CONTACT INFORMATION:

Andy Raffle

215.917.3937(Direct)

215.493.9080 x130 (Office)

THE ART OF THE DEAL:
TIPS FROM ANDY RAFFLE ON

HOW TO CHOOSE A SALES ASSOCIATE

FOUR ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS EVERY HOME SELLER SHOULD ASK BEFORE SELECTING A REAL ESTATE SALES ASSOCIATE

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008 — Selecting a real estate sales associate to assist in the largest financial transaction a person will likely ever make can be a daunting process. In a competitive environment among real estate companies, and amid a very active marketplace, it can be extremely confusing for a consumer to know where to begin.

While chemistry between the real estate professional and the consumer is important, it is not the only variable to consider. The history of the company, a sales associate’s success rate and the vibrancy of the local market will have a significant impact on the decision-making process.

Andy Raffle and Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors recommend opening any dialogue with a potential real estate professional with the following questions and guidelines on what information to look for in the responses.

Yardley, PA May 15, 2008 — When is the best time to buy a house? With many markets reporting an abundance of homes for sale, and interest rates remaining at near 45-year historic lows, now might be one of the best times in recent memory to buy. While today’s real estate market does offer advantages to buyers, consumers still need to be savvy in order to get the best deal they can.

Following are some things that Andy Raffle and the professionals at Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors think every homebuyer should keep in mind:

• Don’t Try to Time the Market: When home prices are lower, it is very tempting for potential buyers to try to wait as long as possible in the hopes that prices will decline even further. This strategy can be detrimental. Once a home is priced to what the current market will bear, buyers will make offers. It is best to work with your sales associate to make an offer based upon the prices at which similar homes in the market are selling for. In a buyer’s market, there are more opportunities for negotiations, but making an offer is an important step. If you find a house you love, put your bid in and negotiate. Don’t let it sit for another buyer to make an offer.

• Take Your Time…To A Degree: Although each local market is unique, the National Association of REALTORS® reports that the national home inventory is at 6.8 months. The increased supply of homes on the market gives homebuyers a great opportunity to evaluate a variety of properties. However, this does not mean that homebuyers should procrastinate. Gauge the time you may have to choose a home by asking your sales associate how long properly priced homes are staying on the market before going into the contract stage. You may find the change in days on the market from last year is just a few days longer.

• Homes Are Selling: Don’t think you are the only one looking for a new home. Properly priced homes are selling. The National Association of REALTORS predicts there will be more than six million home sales in 2007, expected to be the third-best year in history. Studies such as the recent Coldwell Banker^® Homeownership in America Index revealed that that majority of people move based on lifestyle changes, such as new job / promotion, marriage, divorce or family expansion.

• Watch the Mortgage Rates: While it is true that mortgage rates have indeed risen over the past two years, the increase has not been so dramatic as to significantly impact a monthly mortgage payment. Consider the following example: about two years ago, mortgage rates were at approximately 5.85 percent, which translates into a monthly payment of $1,769.82 on a $300,000 loan. The current mortgage rate of 6.32 converts to a monthly payment of $1,860.32 on the same loan, a difference of $90.50. Be sure to watch the rates and do your math carefully, because changes in mortgage rates are not necessarily cost prohibitive.

• Negotiate on the Incentives: Sellers eager to move their homes may offer you a variety of incentives such as cars, trips, clearing credit card bills for you and other deal sweeteners. If you accept an incentive, make sure it makes sense for you. Instead of having your bills paid, you may opt to have the seller renovate the master bathroom or install new flooring. Of course, you can always ask the seller to just deduct that amount from the list price.

THE ART OF THE DEAL:
TIPS FROM ANDY RAFFLE ON

HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR HOME SELLS AT THE RIGHT PRICE

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008 -When thinking about selling a home, establishing a reasonable and, ultimately, profitable listing price is perhaps the biggest challenge that every homeowner faces. Go too high and risk getting priced out of the market. Setting it too low is an even bigger gamble. Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors recommend taking the following steps before settling on an asking figure.

Choose the Right Sales Associate. While many home sellers use a friend or relative's referral when selecting a sales associate, it is smart to interview a variety of prospective associates and invite them to show their listing presentations.  Pay attention to how they plan to market the home, and find out how many homes they (and their companies) listed in your local market in the past year and how many of them were sold. Also, make certain they plan to list the home on the multiple listing service (MLS), and inquire about the breadth of the sales associate’s network of contacts.  Remember, the more prospective buyers a sales associate can attract, the better the chance for a successful sale.  Finally, because selling a home will require a lot of communication, the seller should ensure he or she connects with the sales associate’s personality. 

Do Your Homework. Home sellers should work with a real estate sales associate to develop a written comparative market analysis (CMA). This will provide a list of recent sales prices of similar homes in the area (with comparable numbers of bedrooms, baths, square footage and lot size), the asking prices of homes currently for sale in the neighborhood and other important information. Based on the CMA, a sales associate will provide his or her professional estimation of a legitimate selling price.

Take the Emotion Out of It. While the seller likely has spent years in the home and takes pride in it, the sales associate will not set the price based on a seller’s emotion. Instead, the location, condition and size of the home will significantly impact the list price. A house in a secluded, exclusive area may be appealing to some buyers, while others will want to be closer to schools, shopping and health care facilities. What is the physical condition of the home? Is it a fixer-upper? Does it make a good first impression (the ever important “curb appeal”)? Will it appeal to a growing family, or is it better suited to empty nesters? The sales associate will know the type of buyers who will be interested in the home.

Determine If It Is a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market. Home inventory, mortgage interest rates and the economy play a role in determining whether the buyer or seller has a negotiating advantage. Interest rates remain at historically low levels even as the economy shows signs of improving, allowing buyers to be in a good position to shoulder the “good” debt of homeownership. A sales associate will know the inventory levels in the community.

Do the Math. Do not forget to figure in closing costs, legal fees and other selling expenses when determining the selling price. The sales associate should be able to provide cost estimates, and negotiate with a potential buyer to ensure a good sale price.

THE ART OF THE DEAL: TIPS FROM ANDY RAFFLE

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008 — The purchase of a home is considered to be one of the most significant investments a person can make. As with any sizable purchase, due diligence ensures the quality of the product. In the case of buying a home, having the property inspected before closing serves as a final, critical step in the process. Home inspection ensures the worthiness of the investment and can help avoid the possibility of purchasing a property with major structural or other serious problems that may lead to significant unforeseen costs for the new owner.

Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors advises homebuyers to do their homework before finalizing the deal on their new home. The following tips are a good starting point:

Hire a Certified Home Inspector: Rely on the objective expertise of a qualified home inspector. A certified home inspector is knowledgeable about construction practices in the area, will spot problems not apparent to an untrained eye and will provide a report on the condition of the property. An inspection normally takes place after the parties have agreed on a selling price. Typically, real estate contracts contain a provision giving homebuyers a set number of days in which to have a home inspection completed. Homebuyers should get referrals from their real estate sales associate, family, friends or neighbors of a reputable inspector before they go to contract. The American Society of Home Inspectors (www.ashi.org) is also a good source.

Areas That Need to be Reviewed: It is important to examine all areas of the home, including the exterior, interior, kitchen and bathrooms, attic, basement, electric, plumbing and HVAC. Faulty construction, improper electrical wiring, inefficient insulation, old heating, building permit violations and other unseen pitfalls can lead to very expensive home repairs.

Search for Hidden Defects: Examples of hidden defects include missing roof shingles, chimney deterioration or leaks. It is also important to check behind walls. Mold, growing fungus or faulty wiring are often discovered in older homes. Make certain the home inspector looks in crawl spaces. Even small plumbing leaks can cause major problems and costs if not identified and corrected.

Review Visible Defects: Homebuyers should be aware of possible water damage, such as noticeable water stains on the ceiling, damp basement walls or musty odors. They should look for cracks in the walls, particularly around fireplaces or in foundation walls. Uneven floors and tilted stairways could indicate there has been movement in the foundation. Also, notice doors that are not perfectly vertical. If there is more space between a door and its frame at one end than at the other, the door is likely installed incorrectly.

Look for Minor Problems: Items such as doors or windows that are difficult to open or bad paint jobs may not be serious defects but could be signs of bad maintenance. Kitchen appliances should also be in good working order. Minor problems make for good negotiating points and can lead to the possibility of some concessions or a slightly reduced price from the seller.

Steps to Take After a Negative Inspection: If the purchase contract is contingent on inspection of the home, negotiate a price adjustment or ask the sellers to make repairs. If the problems are so significant that the home is no longer a worthwhile investment, get out of the deal and have all deposits refunded. Always have a lawyer review any agreements to make sure that there is adequate legal protection prior to the inspection process.

THE ART OF THE DEAL: TIPS FROM ANDY RAFFLE

ANDY RAFFLE PROVIDES TIPS FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008 — While improving one’s lifestyle is a fundamental reason for a home renovation, homeowners should also view renovations as an investment to raise the value of a property.

With proper research, planning and thoughtfulness, home renovation can be a rewarding experience. Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors has identified several tips that can help smooth the process.

Think Long-Term: Remodeling Magazine reported that money spent to upgrade a kitchen produces the highest return on investment. Renovating bathrooms and adding additional rooms such as a spare bedroom or study also traditionally score well. Consult with a local real estate sales associate to determine if your plans will positively influence the resale value. A sales associate may be able to offer suggestions on renovations that will provide a significant return on investment. You can also use HomeTracker on www.coldwellbanker.com. This feature allows you determine how home renovations will impact the value of the home.

Healthy Balance: You should consider a home’s future value when making renovations. Changes that enhance a homeowner’s lifestyle are equally important. More size, better layout and updated looks can go a long way toward helping a family find more joy in their home. Life-altering milestones – like having children, having extended family move in and work-at-home-jobs – provide good cause to renovate.

Seek Out Referrals: Once committed to the process, hiring the right home improvement contractor is critical. A great way to choose a contractor is to contact salespeople at stores where contractors buy their supplies, such as lumberyards, window stores, cabinet shops and hardware stores. It is also a good idea to speak with friends, family and neighbors that have been through the process before, as well as checking the Web sites of local community associations.

Obtain Multiple Bids: Always get at least three estimates on the project. Contractors can bid the same project for completely different prices and timeframes. Check that all the bids are based on the same scope and quality of work, which is the only way to do a fair and effective comparison.

Interview the Contractors and Check Their Right to Work: It is important for the homeowner to talk about a contractor’s style and process. A strong rapport and close communication with the contractor will increase the likelihood of the project going smoothly. If, for example, the homeowner will want to know every detail during the project, they probably will not be content with a contractor that provides little information during the interview. In the interview process, also verify that the contractor has a license and insurance certificate. Most states require a contractor to carry worker’s compensation, property damage and personal liability insurance.

Follow up on References: Be sure to check the contractor’s credentials. Ask how many similar jobs the contractor has completed, how much experience they have, whether they guarantee their work and who will be in charge of the project. Reputable contractors typically supply names and phone numbers of recent references. It is worth calling a minimum of three people to verify the contractor’s credentials. There are several good questions to ask: Did the reference pay a fair price, was the work done properly and would the reference hire the contractor again? Did the contractor show up every day and finish the project when expected?

Contact Local Consumer Protection Agencies: Call the local or state consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau to check if there have been any unresolved complaints registered against the contractor. Also contact the state’s contractor licensing agency and local building inspectors to confirm that the contractor has a clean record.

ANDY RAFFLE RECOMMENDS INSURING AGAINST DISASTER

WITH THE PROPER HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008— Navigating all of the options available for homeowners insurance can be a daunting challenge at first. Yet, as “Mother Nature” reliably makes her appearances across the country year after year, selecting the proper insurance is absolutely critical to protect perhaps the largest purchase one will make over the course of a lifetime. It is a good idea to review your policy annually to ensure you have the best coverage for your geography and your possessions. To help, Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside. Realtors offers the following primer on homeowners insurance.

The Fundamentals: The standard policies should reimburse for basic damages including burglary and destruction to the home caused by fire, smoke, lightning, ice, snow and frozen pipes. In addition, traditional policies often offer liability coverage for medical claims to third parties and legal damages should you be named the defendant in a lawsuit.

Be Prepared for the Worst Case Scenario: It is likely that before agreeing provide you a loan, the lender required you to purchase at least a basic insurance plan. However, homeowners should be prepared for the worst, such as a disaster that could destroy the home. Find out exactly how much it would cost to restore the home from top to bottom, and then contemplate insuring it for that amount.

Although the policy will provide the funds to rebuild the structure, it still needs to be refurbished inside with all new appliances, furnishings, etc. There are two options for replacements: actual cash value and replacement cost. Actual cash value should provide reimbursement for the value of the item, minus depreciation for the length of ownership of the item. Replacement cost, which comes at a pricier premium, should provide reimbursement for the full value of the item at current pricing.

To best prepare for refurbishing the inside, put together a detailed home inventory of all of the items in your home you would want to replace in the event of a tragedy. Include everything, from jewelry to artwork to carpets to computer equipment to tools to sporting equipment, just to name a few. A list with receipts attached is ideal. Also consider doing a photographic or video inventory (date stamp the tape) in which the key information is narrated. Whether you compile a written or visual property catalogue, be sure to include: a description of the item and quantity, brand name, model or serial number, name of the vendor, date of purchase, purchase price, current value and replacement cost. Another tip, keep this documentation in a separate location in case tragedy should strike the home.

Water, Water, Everywhere? According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), flooding is the most common natural disaster in the U.S., yet it is typically not covered by traditional homeowners insurance policies. However, it is offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for many areas of the country and can be purchased through local agents. In fact, if a property lies in a flood hazard area (determined by the Director of the FEMA have a one percent chance of being hit by a flood in a given area), the borrower will likely be required to purchase flood insurance. If you live in an area prone to flooding, consider purchasing such a policy. It is not wise to rely on federal disaster funds, as these loans must be repaid to the government.

Sometimes floods are brought on by hurricanes. “Katrina” and “Rita” are stark reminders of this possibility and hurricane insurance has become pricier and more difficult to obtain. If you live in a hurricane prone area, shop around for the most comprehensive, and most affordable, policy you can find from a reputable provider.

ANDY RAFFLE OFFERS TIPS TO HELP EASE

LONG DISTANCE RELOCATION WOES

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008 — Moving can be a complicated process, let alone picking up and moving to another state or cross country. One must find a home, schools, perhaps even a job for a spouse, not to mention get a feel for the community before settling in on a new location.

Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors recommends taking the following steps to ensure that when it comes time to move to a distant location, the process is smooth and simple. At the end of the day, it is all about research.

First, Get Organized. When moving many miles away it makes sense to organize a list of the key information required before deciding where to live. Important questions that will need to be answered include:

• What is the cost of living? How far will the new money go?

• What is the price of a similar sized house in the new location?

• What is the community like? Crime rates?

• How is the school system?

• What is the noise factor?

• Will this be a good area for my spouse to find work?

• What is the public transportation system like?

• How long will my commute be?

Due Diligence. To learn more about the typical lifestyle of the new town, as well as community events and crime rates, get a few back copies of the local newspaper, or log on to the local paper’s Web site. This third party information, together with what you learn from the local Chamber of Commerce, will give you a sense of the personality of the area.

Use the Internet. For perhaps the biggest decision in the entire process, finding a home, the Web is an invaluable tool. Web sites such as www.askAndyRaffle.com can provide visitors with an abundance of incredibly useful information. Functions like the Home Price Comparison Index on the site will calculate approximately how much a house will be worth in the new market, which as a result will provide insight into the cost of living. Visitors also can find a variety of community and neighborhood information including median age and income, percentages of married couples and children, recent home sales, and a listing of elementary and high schools with demographic information on the schools.

Feet on the Street. When you have a chance to physically visit the new city and have begun working with a real estate sales associate look to see how much new construction and remodeling work is taking place. This will tell you whether the neighborhood is popular, and whether current residents plan to stay. Also, have the sales associate take you through the neighborhood “after hours.” See what the neighborhood looks like when all have returned from work and school.

Coffee Talk. If possible, try to have a few conversations with the “locals” near a prospective home. More than anyone, they have their fingers on the pulse of the neighborhood and the community at large.

Work With Your Employer. Make it clear to your new employer that your spouse now will be in need of a job. The company likely will have relationships with relocation experts and executive recruitment firms to help in the spousal job search process.

Simplify the Move. Andy Raffle's customers can use the Coldwell Banker Concierge^® Service Program for assistance in all aspects of the move. With service categories across the nation, Andy Raffle and Coldwell Banker Concierge Service Program representatives can help make things easier

ANDY RAFFLE SHOWS BUCKS COUNTY HOME SELLERS HOW TO OPEN THEIR DOORS TO POTENTIAL BUYERS

Some Extra TLC Can Make the Difference In Getting an Offer

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008— Three sure signs of springtime are already upon us: baseball’s opening day; the crocuses beginning to burst through the ground; and, open houses officially kicking off the spring home buying and selling season. Spring is typically the critical time for home transfers, as families want to get their homes sold so they can settle into their new ones for the start of the school year.

Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors offers the following tips that can help a seller differentiate the home from the others on the market by making it look its absolute best.

“There are lots of different ways you can clean up a home to prepare it for an open house,”Raffle continued. “We have all heard about cleaning up the front lawn, painting the rooms in neutral colors and stowing away the clutter. But that’s just part of preparing a home for an open house. It is important to think beyond those rudimentary tips to ready the property for a sale.”

Refinish Hardwood Floors: Natural hardwood floors continue to be a requisite in the interior design industry. Making sure yours look their best can be done quickly and cost effectively with a quick polyurethane coating.

Do It Yourself Home Staging: A real estate sales associate may suggest hiding away furniture that has nicks or flaws that could distract a potential buyer. If your furniture is still in very good shape, the real estate professional may also recommend removing one or two items to make rooms appear larger and give buyers a better opportunity to imagine their belongings inside.

Room for Improvement: Many have a room in his or her home that is primarily used as a general storage depot. Remember, potential buyers may view that room as a perfect spot for sewing, exercise, a library, or even as a private hideaway. If the room is clutter free, your sales associate will have a better chance to showcase that room’s potential.

A Rose by Any Other Name: While everyone knows that flowers will brighten a home, it’s not necessary to spend a fortune at the florist for your staging. Arrange some dogwood branches, cherry blossoms and some forsythia branches strategically around the house, like on an end table or on top of the water tank of the commode, to add warmth and an outdoor touch to your home.

Make it Nameless: As much as you want the house to look attractive, it should not be a record of your family’s life. Tuck away as many of your personal belongings, like family photos, trophies and other knick knacks. You want potential buyers to imagine themselves in your home, not admiring your achievements.

Add a Touch of Class: The same way the perfect accessories can finish an outfit, the perfect accoutrements can make a room look complete. Stack three hardcover books neatly at an angle on an end table. Fan out high end glossy magazines across your coffee table. Put a colorful bowl of fruit on the windowsill. Any number of nice, yet anonymous additions can go a long way towards completing a room.

Under the Microscope: Ask one of your most “constructively critical” friends or relatives to visit the home as if he or she were a potential buyer, and have that person tell you what he or she notices first about each room. That will tell you whether you have the room in the right shape for selling or if it needs some minor adjustments.

“It almost goes without saying that homes on the market should be spotless, and that all leaky faucets and other minor repairs should be fixed,” Raffle continued. “The key to any successful open house is that it should be properly prepared by the seller so that the real estate professional can successfully market it.”

THE ART OF THE DEAL: TIPS FROM ANDY RAFFLE

ANDY RAFFLE HAS HOME, SWEET HOME SELLING STRATEGIES –

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CLOSE THE DEAL IN A BUYER’S MARKET?

Yardley, PA – May 15, 2008 – What does it take to sell a home in a buyers’ market – a fresh coat of paint or a kitchen overhaul? Lowering your asking price or offering incentives? From cosmetic to strategic, smart sellers can take advantage of a few simple tips to get the most out of their properties. Here are six strategies from Andy Raffle of Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors to securing a “sold” sign:

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