Listen as Karen Haney from Friend's Village and I discuss our upcoming Seminar together.  Senior Scams 101.  It is going to be held at Friends Village on Tuesday Sept 26th at 1pm.    Reach out to me to Register - 267-397-6291. 

Senior Scams 101

Preventing Senior Scams Seminar and Discussion

- Learn about common scams and how to avoid them

-local professionals will share industry related scams targeted to the senior citizens

- Participants are encouraged to share their experiences.  

Tuesday Sept 26th at 1pm @ Friend's Village

331 Lower Dolington Rd,  Newtown, PA 18940

215-968-3346

Let's talk about your other upcoming events at Friends Village:

Unexpected Heirlooms:

The Priceless Gifts of Your Stories and Values

Weds, Sept 27th 11:00AM-1:00PM

journey of self-discovery and empowerment, forging connections that bridge generations. Experience a transformative lunch and learn session as we are introduced to Personal Storytelling, Planned Giving, and Ethical Wills. This two-hour session marks the first event in a four-part series, with each subsequent session offering deeper discussions and exercises.

Crafting Ethical Wills

Ethical wills are an ancient practice in the Jewish tradition.

Spiritual leader, Rabbi Aaron Gaber, of Newtown’s Congregation Brothers of Israel, will present, “Crafting Ethical Wills.” It is an expression of your experience, values and memories. It is the wisdom that you have earned in your life and a gift you leave your loved ones. By documenting your personal insights and principles, you can provide guidance for their life’s journey, fostering a deeper understanding of your motivations and character. Ethical wills are an enduring legacy of values and principles that your loved ones may cherish and carry forward to enrich future generations.

Friend's Village

331 Lower Dolington Rd,  Newtown, PA 18940

215-968-3346

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277

5 Things Every Seller Should Know Before Selling

1. You’ll Experience Surprisingly Strong Feelings About Your Home
- Try to leave emotions out of the transaction

2.Your Home Will Need Staging
- Let's make sure your home is ready for the market and not rush it on.

3.The Buyer’s Inspector Will Turn unforeseen Issues
- A great way to prevent this is to have your home preinspected.

4. Low-Ball Offers
- If your home is priced above market value you may receive a lower offer.
- Not everyone sees your home as you do.

5. A Buyer Wants Many Concessions and Contingencies
- This means a buyer may ask for repairs or the sale of your home maybe contigentant upon a home inspection or the buyer obtaining a mortgage.


Red Hot tip of the Week:
Why do they say Neutral is Key when Selling?

Certain neutral colors, such as soft grays and warm beige, can evoke feelings of tranquility and comfort, creating a more inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. Bringing you more interested buyers.
More buyers = more money in your pocket

If you are thinking about making a move and would like a free in home consultation with tips and tricks on how to prepare your home for the market so you net the most, call me (267) 397-6291.

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277

I want to Downsize BUT what do I do with my STUFF?!?

Many of the people I meet with have accumulated a lot of stuff over the years.  Most often they have lived in their home for 25+ Years.  

So, what are your options?

First, would be to go through your things.  

Do you want to Sell Items or Do you just want to donate and have someone help you pack and downsize?

If you want to sell items in your home.  The most common way to do so is to have a local company come in and have a sale for you. 

Or if you have more valuable items (not everyday household) you can have items auctioned off as well. 

But wanting to sell items and needing someone to help pack and downsize you are two different services that people often mistake as one. 

If you are in the need of someone who offers any of these services, please call me (267) 397-6291.  Or visit www.BucksCountyBoomers.com

Red Hot Tip of the Week:
Clutter Eats Away at your Equity
When you Sell.  Less is More.   Too many items makes a space look smaller.  That directly affects your sales price.

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277

Factors that go into Your Home's Value
Want to know your home's value is? Does your Zestimate seem off?  There are various factors that go into your home's value such as:

 Age and Condition

• Your home’s age
• overall level of upkeep are big factors such as an old roof that degrades the value of the home.
• On the other hand, a 100-year-old home that’s beautifully maintained and restored can be worth much more.
• Home buyers want to purchase a home they don’t have to sink a lot of money into from the start.
• Well-maintained homes with updated features and modern amenities tend to have higher value than those in need of significant repairs or renovations.

Property features and upgrades:

• Does your home’s living room still have that '70s vibe to it or wood paneling. That’s going to date your home and reduce its overall value. 
• If the home has an upgraded basement, on the other hand, that adds value, as do things like a renovated kitchen or bathroom, energy-efficient appliances, hardwood flooring, a fireplace, a swimming pool, and a well-landscaped yard.

Size and layout:

• The size of the home,
• number of bedrooms
• bathrooms
• overall square footage
• Additionally, the layout and functionality of the house, including open floor plans and adequate storage space, can influence its desirability and value.

The Location

• Being close to the 95, Rt 1, the turnpike,
• in an area with neighborhood parks and tree-lined streets with sidewalks, makes all the difference.
• People want to be able to drop their kids off at a school that’s nearby, grab that coffee, and get to work quickly. Location makes a big difference.

The Local Market

• What are homes selling for that are similar to yours?
• How many homes are on the market?  What is the supply and demand level of the area?
• How high is the current interest rate?
• Are you located in a school district that is in high demand?

Red Hot Tip of the Week!

4 Important Rooms to Stage
1. Living Room

2. Kitchen

3. Master Bedroom

4. Family Room

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277

Not all Realtors are created equal.  A Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) is a professional who specializes in assisting individuals who have lived in their home for many decades.
These specialists understand the unique challenges and considerations that come with selling or buying a property later in life. Here are some key benefits of working with a Senior Real Estate Specialist:

1. Specialized Expertise: SRES professionals have in-depth knowledge and training specifically geared towards helping you navigate your housing transition. They are well-versed in the financial, legal, and emotional aspects of selling or buying property for older adults.
2. Understanding Life Transitions: Such as downsizing, relocating to a 55+ community, or selling a family home. A Senior Real Estate Specialist understands the challenges and emotional aspects of these transitions and can provide compassionate support throughout the entire process.
3. Local Market Knowledge: I have extensive knowledge about the local real estate market, including trends, pricing, and neighborhood information. This allows me to help you make informed decisions regarding selling, or buying based on your situation.
4. Network and Resources: I have a wide network of professionals, including attorneys, financial advisors, and senior service providers. I am happy to connect you with these resources whether you need to sell or not. You should have a network of senior professionals that you can trust.
5. Advocacy and Protection: I act as an advocate for you, ensuring that your rights are upheld and needs are prioritized. From negotiating favorable terms to ensuring you net the most when you sell.
6. Customized Solutions: Everyone is different. I take the time to understand your individual circumstances and preferences. I tailor my services to match specific your needs.
7. No Pressure Approach - Don't be afraid to call with questions or setup a free 30 min consultation to explore your options. I understand you need to do what is best for you at your pace.

Red Hot Tip of the Week:

Top 3 Interior Remodeling Projects with the Highest ROI

1. Refinish Hardwood Floors

2. New Wood Floors

3. Insulation Upgrade

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277

 Ready to sell your home? Follow these essential steps to ensure a smooth selling process:

 Find a Real Estate Agent: Work with an experienced agent who knows the local market and can guide you through the selling process.

Price it Right: Set a competitive price based on comparable properties in your area to attract potential buyers.

Stage for Success: Showcase your home's best features by staging each room with tasteful furniture and decor.

Market Strategically: Utilize online platforms, professional photography, and virtual tours to reach a broader audience of potential buyers.

Make Necessary Repairs: Address any structural or cosmetic issues before listing your home to avoid negotiation setbacks.

Boost Curb Appeal: Enhance your home's exterior by adding fresh paint, improving landscaping, and making the entrance more inviting.

Remember, a well-prepared home can make a significant difference in attracting buyers and securing a successful sale. Good luck!

Red Alert:
How to Make Your Home Stand out in the Winter when You put it up for Sale?

- If you know you are selling in the winter, have your Realtor take pictures now in the summer when the grass is green.   Your home will stand out online when all the other exterior pictures have snow and bare trees. 

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277

Dangers of Overpricing Your Home:

There are 2 Common Reasons WHY People overprice their home.

     1. Perceived Property Value: Homeowners often have an emotional attachment to their home and may believe that their homes are worth more than market comparables suggest. 
         - Their are Personal memories, renovations, and sentimental value can inflate their perceived worth, leading to an inflated listing price.

    2.  Room for Negotiation: By setting a higher initial price, sellers anticipate potential buyers negotiating the price down to an acceptable range. Yet, buyers are not coming in under market value right now given our low inventory situation.

What Happens If You Overprice Your Home?
1. Reduced buyer interest: Overpricing your home can deter potential buyers from even considering it. Most buyers conduct extensive research before making an offer and have a good understanding of market values. They can go on Zillow and see what has sold recently. 
2. Extended time on the market: The longer your home remains on the market, the more it becomes stigmatized. Buyers may perceive a property that has been listed for an extended period as undesirable or flawed, even if that's not the case.   People literally start to ask their agent... "What is wrong with it?" 

3.  This is my favorite - Missed opportunities: Pricing your home too high can result in missed opportunities for potential buyers who might have been interested if the price was more realistic. These buyers may overlook your property altogether or focus their attention on other homes with more favorable pricing. By the time you realize the mistake and lower the price, some potential buyers may have moved on to different options. 

4. You create the most demand for the best sales price possible the first 4 days on the market.  Every serious buyer is on an auto search online.  When a home comes on the market that meets their criteria they go ASAP in this market.  You will get the most showings the first 3 days on the market so CAPITALIZE on it.

5. Limited negotiation power: The longer your home sits on the market the less leverage you have for negotiating.

6. Lower final selling price: In some cases, overpricing a house can result in a lower final selling price. If your house sits on the market for an extended period without any offers, you may eventually need to lower the price to attract buyers. By that point, you may have missed out on potential buyers who were interested when the house was initially listed at a more reasonable price.


RED ALERT - Tip of the Week:

When Selling Your Home Pictures are Your #1 Marketing Tool

- Think about it.  99% of buyers are online looking at homes.  They input their criteria into a site like zillow and filter their results by pictures.  

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277

Scooter Race Update

- Scooter Races were last Saturday and WBCB was there LIVE.  Chris was there helping me give the play by play.   The replay is live on the WBCB website. 

- Floral Creek won the Drag Race Championship. 

- Alex with Brightstar Home Care won the slalom timed race. 

- Shout out to John & Stephanie Frietag with Frietag Family insurance & 101 Mobility for helping put the race on. 

- All proceeds went to Salute 2 Service a local organization that helps our local Vets in PA & NJ. 

Opus Elite opens another office in NJ
- As the broker of record I am pleased to announce that we have opened an office in Haddon Twp. 

Why Buy a Home in a 55+
- These communities are designed to provide an active and vibrant lifestyle.
- They foster a supportive environment. There is a sense of community and social interaction.
- Many neighborhoods are often designed with shared amenities and recreational facilities that encourage residents to engage in various activities together.
- Common amenities might include a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, walking trails, and organized social events. This allows residents to form friendships and build a strong support network with people in the same stage of life.
- Another benefit is the focus on maintenance-free living. In a 55+ they handle the lawn care and snow removal. So you can focus on what you love to do.
You can buy a 55+ community with cash, or obtain a mortgage. You can get a mortgage at any age.


Tip of the Week: How to Give your Kitchen a Quick New Look?
Change out your cabinet knobs and drawer pulls for more modern ones. It will give your kitchen a whole new look.

Christina Swain, Senior Real Estate Specialist
Your Realtor in Red
Opus Elite Real Estate
www. BucksCountyBoomers.com
267-397-6291
215-395-6277