Hi Manish. It's been some time since my last post in answer to your question. Just thought I'd check in to see if you have any other questions re: the Collegeville area.

I look forward to the opportunity to assist you with your real estate needs.....(By the way, I'm sponsoring a FREE First-Time Homebuyer Seminar on February 19th.....great information for anyone interested in learning more about the homebuying process. To find out more, call me at 610.324.5240 or visit the Upcoming Events page of my website at: http://www.JudysFineHomes.com/meet/events.htm.)

Good luck!!:)

Warmly,
Judy

Manish, there ARE actually quite a bit of new things going on around Collegeville. For one thing, there is a new luxury shopping center being built (with completion slated for the Spring, I believe) called Providence Town Center (you can read more about this at http://mainlineandbeyond.com/2007/03/13/providence-town-cent… (although this site is a bit outdated:)

Also there is likely to be stability in the Collegeville market as a result of all of the pharmaceutical companies having their headquarters there.

As for SEPTA, there had been talk of bringing a line into Phoenixville -- which as you know is a skip, hop and a jump from you in Oaks.....and not much further from Collegeville! I don't know where those plans stand but that's something we could look into further.

That's all I can think of for now. Like I said, I LOVE Collegeville.......it would be my pleasure to talk to you in further detail. Just give me a call at 610.324.5240 or email me at judy@JudysFineHomes.com. I look forward to meeting you.

Warmly,
Judy

Hello, Manish,

No, I don't know of any big proposals right now. Things could change, however, in the future - one never knows. Back in the early-mid 90's, when lots of new construction was happening around Royersford, Limerick, etc., it was thought that many major corporations would locate along that 422 corridor. It has been a big disappointment, which is why values out there have not skyrocketed as it was thought that they would.

Collegeville is a great place because you get a lot of house for your $$. If you purchased the same home in the Wissahickon or Upper Dublin school districts, it would could considerably more. The trade-off is that you are further from the metropolis of downtown Philadelphia, but are closer to other smaller, but desirable venues, such as Wayne, K of P, etc. If you don't mind the commute and want good schools, then the Collegeville area will give you a really nice home for the amount that you want to spend. That $300-400 would be buying you a much smaller, much older home in the suburban areas closer to Phila.

Let me know if there is any other information that I can get for you. My cell phone is always my best point of contact at 215-643-9661; email at carol.cei@prufoxroach.com

Thanks for the answers, I will surely contact one of you once I finalise things from my side. As of now my biggest concern and question that still is unanswered is why collegeville ?
If I do it because of Methacton school district I should then be looking for Eagleville which is closer to norristown station but most of the properties are 10+ yrs old. And the prices are more stable, not growing too much I think.
But why would one rate collegeville over Eargleville

Is there some new development happening in this area which might boost up the price in near future.
Is there a plan for Septa to expand upto collegeville which might give raise to property prices.
Or Are there new offices or malls comming in this area which may increase the price.

Reasons like growing springford schoold district, proximity to KOP Mall and Proximity to Wayne Business centre have already given a good rise to the prices in this area and might not further boost the prices. But if there is something that is planned in near future which might give a boost would surely help in making a decission.

Thanks
Manish

Manish, thank you for giving me all of the details. Did you know that there are three school districts which are in the area known as Collegeville? Here is a link that might be helpful: http://www.greatschools.net/city/Collegeville/PA

If you are commuting to Phila., I think that the simplest route would be the train from Norristown. That would mean that you might want to be in Methacton School District or maybe Perkiomen Valley. The geographical location of Spring Ford puts it further west and complicates your commute.

There are so many home choices in this area - old, new, newer, townhome, detached, etc. If you think you are going to be needed a 4 bedroom soon then it might be good to choose that from the beginning. Your price range certainly allows for a nice-sized single detached with 4 BR and 2.5 baths. It will be up to what is your personal choice.

If you need someone to work with I would hope that you would consider contacting me. I am a certified appraiser, and can, therefore, certainly help you arrive at determining a very competitive purchase price when you are ready to write your offer. I have also had finance experience and will help you find the lender with the most reliable reputation, best terms and rate, etc. These are all things that go into making your home purchase experience a smooth and memorable one.

You can reach me directly on my cell phone at 215-643-9661 or email me at carol.cei@prufoxroach.com

Let's work together to get you the best home in the best location for the best price!

Hello Manish. I work and live in Collegeville and I LOVE it! It's a wonderful place to raise a family (in particular, Methacton School District is phenomenal and ranks high nationally). You're right in that this particular market has not been "hit" significantly by the recent downturn in the market. All of this means that Collegeville IS a smart investment -- even if you plan on staying in your home for 4 years or so.

My husband worked in Center City Philadelphia for years and commuted from the Norristown station and, at times, the Strafford station -- in either case, a do-able commute.

If you are not yet working with an agent, it would be my pleasure to email you properties that fit you criteria and show you the homes that best fit your needs.

I encourage you to view my website at http://www.JudysFineHomes.com for information on me, listings as well as to request free Special Reports for Buyers. I'd love to talk with you; my cell is 610.324.5240. Good luck!:)

Thanks .... Here are some more details
1. I am looking for a good school district not bcos my kid needs to go to school now but just bcos it is easy to resale the house quickly if its a good SD. Overall I mean the location should be good for resale.
2. Yes public transit is important I travel to philly daily so will need it. Also it will help me in case I plan to resale the house in future.
3. Am in between Single Family and Townhouse, actually at present I need 3 bedrooms but I know in future I will need 4 so why not get it at today's price. But overall I care about a good deal if I get a good deal in Single family I will take that. For townhouse I will prefer 3 bedroom with an office (or a small den) and if possible a backyard.
4. Price range is wide and depends on if its a townhome or singlefamily (200000 to 400000)

As of now am thinking I might have to sell this house after approx 4 yrs if I want to go back to my country or change my job, and hence I need to be very carefull abt the resale value and how easily its salable.

Hi, Manish,

Collegeville is a great area, however, there are other things to consider which you haven't included in your question:
1. Is public transit important
2. Single, condo or townhome
3. Price range

If you would share that info, I could be more specific with suggestions. Also, would you like some real good data re: home sale prices in that area? My company has the only access to TerraDatum. The Federal Reserve Bank contacts us when they want reports. I would be glad to prepare a report for you on Collegeville or any other area in which you have interest. Then you can have actual data on what has gone on with sale prices!

Hi Manish, There are good buys everywhere. You need to work with a buyers agent who can guide you, show you homes and help make an offer. You can look up my web site http://www.gitabantwal.com and look up listings.Call me any time 215-343-8200x124 or 2153431122 home