2016
Best of Local Living Real Estate
KELLER WILLIAMS Making Dreams Come True Terese Brittingham Broker/Owner Keller Williams Realty License # RM419528
Your Home. Your Community. Your Life.
Volume 6, Issue 2 locallivingmag.com Spring 2016 Local Living 1
D L SO 3037 Spring Mill Road, Whitemarsh, PA 19462 $1,950,000 Maple Hill Farm is a rare find on the market. The possibilities are endless, with this magnificent estate. The main house in all of its elegant splendor of time past, the outbuildings are charming with a one room schoolhouse. Two story barn with paddock, additional guest house or office and the original Toll House.
116 Oakwood Lane, Valley Forge, PA 19481 $1,536,900 Situated on the side of Valley Forge mountain is a spectacular miniestate offering ultimate privacy, surrounded by mature woods, located in a peaceful and tranquil valley. The majestic gated entry is befitting the luxury that awaits your visit as you travel the meandering driveway. The homeowners have painstakingly designed this home using stone & wood, a true modern contemporary.
413 Woodward Road, Coatesville, PA 19320 $1,099,000 Wonderful opportunity to own a 56 plus acre farm. Rolling hills, a beautiful serene property. There are two homes on the property. The rancher is move in ready. Bright and cheery eat in kitchen. Hardwood flooring. You will find three spacious bedrooms with fantastic views. In ground pool. There is a beautiful pond with a natural spring and park like setting. This property can be anything you want it to be. A huge bank barn and garage/workshop. Endless possibilities.
141 Watkins Lane, Glenmoore, PA 19343 $990,000 This Rotelle-built custom home, the Tisbury, our largest model, offers everything needed for gracious living. Our model home is built and ready for immediate delivery. The open design features an elegant foyer, living room with optional solarium, formal dining room with butler pantry available, and study. The gourmet kitchen with pantry and breakfast room leads into a large, spacious family room.
401 Walmere Way, Blue Bell, PA 19422 $1,350,000 This stone manor house in the award-winning Wissahickon School District is on over 4 acres. The 5,100 square feet include 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, temperature-controlled wine cellar, a green house, and in-ground pool with a springhouse and a top-of-the-line kitchen with a butler’s pantry. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind estate with 5 working fireplaces.
2331 Angel Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 $549,900 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath stunning estate home on end of cul de sac in Boyertown School District. In ground pool, finished basement. stone fireplace with pellet stove, this home is a beauty with over 2 acres of land!
Local
Living
TM
Blue Water Media LLC
Karen A. Kovacs Publisher Sherilyn Kulesh / Kulesh Design Group Art Director Blair Johnson Director of Sales Lori Papp Senior Account Executive Susanna Koppany Marketing & Sales Manager Melinda Kovacs Accounting Manager Local Living Magazine is published by Blue Water Media LLC. For more information about Local Living Magazine please visit our website at www.Locallivingmag.com, email us at info.Bluewatermedia@gmail.com or call at 609- 788-0443 All Rights Reserved No part of this publication may be reproduced without the expressed written permission of Blue Water Media LLC. This magazine purpose is for information & entertainment only. It is NOT an attempt to solicit business. Designed In the United States 2016
SAVE THE DATE
TERESE BRITTINGHAM & TOM MCCOUCH Owners & Partners Keller Williams Realty Group
Dana Santo
Kimberly Chadwick
David Fitts
Jennifer Sheridan
Joe Groarke
Ruth Work
Kristen Thompson
Larry Kilcullen
Lisa Plank
Mark McCouch
Mary Galpin
Sandy Austin
(610) 574-9271 (610) 792-5900, Ext: 147 (610) 792-8131 542 North Lewis Rd., Suite 101 Limerick, PA 19468 www.kwseven.com License #: RM419528 Stephen Maco
Bill Pratt
Daniel Brittingham
SPOTLIGHT
ONE WOMAN’S DEATH DEFYING
“A Ha!” Moment Terese Brittingham
Broker of Record & Owner Keller Williams Realty Group Market Centers By Sharyl Volpe
T
his Temple University grad has seen more than the average bear’s share of life and living, especially after she almost lost it all. Terese Brittingham is married to Bob, and she’s the proud mother of two, Daniel and Alexandria. A realtor for more than seventeen years, she owns a franchised division of Keller Williams Realty, earning national distinction as Broker of the Year along with countless other awards. She’s executed over 1,500 transactions and closed on millions of dollar’s worth of property. She is one of the most knowledgeable and well-respected realtors in Montgomery County. You could say she has a knack for the industry. Terese says, “I just love what I do! Helping people realize their dreams fuels my drive. People have different goals in life, and helping them figure out what they are and how to accomplish them energizes me.” Among Terese’s many hobbies, and there are a lot, her biggest rush stands alone: She and Bob are into horse racing. In 2005, their horse, Afleet Alex, rose to the top in all three of the Triple Crown races, placing third in The Kentucky Derby, and first in The Preakness and Belmont Stakes. “I certainly have a unique background with the horse racing. It really is so much fun. We have two wonderful kids, and all of us love running around to the races. I’ve been lucky with a lot. I wake up every day, I put both feet on the floor. I am the master of my day. And I choose to make the most of mine.” How did she get such an inspired outlook? During her second pregnancy, Terese the workaholic was stricken with an
illness so severe her husband was facing the loss of either his wife or his yet to be born daughter. “I had been given my last rites. And it was then that I had my moment. I told myself, ‘Wake up! I am not done.’ And I was given the chance to wake up and live.” Through determination and excellent care, Terese made a miraculous, full recovery. “What attracted me to open the franchise after this was Keller’s mission, it spoke to me. It put family ahead of business.” And she’s made the most of every minute ever since, nurturing her family, growing her business, and helping others on a grand scale. Terese’s annual golf outing at Rivercrest Golf Preserve is dedicated to her favorite charity, Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Since 2006 she has overseen fundraising and is personally responsible for helping raise thousands of dollars each year. In business, she applies this helping principle not only to buyers, but sellers too. “I even help other real estate agents. Learning what they want by listening and not just interjecting my advice works really well.” Terese specializes in listing homes, relocation, special financing, and first time homebuyers. She believes helping her clients understand what she does helps them make better decisions. “Shedding light on complex home buying processes is just a part of my philosophy.” Learn more about Terese Brittingham online at www. kw.com/kw/agent/teresebrittingham, or call (610) 792-5900 x8101 to speak with her directly. Broker of Record & Owner, The Keller Williams Realty Group Market Centers in Limerick and Worcester. License # RM41952. Spring 2016
Local Living
5
Smart Ways to Eat Better By Peggy Aston
How many times do you start out the day, full of resolve to eat well? Then by the time you get to dinner, you think, “maybe tomorrow.” Here are some delicious recipes to help you get started without all of the fuss and muss.
Whole-Wheat Linguine with Shrimp, Asparagus and Tomato
This taste of spring combines shrimp and chopped asparagus sautéed with shallots, garlic, white wine and ripe tomatoes, tossed with whole-wheat linguine and grated fresh parmesan. Keep this springtime staple gluten-free by swapping in soba noodles or brown rice pasta. What You’ll Need 8 oz. whole-wheat linguine (or other long, skinny pasta) 12-15 large size peeled shrimp 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 shallot, minced 1 lb. asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided 1/2 cup dry white wine 1 cup vegetable stock 1 lemon, zested and juiced 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for garnish 1 package of grape tomatoes cut in half What to Do Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente approximately 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large sautée pan over medium heat. Add shallots and let them cook (without browning) until fragrant, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in shrimp, asparagus and garlic, and season with salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook until asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes. Pour in the wine and continue cooking until it’s almost fully reduced. Stir in the vegetable stock, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Add the linguine, tomatoes and parmesan cheese, and remaining black pepper, and toss well. Garnish with additional lemon zest and shaved parmesan and serve immediately.
6
Local Living Spring 2016
Black Bean and Quinoa Burgers
This filling veggie burger is quick to prepare and won’t leave you reaching for an unhealthy dessert. Packed with quinoa, black beans, nutritional yeast, and flavorful spices, it’s a winning burger for both taste and nutrition. Quinoa is a complete protein and both it and black beans are high in fiber, making this meal great for digestion and heart health too. What You’ll Need 1 can (15.5 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1/2 cup cooked quinoa 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1/2 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for cooking
What To Do Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients using hands or a fork to mash beans and thoroughly mix. (This should form a paste-like mixture that is easy to shape into patties.) Divide mixture into four equal balls, and form each into a patty between 1/4 - and 1/2-inch thick. In a medium oven-safe saucepan over high eat, cook patties in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil for 1 minute on each side, or until lightly browned. Transfer the saucepan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Serve patties on whole-grain buns or over fresh greens with desired toppings.
Spring 2016
Local Living
7
Baked Salmon With Avocado-Dill Yogurt
Salmon is a great staple to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, and for good reason—it’s low in calories and fat, high in protein, and off the charts with omega-3s. If a grill’s not available, baking is a great alternative. Baking the salmon at a high temperature helps to seal in the fish’s natural juices while keeping it tender. What You’ll Need 1 medium avocado, diced (skin and pit removed) 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 clove garlic 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1-3 tablespoons water Salt Fresh ground pepper 4 6-oz salmon fillets 1 tablespoon olive oil What To Do Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While the oven heats up, prepare the yogurt sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon water, salt, and pepper. Puree the mixture until smooth and creamy. If necessary, add more water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. Set aside. Place fish, skin side down, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Season with fillets with salt and pepper and brush with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon total). Bake fish (without flipping) until just cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes, (depending on thickness). (Note: Thicker, center-cut fillets will take longer, while thinner fillets cut from the tail section will cook faster.) Once cooked, remove from oven and plate each fillet. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of the avocado-dill yogurt, and enjoy!
8
Local Living Spring 2016
Plum Sorbet
You don’t need to give up ice cream if you’re trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. Try this surprising plum-flavored sorbet, which has only 0.2 grams of saturated fat per serving. What You’ll Need 6 large ripe plums, peeled and finely chopped (about 5 cups) 1/3 cup “measures-like-sugar” calorie-free sweetener 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 1/4 cup cold water 1 (8-ounce) carton vanilla fat-free yogurt sweetened with aspartame Plum wedge (optional) What To Do Combine plums, sweetener, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor; process until smooth. Transfer mixture to a medium bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small saucepan; let stand 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin dissolves, about 4 minutes. Add to plum mixture, stirring well. Add yogurt, stirring until smooth. Pour mixture into an 8-inch square pan; freeze until almost firm. Transfer mixture to a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until fluffy. Spoon mixture back into pan; freeze until firm. Scoop into 5 individual serving dishes to serve. Garnish each serving with a plum wedge, if desired.
Spring 2016
Local Living
9
ask the EXPERTS
What is New in Luxury Home Marketing Terese Brittingham and Tom McCouch
N
ew technology is helping luxury Buyers and Sellers who are looking for improved ways to buy and sell their Luxury Real Estate. In 2015, Keller Williams Realty Group / International Luxury Homes Division began embracing that technology. How do you make your luxury listings more attractive to prospects who might want to sell or buy without stepping foot in the property? It has a lot to do with new technology that enables Buyers to get to know the Realtor and view their properties intimately without a walk-through or face-to-face visit. These virtual walk-throughs save time for the Buyer and give an opportunity to focus on the best features of the home. In 2016, Terese, Tom and Keller Williams Realty Group started KW Live TV. The concept is that within minutes of signing a listing contract Terese and Tom are able to broadcast a live commercial from that new listing and post it immediately through social media. This is cutting edge technology and expands our marketing to reach Buyers faster, ultimately lowering the days on market. It’s a win-win for Buyers and Sellers. Hiring a professional photographer is another important marketing tool that provides high quality pictures that shows more details of the luxury homes. Professional videos, pictures, and great descriptions are what luxury Buyers and Sellers require. Keller Williams Realty International Luxury Homes allows 10
Local Living Spring 2016
its Luxury Realtors to exclusively market in Domain Magazine an International quarterly publication distributed Worldwide by Keller Williams Realty International Luxury Homes. Terese distributes this to hundreds and shares the virtual magazine link to thousands of people in her database. Social media, blogging, and online networking presents’ an opportunity to create a trustworthy personality over the internet. Building rapport is so important when you only have minutes to impact a relationship with a luxury Buyer or Seller before the face-to-face appointment actually occurs. International Exposure is key. Traditional marketing methods are still critical in promoting luxury real estate. Promotional materials have to be professional, high quality, and justify the value the Seller is asking for their Home. Buyers and Sellers still want a sign worthy of a luxury home. Keller Williams Realty International Luxury Homes has a beautiful sign worthy of any high end home. “If you want top notch service, Terese and Tom will do what many don’t invest in doing. We have the tools to market and sell your home with the shortest days on market and for the best value. Over 25 years of experience in real estate each, they have seen it all. Experience, creativity and knowledge are what you get with this team. List your home with experts, Terese Brittingham and Tom McCouch. 610-574-9271. Call today.”
610.792.3922
corporate NMLS number of 421513
Programs offered: FHA, VA, USDA, PHFA, Conventional, Second Home / Shore Properties
ADAM WALDMAN
Sr. Loan Officer, NMLS #65131 Presidential Mortgage Group 542 North Lewis Rd., Limerick, PA 19468 Office: (610) 792-3922 • Cell/Text: (484) 686-7529 Adam.Waldman@Presidential.com www.pmg-loans.com/Adam.Waldman
~ TESTIMONIALS ~ I wanted to let you know how pleased I was to have the opportunity to work with you and your team at Presidential Mortgage.The refinance process can be a daunting one but with your assistance, experience and knowledge the process was just about seamless. Thanks again and look forward to working with you in the future. — Irene G. Presidential Mortgage worked with us and provided financing to allow us to buy our home back in July of 2014. The process was swift, and painless. The communication with their loan officer and support staff was great. Always replied to our questions timely. Also, as we were purchasing a property that wouldn’t settle for 10 months, there were many pieces to the puzzle and they helped us navigate easily and with excellent direction. I would highly recommend their services and I do all the time! — Kim and Barry C.
TERESE BRITTINGHAM Realtor
1150 WARWICK FURNACE ROAD IN GLENMOORE, PA HOCKLEY MILLS FARM Amazing property Situated on more than 17 acres between three parcels. The property runs along the scenic French Creek in Warwick Township. House includes four bedrooms, 3 full baths and 2 half baths and property hosts barn, fully restored grist mill, spring house and guest quarters on site. This property is perfect for horses, hobby farmer or sports enthusiast. Bike races, fox hunts and fabulous bird watching are a simple pleasure at Hockley Mill Farm.
• Executive Board for the Tri County Chamber • PA licensed Broker • Designated Member of the Institute for Luxury Homes • Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist • Member of the YWCA • Member of Suburban West Realtor Association, Montgomery County • Association of Realtors, Bucks County Association of Realtors, Reading - Berks Association of Realtors • PA Association of Realtors & National Association of Realtors • Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) • In 2004 Awarded Business Woman of the Year by YWCA • Chairman of the Capital Campaign Fund for the Pottstown Senior Center • Proud Supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, fundraising over $250,000 in the past 5 years.
TOM McCOUCH Owner, Partner & Realtor
• Licensed Realtor since 1993 • Opening Keller Williams Realty Group with partner Terese Brittingham in May 2002 • Mentor of Realtors • Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR) • Member of NAR • Member of PA Association of Realtors
Serving the Tri-County Area and Beyond
Keller Williams Realty Group www.kwseven.com (610) 574-9271 • (610) 792-5900, Ext: 147 (610) 792-8131 542 North Lewis Rd Suite 101 • Limerick, PA 19468 License #: RM419528