Here's What's Happening in North Branch

ACTIVE:
5487 Jillian Way - 4 bdrms. 2 1/2 baths, hardwoods, master sitting room. Started at $510,000, reduced several $475,000. On the market for 367 days.


5473 Jillian Way— Fabulous Lot backing to protected space, lots of nice upgrades like inlaid carpet, custom woodworking, Sun Room addition, finished basement with full bath. Listed at $489,900, reduced to $479,000. On the market for 109 days.

5455 Richie Ct— 4 bdrms. 2 1/2 baths, Listed at $430,000 Foreclosure. Was under agreement, but back on the market.

SOLD:
5416 Nicholas Court, New Kitchen, finished basement, pool. Started at $519,900, last price $459,900. Sold for $430,000 after 319 days on the market.

In Durham Ridge

ACTIVE:
4529 Blue Ridge Dr— A Washington model, 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 1 acre lot with paver patio, Master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets and sitting area. Started at $459,000, currently priced at $440,000. On the market for 111 days.

PENDING:
None.

SOLD:
None.

And some little known facts from the National Association of Realtors:

- For every home that someone buys there is up to $60,000 brought back into the local economy with furniture, updates and related items.
- Every home sale affects 80 different occupations!
-Home sales are responsible for 2.5 million private-sector jobs each year.
-Housing accounts for 15% of America’s Gross Domestic Product and is a key driver in our economic recovery.
-Out of the last eight recessions, housing brought us out of six of them. So . . . go buy a house!!!!

TAX ASSESSMENT APPEAL RIP OFFS !

 We recently received a solicitation from “Value Appeal” to reduce our Real Estate Taxes for our residence in Cold Spring Hunt. They claim that we are over-assessed by $2300 and that they can help us reduce our taxes by $2300.

They are wrong in the calculation of our assessment as we appealed our taxes two years ago and our assessment is right in line with value but "Value Appeal" charges you the $100.00 just to get a report!!! They are obviously inflating their number to get you to use their services.

The appeal is a simple process that will cost you $25.00 to the Board of Appeals. IF YOU QUALIFY and that's a big IF. Email us today to see what the county values your property at for tax purposes. 95% of you will not qualify for an appeal as the state/county has played with the assessment numbers. We would be happy to tell you if you qualify and give you the comps you need if you do qualify. We have done hundreds of them in the past two years, and we will help you do yours before the deadline on August 1st for free. If you have any questions please email (only) us at jeri@gutner.com and we will gladly help you.

And now . . . The numbers:

If a buyer is looking for a 1 to 20 year old home, their route is usually Buckingham, Doylestown and Plumstead. Here’s what’s available to them:

Watch us Re-Do our Master Bath!

Well . . . Unfortunately, real estate got in the way of my bathroom renovation so no new pictures to show. I did get as far as fixtures—and trying to find fixtures that match each other is no easy chore! Stay tuned to our blog for updates. Go to www.gutner.com and click on BLOG.

A friend of ours from whom we have been getting our prescription eye wear for years has opened in Rice’s Market in the new barn. Save 40% to 60% on your next purchase and mention Jeri and Henri for an added 10% off!

MOST AND LEAST AFFORDABLE CITIES! A New Jersey surprise!

Looking for the most affordable metro area with populations of less than 1/2 a million? Check out the 10 most affordable cities: Kokomo, Indiana; Monroe, Michigan; Cumberland, Md.; Elhart-Goshen, Indiana: Springfield, Ohio; Sandusky, Ohio; Bay City, Michigan; Rockford, Ill.; Fairbanks, Arkansas; and Flint, Michigan. If you want to move to the 10 least affordable areas head out to California although Ocean City, NJ ranks #4 least affordable!

The 10 most affordable with populations of 500,000 or more were Syracuse; Youngstown; Indianapolis; Warren-Troy, Michigan; Toledo, Lakeland-Winter Haven, Fla; Harrisburg-Carlisle, Akron, Dayton, Detroit. Median sale price of $80,000. Of course the least affordable were NY; San Fran; L.A.; Honolulu; Santa Ana-Anaheim; San Jose; Bridgeport-Stamford, Ct; Nassau-Suffolk; SanDiego and El Paso. Median sale price of $425,000.

10 Easy to-do Upgrades that add Style and Value

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home or just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

1. Update hardware on cabinets and drawers

2. Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)

3. Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms

4. Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits

5. Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)

6. Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color

7. Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space

8. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room

9. Try a fresh new color on your front door for character

10. Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

Local Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection

Hazardous Waste and Old Computer Collection Program for Middle Bucks is being held from 9:00 to 3:00 on Saturday, July 23rd, at CB South High School, 1100 Folly Rd., Warrington. You can bring as many 3 computers and 25 gallons of Hazardous products including: pesticides; flammables such as gas, oil, spot removers and paint thinner; caustics such as lye, oven cleaner, drain and metal cleaner; toxics such as rust/paint remover, antifreeze, weed killer, fluorescent lamps; household batteries and Lead-Acid Batteries including car, marine, motorcycle and truck batteries.