.     Last Friday my wife ( Laura) and I drove into Phillyto view the Mary Cassatt Exhibit. It did not disappoint .She  was a unique artist for her time and led a life thatempowered others . There must have been 100+ paintings . Her models were often people who workedon her estate and/or neighborhood children .       The Art Museum was beautiful and had several Food opportunities and several Stores where the Prints of featured paintings were  VERY reasonable. The is aParking Garage on site ( so parking is not an issue).The neighborhood includes Boathouse Row , with numerous college athletes sharping their rowing skills. The Museum is also about 30 minutes ( on the way home) to King of Prussia Mega Mall . Taking a train from Lancaster was another option . We willbe back to tour numerous ... 09/09/2024

Let's see what's happening in Delaire Landing Gated Waterfront Community. If you are looking for a two-bedroom, two-bath condo, you are in luck! There are four beautiful units available. They have updated kitchens and also have balconies. Prices range from $210,000 -$259,000  Sq; 1022 - 1338 Sq'  Look at what has sold in the last 65 days in Delaire Landing. Sold - 2 BR 2 Bath 1240 Sq'  sold as is  first-floor unit $260,000 cash DOM 19 Sold-2BR 2bath 1240 SQ' Riverview  first floor $250,152 cash DOM 5 SOLD -2BR 1 Bath 992 Sq ' 3rd floor newer Kit +bath Mortgage $220,000 DOM 21 Sold- 2BR 2Bath 1036 Sq' 2nd floor updated -mortgage $255,000 DOM  13 All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.  SQ means square footage of units. DOM days on the market If you want to Buy in today's m... 08/13/2024

Let's fork up a summer dish for the Active Rain cookbook. Sponsored by: Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! and Kathy Streib Here is a recipe to make and enjoy: Chilled Wonton Salad. Let's Slice it Up, Chill it, and Dish it Out Chop up one English Cucumber bite-size pieces 12 oz of cherry tomatoes  cut in half * Scallion or  green onion, two stalks chopped 1/4 cup of celery chopped (not celery seed ) can be deleted Carrots sliced thin -optionalcapers Kalamata Olives, make sure they are the pitted ones Roasted Red Peppers ( you can buy them in a jar)Two cups of Korean Mini Wontons uncooked (either fried - boiled or air-fry)  Organic Asian ginger dressing, about a 1/4 cup, mix with additional fresh herbs - ginger, garlic, and cilantro- and top it off with a splash of lime. Chill and enjoy on ... 06/25/2024

Philadelphia Steals and Deals Last Minute Father's Day Gifts Sephora is a fun place to walk in and purchase some excellent gifts for Dad. Please don't kid yourself. Men like to smell good just like women do, and you can find a fabulous selection of Fragrances there. Pick up mini sampler sets for either boxed sets or, if you don't know what Dad likes. If you are sure what he likes a nice bottle of his favorite fragrance is always appreciated. It is wise that I get a gift receipt. This way, he can exchange it if he does not like it. This is to for special dads who are Golfers. They have Gift cards and are called Wear SPF. It explains the difference between chemical and mineral SPF. It lets you know how important it is to wear sunscreen and why and how it can improve your golf game.  What ... 06/14/2024

 Summertime is time for summer fun. Are you looking for bathing suits, ladies? Are you very vain? When you purchase a bathing suit, do you buy one that will last many seasons? Do you expect to spend most of the summer around the water? If so you want a suit that will last. Here are a few online sites for good women's bathing suits and some with intimate wear also that are reputable and have a fantastic return policy. They have a good selection and discounted sales. Buy now while sizes are still available.  Miraclesuit.comBare Necessities NINJA  For Dad & Grads, it is time to grill and save money on kitchen needs. These products are unique. Hurry and save money just in time for Father's Day and graduation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get high-quality kitchen products at a disco... 06/04/2024

It was an exciting weekend at Delaire, Landing Opening Day at the Pool. We always had Hot Dog Day, a tradition and an incredible success. Everyone comes to the pool for their free hot dog with the works, chips, a drink, and a scoop of ice cream. Many of us who love the pool are deeply grateful to the Master Council for the new heater, which made the water warm and delightful. It was an excellent addition!When you are sitting by the pool, it is hard to believe you are in the City of Philadelphia. Thanks to Four Seasons LandscapingThe weather was gorgeous too! We survived watching a canoeing accident in the river that overturned. Our condo president, Joyce, is a retired dispatcher who heard it and called the rescue. The Delaware River has a very strong current, and many have drowned in th... 05/30/2024

Memorial Day 2024Remember & HonorHope you're rested and ready for a great summer!David HenkeLong & Foster Real Estate Inc – Wilmington, DE/Devon, PAOffice: 610-225-7400/Direct: 610-618-0808http://www.DelawarePAHomes.com 05/27/2024

Everyone is so excited as it seems like yesterday that the pool was closing, and we were sadly saying goodbye to summer. Saturday will be the day! Memorial Day Weekend, the pool will be open, and we will say hello once more to all our friends at the pool. Hope you remembered to update your card and get your Hot dog ticketsThis year, we can thank our condo Master Council as we finally have a new heater for the pool. No more shivering on the opening day when our bodies hit the water and the brave polar bears say oh, the water is not cold as their lips turn blue. Big thank you to all the volunteers who set up, cooked, served, cleaned up, and made the hot day a unique and fabulous tradition at Delaire Landing. Oh, let us not forget Scoopaffles  Ice Cream  , our newer addition, yumCannot wai... 05/21/2024

Listen up, potential homebuyers! The benefits of getting pre-qualified for a mortgage are not to be underestimated. By knowing how much you can afford before you start house hunting, you can avoid the disappointment of falling in love with a home that's out of your reach. It's a crucial first step that can save you time, energy, and heartache.It will undoubtedly not be very pleasant. So, let's start at the beginning. Most people, as much as they think, will only stay in their first home for five to seven years. Their situations change, and they usually outgrow the house. I'll be sure to get to my point, and then I'll let you go. Are you aware there is money available if you qualify for first-time home buyers? You may qualify for up to 5% or more of the home's purchase price. If you stay... 05/20/2024

Today was a busy day and I love that. My listing contract was emailed back we can talk about that later. My past clients want me to take a ride up to the new development they purchased and are not happy with. They are thinking of selling and to be honest, I think they should keep it. I am going up with them to see the problem and we will see if we can overcome their objections. I am waiting to hear back from the listing I went on last week, who thought the commission was now cheap because he heard it on the news. He was so disappointed when I explained to him that what the news reporter told him was not true. I did explain it was negotiable but nothing had changed. I will be calling him this week as his plan is to list on Memorial Day Weekend. When he called, I thought he was referred t... 05/18/2024

Philadelphia Steals and Deals Philly Delivered to Your DoorHere is a real treat this week if you would like a taste of real Italian Cuisine shipped to your house from South Philadelphia Di Bruno Bros. The cost of their food is very reasonable even their homemade pasta sauce in a jar. Their homemade pasta and all their food is making my mouth water and my stomach growl while I am writing this post. Their cheese and olives are delectable.  Just in case you are a fan of the Godfather movie, as I am, "Leave the gun, take the cannoli" it is debatable who has the best. I am sure you can find some fantastic authentic Italian Philly food at Di Bruno Bros. White or Black Truffle Cream is quite a delicacy and would be one of my choices and the olive oil. Just think of the taste of Philly without ... 05/16/2024

Philadelphia Steals and Deals Last Minute Gifts For MomLast Minute Gifts for Mom for those who waited . Flowers are always appreciated. Plants are also a nice gift. The pineapple plants are very popular this year if you can find one. Walmart is said to have them, and surprisingly, their pricing is the most expensive. Trader Joe's and local Plant stores like Produce Junction are the most reasonable if they have any left. I have heard Home Depot may have some. I have heard conflicting stories about the fruit being editable. To tell you the truth, they are so cute it really doesn't matter.  Oh, even Amazon has them, and they can be delivered. They are really quite attractive to look at and great conversation plants. They are the mini pineapple plant.  Another plant to consider is the garde... 05/10/2024

Our HomeStarr office set up a private meeting with Our local Bright MLS. This quarterly meeting was about  market reports that Bright supplied to us and how to use them. It was very informative. The instructor was excellent and took things slow but not too slowly. He also stopped to be sure there were not any questions.There is data that can be very useful when working with buyers who may want to take time in deciding whether to put an offer in on a house and whether to offer full price. There is also information showing what areas are the most desirable with a click of the mouse. These areas could change month by month. A ninety score or higher is desired under that not-so-desirable. There were tricks for listing graphs, but they could not be shown, or all his information would be show... 05/07/2024

Philadelphia Steals and Deals Let's Talk the Walk Spring and the warmer weather is here. Some of my clothes needed updating. So I stopped at a Boutique called Hot Foot, not for shoes although their shoes are amazing, but they carry a line of clothing called Talk of the Walk, which is very stylish and unique. Talk of the Walk also has two Stores in New Jersey. One on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and the other in Stone Harbor. I purchased and treated myself to silk white Palazzo pants that were so flowy and a Lady in Gold Top that went perfectly with it. They were the last pair I was thinking of, black also, but they were sold out in stores. These are pieces that will last me years and are interchangeable with other pieces. Perfect for a night out on the town. I will leave the website a... 05/03/2024

Wordless Wednesday posts were not done in ages; it was a beautiful, warm May day. I received a voicemail saying I want to list our house at the end of the month and would like to meet with you. I sent you an email yesterday, but you have yet to respond. This left me speechless, so I returned the call immediately. It was a nice single home, and I took a quick ride to check it out. When I arrived home all the electricity was out and there was no promise of when it would return.    I went outdoors on the patio to check on the Pineapple Plant that I purchased. It fits perfectly into the ceramic planter I have, and I have two, so I ran back, hoping to get a second to grace on each side of the patio. I was lucky. Everything happens for a reason. Hope it is not too many words Check out Philade... 05/01/2024

Philadelphia Steals and Deal Sheets and Comforters  Marshalls.  I was on a mission. I went right to the linens as I was looking for a Spring comforter for my new bed. While walking there, I saw my favorite UGG sheets in a pouch. They are so soft with cooling technology.  3 in queen/ full, all in white. I also grabbed the Koolaburra brand in Gray, so soft, and I decided to grab all the Ugg in white. I am really fussy with sheets. After too many washes, they leave a residue, and I can not sleep on them, no matter how much I spend on them. I had spent a lot on new sheets that were supposed to be amazing. In my opinion, these are much better and much cheaper than any other of the expensive sheets I have purchased. Funny I found a comforter but could not spend all that money at once and wasn... 04/27/2024

 I was dismayed to hear a local ABC news station misinterpret the new verdict, stating that Real Estate Agents were unhappy because sellers were no longer required to pay commissions to buyers' agents. This was a clear misinterpretation of the ruling, and the news anchors' smug reaction only added to the disappointment. It is crucial for the news station to correct this misinterpretation and provide the public with an accurate understanding of the ruling. The new ruling, contrary to the news station's report, offers more flexibility and freedom of choice to both sellers and buyers. It does not prohibit sellers from paying commissions to buyers' agents. The Real Estate Agents can still be hired to assist with the process, and their services will be compensated by the seller or the buyer,... 04/26/2024

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   04/22/2024

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 ... 04/20/2024

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... 04/19/2024