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Philadelphia, PA Real Estate News

By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Philadelphia Steals and Deals Gifts Mom Day or Just for Fun This week's choices are for women as Mother's Day is not far off. Maybe you are lucky enough to have a mom or you are a mom. Maybe you are just looking for yourself. So here you go with this week's selection. I stopped getting gel nails and acrylic nails during COVID-19. The pain of letting them grow out was horrid, and I decided that it was time. I tried so many different polishes and promises. It was not until I discovered BeautyGarde, a plant-based formula it works. It is called Rocket Nail Fuel.You put a coat of polish on every day. You can purchase directly from them or Amazon. I do not have the time to sit in a Salon for a manicure. The polish is not cheap, about $32 for a top coat, which you also use as a primer - and a ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Tonight is the first night of Passover and Jewish people all over the World will be sitting down with their families and close friends and having a Seder dinner. What is a Seder, you may ask? It is a meal symbolizing freedom from slavery and bondage from Egypt, and each food has its own meaning. It is a tradition celebrated. The Jewish people left Egypt in haste with no time to make bread; therefore, this is why Matzo is unleavened bread. It is the Story of Exodus and there is a plate on the table that each food/herb has a meaning. You will find the story in the Bible. This is a very condensed version of what a Seder dinner is.    This year with all the turmoil in the Mideast let us hope and pray it will be Peaceful  
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
What it means to be a Trusted Real Estate Professional.The phone rings and the voice on the other end is a familiar voice from the past. A client from Florida."Hello Hannah its is Brian. How are you?" We laugh and catch up on the past. Last year I sold one of Brian's investment properties he had purchased from me oh perhaps five maybe six years prior ..time does fly these days..It is hard to keep track of the time. It was an easy transaction . He was in Florida he trusted me as his real estate professional to list and sell his property in Phila Pa for him.He sent me a power of attorney. I posted the listing on our board and then in the MLS. I had and agreement of sale in 48 hours for $10,000 more than he expected,but $10,000 less than I would have liked to have sold it for..It was inves...
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By James Yoakum, SFR
(US Spaces, Inc.)
According to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada an extension of the $8,000 first-time-buyer tax credit is something that, politically anyway, can (and will?) be done. Additionally, by 'extension' he refers to extending the program beyond its current expiration date of November 30th, and extending the tax credit to all hombuyers, not just first timers. While an extension of the tax-credit would be great news for buyers who are just now entering the market and could use more time to shop around, an extension also prolongs the unnatural state present in the current housing market. Currently, sales are being artificially propped-up by the tax-credit, especially in the neighborhoods and price-ranges favored by first-time buyers. If the credit is expanded to all buyers, this artifici...
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According to the National Association of Realtors home existing sales shot up substantially in July - by 7.2% over June. This was the largest month-over-month gain since the index began in 1999. This also sets a record by being the first time since November 2005 that home sales volume is up year-over-year, establishing a solid trend and indicating that this could be more than just a random increase month-over-month. While home sales volumes are up, median prices continue to fall nationally, down 15.1% year-over-year and 2% from June to July. This indicates that most of the increase in sales volume continues to be at the lower end - comprised of first-time-buyers, bargain hunters, and investors. In Philadelphia, sales volume rose 3% from June to July but is down slightly year over year, ...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Philadelphia Short Sales:  When a Loan Modification does not work - Short Sale Success in Mayfair ! Philadelphia Short Sales:  Every short sale listing we take on is a different experience as you really will never know what will transpire.  What you do know is to concentrate on what is within your control to maximize the success of your listing selling and then being approved by the bank and closing.  There was a terrific featured post recently here on Active Rain called 10 Reasons Why Your Short Sale Will Not Close by Noel Padilla which is a must read. In any event, our recent success story relates to struggling home owners in Mayfair who were almost out of options.  They received Counseling Services from the City of Philadelphia in addition to paying other Loan Modification companies ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
What is means to be a trusted Real Estate professional.  The phone rings and the voice on the other end is a past client."Hello this is Hannah Williams can I help you" When I heard my past clients voice (she wants to remain anonymous) so we call her Mrs sellers. I immediately recognized her voice.I have a listing for you in Delaire Landing. I had listed and sold her several homes in the past 25 years. Hannah Williams you are my Trusted Real Estate Agent .  I was thrilled to see you had moved from Bensalem to this area so you could sell my mother's condo.I explained I could have still sold it at my other location;but she said that she had been advised that my office was the only one that sold the Delaire Landing Condominiums. Mrs seller was thrilled that her trusted real estate professi...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
 Is the Recession Over ?  I Hope Not ! Some pretty big names recently have stated that the recession is over,including the likes of Ben Bernanke, Warren Buffett and most recently RE/MAX CEO Dave Liniger.  I would agree that Recession is over and the "worst is behind us".   The bad news is that once the economy starts to get better, that could negatively impact the future of your business. You might say "Chris, you are crazy !  How is that possible ? " .   I will explain - it is simple.  No matter what business you are in right now, recessions and slow downs are the BEST TIME to grow your business and to gain market share. In the real estate industry, Realtors stop marketing and spending money on growing their business.  The marketing you see on many listings are the bare minimum.  Realt...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Philadelphia Realtors:  A Testimonial for The Somers Team   Because of the many challenges we had up against us, we needed to hire not only a professional but the best there is out there. We decided to hire the Somers team! I was amazed with their work: very professional, organized, knowledgeable, and honest!  Our 3 homes sold in the exact amount of time that Chris estimated, the sales prices were what he expected, and as the many challenges came about - he was right by our side to help us get through them, not to mention as we moved, handling many of the difficult challenges for us. I remember saying to Chris over the phone after the last deal went through, "Chris, I'm surprised you didn't quit".  He just laughed and said, "that's what we're here for". " Monique When I received the abo...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
What it means to be a trusted Real Estate Professional Phila Pa Pt 1   What it mean to be a Trusted Real Estate Professional Part 1 This was a successful sale in Castor Gardens 19111         The seller had her home listed over a year ago in Phila Pa  the Castor Gardens section and thought her home was sold.The sale never took place.She listed her home with several other brokers since then and could not sell her home.I had been referred to her by her neighbor ;but she still would not let me sell her house.Her neighbor was a past client of mine and he trusted me as a Real Estate Professional  to look out for her.I had sold him his first house over 25 years ago and he was one of my very first clients. I had listed his home and sold it in 8 days.She called me up to tell me someone had stole...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Philadelphia Short Sales:  Another Successful Short Sale in Graduate Hospital ! Philadelphia Short Sales:  Yesterday we had another successful short sale settlement for 2337 Federal St in Graduate Hospital.  When we first got this listing, the seller met with 7 agents !  Well, it turns out he made the right choice in choosing The Somers Team !  It was a challenging scenario as we first tried a traditional sale but after quickly realizing that it would not fly, we made an adjustment in the listing and marketed the property as a potential short sale. The seller's bank was quite cooperative.  In fact, we got the short sale approval in a little over one month ! Amazing, isn't it ?  It does happen sometimes, but you cannot plan on that happening much at all with other short sales.  In any ev...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Relocation: Step 3  Getting Directions To Your New Home Real Estate Relationships Are A Two Way Street We have been an out-of-towners many times in our life such as on vacations or in our daily travels that take us to uncharted new territories. And we've had the experience of being a little lost and needing to ask a kind stranger for directions on occasion. Sometimes we get lucky and the stranger gives us perfect directions and other times we have found ourselves driving in circles and no where near our destination. What we are trying to illustrate here is not the importance of having a Navigation System but it is to stress the importance of getting good council when charting your course to buying a home. Unlike simple street directions, buying a home involves many intricate steps and i...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Relocation: Step 2 - Following the Numbers To Your New Home Understanding Where You Are And Where You Want To Be Our hearts go out the the out to all of you brave out-of-towners who are relocating to an area that is new to you. We understand that even a simple mile can make all of the difference to a person's life. Change does not come easy to everyone and buyng a home certainly offers it's own set of stressors. Once your decision is made to move and you understand your role and techniques in finding the right neighborhood as we suggested in Relocation: Step 1 The First step in Buying Your New Home, then you are ready for Step 2 ! The Challenge The second challenge is finding out where you are financially and where you want to be as far as the right price range for the home you will be ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
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 Loc...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
What Were the Philadelphia Eagles Thinking in Signing Michael Vick ? I know this topic is not related to real estate, but it is such a sensitive topic for both myself and the City of Philadelphia, I felt compelled to write this.  I am still in shock as are many folks about this decision from the Eagles Management to sign Micheal Vick.  I was on Facebook that night when it was announced and saw the stream of posts of many folks indicating they were not going to support the Eagles this year, selling their season tickets, or were just in disgust and shock.  Many of the people at the preseason game left when it was announced that night. What was the management thinking ?  Did they not learn anything from the media circus show with Terrell Owens ?  If that was a circus show, I can only imagi...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
Relocation: Step 1 - Moving Closer To Your New Home Identify the Challenge and Embrace the Journey We get a lot of email and phone calls from out of town people looking to relocate to Philadelphia, thinking either of buying a home, renting a home or condo or considering lease purchase options.  Buying a home from long distance poses some obvious challenges:  It involves all of the human senses and is a hands on process and can not be done confidently from long distances.  The Lease Purchase and Rent-to-Own alternatives to buying really seems to resonate with many out of towners. I suppose it is because the idea of Renting with an Option to purchase takes some of the fear and risk out of the equation. And, in our opinion, it is a smart option to choose and preferable for some people ove...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Delaire Landing Condominiums 19114 has new residents. Another successful transaction thanks to Citizens Bank and Domenic Mannello my trusted mortgage banker.He always gets the job done and on time.I rarely use anyone else.In my book he is the best.We have worked together for more than 18 years .Domenic Mannello has never let me down.      I also would like to thank Trulia. .I met Rudy at Finnegan's Wake the night before ReBar camp in Philadelphia Pa. Rudy and I discussed the benefit of Tulia and placing my listings on the site.Let us not forget the wonderful technology tools and insight I learned at ReBar camp that sparked my listing and selling.Last but not least  all my dear friends at ActiveRain who continue to incourage,motivate,and teach me daily.Everyone helped to make these Buyer...
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By The Somers Team, Delivering Real Estate Happiness
(The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia)
New Listing in Fishtown - 2428 E Boston Street - Rental $1,650     This is a new construction 2 bedroom home that can easily be converted into a 3 bedroom. The formal bedrooms are on the 3rd floor. The master bedroom has it's own bath and there is a hall bath for the 2nd bedroom. The 3rd bedroom is on the main level. It can be used as a den, an entertainment room, or a 3rd bedroom/guest room with a powder room.           The 2nd floor has a beautiful modern living area and kitchen. Plenty of cabinets, granite counters, pantry, and eating area. There is a garage and 1 car driveway parking in the rear, central air, hardwood flooring on the 2nd floor and carpeting in the bedrooms. Washer and dryer included.   Beautiful, stylish, and a fantastic location.     Fishtown Neighborhood: http://a...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
      Bella Hair & Nail Salon located in the Torresdale section of Phila Pa 19114. A favorite place of many of us in my Re/Max office.We like to get pampered here. Have our  nails done or a wonderful pedicure. The ladies here at Belle really know how to pamper your feet when you get a pedicure.The chairs at Belle Nail Salon are amazing they vibrate and give you a massage while your feet are also being soaked and massaged .What a way to relieve stress and look pretty at the same time as they apply your favorite color polish.   Belle Hair & Nail Salon has a fabulous colorist and hair stylist. They are new to the area;but seem to be getting a regular following. I see the same people come back and are very pleased. Some of the women in my office are now using him and look very chic. It is a...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
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 Loc...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
  Tony's Place Tomato Pies at its best. Philadelphia is known for its fabulous Tomato Pies.It is a thin homemade dough crusty pizza with home made sauce with a small amount of cheese. It is the best. If you have never tasted a tomato pie this is the place to go. Tony's is a friendly neighborhood bar & restaurant with a friendly atmosphere.Tony's Place is also famous for their spaghetti  and meatballs at more than reasonable  prices. The service is warm,friendly and you always get a smile. Tony's place has a wonderful menu with something for everyone including the kids.Their desserts are to die for..                      Monday and Wednesday night is half price Tomato Pie so a large pie is under $4 and how delicious it is! You will always meet a friend or neighbor at Tony's Place,maybe ...
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