#MFRETRelay Open House Relay - August 17, 2014

It's time for another MFRET Open House Relay!  This Sunday we will be opening up 4 of our fantastic listings to give you a fun journey around Chester County! This month, you're playing for a chance to win $50 to the new AMC Movie Tavern in Painter's Crossing!

Dinner + Drinks + Movie = a pretty great night!

David shares more how our Open House Relays work:

Here are the open houses participating this month (and what you'll be searching for):

Door Knocker

2005 W Street Road, Kennett Square

Chandelier

Pennock Ave, Lot #2, Kennett Square

Fireplace

215 Crestview Drive, Kennett Square

Chandelier

19 Kristen Drive, Coatesville

Intrigued? Head to the houses for the list of what to find, take pictures of and share. We'll be ready for you THIS Sunday, August 17, 1pm-3pm.

HASHTAG TO FOLLOW: 

 #mfretrelay 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Open House Relay will be Sunday, September 21, 2014. Mark your calendars!

#MFRETRelay June 2014 Open House Relay

We're on month #5 of our MFRET Open House Relay!  Our 5 open houses will be a fun journey around Chester County! This month, you're playing for a chance to win $50 to the new AMC Movie Tavern in Painter's Crossing!

Dinner + Drinks + Movie = a pretty great night!

David shares more how our Open House Relays work:

Here are the open houses participating this month (and what you'll be searching for):

Pool:

1743 Towne Drive, West Chester, PA 

Fireplace Mantle:

1519 Honeysuckle Court, West Chester, PA

Greenhouse:

408 Indian Run Road, Glenmoore, PA

Tile Surround:

760 Valley Road, Phoenixville, PA

Painting:

106 Sackville Mills Lane, Wallingford, PA 

Intrigued? Head to the houses for the list of what to find, take pictures of and share. We'll be ready for you THIS Sunday, June 22, from 1pm-3pm.

HASHTAG TO FOLLOW: 

 #mfretrelay 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Open House Relay will be Sunday, July 20. Mark your calendars!

The KW Mobile App

Apps are everywhere in today's world. What we love about them is that they are intended to make your life EASIER. Whether it's the weather app letting you know there is a chance for rain, a grocery app helping you find this week's deals or a gas app leading you to the least expensive gas in the area.

Our new KW Mobile App is here to make navigating the real estate market easier for you. You can see customized listings with just one click, as well as utilize extensive search options. Really, your next home is just a download away!

Our app is available for Android as well as iPhone.

To get the KW Mobile App, click here.

Meet the Team: Kelsey Jaros

And the team keeps growing! Meet Kelsey and learn about why she is excited to work in real estate and her favorite spots to eat in Chester County! 

Name

Kelsey Jaros

Position at MFRET

I am a Showing Assistant...hopefully soon to be agent! (If I can get through my class ;) )

How long have you worked for the MFRET?

I have only worked for MFRET for a matter of days, but am already so impressed by every one's enthusiasm for what they do and by their welcoming manor.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?

Hmmm I love all Ice Cream, but probably Cookie Dough

Favorite spot to grab dinner in Chester County?

I worked at Brother’s Pizza and Pasta in West Chester for three and a half years. I am addicted to their food and convinced my business alone has paid the electric bill for the time I worked there.

Where was the best vacation you have ever taken?

I have been on some amazing cruises but I would have to say the two times I travelled to Spain and France to visit with my sister who lives abroad were some life changing trips.

Favorite Website?

My guilty pleasure…Facebook!

Favorite App?

The amazing game of Flow. It is addicting with the vibrant colors and cool sounds. It makes me feel like I am five again.

Why do you like working in real estate?

I have had an obsession with the housing market the past couple years and I still do not know what sparked it. I find the field of real estate to be enticing because of my love of the housing market in combination with my love of working with people.

Favorite thing about Chester County?

Small town feel. When I first went to college, I had big ambitions of moving away to a big city. I attended Arizona State University to branch off and become the grown up version of myself. I quickly learned that the West Coast was nothing like Chester County (most people within five minutes of talking to me would ask, “Where are you from?”). I realized I did not love a big city in the desert and it was not all it was cracked up to be. I transferred home to West Chester after the first semester and realized that the small town feel of Chester County is not something to be taken for granted.

If you could have lunch with 1 famous person, who would it be and why?

Carrie Underwood! She has been one of my favorite singers for a long time...and I would like to ask her about her leg workout!

Meet the Team: Beth Darnall

We LOVE growing our team! Beth is a new addition and great asset to our team! So let's get to know her! Read on to learn more about what Beth does as our Director of First Impressions!

Name

Beth Darnall

Position at Matt Fetick Real Estate Team

Director of First Impressions, which kids find quite humorous!

How long have you worked for the Matt Fetick Real Estate Team?

4 years

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?

Butterbrickle

Favorite spot to grab dinner in Chester County?

I am from Delaware County so my Chester County "dinner spots" is limited. But I do frequent Kooma.

Where was the best vacation you have ever taken?

Disney with all six of our kids!

Favorite Website?

Facebook, don't judge.

Favorite App?

Weather apps.

Why do you like working in real estate?

LOVE interacting with people.

Favorite thing about Chester County?

I have four of the most adorable grandchildren living in Chester County (along with my son and his wife)!

If you could have lunch with 1 famous person, who would it be and why?

C.S. Lewis....love his wisdom!

#MFRETRelay May 2014 Open House Relay

We're on month #4 of our MFRET Open House Relay!  Our 5 open houses will be a fun journey from West Chester, Kennett Square, Glen Mills and Smyrna Delaware! This month, you're playing for a chance to win $50 to Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon in Kennett Square!

YAY!

David shares more how our Open House Relays work:

Here are the open houses participating this month (and what you'll be searching for):

Checkered Floor:

231 S Union Street, Kennett Square

Tile Backsplash:

12 Twin Pine Way, Glen Mills 

Dining Room Table:
728 Mercers Mill Lane, West Chester 

Stained Glass:

1334 Faucett Drive, West Chester 

Flower in Kitchen:

144 Sorrell Circle, Smyrna, DE

Intrigued? Head to the houses for the list of what to find, take pictures of and share. We'll be ready for you THIS Sunday, May 18, from 1pm-3pm.

HASHTAG TO FOLLOW: 

 #mfretrelay 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Open House Relay will be Sunday, June 22. Mark your calendars!

Meet the Team: Valerie Conicelli

We LOVE growing our team!  Valerie is our newest addition - and you WANT to get to know her!  Read on to learn more about what Valerie does as our Inside Sales Associate!

Name

Valerie Conicelli

Position at Matt Fetick Real Estate Team

Inside Sales Associate

 

How long have you worked for the Matt Fetick Real Estate Team? 

Since April 14, 2014

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor?

Talenti Sea Salt Caramel or Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip.

Favorite spot to grab dinner in Chester County?

Wasabi for great sushi, or High Street Caffe (Vudu Lounge) for the best Creole food!

Where was the best vacation you have ever taken?

Miami, FL or Boston, MA .. quick trips but I loved both cities!

Favorite Website?

Google is definitely the website I use most but I can't pick a favorite

Favorite App?

My favorite App is Twitter because I can scroll through quickly and find news, fun articles, friends' posts, etc. all in one place. (Note: You can follow Valerie at @vconicelli )

Why do you like working in real estate?

I'm brand new to the real estate industry, but I believe I will enjoy it because I like to help people achieve goals!

Favorite thing about Chester County?

I love many things about Chester County; the restaurants and shops of West Chester and Kennett Square, the light and flower shows at Longwood Gardens, hayrides at Milkyway Farms in Chester Springs, and the stone architecture on West Chester University's campus especially the Old Library and Asplundh Concnert Hall to name a few.

If you could have lunch with 1 famous person, who would it be and why?

Chelsea Handler, she's so funny! Oh, also Carlos Ruiz. Can I pick two?

MFRET 2014 APRIL Open House Relay

We're on month #3 of our MFRET Open House Relay!  Our 4 open houses will be in Coatesville and Cochranville. This month, you're playing for a chance to win $50 to The Whip Tavern​ in Coatesville.

CAN WE SAY YUM?

David shares more how our Open House Relays work:

Here are the open houses participating this month in Coatesville/Cochranville (and what you'll be looking for to take pictures of):

232 Sandy Way, Coatesville

(Chandelier in Dining Room)

379 Larose Drive, Coatesville 

(Black & White Square-Patterned Rug in Dining Room)

209 Bardel Drive, Coatesville

(Brown Circle-Patterned Curtain in Bedroom)

202 Columba Street, Cochranville

(Black Table in Dining Room)

Intrigued? We'll be ready for you THIS Sunday, April 27, from 1pm-3pm.

HASHTAG TO FOLLOW: 

 #mfretrelay 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Open House Relay will be Sunday, May 18. Mark your calendars!

TOP 25 SELLER TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SHOWING

Between hosting Open Houses and preparing sellers to stage for showings, our team has learned all of the DO'S and DON'TS of what a home should look like when potential buyers walk through.  To help, we've compiled our best tips for those who are putting their home on the Market. When you live in a place long enough, it's easy to ignore the clutter or forget that some people may be turned off by seeing a litter box in the basement. This is a great checklist to run through before showings.  

Remember: You only get one chance at a first impression. 

Make it count!

1. Secure valuables (tech devices such as laptops, tablets, phones), bills (some have account numbers), spare keys to the house and prescription drugs
2. Have all counter tops cleaned off. Remove counter top appliances such as toasters or coffee makers.
3. Keys and personal items should be stored away.
4. De-clutter / put away everyday items: dishes, mail, shoes, coats, kids' toys, sporting equipment, etc.
5. Take 15 minutes and organize / purge your fridge - because a buyer WILL look!
6. Make sure the thermostat is set appropriately for the weather and make the home comfortable for showings.
7. Take the trash out and consider hiding garbage cans.
8. Minimize family photos
9. Do a thorough cleaning - even if you have to hire a cleaning service 
10. Improve curb appeal: Mow the lawn and trim back overgrown shrubbery, mulch, paint shutters, weed gardens, address the trim, fix walkways, clean exterior windows, power wash home. 
11. Make the bathrooms shine: Toilet seats down, clean mirrors and other glass surfaces.
12. Bake something that smells good. Chocolate chip cookies, apple pie. I've used the pre-made cookie dough and frozen pies for this. A pan of apple juice with cinnamon and cloves simmering in the oven works well and is easy. 
13. Put fresh flowers or flowering plants on the dining room table
14. Play soft music
15. Turn on all of the lights 
16. Offer snacks and water
17. Take all the magnets and pictures off the refrigerator.
18. If guns are in the house, make sure they are secured.
19. Open the windows - buyers love lots of natural light.
20. Stick all personal toiletries in a drawer or a basket. (no one wants to see your toothpaste or hand lotion)
21. Organize toys or store them while your home is on the Market
22. Less is more. Remove excess furniture if possible.
23. Replace light bulbs that are burnt out. The better the lighting, the better the results.
24. Walkways to and from the home should be clean and clear.
25. Hide feeding bowls, litter boxes, dog beds, etc. Some home-seekers have allergies and can be put-off by their presence.

Here's our gift to YOU: a printable checklist to have on hand before showings!  This is a great way to make sure everything inside (and outside!) of your home is ready to show. 

Just right click to save to your computer and print!

MFRET 2014 Open House Relay: MARCH

We're on month #2 of our MFRET Open House Relay!  Our 5 open houses will be in Kennett Square and Avondale. This month, you're playing for a chance to win $50 to Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon in Kennett Square! 

David shares more how it works:

Here are the open houses participating this month in Kennett Square/Avondale (and what you'll be looking for to take pictures of):

501 Pennock Avenue, Kennett Square 

(Picture of menu chalkboard in the kitchen)

708 Meredith Street, Kennett Square 

(Star on living room wall)

210 Gregg Lane, Avondale 

(Dining Room Covered Chair)

439 E South Street, Kennett Square 

(Chandelier in Dining Rm)

513 E South Street, Kennett Square 

(Grey Tile Backsplash)

Intrigued? We'll be ready for you THIS Sunday, March 16, from 1pm-3pm.

HASHTAG TO FOLLOW: 

 #mfretrelay 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Open House Relay will be Sunday, April 27. Mark your calendars!

Download our Mobile App For a Chance to win $50,000!

It's so easy to enter!

ENTER our Code:  KW2CLDE9W

Once you've entered my code, you can text me directly with questions or requests regarding any property.

• Easily connect with your agent and send property inquiries instantly.
• Draw a circle on the map or drop a pinpoint to search that area.
• See property details and full-screen photos, get driving directions, mark your favorites, create notes about what you liked, or share it with family and friends.
• Estimate your home loans with a free mortgage calculator.
• View Open Houses in your area. View Rental Properties in your area.

Official Sweepstakes Rules

App FAQs

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 3/31/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, alternate method of entry if applicable, and prize descriptions, visit http://bit.ly/1jgVljU. Void where prohibited.

MFRET Sweet Treats Recipe Round Up for Valentine's Day!

Still looking for the perfect treat to bake up for your sweetheart on Friday?

Since our team is full of SWEET people, we thought it'd be fun to share our favorite sweet treat recipes with YOU for Valentine's Day!  We've submitted our favorites, pinned them on Pinterest, and here they are in no particular order:

David's Pick: Red Velvet Cake Bars





Rachel's Pick: Sticky Toffee Pudding 





Lauri's Pick: DIY Thin Mints





Deneen's Pick: Triple Chocolate Cookies 




Audrey's Pick: Valentine's Day Chocolate Pretzel Buttons

~~~~~

If you want to check our more of our favorite foods, check out our Team Eats Pinterest Board!

What treats will YOU be eating this Valentine's Day?

Team Eats: Rachel's Tips for PERFECT Sticky Toffee Pudding

After having Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Whip Tavern a few years ago I decided it was so good I needed to know how to make it.  Below is a link to a recipe that I use, I have also included some tricks that I find very useful.

Rachel's Go-To Recipe 

for 

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Rachel's Tips:

1.  After the cakes are done use a straw to stick in the middle and remove some of the cake.  This ensures that the cake really soaks up the sauce.

2.  Do not start to prepare the sauce until right before you plan on serving, if it sits for to long it starts to get really thick and harden. 

3.  Serving vanilla ice cream and whip cream on the side are a MUST.  It will melt in the sauce and helps to tone down the sweetness of it. 

I would also like to challenge anyone who makes this to then try the Whip's version and see how they compare.  I was very impressed with the fact that I (along with others) have confirmed mine tastes better!

Team Eats: Deneen's Triple Chocolate Cookies

Deneen enjoys making these chocolate cookies with her daughter - they even decided to make a video about it!  Bake these before guests arrive to make the house smell scrumptious!

• 
  
• 2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour 
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• 1/4 tsp sale 
• 1 cup unsalted butter AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 
• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar 
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar 
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract... 
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips 
• 3 eggs 
• 1 cup MELTED semisweet chocolate chips (can melt in microwave) 
• A little extra sugar for rolling 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.
Cream sugars and butter.

After it is all creamed together, add the cocoa powder; then add the melted chocolate, add eggs, and the vanilla. When it is all mixed through, add the dry ingredients. Do not over mix. Add the chips and just gently mix them through. 

Roll out small balls (after rolling through the extra granulated sugar). Spray a light mist of non-stick spray on cookie sheets.
Cook for 11-13 minutes. Enjoy!!!


And for those who need a visual, here's is Deneen's Video Tutorial!

Team Eats: Audrey's Chocolate Pretzel Buttons

These are one of Audrey's favorite treats to make for Valentine's Day!  If you have a showing in February, leaving a bowl of these Valentine's-Themed Chocolate Pretzel Buttons on your counter for potential buyers to enjoy would be a nice touch!

What you'll need:

• Square or regular pretzels
• Hershey's Hugs or Kisses
• Valentines M&Ms

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 200°. (If your oven runs hot you may want to turn the temp down to 170°.)

• Place the pretzels on & top with the hugs. 

• Bake for 4-5 minutes until the chocolate is shiny and soft (but NOT melting - they should still hold their shape). 

• Carefully place an M&M in the center of each hug and press it down to spread the chocolate. 

• Allow to cool completely (a few minutes in the fridge works perfectly) and enjoy!

How to Fold a Fitted Sheet {VIDEO}

We've all had that embarrassing wrestling match with the fitted sheet: that awkwardly-shaped elastic-edged sheet that has no perfect  corners which makes it IMPOSSIBLE to fold.

Or is it?

David, our Lead Buyer's Agent, has mastered the Fitted Sheet and shows you exactly how easy it is to fold it in this video:






Another great home tip from the Matt Fetick Real Estate Team!

Meet the Team: Rian Cronauer

We love adding to our team! One of our newest and most energetic additions is Rian. Have you met him yet? Here's the inside scoop on our Client Care Specialist:

Name

Rian P Cronauer

Position at MFRET  

Client Care Specialist. Point of contact for customers looking for a new home on website. Setting up home searches, booking buyers consultations. Lead generating, making a mean pot of coffee.

How long have you worked for the MFRET?  

3 months

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor? 

Mint Chocolate Chip

Favorite spot to grab dinner in Chester County? 

Dilworthtown Inn, West Chester

Where was the best vacation you have ever taken?   

Ireland

Favorite Website? 

Craiglist. Free items.

Favorite App? 

Audible Living Book App.

Why do you like working in real estate?  

Educating people on the new trends of the market.

Favorite thing about Chester County?   

Land, Land, Land, Great people.

If you could have lunch with 1 famous person, who would it be and why? 

Abraham Lincoln, I was born on his Birthday! Look at what he has done for freedom in America.

2014 MFRET Open House Relay: FEBURARY

We are introducing a new and exciting opportunity this year:

One Sunday each month, we will have all of our open houses on the SAME day. We will be asking participants to visit the open houses and complete a challenge (which will involve taking a "selfie" with something from the house and uploading it to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter). Every submission will be placed in a random drawing for a $50 Gift Card to a local restaurant. 


Here are the open houses participating this month in West Chester:

• 119 Sloan Road, West Chester, PA 
• 1104 Saint Annes Way, West Chester PA
• 1319 Park Avenue, West Chester, PA.

Here is what you'll be looking for in our Open House Relay Scavenger Hunt:

Intrigued? The fun starts THIS Sunday, February 23, at 1pm.
So get your cell phone cameras at the ready!

HASHTAG TO FOLLOW: 

 #mfretrelay 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Open House Relay will be March 16. Mark your calendars!