Larry's Delaware Valley Overlook

Wishing You A Better 2009

Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:36:34 -0600

Wishing all of you a ...

... and a Prosperous and Healthy 2009!

We are thankful and feel blessed that, despite it's many challenges, we have survived 2008.

We now look forward in 2009 as we have made many significant adjustments for the changing market are in the process of implementing many enhancements and upgrades to continue expanding our effective market coverage and our ability to provide the best service to you!

We're we are excited about the benefits these changes will provide in 2009!

Come along with us!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays 2008!

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 00:18:45 -0600

Hoping you and your family have a warm, wonderful, Southeastern Pennsylvania Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

The Christmas season holds special meaning unique to each one of us.

Here are links to resources we have provided in previous articles celebrating from different persepctives the meanings, traditions, literature, music, food, fun, faith and family gatherings associated with this time of the year. Enjoy!

Christmas Holiday Music On The Internet
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Celebrate: The Christmas Holiday Season
The Holiday Season - Christmas Carols and Songs
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 1 of 3
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 2 of 3
Filling Your Home With Winter Cheer - Part 3 of 3
Christmas Holiday Fun

It This A Good Time For Me to Buy or Sell Real Estate?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:49:49 -0500

Many of us, who are contemplating buying or selling real estate in Southeastwen Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley, are trying to predict the real estate market and reduce our risk of making a bad financial decision.

A question is usually asked, "Is now a good time to buy or sell real estate, especially a residence?"

Those wanting to buy may be concerned about purchasing a residence that may continue to lose value. Those wanting or needing to sell are worried about trying to get out at least what they have invested plus some appreciation. If they don't have to sell now, they be considering holding off until the market improves and stay in the house or rent it. So, what's the best answer?

The simple answer is, "It depends."

Please let me explain...

Is Now A Good Time to Buy or Sell Real Estate?

How To Avoid Foreclosure

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 15:14:56 -0500

Foreclosure means more than just the loss of your family home. It means that you will lose any equity that you have may have in the house. It also means that your credit with be severely effected for a long time and may even keep you from purchasing a home again.

However, there are alternative steps you can take with the help of an experienced real estate agent who is also a foreclosure prevention specialist (FPS). These options range from modifying your mortgage to selling your home even if you have no equity and moving into a new home. In short, you don't have to lose your home to foreclosure.

You can stop foreclosure on your home and save your credit, but you have to act quickly and learn what options are available for your situation.

Contact Me for a brief special report: "How To Avoid Foreclosure On Your Home" or to discuss in more detail the next steps you may be able to take and avoid foreclosure.

Delaware County Celebrates Independence Day with Fireworks - 2008

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:00:44 -0500

If you live in Delaware County or Chester County or anywhere else in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley, you have many opportunities to enjoy fireworks displays put on by local communities.

Check out Philly.com's 2008 Fireworks Finder for the location, date and time of fireworks in you area of the Delaware Valley.

Keep in mind that some areas will have fireworks tonight or during the weekend, instead of on the 4th, so be sure to confirm the date.

Bucks County Year-to-Month Residential Sales Statistics - Through May 2008

Sat, 28 Jun 2008 23:10:10 -0500

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of May vs. March and January) for Bucks County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

Yr Ending	Units Listed	Units Sold	% Sold	Sold Avg.	Avg. Dom
05/2008	12982	6316	49	$361,270	66
03/2008	13369	6545	49	$365,424	64
01/2008	13451	6789	50	$363,412	63

This shows that while the trend is still downward, it is slowing and hopefully will soon start to level and even reverse direction.

The current inventory is 4256, with an average monthly Sold of 485, yielding a backlog of 8 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Advanced Access, eNeighborhoods and IDX

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 15:42:21 -0500

As mentioned in the prior, but still current, "Advanced Access Anomalies" post, there are still many major issues with web service and included applications. All are supposedly in the process of being resolved.

However, the the resolution of those problems is subject to great uncertainty for users due to inadequate communications from the development staff within the company and almost none with the users unless you inquire through the toll-free support group that knows or little and is authorized to communicate even less to the users.

At some point there is suppose to be a major rewrite of the IDX system, but there is no estimate or even public acknowledgment that it is in progress. The current IDX system is not working my MLS area and the last time it the data updated was several week ago. Hopefully, some of this delay is due to incorporating the new RETS data exchange format.

FYI: If you have a separate eNeighborhoods web site, it was also experiencing technical difficulties today, including going offline.

Delaware County Year-to-Month Residential Sales Statistics - Through May 2008

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:45:13 -0500

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of May vs. March and January) for Delaware County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

Yr Ending	Units Listed	Units Sold	% Sold	Sold Avg.	Avg. Dom
05/2008	11242	6184	55	$264,187	61
03/2008	11672	6450	55	$268,050	59
01/2008	11735	6666	57	$268,304	66

See previous article for prior year 01/200X year-to-date comparison.

This shows that while the trend is still downward, it is slowing and hopefully will soon start to level and even reverse direction.

The current inventory is 3345, with an average monthly Sold of 515, yielding a backlog of 6 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Chester County Year-to-Month Residential Sales Statistics - Through May 2008

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:39:06 -0500

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of May vs. March and January) for Chester County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

Yr Ending	Units Listed	Units Sold	% Sold	Sold Avg.	Avg. Dom
05/2008	11222	5390	48	$378,395	71
03/2008	11540	5556	48	$380,116	70
01/2008	11581	5776	50	$379,938	69

The current inventory is 4073, with an average monthly Sold of 414, yielding a backlog of 9 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Philadelphia County Year-to-Month Residential Sales Statistics - Through May 2008

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:28:23 -0500

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of May vs. March and January) for Philadelphia County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

Yr Ending	Units Listed	Units Sold	% Sold	Sold Avg.	Avg. Dom
05/2008	32744	14426	44	$187,670	67
03/2008	33668	14902	44	$187,302	65
01/2008	34270	15498	45	$186,359	71

See previous article for prior year 01/200X year-to-date comparison.

This shows that the overall trend is still slightly mixed and and appears to be bottoming -- in some categories showing some improvement so that eventually it will be tending back upward.

The current Philadelphia County inventory is 9493, with an average monthly Sold of 1094, yielding a backlog of 8 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Celebrate: Memorial Day!

Mon, 26 May 2008 17:38:12 -0500

Celebrated in most states on the last Monday in May, which this year is May 26th; Memorial Day is a great time for all of us to remember all the men and woman who gave their lives in service to our country.

It a great opportunity to join in the celebrations and to help teach our children to respect and appreciate that the priviledges we enjoy today are directly due to the sacrifices of those men and women who were killed in action while a member of the armed forces.

See post for prior year for links to televised programs and links to additional Memorial Day history and information resources:

Memorial Day - Honoring Those Who Sacrificed For Us!

This year The National World War II Memorial will be dedicated on May 29 in Washington, D.C. Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, it will be the first national memorial dedicated to the men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces during World War II, including those who died in combat and the Americans who supported the war effort on the home front.

Click here for a special edition of the U.S. Census Bureau's "Facts for Features" that pays tribute to those who served our country in that war.

Happy Mother's Day

Sat, 10 May 2008 23:26:27 -0500

Wishing all of the mothers a wonderful Mother's Day! As a son and husband I appreciate the love, nurturing, sharing, stability and wisdom that my wife and mother have always shown and imparted to their children.

Did You Know? The first Mother's Day observance was a church service in 1908 requested by Anna Jarvis, of Philadelphia, to honor her deceased mother. Jarvis, at an early age, had heard her mother express hope that a day to commemorate all mothers would be established. Her mother had also expressed the sentiment that there were many days dedicated to men but none to mothers. Two years after her mother's death, Jarvis and friends began a letter-writing campaign to declare a national Mother's Day observance to honor mothers. In 1914, Congress passed legislation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

Click here for the Cenus Bureau's "Facts for Features and Special Editions" statistics relating to this celebration.

Chester County Year-to-Month Residential Sales Statistics

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:13:00 -0500

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of March vs. January) for Chester County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

Yr Ending	Units Listed	Units Sold	% Sold	Sold Avg.	Avg. Dom
03/2008	11540	5556	48	$380,116	70
01/2008	11581	5776	50	$379,938	69

The current inventory is 3925, with an average monthly Sold of 428, yielding a backlog of 9 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Delaware County Year-to-Month Residential Sales Statistics

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:05:51 -0500

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of March vs. January) for Delaware County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

Yr Ending	Units Listed	Units Sold	% Sold	Sold Avg.	Avg. Dom
03/2008	11672	6450	55	$268,050	59
01/2008	11735	6666	57	$268,304	66

The current inventory is 3316, with an average monthly Sold of 497, yielding a backlog of 6 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Philadelphia County Year-to-Month Residential Sales Statistics

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 21:56:46 -0500

When looking at the year-to-month actual statistics (using the most recently completed month of March vs. January) for Philadelphia County, the results for residential homes on the market, sold, average price and days for sale before close is charted as follows:

Yr Ending	Units Listed	Units Sold	% Sold	Sold Avg.	Avg. Dom
03/2008	33668	14902	44	$187,302	65
01/2008	34270	15498	45	$186,359	71

See previous article for prior year 01/200X year-to-date comparison.

This shows that the overall trend is mixed and approaching a bottom -- in some categories showing some improvement so that eventually it will be tending back upward.

The current Philadelphia County inventory is 9657, with an average monthly Sold of 1149, yielding a backlog of 8 months to sell off the inventory at current rates of sale.

Updated School Reports for Southeastern Pennsylvania

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 23:35:07 -0500

The Philadelphia Inquirer recently came out with their latest edition of it's Report Card on Schools for the Delaware Valley.

For school contact information, statistics and to see how your district, or the district to which you are considering moving, compares with other schools in the state over a range of areas including spending, salaries, special programs and diversity,

Click here for Southeastern Pennsylvania

For additional schools reporting, search and comparisons by address, zip or by mapping, as well as local community information, click here to access our Local Information page on our web site.

For a list of school districts provided by our local Realtors Association, click here.

Listen Online to Your Favorite Delaware Valley Radio Stations

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 01:16:40 -0500

Virtenna - Now you can listen to your favorite AM/FM Philadelphia area radio stations online from anywhere you have an Internet connection. You can also browse and discover stations from around the world. You can search by location and type of programming.

So far you can play US stations from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Jose, and Washington, DC. Each city features dozens of the major broadcasting stations (and some you didn't even know existed). Many international locations are also featured including Beijing, Hong Kong, Israel, London, Shanghai, Taipei and Tokyo. Just pick your favorite news, music or talk show and these folks whisk you off to a new land with one simple click! (Note: You may have to scoll down the visualization window to see the volume control.)

Radio-Locator - lists all known sites on the Internet that publish information about broadcast radio stations. Look for your favorite home radio station or discover a new station. You can select by call-sign, city, format, state, country and advance search. If your radio station broadcasts on the Internet, you can find them here. Don't miss out on your favorite radio programs and news just because you are not in range of the station's radio signal. Listen to them live on the Internet.

For some additional Internet Radio broadcasts sources check out:

RadioTime - combines a web-based guide of radio programs and stations with software to listen live and record AM/FM and Internet radio.

Live365.com - Internet broadcast network -- for Internet-only programming.

HUD vs Philadelphia Housing Authority

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 16:50:41 -0500

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.

Delaware County PA - Resource Center

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 23:15:14 -0500

Delaware County Seal
County Motto: "Rich in Culture, History and Commerce"

Welcome to the Delaware County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of Pennsylvania known as Southeastern PA, then you've come to the right place. This is for you!

Think of this page as your starting point or gateway for accessing everything you need to know and locate about Delaware County, Pennsylvania. It's been designed to help lead you to the best information available online about Delaware County, PA.

Delaware County, known colloquially as "Delco", was created in 1789 out of part of Chester County (one of the three original counties of Pennsylvania created by William Penn in 1682) and named after the Delaware River. Delaware County is Pennsylvania's fifth most populous county. It is comprised of 49 municipalities and 16 census-designated places, with the Borough of Media as it's county seat. Delaware County is part of the Delaware Valley region.

Brimming with history, the region boasts an extraordinary collection of museums, parks, and other attractions. In the region's Brandywine Valley area, which includes Delaware County, are the Brandywine River Museumwith its unparalleled collection of works by Howard Pyle and the Wyeths, the Revolutionary War Brandywine Battlefield, and nearby Longwood Gardens, one of the world's finest horticultural parks. Canoeing or tubing down the Brandywine River is a popular and favorite warm-weather pastime.

From historic Chadds Ford to Ridley Park to portions of the Main Line, Delaware County offers something for every economic requirement and individual or family need. From recreation areas and historic sites to office and industrial parks, Delaware County with its rich history and modern development provides its residents a wide range of quality work, shopping, education and recreation opportunities -- plus a great choice of good schools (public, private and parochial), extensive and varied sports programs and recreational opportunities for all ages and skill levels. The quality of life and easy access the county provides to parks, attractions, business and financial centers, good schools, sensational restaurants, major sporting events, music and the arts, plus an unlimited variety of shopping opportunities, few areas of the country can match.

Delaware County provides convenient access to major transportation, including roads, trains, buses and airports, with easy access to Philadelphia and Wilmington areas and even the world. People living in Delaware County commute to work daily to Philadelphia, Northern Delaware and South New Jersey. It is within two hours of New York, Baltimore, the New Jersey seashore, and the Pocono Mountains.

We believe there are many wonderful communities in the county that also are great places to live, work and raise your family. And we invite you to check them all out to see which is best for your situation.

Click here for more Delaware County Resources (including County, School Districts, Local, Attractions and more).

Philadelphia 2010 Regional Census Center Location Announced By Census Bureau

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:32:38 -0500

The U.S. Census Bureau's Philadelphia Regional Office recently announced the selection of 1234 Market Street, Suite 340, in Philadelphia as the site for its regional census center to support the 2010 Census.

The center will employ up to 200 people on multiple shifts during its peak operations in 2010. The 27,282-square-foot site will serve as the management location for the region's 2010 Census operations. It is located in downtown Philadelphia.

The census centers will be in the same metropolitan areas as the Census Bureau's 12 regional offices and each will oversee field operations within their region.

"Serving as the region's operational hub for all 2010 Census activities, the regional census center will provide field management, recruiting, administrative, community outreach and automation support to local census offices and a eventual temporary staff of thousands in our four states and the District of Columbia," said Fernando E. Armstrong, regional director.

The Philadelphia region includes Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, 11 southern counties in New Jersey and the District of Columbia. This region contains some of the nation's largest metropolitan and rural areas, and has seen an increase in diverse immigrant, foreign-born, and elderly population.

The 2010 Census will have one of the shortest census questionnaires in history, dating back to the nation's first census in 1790. Census Day is April 1, 2010. The Census Bureau will mail or deliver more than 130 million questionnaires to households in the United States. All personal information will be kept confidential.

Article 1, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution mandates an actual enumeration of the U.S. population for the purpose of the apportionment of congressional seats. In addition, state and local government agencies, tribal governments, businesses, academia, nonprofit organizations and members of the general public rely on census data to make informed decisions.

(Source: Census Bureau CB08-CR.10)

Chester County PA - Resource Center

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:22:09 -0500

Chester County Seal
County Motto: "Scenic, Historic, World Class!"

Welcome to the Chester County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of Pennsylvania known as Southeastern PA, then you've come to the right place. This is for you!

Think of this page as your starting point or gateway for accessing everything you need to know and locate about Chester County, Pennsylvania. It's been designed to help lead you to the best information available online about Chester County, PA.

Chester County, one of the three original counties of Pennsylvania created by William Penn in 1682, is named after Cheshire, England and enjoys a rich history. Chester County is comprised of 73 municipalities and 10 census-designated places, with West Chester as it's county seat. It is part of the Delaware Valley region.

Brimming with history, the region boasts an extraordinary collection of museums, parks, and other attractions. In the region's Brandywine Valley are the Brandywine River Museum with its unparalleled collection of works by Howard Pyle and the Wyeths, the Revolutionary War Brandywine Battlefield, and the county's Longwood Gardens, one of the world's finest horticultural parks. On Chester County's northern edge is Valley Forge National Historic Park and the King of Prussia corporate and commercial center with the nation's largest complex of retail stores. In the county's western reaches are the Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, a restored 18th-entury ironmaking community, and some of the state's most fertile farmland.

From recreation areas and farmlands to office and industrial parks, Chester County with its rich history and modern development offers its residents a wide range of quality work, shopping, education and recreation opportunities -- offering a great choice of good schools (public, private and parochial), extensive and varied sports programs and recreational opportunities for all ages and skill levels. The quality of life and easy access the county provides to parks, attractions, business and financial centers, good schools, sensational restaurants, major sporting events, music and the arts, plus an unlimited variety of shopping opportunities, few areas of the country can match.

Chester County is horse country, offering an abundance of riding stables, breeding farms, training facilities and horse sports of all types. Many ballooning enthusiasts live in the area, making the sport and business of ballooning a year-round event. Canoeing or tubing down the Brandywine River is a popular and favorite warm-weather pastime.

Listed as one of the nation's twenty five "hot spots" in the Wall Street Journal, Chester County has a robust mix of natural beauty, historic sites, outstanding schools, and a booming economy.

Agriculture remains the county's top industry. Around the towns of Avondale and Kennett Square in the Southeast many farmers cultivate mushrooms inside sheds where light and temperatures can be controlled. Kennett Square calls itself the "Mushroom Capital of the World" and holds an annual Mushroom Festival.

Today, Chester County is also one of the nation's fastest growing counties and among the top fifteen percent in per capita wealth. It boasts a dynamic corporate economy, and is home to the Vanguard Group, one of the nation's largest mutual-fund companies; Herr Foods, a leader in the snack food industry; QVC Network, the shop-at-home television retailer; and the "Medical Mile," a corridor of more than thirty biotech and pharmaceutical firms close at hand to Philadelphia's five medical schools. (Source: WCU.edu CC history)

Chester County provides convenient access to major transportation, including roads, trains, buses and airports, with easy access to Philadelphia, Wilmington areas and the world. People living in Chester County commute to work daily to Philadelphia, Northern Delaware and Maryland. It is within two hours of New York, Baltimore, the New Jersey seashore, and the Pocono Mountains.

We believe there are many wonderful communities in the county that also are great places to live, work and raise your family. And we invite you to check them all out to see which is best for your situation.

Click here for more Chester County Resources (including County, School Districts, Local, Attractions and more).

Borough of Ridley Park News, Events and Information -- Where To Find Them

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:09:24 -0500

To keep up with local Ridley Park news and events, the official Borough of Ridley Park web site maintains a community events calendar as well as local borough news page on their web site.

Ridley School District has announcements and news about individual district schools. Ridley High School will provide high school news and events.

Additional information is available at...

Ridley School District   (Ridley High School's WRSD-FM 94.9 MHz)

Ridley Park Business and Professional Association

Borough of Ridley Park Community Bulletin (pdf)

There is also the DelCoTimes.com - local county news source (see also Topix: Ridley Park)

Ridley United Soccer   [Ice Hockey]

Ridley Park Fire Department and Ridley Park Police Department

Ridley Park Public Library

More Ridley Park links

Delaware County PA official web site

By the way, if you want to learn about Ridley Park's past, read about the Ridley Park Historical Society and Ridley Park's History (also here).   There's also Delaware County History

My Ongoing Experiences As An Advanced Access Client - Part 6 - My Update Suggestions

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 07:58:01 -0500

I have experienced the same frustration that's been shared publicly and privately with me by many others -- that of not being able to access Virtual Office or their web sites and not knowing how or why it was occurring or if anyone at AA even knows at the time. And then not knowing when/if it was resolved. (See "Advanced Access Anomalies" for current list of other major issues.)

In addition, no updates/changes/replacements are announced before, during or anytime after they are implemented. You find out by surprise (literally startled in some situations) when you go to perform a function and you get a completely different/foreign screen with no instruction on how to use it. I call these "Stealth Updates".

It would be great to have a status area / announcement area on the screen that is displayed after logging in so that you could get reliable / up-to-date status news and announcements of planned updates, known bugs and new changes. You can keep them short, link to a readme page if necessary for details. Since people viewing this information will be only registered users, there is no need to be anything but forthright about all problems, since the users have probably already experienced them or soon will. It's important that this is only implemented if AA will be able to insure that it is accurate, timely, honest and consistent over a long period of time. [And, please, do not rely on programmers/developers to do this.]

Another suggestion when doing updates is to make sure new/updated/changes features are alpha tested by a QA test group then beta tested with a group of willing AA users before going live for everyone. (You will probably get numerous volunteers who would enjoy helping out. You can provide testers with a credit or a free feature while they are beta testing as an incentive.) Every update to date has had major install problems, bugs and onging outstanding issues.

BTW, I commented briefly on the Menu structure in my prior post, "My Ongoing Experiences As An Advanced Access Client - Part 2". I want to add that it appears the menu placement is decided in a bottom-up manner. By that I mean if they have a new or different function and need to insert a new or renamed menu entry for it, they will plug it in any menu branch that comes closest to making sense -- knowing what it does and it's name. However, for most users (especially new or first-time users of the function), they will approach from a top-down route and it's not always clear (nor intuitive) how to reach the desired function (or what name it goes by).

INVITATION: If you are an Advanced Access user, please join us at AAUG!

Advanced Access Anomalies

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:24:36 -0500

Providing Tracking of Known Software Bugs, Deficiencies and Major System Problems involving Advanced Access Virtual Office (VO) 4.0

Advanced Access at this time provides NO information to users of it's services about current problems and their status. It also provides NO announcements of new and planned changes. Major updates are done by stealth.

This list is provided as a service by the AAUG to help Advanced Access users by filling that information gap. If you are aware of problems not mentioned here, please submit details so it can be added to the anomalies list below...

1. System Outages and Slowdowns
System was almost unusable around the beginning of March (either not working or so slow that display of pages were timing out). This has been due to several issues, including new load-leveling software that is not communicating properly, image server problems and server power failures. Development personnel have been diverted from other projects to help resolve the problems. It is considered a very high priority. Since servers are physically located at a remote site, system problems have to be handled through the service provider (Internap, in Orange County, CA).

Status: Ongoing/Intermittent, impacting other projects/issues.

Note: They are planning to move servers to an East Coast facility owned/maintained by their parent company/group.

2. Replacement of OnBoard's School Reporting and Neighborhood Navigator (demographics/statistics) applications with eNeighborhood's versions, incorporating Microsoft Live mapping mashups.
Instead of first testing new features before deploying, the replacements were made in standard Advanced Access "Stealth Update" fashion without prior notice to users. Currently they do not work. There are several issues including: lack of complete data (e.g., no public schools on East Coast) and malfunctioning mapping functions.

Some features that OnBoard provided, such as the ability to easily access and display side-by-side comparisons of schools at county, district and community levels will not be available with eNeighborhood's version.

Advanced Access also says that there is a problem with Microsoft Live mapping and they have to wait on Microsoft to fix it. Requests for temporary return to OnBoard's applications until problems with eNeighborhood's versions are resolved and tested have been rejected.

Previous Status: Not Working / Unusable.

Current Status: There are still some features that are not available (such as Crime statistics for Community Profiles). However, new features do work for the most part, showing reasonable data, but still have some display/presentation bugs.

3. Property Profile Option(under VO menu: Property Tools)
Was originally unavailable (when you attempted to access you received the "Server Error in '/' Application." response) for weeks. It reappeared at the end of February, however there are still minor problems with options not working or having no effect, including turning off the display of several fields, such as address, warehouse square footage, etc.

Status: Working but with Unresolved Display Settings Bugs

4. Forms Editing and Display Issues (Forms Manager under VO menu: Contact Manager)
Forms are currently working, "as is", however you can not edit and order pull down menus with multiple options, nor set the default value. Required fields do not show up with a red asterisk, even though a message states that fields marked with red asterisk are required.

Status: Working but with Major Forms Control/Display Bugs

5. Property Search Form
The IDX property search is customized by programming staff for each of the over 130 MLS's in which it's subscribing agent users are members. Currently, several setup options do not work, such as the ability to change the banner image that appears at top of form. (There are no other ways to add/edit text at top of form, such as title, explanation, etc. than to create a banner image with text.)

Not sure status of any other MLS, but Trend (Delaware Valley region) MLS has not been set up properly, has missing/confusing/incorrectly labeled search selection options, nor is MLS search database being updated on a daily basis.

Status: Currently Not Usable with Unresolved Critical Customizations and Data Update Frequency Issues.

6. Slideshows (under VO menu: Design Center)
Problems have been occurring when attempting to load slideshow onto the homepage. The system locks up on client side. Problem started occurring in February.

Status: Slideshow Load Not Working

If you know of any issues related to Advanced Access hosting services involving Virtual Office 4.0, please submit details for inclusion here.

Click here for prior Advance Access related articles (note: some require membership)

INVITATION: If you are an Advanced Access user, please join us at AAUG!

Pennsylvania Prothonotary -- What Is A Prothonotary?

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:14:10 -0500

If you are new to Pennsylvania, one of the office titles you will surely encounter eventually at the county level is that of the Prothonotary. Most people have the same reaction to the term the Harry S Truman is suppose have said upon being introduced to a Prothonotary, "What the hell is a Prothonotary?" and who was said to have later added that it was the most impressive-sounding political title he ever heard.

The Prothonotary is an elected Constitutional office in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The word "Prothonotary" is a Greek and Latin term meaning "First Scribe." The Prothonotary is the Clerk of the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas who is elected to a four year term.

Background

In Pennsylvania, it dates all the way back to 1683 when William Penn appointed the first Prothonotary.

The word prothonotary dates back to Ecclesiastical Law as being the highest administrator of the Court of Rome and the First Notary, known as the Prelate of a body of 12 Notaries. When a case was ready for trial, the Prothonotary would notify the Judges when to appear in Court to try the case.

The word prothonotary is recorded in English since 1447, as "principal clerk of a court," from L.L. prothonotarius (c.400), from Greek protonotarios "first scribe," originally the recorder of the court of the Byzantine empire, from Greek πρῶτος protos "first" + Latin notarius (see notary); the -h- appeared in Medieval Latin.

The title was awarded to certain high-ranking notaries.

A Protonotarios in mid-Byzantine (7th-10th c.) administration was also recorded as a rough equivalent of a commissar for the Emperor in Constantinople in various themataor provinces. A Protonotarios was also responsible for overseeing the gathering of resources -monetary and material- by the Thematarch or province governor in preparation of a military campaign.

When the English Court system was established, the Prothonotary acted as the chief administrator in the English Courts of the King's Bench and Common Pleas. When our American Court system was set up, we also adopted the same procedure as those being used by the English Courts. Every state in our United States has its Clerk of the Common Pleas Court but very few are titled as Prothonotaries. The older New England States and Pennsylvania still have their Prothonotaries.

(Source: Wikipedia and Berks County)

Pennsylvania Prothonotary Today

It is one of three major offices in almost every Pennsylvania Courthouse: the Recorder of Deeds, the Register of Wills, and the Prothonotary,

The Prothonotary in most other states is known as the Court Clerk. In Pennsylvania, the "Court Clerk" (Clerk of the Courts) is usually dealing specifically with the Criminal Court, while the Prothonotary is involved with non-criminal court records and filings, exclusive of property deed recording and wills (and marriage licenses) -- the keeper/clerk of the civil records/division for the court. Work is generated from the court and through filings from both attorneys and the general public. For example, name changes, civil and family court records, passports, judgments and liens will be handled or have corresponding records administered by the Prothonotary.

The Prothonotary also provides the avenue for external oversight of the Judiciary without the legislative or executive branch of government's interference with its actions or independence. This elected official perseveres for the public unfettered access to a fair and accurate record of opinions, decisions and judgments of the court. (Source: Lancaster County)

NOTE: There is a County Clerk position that is in support of the County Commissioners and handles all county government documents, meeting notes, agendas, etc as well as the official business of the county, including county grants and contracts. It is not related to the Clerk of Court or Prothonotary.

Not all Pennsylvania counties have an elected position of Prothonotary. For example, in Delaware County the functions that would be have been previously handled by the Prothonotary are now performed by it's Judicial Support Department's Civil Division.

Below are examples of various greater Southeastern Pennsylvania counties and what they say about the responsibilities of their county Prothonotary office:

Chester County Prothonotary

Chester County's Prothonotary essentially handles the civil side of the county courts administration, as well as passports. (By way, it used to handle things like business and fictitious name registrations until taken over by the Pennsylvania Department of State in 1984.)

Mission Statement: To function as the legal custodian of all civil instruments filed with the Court of Common Pleas, in accordance with the laws of civil procedure of the Commonwealth and the Chester County Rules of Court, by maintaining accurate indices and dockets, providing security for the documents, and making them available to the public.

Organizational Chart for Chester County Prothonotary Office

Delaware County -- an Exception

Prior to adoption of the Home Rule Charter, Delaware County had separate Clerk of Courts and Prothonotary offices. They are now part of one Judicial Support Department with a Criminal Division and a Civil Division (previous Prothonotary).

The Civil Division handles all civil cases which involve suits by individuals, unincorporated and incorporated businesses, liens against properties and judgments on individuals are also filed and maintained in this office. The office also provides a Court Clerk for each sitting judge and others handling matters pertaining directly to the courts. Notaries must register their signatures in this office. Application for passports are certified here and divorce filings are handled by this office also.

The Office generates in various fees enough revenue to make it nearly self sufficient.

Philadelphia Prothonotary

Philadelphia's Office of the Prothonotary (of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia) began in the time of William Penn. It is one of the oldest, continuously held legal offices in the Western Hemisphere. The Prothonotary is defined as the officer who officiates as principal Clerk of the Courts [Civil]; and the Clerk is defined as an officer of the Court who keeps its records, keeps the great seal, issues processes, enters judgment and orders and certifies records. The office is responsible for processing the millions of documents that directly and materially affect the legal relationships and legal commerce of the citizens of Philadelphia.

Bucks County Prothonotary

Bucks County's Prothonotary has administrative control over and responsibility for all official documents and records of the civil and family divisions. It is the duty of the office to record such legal documents as Appeals, Assignments, Commencement of Actions, Equity, Divorce, Complaints, Executions, Final Orders, Judgments, Liens, Name Change Petitions, Signatures of Notaries Public, Satisfactions, Subpoena's, Exceptions to Judicial or Tax Sales, Revivals and Minor's Compromise. Additionally, the Office of the Prothonotary initiates judgments entered by magisterial district justices to the Court of Common Pleas. The prothonotary also processes appeals from the magisterial district justices to the Court of Common Pleas as well as appeals from the Court of Common Pleas to the Superior, Supreme and Commonwealth Courts.

The mission of the Office is to see that these documents are docketed, microfilmed and processed timely and in accordance with State requirements.

The Prothonotary also serves as an Agent for the Federal Government for the purpose of processing Passport applications.

In Bucks County, the office predates the founding of the Commonwealth. The first Prothonotary, Phineas Pemberton, was appointed by William Penn in 1683.

Over the years the office recorded documents including a list of stallions, doctors and dentists, slaves and their respective markings and brands, and also Lunacy Dockets. The records date back to 1684 and are preserved in northern Pennsylvania.

Montgomery County Prothonotary

The Montgomery County Prothonotary's office assists with passports, protection from abuse (PFA's), and the filing, storage, and distribution of civil documents. Click here for their FAQ's page.

Berks County Prothonotary

The Berks County Prothonotary is the Chief Clerk and Recordkeeper for all filings related to Civil Cases. The Office is located in the County Courthouse and responsible for the filing, recording and processing of all Civil actions, Equity actions, Judgments, Federal and Local Tax Liens, City Liens, Family Court matters, Arbitrations, License Suspension Appeals, Appeals to Higher Court, Uniform Commercial Code filings, and Applications for Passports.

"Also, we file and record all Judgments, Orders, Decrees of Court and mail notice of such entries to parties and/or counsel in each case. We issue Writs and process many other legal documents. We review pleadings filed for compliance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and Berks County Rules of Court. Filing fees are collected for services rendered and turned over to the County and State."

Lehigh County -- another exception

On January 1, 1978, in accordance with the newly established Home Rule Charter in Lehigh County, the Office of the Clerk of Quarter Sessions and the Office of the Prothonotary were merged as one and is now known as the Clerk of Courts. The Clerk of Courts Office consists of a Civil and Criminal Division.

The Lehigh County Clerk of Courts - Civil Division

Lancaster County Prothonotary

The Lancaster County Office of Prothonotary is responsible for the recording and filing of legal papers of a widely diversified character such as: protection from abuse; custody; secured transactions; quiet titles; change of names; administers oaths; power of attorney registrations; passports; school audit reports; treasurer sale deed records; petitions for opening ballot boxes on recounts; judgment notes; suspension of operators license; mechanical liens; municipal liens; county liens; State sales tax liens; State unemployment compensation liens; financial statement registrations; Federal income tax liens; issues divorce certificates; issues naturalization certificates; and certification of District Justice .

Some of the powers and duties of the Prothonotary are as follows: Signs and seals all writs, processes numerous other documents of the Common Pleas Court such as ejectments, appeal on land damages, collisions, court exhibits, naturalization records, and is the collector of State taxes and other State fees on legal documents. The Prothonotary also certifies and delivers all appeal cases to the State Superior and Supreme courts. It is custodian of Common Pleas Court Funds and impounded divorce testimony.

Northampton County Prothonotary

Northampton County Office of the Clerk of Court-Civil is more commonly known as the Prothonotary's Office.

The primary function of this office is to docket and file all legal documents pertaining to civil cases, such as divorce and custody complaints, civil lawsuits, equity actions, mortgage foreclosure actions and indexing of judgments as well as federal and commonwealth tax liens. The office issues writs of execution for sheriff sales on real estate and personal property. The office also processes passport applications for the Philadelphia Passport Agency. Twice a year we assist in the process of naturalization of new citizens.

The office also dockets all protection from abuse matters. The protection from abuse clerks assist the victim with the paper work to be filled out and with the help of court administration to get the victim before a judge for a temporary abuse order and at a later date a final order.

The office consists of the clerk of court-civil/ prothonotary, 3 deputy prothonotaries who have the authority to sign documents on behalf of the prothonotary and assist in supervising the office, 6 clerks who process civil matters 2 clerks who process protection from abuse cases and a file clerk.

Related Prothonotary and Court Links

Common Pleas Court Contact Information (Prothonotary)

Russell Index System (source: Beaver County Historical Society)

Wikipedia: Prothonotary

FYI: This article is about the legal offices of prothonotary. For information about the species of bird, please see Prothonotary Warbler.