Philadelphia’s transfer tax is going up on July 1As of July 1, the city’s portion of real estate transfer tax will increase from 3.278% to 3.578%. The state will remain at 1%, resulting in a total of 4.578% for transactions in Philadelphia. Even if your transaction happens before July 1, if you don’t register the deed before July 1, the new transfer tax rate will apply.Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 6/13/2025The City of Philadelphia has some of the highest transfer taxes in the country. The transfer tax is typically split equally between the buyer and the seller at the time of final settlement.  What renters and landlords need to know about changes to security depositsPhiladelphia City Council passed two key housing bills on June 12, setting the stage for them to become law in the comi... 07/01/2025

Let's talk about Delaire Landing Community. It is located in the Torresdale section of NE Philadelphia along the Delaware River. At one time, it was the best-kept secret in Philly, but it is becoming more popular. It is a gated waterfront community with many social activities. It also features two beautiful pools right on the river, one  lap pool and the other a heated pool. In the summer, it becomes a tropical oasis for many of the residents. During the summer months, we host evening swim parties featuring our local DJ, Mike. The club plans wonderful trips to fantastic places. There are card games if you like to play, and even the famous mahjong games. Water aerobics is also available twice a week.  Our own Joyce Fineberg hosts numerous fairs several times a year and teaches amazing cr... 04/28/2025

There is another person I cannot exclude who greatly influenced my life: my Father. Dad was a jack of all trades; he could do anything he put his mind to. He went deep sea fishing every Saturday like clockwork in the warm weather. He was up before dawn and home by dinner with fresh fish, usually blue Fish or Flounder. Sometimes, he would take me fishing, but not the deep sea as if I got seasick, and they would not turn back. I remember one time no one was catching fish except me. I was catching blowfish.  Dad was the youngest of six. There were three boys and three girls. My Uncle Joe owned a car dealership, and my Dad would bring home old antique model cars with running boards and spotlights like you see in movies. They smelled so good inside because everything was made of genuine leat... 03/27/2025

Spring is here today! MR squirrel was looking around as usual, and Cleo was amazed at all the birds singing at our door today. Suddenly, I heard this bird screeching, one I had not heard before. With my camera in hand, I walked over, and the most beautiful Blue Jay was perched on the walkway fence. He seemed to be talking to Mr. Squirrell, who controlled the warm water bowl I had placed outside. Before I could snap his picture, he was gone.   Cleo wanted to go out and play. She was upset and tried to go outside later once they were all gone. She came right back in; she knew home. The Blue Jay has a nest in the big tree next to our condo, so that we will see him again. They have a very distinct voice. I will try to get a picture of him in the next several days. The weather is warmer, but... 03/20/2025

My older sister Sarae greatly influenced me. She was always there for me, my Friend, and also like a second mother. I remember her helping me with my homework assignments. We often visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Franklin Institute. Back then, we did not have computers; we had encyclopedias, and she would help me choose what subject to write about. When I was a young kid, she would take me out with her friends. I pledged with a sorority, and I was the mascot. She took me everywhere. I was even lucky enough to watch her dance on Bandstand; it was so exciting. Mom, I watched her on black-and-white TV. She would wake me up some days and say, "Mom said we don't have to go to school today. Get dressed; we are meeting Aunt Lily and Cousin Ivan downtown.  We would either go shop... 03/19/2025

 My Mother had a significant influence on my life. My Mother loved life and was grateful to be alive and for all she had. She was an orphan in her teenage years and lived with her sister in a home. She had a voice like an angel and sang all the time. Music was always playing in our house, and we were always singing. My older sister Sarae influenced me also, as she was like a second mom, and we were 10 years apart. My Father also loved music and was always reading and doing puzzles. I was always encouraged to play instruments and sports. I loved swimming and I played violin in the orchestra in school. People always say I look just like my Mother; she was vivacious. Although we loved to sing, no one had my Mother's voice, so my Mom sent me to dance school. Although my Mother was only 4'10... 03/10/2025

By commenting on each other's posts, we create friendships and relationships with the writers of the posts. How else can you cultivate relationships with Active Rain members? Commenting forms a line of communication. We acknowledge each other and our thoughts.Do comments lead to discussion posts? Yes, of course, they do. Perhaps they may even result in a phone call or text message for further discussions. Friendship and comments are a two-way street; we all have something valuable to say. The conversation may even inspire someone to write something. It is vital to engage in conversation. After a while, you wonder if anyone is reading what you say. So, inspire someone today. Tell the writer they wrote a good story. Tell them you like their photo, enjoyed the book review, or will try thei... 02/20/2025

I was asked a straightforward question: Why do I love what I do? Helping people find the home of their dreams gives me joy. I have been in the business for over forty years and have helped many people and made many friends.   This business is forever changing, as are the market conditions. I have seen Seller's Markets and Buyers' Markets. I remember when, one day, the market just crashed along with the banks. I met a young social media guy at our office, and we were all going to a Real Estate Bar Camp (no, it wasn't a Bar ) to meet socially. We met bloggers. I met and Margaret Woda also Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400   who are members of Active Rain. Some are no longer active, so I decided to join  ActiveRain. Smartest thing I ever did as I learned so much. You see, many of us wer... 02/17/2025

Let's do some quick shopping.  While on Instagram, I discovered two things. Reclectic was opening a new store in North Carolina, so I was very excited and wanted to inform my two favorite ladies Nina Hollander, Broker  and Debe Maxwell, CRS   . North Carolina is enormous, and I did not know if the store would be close to them, but it was close to them, so I also wanted them to know not to shop right away, as when it first opened in Philly, there were lines to get in, and checkout waits for hours. Dress for success and pay less The second thing I learned was about a close-out sale in our store in Franklin Mills. Feeling better,  I called my shopping buddy to let her know, and we decided to meet there.  I picked up some great deals. I am not a denim jean wearer - but I got a New style of ... 02/16/2025

 Delaire Landing Gated Community Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the snow was falling, and everything was quiet. Four Seasons will be here tomorrow, working hard to clean away the snow. They do a fantastic job removing and clearing away snow. Four Seasons did show up before dawn and cleared the roads and sidewalks. It is nice not to worry about shoving snow. What a great place to live, especially if you are looking for carefree living Looking to make a move? Call your Local Real Estate Agent with any questions you may have Condo living is not for everyone but if you think it may be for you Hannah Williams HomeStarr Realty 215 355 5565 or direct 215 820 3376   02/12/2025

Philadelphia News Views Jet Plane Crashes Who would Believe a Jet Plane would Crash into a  Residential Shopping Center and Residential living area, leaving many families homeless and helpless? My deepest Sympathy to all who were affected by this tragedy. We here in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia have the best Governors, Josh Shapiro and Mayor Parker; we are Philly Strong; they kept us informed and were there on the scene helping and cleaning everything up. The FBI was also present. The truth was spoken and respected.Many people are sick with the flu and other illness. I, for one, have been out of commission for a month and even lost my voice for several weeks. I am just getting my strength back. Every time I think I am over it, it comes back. So, I am taking it easy and resting. At one ... 02/09/2025

Delaire Landing Gated Waterfront Community: What are the Values in  Philly, Pennsylvania Delaire Landing is a very desirable place to live. Let's see what is available right now in Delaire Landing. There are only two units to choose from. The other units are gone. The rest are either under contract or settled /sold. Let us look at what is available for sale right now   Active: 1BR 1 bath unit 2nd floor, 806 SQ',w/balcony -cedar walk-in closet $215,000 Active: 2BR 1.5 Bath unit 2nd floor, 968 SQ', w/balcony -2Lg BRs $239,000 There are three condos currently under contract, and we do not discuss these until they are closed and settled, the deed is signed, and the keys are exchanged Now let us take a look at what has Sold in the last Thirty daysSOLD: 1BR 1 Bath 3rd floor  806 SQ' remodeled... 01/13/2025

This year, I will strive to maintain connections with my past, present, and future clients through various platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Additionally, direct mail can be an effective and helpful tool. One way I stay connected is through my community. I celebrated the New Year with my friends and neighbors at the clubhouse, where we had a wonderful time dancing and singing together. While they know me as their neighborhood real estate expert, I am also a friend within the community, having lived here for many years. They understand that I always have their best interests at heart.It was an exceptional party featuring the Gilligan Yacht Rock Band, a live band that frequently plays at local clubs in the area. We had a fantastic time dancing and singing. This was the fir... 01/09/2025

What to Gift The Person Who Has Everything No one has everything, although you may think they do.A package comes in the mail; perhaps it is a gift they received when they opened their mailbox, and there is a package from a friend. The friend lives across the country but sent them a box carefully wrapped with the homemade cookies that the family makes every year; what a precious gift, and the happiness and joy are so precious—receiving an unexpected, thoughtful gift. My friend's husband just had open heart surgery. Whenever I buy her a present, she never seems to like it. Those who know me understand how much time I spend buying gifts. This year's gift will be food, as she does not cook. She always asks me to make her soup with instructions on how to make it. I keep asking her if she has... 12/23/2024

In this week's Zoom meeting, I learned a new trick from my dear friend Margaret Rome. I also enjoy our Zoom meeting and all the members that attend I have always learned something from Margaret. She is such an intelligent lady, and I could hug her this week. She also hosts a radio show every Sunday. Sell Your Home With Margaret RomeRadio Host ALL ABOUT REAL ESTATESundays noon.Author: Real Estate The Rome Way There are so many days when I misplace my phone. I have even emailed friends, asking them to call me, but that usually does not work and is not quick.The fastest way was to knock on my neighbor's door. When I gave up looking for the phone, I asked her to call me. She laughed but called me a few times until I found it. Margaret had a brilliant secret way to find it. It was simple and... 12/19/2024

 Today is Friday the 13 Here are some newsworthy facts going on  Dolphins found to have died from Fentinol off the coast of Mexico  The CEO of United Health Care was murdered allegedly by a twenty-six-year-old honor student while walking in New York City with a ghost gun; his lawyer said there is no evidence even though his fingerprints are all over the casing found.  Mysterious drones are flying over New Jersey and Philadelphia, and there are no answers from the FBI to anyone as to where these drones come from. No one from the White House will inform the mayors of the cities or law enforcement agencies.    There is a massive fire in Malibu, Southern California, and it continues to grow. Many people have lost their homes and lives—smoke advisory for Los Angeles. Our prayers are with the... 12/13/2024

What is happening in Delaire Landing Gated Waterfront Community? The Annual Vendor Fair was a huge success, as was this year's charity, "Coats for Kids." There were many other events, like Halloween Trunk or Treat, Kids Breakfast with Santa, Veterans Breakfast, and Quizno. This year, we are ringing in the 2025  Year New Gala with a live Band Gilligan Yacht Rock Band Catering  by - The Blue Monkey There is always something fun and exciting happening at Delaire Landing Let's take a look at what is available in case you are interested in living here Currently, there are four condo units up for sale in Delaire Landing Community2BR 2Bath 1348 Sq' 2nd-floor unit bank owned fee monthly $449  Price $203,0002BR 2Bath 1240 Sq' 2nd fl condition excellent fee $449 Mo - Price $279,9002BR 2Bath 1295 ... 12/02/2024

Oh, how grateful I am for this precious gift that my daughter gave me. Her name is Cleo, although she had several names when she lived at my daughter's home. They all had a different name for her. When she came to live with me, we talked, and I gave her a name that was only hers and explained my name. Cleo is my Siamese Cat and my best friend. Cleo follows me everywhere. She likes to eat when I eat. She is an indoor cat but will walk with me by my side without a leash, and if I say HOME, she walks Home. She is knowledgeable, and she knows exactly where she lives. We used to go walking a lot, but now we have many birds of prey in the area, and I do not know what I would do if one swooped down and took her away. She is older now, and I have lost count, to be honest, maybe 10 or 12, so she... 11/30/2024

Sometimes, when everything goes smoothly, something odd happens. I was cooking soup when I heard a poof noise and looked and saw a spark in the microwave. I quickly unplugged it. The smell was awful—you understand that burned electrical smell. The fan over the stove was turned on, and my hands shook.  I  had to finish making my soup. I am so grateful I was home and in the kitchen, as I wonder if the whole kitchen and place would have burned down if I had not been home. I was not using the microwave; it just went up. It was not old, either, and it was still under warranty. I called because I still had the booklet in the drawer. A few days later, even with great anti-virus, my computer was hacked. I called the computer doctor and unplugged it. He had it for a few days, and I was working o... 11/27/2024

There are great Steals and deals out there. I stopped in Ross, although the doctor said to go home, get in bed, and rest. I stopped at my favorite Chinese take-out in the same shopping center and got some wonton soup, an order of moo shoo, and fried rice. I was lucky to have my bag, which keeps things warm or cold in the car.In Ross. I was looking for a unique gift for a special friend. As soon as I walked in the door, I found what I wanted but for me. A silver bag and a small one, Karl Lagerfeld, were locked up. It was managers' day, and a man and woman asked if I liked it and I said look, it matches my sneakers. The man laughed, and I said, How can I resist the woman who had disappeared? He asked if I wanted it, and I said I would shop and come back, and the woman reappeared with keys... 11/26/2024