Main Line Homes Blog

After a successful Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony this First Friday in December The Berwyn Devon Business & Professional Association First Friday planning committee, consisting of Nick Vandekar, Gina Galli of Beadeologie and Susan Holmes of Allegiance Bank met to begin plans for the 2010 program for First Fridays in Berwyn, PA.

Nick Vandekar, a local Realtor and President of the Business and Professional Association said he hopes that in 2010 we will see local retail businesses and restaurants work together to market Berwyn as a place to shop and dine and to benefit from the First Friday program that was launched at the beginning of 2009. Berwyn is a place filled with opportunities for local residents with a theater, art and antiques shops, restaurants, cafes, bakeries, craft stores, sports equipment, auto dealers, hairdressers for men and women with attached spa treatments, etc., with plenty to do and see around this historic village.

Plans for 2010 hope to include a series of three summer concerts in Berwyn that will bring customers to our local merchants. Any local business looking for a way to market itself may want to consider sponsoring these concerts.

To stay in touch with events go the Association Website.

With a first time buyers tax credit sales at Old Forge Crossing this year have unexpectedly been slow for both 1 and 2 bedroom homes. Homes that have been for sale have had few showings, with buyers being more demanding and even completely updated 2 bedroom end units, with new baths and kitchen have not sold. When a two bedroom, bank owned home came on the market very well priced this also took several weeks to sell when it should have been snapped up right away. So although interest rates are low, buyers are finding it hard to qualify for mortgages and this has slowed down sales.

Prices at Old Forge Crossing this year have been under pressure as buyers have seen good value in other developments. Chesterbrook with larger square footage and proportianately lower home owner and condo fees. However, many of these larger Chesterbrook units have less storage space than Old Forge Crossing homes. Drummers Lane/Glenhardie Condominiums prices are lower and whilst this is competition these homes do not have private entrances or a personal laundry area, with homeowners needing to lug their laundry down to a laundry room and use a communal washer and dryer. There is also a strong social scene within Old Forge Crossing with many events planned throughout the year giving homeowners an opportunity to be involved in their community and a chance to get to know each other as well.

Location of Old Forge Crossing si still a major plus with easy acccess to route 202 both North and South and lots of shopping and dining choices close by. Recreational opportunities abound in the area with Jenkins Arboretum, French Creek and Valley Forge National Park all close by. Septa R5 train stations at Paoli, Berwyn, Wayne or Devon are all close by depending on destination.

With the extended first time buyers credit and expanded tax cfredit for other buyers there are still many opportunities to buy a home in this development.