#MichalaCostelloRealtor

Michala Costello

Apr 10, 2019

Small, Agile and Extremely Mighty!

These are the adjectives I used to describe my team of four (Small for the typical size real estate team) at our Monday morning meeting. We decided to meet at my house in Haddonfield as I needed to be close to home that day (Agile as we usually meet in our Philadelphia office). The week prior we had submitted 5 offers (all competing bids) and 1 new listing (Mighty as all 5 were accepted!). The Costello Group covers Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia all the way through the city a

Top Ten Tips for Selling Your Home in a Divorce — from a Divorce Mediator

Michala Costello

Sep 14, 2018

Top Ten Tips for Selling Your Home in a Divorce — from a Divorce Mediator

In divorce, the marital residence is usually one of the most valuable assets. It’s also the one that frequently causes the most problems. For example, who gets to live in it? Who pays the mortgage? Who pays for the upkeep? Unless one of the parties is going to retain the home in the divorce, its usually best to sell it quickly and professionally. If you’re involved in a divorce, Kevin Handy of SnapDivorce LLC, a Divorce Mediator in Montgomery County, PA has ten tips for you

Michala Costello

Apr 28, 2018

Solar-Ready New Construction With 365 Views

I'm so excited to share this new project I just listed by Red Oak Development that I had my lovely assistant (see video for a cameo appearance) help me film a quick tour of the home. The first unit is ready now and the second will be coming available early May. I'll be hosting an open house Sunday from 1-3 if you want a better look in person. For the full details of the listing click here. #RedOakDevelopment #MichalaCostelloRealtor #KurfissSothebysInternationalRealty #NewCo

Michala Costello

Mar 9, 2018

Serene South Jersey Estate

Set majestically behind a gated entrance on approximately 14 acres (with more acreage available), this all-brick custom residence is a true oasis. Retreat to your own private resort with four beautiful ponds, an elevator, and serene water views from almost every single room. This substantial estate has great flow and boasts 10,908 square feet of luxurious finishes, expert craftsmanship and timeless Parisian touches. Discover your own special escape, located on the outskirts o

Michala Costello

Mar 7, 2018

The Master Bath

As with most Realtors, my schedule varies day by day. I'm usually trying to grab a quick bite between inspections, client showings and on the lucky days, picking the kids up from school. The rare time I get to sit down at my desk and eat lunch, I usually try and catch up on all the industry news. Well, this article by US Inspect about whirlpools probably should have waited to be read until after lunch... consider yourself warned. But it did make me think (no not about what

Michala Costello

Feb 15, 2018

Charm in Old Wyndmoor

It's not everyday that a house as charming as this comes onto the market. From the moment you step through the vestibule entrance you instantly feel at home. Sun streams through the original windows nestled in the deep windowsills. There are two wood burning fireplaces for relaxing; either in the elegant living room or cozy family room located in the lower level. The dining room can host a large dinner party and the kitchen is full of life with the black and white painted

Michala Costello

Nov 12, 2017

Helping clients find their dream home from PA to NJ!

As your needs and wants change, your sweet starter home may not be the right fit for you anymore. There are many options in the Philadelphia and surrounding areas. And sometimes, the best option might even be across the river in S. Jersey. #SouthJerseyRealEstate #philadelphia #haddonfieldrealestate #Compass #MichalaCostelloRealtor #DreamHome

Michala Costello

Oct 25, 2017

Chestnut Hill Perfection

Chestnut Hill is known as the Garden District. This beautiful Wissahickon Stone Schist home is the perfect example of why it's called the Garden District. I'ts located on a quaint tree lined street, just steps away from the shops and restaurants of Chestnut Hill. Both the front and back exteriors have mature evergreen plantings that provide color and foliage year round. This link will show you in more detail all the wonderful things this home has to offer! #ChestnutHill #Mi

Michala Costello

Oct 6, 2017

French Inspired Community of Denbigh

As soon as you turn onto Denbigh Lane, you feel a calm serene wash over you. Almost as if you were driving through a french countryside, this beautiful 26 +/- acres community makes you forget you are just minutes from major highways leading you to King of Prussia and Philadelphia. This pristine home located on the inner circle over looks the lush grounds from it's courtyard patio. The floor plan for this model was well thought out, providing access to the patio from many r

Rental prices soften as new luxury condos soar.

Michala Costello

Aug 26, 2017

Rental prices soften as new luxury condos soar.

This is a great Philly.com article talking about how rental prices are going to soften as the market starts to shift from building apartments and hotels to building condominiums to satisfy Philly residents craving for luxury condos. The appeal of a condo lifestyle is easy to ascertain. The low maintenance of a condo spans all ages of home buyers who want to enjoy an active lifestyle without the worry of watering the lawn or maintaining their 1900's era estate home. Pick a

Michala Costello

Jun 19, 2017

Suburban Feel With A City Location

Do you love living in the city but feeling a little bit squeezed and in need of some refreshing space? Before you cross the city line check out 578 Paoli Avenue! Choosing between city living or the 'burbs is easy with this Roxborough location. You get the best of both worlds; the convenience of all the city has to offer but with the space and backyard of a suburban home. #Roxborough #PhiladelphiaRealEstate #MichalaCostelloRealtor #KurfissSothebysInternationalRealty #Millenni

Michala Costello

Jun 19, 2017

A century old home with a modern twist

This charming 3 bed/1 bath twin embodies the essence of an (approximately) 144 year old home in Chestnut Hill, with one exception. The kitchen is HUGE! With it's center island, it is perfect for entertaining. One of the best features is that the kitchen opens out onto a covered patio that overlooks a very serene backyard. Just a block off the 'Ave, it is very convenient to walk to all the shops and restaurants Chestnut Hill has to offer. It's situated between the East and

Fannie Mae is easing debt to income ratio!

Michala Costello

Jun 7, 2017

Fannie Mae is easing debt to income ratio!

Calling all Millennials, First Time Buyers, those with student loan debt, etc, etc, etc. Fannie Mae is easing the debt to income ratio! Coming next month mortgage applicants will now be able to have a debt to income ration of 50%, up from 45%. Almost done paying off that student debt? This may help you qualify for a home loan that was previously out of reach. It's the perfect time to get pre-approved for the upcoming Fall housing market (I know, I know, we are JUST getting

Michala Costello

Apr 6, 2017

Package Deal in Passyunk Square

This is an amazing opportunity to buy a double lot in Passyunk Square! The first lot is a fabulous home that was renovated in '09. It offers three bedrooms including a full 3rd floor master suite, three full baths, a finished lower level, two decks PLUS an outdoor patio. The second lot offers an extension of the patio and a full garage for parking and additional storage should you need it. Separately deeded, the garage could be sold to a developer or someone looking to own a

Michala Costello

Jan 24, 2017

"Flipping" Hot Philadelphia

Photo: Betsy Barron Photography I recently shared an article with my clients citing the “hottest" neighborhoods in Philadelphia where home values are set to skyrocket this year. "Why these neighborhoods?" do you ask. One of the main reasons is that the neighborhoods are really profitable for flipping. This Philly.Com article gives some great insight. While most of my clients that buy properties to flip are builders, I increasingly have home buyers who are looking to get in

Michala Costello

Oct 6, 2016

Fall Home Decor Trends

With the changing of the seasons we see the changing of home decor. To get the latest trends in interior design, I contacted Glenna Stone, of GLENNA STONE Interior Architecture + Design. She gave us some great insights to what she is seeing at her vendor shows and what her clients are selecting when completing their renovations. The industrial aesthetic is being replaced by cozy comfortable rooms and warm tones. People are opting for textures that create comfort and warmt

Michala Costello

Aug 25, 2016

2016 Semi-Annual Market Update

Donald Pearson, Chairman of Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty discusses what has happened in the real estate market for the first half of 2016 as it relates to our office locations in the Philadelphia, Main Line and Bucks County. Overall inventory is down across the Philadelphia region but Kurfiss Sotheby's International Realty's numbers are soaring. So much that we will be opening a new office by the end of the year! If you are thinking of selling and would like a ho