Fireworks: Centre Square Fire Expo - Celebrating 100 Years of Service

Centre Square Fire Expo - Celebrating 100 Years of Service - October 04, 2013

When: Friday, October 4, 2013

Time: 6pm to 9pm
Location: Wentz Run Park, 1000 Anvil Lane, behind the Whitpain Township Building.

The Centre Square Fire Company is celebrating its 100 years of service! Please join them in celebrating this Friday at the Fire Expo at Wentz Run Park. There will be activities, fire prevention displays and opportunities to meet those that serve the community. This fun filled night will conclude with a display of fireworks at 9pm! Food and drinks will be available as well.

The main parking area will be at the Whitpain Township Building. To accomodate the large amount of people anticipated to attend this event, the township has organized shuttle service from the Montgomery County Community College Cathcart Road lot, Blue Bell. You will be able to park in the lot and then take the bus to and from the fire expo throughout the night.

It's Flu Season Again...Free Flu Shots In Your Area

Free Flu Shots Offered in Montgomery County

I have recently learned from the Health Department that there will be ten places throughout the county offering flu shots for free! If you have not already received your flu shot, take a look at the dates below. Make sure you do so before it's your time for the fever, chills, aches or sore throat.

Click Here For The Link To The Health Department's Announcement 

Site Hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m (Upper Merion Township Builiding: 3-6 p.m)

• Thursday, Oct. 3 - Norristown Public Library, 1001 Powell St., Norristown
• Tuesday, Oct. 8 - Upper Merion Township Building, 175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia
• Thursday, Oct. 10 - Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen
• Saturday, Oct. 12 - Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell
• Saturday, Oct. 19 - Abington Junior High School, 2056 Susquehanna Road, Abington
• Friday, Oct. 25 - Sunnybrook Ballroom, 50 Sunnybrook Road, Pottstown
• Saturday, Nov. 2 - Upper Perkiomen High School, 2 Walt Road, Pennsburg

House Showings - Do's and Dont's

SHowing your house? 

Read below for several dos and don'ts when realtors and their clients visit your house. I have put together some of my recommendations and experiences for consideration during a house showing. You will want your visitors to feel comfortable walking into your home and be able to take a tour as they choose. Following the list below will increase your chances of selling your home. 

Do's:

• Clean Like Crazy
  
• Remove All Clutter
• This will make your house look bigger
• Turn All Lights On
• Have All Residents Leave the House Before Visitors Arrive

• For example, go for a walk or on an errand for the full duration of the showing
• Put Away Most Kitchen Counter Items
• Remove very visible pictures of you and your family

Dont's:

• Forget About Curb Appeal
• This is the first impression that buyers receive when visiting your house
• Sit Outside in Your Car Watching Visitors
• Leave Any Pets in the house, regardless if they are in a cage
• Display Toiletries in Bathrooms - looks like clutter
• Burn Candles - the house should not have any significant smells

Extra Recommendations:

• Hire a Home Stager
• Remove Bulky or Unnecessary Furniture
• Begin to Pack Early - You'll have the clutter out of sight

Montgomery County Community College - Drive-In Movie - Sept. 20

Happy Friday!

Drive-In movie right in your neighborhood! 

Location: MCCC Cathcart Road parking lot, 340   DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

Cost: 5$ per car

Tonight is family night or date night for you at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC). If you are in need of plans for your friday evening, join in on the fun! The featured movie is "Man of Steel" which will begin at dusk this evening. It is an action movie where a young boy learns of his extraordinary powers. His journey allows him to realize where he came from and the reason he is on Earth, meanwhile he has to find a way to save the world! You can even bring your own snacks! Make sure you also remember blankets, as it will get a bit chilly when the sun goes down. Relax, and enjoy the movie and the beautiful night!

Note: If you are a student at MCCC, your admission is free with valid ID!

Fall Renovation Ideas

As the weather is getting colder, you might be churning ideas of fall renovations. See below for three ideas on how to reinvent your kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinets

The newer homes that I have seen have kitchens with a clean simplistic feel. New cabinetry is very pricey. Instead, look for ideas for refinishing or facing your cabinets. You will be able to change the entire look of your kitchen without breaking a budget. 

Stylish Sinks

The trend this fall is to get rid of your double sinks and say hello to deep sinks with one bowl. There are great designs available that will serve as a great focal point in the space. The bigger sizes have benefits of fitting large cooking tools such as roasters and baking sheets. They are also very durable which save you money in the long run. 

Backsplash Tiling

What an interesting way to bring in color to basic kitchen. The tiles are cheaper than you might think and easy to install too! I recently have trimmed my tile backsplash In just a few hours. It makes such a difference.

Tips For Buying Your Dream Home

5 Tips You Will Need To Know Before Buying Your Dream Home!

1. Begin cleaning your Credit History.

Whether a first home buyer or not, chances are a mortgage will be needed to buy the home. The first step in the house hunting process is reviewing copies of credit reports. Make sure the information is correct to avoid problems during the housing transaction.  

2. Make sure you can afford the house.

I tell my clients that a home is affordable for them if the price is around 3 times their annual salary. This seems to have been the buying rule of thumb for years. Remember there are many resources online that can help to pinpoint what is affordable. Remember, realtors are also a great source of advice.

3. Is the house in a good school district? Good idea!

For families with children looking for homes, my advice is to target areas with schooling that has a great reputation. Not only will this benefit your children's education and future, this aspect of a home increases future selling potential and property values.

4. Refrain from buying, if you won't stay.

If you think you've found your dream home, picture yourself in a few years. If you do not think you will be still living there, keep looking. The transactions costs of selling your current house an buying a new one rack up. You and your wallet will be happy to find a home you can remain living in for years. 

5. Professional assistance is a must. 

I am not offering this advice because I am a Real Estate Agent. I believe in this statement. You might be able to obtain from the internet, all the information you need to find a home or sell yours,  however, you will benefit from professionals in this industry. They have vast knowledge of the homes in the areas you are interested in. If they have the ability to get you know you, and have an understanding of your needs, they can keep your best interests at heart.