Special offer

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 ...
Comments 16
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...
Comments 16
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  
Comments 9
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Charlie is taking a break from blogging on Active Rain !  He was in the process of checking out one of his favourite groups on A/R ! Charlie has become a hit per se on our blog as we have several posts and blogs of wonderful cats - Charlie and Ashley.  They have a special places in our lives ! Philadelphia Real Estate - Chris and Stephanie Somers Philadelphia Real Estate Blog Click here to receive our future email updates
Comments 22
Salem County in New Jersey posted the largest percent increase in median sale price in the tri-state region, rising three percent DEVON, PA - Greater Philadelphia region* median home prices decreased 2.2 percent to $225,000 in the first nine months of 2008, according to Prudential Fox & Roach, REALTORS'® HomExpert Market Report©. The median sale price in the first nine months of 2007 was $230,000. In the first nine months of 2008, the region saw 44,439 homes sold, a 26.3 percent decrease, compared to 60,280 homes sold in the first nine months of 2007. The average number of days a home remained on the market increased from 65 days in the first nine months of 2007 to 76 days in the first nine months of 2008. Additionally, monthly average inventory for the first nine months of 2008 was 62,...
Comments 0
By Lauren Herlich
(US Spaces Inc Real Estate)
Another blogger reading my last post, Why Should You Understand Terms a Realtor Uses?, suggested I should write a post on SHORT SALES since it is a term used quite often these days in the news. In order to write such an article, I think there are a few other ideas I should write about first to make the idea of a short sale clear. Since I am writing about real estate, I will address the idea of a mortgage. First and foremost, a mortgage is a lien. Of course, the next question is: what is a lien? A lien is a right to retain the lawful possession of another's property until the owner of the property fulfills a legal duty or obligation. In the case of a mortgage, the legal obligation is to pay off the loan. When the loan is paid off, then the lien/mortgage/obligation is removed from the pro...
Comments 3
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
A Slow Market - how to strategize ? We held 2 open houses in Northern Liberties today.  We helped coordinate an open house blitz with other offices.  The whole neighborhood was alive with open houses - basically if your realtor did not take advantage of this, you might want to fire them since every house was pretty much open today ! But wait a minute ... did it really matter ?  I have not seen open house traffic this slow in a long time.  Were the buyers just taking the day off ?  Gearing up for the Phillies ?  Maybe still paralyzed by the doom and gloom of the media ?  (See Gag the media ? Or Hang the DJ ?) . Is this a sign of things to come ? A crawl into spring ? Or look deeper - what it is is a sign of and a reminder that for the properties that will sell should be priced below mark...
Comments 12
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
 Listing to Closing in less than 30 Days in Philadelphia Yesterday I got an email from one of our seller clients that read: Hi Chris     You did great.  I think the buyer was generated by you e-mailing the buyers that looked at my other property.  Listing to closing in under 30 days !!!!!!!!!THANKS,Ken   Let's face it.  The last year has been difficult.  For us, the last couple of months have been very very hard and draining.  We put our hearts, our energy and pieces of ourselves out there and sometimes it is very appreciated... other times it feels like we are stepped on or sucker punched.  It is just our nature to work very hard and our goal to surround ourselves with people who enjoy working with us and who value what we do.  In any event, in the midst of having a tough week, we did ...
Comments 15
Chris expresses upset when a multi-unit apartment building burns because of one negligent tenant    Philadelphia, PA -- Recent news reported a clothes dryer fire in an apartment building causing severe damage and many units to be evacuated.  Chris Zoto, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard serving Philadelphia, PA and neighboring communities, urges landlords and property managers to have dryer vent systems cleaned and inspected annually to prevent this type of tragedy. Chris was recently interviewed and he said, "Dryer vents should be professionally inspected at least once a year to prevent lint build-up from causing a fire.  When tenants don't properly maintain their dryer vent systems, the landlords end up being liable for whatever happens.  In large buildings, or in attached condos, many lives...
Comments 0
Reports show the average home spends $1900 a year on energy costs; many homeowners are unaware of how much they can save with proper dryer and dryer vent maintenance   Philadelphia, PA -Technicians who work for Dryer Vent Wizard in Philadelphia area are working to educate consumers on dryer fire safety.  Home owners who think its normal for their dryer to take more than one cycle to dry clothes are in danger of starting a fire due to clogged dryer vents.  Chris Zoto, owner of Dryer Vent Wizard, advises his customers that lint accumulation in dryer vents causes a dryer to over heat and to run inefficiently, causing fires and increasing energy usage. Dryer Vent Wizard, Dry Clothes, Safe Homes is the largest chain of dryer vent specialists in the U.S.  Besides specializing in dryer vent ma...
Comments 0
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
NORTHERN LIBERTIES OPEN HOUSE TOUR ON 10/19 1 to 3 FROM THE SOMERS TEAM Please join us on Sunday from 1 - 3 at the following open houses in Northern Liberties.  Each of these properties are unique and are in terrific locations within Northern Liberties.  122 W Laurel St -  3br/2.5 baths  $350,000 737 N 2nd St - Unit 1  2br/1ba     $317,500 1136 Oneil - 3 br / 1ba -roofdeck - $315,000    122 W Laurel - $350,000 This is a completely rebuilt 3 story, bright and sunny corner row property in the heart of Northern Liberties with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. The large finished basement has ceramic tile flooring and 2 windows for plenty of light plus a storage area. Bamboo hard wood flooring runs throughout the entire home. The 1st floor offers a spacious living room with open dining area, a beaut...
Comments 4
By Lauren Herlich
(US Spaces Inc Real Estate)
Why Should You Understand Terms a Realtor Uses? Well, truth be known, there is no reason why any buyer or seller should understand the terms or abbreviations a Realtor uses. We, the real estate community, are so used to throwing the words around, that we forget that the terms are not in common use, but instead, used for conversation with a very limited number of people. I have noticed sometimes people ask me what something means and sometimes they don't and sometimes they look puzzled. They do, however, often come back with the incorrect responses. I, in this situation, blame myself for the poor communication. So, I will try to list as many terms of which I commonly use and hear to clue you into their meaning so that you will know right off what they mean. ACTIVE You will see ACTIVE use...
Comments 2
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Finally, a site dedicated for the Philadelphia Investor ! Chris and Stephnaie Somers along with the brilliant Intention Marketing just launched Philly Investor Hub  !  (please provide feedback) A good percentage of our business is working with investors, from those looking to build a portfolio of investment properties from those looking to build new construction.  Depending on market conditions, we also have helped numerous investors buy and sell "flip" properties (even in the current market ! ) We are bullish about the prospects of the Philadelphia real estate markets as can be seen in many of our Philadelphia real estate blog posts and a recent Forbes Article saying that Philadelphia is still a great city to buy or sell real estate. Our clients enjoy working with us since we are also ...
Comments 19
By Michelle Chamberlain, Suburban Philadelphia Mortgage Broker
(Above All Financial Services -Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker )
Business owners and residents in Chinatown and the surrounding areas of Center City are concerned about the new proposed Foxwoods Casino development in Center City Philadelphia.  I received an email from a good friend who owns a business in the area alerting me to a Town Hall meeting to dicsuss those concerns.  The information is as follows: There will be a town meeting next Thursday, Oct 9th, 7pm at the Holy Redeemer Church regarding the proposed Foxwoods casino at the Gallery.  City and State Representatives will be on hand to discuss and answer questions and concerns regarding the proposed casino.  I urge you to please come and attend the meeting next Thursday, as a casino will most certainly have a negative impact on the Chinatown community.  Many of the concerns include: traffic, p...
Comments 3
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Below are the top 15 areas that Business Week highlights as the top real estate buying opportunties in up-and-coming neighborhoods ! Business Week Article The article highlights a specific neighborhood within each city.  The premis of the article is to watch where the artists are living now.   Being that Stephanie and I live in one of the sections - Northern Liberties in Philadlephia - we can certainly attest to the thriving culture.  We have great restaurants, coffee shops, artists and galleries and great new construction all around us.  Further, the trend has moved north to Old Kensington as well which is one of our favourite investment areas and real estate opportunities in all of Philadelphia. Enjoy the list below ! 1.  Atlanta, GA                                                    ...
Comments 3
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Stragetize to sell your property at Full Price and to sell within 2 to 3 Weeks ! After listing a property that has been on the market for less than 2 weeks, today we met with our seller to go over 4 offers in writing. Each of the buyer agents were given a chance to come back with their highest and best offer.  The offer that was accepted ended up being a full price offer with a settlement timeframe of less than 4 weeks ! No, this was not an investment property.  All four deals were for homewoners.  All four deals had FHA mortgages.  The two key items that lead us to this point are: 1.   Aggressive Pricing 2.   A Great Product Aggressive pricing - In speaking with our client, we recommended pricing the property 5 percent below the other properties that are on the market.  Further, the pr...
Comments 17
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Settlement Success in Philadelphia Yesterday we had a settlement for a buyer that my wife Stephanie Somers has been working with for close to 2 years !  We are very excited for our client who is also very excited about her first home !  It was certainly a long process as we took her to all kinds of homes during this timeframe.  We even wrote up an offer or two in which the buyer changed her mind.  As an artist and a sculptor, she was looking for something very specific and unique (some of her work can be seen here -  She was one of the featured artists in "Where art fashion and real estate collide" in Old Kensington at The Lawrence Street Condos.) Also, it was a tricky process for the FHA financing that she wanted to do in relation to the type of property that she was looking for - raw ...
Comments 12
By Lauren Herlich
(US Spaces Inc Real Estate)
As I begin writing today's blog, I flip over to see what the headline is on THE DRUDGE REPORT. It reads, "Citi Eats Wachovia". The article goes on to describe just another story of what we are all hearing in the news daily: "bad loans", "the mortgage crisis", "the housing crisis", etc.. And as I write this blog, and reread DUDGE, the headline changes to "DOW DROPS MORE THAN 500." and then, "HOUSE DEFEATS $700 BILLION BAILOUT" . None of these headlines are surprising, and I don't think unexpected. As I drove around in the car on several occasions today, I heard KYW/1060 reporting the response to a survey asking people if we are in a depression or not. Technically, we are not, however, many more people surveyed thought we were than thought so six months ago. I cannot help but wonder if it...
Comments 0
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Philadelphia Phillies MAKE THE PLAYOFFS ! Philadelphia Phillies win the division !!!  Going to the playoffs for the second straight year !!  This could be the year we go to the world series !! The team has a never say die attitude and has tremendous unity !!!  Let us all give the Phillies a cheer and wish them luck in the postseason !  
Comments 7
By Susan Mangigian, Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches
(RE/MAX Preferred)
On this rather gloomy day in the Philadelphia area, I had an unexpected chance to take a short tour of the Philadelphia Navy Yard with a client who has an office down there.   Located on South Broad Street in South Philadelphia, it is kind of shocking to me that I had never been there until today, even though I spent my first 25 years of life not more than a few miles from there.  Not that city people count distances in miles.  Back then I could have easily ridden my bike, which I used to do all of the time to "the lakes", which is what the locals call the large park across from the Sport's complex on South Broad Street, officially named FDR Park.  But, when I was growing up, the Navy Yard was gated and you had to be there on business to get in, or at least I am assuming that was the re...
Comments 13
By Lauren Herlich
(US Spaces Inc Real Estate)
I have been reading quotes recently mostly for my own amusement. Some quite funny and some quite serious. I ran the word "HOME" and came across the use of many meanings of the word. There are those quotes about the idea of a home town, a house, a country, a family, a place in the heart, etc.. Since many of my readers are either thinking about buying a house to make a home, or are professionals in business of helping people find a house to make a home, I thought you may enjoy the result of my query. The following is a sampling of some of the results. I left the silly ones, which really having nothing to do with anything except they contain the word "home", for the end to give you a chuckle. I hope you enjoy them.Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in...
Comments 1
By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
The Washington Bail-out Plan - what do you think ?   I had a little time today to watch Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke get grilled by Congress today regarding the $700 billion bailout plan. I have mixed feelings about the plan.  I agree with Jim Cramer of Mad Money who says "The Paulson Plan is the Best Plan" - see His Video  in that to a certain extent there really is no other option.  Without it, companies like Washington Mutual and other banks could just go out of business.   On the other hand, does it reward the companies that did faulty banking by giving them a free pass to a degree ?  Is that fair to all us taxpayers ?  With the combined bailouts of Bear Stearns, AIG, the Housing Bill, and now this, wow - is a lot of money !!!  How is the...
Comments 16
By Lauren Herlich
(US Spaces Inc Real Estate)
Over and over again, I am running into people who would like to buy real estate and find that they cannot get approved for a mortgage, because they have credit issues. I know this is not some big revelation. I know it is the headline in the news everyday right now. Some of these credit problems are big and will take years to straighten out and others are small items, which can be fixed in a 3 month time period. It may seem hopeless, but it doesn't have to be. What should you do if you find yourself in these circumstances?   First, don't delay and put off your credit problems. It is very easy not to open the mail, screen your calls and forget that the problem exists, but there are solutions. There are non-profit credit counselors available for help in these matters. They can help you str...
Comments 1
Explore Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia, PA Real Estate Professionals