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Doug & Jill Taylor's Real Estate & Lifestyle Blog

Doug and Jill are documenting what it's like to live, work and play in Chester County, PA through their podcast The Doug and Jill Show. Contact the Taylor Experience for any of your real estate needs.

March 28, 2023

New West Chester Homes for Sale in 2023

If you're looking for a new place to call home in 2023, West Chester is the perfect place to start your search. This vibrant and charming town in southeastern Pennsylvania has it all: great schools, a thriving business community, and a rich history that's just waiting to be explored. And with a range of new homes for sale in West Chester, now is the perfect time to make your move.

What to Expect from New West Chester Homes

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned real estate investor, you'll find plenty of options to choose from in the West Chester housing market. New homes in the area come in a variety of styles, from modern and contemporary to classic and traditional. And with a range of floor plans and features available, you're sure to find a home that fits your unique needs and preferences.

Some of the most popular features in new West Chester homes include:

  • Open-concept living areas
  • Spacious kitchens with modern appliances
  • High ceilings and plenty of natural light
  • Large bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Outdoor living spaces, such as patios and decks
  • Energy-efficient construction and appliances

Of course, the specific features of a new West Chester home will depend on the builder and the community where it's located. That's why it's important to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help you navigate the local market and find a home that meets your needs.

Benefits of Buying a New Home in West Chester

There are many reasons why buying a new home in West Chester can be a smart investment. For one thing, new homes typically come with modern amenities and energy-efficient features that can save you money on utility bills and maintenance costs in the long run. Additionally, new homes often come with warranties and other protections that can provide added peace of mind for buyers.

Buying a new home in West Chester can also be a great way to get involved in the local community. Many new home communities in the area offer a range of amenities, such as parks, playgrounds, and community centers, that can help you connect with your neighbors and make new friends. And with a range of local events and activities throughout the year, there's always something to do in West Chester.

Find Your Dream Home in West Chester Today

If you're ready to start your search for a new home in West Chester, now is the time to get in touch with a local real estate agent. With their help, you can explore the latest listings, learn about the local market, and find a home that fits your unique needs and preferences. So why wait? Start your search for new West Chester homes today and discover all the amazing opportunities this charming town has to offer.

Posted in In The News
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March 27, 2023

The Benefits of Downsizing for Empty Nesters

As we enter retirement, many of us begin to think about downsizing our homes. For older homeowners who have lived in their homes for 20 years or more, the idea of leaving a home that holds so many memories can be difficult. However, downsizing can also bring a number of benefits that can make the transition easier.

One of the most significant benefits of downsizing is reduced maintenance. As we age, it can become more difficult to keep up with the maintenance of a larger home. By downsizing, homeowners can reduce the amount of space they need to maintain, which can save time and energy. Additionally, downsizing can also lower utility costs, as a smaller home will require less energy to heat and cool.

Another benefit of downsizing is the opportunity to travel. Many older homeowners may have the desire to travel but have been held back by the responsibilities of maintaining a larger home. By downsizing, homeowners can free up time and resources to pursue their travel aspirations.

Moreover, downsizing allows you to simplify your life, declutter and get rid of things you don't need anymore. It's an opportunity to get rid of items you no longer use, and it can be liberating.

Downsizing can also be an opportunity to move closer to family and friends, which can be especially beneficial for older homeowners.

While the idea of downsizing can be difficult, the benefits of downsizing are worth considering for older homeowners. Reduced maintenance, lower utility costs, the opportunity to travel, and the chance to simplify and declutter are just a few of the many benefits of downsizing. If you're an older homeowner who's been considering downsizing, it's worth taking the time to explore the options available to you.

As empty nesters ourselves, we understand the unique needs of older homeowners and can help guide you through the process of downsizing. We're here to help you find the perfect home that meets your needs and your budget. Let us help you make the most of this exciting new chapter in your life. Contact Jill, Paula, or me today to schedule a free consultation.

Cheers,

Doug

Posted in Empty Nesters
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March 24, 2023

782 Tree Ln. West Chester, PA 19382

A fantastic West Chester, Pa Home for Sale

You've worked for it, you've earned it, you deserve all that 782 Tree Lane has to offer. Relish the feeling of accomplishment as you drive past unique & custom homes to arrive at this idyllic location. Lush landscape and mature trees encircle this updated 2 story semi-custom home. The grounds offer plenty of room for any sport or activity you wish to enjoy. Your outside paradise continues just steps from your backyard onto the walking trails and 26 acres of East Bradford Park.

Amenities for this West Chester Property

The outside beauty continues inside as you enter this home into the expansive 2 story entranceway with hardwood floors. Relax in the living room in front of the gas fireplace or step into the executive office showcasing Brazilian cherry hard wood floors and 3 walls of oversized windows that capture sunlight from all angles. After your work day is complete, continue into the updated kitchen and large eating area complete with stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, hardwood floors. Whether preparing food for weekday meals or weekend entertaining, cooking is sure to be a pleasure with the double ovens and gas cooking. A formal dining room with wainscoting is off of the kitchen. The eating area offers access through french doors onto the side porch entrance off the driveway. From the kitchen, step into an inviting family room with a floor to ceiling stone, wood-burning fireplace and cathedral ceiling with exposed beams and skylight.

Walk outside through french doors onto the deck to enjoy the flora and fauna of this private back yard. A vaulted ceiling upstairs gives added dimension to the master suite which boasts a 3rd fireplace. The customized walk-in closet offers plenty of organized space. The gorgeous master bath will be your sanctuary. As you soak in the jacuzzi tub, enjoy the bright and airy feel of this completely remodeled bathroom featuring double sinks, French white cabinetry, custom wood working and skylight. The upstairs level is completed by 3 additional bedrooms and a beautifully renovated hall bath.

Walk-in attic access with plywood floors off the bedroom offers plenty of storage. The upgrades continue with NEW high efficiency windows throughout. You've enjoyed all your home has to offer and you're looking for a little fun, excitement and entertainment. In less than 10 minutes you can be strolling along the historic streets of West Chester Borough enjoying the small-town charm. Experience the multitude of restaurants, shops, parks and seasonal activities.

Doug & Jill Taylor Real Estate

Taylor / Experience

Chester and Delaware County's Favorite Real Estate Couple

Looking to sell or buy the single largest asset of your lives? Doug and Jill Taylor, Unique Home Specialists, understand that no two transactions are alike. That's why we offer a tailored approach to each client, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. Serving Chester and Delaware County, PA, we utilize our proprietary Home Evaluation Tool to help you get the current value of your home. As your trusted real estate team, we are committed to keeping you informed throughout the entire process, marketing your property to qualified buyers, and providing exceptional customer service. We strive to earn your trust and become your go-to referral for friends and family.

Posted in In The News
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May 27, 2017

The Unique Home Specialists Use Rap Video To Sell Custom Home

Realtors’ rap racks up thousands of views

Posted by Kathleen Brady Shea on April 21st, 2015

A rap music video was used to tout the amenities of this converted bank barn on Creek Road in Glen Mills.

A Pennsbury Township real estate agent said he was struggling to find a way to promote an unusual listing in Thornbury Township when he got an idea that rivaled the unconventionality of the residence.

Jill Doug Thumbnail 151 Creek Rd TMV

Doug and Jill Taylor stand outside the Glen Mills home that features its own rap video.

Doug Taylor said he and his wife Jill, also his business partner, often create videos to showcase properties. But none of those homes resembled the 1792 converted bank barn he wanted to spotlight – a home with amenities like carved wooden doors imported from the Philippines.

Taylor’s quest for something completely different ultimately gave rise to a rap video that gets inspiration from “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,” HGTV, and Kanye West. Taylor said the phone starting ringing a little over two weeks ago when the video got posted on YouTube.

“I got calls from other brokers who wanted me to do the same thing for them,” Taylor said, adding that the homeowners also let him know that they were getting calls and “felt like celebrities.”

Taylor said he realized the rap, which features music and lyrics by Chris Warner, had struck a positive chord when the number of viewings started to skyrocket. “It definitely caught us by surprise,” he said.

He said the couple's typical home promotional videos average about 500 views. In less than three weeks, the rap version has more than 14,000 – and it’s still climbing. Even better, he said more than a third of the viewers watch the entire clip, which is nearly four minutes’ long.

As the camera pans around the residence, the lyrics tout “a modern-day kitchen with a brand new face; there ain’t a chef in the world who wouldn’t love this place. We’re talking granite counters and marble floors. With the Jenn-Air bling, who could ask for more?”

The tongue-in-cheek descriptions are anchored by a rhythmic refrain that will likely cement the address into most viewers’ memories long after the video ends: “151 Creek Road.”

Although Taylor once worked in the music industry, he said “151 Creek Road” represents his first experience with rap, and based on the response, the beginning of a new marketing tool. Now he hopes the extraordinary exposure will lead to a sale.

The home, which now boasts its own music video, can be yours for $949,000. To watch the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el8CmSxRmD4&feature=youtu.be.

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
Posted in In The News
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May 26, 2017

Property Tax Help – How to Appeal Your Assessment

Everyone wants property tax help to lower their property taxes, but where do you begin?  In this post I'm going to show you how to reduce your property taxes by appealing your assessment.

Most people believe that appealing their property assessment in order to lower their taxes is tantamount to going before a judge in a court of law and requires attorneys and out of pocket expenses. I’m going to tell you how simple and inexpensive the process is and even better, no lawyers needed. 

Doug and I appealed our assessment in 2009 and saved $1,200 a year on our property taxes.

Property taxes, which include county, township and school district taxes, are based upon a home’s fair market-value. We all know how drastically the real estate market has swung over the last 15 years. Your home may very well be over assessed.

When looking at your tax bills, you will notice that there is NO indication of “fair market value,” but your home is given a “taxable assessment.” This assessment is just a percentage of your home’s fair market value. In Chester County, if you have not appealed your taxes since 1998 when the last countywide assessment was performed, this number has not changed. The assessed value times the tax millage rate equals your tax bill.

Technically, you will be appealing to have your assessment lowered and this in turn will lower your property taxes.

First, you need to determine the current fair market value of your property to see if you have a shot at lowering this assessment. You have 3 options to come up with this market value:

     1 – hire a licensed PA appraiser to complete a certified appraisal

     2 – submit documentation of recent sales of similar properties nearby

     3 – submit your settlement sheet if the home was recently purchased.

All documents must be within 12 months of your actual appeal hearing. One exception, if you bought a short sale or foreclosure, you will be required to submit an appraisal that is less than 6 months old. Please note that the Board of Assessment Appeals recommends that you submit a certified appraisal report at your hearing. Depending upon the age and size of your home, an appraisal can cost $500 or more. If you prefer to save the money, and present market comparables instead, give Doug and me a call at 610-255-7222 and we can help you with this.

Once you have an estimated market value you need to convert this market value to an assessed value for your property in order to determine if it is higher or lower than your current assessment. Simply multiply this number by the current Chester County Common Level Ratio factor. This Common Level Ratio changes yearly and is set by the State of Pennsylvania for each individual county. While it seems like another mystery number that the government comes up with, it is simply the average of all assessments to sales prices over the last 12 months in each county. At the time of this writing, the estimated Common Level Ratio Factor in Chester County for July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2017 is 53.8%.

For example, if your market value is $300,000, multiply by .538 and your assessed value is $161,400. Now you need to compare this new assessed value to your current assessed value to see if it is lower of higher, and assess the impact it will have on your taxes.

Keep in mind that your taxes may be raised, lowered or remain the same based upon this new assessment.

Appeals can only be filed May 1 – August 1 in Chester County. Tax changes are not retroactive and will take effect when next year’s tax bills are issued. The Notice of Intention of Appeal form can be obtained online at Chesco.org or at the Chester County Assessment office 313 W. Market St., Suite 4202, West Chester, PA. 19382.

There is a $25 fee per residential property which is due when filing. Check and money orders only. You will be notified at least 3 weeks before your actual scheduled hearing date. If you know of any upcoming times that you won’t be available to attend a hearing, be sure to include these dates on your initial application.

The hearing itself is quick and painless. You literally walk into a room with 1 or 2 of the 3 County Board of Assessments members sitting at a table. You hand them your home market value information and tell them about any other information you feel may impact the value of your property. For example, maybe a commercial building is being built across the street from your house and you believe it will lower your home’s value.

As I mentioned earlier, Doug and I went through this same appeal process and reduced our taxes by $1,200. That’s an ongoing annual savings too!

You may have received letters from attorneys offering to represent you in your appeal and only charge you a percentage of your tax savings—usually 50% of your first year tax savings. Our actual hearing took less than 5 minutes and we kept the $600 that would have gone to the lawyers.

Still a little unsure? If you’d like Doug and me to walk you through this, simply give us a call at 610-255-7222 and we’d be happy to help you out and answer any questions you may have.

- Jill

Posted in Do It Yourself
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