May 13, 2026

Tri-County Suburban REALTORS^® continues to help members communicate the latest real estate market conditions with a set of Monthly Residential Market Statistics for area counties and their respective school districts. Note that these monthly statistics cover all school districts in Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery counties. Philadelphia, and select Berks County & New Castle County school districts are also available. The reports are updated between the 10th and the 12th of the month for the previous month’s statistics.

If you have questions or requests, please contact Tri-County Suburban REALTORS^® Director of Marketing and Communications, Lauren Davis. Starting in 2026, Tri-County Suburban has expanded our reporting to now include Attached/Townhouse data in each. Local Market Insight Report in addition to Detached and Attached home types. This will provide members with a more complete and accurate view of the market. As buyer demand, affordability considerations, and housing inventory continue to evolve, Attached/Townhouse properties represent a growing segment of the market. Incorporating this data offers a clearer picture of pricing trends, inventory levels, and sales activity across all residential property types, ensuring our members have the most comprehensive insights possible to guide client conversations. You'll find this data on the 5th page of each Local Market Insight Report for each county, and school district.

An assortment of reports is also available to Bright MLS subscribers at BrightMLS.com such as a monthly Market Report, and a Marketing ToolKit to coincide. The Philadelphia Metro April 2026 Housing Market Report will also offer monthly market data in that region with infographics, charts, and more. Tri-County's major counties (Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery) are included in this report. For more detailed report, once logged into Bright MLS, click the "Market" tab and choose the "Market Statistics Report" button in the drop-down menu to access various reports.

Home inspections remain one of the most pivotal steps in a real estate transaction—often influencing negotiations, timelines, and ultimately, closing outcomes. According to the National Association of REALTORS^®, buyers consistently view inspections as a critical layer of protection and decision-making confidence, helping them better understand the condition of a home before finalizing one of the largest investments of their lives.
In today’s market, clients are more informed—and more cautious—than ever. That means REALTORS^® are expected to do more than facilitate a transaction; they are often called upon to help interpret, contextualize, and communicate inspection findings in a way that keeps deals moving forward.
In our upcoming free seminar, Anatomy of a House, get a full breakdown on understanding essential systems of a residential property to build a working understanding of how homes function—from foundation to roof—so you can better guide clients through one of the most sensitive phases of the transaction.
Participants will learn how to:

This seminar is free for members of Tri-County, but registration is required. 
This seminar is IN-PERSON only, and will not be recorded. Any materials provided by our instructor, and Certified Home Inspector, Bill Dare will be distributed to attendees post event, and will be made available on our Webinar Series Archive.

For questions, and non-member registration, please call 610-560-4800 or email info@tcsr.realtor. 

Real estate agents can now renew their real estate licenses through the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). The Pennsylvania State Real Estate Commission has emailed licensees to notify them that renewals are being accepted and must be completed by Sunday, May 31, 2026. 

All licensees must complete the 14-hour CE requirements PRIOR to renewing their license. CE requirements are different depending on when your license was issued. Those who do not have copies of their transcripts should contact the schools where they took their courses. Transcripts for courses taken through The Association of REALTORS^® School are available in member's Secure Member Portal. Please note, proof of transcripts are no longer required as part of the license renewal process and are not submitted or uploaded into the system.

For agents who still need to complete continuing education, a full calendar of Accredited courses is available here.

For all things continuing education, including requirements, first-time renewal information, and more, click here.

Licenses issued between March 1, 2026 - May 31, 2026 automatically come with a 2028 expiration date, meaning the license is valid through the next renewal cycle. This is referred to as a "Waiver Period."

Licensees who receive their real estate license during the “Waiver Period” are not required to complete continuing education, and do not need to pay for or submit a license renewal application during this cycle.

We encourage all members to log into their Pennsylvania Licensing System account to confirm the expiration date on their license(s).

Renewals must be completed online by Sunday, May 31. If an agent misses the May 31 deadline, the State Real Estate Commission considers the license expired, and real estate practice must immediately cease or be subject to possible discipline. 

Do not wait until the last minute to renew. Tri-County Suburban REALTORS^® is staffed through Friday, May 29, until 4:30pm for questions regarding renewal. The State Real Estate Commission will not be available for questions on Sunday, May 31.

PAR asked REALTORS^® across Pennsylvania, “What’s a home feature that always sells a home faster?” Here’s what they said. 

1. Modern Updated Kitchen 

Several REALTORS^® agreed that modern, updated kitchens are a huge selling point and a popular feature among buyers. 

“If you’re looking for the ‘magic bullet’ of real estate right now, the answer is modern, high-end kitchens,” says Todd Van Horn, a member of the REALTORS^® Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh. “While a fresh coat of paint and curb appeal get people through the door, the kitchen is almost always the room that seals the deal. Buyers tend to view the kitchen as the ‘heart of the home.’ Kitchens with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and updated cabinetry create that emotional connection we all hope for as real estate agents.” 

“A modern updated or remodeled kitchen,” agrees Diane Longacre, another member of RBAR. “That is where families gather most of the time!” 

2. Upgrades to Major Systems 

“From my experience, updates to major systems, such as a newer roof, HVAC system or water heater, can significantly improve a home’s appeal, because buyers know these are costly items they won’t need to replace right away,” says Holly Schlitzer, a member of the Greater Harrisburg Association of REALTORS^®.  

3. Cosmetic Updates 

“On the cosmetic side, relatively simple updates like fresh neutral paint, upgraded lighting fixtures, modern hardware and refreshed kitchens or bathrooms can make a big difference in how a home shows online and in-person,” Schlitzer adds. “Even small improvements such as replacing worn flooring or updating countertops can help a home feel more move-in ready.” 

4. Signs of Good Maintenance 

“A home that’s been well-maintained (comparable to the listing price) makes it sell faster,” says Karen Rice, a member of the Pike Wayne Association of REALTORS^®. “All the features and upgrades are nothing but Band-Aids if the structure is sub-par due to rotted wood, for example: floor joists, rafters, decking, etc. If a home is well-maintained otherwise, new appliances, new mini-splits and on-demand hot water are always a hit with buyers.” 

“Homes that combine well-maintained major systems with clean, modern cosmetic updates tend to attract more interest and can often sell faster because buyers feel more confident about both the property’s appearance and its long-term maintenance,” Schlitzer agrees.  

Click here to read the full article on PAR's JustListed Blog.

Between 2020 and 2025, the median sold price in the Bright MLS service area has increased by 35%. However, as mortgage rates surged beginning in 2022, the monthly payment on the median-priced home has increased by more than 70% over the past five years. (The Bright MLS area covers six states and the District of Columbia.)

There are very few markets where the median-income household can afford the median-priced home

In the fourth quarter of 2025, across the 90-county Bright MLS service area, there were only six counties where the median-income household could afford the median-priced home. Affordability is determined by comparing the median household income with the income needed to qualify to purchase the median-priced home assuming a 10% down payment, the average mortgage rate for the quarter, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, and average property tax and homeowners’ insurance payments.

Among the six affordable counties, half are in central Pennsylvania: Juniata County, Mifflin County, and Schuylkill County. Delaware County, outside of Philadelphia, is also a market where the median-priced home is affordable to the median-income household. Alleghany County in western Maryland and the City of Baltimore are also affordable homeownership markets.

In some local markets in the Mid-Atlantic, the gap between the median household income and the income needed to qualify for the median-priced home is significant. For example, in the cities of Fredericksburg and Falls Church in Virginia, the income needed to qualify is nearly double the current median household income. And there are dozens of other counties where the income gap is greater than 50%, meaning that the typical household would need a 50% or higher raise to afford the median-priced home.

For the full article via BrightMLS.com, click here.

Collingdale Borough Council has approved an ordinance amending its code to require sewer lateral inspections during property transfers and to update inspection and occupancy standards, officials announced. The measure revises chapters governing sewers and property inspections to mandate camera inspections of laterals before a use-and-occupancy permit is issued and establishes a framework for handling violations through temporary access or occupancy certificates, with up to 12 months for repairs to be made. The Suburban REALTORS^® Alliance worked with the borough to ensure language aligning the ordinance with Pennsylvania’s Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act was incorporated.
Source: Daily Local; 4/24/2026

May 18th & May 19th (two-day course)| 9:00am - 4:30pm (both days)
Real World Real Estate (First-Time Renewal)
Association of REALTORS^® School, Malvern

May 20th | 9:00am - 12:00pm
PA Req Agency Relationship Education 2024-2026
Association of REALTORS^® School, Malvern

May 20th | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
PA Req Fair Housing Education 2024-2026
Association of REALTORS^® School, Malvern

May 20th | 4:00pm - 6:00pm
REALTOR® Happy Hour and Affiliate Expo
Manufacturers’ Golf & Country Club

May 21st | 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Bright MLS Essentials: Navigating the Platform & Maximizing Its Tools
Association of REALTORS^® School, Malvern

Contact Us
610-560-4800
info@tcsr.realtor

Office
1 Country View Road
Suite 201
Malvern, PA 19355