10 STEPS TO GETTING IT SOLD!

October 15, 2019 By Meredith Styer

The process can seem daunting, but rest assured that getting organized and working with the right agent will make all the difference in the world!

1. FIND AN AGENT
Most sellers call an agent when they think they are ready to sell, and truth-be-told, you should contact an agent months before you are considering listing your home. The right agent will be an excellent resource as you prep and stage your home to sell and will be able to give you direction on must-do repairs verses nice-to-do staging tips. Our goal at Styer Real Estate is to save you time and money before you even try to sell! You work very closely with your REALTOR, and we all know communication is the key to a great relationship, so make sure your agent is someone that not only knows your market but is someone you like to talk to!

2. PROPERLY PRICE YOUR HOME
A seller’s greatest mistake is often overpricing the home. Many factors go into the valuation of a property, including the market volatility, quality of construction, cosmetic upgrades, lot size, location, etc… Things that you may see as valuable may have no true monetary value according to an appraiser. Keep your price in line with recently sold homes that have a similar condition and style to your own. A Styer Real Estate agent can provide a free comparative market analysis report that is similar to an appraisal that will help to identify current market value. This is a crucial time to lean on the local expertise of your REALTOR.

3. STAGING YOUR HOME
There is so much more to think about than just painting and organizing! You must determine how much energy, time and resources you want to invest in the sale of the home, and allow your agent to help you prioritize your efforts. How much you want to do will ultimately be a determining factor in the pricing of your home and how quickly it will sell, so it is important to discuss all available options. Click here for a comprehensive guide to prepping and staging your home. Styer Real Estate agents can offer professional stagers that can assist you in using your own furniture and decor to maximize impact. Remember, you only get one chance — and sometimes only 3 seconds or so — to make a great first impression, so make it count!

4. SHOULD I DO PRE-INSPECTIONS?
The question really should be, “do I like surprises”. Hiring professional inspectors for pre-listing home, septic, pest, and stucco inspections can serve many purposes but is certainly not required. Often times it can eliminate uncertainty down the line and can save both you and the buyer money. Your Styer Real Estate agent can suggest which pre-inspections might be right for your property and situation.

5. MARKETING YOUR HOME
Once your home is prepped and ready it is time to get it out to the masses. At Styer Real Estate we pride ourselves on our ability to individually market your home and help buyers see the unique and special qualities that make your home one of a kind. The difference is in the details when it comes to sharing your home with the world. From professional photography, to open houses, social media and grass roots marketing, you can relax as our agents focus on meaningful marketing that gets results.

6. SHOWING YOUR HOME
Once the word is out, it’s time to welcome the buyers with open arms. Buyer’s tour your home with their agent and without you there, so it is important to make sure that your home can speak for you. Your REALTOR will have flyers and marketing materials available, and it is always nice to have the lights on and the home ready to welcome guests. Buyers will deliver feedback through their agents, usually within a day of touring, and it is crucial, but not always easy, to listen to what they have to say. A buyer’s perception is valuable and can help in tweaking price, marketing campaigns, or how the home is shown!

7. OFFERS AND NEGOTIATIONS
This is often the most stressful part as emotions for both parties often run high. Your agent will be there to help you ask the right questions and fight for the best terms for you. Be prepared to receive multiple offers if your home is priced right and the market is hot. Don’t ignore any offers, even if you receive an insulting lowball offer. Negotiate by making a counteroffer with the guidance of your Styer Real Estate agent.

8. THE WAIT
Once your home is under contract, the buyer has a due diligence period to investigate the home to determine if your property is really “the one”. During this time period, the buyer will perform agreed upon inspections, make a mortgage application, and research the title of the property, while the lender for the buyer will send out an appraiser to determine if the contract price is supported by recent local sales. You will negotiate repairs during this time as well.

9. FINAL STEPS
Inspections have been completed, appraisal received, and the buyers’ contingencies have been satisfied, so now it’s time to kick the packing into high gear! You will make final arrangements for moving, transferring utilities, and closing down this chapter of your life.

10. SOLD!
The buyer chooses where settlement takes place. On that day, your home should be fully empty and clean. The buyers and their agent will perform a pre-settlement walk-through to ensure that the property has remained in the same condition as it was when they submitted the offer, that any items agreed to be left behind are present, that any agreed-upon repairs have been completed, and that all of your items are out of the house! You will hand over keys at settlement and move on to your next life adventure! Congratulations!

What we do for you

October 14, 2019 By Meredith Styer

1. Price the Home Correctly
Pricing a home properly is bar none the most important thing we do as Realtors. Our agents avoid giving in to the desire to say what will make you happy just to attract business, so we take the time to price each home using all available resources and our understanding of the market. Your Styer Real Estate agent will confidently evaluate the recently sold properties in your area and provide you with a market analysis so that you can discuss all of your pricing and marketing options.

2. Aggressively Market the Property
Marketing is certainly our forte! Because the majority of buyers find your home on the internet, it is imperative to make your listing shine brighter than the rest, so we make sure we have articulate property descriptions, professional photography, and thoroughly completed property information. We don’t just use the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) to market your property; we have a very user-friendly website that draws traffic and showcases our properties for sale, and we utilize social media like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms, as well as print marketing to spread the word. We have an on-staff graphic designer to ensure our agents’ marketing materials are top-notch and tailored to your particular property, from fixer-uppers to equestrian estates and everything in between.

Do you own a unique and distinctive home? Our Homes of Distinction branding might be right for you. Click here to learn more.

3. Communicate Properly.
As a seller, you deserve to have honest and consistent communication with your agent. We regularly update our clients with unedited feedback from showings, new listings and recently sold comparables in the area, and anything else that is of value. Styer Real Estate agents will find out what avenue of communication works best for you and will tailor their process to your unique needs. You work with your hired agent from the beginning of the sale until closing, meaning, your agent has a clear picture of the entire transaction and you will never get “passed off” to a third party coordinator.

4. Make Sure the Buyer is Qualified.
Anybody can say they are interested in buying a house, but not everyone can get pre-approved for a home loan. We make sure that buyers are pre-approved, not just pre-qualified, and there is a big difference. Pre-qualification does not include an analysis of the buyer’s credit report, verify income, or employment, which are key factors in obtaining a mortgage. We also regularly communicate with the buyer’s lender throughout the process so that we can stay on top of deadlines and get ahead of any potential challenges.

5. Negotiate the Best Terms.
We go out of our way to fight hard for the best terms and conditions for our clients. This, after all, is what we are paid to do. Everything in a real estate contract is negotiable, and working to keep our clients safe and get them what they deserve is always our goal. We implement strategies to get ahead of the game so that we can avoid stressful or lengthy negotiations. We have a plethora of resources that we utilize to ensure we are getting accurate information in order to make the best decisions. We are committed to seeing your home sale through from start to finish, and when you hire an agent who isn’t just focused on the next deal, you will get much better advice and a more trustworthy advocate.

6. Attend the Home Appraisal.
Most buyers are going to have a mortgage, and therefore, a lender required appraisal to determine if the contract price on your home is an acceptable value. We make every reasonable effort to attend the home appraisal so we can answer the questions the appraiser has and make sure they understand the facts about the home. Appraisers may need feedback from someone who knows the house and neighborhood to really do their job, and we are there to help clarify any confusion and fight for the value of your home.

7. Finalize Loose Ends for Closing.
Selling a house involves a lot of behind the scenes work, and there are plenty of items that require attention. The less work you must do in this process, the better! Selling a home can be very stressful, but when you have a top-shelf agent in your corner who is taking care of the little details, the burden can be eased tremendously, allowing you to focus on your future! This is a quote from a recent client that just about sums it up… “I really just felt like we didn’t have to think a whole lot. We were escorted through the entire process.”

Styer Real Estate’s Homes of Distinction Collection

Do you own a unique and distinctive home? Our “Homes of Distinction” branding might be right for you, focused on the particular marketing needs of one-of-a-kind properties. Marketing distinctive homes require exceptional knowledge and resources, and our local agents specialize in conveying a compelling lifestyle message that will successfully sell your home to the right buyer. With top producers at the helm, Styer Real Estate is dedicated to providing our clients with the most unrivaled professional brokerage services available in our local marketplace. Your customized marketing plan can include enhanced photography & videography, unique and professionally designed and produced marketing materials, curated & catered brokers’ open house events, and listing agent accompanied showings to ensure that all legitimate buyers and their agents are guided through your property without missing a detail.

12 Steps to Homeownership

May 2, 2019 By Meredith Styer

Styer Real Estate agents take pride in patiently guiding our clients through each step of the buying process. For most of us, a home is the most expensive thing we’ll ever buy, and the process can be long and complicated, so it is of the utmost importance to have a trusted local REALTORⓇ to guide you through the process.

1. Hire the Best REALTORⓇ You Can Find
Styer Real Estate agents take pride in patiently guiding our clients through each step of the buying process. We know that this is one of the biggest purchases most people make in their lifetime, and we don’t take our responsibilities lightly. We can provide you with meaningful resources and contacts, like mortgage lenders, insurance companies, credit repair programs, inspection companies, contractors, and local housing authorities. Our knowledge of the home buying process, legal contracts, negotiating skills, and familiarity with the area you want to live in are extremely valuable. And best of all, it doesn’t cost you anything to use a REALTORⓇ – they’re compensated from the commission paid by the seller of the house. Click here to find an agent ready to serve you!

2. Meet with a local mortgage lender
Before you start looking for a home, you will need to know how much you can actually spend, and the best way to do that is to get prequalified for a mortgage by providing a lender with general income and debt information. To get pre-approved for a mortgage, you will need to provide more in depth financials including W-2 statements, paycheck stubs, bank account statements, etc. Your credit will be one of the key factors in your approval, and it will help determine your interest rate and possibly the loan terms, so check your credit report BEFORE you begin the homebuying process and review for accuracy! We have a lender in our office that is here to assist you with any questions you may have.

3. How much money do you have, and how much do you want to spend?
In addition to saving for a down payment, you’ll need to budget for the money required to close your mortgage, which can be significant. Closing costs generally run between 5% and 6% of your loan amount. You can shop around and compare prices for certain closing expenses, such as homeowners insurance, home inspections, and title searches. Once you’ve saved for your down payment and budgeted for closing costs, you should also set aside a buffer to pay for items like furnishings, appliances, fixtures, paint, and any mechanical improvements that may come up in the first couple of years. There are lots of mortgage options out there, each with its own combination of pros and cons:

*Conventional mortgages conform to standards set by the government-sponsored entities Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and require as little as 3% down.
*FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and permit down payments as low as 3.5%.
*VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and sometimes require no down payment at all.
*USDA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Agriculture and require no down payment at all.

Use the loan our calculator to see what your monthly payments could look like.

4. Get educated on the areas you are interested
Before you start looking for a home, you should study the areas you are interested in by reviewing maps, touring neighborhoods, researching schools, and determining the proximity to work. Look at local safety and crime statistics. Map the nearest hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, and other amenities you’ll use. Drive through the neighborhood on various days and at different times to check out traffic, noise, and activity levels. The desirability and resale value of your home-to-be depend more on location than any other single factor. Your Styer Real Estate agent can help with research on home sales in the area, current housing inventory, and what the market trends are, but it is up to you to decide where you want to be. Below are some links to websites that can help!

• Neighborhood Scout
• School Digger
• Niche
• Great Schools

5. Know What You’re Shopping For
Once you know where you want to be, it’s time to find out what is most important to you. List the features that you want in a home before you start shopping, and share this list with your Styer Real Estate agent. Look for homes that meet your needs first, and fulfill your desires second. Shop only for homes in your price point, but if you plan to start or expand your family in the near future, it may be more cost effective and preferable to buy a larger home now that you can grow into. Consider your future needs and wants and whether the home you’re considering will suit them. As you’re on the search for your perfect house, make a checklist that you can bring to each showing.

6. Find the Perfect Home for You
The next step in the process of buying a house is one of the most exciting. Once you’ve completed steps 1-5, you’re now ready to begin shopping and visiting houses that are for sale! The internet has made it extremely easy to shop for houses, however it also provides a lot of information that is unreliable, so always defer to your REALTORⓇ for guidance. Your Styer Real Estate agent will be able to set up a customized home search for you that is tied directly into the local multiple listing service (MLS). When you are viewing homes online, it is helpful to do aerial and map views so that you can see the neighborhood, location, and property lines. Drive-bys can also help save you and your agent hours of planning and touring homes that can be easily crossed off the list. Make notes as you walk through the home, and let your experienced buyer agent point out the good selling features and potential issues. When you think you’ve found “the one,” it’s time to get this buying train in motion!

7. Making an offer
Making an offer may seem simple on the surface, but there are actually many decisions you’ll have to make before putting your offer in writing. One of the most important decisions is how much to offer for the house. No home buyer wants to pay more than they have to for a house, but it’s virtually impossible to know how little a seller is willing to take for their house. There is a fine line between making a strong purchase offer and an insulting purchase offer, so it is important to be cautious and considerate when determining your offer price. We recommend that you lean heavily on your agent’s expertise and the current comparable properties that have sold in the area, and know that a property appraisal is typically required by your lender to protect their investment.
The price you decide to offer for a house is not the only decision that you will make! There are many terms and deadlines that you’ll also include in your purchase offer:
What will the target closing date be?
How large of a deposit should you make?
What common contingencies will you include? Inspections? Do you have a house you need to sell to buy a new one?
Do you need to ask for seller assist with closing costs?
The price that a buyer offers is obviously very important to a seller, but the terms and deadlines can also make or break a deal. It’s critical that as you’re making your offer that you fully understand what each part of the offer and what each contingency means. This is another stage when you’ll want to lean on the expertise of your REALTORⓇ.

8. Complete Inspections That Apply
The first step after making an offer and having it accepted is to complete any inspections that the offer was contingent upon. You must complete all elected inspections within the specified amount of calendar days, or risk losing the right to inspect. The main purpose of a home inspection is to understand how the home operates and to identify any major material defects that the seller may not have been aware of, so it is important as a buyer that you attend inspections, pay close attention, and ask questions. Aside from a standard home inspection, other popular inspections to consider when buying a home include a chimney inspection, radon test, pest inspection, septic inspection, water tests, and structural inspection. Inspections are paid for out of pocket and are non-refundable. Once you have inspection reports, they are shared with the seller, and your REALTORⓇ will help you prepare a reply either accepting the property in its condition or asking for the seller to credit or make repairs. Buyer and seller either agree on repair negotiations or the property goes back on the market and you go out shopping again.

9. Complete Formal Mortgage Application & Work Closely With Lender
The next step to buying a house is to complete the formal mortgage application with the lender and to select the loan program that is right for you and the home you have chosen. At the time of application, you’re going to need to provide many important documents including your previous two years’ tax returns, recent bank statements, recent pay stubs, and contact information for your employer so a verification can be completed. During the formal application stage, you can also expect to pay for the bank appraisal and have the opportunity to lock in your interest rate. Make sure that you ask your lender about rate locks and understand what it means to you as the borrower. Once you’ve formally applied for your mortgage, don’t expect to be done interacting with your lender. Over the next month or so, your lender is going to request specific documents to satisfy conditions of your mortgage commitment. It’s fairly common for mortgage lenders to request updated bank statements, updated pay stubs, and letters of explanation on items that may appear on a credit report or large deposits into a bank account.

10. Bank Appraisal Is Completed
A bank appraisal is performed by a third party that’s hired by the lender to perform an evaluation of the subject property. Their primary responsibility is to determine that the sale price that a buyer and seller have agreed to is a fair for the current market and also to ensure there are no safety issues with the house. Similar to a REALTORⓇ completing a comparative market analysis, an appraisal compares the subject property to at least 3 recent sales in the area, while making adjustments if necessary. As for the safety issues, an appraiser will be on the lookout for things such as peeling paint, broken windows, missing handrails, roofs in poor condition, and a handful of other potential safety problems. Repairs resulting from the appraisal often times must be completed and re-inspected prior to the lender approving the funding for the borrower.

11. Perform Two Walk-Throughs
The Agreement of Sale grants buyers two pre-settlement walk-throughs. One can be performed upon the completion of agreed-upon repairs, and the second is typically performed immediately before settlement and is your chance to ensure the house is in the same condition that it was when you wrote your purchase offer. The final walk through also provides you the opportunity to make sure any repairs that were agreed upon from any inspections have been completed. At the time of the final walk through, your REALTORⓇ is going to recommend testing the HVAC systems, plumbing, lighting, and also take final meter readings for utilities just in case there are any discrepancies after the closing. If something at the final walk through is not satisfactory, it’s critical to work with your REALTORⓇ immediately so that a resolution can be made before the closing date and time.

12. Go To Closing And Obtain The Keys To Your New House
CONGRATULATIONS! You have made it to Settlement Day! Buying a house is one of the most exciting events in life, and closing day is when you’ll receive the keys to your new house. At closing, you’ll be signing quite a few documents that finalize the sale of your new house Make sure before closing that you understand exactly what documentation and identification you’ll be required to provide. Once all the documents have been signed, you will receive all the keys to the property. Again, congratulations, you’ve completed the purchase of your new house!

Is it time to buy? Home Buying FAQs

May 2, 2019 By Meredith Styer

One of the best ways to ensure your path to homeownership is not overwhelming is to be educated and informed. The real estate industry is ever-changing, so whether you are buying your first home or you consider yourself a pro, you can count on your Styer Real Estate agent to be up to date on all real estate trends and ready to help you successfully purchase your next investment. Here are some of the questions we hear most often.

When should I talk to an experienced local REALTOR?
RIGHT NOW! It is never too soon to begin interviewing agents and making sure you have a reliable REALTOR that is ready to work for you! Even if you are just beginning the process, they may be able to connect you with a trusted lender and other resources to help you begin your journey!

Should I buy now or continue to rent?
The short answer is IT DEPENDS. How long are you planning on staying in your next home? What are the local market conditions? How much cash do you have on hand for down payments, closing costs, maintenance, and repairs? We offer no-pressure individual buyer seminars that can help you decide if buying is right for you!

Do I need to be pre-qualified for a mortgage?
Absolutely! Many people think that you need to be 100% ready to buy before you speak with a lender, but oftentimes the lender can give you tips and advice that can help you improve your credit so you have a better interest rate when you go to buy. In order to submit an offer on a property, you will have to have a pre-qualification letter from a lender, so if you are already starting to get the home-buying itch, the time to talk to a lender is now!

How much can I afford?
A local lender will be able to provide valuable guidance here. The amount you pre-qualify for may be higher than what you are comfortable spending. Remember to account for the costs of homeownership outside of your monthly mortgage payment like maintenance and repairs. Your Styer Real Estate agent will be able to provide valuable guidance and estimates for closing costs and monthly payments.

What do I pay for buyer agent representation?
In most cases, NOTHING. Your buyer agent gets paid from the commission paid by the seller at settlement, and Styer Real Estate does not charge any additional fees to buyers.

What costs do I pay out of pocket and what gets paid at closing?
You will need funds on hand to pay for your earnest money deposit, appraisal, and inspections. At closing, you will have lender fees, escrows, title and homeowners insurance premiums, and some other ancillary fees. Your agent will provide you with estimates prior to submitting an offer, so you know what is in store down the line.

Meredith Jacks

March 8, 2019 By Meredith Styer

Meredith Styer Jacks is the broker/co-owner of Styer Real Estate and a resident of South Coventry Township, where she was born and raised. After graduating from Owen J. Roberts High School in 1995, Meredith went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University. After quickly rising through the ranks, she spent the next decade traveling the country working in operations and corporate training for a multi-million dollar restaurant company. Despite her success, Meredith felt that something was missing and wanted to find a way for her work to have a more meaningful impact. In 2010 she decided to return to her hometown with the ultimate goal of helping to rebuild her father’s real estate brand, with a twist. Having grown up in the real estate and restaurant businesses (her family-owned and operated The Coventry Tea Room on Rt 23 in Pottstown), she saw an opportunity to merge the service style of the hospitality industry with the process of buying and selling a home… and Housepitality was born! Meredith quickly discovered that it was more than possible to be a dedicated representative and advocate for her clients while making the process fun and enjoyable. She truly believes that the difference is in the details.

Over the past 9 years, she has received her ABR, SRES, SFR, and SRS designations, and achieved broker status, all while being a top producer and providing the highest level of service possible to her clients. In 2017, she opened Styer Real Estate because she wanted to create a community of like-minded, full-time, educated, down-to-earth Realtors who operate with honesty and integrity and genuinely care about their clients’ experiences and goals. Meredith doesn’t set sales goals for herself but instead sets customer satisfaction goals with a focus on reducing stress and increasing laughs.

Meredith is passionate about real estate and is proud to have cultivated a team of motivated and caring individuals who are dedicated to delivering the kind of service that people deserve. Her passion doesn’t end with real estate, as she is a strong supporter of local farmers and small businesses, and is the fundraising chairperson for the Owen J. Roberts Education Foundation. She is a devoted wife to her husband, Shawn, and a doting “dog-mom” to her bulldogs, Butter and Grits, who can often be found playing (or sleeping) at the office.

Meredith is THE realtor for your real estate needs. She represented me as a seller and did an exceptional job. She is extremely knowledgeable of the current housing market and is very responsive to the needs of her clients. Negotiation skills are a must in this business. Meredith possesses these skills, as well as the drive for quick and successful closings. If you need a realtor, she is the one to call!

Meredith is the best at what she does. She is very knowledgeable and does everything she can to make the entire process seamless. Her dedication to her clients is amazing. Highly recommend her for listing your home.

Contact Meredith:
610-597-9492
MeredithJacksHomes@gmail.com

Featured Listings:

Nestled on a bucolic 4.6 acre lot at the end of a private drive in award-winning Owen J. Roberts School District, this charming and expansive English Tudor is ready to be the setting for your next chapter! Pegged hardwood floors greet you at the center hall entry, flanked by a formal living room with wood burning fireplace and a sunny formal dining room with chair rail and crown molding. Natural light fills the huge eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and tile backsplash, plenty of custom wood cabinetry stainless steel appliances, a deep double sink with gooseneck faucet, double wall oven, built in desk area, and recessed lighting. Just behind the kitchen is a cozy family room with beamed ceiling, wood burning fireplace with built in shelving, a wet bar area with storage, and sliders to the wide covered back porch where you can enjoy serene backyard views. The impressive floorplan continues with a sunken 26'x22' multi-purpose great room with scraped hardwood floors, a full wall of windows with window seat and built-in shelving, propane stove, sliders to the side deck, plus a spiral staircase to the second floor. A convenient first floor bedroom with sliders to the back porch has its own full bathroom with tiled walk-in shower, and a spacious laundry room with storage and utility sink plus an adjacent powder room complete the first floor. The second floor boasts an expansive master bedroom suite with dual closets and vanity/dressing area, private commode and walk-in shower, and a huge garden tub room with it's own closet and fantastic backyard views. Two more ample bedrooms with great light and closet space share a full hall bath with tub/shower combo and large separate linen closet. The second floor is completed by an office with spiral staircase access to the first floor multi-purpose room, and a large bonus room which would make an ideal playroom, additional bedroom or office, or incredible walk-in closet! The full, mostly-finished basement with built-in bar offers even more living and storage space. Upgrades and improvements include a new water heater (2020) with warranty, well tank (2017), well pump (2010), and replacement roof (2015). The detached three car garage with electric, above ground pool, and mature landscaping are just a few more reasons to make this incredible home yours!

$489,900 PENDING

1212 W Bridge Street Spring City, Pennsylvania

4 Beds 4 Baths 3,577 SqFt 4.600 Acres

Step back in time as you tour this exquisite Victorian farmhouse thoughtfully perched on a delightful 2.3 acre parcel with views of the rolling hills of Chester County. Enjoy the sounds of the nearby trickling creek from your large covered front porch that is just begging for sweet tea and rocking chairs. As you step through the solid wood front door with transom, you are greeted with 9 ft ceilings, refinished hardwood floors, delicately hand-painted wood graining trim, original hardware, and 5 ft windows that flood the home with natural light. The arched doorway and the three-window bay area of the dining room provide so much beautiful detail all in one space! The living and dining areas are quite impressive in size, so this is surely to be the gathering place for friends and family. Preparing meals will be a delight in this bright and cheery kitchen with built-in pantry cupboard, pressed tin ceiling, and real wood cabinetry, and there is still plenty of room for an island or table. New vinyl flooring flows throughout the kitchen and into the large powder room, the laundry room with storage, and the additional mudroom hallway, providing an abundance of functional space that is so rare in a home of this age! The piece de resistance of the first floor is the cozy den, rich with wood paneled walls (wood was milled from trees on the property), and beamed ceiling. The fireplace wall is floor-to-ceiling pointed field stone with a massive wooden beam mantel and two glass block windows flanking the central hearth. From here you can also access the deck that allows quiet enjoyment of the open field and mature trees across the property. When it is time to retreat from the everyday hustle and bustle, you can retire to the main bedroom suite via your private staircase from the den. This thoughtful sanctuary comes complete with an updated full bath with walk-in shower, office area or dressing room, and linen closet. You can also access the second floor with the front staircase with solid oak Victorian carved newel post, balustrade, and rail. Two additional large bedrooms with even more beautiful detailing, like paneled doors with ornate handles and hinges, and a full hall bath complete this level. The third floor has a lovely Victorian period arched window, original hardwood flooring, and can easily be finished as a 4th and 5th bedroom offering an additional 400+ sq ft of living space! The oversized detached three car garage offers a large work/storage space, and the outdoor fireplace, fenced-in garden area, and access to a branch of Pigeon Creek make the outdoor space just as appealing as the indoor space! Public sewer, well water, and the updated electrical and just a few more reasons to end your search here. This truly gorgeous property is stunning both inside and out, so don't miss your opportunity to make this home your own.

$440,000 ACTIVE

296 Harley Road Pottstown, Pennsylvania

3 Beds 3 Baths 2,488 SqFt 2.300 Acres

Situated on an enviable lot in OJR's coveted Ridglea community, this stunning Hopewell model boasts some of the best views in the neighborhood! Location is everything is this community, and this home offers a true retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Step inside from the large covered front porch, and you are welcomed by genuine hardwood floors that flow throughout the entire first level. The open concept layout features a large kitchen with granite countertops, tumbled marble backsplash, large pantry, and new stainless steel appliances, a bright and sunny breakfast area, and a spacious family room with vaulted ceilings, and wood-burning fireplace. Sliders from the family room lead to a newly-installed Trex deck where you can watch the kids or fur-friends play in the fenced back yard and enjoy the peaceful views of the neighboring horse farm! The main level also houses a formal dining area with chair rail (currently used as a formal sitting room), powder room, and convenient laundry area. The second floor features a spacious primary bedroom suite with built-in window seats, large dual closets, plus an ensuite bath. Three additional generous bedrooms with great closet space share a full hall bathroom with dual vanity. The partially-finished lower level provides additional living and entertaining space, and can handle all of your storage needs. A two car garage with new insulated doors, replacement roof (2016), new HVAC (2019), and a new water heater (2020) are just a few more reasons to end your search here. Conveniently located within walking distance of OJR's main campus, this neighborhood offers all of the commuter convenience you could want in a charming neighborhood setting with sidewalks and a playground. Don't miss the opportunity to join one of Chester County's most-desired communities!

$415,000 PENDING

115 Hartman Road Pottstown, Pennsylvania

4 Beds 3 Baths 2,835 SqFt 0.190 Acres

Own a piece of Chester County history! Built in 1758, this gorgeous farmhouse was once part of the local sheep herder's farm. This charming stone home has been expanded over the years, resulting in a very comfortable space that retains much of its original charm including exposed stone walls, beams, and hardwood floors. The main level includes a huge 25x25 family room and Kutz-built addition from the late 1960's, which is an amazing space for entertaining and was once the recital room for a local piano teacher! There is also a convenient powder room and coat closet. A large hallway of built-in cabinetry connects the addition to the original portion of the home, which could be used as a large formal dining room or multipurpose room. You can't help but fall in love with the deep windowsills and the exposed beams! Imagine all of the owners that have lived here... before the roads were cut in, before plumbing... even the current fireplace with wood stove insert used to be a walk-in fireplace. Just off the dining room is the kitchen, which is part of an addition from 1768. The kitchen has ceramic tile floors, butcher block island, and access to the huge private front porch! There is also a stairwell that leads to the 2nd floor where you will find two rooms that share a full bath. The 3rd floor has three additional rooms with original flooring. Outside you can enjoy almost 1.6 acres of wooded privacy, with plenty of room for outdoor activities and gardening. There is a large shed and plenty of parking for party-time! The home has a new roof (2019), newer heater and water heater (2018), replacement windows, replacement oil tank (2014), updated 200AMP electric, and public sewer. All you need is your creative vision to transform this house into your dream home! Come and write yourself into the next chapter of Chester County history!

$379,900 ACTIVE

891 Temple Road Pottstown, Pennsylvania

3 Beds 2 Baths 3,071 SqFt 1.600 Acres

This charming and well-maintained 3 bed 1.5 bath brick ranch in East Vincent Township is ready to welcome its newest owner! Situated across from farm land, and set back from from the road on a level 3.4 acre lot, this 1400 sq ft home offers the peaceful living we all dream of. Enter from the covered front porch and you will find that the space is generous, with large rooms, neutral finishes, ample closet space, and loads of potential. A full basement is ready to be completed and would almost double the square footage. The 2 car garage is over-sized and can easily accommodate a functional workshop. Outside you can enjoy the wooded privacy of cherry and pear trees, the numerous woodland friends, and an expansive back yard for exploring!

$325,000 PENDING

273 Ridge Road Spring City, Pennsylvania

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,440 SqFt 3.400 Acres

Location, location, location! Situated in the heart of Birchrunville, with views of a neighboring horse farm, this quaint bungalow offers the kind of serenity one can only dream of. Adorned with an abundance of flowering trees, the setting alone is enough of a reason to say "yes"! Inside, you'll find a large eat-in kitchen, and a spacious living room with stone surround fireplace and hardwood floors. Three ample bedrooms and a full hall bath with tub shower combo complete the main level. Upstairs, there is a 4th bedroom and a large bonus room that would make a great office or play area. In the past 10 years, the seller has replaced the water heater, heater, and central air. Take a leisurely walk to Butterscotch Pastry Shop, grab your fishing rod and head to the covered bridge, or cycle through one of Chester County's most scenic enclaves.

$299,900 ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT

1404 S Beaver Hill Road Chester Springs, Pennsylvania

4 Beds 1 Baths 1,262 SqFt 0.820 Acres

Move-in-ready cutie in walking distance to bustling downtown Phoenixville! This updated and well-maintained 2 bedroom end unit is prepped for the next loving owner. A charming front porch welcomes you home and leads you into the open living room / dining area with real hardwood floors flowing throughout. The kitchen boasts new appliances, updated flooring, real wood cabinetry, and access to the convenient first floor laundry room. From there, you can access your cozy backyard with raised bed garden and partial privacy fence. The second floor of the home has 2 bedrooms with new carpet, one with a spacious walk-in closet, and a modern full hall bathroom with subway-tiled tub surround. The high efficiency gas heater, along with replacement windows and doors, will help to cut down on your heating bills. The home has been freshly painted and is ready for a quick close! Whether you enjoy the restaurant and bar scene, the farmers markets and festivals, or just the commuter convenience of this incredible town, Phoenixville has something for everyone, and this home may be the one for you!

$226,000 PENDING

226 Milligan Street Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

2 Beds 1 Baths 1,140 SqFt 0.030 Acres

Welcome to this move-in ready 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home in the Upland Village cul-de-sac community! Enter from the charming front porch into a spacious living room with coat closet and powder room. There is a nicely sized dining area that opens to the kitchen with granite counter tops and updated appliances. Enjoy relaxing, entertaining, or cooking outdoors on the roomy Trex deck, complete with attached pergola and stairs to the fenced-in yard. The finished basement offers family room or office space, with sliders to the rear patio, plus a laundry room and additional storage area. Upstairs you'll find the main bedroom with vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom. Two other private bedrooms, a large linen closet, and an upgraded full bath with tiled tub surround complete this level. In the past 5 years the sellers have replaced the A/C, water heater, kitchen countertops, carpets, garage door, and more! All of this plus a commuter's dream location convenient to many shopping areas, restaurants, routes 100 & 422, Philadelphia Premium Outlets, and Montgomery County Community College, make this an easy "yes!"

$219,900 ACTIVE

640 Upland Street Pottstown, Pennsylvania

3 Beds 3 Baths 1,474 SqFt 0.100 Acres

If you have been searching for one-floor living, this meticulously maintained 55+ community home is ready for you to move in! As you enter the living room you will notice new carpeting and fresh neutral paint. The large kitchen features plenty of cabinetry, gas range, refrigerator, dishwasher, easy access to the laundry facilities, and hall bath with tub/shower combo. Down the hall, explore the main bedroom with large walk-in closet and spacious bathroom featuring vanity, walk in shower, and an abundance of natural light. There are two additional nicely sized bedrooms that would be perfect for visitors, extra storage space, or creating the craft room of your dreams. The home is conveniently located on a corner lot which includes driveway parking and a backyard shed. Whether you want to spend time with your neighbors at the clubhouse or enjoy some peace and quiet by the community pool, Willow Run has so much to offer. All buyers must be approved by the Willow Run Community Management.

$169,900 PENDING

102 Finch Lane Royersford, Pennsylvania

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,448 SqFt

$550,000 ACTIVE

564 Kimberton Road Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

2,916 SqFt 0.460 Acres

Fantastic opportunity with endless possibilities at ideal Pottstown location with over 7500 square feet of usable space! Owner is willing to build-to-suit for approved business including, but not limited to, professional office, studio, restaurant/coffee shop, and retail. Call us today for more information!

$7,000 ACTIVE

28 S Hanover Street Pottstown, Pennsylvania

0.060 Acres

Located in the heart of downtown Phoenixville just steps from Bridge St, this warehouse/garage space is ready for it's next car enthusiast/hobbyist! This garage has a 14x9 door that opens up to a high-clearance, spacious storage area with access to two office spaces and powder room. No commercial usage here, but an amazing space to build, tinker, create, or store!

$2,000 ACTIVE

450 W Bridge Street Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

8,869 SqFt

Kenneth Styer

March 7, 2019 By Meredith Styer

Kenneth R. Styer, a Warwick Township resident, is the Associate Broker / Co-Owner of Styer Real Estate. He has achieved REALTOR® Emeritus status, having started his real estate career over 45 years ago in Chester County, and for 35 years was the Broker/Owner of Kenneth R. Styer Real Estate in South Coventry Township. Kenneth has decades of experience in both residential and commercial real estate and has also built numerous homes in the area. He is best known to his friends and clients as the “go-to guy” for all things construction and beyond. In his spare time, which is not common, he enjoys weekends in Maryland, spending time with his family, and quiet evenings with his wife, Carole, and dog, Melanie.
Contact Kenneth:
484-955-0715
kenstyer@yahoo.com

Featured Listings:

Fantastic location with easy access to major routes.

$3,000,000 ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT

165 E Township Line Road Chester Springs, Pennsylvania

33.200 Acres

Two parcels totaling 6 acres in great location

$300,000 ACTIVE

SE Conestoga Road Elverson, Pennsylvania

6 Acres

Two multi-unit commercial buildings plus three single family homes in desirable route 100 location. Sale also includes parcels 32-3-25 and 32-3-25.1, totaling 12.05 acres. Call Ken Styer for more information- 484-955-0715

$7,500,000 ACTIVE

400 Pottstown Pike Chester Springs, Pennsylvania

8,833 SqFt 12.050 Acres

Jessica Weeks

March 6, 2019 By Meredith Styer

Jessica Weeks grew up in Warwick Township and is a graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School and Penn State University. She first started working in real estate over 15 years ago as a conveyancer for a busy center city brokerage where her exceptional organizational skills served her well as she managed over 100 transactions per month! Eventually, she moved from behind the desk, got her license, and worked as a buyer agent for a busy team. Jess joined Meredith’s team in 2015 and was instrumental in launching Styer Real Estate. Jess loves the domestic arts (baking, cake decorating, sewing, crocheting, and macrame), food, plants, hiking, music, movies, and laughing with her family. She loves representing her hometown, getting to know her clients, and helping them translate their big dreams into functional reality. She lives in Warwick Township with her husband, two daughters, and three cats.

Jessica helped us navigate through the selling of our much loved, but somewhat unique, home of 38 years. It was a difficult time due to a sudden and serious illness which completely altered our schedule of preparing the house for sale. Jessica stepped in, and the house was sold in a very reasonable time period. Compassion and expertise describe Jessica Weeks’ approach to her profession.

Jessica helped us find our perfect home and was amazing throughout the process! Extremely responsive and always available. As we ran into some problems with the mortgage provider, she kept us calm and managed to save the deal with her expertise and attentiveness. Highly recommended!

Contact Jessica:
(484) 477-8424
JessicaWeeksHomes@gmail.com

Featured Listings:

Dianne Melvin

March 6, 2019 By Meredith Styer

Dianne Melvin is a licensed sales agent at Styer Real Estate. She is a lifelong resident of Phoenixville and attended Ursinus College. Dianne spent eleven years as a senior associate at large mutual fund company based in Valley Forge before taking time off to raise her three children. Dianne returned to the workforce in 2015 to work for a busy Real Estate brokerage in Phoenixville. It was there that she discovered her love of navigating the intricacies of Real Estate. She’s looking forward to bringing a fresh and upbeat approach to Real Estate as she guides her clients through the process of buying and selling their homes. Dianne loves spending time in the garden, reading, listening to music, watching movies, playing piano, and hiking with her family. She is passionate about helping children with special needs, and is the co-founder of The Rebecca Melvin Foundation, a non-profit organization formed to assist children with chronic disabilities by purchasing costly medical equipment not covered by insurance. Dianne organizes multiple fundraisers per year for the Foundation and is working to make sure that no child living with a chronic disability or illness should go without a necessary communication device, accessible ramp, adapted bike or toy, or other item of the child’s or family’s choosing.

Dianne Melvin with Styer Real Estate was easy to work with and very knowledgeable. We haven’t purchased a house in 22 years so you can say it was all new to us. Dianne helped us sell our house and buy our new home. Please note: our house was sold in 6 days!! Dianne had all the answers and a large network of professional people and companies to recommend when we needed something done. Dianne’s responsiveness to our every need was met with speed, resolution, and when necessary empathy. I would definitely recommend Dianne.

She went beyond helping us and kept in touch with all information on selling of our home. Brought papers to us to sign so we would not have to run so much, as we are an elderly couple. We would recommend her as a good agent to sell your home!

Contact Dianne:
(610) 529-1248
DianneMelvinHomes@gmail.com

Featured Listings:

This converted barn in Trappe is zoned VC Village Commercial specifically for a print shop, which was its prior use for 25 years. At nearly 2,000 square feet with an unfinished loft, the possibilities are endless. Enough square footage to subdivide into multiple units. Please direct all questions pertaining to changes in zoning to Trappe Borough at 610-489-7181.

$100,000 ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT

357 W Main Street Collegeville, Pennsylvania

0.040 Acres

$100,000 ACTIVE UNDER CONTRACT

357 W Main Street REAR BUILDING Collegeville, Pennsylvania

0.040 Acres

Amber Buchanan

March 5, 2019 By Meredith Styer

I am a graduate of Owen J. Roberts and Ursinsus College. I have been working in Real Estate for over 17 years. I am a Luxury Home Sale Specialist and a top sales agent in Owen J. Roberts School District and beyond. My knowledge of Chester, Montgomery, and Berks counties and the surrounding area is unrivaled, and my commitment to excellence has helped me build lasting relationships and a loyal client base. My enthusiasm, honesty, and integrity are often a lost art in this industry, but I always strive to put my clients first. I currently reside in North Coventry Township, am active in the community, and enjoy helping others. When I am not busy being a top producer, I enjoy spending time with my adorable grandchildren.
I love working with experienced buyers/sellers as well as first-time homebuyers. I work closely with my partner Mark Harvey. OUR COMMITMENT BUILDS LASTING RELATIONSHIPS. LET US HELP YOU MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE!!!
Never too busy for your referrals! Please check out my Facebook Page: Greater Pottstown Area Real Estate-Amber Richards Buchanan

Amber and her team at Styer were so amazing to work with! She was incredibly knowledgeable about the area we were looking to buy in and showed us some amazing houses that met our budget and expectations. She consistently went above and beyond to make sure this process was seamless. I would recommend Amber to anyone looking to buy/sell. She was honest, friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and very funny—which made a stressful process much less stressful! You will not be disappointed if you decide to use Amber Buchanan as your realtor!!!!

Excellent! This was our first time buying a home, and we couldn’t be happier with Amber and her team. We were searching for a home for 11 months, working with 3 different realtors before we found Amber. Within 3 weeks we found a home. She was very knowledgeable throughout the whole process. She was on top of everything making sure all the loose ends were tied that we were not familiar with. She was extremely personable, yet professional. She made us feel like we were the only clients and that our time was valuable. We can not rave about Amber enough. She is our go-to realtor for life!

It’s almost been exactly one year since we settled on our first home. We went through about 4 realtors before we found “The ONE” who helped us find “The ONE!!” We are still in love with our home and would recommend Amber Buchanan in a heart beat.

Contact Amber:
(610) 850-1831
AmberBuchananHomes@gmail.com

Featured Listings:

Welcome to Northern Chester County’s Coventry Lake Estates! This beautiful and lovingly maintained property is ready for the new buyers to call this place “home”! Located in award winning Owen J Roberts School District. This home is Heritage Builders Worthington model with many upgrades and is located in prime spot in community. Large, level fenced in backyard has a lovely patio and landscaping which backs up to wooded area. Upon entering the home from cozy front porch, the inviting two story foyer with gleaming hardwood floors leads to formal living room, office with double doors and spacious kitchen/family room. Prepare your favorite home cooked meal in the large kitchen with double ovens, two pantries and large island with gas stove top cooking. Adjoining family room is complete with wood burning fireplace and ample sunlight. Sunny solarium with vaulted ceiling is great for gatherings and is graced with abundant natural light. First floor also includes formal dining area, mudroom and powder room. Second floor has new carpet throughout. Main bedroom is bright and spacious with sitting area, two walk-in closets and master bath. Perfect place to recharge. Master bath has double sinks, large soaking tub and tiled shower. Second floor includes 3 additional nice size bedrooms and hall bath. There is a newly renovated laundry room in the basement that is a must see! The remainder of basement can be used for workout room or additional family space with your finishing touches. Coventry Lake Estates boasts beautiful open space, walking trail, lake, sidewalks and public water and sewer! Located in North Coventry with close commute to Rt 100, 422 and 724. Shopping and downtown Pottstown minutes away! Don't miss out on this amazing home.

$500,000 PENDING

962 Marshall Drive Pottstown, Pennsylvania

4 Beds 3 Baths 3,456 SqFt 0.490 Acres

Have you been searching for your own piece of tranquility? Offered by original owners for first time after 30 years. This custom built contemporary home sits on 3 beautiful wooded acres in North Coventry township on Fernbrook Lane. Enjoy watching wildlife and birds in any season. Spring, summer and fall are perfect for sitting on back deck(complete with pergola) to soak up the peace and quiet listening to waterfall at the ornamental man-made pond. This personal oasis is within short walking distance to Coventry Woods Park and open space consisting of 688 acres of mostly mature deciduous forest! The unique open floor plan provides abundant light throughout the 3 bedroom 2 ½ bath home in award winning Owen J Roberts SD. Kitchen features include tile floor, deep window (great for growing herbs or flowers) and large peninsula. Kitchen is open to dining room and living room with hardwood floors and vaulted ceiling. Welcoming foyer with tile floor, powder room and laundry room are also found on first floor. Main bedroom has vaulted ceiling, two large closets and full bath. Full bath has double sinks, tile floor, built in medicine cabinets and skylight. Two additional bedrooms, full bath and plenty of closet space can also be found on this floor. Second floor carpet just replaced. Central air and whole house fan available for comfort in summer months. Wood stove in basement to supplement heat in winter if you choose. Basement currently has small hair salon with separate outside entrance and powder room. Easily converted to home office, workout room or that extra space if needed for family room. There is oversized one car built-in garage AND 3 car detached garage complete with propane heater and electric! All of this located within an hour from King of Prussia, Reading or Exton!

$475,000 PENDING

1771 Fernbrook Lane Pottstown, Pennsylvania

3 Beds 4 Baths 2,116 SqFt 3 Acres

Cute Cape Cod in Boyertown School District! Bonus oversized 2 car detached garage! Enter through front door or side entrance into mudroom where you can hang your coats and leave backpacks, shoes etc...
This 3 bedroom 2 bath home features a very large eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinets, counter space, dishwasher and built-in microwave. First floor has cozy living room, bedroom(currently used as office) and full hall bath. On the second floor there is a spacious bedroom, hall bath and the third bedroom. Basement is partially finished currently used as a "gym" area and separate laundry area. Great opportunity for entertaining out back on beautiful paver patio!!! Easy commute to Rt 100.

$240,000 PENDING

2037 Farmington Avenue Boyertown, Pennsylvania

3 Beds 2 Baths 1,456 SqFt 0.400 Acres

Fantastic opportunity for owner occupied two unit! First floor 2 bedroom unit has been renovated and is ready for new owner. Second floor one bedroom unit has long time tenant who wants to stay. Currently owner occupied first floor has large eat-in kitchen complete with tile floor, double sink, recessed lighting, plenty of cabinets, pantry, electric range, built-in microwave and dishwasher. It is very bright and cheerful! In addition to updating kitchen, current owner installed beautiful hardwood flooring, updated bathroom and fenced in the backyard. High ceilings grace entire first floor. Second floor has separate enclosed side entrance which leads to charming one bedroom unit with ample closet space! This tenant currently pays $830/month. One heater with two zone heat. Owner pays heat for entire building. Basement has outside entrance for second floor and inside access from first floor. Washer and dryer hook-ups for each unit. Locked storage areas for each unit as well. This is a great opportunity to live in one unit and collect income from second or ready for any investor to start renting both from day one.

$225,000 PENDING

123 N Reading Avenue Boyertown, Pennsylvania

2,364 SqFt 0.090 Acres

Mark Harvey

March 4, 2019 By Meredith Styer

For over 13 years I was the owner of MH & Family Homes where I worked side-by-side with my son doing high-end custom carpentry work. After 45 years in the construction business, I decided to combine my expertise in construction with my passion for helping others. I pride myself on being a motivated, reliable agent with the client’s best interest always at the forefront. Born and raised in West Chester, I kept my Chester County roots and currently live in North Coventry in a home that I built with my sons.