Stacey's Smart Real Estate Blog

Web Presence on a Shoestring Budget Updated 4/30/2009

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 13:05:57 -0500

It's hard to keep up with the technology. I want a video blog, but haven't worked up to it yet. Here is an old post I try to keep updated for a KW class.

It all started with MySpace. From there I got invited to ActiveRain. I resisted for quite some time before joining, but I am glad I finally did. Here I learned how to bulk up my website, I learned about SEO and I even got a referral!!! I have 3 websites, my own blog and an active approach to online networking.

Updated 1/8/2009 - I'm a Facebook fanatic and most recently discovered ning, but I'm not sure what to do with that yet.

Updated 4/30/2009 - Have my own social network at www.SmartGirlsOwn.net and on Twitter frequently now. It's hard, but there's something there. I like how it grabs the Activerain posts and sends info over to Facebook.

Here is a list of free, or almost free, websites that can exhibit your profile, your listings, or are just plain helpful in this business. These are a fraction of the business basics... there are 1000's more. Let me know if there is one you'd like to share!

NEW DISCOVERIES:

www.dakno.tv: Info rich videos about website and web presence, social networking, blogging and SEO. Nice!

www.zipvo.com: A goldmine I haven't tapped into.

www.freeenterprisewarriors.com from Dave Jenks

Submit Your Site:

*www.google.com/addurl - submit your site to Google

http://www.google.com/local/addxplorer.search.yahoo.com/submit - display your business on Google

http://searchmarketing.yahoo.com/local/business.php - display your business on Yahoo

*https://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com/submit - submit your site to Yahoo

*http://search.msn.com.sg/docs/submit.aspx - submit your site to MSN

Listing Syndication:

*www.point2agent.com - Ads, website, virtual tours, PLUS listing placement -- free for 6 months ($9.95 a month thereafter) Great value, and shows up high on Google searches.

www.Trulia.com - post listings, answer questions, blog - definately post your profile here!

http://www.trulia.com/tools/ - Free widgets and cool downloads to place on your website. Beware: all roads lead back to Trulia

www.Zillow.com- free profile and listing ads - can link right to IDX and pull your listings onto your Zillow profile.

www.1031NetEx.com - free profile and listing ads for investors

www.backpage.com - free ads

www.craigslist.com - free ads - if nothing else, post your listings on here and you will see traffic to your site.

www.postlets.com - free ads, free listing placement, and HTML for craigslist, etc.

Social Networking/Blogging:

*www.facebook.com - online networking - just about everyone I know is on here.

*www.twitter.com Update your status and it will update on Facebook, link to ActiveRain and send blog postings to Twitter and Facebook. Link to Blip.fm and send songs to Facebook. It's cool.

www.myspace.com - online networking and blogging

http://www.ning.com/ Create your own neighborhood social network for free

*http://activerain.com/action/referrals/sellwithstacey - online networking for Realtors, blogging community. Join Twitter and Facebook - blog on here and reach 100's of people you know and don't know.

http://www.localism.com/ - offshoot of ActiveRain - post listings and news

www.youtube.com/sellwithstacey - free video hosting

www.linkedin.com - professional online networking

www.realtown.com - blogging

www.plaxo.com - online networking, connect to all of your online networking sites and contact management

www.wannanetwork.com - online networking for Realtors

www.naymes.com - online networking

*http://www.blogger.com/ - blogging - can also connect to Twitter.

Helpful:

www.godaddy.com - domain names ( .info is sometimes cheap)

www.mlsfinder.com- Wolfnet (NOT FREE - IDX search for website)

http://www.realbird.com/ - widgets, listing ads

http://www.clearspring.com -widgets

www.circlepix.com - sometimes can catch good specials - it used ot have a link for free virtual tours, but it's not there anymore.

http://www.eagentc.com/ - If you're at KW, this link is invaluable.

*www.voicecloud.com - voicemail to text transcription - not free, but really cool.

Good Freebies:

*http://www.realestatetechnologyonline.com/widget/ FREE text message widget for your website - VERY cool.

www.flyinside.com - free virtual tours - can connect them to Realtor.com for a measly $25 or to the MLS for $10.

www.animoto.com - cool virtual tours - you can't use them on the MLS, but they look cool on Facebook.

www.realtyjuggler.com - database - free 90 day trial ($99 a year thereafter)

http://www.alamode.com/products/Agent/xsites/Default.aspx - Free real estate websites

www.freebielist.com - free stuff in general

https://www.lowesrealtorbenefits.com/ - free coupons for Lowes for clients

http://www.mypersonaladvantage.com/about/pricing.aspx - free 30-day trial of drip email marketing campaigns ($9.95 a month thereafter, print and mail is additional cost)

www.verticalresponse.com - 25 free email drips when you sign up.

www.jott.com - free reminder service, not free anymore, but very helpful.

www.leadtoclose.com - free in beta - lead/contact management

News/Info:

http://www.morningstarmultimedia.com/html/dlreguide.asp - free marketing guide

http://www.hobbsherder.com/current_enews.asp - free monthly newsletter - marketing help

http://www.rismedia .com/ - real estate news

http://www.inman.com/news - real estate news

www.housefront.com - real estate valuation tool for text messaging

http://www.stumbleupon.com/ - learn more about other websites and promote your own

MORE...

http://www.zadzoo.com/

https://www.trexglobal.com/partner

http://www.freerealestateads.net/

http://www.rehablist.com/

http://www.submitawebsite.com/blog/2006/05/use-google-base-to-list-items-in.html

http://www.wordpress.com/

http://www.seodiva.net/

Thanks,

Stacey McCarthy

http://www.bigjoemccarthy.com/

http://www.smartgirlsown.com/

* = personal favorites

How to claim your first-time home buyer tax credit << SmartGirlsOwn.net

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:38:56 -0600

The basics of the first-time buyer tax credit before they were revised in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

If you bought your first home last year after April 9, 2009 you are eligible for the lesser of $7500 or 10% of your purchase price in the form of a tax "credit."

You can not have owned a home in the three years previous to the purchase. The credit reduces the tax liability, and if there is a balance after taxes are collected, it is paid out as a refund to the home buyer. The adjusted gross annual income to receive the full credit can be no more than $75,000 for individual, $150,000 for joint filing, and there are reduced credits for first-time home buyers above those income levels.

Read everything about getting the tax credit at Philadelphia and Bucks County Real Estate Blog

Mortgage Rates Up << SmartGirlsOwn.net

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:35:42 -0600

Mortgage Rates went up a little, but every little bit counts.

Fixed rate Conventional 30 year mortgage is 5.125% with zero points

Purchases - mortgage amounts of $250,000.00 with credit scores of 720

Fixed rate Government 30 year mortgage is 5.375% with zero points

Purchase - mortgage amounts of $200,000.00 with credit scores of 620

Compliments of:

Lisa Sozio
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage
215-801-2949 Tel
Lisa.Sozio@wellsfargo.com

Don't wait for rates to go up. Find your dream home in Northeast Philadelphia or Lower Bucks County.

$8000 Homebuyer Tax Credit >> SmartGirlsOwn.info

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:46:12 -0600

At last! the much anticipated changes to the the first-time homebuyer tax credit are in.

The most noticable difference from the last $7500 tax credit is that it does not require repayment if the house is not sold within 3 years.

Beginning January 1, 2009 until December 1, 2009 first-time homebuyers will be lucky enough to get this boost from the government.

See the updates in writing here.

Ready to buy? You'd be smart not to wait. After all, it's a buyer's market, rates are down and you're getting a "rebate." Renting just got so much more expensive this year.

Search the MLS and see every home for sale on the Map! www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Call the McCarthy Group at 215-757-6100 ext. 173

Visit PhillyandBucksBlog.com for Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA Real Estate

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 09:42:40 -0600

Visit my Philadelphia and Bucks County Real Estate Blog at it's new address:

PhillyandBucksBlog.com

Featuring Northeast Philadelphia and Lower Bucks County Real Estate. As some of you know I usually blog here at SmartGirlsOwn.info. Although both blogs may at times contain the same info, you will find more info on Philly and Bucks there.

Thanks for your support and, as always, if there's anyone that you would like to refer to me, please give me a call at 215-531-1305 or email me at sellwithstacey@comcast.net.

Smart Girls Own Real Estate Workshop Tomorrow in Levittown

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 15:06:12 -0600

Smart Girls Own Real Estate Workshop

Head 2 Toe Salon and Spa is hosting monthly real estate workshops.

Attendees will learn the ins and outs of home financing and first-time buyer grants, plus the advantages and pitfalls of owning their own home. In addition, attendees will receive a free credit report and learn ways to boost their credit score.

Guest Speakers will vary and include Sherri Pace from the Bucks County Housing Group, Lisa Sozio from Wells Fargo, and Stacey McCarthy from Keller Williams Real Estate.

Dates: Thursdays, February 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14.

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Head 2 Toe Salon and Spa, 7807 New Falls Road, Levittown

Seating is Limited, so please RSVP: 215-531-1305 or by website...

SmartGirlsOwn.net

Search Real Estate by Map

Know exactly where you want to live? Search Real Estate Listings by map...

Map Search

Thanks,

Stacey McCarthy
Keller Williams Real Estate
215-757-6100 ext. 173

Real NEastate: Q&A about Castor Gardens

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:51:06 -0600

Q: There is a home for sale on my block in Castor Gardens that says it's a "short sale," and my son would like to buy it. Does that mean it will be a fast settlement, and can my son offer less than the owner is asking?

A: Selling a home through a "short sale" means that the homeowner owes more on his mortgage loan than the price he is realistically able to sell it today. Either the homeowner is behind on his mortgage payments or is facing a hardship and is trying to avoid foreclosure by selling the home. A successful sale of this property would be "shorting" the mortgage lender what is owed on the mortgage. Despite the name "short sale," it is normally not a short process...

Read all here: Real NEastate: Short Sale in Castor Gardens « NEastPhilly.com

Stacey McCarthy is a real estate agent with the McCarthy Group of Keller Williams Real Esate. Her Real NEastate column appears on NEastPhilly.com every Wednesday.

No, you are not stupid if you don't own real estate www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:08:35 -0600

I recently applied for a job as Real Estate Editor for an online women's magazine. The editor did not think a Realtor would be a good hire for the job and is looking elsewhere.

The editor asked me a couple very thought provoking questions and I thought it would be great to blog the question and answer here.

Q: I am wondering if you'd mind giving me your opinion on something though - just out of curiosity. I know you created a group on Maven called Smart Women Own Real Estate. Can you tell me if you believe that is really the case for all smart women? I'm asking because I'm not sure I agree obviously, but also because of everything that has gone on in the past few years. For example - a young professional woman who is single and is not intending to live in a particular home or condo for more than 5 years MAX because of life changes she will go through. Someone who may get married and want to buy a bigger house and need to sell or rent out her current home. Someone who may want to move to a new city for work. Would these women be smart to buy real estate considering how long it takes to sell a home these days and how horrible the rental market is to attempt to keep a property as an investment?

A: First let me be clear: I don't think anyone can make a sweeping generalization about any subject or any demographic without agreeing that not everyone or everything fits neatly into any generalization. Not everyone (or every women in this case) should or can own real estate. That said, it is a fact that the homebuying public is made up of 20% single women. You can double check this statistic from the National Association of Realtors website. In fact, in their studies they found that more women than men lived alone. Among these, women were more likely than men to own their homes (56% vs. 47%).

I will try to respond directly to your comments:

Everything that has gone on in the past few years.We are in the midst of a market correction from extraordinary circumstances. Based on the past few years I wouldn't discount real estate as still being one of the best investments you can make. You can still touch real estate. You can still live in a house. It works for you like no other investment. Your car doesn't appreciate - it depreciates 100% of the time. And stocks can't keep rain off your head unless you're smart enough to buy low, sell high, and then go buy a house (or rent, whichever). At the end of the day, if you own real estate, it's still worth something.

A young professional woman who is single and is not intending to live in a particular home or condo for more than 5 years MAX because of life changes she will go through? The real cost of renting at $800 a month, with an average 6% increase per year is $126,536 over 10 years without ownership. Owners have the advantage of property tax deductions and mortgage interest write-offs. Owners have the benefit of appreciation potential- it's possible to build equity in 5 years. In Philadelphia, the average five-year annualized appreciation is 6% compared with 3.4% nationally. I would add, you don't ALWAYS control when life changes will take place. When I was 18, I knew what I wanted to be when I "grew up" and I intended to be married by 23. I didn't get married until I was 33 and I've changed careers twice since then.

Someone who may get married and want to buy a bigger house and need to sell or rent out her current home. I don't see any reason why this person shouldn't buy if she wanted to. I know women who have had the down payment for their marital home because they bought single. I am currently selling a duplex for a woman who just had a baby and moved in with her fiance. She lived in that duplex virtually rent-free for seven years and will be getting a check for $12,000 when it closes. You can't compare that to renting in the same 7 years. In that time she took out a home equity loan - you can't get a home equity loan from your rental. This is the reason I love to help single women - there's a payoff for owning. I am currently living with my husband and raising my son in the home I bought single. It has appreciated 17% since 2002 even with the market corrections.

Someone who may want to move to a new city for work. It would depend on how long she was planning on staying or how stable her job would be. I don't think I would advise someone to buy if their company was planning on relocating them unless they intend to be a landlord. In fact, I have advised to rent first to see if they even like an area in certain cases.

Would these women be smart to buy real estate considering how long it takes to sell a home these days and how horrible the rental market is to attempt to keep a property as an investment? Philadelphia sale and occupancy rates are much higher than the rest of the country. In fact, Forbes Magazine ranked Philadelphia 4th in best long term housing bets. See: http://www.forbes.com/2008/12/16/cities-ten-homes-forbeslife-cx_mw_1216realestate.html.

Not all women are smart. Not all smart women can own or should own real estate. Not all of the women who own real estate are smart. Men are smart too. Agree, or disagree on the statement "Smart Girls Own Real Estate," it doesn't change the fact that single women do own real estate. Smart girls own real estate just sounds cooler than single women own real estate : )

Join my Smart Girls Own Real Estate Group on MavenMagPhiladelphia.com

www.SmartGirlsOwn.com - The Smart Girl's Guide to Real Estate

www.SmartGirlsOwn.net - Smart Girls Network

Parkwood Year-End Home Sale Report for 2008, Philadelphia, PA BigJoeMcCarthy.com

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:56:21 -0600

Parkwood Year-End Home Sale Report for 2008

The average sold price was $189,000 in 2008

We are currently back down to 2005 prices in value. 2006 and 2007 were an all time high for Parkwood.

In 2008 home values dropped 3.5% from 2007, which was the highest average sold prices of all time at $196,000.

The number of sales slipped 14% in 2008 with 82 Parkwood homes sold down from 96 in 2007. The highest number of homes sold was in 2004 at 122.

6% of homes that sold last year were forclosures in Parkwood which affected the average value.

Looking forward we should expect home prices in our neighborhood to continue to fall through 2009, stabilizing in 2010. This is due to the projected forclosures this year.

www.BigJoeMcCarthy.com

*This information is based strictly on row homes in Parkwood. No single homes, townhomes, or condos were used in this analysis. Homes sold that were not labled in the Multiple Listing Service as Parkwood were not used in this analysis, so there may be a small margin of error.

Mortgage rates are not going to 4%, from Jack Minnig, The Mortgage Man

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 07:25:10 -0600

Don't Even Think About It
We have had a Holiday present from the government. Yes, the Federal Reserve Board has lowered short term rates close to zero. Yes, the government continues to facilitate the lowering of rates on mortgages by declaring their intention to support the markets for mortgage by purchasing mortgage-backed securities. However, don't even think about it. As much as we have said that the rates on mortgages must fall in order to facilitate a housing and thus economic rebound, they are not going to zero percent. They are not going to two percent. They are not going to 4%. Why not?

The Fed controls short-term rates. When short-term rates go very low, the threat of long-term inflation increases. And it is this threat of inflation that will keep rates on longer-term loans high. There is no inflationary threat now, but there is the specter of inflation on the long-term horizon. This is especially true because the government is currently spending trillions on fiscal stimulus. In addition, the fact that long-term Treasuries have lowered is a direct result of a flight to safety during a crisis. There is no safer place to put investments than bonds backed by the US government. Mortgages are certainly not considered a safe investment. When the crisis abates, which will be good news, rates on Treasuries will rise. But if the end of the crisis brings a housing recovery, it does not mean that rates on mortgages will rise significantly because they will become a safer investment.

The message? We have the lowest rates in almost half-a century. Don't be waiting for better news!

Current Indices For Adjustable Rate Mortgages
Updated December 19, 2008

	Daily Value	Monthly Value
	Dec 18	November
6-month Treasury Security	0.15%	0.74%
1-year Treasury Security	0.43%	1.07%
3-year Treasury Security	0.92%	1.51%
5-year Treasury Security	1.26%	2.29%
10-year Treasury Security	2.08%	3.53%
12-month LIBOR-WSJ		3.844% (Nov)
12-month MTA		2.053% (Nov)
11th District Cost of Funds		3.125% (Oct)
Prime Rate		3.25% (Dec)

Hidden Treasure in Hidden Valley: 3 bed 2.5 bath Townhome for Sale in Bensalem, PA

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 19:00:56 -0600

This gem in Hidden Valley must be seen! 3 bedroom 2.5 bath townhome with NO assocation dues! Spacious and open floorplan with formal dining room, oversized kitchen area, finished basement, yard with patio, and plenty of storage. Main bedroom with newly remodeled bath, also remodeled hall bath. Very neutral and easy.

How happy will you be to do absolutely nothing here?

New siding
New sump pump
New gutters
New sliding glass doors
Replacement windows
Ceiling fans
New front sidewalk
New heat and air, NEW, NEW, NEW!

Great Location - convenient to I-95, Rt 1 and the PA Turnpike.

All this AND a One-Year Home Warranty.

Your search is over!

5141 N Hunters Court: 2 Story "Straight Thru," Bedrooms: 3, Basement: Yes "Finished!" Size: 2,074 sq. ft., Lot Type: Rectangular, Lot Size: 20ft x 100ft, Year Built: 1976, Taxes: $3,417.00 (2008), Condo Fees: $0.00, MLS®: 5461724

Interior Features

▪ Carpeted Floors

▪ Ceiling Fan

Heating

▪ Central Electric

▪ Forced Air

Exterior Finish

▪ Vinyl

Sewer/Water Systems

▪ Public

Appliances

▪ Dishwasher

▪ Garbage Disposal

Lot Features

▪ Lawn

▪ Patio

Cooling

▪ Central Air

Extra Features

▪ Storage

Marketed by: The McCarthy Group

www.BigJoeMcCarthy.com

www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Mortgage rates are historically low, but not "0." from Jack Minnig, the Mortgage Man

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 21:57:45 -0600

Hi Gang,

I have been getting bombarded with calls about rate, everybody telling me the rates are 4.5%, I heard it on TV, and one guy told me that he heard rates were 3.5% and that banks are charging other banks 0% to borrower money. Yeah, charging 0% - he also just bought a stock in Hong Kong on the internet, I know, that's China, I thought the same thing!

I just wanted to notify everybody regarding these great rates that we have, and to let everybody know it is a great time to re-finance, BUT, be careful of what you hear and see. I can entice you to call by sending you an e-mail with a great rate on it, but you might find out that you don't really qualify for the rate offered. Check out below.

Today I can offer a rate of 4.875% - 30 year fixed - 0 points, if that's all I send, you might be excited, but here's what you need to qualify for that loan.

1. 740 credit score or better if it's a purchase, if it's a refinance it should be a cash out

2. You need to be borrowing 85-95% of the value of your home, which means you'll need MI, if its less then 85% but more then 60% the rate will go up, but just slightly.

3. Expect your rate to change every 10 credit points below the 720 range you are, (it will be slight for the first 10 points, 710 not as bad as 100 points, lower at 620)

4. The bottom line is that not everything is as it seems sometimes, take a closer look before you get yourself, or one of you clients, stuck on something that's not there.

I just wanted to let you guys know, that the rates are at an all time low, but don't be sucked in by ads and e-mails that just send a rate out as if its the same for everybody, and don't forget to always check for fees. If you have any questions, or just want a second opinion on a rate, please feel free to call me or send me an e-mail, I'm always willing to help.

For those of you I don't get a chance to see, have a great holiday!

Thank you,

Jack Minnig

Pennsylvania District Manager

Franklin American Mortgage Company

Three Greentree Centre Suite 100

Marlton, NJ 08053

215-688-2973 cell

877-562-6119 toll free

215-946-3547 fax

jminnig@franklinamerican.com

Today's Rates 5% on December 17th. Wow!

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 11:56:56 -0600

Today's Rates Dec. 17th

30 yr fixed with 0 points is 5%
15 yr. Fixed 0 points is 4.75%
FHA 30 yr. Fixed is 5.5%
JUMBO 30 yr. Fixed is 6%

Provided by Carmella McGonegal - Mortgage Mobility - 215-901-8083

Top 5 Things to Do during the Holidays in Philadelphia for Kids

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 14:56:07 -0600

Christmas really is for the kids but adults may enjoy a few things on this short list. This is not everything that the Philadelphia area has to offer for the holidays, it's just a few.

1. The Holiday Light Show at Wanamakers: Across from City Hall on Market Street, you find the Wanamaker Building. It's Macy's now, and every hour on the hour you can see the Christmas light show. Started in 1956, it still draws a crowd of parents and children to marvel at Julie Andrews telling short holiday stories and the blinking light show set to holiday music. Not so high tech, but high in holiday spirit. It is an absolute MUST do for children. Even though it is officially Macy's, it will always be Wanamaker's to Philadelphians.

Hint: While you're in Macy's if you have some time and want to see Santa, be prepared to wait. But at least the wait is a little less dull with the Dickens town, the old Litt Brother's display of moving figures of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol. Over 100,000 people (kids and adults) visit Macy's Santa each season!

2. New! Christmas Villiage at Dillworth Plaza: The German American Marketing group and the City of Philadelphia set up over 50 vendors to form a medieval village selling European food, sweets and drinks, international seasonal holiday gifts, ornaments and high quality arts and crafts. Located at Dillworth Plaza - outside City Hall on 15th Street. Yummy, yummy German food, barvarian pretzels and so many crafts that you can finish your holiday shopping!

Hint: Santa is at City Hall too - daily from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm!

3. New! The Comcast Center Holiday Spectacular: Another MUST SEE! Enter the Comcast building, the tallest in Philadelphia at 17th and JFK and you will encounter a group on onlookers staring at the paneling. At first, you wonder what the heck is going on, but every hour Comcast produces their version of Holiday Lights, the high tech version. The paneling is really a gigantic high definition tv screen made to look like paneling. While you are still trying to figure out what is going on, the wall changes to a scene of light bulbs set to holiday music, a sleigh ride through the snow, a nutcracker dance (that shows every wrinkle on the Sugar Plum fairy's face even though she look's like she's about 20), and Santa Clause traveling over the Philadelphia skyline at night. It's so high def and realistic and the music really puts you in the holiday spirit. Plus Comcast owes you for how much you spend on TV every year!

4. Shadybrook Farm Holiday Drive-Through Light Show: Just of the Yardley/Newtown Exit of I-95, experience the magic of millions of lights illuminating acres of farmland during Shadybrook Farm's Holiday Light Show! This is the coolest experience for lazy people! Drive through in the comfort of your own car or enjoy the show on a moonlit hayride. Drive-thru open Nov. 26 2008 through Jan. 4, 2009 from Dusk to 10 PM. Hayride open Nov. 28 to Dec. 23, & Dec. 26 - Dec. 30 from 6 to 8 PM. Pack the car with the neighbor's kids too. A carload is $20, but you can find coupons online: http://www.shadybrookfarm.com/wintercoupons.php. The Holiday Light Show benefits the Salvation Army, St. Mary Medical Center, & the MS Society.

Hint: While you're there, visit Santa's Village and the North Pole Adventure! Kids will delight in the holiday fun where they will encounter gift shops and Santa's Elves.

5. Holiday Shopping at Sesame Place: OK, it's technically not Philadelphia, it's in Langhorne, PA right near the Oxford Valley Mall and Keller Williams Real Estate Langhorne. Sick of seeing Santa, or don't celebrate Christmas? Get your children's holiday picture taken with Elmo or another Sesame Street Character. Not much else to do here but shop and ride the carosel, but there's no admission fee and it is always a kick for a kid to see Elmo. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Happy Holidays!

P.S. The child in the picture is my 4-year old son. You can't tell in the pictures, but he had a blast at ALL of these events, especially Sesame Place and Macy's. He just hates getting his picture taken sometimes. LOL

www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Coats for Karma: Donate a Winter Coat and Win!

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:43:28 -0600

Keller Williams Real Estate Sponsors Coat Drive

Every year, thousands of men, women, and children live through the cold winter season without a coat to keep warm. You may help provide them with this basic necessity through the Langhorne KW Cares Winter Coat Drive.

I found a beautiful wool coat in my closet that I haven't worn since 1998 for the coat drive. There was $6.43 in the pocket. How's that for good karma? I spent it on a latte and tipped the barista with the rest. Well, it's good to stimulate the economy too. That money's been out of circulation for 10 years!

The Keller Williams Real Estate Bucks County South Market Center team, believes in giving back to the community. In that spirit, Keller Williams Real Estate in Langhorne is holding the coat drive to benefit Greater Philadelphia Cares and Women Against Abuse.

Keller Williams Real Estate is seeking new or gently used, any size Women's, Children's and Men's COATS, HATS, SCARVES, and GLOVES. Our office, located near Sesame Place across from Macy's outside the Oxford Valley Mall, is an official drop-off location for the Greater Philadelphia Cares Coat Drive through January 19th, 2009.

Women's and Children's coats collected prior to December 16^th, 2008 will be donated to the Philadelphia Women Against Abuse Shelter in Philadelphia - the only shelter in Philadelphia exclusively for battered women and their children forced to flee their homes.

"We believe in supporting the community that we live and work in. It's our way of saying thanks to our friends, neighbors, clients and customers," said Team Leader, Debi Breen

This event is a reminder that there are thousands of people whose only holiday wish is a warm coat for their children, parents, or themselves. If you would like to contribute to this worthwhile campaign, please contact Joe McCarthy at 267-228-3950 for coat pick ups. Sorry Chicago, this is limited to the Philadelphia Area.

Thanks!

www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

I-pods to replace Realtors in 2009.

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:34:25 -0600

Before i-tunes and downloads from the internet, music consumers trekked out to the local Sam Goody and bought CD's. And before CD's music lovers bought albums or tapes, or 8-tracks if you can remember back that far. However, the Internet changed the availability of music and as a result the music industry was forced to change how they do business.

The internet is changing the Real Estate business now. In this "fast-food-information" age where home listings can be found on every website, and mortgage calculators, blogs and RSS news feed hungry homebuyers the information they seek without even meeting a Realtor in person, no longer does, "I can help you find your dream home," work. They can find their own dream home. They certainly can on my website.

The work of a Realtor remains mainly the same, however the value of where the hard work really lies in a real estate transaction is taken for granted. How has the perceived value of the Realtor changed and how must he re-define himself and his expertise?

These days some homebuyers believe Realtors are simply "keys-on-call." They browse the Internet, get their info and when they are ready to see something in person, they call up the last "key-on-call" they ran across to unlock the door. "Keys-on-call" require no skills or expertise other than having a key or knowing how to open the door, or so some may think.

The challenge for Realtors in the Internet Age is to disseminate to home-buyers the true value of using a Realtor. To narrow down their home search? No, they believe can do that themselves. To get the home-buyer to the closing table, there's the real value. And if a home-buyer is not aware of how much work and expertise it takes to get there, even the most conscientious Realtor may be viewed as a "key-on-call."

In Pennsylvania, there are 18 pages in a Standard Agreement of Sale. The first 11 pages contain 23 complicated clauses. The next 7 give brief explanations and disclaimers about those clauses. There are an additional 17 complicated disclosures and paperwork required by the State Commission to make it a legal transaction. Negotiations are fragile. Time lines are critical. Miss one deadline and a home-buyer could easily lose his deposit and/or the whole transaction could crash and burn.

Not every homebuyer would agree there's value in selecting a Realtor if they don't know where the value truly lies. And if they aren't educated about the value, it's like trying to play an eight-track on your i-pod. It doesn't work. And i-pods don't open doors either.

www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Sellers Market Predicted in Philadelphia Housing Market. Fear of Increased Home Prices Looming on Buyers.

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:04:06 -0600

Not true today. However, it's not far from likely soon. The market has ups and downs. This is down, so what is down must go back up. Just like interest rates!

Yes, it is a buyer's market. So why is buyer confidence down? National news has a strange effect on home buyers, even in Philadelphia where the average sale price has only decreased an average of 4% in 2008. Buyer confidence is shaky and the erratic stock market really doesn't help that.

A 1% drop in the mortgage rates, by all accounts, should spur activity in the market. After all, it's almost a 10% decrease in the actual payments on a home. Read: Pay less for more. The "smart money" is investing in real estate now. It's exciting to see the investors out buying. But home buyers remain skeptical.

Fact: It's called a buyer's market for a reason. People still need places to live and now is the time to get the best buy. The market is overstocked with homes for sale. Interest rates are incredibly low. Get a home while it's not hot, or pay more when it heats up.

www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

"Now More Than Ever" by Jack Minnig the Money Man

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:06:29 -0600

The following Letter "Now More Than Ever" was submitted by my friend Jack Minnig, Guest Blogger.

With the exception of the last 12-14 months, the past 4-5 years in the real estate industry has been very prosperous for most who have participated. For the investor, values escalated, for the fix and flip guys business couldn't have been better and for the sellers... well, they set the stage, if you didn't do what they wanted, they were on to the next buyer before you could blink.

Now mortgage people and Realtors had it a bit harder, yes they were involved in the same great market, but when things get that easy, everybody gets involved. And that's exactly what happened, I would bet you couldn't have been at a function with a group of 25 or more people without getting 3 -4 real estate related business cards, Realtors, Mortgage guys, home inspectors, title agents even the handy men were riding the real estate wave. But for those who were making a living from the business, the competition got tough.

Selling real estate became so easy in the mind of the public that owner's couldn't see the need for Realtors, and those that did want to use a Realtor could always find one that would do it for just about nothing, because real estate wasn't really there full time job, they just did it for extra money because it was so easy, list a house, put out a sign, get an agreement, settle and get a check, sometime in as little as 2 weeks, they might have had to invest 8 hours to do that, what could be easier. But, all good things must come to an end, is how the saying goes, and oh how times have changed.

The real estate landscape is a bit different from just a few months ago, and there are changes every week. There have been more then 60,000 people that have abandoned the real estate and mortgage industry, and hundred's of financial institutions that have closed, or been closed. And there are agents and loan officers that are hanging on by the skin of there teeth hoping that things will get better before they get worse, and that means there will be more to go before we are done. OK, you get the idea, things changed for the worse.

NOW MORE THEN EVER there are some things that I would suggest we all do.

First, if you're interested in buying or selling real estate, I can't stress enough the need to use a full time real estate agent from a reputable company; those days of just using the cheapest guy out there should be avoided at all cost. Full time agents from reputable companies have the advantage of ongoing training, and access to all of the most recent changes in the industry from there affiliated arrangements they have with the complimenting businesses in the industry. Second, and for me I think this is the most important, you MUST use a reputable mortgage BANKER, and a seasoned loan officer.

A seasoned loan officer is one that has more then 5 years in the industry, because the last 5 years the mortgage industry has been dominated by sub-prime and Alt A loans, so most loan officer that came into the industry in the last 5 years haven't had to know as much about other programs that have been, and will continue to be the foundation of the industry. As far as the difference in mortgage companies go, they are not all equal, broker, broker/banker, banker or a servicing company, which one is right? Because of the ongoing turmoil in the mortgage industry I would not recommend using a mortgage broker, or a mortgage banker who is brokering there loans.

The first of these 2 types of companies rely solely on outside underwriting, they are at the mercy of the lender, and represent a higher risk level for the company that is going to be funding there loans, the second of these will do something similar. They have the license and the ability to function as a full service mortgage lender, but they lack the size and volume to take on the risk of a banker, so they also rely on underwriting from the lender who will fund there loans.

The credit tightening that everybody hears about starts with the brokers first, the lender's have less control over how a broker does business so they will have the toughest time getting loans approved, the broker/banker does take on more risk then the broker and may be required to buy a loan back that becomes an issue after closing, this will get them a little less stringent underwriting process, but one mistake can put a company like that out of business quickly. Now a full service banker, and a banker servicer will give you the best possible results, they are self contained from originating to underwriting to closing, they do it all themselves.

The full service banker that does not service loans after the closing represents the least amount of risk for the servicing lender. Because the full service banker does its own underwriting, and it closes the loan with its own money, the servicing lender takes on far less risk when purchasing those loans, and because the risk is lower, the rewards are higher. The servicing lender is the top of the heap, the do the same as the full service banker, but they go one step further, the keep the loan and service the borrower for the next 15, 20 or 30 years, depending on the loan term.

Ok, which one is the most beneficial to use?

Before I give you my opinion, let me tell you that I work for a full service banker that does not service loans after the settlement; we do everything from originations, to closing with our money. With that being said, I believe that an established, reputable, full service banker offers the best benefits for MOST borrowers. The reason for this is that a reputable banker will deliver closed loans to most of the bigger servicers Wells Fargo, Chase, GMAC or Bank of America or one of the many top servicing companies that have been out there for years. The biggest benefit that the full service banker can offer is lower rates, with the same dependable customer service that the big servicers are trying to convince you that you will only get with them.

I worked for one of the biggest mortgage bankers that I mentioned above, as a loan officer for that company, my rates were more then ½ a percent higher then loan officer's that were working for broker's that were doing loans for my company, so as an employee of the giant, I couldn't compete with a broker doing a loan through my company, and it's still that way today. But, the giants have the ability to do some things that nobody else can, if you have a buyer that has something out of the norm, something that doesn't fit certain guidelines, but there is a common sense explanation for it, that may be something that the giants will shine at, but if you think about how many of those buyers you may deal with throughout a year, the giants will be glad to help.

So, what does all this mean for you?

If you're a Realtor, manage your business, interview the people you are planning on partnering with for your income, don't get caught up in the hype of a name or what you hear from other people in your business, do your own leg work and make your own opinion's based on experience. Understand all of the parts of your business, you don't have to be an expert on all of the parts, but if you don't have an understanding of the other parts, you won't be able to recognize an expert when you meet one. Knowledge is the best thing you can have right now to navigate this difficult market, but you can with just a little more effort then in the past.

If you're a buyer/borrower decide what you are interested in, if rate is all you are worried about, and you have no concerns about getting a loan and documentation is not a concern, a broker might be your best bet. If you want to finish were you start, and rate isn't something concerns you, and then the giant is the place for you. If you would like to have something between the 2, then the full service banker is your best bet.

But keep in mind that Now More Then Ever your business is in your hands, its yours to make or break, if you plan on doing the same things you have been doing in this new market you'll just be spinning your wheel and you'll get frustrated. A little more effort, a lot more training and a bunch more application will make you the expert the public will look to for guidance.

See you in the trenches and Good luck!

Thank you,

Jack Minnig

Pennsylvania District Manager

Franklin American Mortgage Company

Three Greentree Centre Suite 100

Marlton, NJ 08053

215-688-2973 cell

877-562-6119 toll free

215-946-3547 fax

jminnig@franklinamerican.com

Conventional Mortgage rates today are 5.375 12/2/2008 SmartGirlsOwn.com

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:37:18 -0600

Last week 30-year mortgage rates dropped below 6 percent. Some brokers say their rates are as low as 5.25 percent. Wells Fargo rates today (12/2/2008): Conventional is 5.375 FHA is 5.75 Contact: lisa.sozio@wellsfargo.com

Rates are down since the Federal Reserve announced that it would buy $500 billion in mortgage-backed securities held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Want a bargain on a new home? Your money has more buying power today. Call a mortgage broker today because what goes down will go back up, it's inevitable and this will not last.

It's called a buyers market for a reason! Looking for a home in Philadelphia or Bucks County, PA?

Smart Girls buy now! www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Tax Credit info for first-time homebuyers SmartGirlsOwn.com

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:33:21 -0600

1^st time buyers should take advantage of this $7,500 15-year interest free loan from the government, especially to pay off high interest debt.

EXPIRES JUNE 30, 2009

Who is eligible?

First-time homebuyers or any homebuyers who have not owned a principal residence in the last three years

How does it work? Eligible purchasers can claim the $7,500 credit on their annual tax return form.

Amount of credit: 10% of cost of home or a maximum of $7,500

Repayment:

Two years after the credit is claimed, the homebuyer will have to start paying it back.
15 equal annual installments will have to be paid back to the IRS every year.

6.67% of the borrowed amount or a maximum of $502

- If home is sold before 15 years, the remainder of the loan will have to be repaid to the IRS upon the sale.

Part of the liability can be forgiven if the gain on the sale is less than the amount of the loan.

Restrictions:

- Home purchase time limit: Homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009
- Home must be a single family residence (including condos, coops) that will be used as a principal residence.
- Home must be located in the United States.
- Home cannot be financed through mortgage revenue bonds.

Income restriction:

To qualify for full $7,500 credit, the taxpayer must make no more than

$75,000 for single returns
$150,000 for joint returns

To still qualify for credit but at a lesser amount, the following income caps apply

$95,000 for single returns
$170,000 for joint returns

For more information on the tax credit go to www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Shocking Forclosure Story in Newtown, PA (near Philadelphia)...

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:48:27 -0600

Between home searches on the MLS, I had a couple extra moments this morning to check out some listings on craigslist.

Honestly, I was really looking for a playhouse for my son and typed in "house" in a section that I did not expect to see this word: FORCLOSURE!

I can't seem to escape it! It is everywhere - even in the toy section. FORCLOSURE!So it seems even Barbie's Dreamhouse is being forclosed on! What a pity.

This is the "story" that accompanied the listing: "Barbie's spending habits have gotten the better of her. Due to imminent threat of foreclosure, she has to put her dream house up for sale."

Barbie's a smart girl for putting her house up for sale. It's much better than it getting forclosed on. Hopefully Barbie will find a nice condo somewhere, maybe in Villiage Shires, since she can get a cute little condo on the cheap.

Too bad about the Dream House though. On the bright side, it will be recycled and loved by another Dream House covet-er. Hopefully in time for the holidays.

Looking for your Dream House? Or just a modest condo?

www.SmartGirlsOwn.com

Congratulations Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series Champs!

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:09:47 -0600

My husband, Big Joe, never watched so much baseball up until this recent Phillies season. I didn't understand why. I would listen to him spew statistics... actually scratch that... I would PRETEND to listen to him WHILE he spewed statistics since the spring training...

... I started to believe it could happen after driving behind a car that skidded off the road in a freak snowstorm Tuesday, as giant golfball size snowflakes came crashing to the earth and landing... after cleaning my car off of snow and sleet in October... BEFORE Halloween, mind you... while the leaves were still red and gold and orange, I thought to myself, "Hell has frozen over...

... Continued here on my Blog

YUM! Pumpkin Water Ice on the Menu at Rita's in Bensalem, PA

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:49:20 -0500

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." ~Seneca

There were many reasons why I chose Parkwood to live. Among the many reasons was that I would be a stone's throw away from Bucks County, where I spend a considerable amount of time. I work in Langhorne, play pool in Andalusia, and my sister cuts and dies my hair at Patty's in Levittown. But I just found another good reason...

Being a regular Philadelphian, I am a huge fan of water ice and celebrate the first day of spring every year with the iced treat. I also consider myself an unusually lucky person... an opportunity magnet, if you will. Imagine my luck when a YEAR-ROUND RITA's WATER ICE opened up last year in the Showcase Plaza in Bensalem. Year-Round! 2 minutes from my house! Needless to say, my family and I spend a lot of time there indulging on the icy delights. (Water ice is a fat free food if you didn't know.)

This fall brought about an unusual flavor of water ice at Rita's in Bensalem. Pumpkin! I am a fan of pumpkin. I like pumpkin pie. I like pumpkin spiced lattes from Starbucks. But I was sceptical at first. I couldn't resist and had to have a little taste. I have to say, I love it! It tastes like a really cold pumpkin pie. Totally YUM!

So, move to Parkwood or Bensalem and you can enjoy a Pumpkin Ice with me!

Visit Rita's at the Showcase Plaza
2822 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19020

Keep 'em coming Rita's! This one's a winner! Be Cool. Eat a Rita's!

Tamerlane Condo for Sale in Holland, Bucks County

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:40:40 -0500

Second floor Tamerlane condo - Great location! Cute balcony, high ceilings, nice and neutral and move-in condition. Bedroom has walk-in closet. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances. Refrigerator, microwave, washer and dryer included. Enjoy the pool and tennis courts!

$168,000 Address: 3309 Atkinson Pl, Single Story "Second Floor" Bedrooms: 1 "Walk-in closet" Bathrooms: 1, Size: 761 sq. ft., Taxes: $1,692.00 (2008) Condo Fees: $181.00 MLS®: 5406162

See Virtual Tour Here

Keller Williams Real Estate
www.BigJoeMcCarthy.com
Joe and Stacey McCarthy
Email Joe and Stacey

Phone:	215-757-6100
Business:	267-228-3950
Cell:	215-531-1305
Fax:	215-941-7425

Fall Fun at Shady Brook Farm's Pumpkin Fest Starting September 27th

Stacey McCarthy @ SmartGirlsOwn.com (Keller Williams Real Estate) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:31:04 -0500

My son went on his class trip to Shady Brook Farm this spring and although we've been to the farm on several occassions, we didn't know how much Shady Brook had to offer besides really, really sweet corn.

I have taken my son there just about every week this summer to play on their "playground" and treat him to Uncle Dave's delicious home-made ice cream. We pick up some fresh, locally grown produce and sometimes grab a sandwich at the deli.

Comming soon is their Pumpkin Fest which is the best $10 you will spend this fall...

Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch to pick-your-own pumpkins (pumpkins not included)
Inflatable Amusements Saturday & Sunday
LIVE Entertainment Saturday & Sunday
Themed Play Areas
Straw Maze
Barnyard Animals
Farm Learning Center
Pig Races Saturday & Sunday
Giant Corn Maze, and more!

Open Sept. 27 & 28
DAILY from Oct. 4 to Nov. 2
11 AM to 5 PM

www.ShadyBrookFarm.com

Gem mining, pony rides, sand art, face painting, paint ball, Monster truck rides and some other activities not included with admission.