Harleysville-Lansdale Real Estate and More

We are pleased to announce that Scott Loper was named as a 5-Star Real Estate Agent in the September 2010 issue of Philadelphia Magazine.

There are a few things that make this award very special:

*  Less than 2% of the Realtors in the Philadelphia area were given this award.

*  Philadelphia Magazine in partnership with Crescendo Business Services conducted an independent survey of consumers, mortgage and title companies to identify potential nominees for this award and then conducted a thorough screening process to idenitfy the actual award recipients.

*  There were no fees involved to be included in the screening or to be a final award recipient.

*  Real estate agents had to achieve the highest scores in overall consumer satisfaction in order to be included on the final list of award recipients.

 

We are extremely grateful for this recognition of our commitment to our clients and our profession.

Congratulations to Active Rain members Christopher and Stephanie Somers for also being included on the final list of recipients!

~Lisa

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Scott Loper Gets Top Honors from Philadelphia Magazine Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

Remember college?  Remember all the time we had on our hands? 

Sure some of the coursework was daunting, but it still seemed in college that we had all the time in the world.  I can remember spending a whole day watching movies with my roommates, riding with friends three hours round trip to keep them company when they wanted to get something from their parents' house, or spending a whole weekend helping friends move.

But we had no responsibilities back then.  No mortgage payments to make, no kids to drive around, no houses to clean and maintain, no clients calling with requests - all we had was time.  And those friendships were great, the kind that last forever, even when life started to get busy and in the way.

One of the most valuable things we can offer our kids, our friends and our clients right now is our time.  I know it is precious and you don't want to waste it, but you'd be surprised the rewards that will come if you loosen the reigns just a little bit on your time.  Sit down and watch what your kids are watching on tv, help a friend move, have a cup of coffee with a client, spend a little extra time on a thank you note or photographs of a listing, take a little extra time, extra care. 

Make the people in your life think they are the only ones that matter, be the friend that you were in college.

~Lisa

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset - Use It Wisely But Don't Be Stingy Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

Attached is a very funny video that is currently on YouTube.  It should bring a smile to your face as it parodies the dilemmas, egos, impressions, and realities of the current housing market.

If you or anyone you know is in the process of a loan modification, we would encourage you to contact a real estate agent or broker that you can trust to help you get out of your current situation.   We know that not everyone currently behind on their mortgage payments is a social climbing intellectual.  And likewise, we are not all blood sucking vampires as the video would suggest. 

Blood Sucking Vampire Realtor

Enjoy!

~Lisa

 

 

 

We recently had a condo for sale.  It had trouble selling.  The owner was a chain smoker and had numerous health problems.  As a result, she often had to deny showings when she wasn't feeling well.  But even when buyers were able to get in, many complained of the smoke smell in the home.  Finally the seller moved to warmer climates with some help from her family and we were able to get new carpets, fresh paint and a few kitchen upgrades done in her condo.

While we were there taking new photos of the now vacant, transformed condo, I noticed the ceiling fans...  There were three in the unit; all three had a thick layer of dust along the edges of the blades (in some cases, the dust was hanging).  Everything else was beautiful except these last tell-tale signs of the former condition.

What's an agent to do?  I got a ladder, spray cleaner and a whole roll of paper towels and painstakingly cleaned off every blade on each ceiling fan.  It was not a job I enjoyed, in fact I almost threw up as I realized how yellow the towels were becoming from also removing years of nicotine residue.  The whole job took about 20 long minutes.

The result?  A condo we couldn't sell previously at $240,000 now sold in a few weeks at $270,000.  The owner had put in about $15,000 in paint, carpet, and kitchen upgrades (appliances, countertops, and a new floor).  This is a story for another blog about the difference condition can make to a seller's bottom line.

Would the condo still have sold if we left the ceiling fans alone?  Maybe.  Probably.  Maybe not.

Are we glad we took the time to wipe down the ceiling fans?  Absolutely.

Scott and I often find that we have to perform duties outside of our "normal" job descriptions.  Maybe some agents would refuse to do the tasks we have done...  But sometimes a seller simply does not have the means or capability to get some things done.  And while we could bring in a handyman or housekeeper (and in many/most cases we have), sometimes it is just easier, faster, and cheaper to do it ourselves. 

A few examples of services we have occasionally performed for sellers over the years:

• Trimmed tree branches (all for the sake of a good photo)
• Installed smoke detectors and/or handrails for a Use & Occupancy inspection.
• Replaced a broken garbage disposal.
• Washed a window or two.
• Vacuumed up after new carpeting was installed.
• Restored a kitchen and connected faucets after new countertops were installed.
• Swept patios and kitchen floors.
• Shoveled snow.
• Pulled a few weeds.
• Oiled a squeak.
• Cleared all the magnets and papers off a refrigerator.
• Shop vacuumed a wet basement.
• Played general contractor and have arranged for everything from electicians, plumbers, carpet installers, painters, roofers, house cleaners, landscapers, appliance repair, damage restoration, masons... the list is endless.

Luckily Scott is extremely handy and I am extremely easy going and make a good assistant (kind of like the operating room nurse).

"Screwdriver" - "Yes, Scott"

"1/8" drill bit" - "Right here Scott"

"Can you plug this in for me?" - "Absolutely Scott"

We work well together and when we have had to step out of the norm for a client, we usually have been fast and efficient in getting a job done.  But I have to admit, we have never painted or cut the grass for a client - there is no urgency there and we have to draw the line somewhere!

How far will you go for a client?  Do you have a toolbox in your trunk?

~Lisa

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

Scott and I have been on vacation.  Taking a vacation is very difficult when you sell houses because it seems like a 24/7 job most weeks.  The only time clients or other agents don't seem to call or make requests is from 11pm to about 7am - any other time is fair game.

We find that it is vital to get away from work occasionally.  It is a time to recharge, relax and spend uninterrupted time with important people in our lives.  In our case, that would be each other and our two teenage kids - who thankfully still seem to enjoy being with us the most.  And they are a ton of fun too!

There are several other great reasons to take a vacation:

1)  All sorts of clients come out of the woodwork just as you are preparing to leave.  How else would you get that buyer who has been waffling for two years to buy a house?

2)  It forces you to evaluate each and every client on exactly where they stand in the buying or selling process as you prepare for what will go on in your absence.

3)  It reminds you how thankful you are to have an assistant or reinforces one of the many reasons you should get one (if you don't already have an assistant).

4)  It reminds your clients that you are human and have a family, friends and a life outside of real estate.

So if you feel like you are overwhlemed or burned out, plan a vacation.  It doesn't have to be far or expensive, you'd be amazed at how many beautiful places there are within a few hours drive of your own home.  BUT don't stay home.  We find that if we don't leave town, we will just keep on working.

I have to admit, I did have these grandiose ideas that I would keep up with our Active Rain blogging while we were gone....  Well all I can say is we're feeling good and happy to be back!

Got any vacation plans this summer?

~Lisa

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

Last week I wrote a letter to Senators Bob Casey and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania expressing my opposition to a provision written into a bill currently under review by the Senate.  The bill is called American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act. 

Sounds great, doesn't it?  No one wants people to get away from paying their taxes because of a "loophole."  The problem is many of the so-called loopholes are not really loopholes; they have legitimate purposes to help grow small businesses.  They are touted as loopholes to give the bill broad appeal.

This legislation will negatively affect EVERY real estate agent and broker who has established an S-Corporation as well as thousands of other small businesses in the U.S.

But we can argue the merits of the bill another time or not at all.  I don't wish to discuss politics per se. 

My frustration stems from the fact that 1) Senator Casey clearly did not read my letter and is pushing full steam ahead to pass the legislation and 2) Senator Specter has not even bothered to respond.

Here is my letter:

Dear Senator Casey,

It has been brought to my attention that the bill (H.R. 4213) currently being reviewed by the Senate contains provisions which would essentially eliminate the exclusion of Social Security and Medicare taxes from distributions taken by many small businesses (like mine) operating as an S-Corp.  Although this may be presented as "closing a loophole," it nothing less than a significant tax increase on hardworking, small business owners like myself.  

I am writing to let you know of my strong opposition to this provision in H.R. 4213 and to ask that you not vote for this bill without amendment to remove this provision. 

Congress needs to first cut spending and entitlement programs and not continually look to hardworking taxpayers as an infinite source of revenue with which to play politics and buy votes.  Please do the right thing with this bill and vote to not strap small businesses and families like mine with this significant and unfair tax increase.

Sincerely,

Lisa Loper

Lansdale, PA

Did he even read my letter?  Does he even understand what "loopholes" he is closing? 

Here was his "canned" response... which has no reference to my concern... why did I waste my time?

Dear Mrs. Loper:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me about H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act.  I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.

Currently, the Senate is considering the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act.  This bill includes numerous provisions ranging from an extension of important tax provisions that assist small businesses to emergency assistance for individuals and state governments.  Below please find a brief overview of some of the key provisions:

Preventing Outsourcing includes a package of provisions to curtail abuses of the U.S. foreign tax credit system and prevent companies from benefiting by sending jobs overseas.

Tax Cuts for American Families and Workers puts money back in the pockets of working families through a tax cut for college tuition, property and sales tax deductions, and a tax cut for energy-efficient homes.

Job Creating Tax Incentives renews a number of tax credits for businesses, including: the research and development credit, enhanced capital investment depreciation, and tax cuts for small businesses that continue to pay military reservists that have been called to active duty.

Disaster Relief Measures provides funding for oil spill response, National Flood Insurance, and mine safety, among other provisions.

Youth Summer Jobs supports over 350,000 jobs for youth ages 14 to 24 through successful summer employment programs.

Extension of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) extends EUC through November 30, 2010.

There are numerous other provisions included in the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act.  For a summary and a link to the full text of the legislation, please visit http://finance.senate.gov/.  In addition, please note that the bill in its current form does not include an extension of the COBRA Premium Assistance Program.  However, I have introduced an amendment, along with 27 other Senators, which would continue the program through November.  As we recover from the economic recession, we must continue to support vital safety net programs, such as the COBRA Premium Assistance Program, that our citizens need to support their families.

I am aware that there is an urgency to pass H.R. 4213, as a number of the programs included in the legislation have expired.  Please be assured that I am working with my colleagues to overcome opposition from Republicans to provide these beneficial programs.  I am committed to seeing this bill passed.  

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future about this or any other matter of importance to you.

If you have access to the Internet, I encourage you to visit my web site, http://casey.senate.gov.  I invite you to use this online office as a comprehensive resource to stay up-to-date on my work in Washington, request assistance from my office or share with me your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and to Pennsylvania.

Sincerely,

Bob Casey

United States Senator

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Writing to Congress is a Worthless Endeavor - What's the Point? Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

3 BR - 2.1 BA Cape Cod in Souderton Borough, PA

233 W. Chestnut Street, Souderton, PA  18964

MLS #: 5685076

Asking Price: $229,900

 

Surprisingly spacious cape for sale in great Souderton neighborhood. Beautiful eat-in kitchen with ceramic tile floor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awesome master suite with hardwood floor, completely remodeled bath, balcony overlooking back yard, and attached sitting/office area. Another nicely sized bedroom, updated hall bath, and spacious living room complete the first floor. Upstairs, you'll find an expansive third bedroom with ample closet space and storage. The basement offers a terrific family room with a fireplace, walk-out access to the back yard, and a remodeled powder room. You'll also find a recreation area and a large utility room in the basement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For outdoor enjoyment, this cape for sale has a fenced-in yard, a deck off of the kitchen and, of course, the master suite balcony. All of this in a desirable, convenient Souderton, PA neighborhood and just a very short walk to the popular West Street Park. Off-street parking too! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click here for a virtual tour of 233 W. Chestnut Street.

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Cape for Sale in Souderton Borough, Souderton, PA Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

Immigration is certainly a hot topic these days. 

And discrimination has even been a hot topic on Active Rain this week. 

 

There was a terrific Op-Ed article in The NY Times earlier this year written by Thomas Friedman about why we should Embrace Immigration (legal immigration of course).  The main point was all but one of the 40 high school finalists in the 2010 Intel Science Talent Search were from immigrant Asian families.  Families who came to the United States of America to make a better life for themselves and their children, people who CHOOSE to be American.  Friedman argues in his article that we should be glad that the best and brightest in science and innovation want to be American citizens, that is the absolutely best way to stay a global leader.  Think about it.  He makes a lot of sense.

At the Re/Max seminar Demand Success Today and Tomorrow, Dave Liniger, co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Re/Max International, predicted that it is legal immigration that will bring us out of the current housing slump.  Everyone wants the American Dream of home ownership.  He even suggested that agents who may want to take advantage of a new pool of buyers might want to take up Spanish as a second language.  Think about it.  He makes a lot of sense too.

We posted a blog earlier this year, Casada y Cansada - Married & Tired - Learning a New Language.  In it, we talk about the difficulty my daugher and I are having trying to learn Spanish and why it is important to be fair and patient with people trying to learn English.

So if you have conflicted feelings about immigration, consider the positives.

We will leave you with a story:

We normally take our son to a barber that happens to also be a Realtor (imagine that).  However, our son plays sports every season and has had practices everyday after school since September.  This Realtor/barber is only open until 6pm on weekdays and has limited Saturday hours.  A few weeks ago, our son's hair was way out of control long - even he was begging for a haircut.  He and I dashed to the barber only to find him closed.  We dashed to a Best Cuts only to find one girl working on an updo for a prom (hour wait at least).  So I remembered seeing a new barber shop in Lansdale near the train station, we headed there, saw the open sign and charged right in.

No joke, there were eight barbers and eight guys getting there hair cut.  All sixteen guys (barber and customer) were young Hispanic males, dressed in black, sporting tattoos, a few chains, and speaking Spanish.  Loud Spanish music was playing.  A few heads turned when we walked in - me and my blond, freckle-faced 12 year old son - but no one acknowledged us.  I think they expected us to turn around and walk out.  I'll admit I hesitated for a second, but we were determined to get a haircut, so we sat down and waited our turn.

After a 10 minute wait, one of the barbers finished with his customer.  He came over to us and pointed at my son and said, "Are you next?"  My son sheepishly followed him to his chair.  I stayed back in the waiting area letting my son describe how he wanted his hair cut.  To be sure, the barber took his time, showed him a few pictures and I overheard him say to my son, "Are you sure you want it that short?"  I still stayed out of it, but I was curious to see the result.

The result?  A half hour later my son had probably the best hair cut of his entire life, way more stylish than what he would have gotten from the Realtor/barber.  He looked amazing (and still does).  The barber comes over to me, tells me it will be $13 and asks if I like it.  Then he says,

"We don't normally get people like you in here. 

Would you mind taking a few of our business cards and telling your friends about us?" 

People like you.  I had to laugh.  So I took the cards, thanked him for the terrific haircut and told him that I would happily recommend their business.  True to my word, I have told many friends about our experience, encouraged them to try it and not be scared off by the music or gang-like appearance of these guys.  They really know how to cut hair.  As for us?  Yeah, we'll be back.  Next time I am going to try my Spanish out on them! 

Here is a picture of the Finest Barbershop in Lansdale, PA:

~Lisa

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Immigration, Discrimination... Is It Leaving Us Unnecessarily Divided? Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

Tomorrow is the big Harleysville Country Fair Days parade.  It is the last day of the Harleysville Country Fair and the official kick-off of the Memorial Day Weekend.  Every year, our office hosts an open house during the parade.  From 10am to 1pm, we serve free hot dogs, soda, and water ice.  We have a moon bounce, face painting, and a mini golf course set up for the kids.  We have giveaways and balloons.  All in all a very festive event and everyone is welcome to come. 

And the highlight is the parade marches down Main Street (right past our office) at 11am.

The parade is nothing too fancy.  It is comprised of community groups (some walking, some on makeshift floats), marching bands, old fashioned cars, horses, carriages, fire engines, etc.  One of the best parts is everyone throws out candy to the kids, at least that is every kid's favorite part of the parade.

Well about six years ago we had a life changing moment for my daughter (and me).  My daughter Caroline brought her friend Sierra to the parade.  Both girls were nine years old and really excited about the parade. 

NOT ONE SINGLE PERSON THREW THEM ONE SINGLE PIECE OF CANDY!  NOTHING!

Everyone threw the candy to the younger kids and completely passed over our two girls.  Disappointment and sadness is an understatement for how the girls felt.  Caroline, holding back a tear, said to me afterward, "I guess we're too old.  They gave it all to the little kids."

Here is a picture of Caroline and Sierra at nine:

I was speechless and not sure what to say.  I offered to buy them candy but I knew it was pointless and not the point anyway.  It was the sudden realization that a kid can't be a kid in today's society.  People treat you differently as you get older.  But at nine, you are still just a kid. 

It didn't seem fair, but LIFE IS NOT FAIR.

On the way home in the car, the girls said they didn't even want to come to the parade the following year.  I looked them straight in the eye and said,

"Next year, you will have to figure out a way to make them WANT to throw you candy."

The following year, Caroline got busy the day before the parade.  She took a huge red toy bucket and a piece of posterboard.  She cut a big hole in the poster and drew rings around the hole and wrote "BULLSEYE!" at the top.  I asked her what she was doing and she said,

"I remembered what you said.  It's a target.  They will want to throw me candy this year." 

That's my girl!

Did it work?  LIKE A CHARM.  Every single person in the parade threw candy at that bucket.  No one could resist ('cause we are all kids at heart).  It was practically overflowing by the end of the parade.  Caroline and Sierra were passing out candy to all the other kids after the parade because they got too much!

The girls used the Bulleye Bucket the following year with the same success.  After that, they passed the bucket down to their little brothers.  Here is a picture that made the local newspaper:

The boys used the Bullseye Bucket for a couple years and then passed it on to my nephews.  The bucket broke last year so it is no more unless my nephews decide to recreate it. 

Caroline and Sierra are planning to attend the parade again tomorrow and they are bringing another friend Marisa along.  The girls are 15 now and more interested in seeing if there will be any cute guys at the parade. 

Candy?  Forget about it!

The lesson here is sometimes in life we have to look for a different approach to help us achieve our goals or overcome rejection and obstacles.  And unfortunately, most people need to start learning this at a very early age.

Happy Memorial Day!

~Lisa

 

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

 

Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.

Gristmill Run, Towamencin Township, Lansdale, PA

A beautiful community of single family homes in Towamencin Township (Lansdale post office) is offered by Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run.  A very picturesque setting, Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run range from the mid $300K's to the mid $400K's.  All are single family homes of 3-4 bedrooms with 2-car garages and full basements.  Most homes in Gristmill Run are on cul-de-sacs which branch off the main street through the development (aptly named Grist Mill Run).

Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run are close to major commuter routes and great shopping, schools, churches and recreation.  Only minutes from the Lansdale exit of the PA Turnpike, Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run are also just minutes from Routes 309 and 63 and the Lansdale train station which is part of Septa's R-5 regional rail line which runs from Doylestown to Center City Philadelphia.

Schools in and around the Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run are excellent.  Students attend Walton Farm Elementary, Pennfield Middle, and North Penn High School.  Private schools are nearby and include: Christopher Dock, Penn View Christian, Lansdale High and Corpus Christi.

The Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run are located just off of Route 63 which is Main Street in Lansdale.  This offers easy access to the shopping at Montgomery Mall, Montgomeryville, Ralph's Corner, Main Street in Lansdale, and Skippack Village.

For recreation, Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run are conveniently close to Fischer's Park (great walking trails and trout fishing), Evansburg State Park (terrific hiking trails, horse trails, and fishing), and the Perkiomen Trail (a 19-mile rails to trails project which connects Green Lane Park to the Valley Forge National Park, from there you can pick up the Schuylkill River Trail which runs through Manayunk to Fairmount Park and the Philadelphia Art Museum).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Established and stable, the Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run are perfect for families and professionals.  Please contact us for a complete list of available homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Homes for Sale in Gristmill Run, Lansdale, PA Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.