Check back often for the latest and greatest in Southern Chester County and Northern Delaware! Providing a glimpse into the world of real estate by pulling back the curtains on interesting and sometimes wildly exciting things happening in the home buying and selling process right in your backyard, and sharing great home tips we’ve learned along the way.

July 2020        

What Will Homes Look Like In A Post-pandemic World? A lot has changed in just a few months, and for many that includes the idea of what a 'dream home' looks like. Not long ago, buyers were showing preference toward smaller homes and open concept spaces conducive to gathering. After a few months cooped up inside, those features don't seem so appealing - and developers have taken note.

"While the coronavirus still rages on, it's hard to predict what post-pandemic abodes might look like," according to Barrons. "Yet, developers around the U.S. are already rethinking projects, anticipating residents' needs and preferences that Covid-19 would spur. In doing so, they are re-evaluating current in-unit aesthetics and in-demand amenities."

Here are just a few areas of home design where trends may shift in the coming years:

Home size
Homes had been trending smaller, but that may be over. With so many families spending (way) more time around the home lately,
there's never been more need for personal space. Expect homes to grow in size accordingly.

Prioritizing the home office
As more and more businesses relax work-from-home policies, or shift to full-time remote work entirely, the home office will become a
near-essential for many buyers. A space that was once an after-thought now will need to offer privacy, good lighting and be pre
wired for telecommuting.

Return to the closed-floor plan
For some buyers, the appeal of the open-floor plan was already trending down prior to 2020, and the past few months have only
made the reasons why more evident. Sharing more time and space at home demands privacy for school work, hobbies, and
entertainment. With more meals being cooked at home, an open concept kitchen becomes noisy epicenter practically all day long.
Builders expect a rise in demand for closed floor plans, where rooms are partitioned for purpose.

Smart technology
This is already one of the fastest growing trends in home design, but smart home technology will soon move from a 'plus' to a 'must'.
Temperature and lighting control can now be voice or motion-activated. Touchless faucets, once thought superfluous, are now an
inexpensive and health-conscious upgrade. Systems that filter air and monitor air quality will become more common and affordable.

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August 2019

With End of Summer Near, We're Recommending Our Favorite Local Restaurants with Outdoor Seating

1. Portabello's, Kennett Square, PA
2. The Farmhouse @ Loch Nairn Golf Club, Toughkenamon, PA
3. Twelves, West Grove, PA
4. Sovana Bistro, Unionville, PA
5. Antica, Chadds Ford, PA
6. Caffee Gelato, Newark, DE
7. Pizza by Elizabeth's, Greenville, DE
8. Hearth Kitchen, Kennett Square, PA

Smart Ways to Save on Your Bathroom Renovation

Looking to liven up your bathroom? Better set aside some big bucks. According to HomeAdvisor, "The average bathroom remodel costs $10,354." Don't panic, you can still get a fresh, new look at a fraction of the cost, with these money-saving tips and tricks.

Keep the same layout
You might want to chuck it all and start over with a completely new layout, but the cost of moving water lines could push your budget into no-man's land. According to HGTV's Scott McGillivray, "Moving the tub, vanity, or toilet will cost about $2,500 each."

Do your own tilework
Is the DIY spirit calling to you? Tiling your own bathroom floor and shower can be satisfying—and money-saving. Be sure to watch a tutorial or two first. It's also a good idea to practice your technique on a piece of MDF with inexpensive tile before jumping in.

If you are springing for professional installation, keep in mind that large-scale tile will provide savings.

Go garage sale-ing
Yes, you can find some great accessories at garage sales, Craigslist or Nextdoor, but keep your eye out for larger pieces, too. An old dresser can easily be turned into a vanity. Not only will this save you money, it will also bring character into the space.

Resurface
"An old tub or shower will surely show signs of aging eventually, but before you swap things out for new, which can cost a pretty penny, consider resurfacing," said Family Handyman. "Your tub or shower can be professionally resurfaced for much cheaper than buying new."

Look for leftovers
Stone yards, tile shops, contractors—they may all have leftovers you can purchase or even have. That countertop remnant could work perfectly on top of that vanity you have your eye on, and save you enough money to buy it!

~ Kellie Caldwell
kellie.caldwell@cbpref.com

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May 2019

Hey PA and DE Homeowners: Want to Add Tons of Resale Value to Your Home?

It goes without saying that a major makeover of the heart of the home—the kitchen— can significantly increase your home value. But that’s a project that requires significant time, planning and financial investment. It’s not a project for the faint of heart. So we’ve focused this issue of our #TeamCaldwell blog on helping you work smarter, not harder, by committing to more simple and less resource-intensive projects that can seriously make all the difference when you go to sell your home.

So whether you’re considering selling in the near term or not, these upgrades and updates can help you maximize enjoyment of your current home or boost the value of your home when you go to list this Spring or Summer.

5 Affordable Upgrades

1. Updated Appliances – Very few buyers want the headache of moving their dishwasher, fridge, washer, dryer, or other appliances. They want a kitchen and laundry room that’s move-in ready...no lifting, hook-up or installation necessary! Unfortunately, your old set of outdated appliances from the 1960s (insert sarcasm), might not sway a buyer to purchase your home. Many buyers look for newer, clean, appealing appliances that are in good working condition. If your appliances are out-of-date, consider replacing them with newer, stainless steel models. These have a more high-tech, modern look, and could definitely nudge the needle when it comes to swaying buyers to invest in your home.

2. Storage/Mudroom – Lots of storage space is on just about every buyer’s must have list, so adding additional storage wherever you can is always a plus. The most desired option in our home tours and one of the industry’s hottest trends is the mudroom – give buyers and their kiddos a storage-filled place to put their shoes, backpacks, jackets, keys, and other essentials when they come in the house each day. Cubbies and lockers are all the rage! If you don’t have an extra room to create a mudroom near the garage, you can simply install a mudroom unit in your entryway, foyer or laundry room – something with seating and storage (think Wayfair, Costco, Overstock.com). If a mudroom just isn’t possible in your home, consider adding storage elsewhere. Put extra shelves in your cabinets, install closet systems, or add extra cabinetry in your basement or garage. We particularly love this set-up at a home for sale at 43 Allsmeer Dr, West Grove, PA:

3. Fences—Fences are a fantastic investment -- especially when you consider that homes without fences are typically priced significantly lower than their fenced-in neighbors. But style matters! A chain-link fence is generally passed over by buyers, and some towns have even offered to pay homeowners to get rid of them. Instead, look for natural materials like cedar to help define your space, which adds curb appeal. Or dark iron which brings a modern look to the yard. Sometimes, even just replacing a few pickets or giving your existing fence a new stain can do the trick!

4. Kitchen and Bathroom Hardware- Should you replace builder installed brass doorknobs and kitchen cabinetry hardware? YES! YES! YES! First impressions are so important. If you have a dated door knob on the front door, replace it! Don’t give it a second thought. No matter the age of your home, you should keep up with the times by investing a few hundred dollars and several hours with an electric screwdriver to make the knob switch. It’s an easy DIY job. If you can only afford to do one floor, do the main floor, then the second floor, and the basement last. If you can only afford to replace one door knob and the front door needs replacing, do that one. Make sure however, that the finish for the door knob is the same type of finish for the doorbell, light and mailbox.

5. HVAC Upgrades – Any upgrade to the HVAC system (including the ductwork or insulation) is a good move – especially if you live in a particularly hot or cold area. No one wants to pay a ton for utility costs, and a new AC unit, upgraded ducting or even just new weather stripping around the doors can help reduce these expenses and make your home more appealing to a larger pool of buyers. Make sure your realtor lists these upgrades on your MLS listing so potential buyers know about it from the start!

…. So forget overhauling your kitchen for $30k+. You don’t have to break the bank to upgrade or increase the value of your home. These simple and affordable projects can actually increase your property value significantly, making it easier to sell and potentially more profitable in the long run.

~ Kellie Caldwell
#TeamCaldwellRealEstate

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January 2018

It’s launch time. #teamcaldwell

Just those three words evoke tremendous excitement and drive that have been building inside me for so many years. I’ve always loved every aspect of home building, buying, selling, and decorating, even as a young girl, and I’ve experienced each aspect working with realtors through six moves in three states (PA, MA, DE), but years ago I never dreamed of a situation in which I might be able to apply that passionate spirit to a career. Yet here we are….

You see, my career thus far has been heavily embedded in the biotech/pharmaceutical industry. 20+ years learning and growing with some of the most impressive PR & Marketing leaders who have made such a tremendous impact on who I’ve become— many of whom I feel forever indebted to. While my strong desire to help others in need (most recently in oncology PR) has been a constant, the intense time commitment typically required in this industry cannot be understated. Which is why when my request to “pull back my hours to focus on a long-held passion of mine” (aka real estate) was granted, the floodgate of grateful emotion ensued.

I’d made it to a point in my career where my superiors were less concerned about the maximum number of hours I’m able to commit and much more concerned about the quality of work that they know I deliver. So they freed me up a bit to pursue both passions!

I love the work I do in oncology PR. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to launch, market and communicate about new medicines that provide men and women facing cancer with a new lease on life? Or an opportunity to meet those patients face-to-face and better understand their needs? It’s a terrible disease that stops patients and families in their tracks, dividing the typical life journey into “before cancer” and “after cancer.” Helping people fight this disease is what has maintained my interest in pharma PR for so many years.

But after 20 years, I knew it was time to diversify, to open myself to learning new things by pursuing my long-held interest in real estate. Because if you’re not changing you’re not growing… and boy am I blessed to be able to merge passion and career in another industry that seriously lights my fire!

Making Game-Changing Moves…
Almost five years ago, I watched my husband say goodbye to corporate sales and helloooo to real estate. A bold move in anyone’s book, moving from many corporate comforts that self-employment does not offer, with a six and eight year old daughter at home. I was nervous and excited for him, and quite frankly, envious that he was able to pursue a career that was definitely hard work but that was really closely aligned with his and my own personal interests. I became his biggest fan and our evenings were filled with discussions about upcoming listings, comps, which type of stucco was considered good vs. bad, and best of all combing through all of the new listings to try to match buyers with their dream homes. I was hooked.

Since then, our conversations have evolved to much more and I can often be found asking Tom a million questions about the contract process, and making unsolicited suggestions about price points and ways to improve curb appeal. Tom has even tried to get me up to speed on septic systems—which is when I shut down and say “It’s cool. You can keep that knowledge. All you!” But how lucky that I keep learning from an expert in my own home! (Who indeed has the patience of a saint).

Window into Kel’s World…
For those who have met me – you know I’m a fast mover- even when it comes to walking down the street. My friends will tell you that I thrive on taking immediate action when things need to be done and I won’t stop until goals are achieved. When I commit to something, I spend every available moment of time ensuring that things go smoothly, anticipating all possible scenarios, and playing out appropriate ways to manage those scenarios.

Tom is my only saving grace on some days, as he tries to inject some calm and humor into the rapid-moving world of Kel, often forcing me to take breaks. For years, he’s even comedically dubbed our family calendar the “KEL-ander.” These complementary dynamics are just a few of many reasons why I’m confident we’ll make a killer team. Maybe my pace and drive comes from my crisis management or large-scale event planning days, or maybe I’m just made that way (thanks Mom & Dad—“Type A” all the way!). Regardless, I look forward with great excitement to helping even more friends, colleagues and even strangers find the home of their dreams – and this time no longer from behind the scenes, instead, from the front row seat!

~ Kellie

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