Suburban Philadelphia Real Estate News

Claymont DE Homes & History

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:26:30 -0700

**** Open House Sunday May 20 from 1-3 at 15 Ruby Dr, Ashbourne Hills, Claymont DE ****

After seeing both activity and prices fall in recent years, Claymont is now beginning to see a rise in both areas.

With its prime location at the mouth of the Naamans Creek, the Claymont area has been continuously occupied for centuries. Although named after the local Lenape chief by the first western inhabitants, in 1856 the area was renamed Claymont after the former family plantation of the pastor of the local Episcopal Church. Originally an agricultural area, Claymont later developed as a resort area and finally as an industrial community.

Claymont has always been on important transportation routes. In the colonial period it was located on the Kings Hig hway connecting the Colonies and running from Boston through Philadelphia, Newport, and on to Charleston. The historic Robinson House became an important stop during the revolution. Later the Philadelphia Pike was developed as the prime artery between Wilmington and Philadelphia. Today it is conveniently located at the intersection of I95 and I495 directly on the northeast corridor, and it also has local SEPTA rail service with connections to Amtrak in both Wilmington and Philadelphia.

Claymont now has a bit of everything from nice residential developments to multiple commercial areas along the Philadelphia Pike and Naamans Road to some remaining industrial sites. The community is home to several historical sites including the Robinson House - Naamans Tea room, the Old Stone School, the Darley House, and the Ascension Church. In addition, it continues to be home to the Archmere Academy, formerly the Raskob Estate. For the future, the Claymont Renaissance Redevelopment Corporation is working with the community, local organizations, and businesses to guide Claymont's continuing development.

Home sales activity in Claymont has followed the trends we have seen throughout New Castle County. Activity in zip code 19703 peaked in 2005 with 180 sales. Average home sales prices peaked in 2006 at over $214,000. Since then both sales activity and prices have fallen every year until reaching a low of 95 sales in 2011 at an average sales price of $150,000.

This year there have been 37 home sales to date with an average sales price rising to $155,000. There are also 27 properties under contract with an average list price of $158,000 and 54 properties available with an average asking price of $164,000. In several communities we are seeing even greater increases in asking prices as home sales continue to remain strong.

As interest rates continue at historic lows, the economy continues to stabilize, and confidence begins to return, Claymont should be well positioned to continue to see a rise in both home sales activity and pricing as we continue through 2012.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Bear, DE/Devon, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Sunday May 20 Open House - 15 Ruby Dr Ashbourne Hills DE

Thu, 17 May 2012 19:46:12 -0700

OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY! MAY 20 from 1-3 - 15 RUBY DR

This Sunday May 20, we will be holding an Open House at 15 Ruby Dr in Ashbourne Hills in North Wilmington/ Claymont DE.

Ashbourne Hills is a nice community located just off Darley Rd in North Wilmington with a Claymont address. With over 600 homes, Ashbourne Hills contains a great mixture of split level, ranch, and colonial house styles. The community is ideally located just south of Naamans Rd, north of Harvey Rd and west of the Philadelphia Pike providing immediate access to all of North Wilmington. With easy access to both to I-95 and I-495, it is a great location for commuting into Wilmington, Philadelphia, and New Jersey.

15 Ruby Dr itself is a 3 bedroom/ 1 bath split level. The home has a great open floor plan. The living room opens directly to the dining room and kitchen with open access to a large lower level family room. The family room has beamed ceilings, is partially paneled, and has a nice bonus room/bar. It opens directly into the completely renovated den/home office/study addition with sliders to the front and a door to the rear yard. Upstairs there are three bedrooms and one full bath with double sinks. The dining room opens to a enclosed rear porch overlooking a nice terraced rear yard. This is a great house with wood, stone, and wrought iron accents throughout.

With an ideal location, nice amenities, and great layout, 15 Ruby Dr is a great opportunity for home buyers in the area. Be sure to include it in any tour of the area or stop by Sunday's Open House!

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Bear, DE/Devon, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

2012 Wilmington Flower Market

Fri, 11 May 2012 06:23:11 -0700

Just a quick reminder that the Wilmington Flower Market is now open.

Continuing a Mother's Day weekend tradition from 1921, the event is being held this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Rockford Park. It will be open from 10:00AM - 8:00PM daily with a great selection of rides, vendors, and, of course, plenty of plants and flowers. There is also a full slate of scheduled entertainment daily.

The proceeds are distributed to a "wide range of charities throughout the state of Delaware supporting children."

Be sure to take some time to visit the Wilmington Flower Market, support their sponsors, and enjoy the entertainment, all while supporting Delaware's Children.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Bear, DE/Devon, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Sucking On Wood

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 06:41:22 -0700

Another great tip as everyone gets outside in the warmer weather, does the yearly maintenance, and continues to get our homes ready for spring and summer.

Thanks to James Quarello for the reminder.

Via James Quarello - Connecticut Home Inspector (JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC):

Wood Mulch is a very common ground cover around Connecticut homes. It comes in a variety of colors people find appealing. It looks great, there is no doubt, when its new and fresh. As it ages, the color fades and the wood begins to decay. Generally mulch needs to be refreshed every year.

Which is another reason I dislike this colorful wood product.

After a year and usually with snow blanketed over it for a few months, last years wood mulch looks pretty sad. If you have mulch around your house, you or someone will have the job of putting down bright, new mulch every spring. Care is not always exercised when the new is laid however or the previous layer for that matter.

During a recent home inspection I smelled the wonderful fragrance of fresh wood mulch. A new crimson blanket had been laid around the perimeter of the house. As I walked along the exterior of the home, enjoying the scent, I came upon the A/C condensing unit. It showed the effects of collateral mulching.

Often times when wood mulch is present around a house with a central A/C system, the outdoor compressor unit is partially buried in mulch. This house was no exception. Further the cooling fins in this and many other instances are choked with mulch dust. This unit's fins almost match the ground.

A compressor with clogged cooling fins can not breathe well. It's not much different than sliding a paper bag over your head, you would be laboring to draw every breath.

The thing to remember is when laying down mulch, do so with care around your A/C condensing unit. Give it room to breathe. Better yet use decorative stone, once and done.

James Quarello
Connecticut Home Inspector
Former SNEC-ASHI President
NRSB #8SS0022
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

To find out more about our other high tech services we offer in Connecticut click on the links below:
Learn more about our Infrared Thermal Imaging & Diagnostics services. Learn more about our home energy audits, the Home Energy Tune uP®.
Serving the Connecticut Counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, Southern Litchfield and Western New London.

New Castle County Homes Sales Activity Report

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:44:04 -0700

Inventories drop and activity rises as home prices fall to a more sustainable level in New Castle County DE.

After seeing a rise in listing activity in 2010 with stable pricing leading to reduced sales, we saw the area's home sales activity begin to rise in 2011 as prices and inventories began to fall - particularily at the end of the year. The data below illustrate the last few years of activity both for all of New Castle County and the Brandywine/North Wilmington area in particular.

New Castle County:
For 2012 Year To Date:
Year: Homes Listed | Homes under Contract | Homes Sold
2012: :2301 1484 1122
Average Home Sold for $195,000 in 95 Days
For the entire Previous Years:
2011: :8568 4708(54%) 4404(51%)
Average Home Sold for $218,000 in 94 Days
2010: :9795 4322(44%) 4247(43%)
. Average home Sold for $242,000 in 80 days
2009: :9351 4939(52%) 4794(51%)
. Average home Sold for $240,000 in 79 days

For Brandywine/North Wilmington:
For 2012 Year To Date:
Year: Homes Listed | Homes under Contract | Homes Sold
2012: :280 228 170
Average Home Sold for $222,000 in 96 Days
For the entire Previous Years:
2011: :1234 755(61%) 754(61%)
Average Home Sold for $252,000 in 91 Days
2010: :1442 721(50%) 694(48%)
.    Average home Sold for $269,000 in 74 days
2009: :1231   774(62%) 762(61%)
.       Average home Sold for $272,000 in 72 days

Unlike previous years, sales activity has been strong enough to avoid the normal build up in inventory that one often sees during the beginning of the year. Buyers are taking advantage of the recent decline in prices and continuing low interest rates to buy at the current lower prices. This has also allowed sellers to sell fairly quickly, if priced aggresively, providing some flexibilty to move up or down in the market.

We have not seen this activity uniformly across the area. Some areas and neighborhoods continue to have an abundance of available properties so pricing should continue to be fairly stable throughout the area.

As always, if you are thinking of a move and would like more details on the market values in your area, please do not hesitate to contact me anytime for a market update or a complete complimentary market analysis for your home.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Bear, DE/Devon, PA
Office: 302-834-3431/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

(All statistics per the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed)

Delaware County PA Homes Sales Activity Update

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:38:38 -0800

Overall home sales activity continued to decline in 2011, but the rate began to recover toward the end of the year.

As of January 1 2012, available homes for sale declined slightly as compared to January 1 2011 while homes under contract rose - boding well for the housing market as we enter 2012. In addition, while yearly sales continued to decline to a rate 9% below 2011 and 19% below 2010, the gap in activity began to close as the sales rate began to rise toward the end of the year. (Check out the last Update in July here)

As of January 1 each year:
Year: Homes on the Market | Homes under Contract | Homes Sold
2012: :3133 464 4072
2011: :3210 414 4476
2010: :2750 495 5030

2012 Vs 2011
Change: -2.4% +12% -9%
2012 Vs 2010
Change: +14% -7.3% -19%

Positive News: With lower inventory and more homes under contract, we may be past the bottom of the market. There continues to be a large unsatisfied pent up demand with people who want to move and plenty of inventory available to satisfy the demand. In addition, the financing rates have never been lower for those who qualify.

Negative News: We still have a relatively anemic sales rate. The key will continue to be if anyone can "afford" to move. Both buyers and sellers continue to have problems selling their current properties, obtaining satisfactory appraisals on their sales and purchases, and, most critically, obtaining satisfactory financing to move.

Bottom Line: Today continues to be one of the best times to move seen in years. Prices are down across the board, inventory is up in most market segments, and financing rates are at record lows. Although existing homeowners may see lower prices on their sales, they continue to benefit from lower purchase prices. Investors can lock in the current low financing rates to earn higher income yields for years to come. When confidence returns to the marketplace, both prices and interest rates could rise quickly.

As always, feel free to contact me anytime with all your real estate needs and questions.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Radnor Open House - Bryn Mawr Avenue

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:40:46 -0800

Open House this Sunday January 8 from 2:00-4:00
at 690 S Bryn Mawr Avenue Radnor Township PA.

This Sunday we will be holding an Open House at 690 S Bryn Mawr Avenue. This home is located on the north side of Bryn Mawr Avenue just east of Route 320 / Sproul Rd in Radnor Township. This location provides almost immediate access to much of the Main Line as well as most of Delaware County. The home is also minutes from Route 476 with quick connections to I-95, the Philadelphia Airport, greater Philadelphia, and south to Wilmington.

690 Bryn Mawr is listed by Marie Gordon and has been reduced to $399,900. The home is a 3 bedroom 2 bath one floor ranch style property with over 1600 square feet built in approximately 1955. With hardwood floors throughout, updated kitchen, and over one acre of property, this is an ideal location for those looking for convenient one floor living.This home includes a great light open floor plan, one car garage, and basement.

The home is easily accessed from much of the area. From West Chester Pike and I-476 travel west to Rt 320 / Sproul Rd; turn north until you reach the intersection of Bryn Mawr Avenue; turn east to 690 Bryn Mawr. From Lancaster Avenue head south on Sproul until you reach Bryn Mawr Avenue and turn east.

If you are looking for convenient one floor living with immediate access to the Main Line, Chester County, and Delaware County with access to the Radnor schools, you should be sure to include this home in your search.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

(All statistics per the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed)

Happy New Year 2012

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:11:25 -0800

Happy New Year!

Thank you for a great 2011 and wishing you the best for 2012.

Be sure to relax and enjoy some time with your friends and family for the remainder of the holiday weekend.

Have a great New Year!!

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Happy Halloween!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:26:52 -0700

Happy Halloween!

Time to eat candy - lots and lots of candy, dress up in costumes, and wander the neighborhood surprising your unsuspecting friends, neighbors, and family. Eat well and enjoy!

David Henke Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Glenhardie Condominiums Market Update - Tredyffrin Township Wayne PA

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 10:29:17 -0700

The Glenhardie Condos continue to be a prime residential choice for those looking in the King of Prussia / Wayne PA area.

The Glenhardie Condominium complex is a great larger residential condominium community located in Tredyffrin Township Chester County with a Wayne PA address. They are located just north of Swedesford Rd and west of Route 422. This location has immediate access to Route 202, Route 422, and I-76 providing great commuting options throughout the greater Chester County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, and Philadelphia areas. Being just minutes from the King of Prussia Mall, Valley Forge National Park, and much of the Main Line, they offer an endless array of entertainment and dining options.

The Glenhardie Condominiums were originally built between 1968 and 1970. Today, there are 20 buildings with 459 one bedroom and two bedroom units offering a nice range of housing options. Most of the one bedroom units are just over 800 square feet while the two bedroom units start at 100 square feet. There are some larger units and townhouses throughout the complex. The community has been developed in a nice open arrangement preserving the trees, open space, and privacy that are difficult to find today. With an optional membership in the adjacent Glenhardie Country Club, residents have instant access to a golf course, pool, and all the club amenities. The community is part of the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District.

Please be sure to check out the complete area and development history written by some members of the community by clicking here.

As seen throughout the region, prices have fallen a bit in the last few years but have remained stronger than seen in most locations. Using the 2 bedroom units for comparisons, the pricing and activity peaked between 2005 and 2007 when the yearly units sold ranged from 14 - 18 units per year and the average price peaked at over $180,000. Since then we have seen both a reduction in prices and activity. In 2008 there were 12 sales averaging $175,000, in 2009 12 sales for $171,000, in 2010 5 sales for $167,000, and so far in 2011 4 sales for $152,000. There are also 4 homes currently on the market with an average asking price of $188,000 and 2 properties under contract averaging $199,000 - so it appears the 2011 pricing average will be rising.

With its superior location, easy commuting options, schools, and multiple entertainment options, the community should remain a stable and popular choice in the area for years to come.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

(All statistics per the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed)

Beautiful Glenhardie Condo - Open House This Sunday Oct 23 - 91 Drummers Lane Wayne PA

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:13:41 -0700

Glenhardie Condo Open House Sunday October 23 2:00-4:00

This Sunday we will be holding an OPEN HOUSE at 91 Drummers Lane in the Glenhardie Condominiums in Wayne PA.

Glenhardie is a great larger condominium community located in eastern Chester County in Tredyffrin Township. It is adjacent to the Glenhardie Country Clubjust to the north of Swedesford Rd. This location is easily accessible off both Route 202 and Route 422 and is just minutes from the King of Prussia Mall. This allows easy commuting options into Philadelphia, West Chester, Wilmington, and most of Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.

Built between 1968 and 1970 with almost 450 homes, Glenhardie offers a nice mix of one and two bedroom properties. Most one bedrooms average just over 800 square feet with the two bedrooms over 1000 square feet. This main floor unit listed by Marie Gordon is one of the largest 2 bedroom 2 bath designs with a nice outdoor ground level patio. The unit has been freshly painted, has newer kitchen cabinets, and new carpets. There is abundant closet space in both the master and second bedroom and both baths have been nicely updated.

This looks to be a great fall weekend - so be sure to take some time to enjoy the area and stop by 91 Drummers Lane on Sunday from 2-4. I look forward to seeing you and answering any questions you have on Glenhardie or the general area!

Directions: From Swedesford Rd and Old Eagle School Rd go east one block to Drummers Lane. Follow Drummers north to the entrance of Glenhardie. Take a right at the entrance to the third building on the left (building is up the hill around the curve. Address: 91 Drummers Lane, Wayne, PA 19087

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc , Devon, PA / Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

(All statistics per the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed)

Classic Drexel Hill Twin - Open House Sunday - 4109 Vernon

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 23:26:00 -0700

**** NOW REDUCED TO $117,000 ****

This Sunday, October 16, from 12:00 - 2:00, we will be having an OPEN HOUSE at 4109 Vernon Rd in Drexel Hill PA 19026.

Vernon Rd is located in Drexel Hill PA just south of Garrett Rd and west of Burmont Rd. This location provides easy access to Baltimore Pike, State Rd, and Township Line/Route 1 providing easy connections to most of Delaware County. It is also just minutes from I-476 to the west or I-95 and the Philadelphia Airport to the south for commutes into Philadelphia, Wilmington, or Norristown. Vernon is also just moments from great entertainment and dining options throughout the area. The home is less than three blocks from the SEPTA 102 Trolley Line Drexel Manor stop providing immediate access to 69th Street and Philadelphia.

Listed by Arleen Kelly, 4109 Vernon is a classic Drexel Hill Twin home. The property has three bedrooms and 1 bath. The living room includes a wood burning fireplace and opens to an enclosed front porch and light bright dining room. Upstairs you will find three bedrooms with a full ceramic bath. There is an unfinished direct walkout basement and a one car garage. It has been freshly painted outside and has newer tilt-in windows and hardwood floors throughout.

Vernon is competitively priced at $122,500. Drexel Hill twin homes in the immediate area have an average list price $136,000. There are currently 6 homes under contract with an average list price of $135,000, and there have been 16 sales at an average $126,000 final price.

With it's great location, multiple commuting options, and easy access to all the area has to offer, 4109 Vernon is a great home that should be included in any visit to the area.

***Be sure to stop by this Sunday from 12-2***

Directions: From Township Line Rd/Route 1 or State Rd go south on Burmont to Garrett. Proceed west on Garrett two blocks to south on Drexel to right on Vernon. From Baltimore Pike, go north on Garrett until you reach Drexel and turn right to Vernon.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

(All statistics per the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed)

Local Delaware & Chester County Communities in the News

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 10:22:29 -0700

Chester & Delaware County communities continue to rank well in local best places to live categories!

The Philadelphia Magazine has just released their "15 Most Family Friendly Philly Suburbs" and Delaware and Chester County both have high ranking communities. The magazine looked at the schools, populations, crime, and all the intangibles that can make a great community.

The locations highlighted in our immediate area include:
Wayne PA
Upper Providence PA
Swarthmore PA
East Marlborough PA

Be sure to read the entire article for their complete descriptions and be sure to take a look at all their local neighborhood information.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

Beautiful Bryn Mawr Home - Radnor Township PA Open House

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:12:04 -0700

Open House this Sunday September 26 from 1:00-3:00
at 690 S Bryn Mawr Avenue Radnor Township PA.

690 Bryn Mawr is listed by Marie Gordon for $415,000. The home is a 3 bedroom 2 bath one floor ranch style property with over 1600 square feet built in approximately 1955. With hardwood floors throughout, updated kitchen, and over one acre of property, this is an ideal location for those looking for convenient one floor living.This home includes a great light open floor plan, one car garage, and basement.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

(All statistics per the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed)

Thornbury Hunt Homes Update - Thornbury Township PA

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:13:41 -0700

Thornbury Hunt continues to be one of the most stable communities in Thornbury Township PA with low home turnover and relatively stable pricing.

Located in Thornton Thornbury Township, Thornbury Hunt is a great community of single family homes in western Delaware County PA. The subdivision was built just north of Glen Mills Rd with entrances off Westtown Rd to the west and Thornton Rd to the east. This location places it about equidistant from Route 926 / Street Rd to the north, Baltimore Pike / Route 1 to the south, and Route 202 to the west. These provide easy access throughout Delaware County and Chester County with easy commuting into Philadelphia and Delaware.

Thornbury Hunt was built by Toll Brothers in the early 1990s. The first homes were completed and listed in the tax records in 1990 with the bulk of the homes being completed by 1995. Construction generally began on the Westtown Road side along Fox Brook, Colts Neck, and Heatherstone and moved east toward Thornton Rd. The majority of the homes included 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths but a few larger homes were expanded to 5 bedrooms and 3 plus baths. Square footage ranged from below 2700 to over 4000 square feet. As in many Toll communities, the lot sizes averaged between a third and half acre surrounded by common land.

Prices and activity in Thornbury Hunt have remained fairly stable since the average sales prices first reached over $500,000 in 2004.With low property turnover, sales have ranged between 1 and 4 properties per year. Average sales prices reached $503,000 in 2004, $543,000 in 2005, $523,000 in 2006, and peaked at $595,000 in 2007. In 2008 they fell to $565,000, then to $524,000 in 2009, and $525,000 in 2010. This year there has been one completed sale for $568,000 and one property is currently on the market with an asking price of $564,000 (there are no pending homes).

With an expected stronger market and more stable pricing environment, Thornbury Hunt should continue to have stable home values and strong demand. With its central location, it should remain an in-demand community for many in the Chester County / Delaware county area - be sure to include it in your home search.

David Henke
Long & Foster Real Estate Inc – Devon,PA/Bear, DE
Office: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808
www.DelawarePAHomes.com

(All statistics per the TrendMLS System and believed accurate but not guaranteed)