Tis the season...

As the holidays arrive this year it is time to finalize your party plans.  Team Chapis is staying close to home, but we will be lighting the town up with friends and family throughout December.  We hope to see many of you out and about the streets of West Chester enjoying all this town and the season has to offer. 

Since Erin and I are both self proclaimed foodies, we would like to think some of our favorite restaurants are some of the best recommendations in town.  West Chester offers some of the best gastric hot spots around and if we can get some snow falling soon the views off of Market Street are awesome.  If you do come into town you must check out the Christmas tree lit 24/7 at the Courthouse steps. 

So here are the links our hot picks for stuffing your face over this wonderful holiday season:

 

Andy's Picks

•  If you get the chance to try to hot wings at Landmark Americana, they actually use fresh ghost peppers. 
• Stop by Sidebar for a wide variety of craft beers and try the scallop with pork belly...amazing.
• Fine dine at Pietros Prime 

Erin's Picks

• I wouldn't mind the Sausage and Broccoli Gnocchi at Limoncello everyday of the week
• Any plate at Four Dogs Tavern just outside of town in Marshallton. Andy highly recommends the Cheese Charcuterie for a shared plate
• Just outside of town in the other direction (Edgemont) is my absolute favorite Italian BYOB, Trattoria Giuseppe, be sure to save room for dessert!

Please enjoy safely...never drink and drive! 

Helping A Family In Need...

We received news in an email this morning which broke our hearts for a local family. Although we are thankful to hear everyone is safe, our hearts fill with sorrow realizing the hardship this family has to face this holiday season. The Andy Chapis Team would like to do our part to help this family by sharing this email and letting our community know what they can do to help.


The email reads...

"I hope your Thanksgiving Holiday was restful and peaceful.
You may have recently heard of a fire that occurred late Thanksgiving night on Carolyn Lane in West Chester. The home belongs to Mike Ceffaratti and his family, who you may recall coached and his son, Kyle, played at ESLL for years.
In addition to their home, 2 cars were destroyed as well. The family of 4 escaped with little more than the clothes that they were sleeping in on Thanksgiving.
Also recently, you may recall, Mike and his son orchestrated collecting used baseball equipment on opening day to take with him on a trip to give to the kids of the Dominican Republic. Mike represents what community is all about - giving - and helping others. He would not ask for help. He is a proud man - and one that would give the shirt off his back for another human being in need.
Now it is our turn to reach back - and help Mike and his family get back on their feet. "

Please consider making a small donation to the "Ceffaratti Family Fire Fund" 

Donate

Happy Thanksgiving

 

 

Time For Turkey

 

 

 

I can't believe Thanksgiving is here already.  And it looks like a little bit of snow may slow down the Turkey Day commute, so if you are traveling this week please take extra time and wait to have your favorite  libation until the driving is done. 

 

Erin and I just finished delivering pies to some of our wonderful clients scattered throughout the County.  Perfect day to be on the road and visit for a minute or two.  I am truly lucky to have such loyal and caring clients as part of my business family.  It is a pleasure to wake up everyday looking forward to getting out the door ready to serve you all.  I am also extremely thankful to have a few days together with my family to relax, party and make some new memories. 

 

Again, please be safe this holiday season and don't forget to stop and think about all the amazing people and things in your life that you are thankful for.  Slow down....enjoy the moment....before you know it you'll back in front of your clients, co-workers and bosses.  Time to hit the market...need more butter.     Happy Thanksgiving!

Welcome to 819 Harper Avenue

Come visit this home and you will see there is little to be done, aside from your own personal touches. This graciously updated two story colonial located in Drexel Hill is move in ready! Immaculately maintained inside and out. Four spacious bedrooms, two full baths. Bonus's include but are not limited to, private driveway, living room bay window & fireplace, hardwood floors protected by wall-to-wall carpet throughout, newer roofing and windows, large deck (Trex), storage shed, fully finished basement, breakfast room and so much more!

Holiday Season

Can you believe Fall is coming to an end,
December is right around the corner!
Here is a list of local holiday activities we are looking forward to!

How To Be A Strong Home Buyer

Today's residential real estate market is moving at a faster clip than it has been since the 2008 debacle.  Home buyers are in one of the most competitive markets and first time buyers are walking onto a speeding conveyor belt.  There are specific things you should be doing before you hit the street running. 

A little preparation will help give you the edge needed to beat out your competition.  Being preapproved, really preapproved can make or break your deal at a moment's notice.  Knowing you have all your ducks in a row can give you the confidence the seller is looking for.  I can't tell you how well communicating my client's buying strength in a personal letter or phone call has helped secure the deal.  A little extra legwork can go a long way. 

Check out these tips for being a most prepared buyer.  Please let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to sit down with our team to discuss how we can supercharge your home buying power!

Time To Bundle Up!

As temperatures drop this week we are switching out the short sleeve shirts for hoodies in the closet and getting out the flannel sheets.  I am currently looking for my black ski cap as I was reminded this morning again how cold it is without hair on my head.  We all probably have or should have a list of things to do around the house as the season changes.

 We found this helpful checklist that may not cover everything but it will hopefully remind you of something else you need to do.  Like shut off the water to your outside spigots.  I will do that tonight before it's too late.  I am also having a large tree pruned before the winter freeze takes down another power line.

As always if you need anyone to help you winterize your home this fall, just ask us to make an introduction to one of our valued professionals and Erin and I will set it up. 

Enjoy the leaves!

Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the Andy Chapis Team!

 The family is growing!

Our "future clients" had a blast at our open house last Sunday, look at the beautiful pumpkins they painted!

Success Series, Segment No.2

Owner Tai Boyer of Downingtown has committed herself to not just cleaning homes but also running a successful and systematized business. Tai's team is attentive, proactive and efficient and I am very comfortable referring Tai and Unique Touch Cleaning to all of my advocates. Hear what Tai has to say about her business...

It is always great to add a team member to the crew so we can offer a more complete and resourceful real estate experience. 

 We are excited to introduce and turn loose to you Unique Touch Cleaning Service.

-Andy

1. When did you decide to start your own business, and why?

I’ve decided to start my own business with members of my immediate family in May of 2014. I, along with both of my parents have been cleaning as employees for various janitorial companies ever since I was young. With the extensive on-the-job training I always had a passion for one day being my own boss and doing what I enjoy the most.

2. What has been your biggest hurdle in starting your business?

The biggest hurdle would be staying competitive with other companies who provide the same services as I do. Since my company is smaller in size we managed to receive referrals through word of mouth rather than advertising like most companies who have been longer established.

3. What is the most exciting part of your job, or what has been your favorite project so far?

As owner/operator for Unique Touch Cleaning, LLC every day is exciting when your business line or website has constant traffic for inquires. The best part is meeting new and current customers who trust our level of service and appreciate what we do to accommodate their needs.

Our favorite project has been working alongside Re/Max Realtors for Andy Chapis and his broker assistant Erin Cassidy. The both of them have welcomed our company with open arms and we have had opportunities to work alongside them particularity with our services. We not only built our relationship on trust, but also maintain dependability when duty calls. Our company has been very fortunate with continual support from these two individuals.

4. What would you like people to know about you and your business?

I have cleaned in commercial/residential settings with my mother and father since I was young. With over 15 years combined experience my dedication and passion for this company has been my life dream. Unique Touch Cleaning was originated several years ago when I first started my business plan. I decided this name because our level of professionalism is above average. Our family business has managed to take on projects that most companies would not want to consider. For that reason, we would like to make our business a household name so that when people think of cleaning they think of Unique Touch.  They will see the level of customer satisfaction backed by 100%.

5. What are some of your business goals?

Our short-term goals are to continue service within the Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and including Philadelphia counties. As we build so will our demographics and hopefully we can expand from being a small company to a mid-size entity. For example; we hope to expand our workforce by offering jobs to those affected by unemployment and collaborate with organizations such as “CareerLink” and/or “OIC” (Opportunities Industrialization Center) located in Chester County, PA towards the near future.

Contact:

Tai Boyer

Owner Operator

484-340-9245

info@uniquetouchcleaning4you.com

Visit Her Website

Should you buy or sell this year?

Is it time to make the move now or wait for the Spring market?  Many potential home buyers have been convinced to wait for the inventory  to be higher.  Well let's take sales out of the equation.  We have all heard the motto "activity breeds activity". With that in mind as inventory grows - so should the buyer pool.  More homes means more buyer competition.

 

As the holidays near and everyone gets into party mode, inventory drops and activity slows.  If a seller is marketing their home through the holidays, how motivated do you think they are?  As interest and activity in homes drops, sellers become concerned and MORE MOTIVATED. 

 

If you are a prepared and qualified buyer, there is no better time to buy than in a slower market.  Projections for 2015 show growth.  

Take advantage now and see how you can buy more and spend less...

Yours in Service,

Andy Chapis

Where does your business come from?

I'm in the middle of a busy week in my office at RE/MAX Preferred.  As the last quarter of the year gets underway, Team Chapis is hard at work preparing for next year.  With lofty goals in place for 2015, it is once again time to look in the mirror.  After 28 years in the business I am never amazed at my learning curve, but there is two definite constants I have found that create business building synergy...attitude of course and solid and honest relationships. Really honest relationships.

I recall speaking at a networking meeting in 2009 and talking about the difference between caring and saying you care.  If you remember the business climate 4 years ago, it probably wasn't much of a realization for most but it was a philosophical slap in the face for me.  I dissected myself as a practitioner and a person and determined what was indeed the "meaning of life" for me.  I am a communicator by design so seeing how the closest relationships I have built were my most supportive ones was enlightening.  In a way a weight was lifted because I no longer felt so obligated to anyone and everyone.  Self-awareness is powerful resource.  I digress...

Last evening thanks to David Beruh, Commercial lender at Santander Bank in WC, I had the opportunity to briefly address a fantastic group of real estate related professionals at Kreutz Creek Tasting Room on Gay Street in WC.  The message was the same as in 2009.  I was encouraged that I have actually been taking the advise I have been giving others for several years.  And I believe it, I see it work and it truly makes my business and personal life a whole lot more fun to be living.  Solid relationships are made by people you can count on and who can count on you.  These are the relationships that matter in your personal life and so they should also in your business life. 

As good relationships are the heart of my business, I ask you to please let me know if I can be of service to anyone you know.  In return always ask me if you need a referral for any product or service.  I probably know someone trusted.

 So I ask you...Where does your business come from?




Check out Kreutz Creek Wine:
 http://www.kreutzcreekvineyards.com/

Call Dave Beruh for Commercial lending:
dberuh@sovereignbank.com

The Success Series, Segment No. 1

This week we are happy to introduce...

This week we spoke with Donna Clark, owner of C&C Cookie Company. Erin and I asked her several questions about her booming business.

1. When did you decide to start your own business, and why?

"I started making decorated cookies, about 7 years ago, with my toddler for fun. We would bring them to family parties and give them as gifts. Two years ago, a friend was planning a graduation party and said she was looking for cookies for party favors. I jumped at the the opportunity. That was my first official order and it was a big one. 100 graduation cookies later, I knew i could turn my fun hobby into a business."

2. What has been your biggest hurdle in starting your business?

"I think the biggest hurdle for me has been balancing family life with work. This is one of those things most moms have to deal with. It took my kids a little while to understand that Mom has to work, but they've adjusted well to it. And they get to eat the leftover cookie dough, so they don’t complain!"

3. What is the most exciting part of your job, or what has been your favorite project so far?

"One of my favorite things about my job is getting emails and messages after a customers event. Hearing how much everyone loved my cookies is what gives me the motivation to keep baking. Most of my customer base is returning customers and there’s no better compliment than that. My favorite types of jobs are weddings and wedding showers. I always feel so honored that someone chose to have my cookies at such an important event."

4. What would you like people to know about you and your business?

"Decorated cookies are a labor of love. I am completely self-taught and my cookies are all hand-made and hand-decorated. I always use quality ingredients and I don’t skimp on flavor. I really like having a small business because I can take the time to make sure all of my cookies are up to my standards. Quality control is really important to me. I want my customers to know they can expect a delicious product, when they order cookies. I’m fortunate in that all of my business has been word-of-mouth. People get excited to see and taste my cookies and they tell they’re friends. I couldn't ask for more supportive customers!"

5. What are some of your business goals?

"In the near future, I hope to take my cookies into local shops in and around West Chester. I think they are the perfect sweet treat and they’re portable. You don’t have to worry about a mess when you are eating on the go. I hope to expand my cupcake / cake baking and offer that to my customers as well. Cookies have kept me so busy, but I’m determined to learn new skills in the baking world."

Check out the full gallery on her website

Follow C&C Cookie Company

                                                                    

Contact Info:
(610) 209-6000
Donna@candccookiecompany.com

http://www.candccookiecompany.com

The Success Series

Introduction to our "Success Series"

"Over the next several weeks we are going to be conducting interviews with many of our clients and vendors who have started or are an integral member of a successful business. The success series will spotlight local individuals and businesses who have inspiring and interesting stories of how they succeed in any market climate. We will try to explore behind the front doors of business's to see just what works. Sharing ideas and helping each other. We know how valuable referrals are in our business, so were more than happy to promote yours! 

If you would like to be a part of our "Success Series", please feel free to reach out to us.

My success = My people

A Fresh Look

"Many times people go back and forth debating between moving to a new home or renovating their existing home. If your leaning towards a new fresh look these remodeling tips can help you get your plan together. There are plenty of things that can be done that are not overly disruptive to your day to day lifestyle and may give you that fresh look and feel you are searching for. We would be happy to refer you to a competent and professional contractor to assist you in making some decisions. If you need assistance with any room in your home we can get you to the right people"- Andy.

Can I be of any help?

"When making a large investment such as a Real Estate transaction it's always best to get a referral from someone you know. I've designed my business around my valued clients, and have developed a network of local business's that will go the extra mile for them. Always feel free to reach out to me if you need a product or service, I will be happy to help. " - Andy.