Victorian Bellefonte – Live in the Heart of Pennsylvanian History

April 21st, 2014

By: Sarah Boha

“La Belle Fonte!” Exclaimed French Ambassador Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord; and with his complement to the central spring, the Victorian town that we know today as Bellefonte was named.  “Victorian charm in a modern world”, is scrolled across the top of the www.bellefonte.com website; the influence of history through the first plotting of Pennsylvania lands and the evolution of the town with references to Victorian architecture is what Bellefonte exudes today.  Walking down High St. in Bellefonte, you can’t ignore the architectural influences of Classic Revival, Georgian and Queen Anne styles mixed with 21^st century business; Cool Beans Coffee and Tea, The Governor’s Pub and the newest fashion boutique Halo.  The thriving of old and new harmonizing together is what makes Bellefonte unique, historical and a wonderful choice to consider if you’re thinking of moving to the Central Pennsylvania area.

Brief History of Bellefonte

It all began when James Dunlop plotted out the lines of Bellefonte in 1795.  With his son-in-law James Harris they are accredited for building the first home which sits on the corner of High and Spring Streets.  In 1805, the iconic courthouse was constructed with many additions following throughout the years.  The four cross streets that intersect in front of the courthouse is representative of the Pennsylvanian Diamond model that was popular in the first founding of Pennsylvania towns. 

As Bellefonte continued to build, it became the home of many of the earliest governors of Pennsylvania and two other states; James Addams Beaver, Governor of Pennsylvania 1887-1891, also served as the President of the Board of Trustees at Penn State for 24 years, John Bigler, Governor of California 1852-1856, had roots in Centre County before moving to California during the gold rush, William Bigler, Governor of Pennsylvania 1852-1855, brother to John Bigler, Andrew Gregg Curtain, Governor of Pennsylvania 1861-1871, Curtain was born in Bellefonte and was an early supporter of Abraham Lincoln.  There would be two more Governors of Pennsylvania, Daniel Hastings and William F. Packer, both of whom grew up in Central Pennsylvania. 

Bellefonte continued to boom, rich in iron to become the town we know today.

Where to Live in Bellefonte

With riveting history, ever changing architecture and great location with wonderful amenities; you may be finding yourself considering Bellefonte in your home search.  If you’re a consumer of real estate in the Bellefonte and Pleasant Gap area, you have an array of choices.  There are homes that are the epitome of country living with stunning mountain views; developments such as SteepleChase or Grove Park are an excellent place to start.  Springfield, Robinwood and Forest Heights are also excellent choices for serene living amongst the countryside and farms of Bellefonte.  For more information about neighborhoods, new constructions and or if you would like to talk with a Realtor about what you’re looking for in a Bellefonte home; visit our website, http://www.annetteyorksgroup.com/community/area/16823/ to learn more or contact our team in office, (814)272-6111 to set up a consultation. 

History stemming from Bellefonte would go on to shape the surrounding area, including the street names we know today on Penn State’s University Park Campus; Curtain St., Bigler St. both on campus and the most notably Beaver Ave. in downtown State College.  Today, Bellefonte continues to evolve with new construction, business and is drawing attention from consumers outside the state of Pennsylvania as a great community to live.  Call our group today if you’d like to become part of the continued history of Bellefonte, PA.     

Blue & White Home Buyer and Seller Seminar – A Sneak Preview

April 8th, 2014

By: Sarah Boha

Don’t pay your realtor, don’t be surprised if you’re outbid on an offer for a house and don’t be taken aback by your final closing costs – Buying or selling a home may seem like a daunting task, but the professionals at the Annette Yorks Group can help.  Delve into the home buying and selling process and tailgate with us this Blue & White Weekend Saturday, April 12^th from 10am-12pm at the Keller Williams Realty Office in State College.  In honor of the Home Buyer and Seller Seminar, here is a top ten list of what every home buyer and seller should do when buying or selling real estate.

Buyers

1.)    Get Preapproved – If you’re not a cash buyer, you’ll need a means to pay for the home you’ve been dreaming about.  There are many mortgage options available depending on your particular situation as a buyer – down payment, no down payment, military veterans, etc.  Learn more about the options available to you at Saturday’s seminar.

2.)    Seek representation – There are many advantages to seeking the professional representation of a buyer agent…and not because this is a buyer agent writing this blog.  A buyer agent’s knowledge of the community they serve and the aid they provide to you as a client will help through every step of the home buying process.  Added bonus – These services to you as a buyer are free, the seller pays my commission.  Learn more about the added perks of buyer agency on Saturday.

3.)    Shop within your price range – You may be preapproved for a 200k mortgage, but realistically, you’d like to make monthly payments for a 150k home.  Shop in your budgeted price point; rather than the disappointment you will face when you fall in love with a home and later find that you can’t afford it.  Remember, everything is negotiable, but talk to a realtor and lender to determine and set your goals in finding the right home for the right price.  More information at Saturday’s seminar.

4.)    Deep discount or cosmetic changes – You can’t have your cake and eat it to, someone once said.  Everything is negotiable, but don’t be caught off guard if after you’ve negotiated $8,000.00 off of list price and the seller won’t redeem your request of having a deck stained or a basement finished.  This is another aspect to discuss with your Realtor; is your goal to negotiate a price or negotiate cosmetic changes?  Cosmetic changes do not include major items that may cause concern on a home inspection – major items such as roof or plumbing that are of high importance to the habitability and safety of the home are your right as a buyer to negotiate.  More details at the seminar.

5.)    Think with your head – Each home buying search will be different.  You may find the right home after five houses or after ten.  Perhaps your offer will go through with ease or maybe you’ll find yourself in a bidding war.  Every client is as individual as their home buying journey; don’t be discouraged if you deal with a setback.  Provide your Realtor with as much feedback as possible and they will or should go above and beyond to help you reach your goals.  Come to the seminar to become knowledgeable about the home buying process to give you a head start in finding a home.

Sellers

1.)    Seek representation – You shouldn’t sell real estate on your own without the help of a licensed professional.  A Realtor is knowledgeable enough in the local area to help you with pricing your property, walk you through all documents/contracts and assist in determining your goals.  Learn more about seller representation at the Home Buyer and Seller Seminar.

3.)    Current market conditions and price point of a home can determine the speed at which it moves – Do you want you home to move quickly or are you determined to get your asking price?  Talk with your Realtor about your anticipated timeframe and come up with a plan based on current market conditions and/or the price you would like to list your home.  Depending on the market and your list price you may be moving sooner or later than you anticipated.  Ask questions and learn more at the seminar.

3.)    Put yourself in the prospective buyer’s shoes – For a moment, picture yourself as the consumer, excited to look for their new home…how will they feel when they schedule a showing to see your home?  The minute details can make all the difference from standing out in the market; just by keeping your home tidy and perhaps hiring a stager to use your current furniture to make your home more marketable.  More tips for sellers on Saturday at the seminar.

4.)    Know your legal obligations as a seller – In real estate, we work to be good, honest and ethical in our practice.  When selling your home you must disclose any material defect you’re aware of to the buyers.  Reduce your risk of being held accountable for something you didn’t disclose.  Speak with the professionals at the seminar about the seller’s disclosure.

5.)    Trust your Realtor – If you’ve selected the right Realtor for you, you’ll trust that they’re using their resources to promote your home to sell.  Open houses, virtual tours and marketing on the MLS are only a few avenues your Realtor can use to sell your home.

Real estate is one of the oldest professions known to man; yet, simple details such as a fresh coat of paint when selling your home or getting preapproved for a mortgage as a buyer can go a long way toward achieving your goals in the buying and selling of real estate.  There is so much more to know and we look forward to sharing more with you on Saturday.  There is still time to RSVP, call (814) 272-3333 x6110 or email krystalakoch@gmail.com.