

$3,000

Jan Slattery

(302) 652-6774

DAP: NCC Hometown Heroes First Time Homebuyers Program

F V C

$5,000

Mindy Bennett

(302) 395-5602

DPS: NCC Down Payment Settlement Program

F V C

$5,000

Mindy Bennett

(302) 395-5602

ADDI: NCC American Dream Down Payment Initiative Program

F V C

$10,000

Carrie Sawyer Casey

(302) 395-5616

HIP: NCC Homeowner Incentive Program

F C

$10,000

Mindy Bennett

(302) 395-5602

SAP: Dover First Start Home Ownership Down Payment and Settlement Assistance Program

F V C

$10,000

Tracey Harvey

(302) 736-7175

NSP: NCC Neighborhood Stabilization Program

F V C

$40,000

Carrie Sawyer Casey

(302) 395-5616

*Loan Types (for Eligible 1st MTG): F = FHA | V = VA | C = Conventional

Contact a DAP representative (see above matrix) for specific details about a particular program and borrower qualifications.

The content provided in this post is presented as a courtesy to be used only for informational purposes and is not represented to be complete or error free. For the latest information, rates, requirements and updates on homebuyers programs, please contact a mortgage consultant and/or use the contact information and links provided throughout this post.

I highly recommend that you contact a qualified mortgage consultant to obtain a pre-approval for financing that fits with your unique needs prior to shopping for a home. If you have any real estate questions, please contact me (Letitia Stevenson).

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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Delaware Property Transfer Tax Exemption for First Time Home Buyers - New Castle County

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:11:08 -0500

Delaware Property Transfer Tax Exemption for First Time Home Buyers - New Castle County

ATTENTION: Delaware First Time Home Buyers

Many Delaware municipalities and counties have enacted the 1½ percent tax, so generally the Delaware transfer tax is a total of 3% (1½ percent to the State and 1½ percent to the county or municipality). This amount is split between the buyer and seller of real estate, unless the parties agree otherwise.

The State offers NO Property Transfer Tax Exemption; however, the New Castle County has an exemption - .75% of county transfer tax fee - for first time home buyers (FTHB).

The exemption is not available for properties in the following areas: City of Newark, the City of New Castle, the Town of Middletown, the Town of Newport, the Town of Elsmere, the Town of Odessa and the Town of Smyrna.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS for FTHB Property Transfer Tax Exemption :

City of Wilmington*

You have not owned any real property within City of Wilmington for at least 3 years
Or, you are a homemaker that has been displaced due to divorce or legal separation and have not owned any real property within Wilmington for at least 1 year
Occupy the property as principal residence within 90 days

New Castle County

Certify that you have NEVER previously OWNED PROPERTY anywhere
Buy in an UNINCORPORATED city or town
Occupy the property as principal residence within 90 days

*The City of Wilmington periodically offers programs waiving their portion of the Property Transfer Tax for buyers purchasing a home within the city limits. Please check with the City of Wilmington, Department of Finance for more information at 302.571.4300.

Additional Resources:

NCC Deed Office
HELP LINE 302.395.7700
Delaware Property Transfer Tax Exemption - Qualified AREAS (New Castle County)

Information in this post is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, tax or other professional assistance.

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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Delaware Property Tax Exemption for Seniors - City of Wilmington

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:25:13 -0500

Delaware Property Tax Exemption for Seniors - City of Wilmington

The City of Wilmington provides a property tax exemption for seniors (qualified homeowners aged 65 and over) up to $565 per year. Also, if you qualify, you also receive a discount on your water and sewer bills.

To qualify for a property tax exemption for seniors, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Be an owner or part owner of the property
Be at least 65 years old before the beginning of the tax year on July 1
make a maximum income of $19,000 for married couples, or $15,000 for single persons, excluding social security and railroad retirement tier 1
Be up to date on your tax bills and water/sewer bills

You can also save on County Taxes and School Taxes. For seniors who meet requirements 1 and 2, you may still qualify for a school tax credit up to $500 regardless of income. Contact New Castle County at 395-5520 or visit the County website at www.nccde.org to print an application for the school tax credit.

For more information on Property Tax Exemption for Seniors, please call (302) 571-4320 and Press 1. Information on this page is also available in an easy-to-read brochure.

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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DSHA Update June 30, 2011 - Rate Change (Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:22:39 -0400

DSHA Update June 30, 2011 - Rate Change (Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program)

DSHA has changed interest rates under its Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program (SFMRB). The SFMRB program offers 30-year mortgages with a fixed interest rate to first-time homebuyers, i.e., buyers who have not owned a principal residence within the past three years.

Current interest rates, 30 year fixed-rate mortgage (As of this post, Rates Subject to Change):

4.25% - New, Existing or 203K Acquisition/Rehab Homes Loans (without SMAL)
4.875% - New, Existing or 203K Acquisition/Rehab Homes Loans (with SMAL)

If you have any real estate questions, please contact me (Letitia Stevenson).

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

Check Out and "Like" Letitia's Delaware Valley Real Estate Facebook Page

DSHA 2010 Top Producing Lender: Trident Mortgage (Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program)

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:49:45 -0400

DSHA 2010 Top Producing Lender: Trident Mortgage (Delaware First Time Home Buyers Program)

Trident Mortgage Did It Again... Two (2) Years in a Row! Trident Mortgage Company (a member of Prudential Fox & Roach and Trident family of companies) was recently recognized by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) as 2010 Top Performing Lender for assisting first time homebuyers with DSHA's affordable homeownership programs.

Trident Mortgage Company's Delaware team consist of five (5) professional Mortgage Consultants. I would like to give special mention to Gail Frederick, a Trident Mortgage Consultant in the Greenville Office. Gail has effectively assisted my clients with DSHA's first time home buyer program.

Gail Frederick is a long-time mortgage professional with more than 20 years in the business. She has secured financing for her wide range of clients by satisfying their needs through hard work, quick response to any and all questions, and attention to detail.

The content provided in this post is presented as a courtesy to be used only for informational purposes. For the latest information, requirements and updates on DSHA's affordable homebuyers programs, please visit DSHA's Homeowenership online. Or, contact a participating mortgage lender/mortgage consultant, like Gail Frederick from Trident Mortgage, or, contact DSHA at 302.577.5001 (Wilmington), 302.739.4263 (Dover) or toll free at 888-363-8808.

If you would like a list of DSHA's approved lenders or have any real estate questions, please contact Letitia Stevenson.

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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A Picture Paints a Thousand Words

Letitia Stevenson (Delaware Valley Real Estate | Prudential Fox & Roach) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:35:20 -0400

A Picture Paints a Thousand Words (Delaware Valley Real Estate)

They say a picture paints a thousand words and when it comes to selling your home, you want those words to end with "sold." It's no secret that better-presented homes get more traffic and more buyer interest, therefore selling faster.

That's why it is essential that you showcase your home through images in the best way possible.

According to the National Association of REALTORS^®, nearly 90% of all homebuyers begin shopping for homes online. Many flip through photos of the homes and send a list of those they want to see to their agent. In fact, homes with few or no photos are often passed over simply for that reason, even if the home's description matches a buyer's ideal listing.

Many agents believe that apart from staging, no other marketing investment is as important as professional photography in marketing a property effectively. So, to generate more buyer interest, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of professional real estate photographers in the past few years.

The best photographs are most likely to come from someone who has an eye for the underlying beauty of the home's structure and spaces; has specialized equipment and techniques for lighting and perspective control; and uses workflow processes for post-processing of the images for use on the Web and in publications.

Let's face it, as much as we all like to think we take great photos, a professional has an eye for seeing the best vantage points and lighting options and also has better equipment to make the photos bright, clear and sharp. A professional photographer will most likely use a 10mm lens that can capture up to 85% of a room and lighting that can illuminate the entire room.

The same holds true with taking video of your home to add to a website listing. An amateur can show what each room and yard looks like, but a video professional will make the strongest elements stand out and provide a much better video narrative of the home. Plus, you don't have to worry about any shakiness or dullness that someone not that experienced with a video camera may give you.

Before bringing in someone to photograph or video your home, it's essential that it is clean and de-cluttered so the pictures entice a buyer to want to see the home in person. You don't want clothes, pets or anything else distracting people from the photo at hand.

Indeed, homes showcased with the best photographs and videos will attract more sellers and help speed the home-sale process to a successful conclusion.

Buying, Selling, or Just Curious? Contact Letitia Stevenson for Your Real Estate Needs!

Letitia Stevenson, REALTOR® | Licensed in DE, PA & MD | Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS®

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