Real Estate Ramblings

The latest word on the $8,000 first-time-buyer tax credit is that it will be extended for a few more months, and that it will be at least partially expanded to some buyers beyond just first-timers, although the criteria they're using are a bit weird. The excerpt below is from Realtor.org: "Lawmak...

According to Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) passage of an extension to the first-time buyer tax credit seems likely. The most likely format for the extension will be an extension of the current $8,000 tax-credit program through March 31, 2010. After that the maximum tax credit would be reduced by $2,...

James Yoakum | Brown McKinney Real Estate | 215-825-2250 x.1002 1912 Colonial Street, Philadelphia, PA End-of-Row West Oak Lane Home - Lots of Space - Charming Block - Convenient to Everything 4BR/1.5BA Townhouse offered at $79,900 Year Built 1928 Sq Footage 1,188 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 ...

With the Phillies one win away from another visit to the World Series it's easy to enjoy being in Philadelphia this fall. Making it even better are the numerous options for getting outside to enjoy the changing leaves and natural beauty. This online slideshow from Philadelphia Magazine highlights...

So Philadelphia only managed 2nd place in these rankings of America's top sports towns, but with the Phillies playing in October for the third time in three years I"m not complaining. Too bad the town that beat us out was cross-state rival Pittsburgh! First they host the G-20 Summit, now they're ...

This article from Realtor.org says that adding an additional bathroom to a home or remodeling an existing bathroom can be a good investment for homeowners - adding more to the value of the home than the cost of the addition or renovation. This contrasts with many other home improvements that, on ...

This article from Marketwatch.com discusses using interest-rate-tracking ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) and options on those ETFs to hedge the risks of mortgage rates rising before home-buyers have locked them in. While this particular approach might not be the perfect solution, today's historicall...

Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages have dropped back below 5%! One local lender that I work with is quoting 4.74% for purchase loans this morning and they usually offer even better rates to first-time buyers. If you're thinking of buying this could be a perfect time - prices are still low but showi...

The unemployment numbers for the Philadelphia region that came out this week don't look great but they could certainly be worse. In Philadelphia county August unemployment rose to 10.5% from 10.3% in July - worse than the national unemployment rate which just hit a 26-year high of 9.8% for Septem...

This article from today's Inquirer describes a couple of nice roof decks in Philadelphia. Roof decks have been a growing trend in Philly for years, and why not - the typical Philadelphia rowhouse is great for many reasons, but an abundance of private outdoor space is not one of them. I often thin...