Tag: Allentown realtor

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Allentown Neighborhoods: The West End

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a charming neighborhood in Allentown, PA, where you can find homes that have stood the test of time. This section of the neighborhood was built from the 1920s through the 1970s, and it’s easy to see how the architecture has evolved over time.

I’ve added a map so that you can see the small area that I am talking about. The west side of Allentown is larger than this neighborhood so I am going to talk about a small part of it. This part of the West End Allentown neighborhood is bordered by 19th Street, Cedar Crest Boulevard and it’s all north of Tilghman Street.

You can find lovely Cape Cod style homes priced between $250,000 to $350,000. These homes are perfect for those who love cozy spaces and traditional design.

Ranch homes are also a popular option in this neighborhood, ranging from $300,000 to $400,000. They are perfect for those who prefer single-story living and modern architecture.

Ranch home

If you’re looking for a classic colonial style home, you can find small colonials priced between $300,000 to $400,000. These homes are perfect for those who want a traditional home with a few more modern style updates.

Colonial

For those who prefer a larger living space or need a larger space for a growing family, there are large Colonial style & Dutch colonial homes priced between $400,000 to $600,000. These homes offer plenty of space for families to grow and are a spot to create memories.

As the neighborhood expanded through the years, the styles of homes changed with the times. From charming cape cods to split levels and bi-level homes, you can see a mix of architecture that reflects the changing trends over the decades as you drive through the neighborhood.

Split level in the West End

One of the most charming features of this neighborhood are the beautiful sycamore and oak trees that line the streets. They provide shade in the summer and stunning foliage in the fall. You will surely get your exercise throughout the fall as you rake up leaves.

Sycamore and Oak line the streets

This neighborhood is not just about the homes, but also about the community. It’s a place where families can come together and create lasting memories.

We hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the past and present of this lovely community. If I can help you with your next move, please contact me.

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Ready, Set, Sell: 7 Expert Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Successful Sale

A well staged and clean home.

Selling your home can be a daunting and overwhelming task. However, with careful planning, attention to detail, and a bit of elbow grease, you can make your home stand out from the competition and appeal to potential buyers. In this blog post, we will provide you with some useful tips to get your home ready for sale.

  1. Declutter and Organize

The first step in preparing your home for sale is to declutter and organize it. Remove any unnecessary items from your home, including old furniture, toys, and other items that are taking up valuable space. Consider renting a storage unit to store any extra items that you want to keep but do not need in your home during the selling process. Or consider conducting an estate sale to help turn your treasures into cash.

Organize your remaining belongings and ensure that they are stored in an organized manner. A well-organized home creates a positive impression on potential buyers, and it helps them envision themselves living in the space.

  1. Clean and Repair

A clean and well-maintained home is crucial when preparing it for sale. A dirty or cluttered home can give the impression that the property is poorly maintained, which can deter potential buyers.

Ensure that your home is clean from top to bottom, including floors, carpets, walls, and windows. Clean the kitchen and bathrooms thoroughly, ensuring that all surfaces are spotless. If necessary, hire professional cleaners to help you achieve a thorough cleaning.

Repair any visible damage to your home, such as cracks in the walls, leaks, or broken fixtures. Repairing minor damages can significantly improve the overall appearance of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers.

  1. Enhance Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see, so it is essential to make a good impression. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can increase its value and attract potential buyers.

Start by ensuring that the front yard is well-maintained, including mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and removing any weeds or dead plants. Consider adding some colorful plants and flowers to brighten up the space.

Repair any visible damages to the exterior of your home, such as cracks in the driveway, peeling paint, or broken windows. A fresh coat of paint on your front door can also enhance your home’s curb appeal.

  1. Depersonalize Your Space

When selling your home, you want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves living in the space. One way to achieve this is by depersonalizing your home.

Remove any personal items, including family photos, artwork, and other personalized decor. This allows potential buyers to focus on the space and imagine themselves living in it, rather than being distracted by your personal belongings. I once was on a showing where the buyer knew the people in a photo. She said, “Oh that’s BettySue! I went to high school with her.” Needless to say, the buyer couldn’t see beyond her memories of BettySue after she recognized her in the photo.

  1. Stage Your Home

Staging your home is an excellent way to showcase your home’s best features and create a welcoming atmosphere. Staging involves arranging furniture, adding decor, and creating a specific ambiance that appeals to potential buyers.

Consider hiring a professional home stager to help you create a welcoming and inviting space that highlights your home’s best features. A well-staged home can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells and the price that it sells for.

  1. Price Your Home Competitively

Pricing your home competitively is essential when selling your home. Overpricing your home can deter potential buyers, while underpricing it can result in a loss of profit.

Research the local real estate market to determine the average selling price of homes in your area. Consider working with a professional real estate agent to help you determine a fair and competitive price for your home.

  1. Create an Inviting Atmosphere

When potential buyers visit your home, you want to create an inviting atmosphere that makes them feel at home. Consider adding some finishing touches, such as fresh flowers, scented candles, and soft music.

And when you are ready to learn what you should do in your own home, Call Diana Hodgson 610-417-1174 for expert advice. I also have a group of excellent professionals who will be able to help you get the work done. Call Diana Hodson when you are ready to list your home for sale.

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2021 February Real Estate Statistics – The Ups and Downs of it all!

Welcome to the wacky world for real estate and the real estate statistics for February 2021! The past snow storms and the lack of inventory and the pandemic have taken their toll once again.

I invite you to watch my video below.

New Listings

New listings were down -28.5% over this time last year. The new listings on the market in 2021 was only 501 compared to last year’s number of 701.

Closed Sales

Completed or closed sales was down -11.7% . The number of closed sales for February 2021 was 416 compared to last year’s number of 471.

Days on Market

Days on Market (DOM) is a very important number because it tells us how quickly a home is going to sell. For February 2021 the DOM was 23 days! That’s down from 51 DOM last year. And that is a -54.9% change. It’s crazy how quickly a house is selling!

Average Sales Price

The average sales price has risen from $231,473 up to $269,989. That’s a +16.6% increase in prices. It is proof positive that because inventory levels are low and demand is high- that has a positive push on prices. They continue to go up and up!

% of List Price Received

This number tells us how much negotiating power a buyer has. And this number tells us how much a seller should expect to receive on the list price. Houses are selling for 100.4% of the list price. There have been multi offers on most every home and buyers are bing forced to pay list price or more for a property. Not much negotiating room.

Months Supply

When the housing market is level there is about 6 months supply of homes available to be sold. As the months of supply shrinks it becomes a “Sellers’ Market” and as that number of months increase, the market becomes a “Buyers’ Market”. We currently have .7 months supply of homes on the market! That’s another crazy number! It just proves that there is no inventory to buy so everyone is fighting over the same house. This time last year there were 1.7 months supply on the market. That change equates to a -58.8% change.

What This Means for YOU?!?!

If you’re a seller then you can expect to receive multiple offers for your home. You will sell at your list price or higher. And if you’re a buyer? You’ll need to be prepared with a pre-approval and the ability to make a quick decision. My suggestion……start to look at properties which are priced under your pre-approval amount. That way you can bid at list price or you can afford to overbid to be the winning offer.

It’s not an easy market for anyone in real estate; buyers, sellers and agents. You need to work with a professional who will help you get through the process without giving up all of your negotiating power.

If I can help you Sell, Buy or Invest in real estate, please give me a call. My number is 610-417-1174. I look forward to hearing from you!