Susan Mangigian, Chester County Life

When buying a home, the very first step is to pick a reliable Buyer's Agent.  Buyer Agency is a relationship where the agent, after entering into a written agreement, works only for the buyer (we won't discuss dual agency here).

In addition to representing only the buyer in the transaction, the agent also owes the buyer the following:

• Loyalty, demonstrated by acting in the buyer's best interest.
• Confidentiality, except that agent must disclose known material defects about a property.
• Making a continuous and good faith effort to find a property for the buyer.
• Disclosure to other parties in the transaction that the agent is acting as a buyer's agent.

A buyer's agent may be paid fees, which may include a percentage of the purchase price, and even if these fees are paid by the seller, the agent still represents the interest of the buyer. 

Pennsylvania law requires that a real estate agent advise you of the business relationships permitted between consumers and realtors by the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act.  You are to assume that unless you select a type of agency, that the real estate agent you are speaking with IS NOT REPRESENTING YOU.

There are certain duties that any real estate agent owes to you when they provide any real estate service to you.  They are spelled out clearly on the Consumer Notice, a copy of which I would be happy to email to you at your convenience. 

Real Estate is a big investment.  It is my opinion that you will benefit greatly by being represented by a Buyer's Agent that has the title of an Accredited Buyer Representative.  When you see a Realtor's name and it's followed by the letters ABR, that is what it stands for.  The Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR®) designation is the benchmark of excellence in buyer representation.

Take some of the stress out of the house hunting experience by putting yourself in the hands of a trusted Realtor that holds the ABR designation. 

In addition to having an ABR designation, I am a member of the Suburban West Realtors Association, the National Association of Realtors and the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors.  I also sit on the Board of the Chester County Women's Commission, and I donate a portion of every commission to the Susan Komen Foundation.

Susan C. Mangigian, ABR

Last Monday I had the privilege to be invited to the 25th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.  I was invited by a lovely woman named Evelyn Ward, who helps organize the East Goshen group of volunteers.  She's a fascinating lady... took flying lessons at age 65, where she met and married the love of her life.  She was married to him for 10 years before he passed away and she tells me it was the happiest time in her life.  Meeting Evelyn and hearing about her life was just the first of many benefits to me of volunteering to bring hot lunches to people every Thursday.  Jeani Purcell, another wonderful woman, jointly oversees our little group of volunteers.  Another benefit to me is that I get to hug some very cute elderly people.  They are happy to see me and I am happy to see them.  The happiness goes both ways and although I've only been delivering for about a month, the rewards are many.

I was seated at the table with Kathi Cozzone, our newest Chester County Commissioner.  Right next to me was Commissioner Cozzone's wonderful assistant Stephannie Beemer McLimans.  She was wonderful at conversation and very funny.  I really enjoyed meeting her and seeing Commissioner Cozzone again, who I saw recently at our last Chester County Women's Commission event (I sit on that Board).  Joanne Yarnall, who also attended our Women's Event, was in charge of the pictures. 

Senator Andrew E. Dinniman was there, who from what I gather is a huge supporter of this very worthwhile organization. 

Aside from the very loud Lukens German Band (nice music but being hearing impaired and trying to hear over German Music is generally not a good idea), I had a lovely time, enjoyed good food and nice company.  I was honored to be invited and more honored to be considered part of this organization that has been serving hot lunches since May of 1971!  Meals on Wheels is a not-for-profit program, organized especially to supply well balanced nutritious meals to the homebound.

To volunteer or to find out more about Meals on Wheels of Chester County, go to www.mowcc.org.  Or call 610-430-8500.

I am putting a team together to walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Philadelphia this Mother's Day.  I have rented a bus that will seat 24 people and I'm hoping I can fill it with like minded people for an inspirational day of hope down in Philadelphia.  My home page link is http://rfcphl.convio.net/site/TR?team_id=21300&fr_id=1020&pg=team.  This will be the third time I am walking and I am really looking forward to it.  If you are local to West Chester and want to be on the bus, email me directly and I'll give you the details!

An old friend of mine is a breast cancer survivor.  I ran into her a few years ago when I went to the race.  I hugged her and we talked for a minute before I realized that she was wearing pink.  I hugged her again and we both had tears in our eyes.  She hadn't had any surgeries at that point as her cancer had progressed too far for that.  I recently had an email from her and she's very upbeat.  She says " I'm still in treatment ( 4 1/2 yrs) getting chemo since 4/07 and on medical leave. My job is to smell the flowers !!"  She gets an infusion once a week and is very grateful that breast cancer survivors count the time in years now instead of months.  She sent me this picture the year I ran into her down in Philadelphia.  It's a view from the steps of the Art Museum.  Breast cancer survivors are in Pink.  I am very proud to say that RE/MAX International is a co-sponsor of the Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program at each Komen Race for the Cure Series.

I will walk in honor of my old friend Becky, who continues to fight and to live a full life.  I will also walk in honor of my cousin's mom, Millie, who passed away when she was very young, leaving 3 young children, ages 8, 6 and 3.  I am also walking in honor of my girlfriend Doreen's dear mom, whom I called Aunt Flo.  She was like a second mom to me and I spent many happy hours at her kitchen table through my childhood and think about her very often.  I still miss her.

Residents who live on Paoli Pike and to the south will have their bulk items collected on the following Thursdays:  March 13th, April 17th and May 15th.

Residents who live north of Paoli Pike have their bulk items collected on the following Fridays:  March 14th, April 18th and May 16th. 

NO TRASH COLLECTION on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th.

 Following are the Saturday dates for the yard waste pickup:  April 12th, April 26th and May 10th.  The township requests that you have the waste out by the curb the night before.  No plastic bags will be accepted.  Sticks must be bundles and be cut in 3 foot sections.  The following constitutes yards waste:  leaves, small branches, pine cones, grass clippings and expired plantings.

Help clean up our Township!  Meet at the Township Building at 8;30 to pick up your supplies.  Have a little snack of juice, coffee, donuts and fruit before you start. 

Individuals, families, civic associations, scout troops, organizations or businesses are welcome.  Call the Township to let them know if you could come.  610-692-7171.

East Goshen Township Website:  http://www.eastgoshentownship.org/forms.php

I just finished a funny, mindless book called High Maintenance, by Jennifer Belle.  It's about a recent divorcee who decides to sell real estate in New York City.  It's a little vulgar, but there were some spots that were laugh out-loud funny.  Not sure I would recommend it if you have delicate sensibilities but if you want to take a break from the serious and get your mind off your own troubles, pick it up.  The heroine has enough troubles for 3 agents!

   My piano teacher recommended The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill.  It's a mystery and I am going to start it tonight after I take a walk.

This is vaunted as a gripping whodunnit and I can't wait!!

Thanks Chris!

I have been given permission to post things that are coming up at the Historical Society.  Fun things are always happening in West Chester.  This week, it's Tap Dancing!!  Yep, that's right.  See below for the information and have fun!

"Around the Corner"

It's dance. It's music. It's theatre. It's Loose Screws, a contemporary tap company based in the greater Philadelphia area. Artistic Director and Choreographer, Jenn Rose, presents professional dancers performing original pieces featuring local musicians and original compositions. This inventive choreography will take you on a journey

"Around the Corner." Show dates are 4/4 & 4/5 at 7pm at The Cultural Center at the Chester County Historical Society.

General admission $12, members $10, Children $7.

For more information, call the Cultural Center at the Chester County Historical Society.  610-692-4800