Question 1

What areas does the Belous Realty Team serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve the entire tri-county Greater Philadelphia suburbs, including all of Montgomery County (Blue Bell, Dresher, Ambler, Fort Washington, Horsham, Lansdale, Willow Grove, Norristown, Collegeville, Skippack, Lower Gwynedd, Spring House, Worcester), Bucks County (Doylestown, Warminster, Newtown, Yardley, New Hope, Sellersville), and Chester County (West Chester, Phoenixville, Malvern, Downingtown, Collegeville). As of May 2026, we added Doylestown, PA as a primary service area.

Question 2

How much are typical closing costs for a buyer in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Buyers in Pennsylvania typically pay between 2% and 5% of the purchase price in closing costs. On a $450,000 home, that is roughly $9,000–$22,500. These costs include lender fees, title insurance, recording fees, prepaid property taxes and homeowner's insurance, and transfer tax. Pennsylvania has a 1% state transfer tax, and most municipalities add another 1%, so the buyer and seller each typically pay 1% of the purchase price.

Question 3

How much are typical closing costs for a seller in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Sellers in Pennsylvania typically pay 6%–9% of the sale price in total transaction costs. The largest expense is the real estate commission. Beyond that, sellers pay the Pennsylvania transfer tax (typically 1% of the sale price), deed preparation, any agreed-upon seller concessions, and prorated property taxes. On a $500,000 sale, a seller might net approximately $460,000–$470,000 after all costs.

Question 4

Do I need a buyer's agent, and does it cost me anything?

Accepted Answer

In Pennsylvania, buyers are now required to sign a written agreement with their agent before touring homes. As for cost, buyer's agent compensation is negotiated as part of the transaction — in most cases, the seller's proceeds cover the buyer's agent fee, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for our representation.

Question 5

What is the current real estate market like in Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester County?

Accepted Answer

As of May 2026, the tri-county market remains competitive in the $650K–$1.1M range. Blue Bell (Wissahickon SD) is seeing strong demand with colonials priced around $849,900. Dresher (Upper Dublin SD) offers value at $889,000 for updated colonials. Collegeville (Perkiomen Valley SD) is experiencing a surge in new construction at $900K–$999K. Ambler (Upper Dublin SD) historic stone farmhouses are attracting buyers at $949,000. Doylestown (Central Bucks SD) brick-front colonials are moving at $1.075M. Homes in top school districts are selling in 20–35 days.

Question 6

How long does it take to buy a home?

Accepted Answer

From the day you start seriously searching to closing day, the typical timeline is 60–90 days. Getting pre-approved takes 1–3 days. Finding the right home can take 2–8 weeks. Once under contract, the due diligence period (inspection, appraisal, mortgage underwriting) takes 30–45 days.

Question 7

What is a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) and do you offer one for free?

Accepted Answer

A Comparative Market Analysis estimates your home's current market value by comparing it to recently sold, pending, and active homes in your neighborhood. Yes — we provide free, no-obligation CMAs for any homeowner in Montgomery, Bucks, or Chester County. Call (267) 982-0015 or fill out our contact form and we will deliver your CMA within 24 hours.

Question 8

Do you work with first-time homebuyers?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — first-time buyers are some of our favorite clients to work with. We are familiar with Pennsylvania first-time buyer assistance programs, including the PHFA Keystone Home Loan program and the Philly First Home grant (up to $10,000 for eligible buyers). We speak English, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Question 9

What should I do to prepare my home for sale?

Accepted Answer

The three highest-ROI preparations are decluttering and deep cleaning, fresh neutral paint in high-traffic areas, and professional photography. We offer a free pre-listing walkthrough where we identify the specific improvements most likely to increase your sale price in your neighborhood.

Question 10

Do you speak languages other than English?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both Daniel and Yana Belous are fluent in English, Russian, and Ukrainian. We serve a significant Russian- and Ukrainian-speaking community throughout the Greater Philadelphia suburbs and provide full real estate services in all three languages.

Greater Philadelphia Real Estate Guidance