Neil, It's a great time to buy in Gilbertsville. In the past couple of years, there has been an over-abundance of new construction in this township, and along with the economic situation prices in this area dropped even further. Statistically, the Gilbertsville area has held it's value much better than the Coatesville area. I have represented both buyers and sellers in Gilbertsville, New Hanover Township. Within the last 6 months, I have sold one listing and represented two buyers purchasing homes in this township. I would be happy to meet with you, and discuss your options. Talk to you soon. Ed Carboy

Hi Neil. Congrats on your new home search -- you've chosen a GREAT time to buy!

I went to Boyertown Schools so I am intimately familiar with the Gilbertsville area (which is a part of the Boyertown Area School District). I am also familiar with Coatesville and I can tell you that Gilbertsville is, without a doubt, a better investment. While Coatesville may be thought to be up and coming, the greater Gilbertsville area is stable and has seen consistent growth -- and is in a GOOD school district! This is VERY important for resale.

I don't know where you are in the homebuying process, but if you haven't already done so, I would HIGHLY recommend that you hire a buyer's agent to represent YOUR interest. Please understand that the person sitting in the new home construction site or model home represents the BUILDER -- NOT YOU!

And when you're about to purchase your most expensive asset in your life, you truly need someone looking out for YOUR best interests. In particular, with new home construction, builders often have important clauses that impact YOUR rights (for example, delivery date loopholes, etc.). As a result, you need someone who is familiar with contracts as well as negotiation in order to best protect your interests. (Before entering real estate, I practiced law for nearly ten years, which affords me great experience with contracts -- both negotiating them beforehand as well as litigating them following a dispute. With this experience, I can see the possible problems and negotiate to AVOID them for you)

If you haven't yet hired a Realtor, I recommend that you interview 2-3 of them and really "grill 'em"...ask them hard questions: what is your experience negotiating contracts? why should I hire you instead of someone else? how does this homebuying process work? how often will we communicate, etc.

Then, when the interviews are over, choose the Realtor you like and trust the most. You will be spending quite a bit of time with this person so you need to "click" and you also need someone who is looking out for YOU!

With that said, I would apprecaite the opportunity to EARN your business. If you'd like to chat by phone or schedule an in -person meeting, feel free to call me direct on my cell at (610) 324-5240. You can also learn more about me and the experience I offer my clients at my website at http://www.JudysFineHomes.com.

Good luck to you, Neil!

Warmly,
Judy

Judy May, Esquire, REALTOR
"A Refreshingly Different Real Estate Experience" http://www.JudysFineHomes.com http://www.CollegevilleAreaHomes.com
judy@JudysFineHomes.com

CENTURY 21 Alliance
2828 Audubon Village Drive
Audubon PA 19403
O: 610.666.0202 x. 226

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Neil
Gilbertsville area is a great area with a great school system!! You can get a lot of house for you money here. There are a lot of new communities as other real estate agents have told you, but their are a lot of great homes that are for sale that are just like new construction, but have all the upgrades and move in ready and no need to paint because its all done for you with neutral colors and finished basements. I have a great home for sale that I just listed in Gilbertsville in the Summer HIll Development which has 145 homes. Great friendly neighborhood. Give me a call if you would like more info on this!! My email is lisalester@remax.net or my direct line is 610-489-1076!! I look forward to hearing from you!!! It's a good life!!

Lisa Lester

Neil,
I just had clients sign contracts this past weekend in a beautiful development in Gilbertsville-Fairbrook. The builders are Rouse Chamberlain; an award winning company. There are several different communities in the Gilbertsville areas. This is a gorgeous country area that allows very easy access to Rt. 422, the turnpike, the Schuyllkill expressway. I've lived in the area all of my life as does most of my family! Depending on where you are commuting to- Gilbertsville could be the perfect answer for you. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have...feel free to email me or give me a call!

Neil - There are several new devopments that continue to come up in the Gilbertsville area. I myself just sold a home in the area last month. If you like to golf, there is a new development, there a close knit developments, some are more spread out. The area is certainly becoming more attractive to both buyers and sellers.

At this point, Gilbertsville, is growing and there are plenty of new homes to choose from. New home builders are offering various incentives to help get these homes sold. I believe that some of the deals out here will be great investments looking at how real estate has always rebounded. Looking at things from only an investment standpoint- the buyers in the first phase of a development typically will ge the better prices, as long as you are not caught in a shifting market. I have sold homes in Gilbertsville, and presently have a listing minutes from New Hanover. Take a look on my website.

Neil, I live and provide real estate services in the Gilbertsville area. There are several new townhome and single family home communities that would be a great investment. There are a few shopping centers also in the planning as well. If you would like more info give us a call...

Neil:
The value of the home should be considered from a few standpoints. One of course is community growth, another is tax base and cost factors of the property with taxes/mortgage and insurance, etc. You should also consider how you live your life, where you socialize, travel to on a regular basis and factor that into your decision. Both areas you mentioned offer similar homes. Gilberstville is closer to some areas that have grown quickly in the past few years. While Coatesville offers good proximity to the Lancaster and West Chester areas. Feel free to contact me if you want some more information.
Regards,
Ron Woytowich