Calling all First Time Buyers!

Act now and get $8,000!

The $8,000 can be claimed by those who close on homes on or after January, 2009 and before 11/30/2009.

This market is hot right now, so don't wait.  There are many homes in the West Chester area that may be just right for you.  I would love to help you find just the right one!

First Time Home Buyer as defined for this tax credit is someone who did not own another main home at any time during the 3 years prior to the date of purchase.  For married joint filers, both must meet the 1st time home-buyer test to take the credit on a joint return.

The home must be the main home, or a principal residence.  This is generally considered the place where you spend 50% or more of your time.  It can be a condo, a single family, co-op, townhouse or something similar.  The home must be in the United States.  Vacation homes and rental properties are not eligible.  For new construction, the purchase date is the date you occupy the home, so the move in date must be no later than 11/30/09.

If the home is sold prior to 3 years of ownership, the tax credit MUST BE REPAID.  This provision was designed to prevent flipping homes in order to get the credit.

Who cannot take the credit?  There are income limits, both for joint filers and singles, so please check with an accountant.  You cannot buy a home from a close relative, which would include a spouse, parent, grandparent, child or grandchild.  You may also not take the credit if you stop using your home as your main home, sell your home before the end of 3 years or you are a nonresident alien.

FHA loans can help put a first time buyer's goal within reach.  Quick review: 

1)  The buyer only needs 3.5% down. 

2) The 3.5 percent can be a gift from a relative. 

3) The seller can contribute up to 6% of the closing costs.  4)  FHA is sympathetic to a somewhat less perfect credit score.

I can put you in touch with a great loan officer who can tell you right away if you are a candidate for this product. 

I am easily reached by email, cell phone or my website.  I'd love to hear from you!

I have been in the business of helping people buy and sell homes for almost 25 years.  Exactly half my life, as it turns out, as my 50th birthday is in September.  I have always wondered how most people pick a real estate agent.  I'm guessing that most ask for referrals from friends and family.  I know that I am at my most successful in the buying and selling relationships that I have formed when the buyers or sellers have called me because they were referred by someone they know.  There is an immediate trust that is built that I find essential in a successful relationship.  I get my fair share of internet leads and have worked successfully with many of them.  But in this instance, it takes time to build the trust necessary for a true partnership between agent and client, a partnership that I think is essential for a successful transaction.

I got to thinking about this topic while reading the May issue of The Real Estate Professional, put out by REBAC, of which I am a member.  It seems that when asked by the Associated Press how she  selects her real estate agents, Candy Spelling, Aaron Spelling's widow responded  that she uses her dog!  In selling her husband's mansion for $150 million, she allowed her dog to sniff each candidate.  If the dog reacted badly, the agent was dismissed.  Now, I love my dog, but he loves everyone!  I couldn't never allow his reaction to be the basis of such an important decision!  If the candidate had a milk bone in his pocket, he would get the job!

Whenever I am in a position to hire someone to do something for me, or with me, I have always turned to my personal relationships to pick the person.  My plumber is my son's first t-ball coach.  Our roofer was referred to us by a friend.  My electrician was referred by a close neighbor.  I bought my car from someone who trained me in real estate.  This is a no brainer for me.  I appreciate when people refer me or give me their business because we have a personal relationship.  Unlike Mrs. Spelling, I can't rely on my dog's sniff method!

How do you pick a real estate agent?

Looking for a real estate agent in Chester County, Delaware County, or the Main Line?  check out my website at www.susanmangigian.com.

If you know me, you know I love my dog.  When I finally got my dog at almost 49 years old last year, the very first place I took her to was Rocky Hill Veterinary Clinic.  That first puppy, Maggie Moo,  soon became very ill, and I took her to see Dr. McGrath.  He was wonderful with her and with us, and the compassion that Max and I were shown at this office was truly above and beyond.  We had to return Maggie Moo to the bad breeder we bought her from, but we rectified that as soon as possible by reporting the deplorable conditions there. Maggie Moo and many other dogs were confiscated from there and hopefully placed in loving homes where they are loved and honored as the gifts that they are.

We got JJ a few days later.  There is not another Veterinarian that I would trust my beloved JJ to other than Terry McGrath, V.M.D., at Rocky Hill Veterinary Clinic.  Dr. McGrath combines a love of animals with a homespun charm and a wonderful sense of humor. He is not only a wonderful veterinarian, but also a loving husband, a great father, a musician and a wonderful human being.

Of course, it's easy to be nice to JJ, but Dr. McGrath is also the doctor of choice for my gender conflicted and perpetually disgruntled cat Scat as well.  Dr. McGrath dares to go where no man has gone before when it comes to my cat, and I can tell you, he has the touch.  I've seen grown men back away from my cat, but not Dr. McGrath.  He gently lifts her out of her carrier and just sits with her on his lap, like she's the nicest cat in the world.  She's not.  She's not even the one millionth nicest cat in the world.  Some would say mean.  Others would use stronger language!

Michele and Andy are always on hand with good advise, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with. 

Not surprisingly, the sadness we went through with Maggie Moo brought us closer to the people that run this Veterinary Clinic.  I even found out, after knowing Michele for many years, that we both grew up in South Philadelphia!  How did we never talk about that before?  And in another small world context, Andy bought one of my listings several years ago! 

Rocky Hill Veterinary Clinic specializes in small animals, birds and exotic animals.  I have never been there that I wasn't able to talk and laugh with other pet owners.  Nice always attracts nice, and Dr. McGrath has a great following of great people who bring their much loved pets for care there.

If you are looking for a Veterinarian in Chester County, look no further than Rocky Hill Veterinary Clinic.  Located at the intersection of Chester Road and Margo Lane, in East Goshen Township, Chester County.  Telephone 610-431-1620 for an appointment.

There is definitely room to grow in this lovely home, at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

Want Breathing Space?

919 Nathaniel Drive, West Chester, , PA 19380 View Map

If you've been dreaming about a larger home but don't want to give up location, your dreams are about to come true! This gorgeous home at the end of a cul-de-sac in Wentworth is a must see. New ultra kitchen and master bath, gorgeous flooring, every upgrade, in absolute move-in condition. Don't wait to see it!

Details

Asking Price:

698,800.00

MLS:

5562216

Sq. Feet:

4133

Lot Size:

.65

Bedrooms:

4

Bathrooms:

2.5

# of Floors:

2

Garage Size:

3 car

Subdivision:

Wentworth

Year Built:

1991

Contact Info

Susan C. Mangigian
Realtor

Main 610-719-1700
Cell 610-299-6237
Dir 484-356-2965
Email | Website

---

Carl E. Williams
Sr. Loan Officer
Chase East Pennsylvania Media
120 Gibraltar Road
Horsham, PA 19044
610-325-1500
Email

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

First of all, this post has to be lead by the fact that I am thankful it is 8/20.  I spent all day yesterday thinking it was 8/20, and now I am grateful to have the day back!  I get to stay 49 one extra day!  I closed two buyers this week and they are both very happy with the homes we found.  I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with them and get to know them.  Great people, both sets of buyers.  I have a friend who commented the other day that I always think my clients are nice.  I responded that I am lucky that way, I usually have very nice clients.  She said that might have something to do with me.  Well, if she's right, I am thankful for that.

This Saturday, I am taking a ride to Kuztown with Mike to do a prelimary drop-off of stuff for his college apartment.  I can't believe it, but on 8/26, he is going back to school.  We had a very nice summer this year.  I am already starting to get a little blue, but he is so looking forward to going back, that I am going to be thankful that we are able to send him. 

My younger son got contact lenses last week!  He took to them like a fish to water and he is so happy to be able to wear them to 7th grade instead of his glasses.  With his eye condition, I am very thankful that we were able to give him this opportunity.  The eye doctors say as long as he takes care of himself, keeps his hands clean and is responsible, all will be well.

I had a great time at the beach with the girls this past weekend.  We went to a Jimmy Buffet night at the Sea Isle Yacht Club and the girls decided to tell the band my birthday was coming up.  Here we are, on stage, as the lead singer asked the crowd to wish me a happy birthday!  Yikes!  It would be belaboring the point to add how thankful I am to these ladies... they are the best friends in the world!

It's hot as anything out today and I am thankful for my pool.  In fact, I am going to go jump in right now!

As always...

Carpe Diem!

I am 49 years old. 

I am not going to be 49 years old for much longer.  I am trying to put this into perspective.  I am not having much luck.  So, for today, I am thankful that I am still 49 years old.  I will pretend, just for today, that I haven't already received an application to become a member of AARP.  AARP!!!  I will pretend that the other day, when I stopped in my lobby to ask a young man if he needed help, that he didn't say, "no, I'm fine mam".  Mam!!    When the heck did I go from being me to being a mam?? I will pretend he was a nice southern gentleman who calls everyone mam.

Yes, in a few short weeks, I will leave my 40's behind. 

I hope this doesn't mean I'll lose my 40's behind!! 

Not that its as great as my 20's behind, but I know it's got to be better than my 50's behind.

Right?

Anyway, I am thankful to still be here.  On this earth, at this time.

I am thankful for the flowers in my garden.

For the people in my life.

For the occasional sunny day... it's been a wet year.

For little things, like the mail... I love to get mail.

For my son Max, who as I type, is distracting me and basically making me crazy.

For my son Mike, who seems to be pulling away in preparation for his departure back to college.

For my dog, of course!

Yes, life is good.  I am thankful to be here.  

Carpe Diem!

ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center in West Goshen, my favorite place to get fit, is calling all pet owners!  They are hosting their 1st Annual Dog Days of Summer Pet Photo Contest!

To enter, just bring your favorite pet pictures to the Trackside Cafe.  Hurry, the contest ends on 8/15!  They will display your photo for all to admire in the lobby!  I stopped by there today and there were some really cute dog and cat photos!  I honestly don't know how they'll pick second prize, because you know, my JJ will win first prize ... paws down!!

Here's my entry:

Voting will take place August 16th to August 31st with the winner in each category to be announced on September 3rd (my 50th birthday... just to see if you have kept on reading!!).  Not sure what the prizes are, but I know my little baby is going to win! 

Not a member of ACAC?  Stop by membership and ask for Jeanette Mills!  Tell her Susan Mangigian sent you!

Good luck to all!

Last night, the girls and I went into West Chester for  Swinging Thursday.  This happens the first Thursday of the month, during the summer, and the borough blocks off 2 blocks and there is music, dancing, food, stuff for the children and a good time for all who attend.  Last night was no exception and we tapped our feet to the beat of the salsa band.  Music was provided by Jimmy Jorge and the Latin Express, and the World music of Siora!

These two little guys really got into it. 

My girl Melissa Ford and her dance partner from Salsa dance class had a good time as well!

My apologies for the quality of the pictures, I only had my cell phone.  Note to self.... take your camera next time!

The fun goes from 6:30 to 9:00 PM.  You can eat at any of the wonderful local restaurants, or you can grab ribs and pork sandwiches like we did from Captain Dick's stand.  They were the best ribs I have ever had in my life and I can't wait until next month to eat them again.

So, tune into West Chester borough on the first Thursday in September for dozens of crafters, strolling magicians, jugglers, and the TCL clown!  Food vendors and local restaurants provide great eating.  You won't be sorry!

Today is just one of those days when there are so many little things to do that you feel like you have attention deficit disorder.  No sooner do you sit down to get something started, your phone rings, or your email dings and you are off in another direction and the things on the list don't get done.  My main problem is I don't have a list, just a lot of stuff roiling around in my brain with no clear idea and no plan on how to get it all down.  This is actually a great time to sit down and write my Thankful Thursday post, because it will focus me on the positive aspects if what is going on and make all the little things roll into perspective.

My dog, JJ, awakened me in the middle of the night with a belly ache.  The little darling doesn't like to put his bottom down in wet grass and after many tries and many spots he decided he was ready to come in.  Since it was very dark outside at 2:30 AM, I assumed he finished what nature was telling him to do.  NOT!  He came in and promptly squatted on the carpet and then when I yelped, he decided to finish in little wet spots across the family room.  Cleaning up very wet dog poop at 2:30 AM is not exactly conducive to a refreshing night's sleep, so I am just a little crabby today.  My vet isn't in today, but his assistant tells me to grab a stool sample tomorrow and run it over to the office.  I am thankful that JJ has an appetite, still wants to play and seems to be in a good mood.  I hope it isn't anything serious, as this dog is very well loved here.

Thursday is my day to deliver Meals on Wheels.  I love Thursdays, although it does add another element of stress in a day already filled with lots to do.  I lost another one of my recipients a couple of weeks ago, and this was the first day I was going to see her husband.  Mr. M. is the sweetest little man.  When I arrived at his home, the door was locked.  I quickly went around back and went in, relieved to see that he was okay.  He is not used to unlocking the door for Meals on Wheels, as this was just another of the things Mrs. M. did every morning when she got up.  Mr. M. teared up as soon as he saw me, and it just broke my heart to see him.  I was late delivering the rest of my meals because Mr. M. wanted to spend a few minutes telling me about his life.  They were married for 68 years.  The only time they were ever apart was during WWII.  He kept getting his hankie out of his pocket to wipe his eyes, and reaching out for a hug, and I want to tell you how thankful I am that I was able to spend a few minutes today with him.  I am thankful he got to spend 68 years with the woman he loved.  Mr. & Mrs. M. are in their 90's, but Mrs. M., aside from failing vision, was in pretty good health, so this is a shock.  She was making his lunch and just fell over and hit her head.  She never woke up.  He has family nearby, for which I am grateful,  but this is the hard part of my volunteer job.  It breaks my heart to lose these new found friends but I am grateful to have the kind of job that gives me the flexibility to volunteer. 

If you have 2 hours a week to do something really worthwhile for someone else, consider volunteering for Meals on Wheels.  It's the best 2 hours you'll spend all week.

Carpe Diem