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Real Estate Agent
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Nick is a Main Line and Chester County Residential and Commercial REALTOR selling The Main Line, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. Giving you the confidence to make the right decisions.
Cell: (610) 203-4543
Office: (484) 237-2055
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Real Estate Sales Representative
Susan Mangigian
I love Chester & Delaware County and would love to show you why! If you have been thinking about a move to this area, call or email me.
Cell: (610) 299-6237
Office: (610) 719-1700
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Chester County, PA Real Estate News

By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
So our dinner at Talula's Table was wonderful. The table was beautifully set, there are only two tables in the restaurant/shop. We got there a little early, to make sure everything was ready for when our guests started arriving. Menus were on the table.Spring 2024 Salmon MosaicAvocado, Aguachile, Radish & Citrus-Tortilla Española The Elusive Farm Egg and Potato Torte, Romeso Crema-Truffle HunterCrisp & Tender Braised Pork Croquettes, Truffle, Maitake & Mustard Greens-Parisian GnocchiSpinach Fondue, Parmesan & Bright Artichoke-Dorade RoyaleMediterranean Sea Bream, Bagna Cauda & Vegetable Tournée-Roasted Ribeye of BeefOnions Galore, Buttery Bone Marrow Bordelaise & Chimichurri-Our Cheesemonger’s Pick, Wine-Soaked Cherries, Olive Oil and Focaccia Crisp-Key Lime GetawaySalted Graham & Cocon...
Comments 12
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
You want to buy a home in the Main Line and Chester County areas. You go on line and search for homes and see some you like, there may even be an Open House you can visit. However, so far, you are unrepresented and not working with an agent who is going to protect your interests.You know you should have a buyer's agent representing you, guiding you, so you ask some friends and look online. You hope that you can just make a phone call and get an agent to help you. But, this would be a BIG mistake.When a customer calls me to ask about becoming a client I insist on a buyer consultation. It is VITALLY important that whoever you talk to insists you come and meet them for a buyer consultation. Before anything else, PA law requires agents to explain to you who represents who in a transaction, ...
Comments 11
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
There are many options to cover the buyer agent's fee, discover some in this post and what you should be looking for in an agent representing you.There has been a lot of misleading commentary recently about how the real estate buying and selling processes are going to be changing due to several lawsuits, and how this will save consumers money both as sellers and buyers.Well, let's discuss some facts.Originally, both the listing broker and selling broker worked for the seller, that is why listing brokers shared commission with the broker bringing the buyer. That agent/broker was a sub-agent for the seller, representing the seller even though they brought the buyer. Then, because of confusion, many of those buyers had thought the agent taking them to the listings was working for them, buy...
Comments 42
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
I was able to sit down with Shane McIntyre of Comparion Insurance Agency this week and cover several things about home insurance. Some of the things we covered were:Are you covered when a neighbor's tree falls in your yard?Do you need an UMBRELLA Policy and what the heck is that?How to shop for home insurance?Who to call before making an insurance claim?What is happening to rates?What is an insurance credit score? Check it out, it is quite long, but time flew, and we covered a lot.Shane is just one of the many connections I have and offer to my clients when buying or selling a home along the Main Line or Chester County. If you need representation buying or selling contact Nick Vandekar, Realty ONE Group Advocates, office 484-237-2055, cell or text 610-203-4543, email Nick@VandekarTeam.c...
Comments 4
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
This is like a coming soon post about a dinner we are attending/hosting this evening.We are very lucky to have a wide group of friends and to live where we do. Firstly, friends - most people know a small group of people, well Annie is one of those people I discovered when we got married who stays in touch with everyone she knows, I would say 70% of our guests were from her side. Many of those friends are wine collectors, her previous partner who died loved wine and introduced Annie to many of his friends, and they have remained friends. We attend a monthly dinner with some of these and the wines tasted are wonderful, as well as some great food. In fact Saturday we have one of those dinners, which are mostly in New Jersey as most of the people live in New Jersey.But today, we have ten fr...
Comments 12
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
We can all lose ourselves in Facebook, but sometimes it is a place to discover a new bakery. I recently came across the BlackLab Bakery page, isn't that a great name, you want to go just because of the name. I haven't found a really good baker in our area yet. Yes, in West Grove there is a Mexican Bakery which is great for Mexican pastries. But really good baguettes and Miche loaves. No. Well, looking over BlackLab Bakery's Facebook page I noticed their photos and they looked really good. They are generally only open Friday and Saturday, and this weekend, I decided to go and give them a try. Well, the line was almost out the door when I arrived,, and it did trickle out behind me.They had all sorts of loaves, tomato pies, cannoli which they fill as you purchase them, bagels, plain and se...
Comments 19
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-PoohA long, long time ago, it feels that way at least, I dug some holes in our yard and planted several tulip bulbs around our front walkway. Tulips need to be exposed to the cold  and have to overwinter in the ground, preferably planted in the fall.“The two hardest tests on the spiritual road are the patience to wait for the right moment and the courage not to be disappointed with what we encounter.”― Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to DieWell, then you have to wait, and wait, through the end of the fall, through winter, through the snow, the rain, cold winds. It doesn't help to stand over the spot and will them to grow. And you know that saying a watched kettle never boils, well they do but it f...
Comments 36
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Casa Carmen,  on Old Baltimore Pike in Jennersville, West Grove PA, the winery and vineyard that is right behind our home in Big Elk community has at last begun their soft opening. Every Friday and Saturday from 4.00 to 8.00 pm they will be open. The winery had worked with Ryan Homes and offered all homeowners in Big Elk a complimentary glass of wine, distributing some tasting glasses at an event in the fall. Bring the glass along and your first glass of wine is free.We have been busy the last few weeks, but last night we visited the tasting room, built in the style of Spanish and South American tasting rooms to see how things were going. I have already purchased some of their vermouth which they also offer and used them in some cocktails at home. But chatting with one of the sons last ...
Comments 10
By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
.  Much of my family hails  from Southern Chester Co.I also grew up in the Philly suburbs and went tonumerous Deli’s and enjoyed Hoagies & Cheesesteaks.But recently I rediscovered a hidden gem in a smalltown called West Grove . Brothers Pizzeria offers personalized meals that exceed it’s interesting menu.Pictured above is a Pizza Steak Sandwich. I have had one of these at as many as 30 restaurants. But after enjoying the above sandwich, I can assure you thatBrothers makes the best ! Two friends of mine Tim & Che are regular diners at Brothers and are thrilled with some of the Chef’s creations that have been cooked from scratch. Brothers is a BYO .Stop by soon . 
Comments 11
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Michael J. Perry sent me a message last week with a link to The Landenberg Store. As my wife had the day off on Friday we decided to go visit as it is only about twenty minutes away and the link looked interesting.Well this store is in Landenberg, obviously, right on the creek, and it was busy, we parked behind the store as the front was full, and when we went inside it was pretty busy. What had attracted us was the bread, which looked home baked, but, unfortunately is not, but still pretty good.It seemed to be a place where people stopped on their way home to pick up a sandwich or something else they had. As I mentioned the bread, we purchased some, a small baguette, nice and crusty and very good flavor; and a cranberry walnut loaf, which is very nice toasted with some honey on it with...
Comments 11
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Well, early March gave us a beautiful spring like even a summer day feeling with warm temperatures that encouraged us to get out with our dog and then see where we ended up. Our initial plan after our walk at Nottingham Country Park was to drive to Maryland and pick up some Shrimp, but when we got there the place was closed. So, on our way home we saw that Wayvine Winery, which we have not visited yet had some live music. On arriving we saw it was pretty crowded with plenty of people sitting outside enjoying the weather. I sat with Jackie our dog whilst Annie went to investigate. Returning with a Dry Riesling and a Barbera Red, with a portion of Parmesan Arancini. Both the wines were good however, the arancini were a little oily.I went to walk around and took the photo above of the oak ...
Comments 12
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Well, after lots of interest and multiple showings we received an offer and the promise of a second offer. My sellers did not want to be rushed as we had open houses planned for the weekend. However, when an offer meets most of the parameters that a seller wants, then the natural thing to do is to counter that offer.Having done that, seller and buyer this morning reached terms acceptable to both, and both signed the agreement of sale.Showings were cancelled along with the Open Houses over the weekend.My seller is very happy, relieved to know that they are now able to settle on the home they are buying without having to arrange bridge loans or any other alternative financing. The buyers are excited to own a home on the Main Line that is so gorgeous, modern and filled with natural light a...
Comments 13
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
I have just listed this beautiful Main Line home in Tredyffrin Easttown school district at 726 Mancill Road, Wayne, PA 19087.Check out the Video TourMy clients bought this  home four years ago, we had the challenge of selling their home during the COVID interruption. With their help hosting Facebook Live events we got the word out and got their home sold in time for them to move into this home at the time. It was new construction in an established neighborhood. The only reason they are moving now is because their son was accepted at a prestigious sports school.Peaceful and quiet they have come to love the yard which was professionally landscaped and is flat and large enough for soccer or archery. The driveway doubles as a pickleball and basketball court and has enough space for four car...
Comments 15
By Michael J. Perry, Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist
(KW Elite )
.   We are heading over to one of our favorite ItalianRistorante , Rocco & Anna’s . It is located in Parkesburg in Chester County. Scrumptious Italian food with Homemade noodles and desserts. Their weekend Specials are incredible fresh cooked seafood over Veal & Salmon . They cook Fine Italian Cuisine Abruzzese at very fair prices. Being close to Kennett Square they offer several options with Mushrooms.Their Appetizers always have something that’s tempting and their salads are always fresh and aunique House Dressing. Wine is served by the glassor Craft and they usually have a featured Bottle .Dessert is a dilemma because you will like more than one choice ! All I can say is Buon Appetito !   
Comments 8
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Opportunities for landowners in Chester County are rising as builder confidence rises. By now every body knows about the shortage of homes for sale, resale and new construction. We currently are at about 40% of the number of homes listed compared to 2019. That is a significant shortfall.Because of this, homes in Chester County, Delaware and Montgomery Counties and along the Main Line are seeing price rises giving sellers increased equity. However, the higher interest rates and lack of inventory are not allowing many of these homeowners to take advantage of this equity and buy something larger.For the past few years builders have not been confident in the market along with the challenge of finding workers to build the homes for which they have filed permits. But that confidence is rising...
Comments 10
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Real estate is changing, it may not be obvious to everyone, but not only has the market changed the last few years with less inventory and rising home prices as well as rising interest rates but the rash of lawsuits is causing agents and brokers to examine how they do business.Whilst you would never list a home without a listing contract, many agents have worked with buyers without a buyer representation contract. The plethora of lead sites, Zillow, Realtor etc., have caused many agents to turn up at homes to open the door to people they have never met and do not legally represent.As a listing agent we ask questions, determine the motivation, and many other things of our potential client. But with buyers many agents have left representation slide and generally offered their services as ...
Comments 12
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
Sindhu Manchester, joined my team in the midst of the pandemic. She became a dedicated and exceptional real estate professional who has been a valuable member of my team at Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. Since joining our team Sindhu has consistently demonstrated outstanding qualities that make her an asset to our organization. However, people have life changes and when her husband was offered a position at the head office of his company in Rochester NY where they have many family members, they decided it was too good an  opportunity to forego. So, we get to say good bye to a wonderful colleague. Sindhu's unwavering positivity and resilience are truly commendable. She embarked on her real estate career during a challenging time, yet her upbeat attitude and hopeful demeanor have been unw...
Comments 8
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
This series of posts on places to hike in and around The Main Line and Chester County can be filled with countless places. I recently moved to West Grove and close by me there is Nottingham County Park, with plenty of space to hike, cook out, and enjoy nature with a pond for fishing and space to ride horses as well. A new PA State park is planned and opening soon Big Elk Creek State Park. But, I cannot miss talking about Valley Forge National Historical Park.Most people have heard of Valley Forge, many erroneously believe a battle was fought there when in fact it was the site of the American Army Camp. Due to a bitterly cold winter and the lack of clothes and shoes many men died. It was here that Washington and his generals forged the American militias into an army to fight the British....
Comments 15
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
This is the second part of a three part series on Hiking in PA, specifically in Chester County and nearby. Today, we are focusing on the George Lorimer Preserve which I usually access from North Valley Road in Paoli. The George Lorimer Preserve, is part of the land conserved by the Open Land Conservancy. There are open fields or meadow as defined on the trail map, wooded areas, pretty flat but with some small hills and plenty of creeks. The distances are not great, but the views are lovely, and you also get to see some of the beautiful homes surrounding the Preserve from a different angle.Jackie our dog loves coming here, dogs must be kept on leash, as there are plentiful smells of other dogs and animals, such as foxes and deer, plus racoons and skunks. It makes for a very interesting w...
Comments 15
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
As we enter September, you may be considering some of your January health aspirations and be encouraged to get out there and do some additional exercise. I love walking and hiking, it is easy on the knees but can be so enjoyable, you do not need much in the way of equipment and there are plenty of places to visit and enjoy.Today, I want to share with you White Clay Creek Preserve, this is right on the border with Delaware, about three miles north of Newark where the area is known as White Clay State Park, the big difference between Pennsylvania and Delaware is that you need pay no fee to enjoy the trails and nature around you in Pennsylvania, whereas in Delaware there is an entrance fee.I was introduced to this area a couple of years ago by a hiking group I am a pert of called the PA ch...
Comments 13
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
We were very lucky Friday evening to get admission to Longwood Garden to see the fountain show. Since that evening Longwood has been closed due to an escaped murder from the Chester County Jail nearby. There is a major search been going on over the weekend with roads shut down and law enforcement on the ground and in the air searching for this escaped prisoner.That being said, we felt very lucky to have been able to enjoy the display Friday evening. The fountains have recently been renovated and improved with many more lights, techniques for creating different water displays, such as leaping water that looks and reminds you of fireworks being fired all in combination to the music being played. Friday the theme was classic rock, and the music and the water displays were fabulous.What was...
Comments 12
By Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, Selling the Main Line & Chester County
(Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055)
When I was growing up we purchased our music in the form of records, made of vinyl, that were either played at 45 rpm, revolutions per minute or 33 1/3 rpms. The latter were known as LP's, long play records and the former were singles, usually from an LP.Why am I telling you all this you wonder? Well, we played these on a turntable using a needle to release the sound. Unfortunately, the records often got little scratches, so when you played them, you got this hissing and static sound along with the occasional scratch where the record would either jump, or just keep bouncing back to the same place over and over again.I was thinking how our real estate market reminds me of those days right now. Interest rates keep bouncing around, but steadily rising, yet home prices keep increasing becau...
Comments 14
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