Janice Roosevelt's Neighborhood Blog

Getting a good appraisal....jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:47:24 -0600

As the housing markets across the country have shifted, sometimes dramatically, no one has been more center stage than the real estate appraiser. This professional swears to identify the accurate value of a property to support mortgage loans that are secured by real estate.

Ergo, the appraiser deals with a variety of factors, including all parties of the transaction who have a vested interest. It seems that coming up wtih the right info to support the sale is made all the more challenging by market shifts and especially where there are lots of foreclosures and distressed sales.

To add fuel to the fire, appraisers are prohibited from talking with the involved parties to get the latest data. That leaves sellers in needing to be proactive in the process. A few tips:

Be at the house with your realtor when the appraiser visits.
Be proactive during the inspection; stay with the appraiser, pointing out important features.
Make sure the appraiser does not miss anything of importance. While you may not know what is important and what is not important, that really doesn't matter. The appraiser will decide and if they don't have the info, they can't make a good decision.
Ask questions. Do they have the right boundaries of the property? The neighborhood? Does the appraiser know specific information about the neighborhood that may make it more attractive? For example, can children walk to school?
Copies of documents such as the latest tax bill, invoices for any major home improvements can be helpful.

A big factor in home value is determined by the use of what is called "comparables." That's the job of your realtor. Comparables are other properties that have sold that will determine the value of your property, including whether or not these homes were distressed sales.

If the appraisal does not come in at the agreed sales price, you don't have to accept the value. The appraisal is the property of the lender and the purchaser. Will they provide you with a copy of the document for review? It is important to make sure the value is accurate and the purchaser has a vested interest in determining this as well.

It’s Your Life Enjoy It

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:18:41 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

It's Your Life Enjoy It

"Enjoy life.

This is not a dress rehearsal."

Anonymous



As I see it. . . . . . . .

It's your life enjoy it.

We have only one opportunity to go this way; enjoy the journey.

There will be great days on our journey and days that will test our sprit. Each day belongs to us and we determine what type of day we're going to have.

Make everyday a positive day in your life and enjoy the day.

When we enjoy our days we live a full life.

Enjoy the journey and enjoy your life.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Grand Re-opening Arbours at West Goshen....jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:06:41 -0600

Hands down, the best new 55+Community around Philadelphia, for price, quality and location, Arbours at West Goshen outside West Chester, PA is celebrating this week. Meet neighbors and friends for a wine and cheese this Thursday, Noember 19, 4-7 p.m jroosevelt@kw.com We look forward to seeing you there. Any questions? Please call me at 610-764-3062

Don’t Burn Out

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:23:31 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

Don't Burn Out

"Burn brightly without

burning out."

Richard Biggs



As I see it. . . . . . . .

Don't burn out.

Loving what you do will keep you energized and make what your doing fun. Loving what you do will also help to maintain your focus and prevent you from burning out, as a result of the joy you receive from the things you love to do.

Stay passionate about the things that you love to do and you will master your life and that life will burn brightly.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Starbucks and "Morning Joe" jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams - PA & DE

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:19:38 -0600

I don't know if the STARBUCKS coffee really tastes better, but it seems so to me. I do love being known by name when I go into the Kennett Square Starbucks. Ilove the music. The idea they are doing something worthwhile with someof the profits and they do participate in Fair Trade products. I even purchased (and sold) their stock. So, that's why I share their latest promo here. jroosevelt@kw.com

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Starbucks and MSNBC's "Morning Joe" unite to promote volunteerism...
and serve up Starbucks Gold Coast Blend®: Morning Joe Edition

In 2008 alone, Starbucks partners and customers in the U.S. and Canada volunteered 246,000 hours of service toward our goal to contribute over 1 million hours of community service by 2015. We're off to a great start! As we continue to work toward this goal, we will look for creative opportunities to gain wider awareness of the importance of volunteerism and giving back to local communities. With that in mind, we are proud to announce that we are working with MSNBC's
"Morning Joe".

On November 21st, participate in the Brewing Together Day of Service, co-sponsored by Starbucks and "Morning Joe." Make a difference on this day, by logging into the HandsOn Network, and finding a local volunteer opportunity in your area.

In tandem with the event, we are introducing the newly updated Starbucks Gold Coast Blend®: Morning Joe Edition, an intense, full-bodied blend that showcases our finest Latin American and Asia-Pacific coffees. Available exclusively where you buy groceries this bold, flavorful coffee is a fitting accompaniment to conversation, whether around the kitchen table, on the set of "Morning Joe", or during a break while you're volunteering in your community.

Click here for a message from Joe & Mika about Brewing Together Day of Service event on November 21, and look for Starbucks Gold Coast Blend® Morning Joe Edition at a grocery store near you.

Take the Stress out of the Holidays...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:22:28 -0600

De-Stress for the Holidays Tuesday, November 17th 7:00 pm Upper Merion Township Library
175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia Free!

Does the Holiday Season make you crazy? Need some tips and strategies to make this holiday season festive instead of frazzled?

Get help beating frustration and fatigue over the holidays with super but simple party planning, decorating and gift ideas, as well as strategies for keeping stress at arm's length amidst all the hustle and bustle of the season. Sign up at the Adult Check-out desk. Upper Merion Library

Looking to get your Celebrity Fix? Try the King of Prussia Mall, jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, KellerWilliams, PA & DE

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:19:12 -0600

Meet Celebs at King of Prussia Mall Book-Signings-

Bam Margera at Border's on Sat., November 21st at 2:00 pm -

Lisa Scottline at Border's on Fri., November 27th at noon -

Nigella Lawson at Williams-Sonoma on Fri., December 4th (requires ticket) -

Rachael Ray at Williams-Sonoma on Sun., December 6th (requires ticket)

Call stores for more info and get your cameras ready.

2012 Movie trailer in HD previewed:by HelpfulHannah

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:12:48 -0600

Via Hannah Williams (Re/Max affiliates NE):

Here is a new Movie Trailer 2012

I thought you may enjoy watching it for a change of pace..

Plot:
Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures,

so many religions, scientists, and governments. 2012 is an epic adventure

about a global cataclysm that brings an end to the world

and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.

Release Date: November 13, 2009

Genre: Action

Cast: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Peet, Oliver Platt,

Thandie Newton, Danny Glover and Woody Harrelson
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Written by: Roland Emmerich & Harald Kloser
Produced by: Harald Kloser, Mark Gordon & Larry Franco
Executive Producers: Roland Emmerich,
Ute Emmerich,Michael Wimer

I hope you enjoy it

if you are think of buying or selling please call me

LET HELPFULHANNAH HELP YOU!

with your Real Estate Needs

Pictures are by Hannah Williams not to be duplicated without permission .HelpfulHannahs.com is a Real Estate website please visit it if you are interested in information about homes or any information about the Philadelphia or Bucks County Pennsylvania area or call me direct 215-992 3376 or by cell 820-3376 i will be glad to assist you.Unless otherwise noted, the content, both written and in pictures,are the property of Hannah Williams. If you wish to use something you see here,( please ask for permission) Most likely I will oblige, with a link back to my original content as well as an acknowledgment. Thank you to all my friends,neighbors and clients who allowed my to use their photos and videos maybe you will get to Hollywood!

To SEARCH for HOMES PLEASE VISIT HELPFULHANNAH,COM

For Local NEWS and ViEWS Helpfulhannahs.com

One Thing Needed To Stop Fringe Living

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 07:10:00 -0600

Via Gary Woltal - Associate Broker REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):

A new fall TV show's name sparked a thought. If we are cognizant of our behavior over time we reflect back on it, and "diagnose" what we are doing wrong. Some work hard at this. But still we can fall into a trap of "fringe" living. That is "almost" getting to where we want to go. There is

One Thing Needed To Stop Fringe Living.

It is COMMITMENT. Why do we not quite lose the weight desired? Why do we not advance in a career to a level we want? Why are we still struggling with a relationship?

There just has to be a burning desire in there somewhere to get what you want. Otherwise you are stuck on the "fringe." Never getting to the promised land. Figure out what you want out of life. Limit it to a handful of things not a huge broad spectrum. Then "commit." People may call you crazy with you having such a burning passion to hell or high water you are going to get there. Laser focus. Visualize. Get up early. Whatever it takes. You WANT that prize. Otherwise you will be relegated to that proverbial living lives of desperate quiet desparation Thoreau quote.

Holiday Season Selling, Yes or No?...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:57:04 -0600

I've sold homes in every season, even between Christmas and New Year's Day, that week where "nothing sells." It is a conundrum for sellers as to whether or not they should keep their house on the market. I vote YES.

Often, home decorated for the holidays is very enticing.

We have the expanded and extended first home homebuyer tax credit in play so the pool of motivated buyers has increased.

Traditionally, January is the biggest month for relo/corporate transfers. That market has changed dramatically, but still is a segment with more serious shoppers.

Depending on the area of the country, there may befewer homes on the market so your home will stand out.

Finally, it only takes that ONE buyer, and why take a chance on missing them by temporarily withdrawing the house from the market? It is simply "free market time."

Revised Tax Credit for First Time Buyers

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:49:26 -0600

Via Dave Iliff Real Estate Agent (Patterson Schwartz):

The new revised tax credit for first time buyers is a welcome change and has been much anticipated by first time buyer candidates and Realtors® alike! If you're a first time buyer the time has never been better to invest in your very own home! With interest rates at all time lows, deflated prices and the $8,000 tax credit being offered by the government, it is creating a
"perfect storm" for first time buyers! In addition to the revised tax credit for first time buyers, there is also a very attractive $6500 tax credit for current home owners that have owned and lived in their current residence for at least five consecutive years of the previous eight years. Click here for more detailed information on both plans. There is also a quick chart for both plans and some FAQs.

There is a lot to learn and consider when buying a home, especially your first one. Consult a good Realtor® for help and proper representation in your home search and through closing and even beyond. They are also a good source for information on the revised tax credit for first time buyers. Make sure you get a home inspection. Also get a radon and wood destroying insect (WDI) inspection done if they are typical issues in your region. The home inspection experience is very educational and it gives you a chance to look at the home (under a microscope). It's not intended as a laundry list of repairs, use common sense and ask for substantial repairs if any are needed, but be careful not to nitpick too much as you may end up losing the house!

A good lender is important to have as well! Most good Realtors® will know a good reputable lender that can get the mortgage process started quickly and running smoothly. They are also an excellent source for information on the revised tax credit for first time buyers. The whole process typically takes about six weeks plus or minus and can be done comfortably in thirty days if everyone is on their game and working toward the final goal of settlement! Good luck in your home search!

Success is a Result of Our Actions

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:23:25 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

Success is a Result of Our Actions

"You don't have to stay up nights to succeed;

you have to stay awake days."

Source unknown



As I see it. . . . . . . .

Success is a result of our actions.

Each day bring new opportunities for those who are there to see them and to act on them.

Our success is created in our choices and actions.

Success is not created by staying up at night and worrying. Success is created by being proactive and showing up every day prepare for success and taking the actions that move us in the direction of our goals.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

Holiday Vacation Tips- to keep your house safe...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:39:56 -0600

With holidays aproaching so are travel plans. Remember to take precautions to protect your home and valuables during your absence. Here are a few tips:

Install inexpensive auto timers for your electrical appliances and lights, which make your home look occupied;

Have mail and newspaper delivery stopped or have them picked up by a friend or neighbor. When there ae pikes of uncollected newsppaers, it's a sign for would-be ne'er do wells.

Ask someone to park their car in your driveway at times to give the impression that someone is there;

Let neighbors know you are gone, leaving them your email and telephone number, but not to let strangers know. Always a good idea not to discuss your travel plans in public places where you might be overheard.;

Before you leave, double check that all doors, windows (especially those in the basement) are locked. Make sure they have deadbolts.

Make arrangementss for the your trash cans to be set out on regular trash days;

Remember to put small valuables in a safe or safe deposit box at your bank.

Haven an inventory list (including photos) to make insurance claims easier if things such as power tools, TVs, cameraps, sports equipemnt, computers, etc. are stolen;

Make sure to have your driveway and walks shoveled if a snowstorm is expected.

DCCA's 30th Anniversary Gala and Live Auction, Nov 14...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams PA & DE

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:11:31 -0600

Delaware Center for Contemporary Art'S 30th Anniversary Gala and Live Auction

Saturday, November 14, 2009 8 - 11 pm

Wear your best disco fashion, bring your dancing shoes,and celebrate DCCA's 30 years!

Desserts and Libations

70s Music with Hustle dance demonstration by BlueBallroom Dancers

Live Auction with travel opportunities to South Africa, Bali, Tuscany and more!

Catering sponsored in part by Harry's Savoy Grill/ Harry's Seafood Grill

Big Mind Workshop with KC Gerpheide at Empowered Yoga, Wilmington, DE - jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, KEller Willia,s PA & DE

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:10:01 -0600

Friday November 20, 6 pm to 9 pm open house meditation

Beginners are welcome and will be given beginners instruction on seated and walking mediation. Following there will be a talk given by KC Sato on the Big Mind Process. Donation only.

Saturday November 21, Big Mind Event 12 to 5 pm Saturday is $95 REGISTER NOW

Big Mind Big Heart is the name given, by American Zen Master Dennis Genpo Merzel, Roshi, to a special new way to discover, experience and appreciate your life.

It works out the kinks, stuck places, and unhealthy patterns that keep us down. Life is complex, and the inner self is a network of the psychological and the spiritual. Understanding it well naturally leads one to a better life.

The Big Mind Big Heart approach to life is a method of self-investigation and analysis that is straightforward and effective, and working with it will open your heart and mind to a new appreciation of the fullness and richness of life. It’s a new combination of tools, a blend of Western psychology and science, and the Eastern traditions passed on to us, and it’s been developed for the express purpose of helping us to better understand the mind and the nature of human life.

KC Gerpheide, a senior student of Genpo Roshi and Big Mind facilitator, will provide guidance and invite lively participatory dialogue, enabling us to shift mind/body states, shed our fears, and live more purposeful, joyful lives. The Big Mind process combines Zen tradition with the insights of such visionary western figures as Carl Jung, Fritz Perls, and Hal Stone, enabling virtually anyone to realize their true nature.

Testimonial about Big Mind from Johnny

My experience with Big Mind was initially through the book Big Mind, Big Heart by KC’s teacher Genpo Merzel Roshi. The technique was simple and provoking to me. It was weeks later that I had the privilege and honor to met KC in Costa Rica and go through the Big Mind process. At first I was a bit skeptical. It was KC’s sense of humor matched with her skillful means that allowed me to begin letting go and opening up to all the different voices in my head. In a time where the word transformation is being thrown around, I came across a teacher and process that truly has the ability to bring about transformation. I am bringing KC to Wilmington, Delaware so our community can also see the brilliance in her and the Big Mind process.

For more information about the Big Mind process and Genpo Roshi visit: www.bigmind.org

Is this real estate market "Opportunistic?" jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams, PA & DE

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:51:03 -0600

When the real estate market shifts, it creates opportunities. NOW is the time to check in with your real estaet practioner, the one who truly knows the community.

Extension of the first time home buyer credit til April and expanding it to include "move up or out" sellers /buyers (must have lived in their houses for 5 years) creates oportunities

Historically there is alway money to be made in any real estate market.

it's just gotten tougher with short sales, foreclosures, REOs, buyers looking to "steal" a property or buyers' job insecurity.

Where are the opportunities NOW?

• First time home buyer

• Move up buyer

• Investor

• People in trouble with their mortgges.

For help with real estaet in Southeastern Pennsylvania, in and around Philadelphia, and northern Delaware, contact me. 610-764-3062 jroosevelt@kw.com

www.tenstelstoSOLD.com

The Golden Rule For Business

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:40:31 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

The Golden Rule For Business

"The Golden Rule for every business man is this.

Put yourself in your customers place."

Orison Sweet Marden



As I see it. . . . . . . .

The Golden Rule for business . . . .

Treat people the way that you want to be treated and make them feel comfortable in doing business with you.

See the world through the eyes of the customers, and put yourself in their place to become a resource for them.

Get to know the customer; the more we know about our customers, the better we're able to service their needs.

Understand your customer's and their expectations and then exceed them to create raving fans.

Put yourself in your customers place and make people feel important and success will follow.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

2009-2010 Homebuyer tax credits package...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams _ PA & DE

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:09:35 -0600

Homebuyer tax credits package

Extends tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers - anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years - until April 30, with closing before July 1.
Adds tax credit of up to $6,500 for current homeowners - buyers who have owned their current home for at least five years - until April 30, with closing before July 1.
Home price for either credit is capped at $800,000.
Credits are available only for homes that will be principal residences.
Income limits for eligibility for either credit are $125,000 for singles and $225,000 for joint filers.

jroosevelt@kw.com

Defining Space, Not Dividing Space - Home Staging & Interior Design Tips for Lofts / Open Plan Homes -Part #1

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:44:37 -0600

Via Pangaea Interior Design Home Stager - Redesign - Model Homes (Portland Oregon):

Lofts, lofts LOFTS! If you know me, you know I love those wonderful urban spaces, with their feeling of spaciousness and unique architectural interest. They have become popular with people who are looking for creative, open, multi purpose spaces. However, they do have their special challenges, and require the ultimate in creative thinking. Concrete floors/walls/ceilings look cool but feel colder and bounce sound around --- no walls can mean no privacy with neighboring high-rise building's views looking straight into your entire home --- windows all on one end are common --- little to zero storage --- these are just some of the issues facing people in lofts and even very open plan homes.

I'll be blogging about many of these issues in this series. This first posting is on the topic of:

Defining the Space ... Not Dividing the Space.

Although these wide open spaces feel great, and even the smallest lofts feel large due to the lack of walls, they can leave you in a real dilemma with furniture placement. How do you make things feel cozy and warm? How do you give yourself some privacy without blocking light and views and without reducing the feeling of spaciousness you loved in the first place? If your office is in your home, how can you separate work and private life with no walls? Below are some photos with tips for these situations.

Groupings of furniture:

Create groupings of furniture according to activity - living - dining - sleeping - working. Avoid lining everything up along the walls.

Area rugs serve to visually pull together a space so that it feels more like a cohesive "room" whether that is a living area, sleeping area or dining area.They can be mixed or matched as long as they all look good in the same room.

When you create a living room seating area, keep the furniture away from the walls if possible, and arrange it in a tight enough group that conversation is comfortable when everyone is seated. Look for furniture that is attractive from the back as well as the front because it will be seen from all sides. Consider using swivel chairs so that you can turn one way to enjoy conversation and another to enjoy the view, or the TV, or a fireplace.

Placing your dining table nearer the kitchen makes practical sense, but it can be positioned nearer a nice view. In the interest of multi-purpose use and saving space for smaller lofts, sometimes it is more useful to get a counter height table and use it as a kitchen island/dining area. It doubles as a great spot for people to gather during parties.

In this first group of photos, notice the use of area rugs to define separate groupings mostly away from the wall, seating placement close enough to each other to encourage comfortable conversation, furniture that looks good from the back, and counter-height tables in the kitchen area.

Division of Spaces

Whether you want a bit of privacy from time to time for your sleeping area, or would like an office area to be something you don't have to look at all the time, consider using these methods instead of walls:

This office area is visually separated from the entry and from the living area by a massive, yet low, glass free standing room divider. It serves as a sculpture in it's own right, and is translucent enough to let light through, while preventing the feeling of looking straight into the office as you enter the loft.

This next office is on a rather large landing at the top of the spiral staircase, around the corner from the sleeping area. Although no room dividers are used, making use of this corner and the direction it faces keeps it from feeling like it is in the bedroom, and it also has a great view out the windows across the living area.

PRIVACY

Sometimes my clients feel like in an open loft, their guests are walking straight into their bedroom ... and that would be because, well ... their guests ARE walking straight into their bedroom! So various room dividers can really make a difference. I find that three things help a lot in the use of room dividers to keep them from taking away your feeling of spaciousness.

One is that light can still transmit through the divider.

The second is that the divider be movable.

The third is that the divider not go all the way to the ceiling.

Here are some photographic examples. In this first bedroom area, the curtain at the right pulls across to provide privacy. It is a combination of opaque and translucent bands. When you don't need it, it pulls completely back. The Shoji screen at the back would hide clothing in the open closet, or another curtain could be used here. You could even create a curtain that is opaque up to about 6 feet tall and the top portion of the curtain could be sheer to let in light.

These beautiful translucent sliding doors by Constructavision offer privacy for the bedroom area while allowing light to pass through. They can slide back to open the space. This particular loft is not my design, but I do work with Constructavision to build my custom designs.

Storage Room dividers like the spectacular River Room Divider, shown in the next photo, from Spacify, visually divide the space by giving your eye a stopping place. Used between a sleeping area, and the rest of the open space, it would keep a bed from feeling "front-and-center", while also providing great display space.

See Part #2 in this series under Soaring Ceilings What on Earth to Do With Them Home Staging Interior Design Tips for Lofts / Open-Plan Homes - Part #2

Pangaea Interior Design and Home Staging, Portland Oregon, specializes in contemporary design for modern properties. You may visit our website by clicking on this sentence.

Miracles Happen When We Believe

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:38:44 -0600

Via Lou Ludwig CRB, CRS, CIPS, GRI, SRES, TRC, e-PRO, (Ludwig & Associates):

Motivational Power Quote

Miracles Happen When We Believe

"Miracles, happen to those

who believe in them."

Bernhard Berenson



As I see it. . . . . . . .

Miracles happen when we believe.

Believe it can be, believe in miracles and they will be.

Miracles first happen in our thoughts and we turn our thoughts into a vision of what can be. When we turn that vision into actions they turn into miracles.

Believe in miracles and make the miracles happen.

®2009, Lou Ludwig, Sales and Management Consultant Executive Coach, Speaker, Trainer and Author

What's In A View?

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:37:37 -0600

Via Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors):

In Washington, there are certain views that can make a condo unit worth more, a lot more, than if they didn't have one.

So when I saw a condo with an optimistic price, there was a photo of the view from the unit, and it showed the National Cathedral. Now as veiws go, The National Cathedral is right up there. Maybe not as great as the Capitol, the Potomac or the Washington Momument. But it does command a few extra dollars.

Well, I'm glad that I previewed the place first.

Looking out one of the bedroom windows, you could see the Cathedral.

But from the giant windows in the living room, this is what you got:

Some day, they might turn this roof into one of the new "green" ones, with sod and flowers. Then you won't be distracted by the ugly thing, and you might even look to the west and appreciate the far off view of the Cathedral!

But in the meantime, if I were the agent, I'd maybe change the focus to make the expectations he creates meet the reality that buyers see.

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County celebrates 20 years...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams PA & DE

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:35:06 -0600

Longtime volunteers and officials from Habitat for Humanity of Chester County reminisced about the way the organization has grown and helped people over the past two decades during the non-profit organization's recent 20^th Anniversary Celebration. Habitat for Humanity of Chester County built its first home in South Coatesville in 1989. And though 20 years have passed, the mission of the organization remains the same: building and renovating homes for families in need. The volunteers, staff members and board members are comprised of a diverse crowd from all areas of the county. The volunteer base has grown from about 70 to 2,500 members. The county's Habitat for Humanity chapter began operating in 1986 as a unit of the Greater Philadelphia Area Habitat for Humanity then became a separate affiliate in 1989 shortly after the construction of the first home in South Coatesville. To date, the local chapter has built and refurbished 107 homes in municipalities such as Coatesville, Phoenixville, West Chester and Downingtown. The organization is looking to expand its service area into southern Chester County. DIALY LOCAL NEWS

It's law, tax credit has been extended...jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams - PA & DE

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:28:18 -0600

Congress passed the bipartisan measure to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit to April 30, 2010 this past week; estimating results to contribute approximately $22 billion to the economy. It was part of a larger bill that also extends unemployment benefits. It was signed into law by President Obama.

Some two million people are expected to take advantange of the new law which includes a $6,500 tax credit for buyers who are current home owners and have lived in their home for five (5) of the past eight (8) years.

Income limits for eligible home buyers were also expanded to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples, up from $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. Qualifying home prices are capped at $800,000.

Sen. Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican and a former member of NAR, was key in extending the credit, as well as pushing it through initially. Other prominent boosters include the National Association of Homebuilders and the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Don't miss HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS with the Kennett Symphony - jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams - PA & DE

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:28:51 -0600

December Concert Home for the Holidays
Start with Symphonic standards of the season from Handel and Menotti. Add favorites from Leroy Anderson (the Boston Pops' favorite composer), a variation on Pachelbel's Canon and Holcombe's Christmas Medley. Include soloists, two full choruses, and conclude by singing Silent Night together.

What a wonderful way to begin your holiday season!

When Where Tickets Program  Dining Options 

Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 8:00 PM

Kennett High School Auditorium
Kennett Square, PA Directions

$35 Adult, $10 Students
Discounts are available to subscribers and groups. Tickets

Home for the Holidays Details
10% discounts at area restaurant partners on pre- or post-concert dining for Symphony ticketholders. Details

Salvatore Scarpa

Program

Kennett Symphony of Chester County

Salvatore Scarpa, Guest Conductor

Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano
Luis Engelke, trumpet
Chester County Choral Society, Gary Garletts, Director
Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus, Dr. Kristen Albert, Director

DORFF

Pachelbel's Christmas

HANDEL/
Prout

Pastorale from "Messiah"
Listen

HANDEL

Let the Bright Seraphim
Listen

BRITTEN

Hodie from A Ceremony of Carols
Listen

SIEGMEISTER

Christmas is Coming

WILLIAMS

Fantasia on Greensleeves
Listen

MENOTTI

Selections from Amahl and the Night Visitors
Listen

HARDIMAN/
Moore

Lord of the Dance & Dance of the Celts
Listen

MILLER & JACKSON

Let There Be Peace on Earth
Listen

arr. Holcombe

Christmas Medley
Listen

GRUBER

Silent Night
Listen

Free in Philadelphia this Saturday - World Music Express, jroosevelt@kw.com, Janice Roosevelt, Keller Williams - PA & DE

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:38:41 -0600

Free at the Kimmel Saturday, November 7 at 11 a.m.
Bill & Tammy's Children's World Music Express
PNC Grow Up Great

Commonwealth Plaza

Saturday, November 7

11am

Children's World Music Express (CWME) celebrates music and movement through cultural diversity. Bill & Tammy engage children in a variety of songs, dance, styles, rhythms, and melodies from around the world. Program includes: ethnic songs, American traditional songs, and instruments from Greek, African, Indian, Latin, Middle Eastern, Western, and Asian cultures.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Kennett High School Auditorium Kennett Square, PA	Directions
$35 Adult, $10 Students Discounts are available to subscribers and groups.	Tickets
Home for the Holidays	Details
10% discounts at area restaurant partners on pre- or post-concert dining for Symphony ticketholders.	Details

Salvatore Scarpa	Program Kennett Symphony of Chester County Salvatore Scarpa, Guest Conductor Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano Luis Engelke, trumpet Chester County Choral Society, Gary Garletts, Director Kennett Symphony Children's Chorus, Dr. Kristen Albert, Director
DORFF	Pachelbel's Christmas
HANDEL/ Prout	Pastorale from "Messiah"	Listen
HANDEL	Let the Bright Seraphim	Listen
BRITTEN	Hodie from A Ceremony of Carols	Listen
SIEGMEISTER	Christmas is Coming
WILLIAMS	Fantasia on Greensleeves	Listen
MENOTTI	Selections from Amahl and the Night Visitors	Listen
HARDIMAN/ Moore	Lord of the Dance & Dance of the Celts	Listen
MILLER & JACKSON	Let There Be Peace on Earth	Listen
arr. Holcombe	Christmas Medley	Listen
GRUBER	Silent Night	Listen