Spring 2016 Local Living 1 Your Home. Your Community. Your Life. Volume 6, Issue 3 locallivingmag.com

2016Best of

Local LivingReal Estate

Terese BrittinghamBroker/Owner

Keller Williams RealtyLicense # RM419528

KELLER WILLIAMSMaking Dreams

Come TrueCheck out this listing at KWLIVETV.COM

401 Walmere Way, Blue Bell, PA 19422 $1,350,000This stone manor house in the award-winning Wissahickon School District is on over 4 acres. The 5,100 square feet include 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, temperature-controlled wine cellar, a green house, and in-ground pool with a springhouse and a top-of-the-line kitchen with a butler’s pantry. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind estate with 5 working fireplaces.

116 Oakwood Lane, Valley Forge, PA 19481 $1,293,930Situated on the side of Valley Forge mountain is a spectacular mini-estate offering ultimate privacy, surrounded by mature woods, located in a peaceful and tranquil valley. The majestic gated entry is befitting the luxury that awaits your visit as you travel the meandering driveway. The homeowners have painstakingly designed this home using stone & wood, a true modern contemporary.

2331 Angel Drive, Gilbertsville, PA 19525 $519,0005 bedroom, 4.5 bath stunning estate home on end of cul de sac in Boyertown School District. In ground pool, finished basement. stone fireplace with pellet stove, this home is a beauty with over 2 acres of land!

141 Watkins Lane, Glenmoore, PA 19343 $949,900This Rotelle-built custom home, the Tisbury, our largest model, offers everything needed for gracious living. Our model home is built and ready for immediate delivery. The open design features an elegant foyer, living room with optional solarium, formal dining room with butler pantry available, and study. The gourmet kitchen with pantry and breakfast room leads into a large, spacious family room.

413 Woodward Road, Coatesville, PA 19320 $1,099,000Wonderful opportunity to own a 56 plus acre farm. Rolling hills, a beau-tiful serene property. There are two homes on the property. The rancher is move in ready. Bright and cheery eat in kitchen. Hardwood flooring. You will find three spacious bedrooms with fantastic views. In ground pool. There is a beautiful pond with a natural spring and park like set-ting. This property can be anything you want it to be. A huge bank barn and garage/workshop. Endless possibilities.

1604 Saint Peters Way, Chester Springs, PA 19425 $489,900Come see this stunning house located in the heart of Chester Springs. You’ll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle, yet only a 10 minute drive through pastoral landscapes to the Great Valley Corporate Center and the Malvern turnpike exit. This grand home is perfect for entertain-ing with a gorgeous kitchen that flows into the informal dining space and on into the great family room with gas fireplace. The formal living room and dining room offer an excellent opportunity to host fabulous parties.

A Builder’s DreamModel Home

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Designed In the United States 2016

www.kwlivetv.com

Check out our channel and see some of the cool homes and properties we have for sale in the

area! List a house with us, and your home could be selected to be featured as well!

www.kwlivetv.com

Check out our channel and see some of the cool homes and properties

we have for sale in the area!

List a house with us, and your home could be selected to be featured as well!

Click Here forMore Information

Dana Santo Kimberly Chadwick Jennifer Sheridan

Kristen Thompson Larry Kilcullen

Mark McCouch Sandy Austin

Stephen Maco Daniel Brittingham

TERESE BRITTINGHAM & TOM MCCOUCHOwners & PartnersKeller Williams Realty Group Meet Our Team

Ruth WorkJoe Groarke

Lisa Plank Mary Galpin

Bill Pratt

David Fitts

(610) 574-9271(610) 792-5900, Ext: 147(610) 792-8131542 North Lewis Rd., Suite 101 Limerick, PA 19468 www.kwseven.com License #: RM419528

Spring 2016 Local Living 5

TERESE BRITTINGHAM & TOM MCCOUCHOwners & PartnersKeller Williams Realty Group Meet Our Team

profile

Stone School - “A New Deal”

The time was 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt was President of the United States, and a new school was built in Collegeville/Trappe for the Perkio-men School District. Flash forward to 2016, FDR

is a memory of presidents past, and Stone School is being repurposed as a luxury condominium project.

The former school will be transformed thanks to the vision of Jerry Gorski, President and CEO at Gorski Engineering, Inc. Having attended the school, Jerry is very excited to be able to keep the integrity of the building, and work his project around the fabulous structure and beautiful stonework.

The former school will be home to 30+ condominiums, ranging in price from the low $300’s, to several higher end customized units over $500,000. Keller Williams Realty Group, spearheaded by The Brittingham-McCouch Sales Team, will represent the property. “We believe this is a niche market, that is needed in the Collegeville area,” says Tom McCouch. ‘’There is a need for properties that offer all the amenities of a larger home, but without the main-tenance, for those who want to downsize, and not sacrifice the finer things in life.”

The buzz has quite literally just begun-signage is not in place, yet we have buyers inquiring at a rapid pace. During the due diligence process, it was noticed that honey bees had taken up residence in the front pillars of the building. Jerry has decided to hire a professional apiarist to protect and preserve the honey bees, as well as the integrity of the colony. Keep an eye on the website for information on the bees relocation.

We are thrilled to get this project underway. In the coming weeks, we will be releasing details on the Grand Opening. Feel free to contact us to be placed on our VIP list for pre-ferred previews and early enrollment opportunities. Our ser-vices are not limited to the Stone School project itself. With over 20 years of residential sales experience, Keller Williams Realty Group located in Limerick, can assist you in selling your current home. With 170 agents, and top notch market-ing ideas, our company works pleasantly and efficiently to meet all of your real estate needs, creating a win-win for all parties involved.

If you are in the market for a unique type of real estate or de-sire a space where there is not a care in the world, visit Stone School. Please call Terese Brittingham at 610-574-9271 or our main office at 610-792-5900. You can also visit our web-site at www.kwseven.com to view floor plan options, sign up for the VIP program, and check out local happenings.

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

6 Local Living Spring 2016

Go for the long haulWhen looking for a home, search for one that you could see yourself living in for several years — at least five to seven years is ideal. Buying — and moving — to a new home takes a lot of time and effort, and can add up significantly in closing and moving costs, etc. Staying in place longer will help you avoid those added expenses. Plus, the extra time spent in your home could be just enough to help you ride out a downturn in the real estate market.

Leave room to growAim for a home that can adapt to your needs as your life changes, say, if you have a new baby, or Junior moves back in after college. If you can’t afford a place that’s large enough to meet your antic-ipated future needs now, look for one that will allow you to build on later on.

Be flexibleConsider a place with rooms that can serve multiple functions, so the home remains highly functional for you through the years. For example, an open-floor-plan-style home is very adaptable. A kitchen that overlooks a family room is helpful when one’s children are young (you can cook while watching the kids), while such a kitchen is also great for entertaining your friends once the kids leave the roost.

Go for your typeThink about what style of home fits you best — house, condo, townhome, etc. — they’re not one size fits all. For example, a sin-gle-family home — which sits on its own lot and must be main-tained by the homeowner — may be great for a person seeking privacy, but not so wonderful for somebody who doesn’t want to worry about mowing the lawn, fixing the plumbing, etc. Mean-while, a condo might be perfect for somebody who wants a “lock ‘n’ leave” lifestyle, but not for somebody who doesn’t like sharing a wall with his neighbors.

Check the surroundingsWhen you purchase a home, you not only get a house, you also buy into a neighborhood. Think about whether that neighbor-hood will suit you. Sure, you might love the house itself, but will the loud neighbors next door or the school across the street become too bothersome for you? Also, do you like the feel of the neighborhood and does it offer everything you need? It’s best to find a place in a community that you’ll enjoy.

Tips to Find the Perfect Home

Spring 2016 Local Living 7

Buy what you can affordIt’s easy to shoot for the sky and overspend when buying a home — you understandably want the best your money can buy. Exam-ine your finances, keeping in mind current and future expenses, and don’t exceed your means. It’s smarter to buy a home you can easily afford than one you have to stretch to get into. Stay down to earth, and you’ll be better prepared should unexpected finan-cial commitments and problems arise later down the road.

Think “home” firstWhen purchasing a home, don’t imagine the dollar signs you’ll see the day you sell it. A home is just that — primarily a “home,” and not an investment. So, buy a place that’d be great to live in first and think about its resale value second. Predicting real estate cycles and home appreciation is tough enough for the experts — and much more for the average home buyer. Plus, while home renovations tend to add value to a residence, they rarely recoup more than what was spent on them.

Look at both old and newIt’s nice to move into a place that’s brand-new. But, new isn’t always better. Consider both old and new. While you might not like a previous homeowner’s decorating decisions, you might like the owner-installed upgrades — like a finished basement and a backyard deck — that a new home might not have.

Location, locationYou’ve heard this tip before, but a home’s location does matter. A house that’s located on a busy, noisy street may be less enjoyable to you as a homeowner than one situated on a quiet, secluded cul-de-sac. Plus, a home on a cul-de-sac is likely to be worth more than a poorly located one when it comes time to resell. So consider a home’s location before you’re smitten by a spec-tacular interior.

When it comes time to sellWhile you want to think of your place as a home first and not an investment, it doesn’t make sense to purchase a white elephant, either. You should put at least some thought into how easy — or difficult — it’ll be to resell the home one day. If a home is so unlike other nearby homes in terms of size, style, price, etc., you might want to skip it and look elsewhere — it could become a burden should you want to someday move on.

8 Local Living Spring 2016

summer snacksUnder 200 Calories

Spicy Edamame GuacamolePer serving (1/2 cup): 110 calories, 6.3g fat, 5.3g fiber, 6.8g protein Pack some more protein into this summer party food by adding in edamame. Serve it with fresh crunchy veggies like sliced peppers, carrots, celery, or cucumber to keep it under 200 calories.

Ingredients: 1 medium ripe avocado 1 cup shelled frozen edamame 2 cloves of garlic 1 jalapeno pepper, washed and seeded 1 lime, juiced 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves (approx 5-6 sprigs) 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp sea salt 1 tsp black pepper

Directions: In a medium saucepan, boil the frozen edamame for 4-5 minutes until bright green. Drain and set aside to cool. (Skip this step if you are using fresh edamame). In a food processor, combine the garlic cloves, cilantro, jalapeno and lime juice and puree. Add cooled edamame and puree until smooth. In a mixing bowl, add avocado flesh to the edamame mixture and mash to combine thoroughly. Serve chilled with fresh veggies.Makes 4 servings

Spring 2016 Local Living 9

Roasted Grapes Per serving (2 toasts topped with mixture): 183 calories, 13.7g sugar, 9.3g fat (2.4g saturated), 21.4g carbohydrates, 5.2g protein Grapes make a refreshing summer snack on their own, but if you’re looking to jazz them up a little, try roasting them. This sweet and filling snack also makes the perfect light and refreshing dessert!

Ingredients: 1 lb. seedless grapes (use your favorite variety) 2 tbsp Olive Oil 1 pinch of kosher salt 3-5 sprigs fresh thyme 1/4 cup hazelnuts (crushed) 3/4 cup ricotta cheese 3/4 tbsp orange flower water (this distilled water contains essen-tial oils of orange blossoms and can be found in markets that carry Mid-dle Eastern foods. If you can’t find it, you can still make this delicious dish without it) 1 tsp orange blossom honey 1 1/2 tsp vanilla 12 Melba toasts

Directions: Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Break the grapes into small clusters, or remove grapes from the stems completely. Place them on a rimmed baking sheet along with the hazelnuts. Randomly place the thyme sprigs on top of the grapes. Drizzle olive oil over the grapes and mix. (Make sure they are well coated.) Roast in the oven for 15 - 25 minutes (timing will depend on how roasted you want them to be). NOTE: The Grapes will change color a bit, split open, and wrinkle. Remove the thyme sprigs. In a medium size bowl combine cheese, orange flower water, honey and vanilla. Stir to thoroughly combine. Spread some of the cheese mixture onto the toasts. Top with a few grapes, some of the roasting juices, and hazelnuts. Serve and enjoy! Makes 6 servings

Watermelon SaladPer serving (1 cup): 70 calories, 1g fat, 13g carbohydrates, 1g fiber, 10g sugar, 3g protein This refreshing, sweet, and savory salad makes a great between-meal bite (especially after you’ve been at the beach all day!).

Ingredients: 10 cups watermelon (reserving ¼ cup of its natural juices) ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar 1½ tsp olive oil ¼ cup reserved watermelon juices 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped 1 tbsp fresh stevia leaves, chopped 1 cup Vidalia onion, thinly sliced (can use red onion is desired) 3 oz (3¾ cup) fat-free feta cheese 6 mint leaves (for garnish) salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions: Cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces, removing and discarding the seeds; and set aside. In a small bowl, combine the vine-gar, salt and pepper and whisk until salt is dissolved. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and the reserved water-melon juices. Add in the chopped mint and stevia leaves. In a large bowl, combine the melon, onion and feta. Pour the dressing over the watermelon mixture and toss gently until everything is coated and evenly mixed. Garnish with mint springs and serve. Makes 10 servings

10 Local Living Spring 2016

Like the multiple blades of a Swiss army knife, many of our living situations require that the rooms in our homes be multi-functional. The important idea to keep in mind as you work to create, or recreate,

your living space is: Construct spaces within spaces.Having lived in small spaces in urban as well as rural set-

tings for most of my adult life, I have found that it can be done both beautifully and functionally. You must complete a few steps first however:

1) CLEAR THE CLUTTER! You must take this all-im-portant first step and clear out all the “Stuff ” you don’t need. Give away to friends or donate what you can and throw away what you can’t. This step is tantamount and you must be brutal. (Helpful hint: Have a friend come in and do it for

How to Live Well in a Small SpaceBy Holli Harms

HOME ORGANIZATION

you. They don’t have the emotional attachment that you do.) Clutter takes up more home space than anything else, depriv-ing you more than fulfilling you.

2) YOUR FURNITURE: Find pieces that do more than one thing. Find a couch that is also a bed, an ottoman or bench that is also storage, or a table that is also a cabinet. Many of these pieces can be found at stores such as IKEA. Take a walking tour and/or virtual tour of IKEA and see what they have.

3) THINK UP! Go vertical. Wall space is space often not used.

In our 400 square-foot, three room apartment (my hus-band, daughter and I live and work there) we needed to find something to do with our books. A bookshelf would have taken up much needed floor space. The books needed to ei-ther get out or go somewhere else. We chose to have them go up. We built a bookshelf shaped like an arch that spans one whole wall. The sides of the arch start three feet off the ground giving us enough space for bed and table. Also with an arch design it leaves the middle of the wall open, giving the room an uncluttered feel.

Our bedroom also serves as the TV/sitting room and of-fice. The bed and dresser drawer are at one end of the room and two chairs flank a filing cabinet/table at the other cre-ating a sitting area. The television lives on the opposite wall of the bookshelves on a double-duty cabinet that provides storage and holds the television. We converted our closet into the office. We built a desk in the closet for the comput-er and shelving above the desk for printer, papers and office supplies.

Our kitchen area has to function as kitchen/living room and dining room when we entertain. We swapped out our square four-top table for a smaller round café table that serves as both seating for dinner as well as everyday liv-ing room use. Two small slipper chairs on either side of the couch were added for additional seating. Slipper chairs have no arms and that allows for more space. A carpet underlying this eating/living area visually separates it from the rest of the room helping to define the space.

Many of us need to scale down for various reasons. You’ll find it is only a matter of reconsidering a room to create a space as multi-functional as a Swiss army knife.

Holli is a writer living in NYC and the Poconos of Pennsylvania with her husband and daughter. Her play “Make John Patrick Shanley Go Home” will be produced this summer in Miami.

I wanted to let you know how pleased I was to have the opportunity to work with you and your team at Presidential Mortgage.The refinance process can be a daunting one but with your assistance, experience and knowledge the process was just about seamless. Thanks again and look forward to working with you in the future.

— Irene G. Presidential Mortgage worked with us and provided financing to allow us to buy our home back in July of 2014. The process was swift, and painless. The communication with their loan officer and support staff was great. Always replied to our questions timely. Also, as we were purchasing a property that wouldn’t settle for 10 months, there were many pieces to the puzzle and they helped us navigate easily and with excellent direction. I would highly recommend

their services and I do all the time!

— Kim and Barry C.

610.792.3922corporate NMLS number of 421513

~ TESTIMONIALS ~

ADAM WALDMANSr. Loan Officer, NMLS #65131

Presidential Mortgage Group542 North Lewis Rd., Limerick, PA 19468Office: (610) 792-3922 • Cell/Text: (484) 686-7529Adam.Waldman@Presidential.comhttp://www.pbm-loans.com/Adam

Programs offered: FHA, VA, USDA, PHFA, Conventional, Second Home / Shore Properties

• Executive Board for the Tri County Chamber• PA licensed Broker• Designated Member of the Institute for Luxury Homes• Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist• Member of the YWCA• Member of Suburban West Realtor Association,

Montgomery County • Association of Realtors, Bucks County

Association of Realtors, Reading - Berks Association of Realtors

• PA Association of Realtors & National Association of Realtors• Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)• In 2004 Awarded Business Woman of the Year by YWCA• Chairman of the Capital Campaign Fund for the Pottstown Senior Center• Proud Supporter of Alex’s Lemonade Stand, fundraising over $250,000 in the past 5 years.

TERESE BRITTINGHAM Broker, Owner& Realtor

Serving the Tri-County Area and Beyond

Keller Williams Realty Group www.kwseven.com(610) 574-9271 • (610) 792-5900, Ext: 147 (610) 792-8131542 North Lewis Rd Suite 101 • Limerick, PA 19468 License #: RM419528

TOM McCOUCH Owner, Partner& Realtor

• Licensed Realtor since 1993• Opening Keller Williams Realty Group with partner Terese Brittingham in May 2002• Mentor of Realtors• Accredited Buyers Representative (ABR)• Member of NAR• Member of PA Association of Realtors

SAVE THE DATEClick Here