Getting Ready To Sell?

 

Getting Ready To Sell?

Like all things in life preparation is a key to success.  We have been hearing all good news about the real estate market.  Activity is up and interest rates are down to near record lows.  FHA has loosened their terms allowing buyers to afford even more.  Now is the time to act, but not in haste.  Read over these helpful tips to get you and your home ready for the market then call Team Chapis to set the plan and implement. Keep in mind looking with the "buyer's eye" may be humbling but will give you the upper hand in marketing and negotiations. By taking steps ahead of time you may able to make a great impression and cut their marketing time in half. 

OUTSIDE - CURB APPEAL

 

First impressions make a big difference! Make sure the outside of your home looks just as clean as the inside. Start by removing any debris from around your home.  Any simple roof or window repairs should be done before buyers tour your home.  Don't be fooled into thinking you can just credit a couple thousand dollars to make the deal work.  Making repairs ahead of time will most likely cost less than what the home inspector suggests.  Clean your windows and touch up paint for a crisp clean look. Pay close attention to the entrance.  A clean uncluttered porch and a freshly painted door is quite inviting. Trim trees and maintain the lawn, walkways, drives, garden bed areas and fences to set the tone for an outstanding first impression. 

INSIDE - SET THE STAGE

Neutralize! A buyer may walk into your neon orange kitchen and want to find the nearest exit. Make each room more appealing by keeping it neutral. Think tans, whites and grey's when considering freshening up the paint, it may seem boring to you, but the buyer will see less hassle and more house. Depersonalize each room.  You may have many great memories of all the wonderful life events that happened in your home, but keep in mind the new owner will create their own.  You want prospective buyers to picture the memories they will create. Too many pictures can make others feel like they are intruding in your personal space and this can make a potential buyer uncomfortable.  Again, deal with your maintenance items before opening up your home to the public.  Everything costs more when your negotiating an offer! If you are not in the position then price accordingly and be prepared to make price adjustments to compensate for that broken window and peeling paint.  Clean, clean, clean. Buyers favor the good smelling home that seems to have been taken care of, over the cluttered, dusty home that will require them to get scrubbing on their hands and knee's. Simple organizing and de-cluttering rooms can make the room far more appealing and feel more spacious.

Neutralize, Depersonalize, Organize!

FINAL THOUGHTS

You cannot get the first impression back.  Set your home apart from the competition by hiring a professional stager if this is too much for you to wrap around.  Selling your home is an emotional process and the more mechanical you can be will certainly payoff at the closing table.  Team Chapis can recommend trusted contractors, stagers and other services to help you save money and beat the competition.  We are always here to help.  Just reach out and we will be there for you.

Happy New Year!

Hope your holidays were filled with joy!　 I had a wonderful mental rest and a few great days of welcome family time with Stacie　and the　kids.　 My hope for you as well is that you are entering the New Year refreshed and ready for a fantastic 2015.　 Team Chapis is growing at a great pace and we are excited to have our first two Home Buyer Seminars of the year coming up in just week or so.　 It is hard to believe how fast 2014 came and went, but the plans are in place for the new year and it is time for implementation!

We are so excited with the New Year's arrival, but happy looking back on the previous with great memories of all the quality time I was able to spend with my clients.　　Many of you joined us at　the many events that Team Chapis held for our clients as well as business mixers. I was also so fortunate to be able to break　bread with so many of you personally which I see my business to be all about, making long life relationships.　 I look forward to enjoying even more time with all of you this year.　

2015 will be introducing great programs for future as well as former clients alike.　 We are excited to be involved in fundraising events throughout the year, client events, parties, mixers and much, much more. Erin and I will be out and about to assist with all of your referrals, needs and other assistance you might need. As Team Chapis grows we will also be looking for more back office support so please keep your eyes open for us.　 We are hosting eight Home Buyer Seminars between January and May and several more are in the works. If you or anyone you know are thinking about making a home purchase this year, these seminars are a perfect place to start the process.　 Please feel free to contact either Erin or myself or check out our Facebook page for upcoming seminar dates at https://www.facebook.com/andychapisrealtor.

A year past with so much accomplishment and yet so much on the horizon.　 Life is good regardless of the hardships we all endure daily.　 I am thankful to be surrounded by such wonderful and caring people.　 You have all helped　make my business what it is today and my family and I cannot thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts.　 Happy New Year and please never hesitate to call on us for anything, real estate related or not.　 We are always here to assist! 

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" 

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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!