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Philadelphia, PA Real Estate News

By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Philadelphia Steals and Deals Gifts Mom Day or Just for Fun This week's choices are for women as Mother's Day is not far off. Maybe you are lucky enough to have a mom or you are a mom. Maybe you are just looking for yourself. So here you go with this week's selection. I stopped getting gel nails and acrylic nails during COVID-19. The pain of letting them grow out was horrid, and I decided that it was time. I tried so many different polishes and promises. It was not until I discovered BeautyGarde, a plant-based formula it works. It is called Rocket Nail Fuel.You put a coat of polish on every day. You can purchase directly from them or Amazon. I do not have the time to sit in a Salon for a manicure. The polish is not cheap, about $32 for a top coat, which you also use as a primer - and a ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Today, I read an article telling buyers that they should fire their Real Estate agent if they own a computer. Usually, when I read something like this, my blood pressure would increase. I would get upset and feel like I had to call someone and vent. Instead, I laughed. I thought about all the for-sale owners there were and how many ended up listing their homes with an agent.  Statistics show that 97% of for-sale by owners list their house with an agent. There was a time when I did very well working primarily with for sale by owners.   They did not feel they needed to pay an agent to help them sell a house. Surprise, surprise, it was not as easy as they thought. Especially as time went by they had many lookers but not any buyers under contract.  Therefore I will sit back and not stress a...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Tonight is the first night of Passover and Jewish people all over the World will be sitting down with their families and close friends and having a Seder dinner. What is a Seder, you may ask? It is a meal symbolizing freedom from slavery and bondage from Egypt, and each food has its own meaning. It is a tradition celebrated. The Jewish people left Egypt in haste with no time to make bread; therefore, this is why Matzo is unleavened bread. It is the Story of Exodus and there is a plate on the table that each food/herb has a meaning. You will find the story in the Bible. This is a very condensed version of what a Seder dinner is.    This year with all the turmoil in the Mideast let us hope and pray it will be Peaceful  
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By Mark Wade
(Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox and Roach Realtors)
If you are anything like me, after a grueling day of showing Philadelphia condos, or any type of real estate to perspective buyers, the first thing I want to do when I get home, besides grumble about it, is mix a Martini. But as a real estate mavine, devotee, and all around nutbag, first I have to go and pick out a paint color for my dining room. One of a series of endless chores that has been on my "things to do list" for just over 8 months. And being a realtor enables me to concievable tackle any home improvement project. Clearly, I know it all. Well I just saw one of the neatest innovations in painting that can save anyone a bungle of time, energy, and money. Huge secret here....it is called Behr.com. Behr is a paint company that has developed this online service in which you can pay...
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By Think Vogue
(A&P Accents, LLC)
Weekends are especially exciting when you have your New Yorker friend visiting you! , Somebody who loves New York and like she said: "I am born and raised in Manhattan".  I responded, I am in love with Philadelphia because it is a lovely city -- old and new at the same time.  The streets are full of history and there is always a lot to do; events, art, music, great restaurants, great people... and the night life is absolutely fabulous!   Downtown is my favorite place as every day is different and unique. My friend, Amy doesn't exactly share this view of Philadelphia and I started wondering are we each so much in love with some places that we cannot appreciate others?After two and half hours trip she arrived, so I decided to take her for a nice walk and introduce her the best cappuccino ...
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By Stacey McCarthy, @SmartGirlsOwn
(McCarthy Real Estate)
In February, my husband joined me in my real estate business and we formed the Joe and Stacey McCarthy Team. We are doing fantastic and on our way to becoming the dynamo team I know we can be. Here is the update: Before Joe came, I was averaging a closing about every other month. Since March, we have had 3 closings, 3 pending, and 3 listings with another listing on the way. Pretty good work for a real estate rookie in a 3 month time frame in this "bad market." If you are a Keller Williams agent reading this, Joe didn't finish Camp 4-4-3, where you learn to get 4 listings and 4 sales in 3 months. He was too busy to go to all the classes! But he did apply many of the prinicpals of the program. Maybe when he finishes, we will do even better. Why is he doing so well? 1. He has a quality tha...
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By Mark Wade
(Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox and Roach Realtors)
It should come as no surprise that some people do not have a life. They can be found, every Sunday at the same place. Your Open House. They are neighbors, half-serious buyers, and some are all around busy bodies. Some you will see for YEARS, doing the open house circuit..week after week, after week- as if one of their hobbies that they might list on a job application would be "Open House looking".... Now allow me to be the first to admit that I fall into this catagory. I love going to Open Houses. And the first thing I head for? The photos. Come on...tell the truth- you are an open house junkie, and you make a B-Line for the pictures on the wall, in the living room, and on the bureau in the family room as well- Don't you? I thought so.... Half the fun of going to an open house is seeing...
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By Christine Ramos
(Exit Benchmark Realty, Exit Realty JP Rothermel)
Here's the website that has all the info about getting your dog licensed in Philadelphia http://www.phila.gov/health/units/ehs/petlicense.html   Dogs that are licensed are more likely to be brought home if they get lost.  Recently my dog got lost.  I was cleaning the house and didn't realize I had left the front door open and Bruno got out.  He was later found and returned by this great couple that ran into him as he was strolling down the street.  His name, address and phone # were on his liberty bell tag provided by the pet licensing department.  
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By Nikki Bomze David
(RE/MAX )
My Philly Buyers and Sellers:  Check out this quarterly report...PAGES 28-34. http://www.trendmls.com/Media/MarketStats/Watch2008_q01.pdf If you want to see other quarters from years past, send me an email with the specific request, NikkEB@aol.com 
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By Nikki Bomze David
(RE/MAX )
First Time Buyers seem to be my forte these days.  From here on out, let's call First Time Buyers, FTBs.  FTBs, generally, need their hands held.  Don't get me wrong, EVERYONE who begins their home search comes to a Realtor with more knowledge than ever before (knowledge on mortgages, interest rates, credit scores, school ratings/reports, etc.).  But, FTBs, whether one will admit it or not, need the expertise, the know-how, the confidence of a Realtor.  There is NOTHING wrong with that and that is why Realtors still exist.  For a while, there was a trend of Buyers and Sellers "knowing" more than a Real Estate professional.  People are able to find just about everything one needs online in order to buy or sell without a professional.  One can find the mortgage, their credit score, compar...
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By Zakiyyah Newman, Philadelphia Realtor - (Philadelphia Real Estate)
(Liberty Bell Real Estate )
Purchasing a home is one of the most important decisions that you will have to make during your life time; however the average American moves every five to seven years, so your first home more than likely won't be your last. Your career, family growth, and an increase or decrease in property value are all factors that may provoke you to sell your home and relocate. After debating over the responsibilities a home would bring hopefully you will learn that to purchase a home is to invest. A home should always be considered an investment. You are trusting that your home will yield a positive result whether you chose to live it in for 20 years or 2, if at all. Yielding a positive result is viewed differently depending on who you ask. Some believe that simply raising their children in an aest...
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By Leah Leighton, Realtor - Long and Foster - Levittown Pa
(Long & Foster Real Estate - Levittown- Bucks County Pa)
REMODELING YOUR HOME:  HOW MUCH IS TOO MUCH? By: Leah Leighton      The classic way for homeowners to increase the value of their house is by remodeling existing rooms or adding on to its current plan.      Some choose to build recreation rooms and studies while others add new appliances, fixtures and cabinets to enliven rooms and make their home more attractive to future buyers.      But, when should you decide to stop sinking money into a home and buy a bigger place?  And how much rehab is too much when it comes time to recovering remodeling costs through a home sale      For instance, if you've just spent $1,000 remodeling your living room and didn't expand your small bathroom, the chances of increasing the number of interested buyers are slim.      With these concerns in mind, Centu...
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By Christine Ramos
(Exit Benchmark Realty, Exit Realty JP Rothermel)
Today I sent an email out to everyone I know this is what it said..... I know everyone's well aware of the current real estate market and how depressing the news is making it sound.  I wanted to pass some info on about what is happening here in Philadelphia.....  -as of March 31, 2008 the average amount of days a house stayed on the market was 74 (that is not something we should be sad about) -the average prices of homes being sold rose slightly from $184,200 to $188,000  Combined with historically low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. The bad news about the economy, banking system, and foreclosures has created questions for local housing markets that aren't necessarily warranted.   If you or anyone you know is interested in buying or selling properties here i...
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By Susan Mangigian, Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches
(RE/MAX Preferred)
I had the privilege of going on a class trip today with Max.  Well privilege may be stretching the experience of taking a school bus with a bunch of 5th graders to the Constitution Center in Philadelphia.  It's a very impressive display.  My favorite part is the Hall of Signers.  This is a room with life sized sculptures of all the signers of the constitution.  Very cool!                    Max is striking a pose... My gosh.. who could he take after, he's such a ham! I never realized how friendly Alexander Hamilton was!  This next picture is for Jason Sardi, who I understand is a big fan of Ben Franklin!                         We went to see the Liberty Bell which is always a great experience. I am very proud of this city and love to show it off.  We are so rich in history.  Here's Ind...
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By Susan Mangigian, Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches
(RE/MAX Preferred)
What a wonderful day it was in Philadelphia!   A school bus with 48 chirpy women and young adults left RE/MAX Preferred's parking lot at 7:20 this morning raring to go for a great day down in Philadelphia.  We raised almost $2000 for Breast Cancer Research, we got exercise, and we talked and laughed and had a wonderful time! One of my heroes is Abraham Lincoln.  How wonderful it was to run into this statue while I was down at the race.  He once said that:  "All I am, or can be, I owe to my angel mother".  Wow - so true for me as well as for Mr. Lincoln!!  Mother's Day, Abraham Lincoln, sunny skies, what more can you ask for?  The statue had a tribute... To Abraham Lincoln, from a grateful people.  Thank you Mr. President, you lead by example and we are truly grateful. Even the Philly Ph...
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By Mark Wade
(Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox and Roach Realtors)
What is it about a real estate transaction that causes somewhat sane, rational carbon based life form to think and act like a bag of nails?My advice for each of the following parties involved in a real estate transaction:1) BUYERS: It is a law in almost all 50 states that you MUST experience cold feet within the first ten days of executing an agreement of sale. Expect it. But also remember that you also agonized about that pair of shoes, or that suit you bought, that was also kinda' expensive. So relax, everything will be fine.2) SELLERS: No, the buyers cannot be locked up in a turkish prison for stealing your property. It was the forces of the market, not those darned evil buyers who "stole" your home at a great price. 3) COOPERATING AGENTS: Perhaps you are new to this planet, but trut...
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By Ryan Hartman
(ReTechulous, LLC)
Here's a quick update at what's been going on at RE/MAX City Space and Philadelphia's Real Estate Hub:  Recent articles on the Hub include:  Philadelphia Real Estate Sold Transactions - 4.1.08-4.20.08 Angie’s List Features Berks/Hewson Sooth Your Eco- Celebrate Earth Day by Purchasing A Vacation Home On The Delaware River!   We've also given LeedPhilly.Com aka Philadelphiarealestatehub.com/leedphilly a bit of a face lift.  Let me know what you think.  The site is designed to chronicle Philadelphia's hottest new LEED certified New Construction projects. Also, PhiladelphiaNewConstruction.com aka Philadelphiarealestatehub.com/new now includes a fairly comprehensive list of Philadelphia's new residential development projects.  For each project, you can quickly view every unit currently on t...
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Drhanh.net new listing: South Philly town house redone 2008 Proud to offer a redone 2008 beautiful townhouse in most desired area of SouthPhilly. Brand new cherry color wood floor, new tiles, new kitchen are on the first floor. New bathroom, new carpet, new windows are on the 2nd floor. New roof, new.... Convenience to transportation, shopping, library, It is faced West 285 degree and located just a few blocs to Washington avenue, 5 minutes to Center city and Italianmarket. Short distance to almost everything and an affordable market price, it is a great deal. Visit 1435hicks.drhanh.net for more information or call for showingPhoto GalleryInformationContact InformationDr Hanh Vo, A. Broker, e-Pro, FSP2153792002x67PricingAsking Price: $120,000.00Flexibility: NegotiableFeaturesBedrooms: 3...
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By Larry Yerkes, Associate Broker, Southeastern PA Real Estate Services
(Harper Real Estate)
HUD statement regarding Philadelphia Housing Authority:"We are pleased that the Court upheld HUD's decision not to give special treatment to the [Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)]. The PHA did not show any irreparable or immediate injury if it's [Moving to Work (MTW)] Agreement, which expires today [3/31], were not renewed. The Court correctly found that if the PHA continues to demand a new contract on its terms "any harm PHA suffers will be by its own hand, not HUD's." Thus, the solution to this problem lies with the PHA itself, and we continue to stand by, ready to assist them, as we always have." Source: HUD 2008-03-31 For more details: PennLive.com Subsequent news story: Philly.com -- HUD Secretary resigns, PHA given one year extension.  Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Ri...
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I work on many tiny Philadelphia homes - tiny living rooms, tiny kitchens and tiny, winding stairways.  Some of these houses are so tiny that builders or owners have cut trap doors into the bedroom floors so the furniture can be heaved from the first floor to the second and from the second floor to the third.  Unfortunately, there have been no trap doors in the houses I have worked on.  All the tiny houses I work on require tiny furniture and creative strategies to stage upper floor bedrooms.  In one itty-bitty house with only one bedroom, we couldn't get a full bed box spring up the steps, so I built a "box spring" out of banker boxes.  (I heard of a stager who uses refrigerator boxes.)  And, we had to make several attempts at winding the headboard around the stairway to finally get it...
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By Karen Miller
(Karen Miller, LLC)
When my sister and I were little girls, our mother always told us before company came to "Put on a pretty face."  This meant we should wash our faces, comb our hair and wear our very prettiest dresses, so everyone would think we were absolutely gorgeous and always looked that way.Mother was always concerned with what the neighbors thought, so our house received a "good going over" from stem to stern in the event any of these kind visitors looked in closets or kitchen cabinets.  No one was ever going to say anything bad about Ruth's kids, closets or cabinets!  Not ever!  No excuses.  My parents did this exercise every time there was a visit, a party or a holiday dinner.  No matter what, my sister and I always put on our "pretty faces."  So, it shouldn't be a surprise to you that houses a...
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By James Yoakum, SFR
(US Spaces, Inc.)
More proof that the investment market in Philly is red-hot even with the national economy melting-down all around us (if you believe the media hype that is). I just put a property under contract that was on the market exactly one week, and that sold for 11% over asking price with multiple (5+) offers! Even to an eternal optimist like myself this was a shockingly easy sale in what is supposedly a rough market. If you've got cash or good credit there really hasn't been a better time to buy, at least in the Philadelphia market, in the past 5 to 10 years.Happy Investing!James E. YoakumLong & Foster Real Estate Inc.Independence Hall Office601 Walnut Street, Suite L-10Philadelphia PA 19106Office: 215-409-6900Cell: 267-496-7739Email: james.yoakum@lnf.com
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By James Yoakum, SFR
(US Spaces, Inc.)
How many times have I heard my investor clients say "I'd like to buy this house but I'd really LOVE to buy this whole block!"? I hear it all the time! In Philadelphia making a good real estate investment is just as much about the block, street and neighborhood that you buy into as it is about the property itself. This means two things for investors: 1. Don't base your buying decision on the property alone, look at the zip code, neigbhorhood, street, and most importantly the individual block on which the property is located. The desirability (and value) of a property can be vastly different depending on the dynamics of the block on which it's located. This is pretty simple to understand just from walking around.2. The second, and maybe more important thing for an investor is that buying ...
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