Life and Homes Montgomery County by Stephen Lisi

Life and

Homes Montgomery County

Free

November

Overcoming Buying & Selling Obstacles Prep Your House

Holiday Home Upgrades

For Winter

Fabulous Local Listings Complete Real Estate Listing Directory @ LifeandHomes.com

2011

Life and

Notes from the Editor

Homes

The holidays are on their way! Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Years, along with all of the birthdays and anniversaries and special days in our lives. It’s rough on us to have all of this going on while we’ve also been thinking about our ‘home of the future’ and how to deal with our current home in the coming year.

Montgomery County Edition Published By Tack4 Solutions LLC.

You can find help articles right here at LifeandHomes™ by visiting our website www.lifeandhomes/montgomery-pa for tips on everyday thoughts that come to mind when we think of our house. Tips such as “How To Make Moving Easier On Your Kids” and “Prepping Your Deck and House Before Winter”. Want to help keep your heating bill down this winter season? We’ve got an article to help you Win The Battle Over Rising Heating Costs.

Publication Franchisor D avid P. Lisi Corporate Editor Kim Lisi Kim@lifeandhomes.com

Montgomery County Franchise

Al Fox , RMC

Real Estate Marketing Consultant 610-337-3260 • alfox@lifeandhomes.com

Maybe a great place to start assessing your current situation and looking into your future would be to visit with an attorney. Your attorney can evaluate your estate and offer answers to ‘how to’ questions you have on planning your next steps in life. This is a getting-your-house-in-order step before you leap into the unknown aspect of buying or selling a house. Our network of members includes attorneys who are experienced and ready to help you succeed. Interested in having a family get-together or entertaining friends over the holidays? Visit our magazine or online. We have some great restaurants and caterers who not only have the experience needed for these events but they really love helping you entertain your guests.

And of course, if you are buying or selling a home (or just poking around with the idea) and really need help and information please take a look at the magazine or online and make an appointment with one of the many real estate professionals you’ll find in the L&H Network. These folks have the experience it takes to answer your questions. They have the specialized training for any situation you come across and know the many answers that can help you decide on the One Answer for you.

Montgomery County, PA

Here’s wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends! Enjoy being together!

Market AllYour Listin print /onlings e

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foras Lowas

The Most Affordable Way to Promote Your Listings Call 610-337-3260

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Al Fox

Tack4 Solutions, LLC

P.O. Box 60267 King Of Prussia, PA 19406

610-337-3260

montco@lifeandhomes.com Account Executive E llen Fo x

ellenfox@lifeandhomes.com

RMC's (Real Estate Marketing Consultants) Al F ox Distribution

610-337-3260

Advertising Deadline December Issue November 4, 2011 610-337-3260 Corporate Office LifeandHomes Franchise, Inc. PO Box 18 Holland Patent, NY 13354

315-865-5845 Fax 1-315-865-7418 www.LifeandHomes.com

Tell our participants that you saw their listing or advertisement in LifeandHomes™ magazine or on our website. And make sure to let us know what you think of our website, radio & video, and magazine. We will be very happy to hear from you!

For franchise information call, 1-800-961-0420 Life and Homes is published monthly by Tack4 Solutions LLC. Every effort has been made to ensure that home listings, advertisements and information are free of errors or omissions. The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy of the submitted information to Life and Homes Magazine and assumes no liability. This information has been compiled from public records and other sources we believe to be reliable, but we make no guarantee with respect to its accuracy or completeness or the absence of restrictions on use and are not responsible for any liability, loss, or risk that subscribers may incur, directly or indirectly, from using the contents of this site. Copyright © 2011 Tack4Solutions LLC.

DIY Laundry

Basket Dresser

No need to air your dirty laundry in public, thanks to this creative DIY idea from yet another handy homeowner. This classy laundry basket dresser crafted by Jen Simmons for an estimated cost of $75-$100 offers a practical, affordable weekend project that will enhance the look of any bath or laundry room. Change up the colors and add some fun door pulls and you could easily incorporate this idea into a kid’s play area to house toys and games.

newsShorts Nationally, since 2007, the number of credit card payments that are 60 days or more overdue declined by 20 percent, the study found. In contrast, 25 percent more consumers are paying their mortgages 60 days late. In 30 of the nation's largest metropolitan areas, the percentage of late credit card payments decreased significantly, with Cleveland showing the most improvement, Experian reports. Residents of the "Rock and Roll Capital of the World" improved their payment rate by nearly 35 percent between 2007 and 2011. Mortgage payment rates, however, did not fare as well over the same time period in many metropolitan areas across the country. The percentage of missed mortgage payments (considered to be payments 60 or more days overdue), rose dramatically in 26 regions in the study, and improved in just four. Portland, Ore., fared the worst, with nearly a 100 percent increase in the number of missed mortgage payments. (ARA)

Americans

Planning on traveling during the upcoming holiday season? Each year, nearly 5 million families become victims of household burglary. According to the Electronic Security Association (ESA), there are some simple steps you can take to make your home less attractive to would-be burglars. The best way is to combine the list of ideas below with a professionally installed and monitored electronic security alarm system in your home. Before you leave on your trip, be sure to:

Winter: • Clean out gutters and down spouts • Insulate pipes in crawl space and attic • Check clean and/or replace furnace air filters • Vacuum fire, smoke, or carbon monoxide detectors to keep dust or debris from interfering • Check electrical cords, plugs, and outlets before using indoor or outdoor seasonal lights

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While more Americans are paying their credit card bills on time, a growing number are paying their mortgages 60 or more days late, according to research by Experian, the leading global information services company.

Protection

Fall: • Have furnace or heating system serviced • Vacuum baseboards to remove dust • Check doors to ensure they open and close properly, replace weather stripping as necessary • Winterize landscape, store outdoor furniture, cover delicate plants for colder temperatures

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Lagging

Seasonal Home

November

Mortgage Payments

-(HIT)

Maintenance Reminders Holiday Home Join the Conversation: Go to www.facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-Montgomery-County-PA to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

Visit ana-white.com/2011/07/my-laundry-basketdresser-doors for project details.

• Get a trusted friend or relative to "house sit." Or, make sure your neighbors know your plans. • Have a neighbor pick up your newspapers and your mail for you daily. • Lock all doors and windows, and secure the garage door. • Leave a car parked in the driveway, or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway. • Leave a house key -- and a number where you can be reached -- with a trusted friend or neighbor. • Use timers to turn lights on and off at certain times, altering lighting patterns, to create an occupied look. • Leave drapes and shades open as normal. (Closed blinds during the day are a sure sign of an empty house, plus they allow a burglar to attend to his business unseen by neighbors.) • Be sure your trees and hedges have been trimmed. This gives burglars fewer places to hide. • Replace any burned-out lights in your yard. Consider upgrading outdoor light fixtures with devices that have built-in motion detectors, which turn on the lights whenever anyone walks past.

Talking Turkey When the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line opened twenty-nine years ago, six home economists responded to 11,000 phone calls the first year. These days, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line employs more than 50 professionally trained, college-educated home economists and nutritionists, who respond to more than 100,000 questions each November and December. While most queries are easily answered, Five of the most unusual questions they have received include: 1. Is it okay to thaw my turkey in the bathtub while bathing my kids? 2. Can I brine my turkey in the washing machine? 3. Can I use my oven's self-cleaning cycle to speed up the cooking process? 4. If I cut my turkey with a chain saw will the oil affect the taste? 5. Can I take my frozen turkey into my sauna to thaw it faster? The Butterball® Turkey Talk-Line is open annually in November and December. 1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372) (Consumerist.com) Join the Conversation: Go to www.facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-Montgomery-County-PA to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

Montgomery County, PA

Hot or Cold Room?

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Temperature differences of up to three degrees from room to room are not uncommon, but often one or several rooms are uncomfortably warm or cold. This condition could be caused by several factors within your home including inadequate insulation, air leakage, poor duct system design, duct leakage, unwanted heating by the sun 4

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newsShorts in warmer months, or a failure in part of your heating and cooling system. Common problem rooms include: • Attic • Room over a garage • Basement • Additions Prescription Checklist: For best results hire a contractor who is an energy specialist to do an in-home evaluation. A good specialist will use diagnostic equipment to evaluate the performance of your home and generate a customized list of improvements. • Ask your contractor to check if your heating and cooling system is operating correctly. • Ask your contractor to check your ducts for air leakage and proper distribution of air. • Seal air leaks and add insulation. • If the sun is making rooms to hot, consider shades or solar screening. • After trying these items, consider ceiling fans to make room air circulation more uniform. You will need to hire an electrician to install it. (Energystar.gov) Join the Conversation: Go to www.facebook.com/ pages/LifeandHomes-Montgomery-County-PA to leave your thoughts on this and other articles.

Natural Light

Impacts Home Decor

The directional source of natural light can influence the effect it has on a home’s interior. Sunlight entering from the north is usually colder. A northern exposure will only get direct sun during summer months. By contrast, a southern exposure guarantees a warm, sun-filled interior. Rooms that receive light from the east will have bright mornings, muted mid-days and cooler evenings. West-facing rooms will experience the most sun in the afternoon and evening.

You can also bring light into your home from above, through a skylight. No matter where you put one in your home, a skylight will allow you to admit the full scope of the day’s light into your decor – morning, afternoon and evening. Both venting and fixed skylights will offer the benefit of allowing you to control the amount of light that enters through it if you add simple accessories like remote-controlled blinds. Tubular skylights, like Velux’s Sun Tunnel brand, can create a different effect by bringing diffused sunlight into spaces where you might not be able to put a traditional skylight, such as a first-floor master suite or a closet. You can learn more about skylights, and download a free skylight planner app for personal devices, at www.veluxusa.com. (ARA)

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Main Line Phoenixville

Michael Brango Phoenixville - $174,900

Townhouse Living at it’s Best! Close to growing downtown with great places to shop and eat.ThisTH has a Large Living Room with Fireplace and large Dining area. Sliders off the dining room open onto a 10 X 10 covered patio overlooking a fenced yard . QSN#42369

Phoenixville - $379,900

FantasticToll Brother’s carriage home in the gated Rivercrest golf community.ThisVillanova model has just about every possible upgrade: Hardwood flooring entire first floor, recessed lighting throughout, upgraded lighting fixtures, gas fireplace in the great room & master bedroom. QSN#74758

Phoenixville- $299,900

Rarely Offered! Exciting New Construction Single in Phoenixville Borough under $300K! Many Upgrades! Standard Features Include 3 Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths and a Full Unfinished Basement withWalk-Out Bilco Door System! Dramatic First Floor Open Floor Plan Concept with 9ft Ceilings and Recessed Lighting! QSN# 119322

(O) 610.935.3200 (D) 610.457.8539 www.michaelbrango.com When you choose Mike Brango, RE/MAX Associate, to sell your home or help you purchase a new home, you’ll experience a whole new level of personal service. “In my mind the only thing that matters is the happiness of my clients, that is why I live by the motto, ‘Clients First.’ So if you are like me and believe customer service is the first

Phoenixville - $178,500

Phoenixville - $154,900

Phoenixville- $147,900

priority, then we need to speak, so give me a call.”

Kitchen With NookBar, Fully Carpeted, Tile/ Brick Flooring, Vinyl Flooring, Wood Flooring, 9Ft+ Ceiling, Elevator, Sprinkler System, Main Floor Laundry, Electric Cooking, 1 Full Bath on Main Floor, Master Bedroom is on Main Level. QSN#119324

Interior Features KitchenWith NookBar, Fully Carpeted, Tile/Brick Flooring,Vinyl Flooring,Wood Flooring, 9Ft+ Ceiling, Elevator, Sprinkler System, Main Floor Laundry, Electric Cooking , 1 Full Bath on Main Floor, Master Bedroom is on Main Level. QSN#119325

Pennsylvania Real Estate in Chester, Montgomery & Delaware Counties

Phoenixville - $147,900

Phoenixville - $144,900

Phoenixville - $142,900

Phoenixville - $139,900

Phoenixville - $119,900

Fantastic bargain for a great ranch home minutes from major arteries.This home is close to Downtown Phoenixville and Upper ProvidenceTown Center. A little updating can go along way in building equity in this home. QSN#119323

Interior Features - KitchenWith NookBar, Fully Carpeted, Tile/Brick Flooring,Vinyl Flooring,Wood Flooring, 9Ft+ Ceiling, Elevator, Sprinkler System, Main Floor Laundry, Electric Cooking, 1 Full Bath on Main Floor, Master Bedroom is on Main Level. QSN#119326

November

Interior Features,KitchenWith NookBar, Fully Carpeted, Tile/Brick Flooring,Vinyl Flooring,Wood Flooring, 9Ft+ Ceiling, Elevator, Sprinkler System, Main Floor Laundry, Electric Cooking, 1 Full Bath on Main Floor, Master Bedroom is on Main Level. QSN#119333

Interior Features, KitchenWith NookBar, Fully Carpeted, Tile/Brick Flooring,Vinyl Flooring,Wood Flooring, 9Ft+ Ceiling, Elevator, Sprinkler System, Main Floor Laundry, Electric Cooking, 1 Full Bath on Main Floor, Master Bedroom is on Main Level. QSN# 119334

Interior Features:Walk Up Attic, Eat In Kitchen, Main Floor Laundry, Electric Cooking, 1 Full Bath on Upper Floor, Master Bedroom is on Upper Level, Second Bedroom is on Upper Level,Third Bedroom is on Upper Level, Fourth Bedroom is on Upper Level. QSN# 119335

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L i f e and H o m e s

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Get Your Home

Ready for Winter Inside and Out

It may not feel like winter yet, but cold weather is around the corner. Take advantage of the good weather now by following these tips to prepare the outside and inside of your home to survive the winter months ahead. Outside Tips * After a summer of caring for your lawn, you might be looking for a break, but make sure you don't stop mowing too soon. Lawns should be mowed well into the fall, even after growing stops. Grass should be at least 3 inches high and clippings should be raked up and bagged on the last mowing of the season to prevent roots being smothered over the winter.

Montgomery County, PA

* If you planted perennials, check with your local garden center about what type of protection particular plants require depending on where you live. Gardeners in Minnesota will face much different winter weather than someone in Virginia. Protecting with extra mulch or soil will help in some places, while others may require covering the plants with burlap, canvas or any other porous fabric. If you have trees that come near a power line, the branches should be trimmed back in the event of ice storms or heavy snowfalls that can cause trees to fall.

L i f e and H o m e s

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* Companies like TimberTech manufacture composite decking, railing, and fence products that require less maintenance than traditional treated wood. While no product is maintenance free, low maintenance decking means less work for you to prepare your deck for the winter. Whether your deck is treated wood or composite wood, keeping a clean, dry deck surface is the key to longer deck life and enjoyment. Just as you would rake the leaves from the lawn, sweep 6

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Indoor Tips the leaves, needles and branches from the deck and remove all smaller debris from between deck boards as proper drainage is important to avoiding moisture build up. You can also use a deck cleaner and power washer to eliminate build-up. If you have a treated-wood deck, make sure you seal or stain the deck to keep water from getting in. If you live in a cold weather climate where ice and snow are a factor, use calcium chloride or rock salt to melt the ice and snow on your deck. When shoveling snow off of the deck, run the shovel lengthwise on the deck boards. Shoveling cross-wise can scratch or cut into the planks. * Storing deck furniture depends on what type of furniture you have. Wood furniture needs to be treated and covered with a protective, waterproof cover. Folding deck chairs can be easily stored in basements, garages or sheds, while covers are available for most size tables. * If you've got a snowblower, make sure it's tuned up and ready to go; if you have a lawnmower, make sure you run it down or drain all the fuel out of it. Fuel in a mower or snowblower should be fresh when you start the season. * If you have cracks in your driveway or sidewalks, make sure they are repaired before the snow starts. The thawing and refreezing of snow can cause significant damage when it gets into cracks.

* The more cold air you keep out, the less heat you'll have to use to warm your house. If you have drafty windows, consider wrapping them with plastic to help save energy and keep the cold air out of your house. Another way to keep the heat in is to caulk around windows and door frames where air may leak into the house, and add weather stripping or replace weather stripping that may have worn down. * If you have a fireplace, make sure it is capped to keep birds and rodents out. Firewood should also be stored away from your house as it can become a home for mice. * Heating accounts for 34 percent of utility usage, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, so checking your ducts to make sure they are sealed is a great way to save money by increasing the efficiency of your furnace. Other ways to make sure you are heating your home efficiently is by making sure your furnace is tuned up and installing a programmable thermostat that can be set to regulate your home's temperature without you having to remember to do it yourself. Following these tips can help you save money in the short and long term as you get ready to welcome the winter to your outdoor and indoor spaces. (ARA)

C A R P E T

F L O O R I N G ,

S A L E S

I N S T A L L A T I O N

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • CUSTOM DESIGN

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610-277-4868

Hot Buffet Specials • Catering for All Occasions “Simple Food at a Simple Price”

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Restored Professional Office Space Furnished Offices, Conference Room. Off Street Parking!

Licensed & Certified Montgomer y County Health Department

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Our Famous Cheesecakes are Served at Dolce Vita Restaurant & Salvi & Friends Pub

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Cheesecakes Made to Order

November

618 Swede Street Norristown, PA

Brenda Shepperd 2828 Audubon Village Drive | Audubon, PA 19403 | Phone: 610-666-0202 ext.280 | Mobile: 610-247-9257

www.BrendaSellsHouses.com

1123 W Thomas Road, Lansdale MLS #5943674

Montgomery County, PA

Pack your bags! This is your chance to own a rancher in Lansdale that has all the major systems upgraded for you. New Windows, New Plumbing, New Electric, New Heat and Central Air. Enter this home into the Living Room with a Stone Fireplace and lots of natural light from the beautiful Bow Window. This home also boasts an Eat in Kitchen with a tile ﬂoor and knotty pine cabinets, a family room with sliders to the screened porch which opens to the level yard just screaming for a backyard barbecue. The laundry room is conveniently located off the family room. There are 3 Bedrooms, one with full bath with own outside entrance. The master bedroom has ample closet space and half bath. A Full Hall bath completes this wonderful one ﬂoor home.

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$270,000

205 Zieglerville Road, Schwenksville MLS #5893965 $188,000 This is one worth checking out! 3 Bedroom Brick Townhome in excellent condition. No Association Fees! Enter to find a spacious and cozy home. Features include tile entry, Dining Area and full Kitchen with all appliances included & New Countertops. Living Room with fireplace and wood floors that opens to the deck and massive fenced yard plus a powder room and Laundry area on the main level. Upstairs boasts a Master Bedroom with new closet and master bath with Jacuzzi jetted tub and custom tile work. 2 additional Bedrooms and hall bath finish this level. The basement is nearly finished…Just needs a ceiling. New heater 09,new electric, fresh paint & new carpet.

Full Service, Anxiety-Free Real Estate

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Transfer of Possession &

How it is Handled When Buying a Home By: Lawrence JT. Reaves

Suppose you buy a home, and have finally cleared escrow. There were numerous snags along the way, and you're glad to have the experience behind you. You are understandably excited to move into your newly-purchased house, and call

Transfer of possession is a common problem between homebuyers and sellers. It can cause enormous frustration for one or both parties. The buyer may be anxious to get started making the home his or her own. The seller may have no other place to live while waiting for her own home purchase to close. These problems can be avoided with a little upfront planning. Let's examine the process of taking possession of a new home. Many home buyers misunderstand how it works, and thus fail to foresee the potential problems. Following are a few tips to help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

the seller to request the keys. Unfortunately, the seller refuses to surrender them, claiming that she is waiting for her own home purchase to clear. She argues that she cannot move out until that happens. Is she within her rights?

sometimes, a later date is used as a condition of the transaction.

other potential buyers, has little choice but to accept these terms.

For example, the contract may specify that the seller has the right to remain in the home for three days following the transfer of title. If the home buyer is unaware of this condition, and expects to move in on the day of closing, he may fail to make other living arrangements.

Avoiding Potential Problems

The most important thing to remember is that possession may not be transferred on the same date title of the home transfers. Confusion in this area can lead to serious problems.

Thus far, we have discussed the transfer of possession as occasionally occurring after the title transfers. But it's worth pointing out that this happens more commonly during a seller's market. When there are several potential home buyers vying for the same property, the seller can essentially dictate the conditions of the sale. Because many of them are waiting to gain possession of other houses, they often specify a date several days after the title transfer.

The real estate contract should specify a particular date on which the seller is expected to surrender the keys of the house to the buyer. As noted, this date is usually the same as the date on which title is transferred to the buyer. But

During a buyer's market, the buyer can usually move in on the date of closing. The seller, lacking

When you buy a home, make sure you are aware of the date on which you can take possession of it. The date should be included in the contract. If you do not see it, insist that it is added. (Isnare) Author Lawrence JT. Reaves invites readers to check out real estate deals available from ValleyFarmsandLand.com www.Life and Homes .com

L i f e and H o m e s

One of the most common misconceptions about transfer of possession is that it always occurs on the date of closing. The buyer believes he can begin moving into the home immediately after its title is conveyed to him from the seller. While this is normally the case, it is not so for every situation.

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Possession Based On The Strength Of The Market

On the surface, this seems to present no problems since the seller does not occupy the home. However, keep in mind that real estate transactions can collapse at the last minute. If the purchase of the home is derailed, the seller may have difficulty evicting the buyer. For this reason, real estate experts strongly caution sellers against giving early possession to buyers.

November

Is Possession Transferred When The Deed Is Signed?

There are situations with regard to possession that can become problematic, even though they stem from good intentions. For example, suppose a seller has moved prior to closing the sale on his previous house. In other words, he no longer occupies it. Rather than making the buyer wait to move in until the date of closing, the seller agrees to let them do so early.

Montgomery County, PA â&#x2013;

L i f e and H o m e s

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Open Market Listing Service™ Lansdale

LifeandHomes.com

$270,000

Phoenixville

$144,900

1123 Thomas Road

131 Prospect St #104

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Brenda Shepperd • 610-247-9257

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

Century 21 Alliance-Audubon Agent • c21brenda@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #120768

Norristown

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119331

$140,000

Phoenixville

$144,900

1501 Dekalb Street

131 Prospect St #101

2 – one bedroom apartments

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Mary Beth Van Trieste • 610-805-0119

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

Century 21 Alliance-Audubon Agent • c21marybeth@aol.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119336

Norristown

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119332

$175,000

Phoenixville

$174,900

24 S Trooper Rd

416 Heckle St

Commercial Opportunity

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths

Mary Beth Van Trieste • 610-805-0119

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

Century 21 Alliance-Audubon Agent • c21marybeth@aol.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119337

Norristown

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #42369

$300,000

Phoenixville

$142,900

133 Glenn Oak Rd

133 Prospect St #207

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Mary Beth Van Trieste • 610-805-0119

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

Century 21 Alliance-Audubon Agent • c21marybeth@aol.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119339

Phoenixville

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119333

$144,900

Phoenixville

$129,900

131 Prospect St #103

37 Franklin Ave

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119330

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #42372

November ■

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L i f e and H o m e s

Room Redo's for or Less $

100

Only on TV would a redecorating budget of a couple thousand dollars be considered "shoestring." In the real world, most of us have a lot less than that to spend on redoing a room. Fortunately, it's possible to completely change the look of any room in the house for as little as $100. All you need to do is focus on the design elements that will deliver the most impact for the least cost. Here's a room-by-room guide for redos that cost $100 - or even less. A fresh coat of paint is an essential foundation for virtually any room makeover. One gallon will cover most rooms, meaning you can get a good start on your redesign for around $25 even less if you luck out and find a deal. Decluttering is also another way to give a room a fresh look. Whether it's your living room, kitchen or a child's room, removing excess items like papers and toys can make the room feel open and orderly.

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Montgomery County, PA

Dining Room Your table and chairs are the centerpiece of your dining room. While a new set might not be in the budget, you can easily dress up your old one. Replacing old fabric on dining chair seat cushions can give the set a whole new look. Depending on the fabric color and style you choose, you can create looks that range from modern to traditional. Top off the table with a decorative runner in a complimentary pattern and you've redone your dining room for less than $100.

Living Room Accessories are the way to achieve a big impact

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for not much money in the living room. Replace old throw pillows with new, brightly patterned ones. Switch out wall decor with new pieces. Cover up worn wooden floors or shabby carpeting with an elegant area rug. It's possible to change several accessories and still bring your costs in under the $100 mark.

Kids Room If your youngster is ready for a new look in his room, rip down that teddy bear border, let him pick a paint color and consider dressing up one wall of the room with a mural. You can find plenty of kids murals for less than $100 online at websites like DecorPlace.com. Whether he likes a solar system theme or she wants a princess canopy, a wall mural can make redoing a children's room fast and easy.

Bathroom Get rid of that old, moldy shower curtain. To create a designer look for not much dough, hang a simple, functional vinyl curtain on existing shower rod, then place a pressure rod just outside it. Add attractive, floor-length curtains from the local discount store; they'll cost a lot less than comparable versions made for bathroom use.

Ditch worn, ratty old towels with a matching set of new ones in an appealing pattern or color. Finish up by adding a decorative frame around the existing vanity mirror.

Kitchen It's easy to spend a bundle on a kitchen rehab, but it's just as easy to make small changes that have a big impact. Rather than sinking a lot of money into changing countertops or cabinets, consider simple upgrades like new cabinet hardware, a new kitchen faucet and a new light fixture. You can also use a wall mural in the kitchen to dress it up. Whether you're looking for a rustic theme that would fit with Italian murals or a nature scape that turns a blank wall into a view on another world, you can find a wall mural to fit virtually every decorating theme for as little as $60. You don't need the budget of a TV home improvement show to make high-impact, appealing changes to your home. You just need $100 and some ingenuity. (ARA)

Mary Beth Van Trieste 610-805-0119

theredhead@century21.com asktheredhead.net

2828 Audubon Village Dr Audubon, PA 19403-2262 ALLIANCE

610-666-0202

Norristown

$140,000

Norristown

$175,000

Trooper

$225,000

Norristown

$300,000

This is a mixed use property - 2 apartments, each 1 bedroom with kitchen, dining room and living room and both currentlky rented. Bottom floor is an office. Off street parking, basement for storage, central air,. Seller is MOTIVATED. QSN # 119336

WOW - talk about pride of ownership! This lovingly maintained home is an absolute move in condition. Upper level - large master and 2 ample sized bedroom with matching drapes yes, they are staying. QSN # 119338

Zoned Light Commercial (call agent for information) many businesses allowed. Great lot, terrific location and the garage is perfect for storing many things, including large trucks. Being sold “as is”. QSN # 119337

Are you looking for new construction without the price tag? This is it - total rehab this year. NEW kitchen, oak cabinets and granite counters, NEW appliances. NEW Red Oak hardwood flooring in Living room and dining room. QSN # 119339

Sound

Legal Advice

Mark ryan Attorney at Law www.Life and Homes .com

L i f e and H o m e s

610.277.4868

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621 Swede St, Norristown, PA

November

• General Civic Practice with Concentration on - Real Estate - Estate Planning and Administration • Approved Attorney for Conestoga Title Insurance • Serving Montgomery & Chester County Communities for over 30 Years

Handling Everything From

Blue Ocean

Beach to Bay

Realty

(609) 522-4400 • (609) 522-9412

North Wildwood $349,000

North Wildwood $239,900

Wildwood

WATERFRONT LOT located Otten’s Canal. The lot is suitable for the construction of a single family home. QSN# 70471

This beach block condo located in North Wildwood is just steps away from the beach and boards. QSN# 119340

This beautifully decorated condo is located

N. Wildwood

$215,000

Enjoy the ocean views from this cozy two bedroom, one and a half bath condo located in the Anglesea area of North Wildwood.

Montgomery County, PA

QSN# 119342

N. Wildwood

$499,000

This condo consists of two bedrooms, one full bath, living room, dining area and galley kitchen. QSN# 119343

$220,000

in Wildwood and is in walking distance to the beach and boardwalk.

QSN# 119341

N. Wildwood

$115,000

Golden Tiara Condominiums are located just two short blocks to the beach and boardwalk in North Wildwood. QSN# 119344

Colleen Wilson Broker Associate

Cell: (609) 602-2008 Email: colleen-wilson@comcast.net

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L i f e and H o m e s

4701 New Jersey Ave Wildwood, NJ 08260

www.BlueOceanRealty.com www.FromBeachToBay.net For more information on any of these homes, go to www.LifeandHomes.com and type QSN # in the search box. 14

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Open Market Listing Service™ Phoenixville

LifeandHomes.com

$299,900

Phoenixville

$147,900

411 Franklin Ave

133 Prospect St #201

3 Bedrooms / 3.0 Baths

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119322

Phoenixville

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119327

$178,500

Phoenixville

$147,900

118 Hasson Rd

133 Prospect St #203

3 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119323

Phoenixville

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119328

$147,900

Phoenixville

$147,900

133 Prospect St #202

133 Prospect St #205

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119325

Phoenixville

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119329

$154,900

Schwenksville

$190,000

131 Prospect St #105

205 Zieglerville Rd

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 2.5 Baths

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

Brenda Shepperd • 610-247-9257

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119324

Phoenixville

Century 21 Alliance-Audubon Agent • c21brenda@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #79909

$147,900

Trooper

$225,000

133 Prospect St #204

127 Colonial Ave

1 Bedrooms / 1.0 Baths

3 Bedrooms / 1.5 Baths

Michael Brango • 610-935-3200

Mary Beth Van Trieste • 610-805-0119

RE/MAX Main Line-Phoenixville Realtor • mbrango@gmail.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119326

Century 21 Alliance-Audubon Agent • c21marybeth@aol.com

Visit www.LifeandHomes.com Type in Quick Search #119338

November ■

www.Life and Homes .com

L i f e and H o m e s

LAW OFFICES OF

PAUL J. STACOM P: 267-496-0358 • F: 610-277-2512 • E: Stacomlaw@aol.com www.DivorceinPennsylvania.com • www.PhiladelphiaAccidentLawyer.net

Free Initial Consultation • Divorce • Property Division • Alimony • Child Support • Child Custody • Protection from Abuse

• Automobile accidents • Slip and Falls • Wills • Power of Attorney • Living Wills

L i f e and H o m e s

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Montgomery County, PA

6 Office Locations: Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, Exton, King Of Prussia, Plymouth Meeting And Radnor

We b r i n g p e o p l e a n d h o m e s t o g e t h e r .

5 S. Boro Line Road, Brid

Suburbia Seafood H S E E R F FOO ST SEA

135 S. Boro Line Road, Bridgeport, PA 19406

(610) 265-7426

AROUND

Store Hours: Monday – Closed Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday ~ 9am – 6pm Friday ~ 9am - 7pm Saturday ~ 9am - 6pm Sunday ~ 10am – 3pm

Exceeding Your Expectations

www.Life and Homes .com

L i f e and H o m e s

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gordy@gm-electric.net

November

484-571-4088 (P) 610-454-0493 (F)

• 24 Hour Emergency Service • Commercial/Residential • Tenant Fit Outs • Retail Stores/Service • Pole Lighting Service • Tennant Improvements

Ask the expert Looking for Answers to Your Home Related Questions? Search no further! Consider Your Local Business Expert! Electrical G & M ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION, LLC 484-571-4088 Commercial/Residential Exceeding Your Member Since 02/11

Expectations! 24 Hour Emergency Service / Commercial/Residential / Tenant Fit Outs / Retail Stores/Service / Pole Lighting Service / Tennant Improvements. gordy@gm-electric.net

Exterior Finishing

Pools

EARL HARRISON CARPETS 610-996-2589 Serving Southeast Pennsylvania and the Tri-State 610-275-7280 areas. We supply expert installation of carpet and Member Since 01/11

Landscaping

Member Since 01/11

areas we have been in the Property Maintenance & Landscaping business for over 20 years and we know lawns. A quick phone call will set us up to give you an on-site estimate and schedule for your home’s needs.

Pets

analysis, summerize, parts, pumps, pool renovations, games, ﬁlters, chemicals, covers.

DAVID / RANDALL ASSOCIATES INC 215-256-7950 Enhancing commercial roofs for over 20 years 1-800-799-ROOF through extraordinary performance. Licensed Member Since 01/11

Installation & Service Applicator of major roofing systems. 24/7 Emergency service. Roof Inspection Service. GREEN Applications. OSHA Approved.

Advertise

H&H SYSTEMS INC 610-495-5688 Fire Protection * Security * Access Control * CCTV

DOGGIE DOOERS 610-326-9835 Dog waste removal service.

Member Since 01/11

Backflow Preventers, Building Fire Alarm, Camera & Surveillance, CO2 Systems, Fm-200 Systems, Gate/ Parking Solutions, Nicet Certified, Pre-Engineered Systems, Put Muscle In Your Fire Protection.

Member Since 01/11

Roofing

LONESOME J’S LANDSCAPING 610-721-3469 Serving the Montgomery County and nearby

cializing in Stucco Walls with fine detail and design. We are also experts with stone walls and facing. Call today for all your new design needs as well as restorations and renovations!

SPLASH-A-WAY POOLS Pool Maintenance & Supplies ; Winterize, water 610 489 6040

floors and are certified in CFI and Karastan flooring. For all of your Residential and Commercial needs give us a call today for a quick on-site estimate!

MCBRIDE PLASTERING 610-656-7187 Serving the Delaware Valley area since 1998. Spe-

Fire Protection

Montgomery County, PA

Flooring

LIFEANDHOMES™ 610-337-3260 To advertise your business in this space and be a part of Montgomery County’s ever growing Home Service Network, give us a call and join the LifeandHomes™ community!

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Affordable Advertising LifeandHomes Media ™

Print • Online • Radio • Video Channel

Call Al Fox

610.337.3260 • www.LifeandHomes.com 18

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McBride Plastering Making Your Exterior Beautiful

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Serving the Delaware Valley since 1998

610-656-7187

www.Life and Homes .com

L i f e and H o m e s

McBride Plastering Inc. Stucco & Plastering

November

• New Construction • Reface/Restore older stucco home renovations and additions • More than 26 years experience in the business • Fully licensed & insured

Montgomery County, PA â&#x2013;

L i f e and H o m e s

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