Once again, national sales data is not truly reflective of local real estate markets. Plus these reports lag the market, so when the reports are made they are already behind what is happening in the market today.

The Case Schiller Report referenced above is based on sales back in the fall, not even winter. All I know is that in the last two weeks as I call to make appointments I am hearing often, "Sorry, that went under contract this morning."

Now, prices have definitely dropped, but as I have mentioned before, you can have prices falling on one street and rising on another one block over because of things happening in a neighborhood which have nothing to do with the national market. The same goes for developments, there are some locally where the home owner association fees have risen dramatically as the association realizes they need to tackle some big issues that have arisen and because of this prices are under pressure. Townships, neighborhoods and developments all react to local information not national because people are more engaged with their personal economy not the national economy.

The media would have us all focus on the negative, but we have the majority of people employed and rising, confidence has been rising, and homes sales both new and resale are beginning to rise as buyers decide prices are probably at the bottom and rates whislt they are low and may not rise this year or next make a wonderful opportunity to purchase a home or an investment.

You can choose how you react to this data, with understanding or out of fear which will cause you to stay still, fearing to make a decision, or you can turn to a local Realtor who understands the local market and seek advice. In fact just today I read an blog on Trulia showing 4 reasons why consumers need an agent, worth reading.

In fact all these economists have been making a living trolling out their dire news for the media channels, even though they have been wrong most of the time for the past few years. So, if you want a realistic view and opinion, look locally.

Every year about this time Oaks comes alive to the sound of hammering as contractors, homebuilders and landscapers prepare for the Suburban Home and Garden Show at the Greater Philadephia Expo Center in Oaks. It is a busy weekend up in Oaks, there is the home show and the extreme sports expo as well.

I stopped by the Philadelphia Suburban Home and Garden Show last year and saw some wonderful ideas for roofing and some cool landscaping, along with some wine tasting from Chaddsford Winery.

Well worth a visit and if you go and are an ourdoors sort of person stop by the extreme sports expo and make a day of it. Don't forget to see the exhibit of Princess Diana's Dresses and gowns if you go.

Not sure I will make it this year as I am pretty busy, but to go and see the flowers lets you believe Spring is just around the corner.

Love running, biking and swimming, are you a triathlon junkie, then the Endurance Sports Expo this weekend February 25 and 26 is probably for you.

Being held in Oaks at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center you will find over 200 vendors with the newest gear, bikes, food and energy products etc., there is also an outdoor demo area, and experts sharing information at seminars though out the weekend. Follow the links to see how you can save $2 on the entry fee of $10. Also the first 750 attendees each day will get a bag of swag to take home. 

Living in the suburbs can sometimes make you feel invisible, but village life reveals that just because it is part of a suburb does not mean people are not caring. Berwyn, PA, sits astride the Main Line to the west and north of the city of Philadelphia in Chester County. Part of the Tredyffrin Easttown School district it is part of two townships, Tredyffrin and Easttown. The village sits on Route 30 between Devon and Paoli. 

There have been a rash of events recently that make me realize this is a wonderfully strong community, with lots of community  support. Over the holidays we saw hundreds of families turn out for the holiday tree lighting and the arrival of Santa at Berwyn Train station, sponsored by the Easttown Veterans Association and the Berwyn Devon Business and Professional Association.

A recent violent attack on one of our store keepers, Mr Yang of Yang's Farmers Market caused hundreds of people and businesses to express their support and goodwill t0 a member of the business community by making donations to his medical expenses. 

Two other businesses Handels and the Berwyn Tavern helped to promote and host a celebration of the life of a young artist who died last year from medical complications as a fund raiser towards a foundation set up to honor her life.

Surrey Services for Seniors right opposite the fire station on Bridge Avenue helps seniors to age in place, remaining in their homes with dignity and still able to be part of our community.

Speaking of the fire company, which is all volunteer; Spa Car Wash is hosting a fundraiser for our local fire company from now till June 30th every time you wash your car a donation can be made to the fire company, just follow the link for full information on where to obtain coupons and what you have to do.

The Veterans Association hosts the Victory Run in May, and the kids run is sponsored in past years by the Berwyn Devon Business and Professional Association.

I can keep going, mentioning Easttown Library with countless programs being run for all ages during the year. T/E Cares helping families in need throughout our community, making us aware that just because we live in one of the more affluent areas of the suburbs there are many who struggle right next door or just around the corner.

All of these are reasons why living in a village in the suburbs means you are part of a community and make it a great place to live. If you are looking for somewhere new, consider Berwyn, you might just be pleased you did! Here is a short taste of village life.

Whilst I could be talking about the inventory of homes along the Main Line for buyers to consider, actually I am talking about where to go for Valentine's Day with your significant other.

Every village and town along the Main Line outside of Philadelphia is stuffed, literally stuffed with restaurants to go, most of them are good, some are excellent, with appropriate pricing. Most cultural tastes are catered for, there may be a lack of vegan restaurants but you can always find something to eat at either Chinese, or Indian. Whether it is Bryn Mawr, or Exton and all points in between you can have big noisy restaurants or small intimate space.

Using Devon as a base Yelp came up with several suggestions locally, Wayne has Teresa's and Teresa's next door, The Great American Pub, Matador, Xilantro, just for starters, Berwyn is awash with Italian and other choices, Paoli has San Nicola another Italian favorite, the choice is endless, and if you include some of the bigger local hotels where many good chefs reside today you have even more choice. 

King of Prussia, in the Mall and around the outskirts has lots of choice for steaks and other choices, so make sure you book ahead, with so many places to go, saying you could not find anywhere to eat might just not wash it this year.

Where am I going, probably cooking a meal at home and enjoying a nice wine. Have a great time and let us know your choices and where you like to eat.

I love to sit Open Houses especially this time of year when people are getting out and about to see homes that are on the market. I chose to sit this home at 160 Sheldrake Drive in Paoli, PA 19301 this Sunday from 2-4 PM. It was the model home for the development when it was first built 49 years ago, and this is the first time it has been on the market since then. Situated on a nice lot of 0.64 acres it has a nice presence in the neighborhood.

It is a solid stone colonial, and I wrote about what is a colonial a few weeks ago, and this one is in excellent condition according to the listing agent, with deep window sills, hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, built in book shelves and much more. I am looking forward to seeing the home. Taxes at $6483 last year are reasonable for this area for the size of the lot and the home. Whilst it is close to downtown Paoli, with its shops and train station, this neighborhood is not a high traffic area and the homes are set amid mature trees giving pleasant shade during hot summer days.

So stop on by and visit for a while at this home filled with character priced at $599,000, it will be open Sunday February 12th from 2-4 PM, this may just be your Valentine!

For those who live here, the condo association fee at first seems high but it covers lots of things.

Gas for the dryer, gas for cooking, gas for hot water, water, pool fee, tennis courts, exterior maintenance, trash collection, a club house and snow clearing, a host of social activities arranged for homeowners and those who rent here.

What it does not cover is the cost for the sewer, this is billed separately and this year it is $250, bills go out during February and are due March 1st, if you are later than March 10th there is a late fee. Like most places sewer bills are always in arrears, so you are actually paying for your 2011 fee.

Your other utilities cable either Verizon or Comcast are available is extra, gas for your heating and electricity are not included in your condo fee and are paid separately.

As I mentioned Old Forge has an active community, and some events taking place in the coming months are a Spring Brunch March 4th 11 - 1 PM to which you bring a dish to share.

March 16th St Patrick's Day Happy Hour at 5 PM in the Clubhouse

And the annual Old Forge Crossing Flea market and Crafts Fair Saturday April 28th from 8 - 1 PM. Contact the management office if you are interested in a table.

A good number to know if you live in Old Forge Crossing is the emergency hot line 610-687-5678 especially if you have a sewer or sink back up in the evening or over a weekend, call this number to avoid damage and stop any problems for your neighbors.

Old Forge Crossing is in a great location, it is a great place to live, either as a homeowner or as a tenant. Old Forge Crossing is an approved condo development for FHA loans making purchasing easier here than other condo developments not approved. If you need details on any available properties give me a call and we can help you.

One of the things about living and working in a village is that it is always evolving, and Berwyn, Pennsylvania is no different. Straddling two townships, Easttown and Tredyffrin it is a beautiful place. From when you step off the train having travelled along the famed "Main Line" you can't fail but notice the friendliness of the surroundings.

But don't take my word for it, watch the video and then take some time to come visit.

"We do not want to gain at someone else's loss; we want to gain while helping the other person to also gain."

— Jose Silva: 

Many people today want the first part of the quote above, they want to crush the opposition, take no prisoners and be acknowledged as the winner. But in our business and in representing our clients the latter part is far more beneficial. It reminds me of the Zig Ziglar quote about achieving success through helping others achieve what they want.

Negotiations whether in a buyers market or a sellers market are all about helping both sides reach a consensus that the deal works for both, it may not give each side everything they want but it does help each side come to the table and accept the deal they got. You never know when you might need to go back to the other party and burning your bridges does not help you in the future, so keep those avenues of communication open and look to help the other side a little.

I find in the Main Line, PA Real Estate market that helping both parties achieve most of their goals leads to success. If you want help achieving your goals then give me a call now and lets get started moving you towards achieving your goals straight away.