When I was young I never knew any other pizza then the pizzas made at DeJohn’s/Franzone’s Pizzeria.  DeJohn’s was the original pizza shop located on the corner of DeKalb and 4th Streets in Bridgeport.That location had a wonderful visual...the pie maker’s work station was front and center in the large corner windows, overlooking the busy Routes 202 and 23. I can still see the dough being thrown in the air by the pie maker! Such advertising!Sometime in my youth that corner location was demolished because of the planning of a major highway in the area. And that pizza shop moved up a block and across the street, where the laundromat was, with a new name, Franzone’s. I do not know the details of why the name changed, but all I know is that pizza shop was a block closer to my home!As time pas... 04/30/2023

There are a lot of homeowners who are thinking about carrying out a home remodel during the current era; however, it is important to understand what goes into a home remodel contract. Even though it can be expensive to get the contract reviewed by an attorney, it is critical to take a close look at the contract to make sure the language is correct.What are some of the most important points that homeowners should keep in mind when it comes to a contract for a home remodel?Understand The Basics Of A Home Remodel ContractFirst, it is important to understand the basics. The home remodel contract will have a lot of numbers and it can be challenging to understand. In general, the home remodel contract must state that the contractor is going to secure any and all necessary permits and approval... 03/05/2021

It can be a tremendous challenge to suddenly be stuck at home during the COVID-19 crisis. For those who are in an area of the country where there is a “shelter in place” order, this can feel very much like house arrest. If there are children stuck at home as well, this could be enough to make the entire family go stir crazy.It can be hard to come up with ways to have fun when there is a lot of fear and anxiety in the air; however, here are a few great ways that families can have fun, grow closer, and bond during a challenging time.Take A Virtual Tour Of A MuseumThere are a handful of museums and aquariums around the country that are offering people the opportunity to take a virtual tour of their exhibits. These museums and aquariums are feeling the sting of the pandemic as well. They ha... 04/10/2020

Hardwood flooring is considered a premium flooring material. It’s natural, long-lasting, durable and comes in a wide assortment of colors, wood, stains and plank widths. But hardwood flooring isn’t always the best choice. If you’re looking at homes to buy and eliminating the ones with laminate flooring, you could be overlooking some important considerations.Following are four times when laminate flooring is a better option than hardwood.1. You Live In A Very Humid ClimateExcess humidity isn’t kind to hardwood floors. Wood is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the surroundings. Too much moisture in the air can make hardwood floor planks “cup,” which is when the lateral sides curl up. Wood swells when it gets wet, which can cause displacement of individual planks. Remember ... 07/12/2019

Renovations that create a multi-use property or the development of a new multi-use project can be a very attractive investment especially in urban areas that are undergoing redevelopment. The concept of multi-use is to make the most of the site that is revitalized or developed.Multi-Use ProjectsTypical multi-use projects have a mixture of retail space, restaurants, offices, and/or living spaces. They may include parking areas. Large multi-use projects can also become destination locations that are core improvements, which create a momentum for the gentrification of an entire area. Waterfronts, boardwalks, and walking promenades are successful as multi-use projects in many cities.The advantages for investors in these projects include the ability to design the use of the space to maximize... 05/10/2019

Members of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee voted to hold the target range of the federal funds rate to its current range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent. The minutes of the most recent Committee meeting cited softening domestic and global economic conditions as reason for not raising the target federal funds range.While labor markets remained strong, the minutes noted that household spending and business investment slowed in the first quarter of 2019. FOMC members expected Gross Domestic Product growth to slow as compared to its 2018 pace.While current inflation and the national unemployment rate fell in line with the Fed’s dual mandate of seeking maximum employment and price stabilization, inflation fell due to falling fuel prices. The meeting minutes said that the Committe... 04/11/2019

Real estate isn’t a one-size-fits-all pursuit. Buying and renting multi-unit properties is one of the ways investors build residual income while increasing their property portfolios. However, multi-unit rentals come with some unique challenges. Are you ready to manage a multi-unit rental property?Ask yourself these questions to help you decide which path best fits your resources, goals, and interests.Do You Plan To Live On The Property?Living in one of your rental units offers a myriad of benefits. First, you get to keep a close eye on building conditions and the actions of your renters. Next, you’ll be able to respond quickly to an emergency. Last, you won’t have to pay extra for your own living quarters. You won’t have this option with single-occupancy properties.Will You Work With A ... 03/27/2019

A young long-haul trucker driver once took an elder’s advice and invested all of his money into real estate. Even though he was seldom at home to enjoy the fruits of his labor, he hired a property management company to handle the properties. The advice that stuck with the driver was simple. “They’re not making any more of it, land that is.”In terms of growing personal wealth, the real estate market may fluctuate, interest rates change, and the GDP can bounce like a ball. But, land is permanent. That may seem like a simplistic view of wealth management. Maybe it is. But that trucker retired early with multiple investment properties and a reasonably wealthy man.His portrait in wealth management success highlights the notion that real estate remains a strong financial driver. The next logi... 09/13/2018

Buying a property out of foreclosure can be a very smart move, financially. But it can also be complicated, expensive, and stressful.Here are 5 things to keep in mind before you take a first step in that direction:Cash Or Preapproval RequiredBuying a house that has been returned to the lender through foreclosure means dealing with bureaucracy rather than with a motivated seller. Large lenders are notorious for taking their time to approve a contract, even if the offer is for the exact amount specified.Then there’s the paperwork, which can seem endless. Most lenders require that prospective buyers have cash on hand, or a pre-authorized loan in place in order to even submit an offer. There’s Little Room For NegotiationAlthough in certain circumstances there may be an opportunity for some ... 06/12/2018

Did you recently graduate from college or university? If so, you may still be dealing with a financial hangover in the form of student loan debt. The vast majority of today’s students have to borrow to invest in their education, which can affect financial plans once school is finished. In today’s post, we will explore buying a home with a mortgage when still dealing with outstanding student loan debt.Your Situation Is Common, But Unique To YouFirst, try to keep in mind that you are not alone. Many former students are moving on with life, working hard to build a career and a life while juggling past student loans. However, your situation is unique, and thus, you need to plan it that way. For example, are you single or married? Are you in a stable career or are you potentially shifting jo... 11/28/2017

Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index rose to a year-over-year home price increase of 6.10 percent as compared to July’s reading of 5.90 percent. The 20-City Home Price Index rose to a year-over-year reading of 5.90 percent over July’s reading of 5.80 percent.Home Prices Nearing Their Peak? Some cities that previously had high home price increases saw lower paces of growth. San Francisco, California, which reported double-digit home price growth rates in recent years, reported -0.10 percent growth rate month-to-month and a year-over-year home price growth rate of 6.10 percent. Home prices grew at a faster rate in nine cities as compared to year-over-year home price growth rates reported for July 2016 to July 2017.David M. Blitzer, Operating Manager and Chairman of the S&P Index Commi... 11/01/2017

It’s a very exciting time for most parents when their kids begin to crawl, but it can also be much more difficult to watch over your child and ensure their safety. If your child is starting to get along on their own and you’re preparing to baby proof, here are the main areas and items you’ll want to watch out for.Clearing Away The CribThere’s no place your child is going to spend more time, so ensure that there are no toys left in their crib when they’re going to sleep. You’ll also want to stay away from fluffy blankets that can smother their breathing. It’s entirely likely that you’ll have a lot of stuff to store for your baby, but ensure there are no heavy pieces of furniture in the room that they will be able to pull over or move.In The BathroomIt goes without saying that you should ... 09/01/2017

An open house is a good opportunity to get out and about to see what kind of home you’re looking for and if it will work for you. Fortunately, they can also be a good opportunity to find out some things about the house you’re looking at that might not be listed on the website and may be less than flattering. If you’re wondering what red flags to watch out for, pay attention to the following things the next time you’re at a showing.Strong OdorsMany home sellers try to engage the senses in order to entice buyers by baking cookies or spraying air freshener. However, a lot of air freshener or scent can also be a means of hiding less than pleasant smells that are a giveaway for big problems. If you notice a lot of scents when visiting an open house or if there’s an odor, you may want to look... 07/17/2017

Along with the family vehicles, the garage may be the place where all of the things you don’t want in your house go to disappear. However, you might not be aware that there are a number of DIY hacks you can use for your garage that will instantly make it a more useable space. If you’re wondering how you can fit more in while improving the aesthetic appeal of your garage, here are some tricks to test out.Give Your Garden Tools SpaceThe pile of garden tools that often sit in the corner of the garage is generally unpleasant to look at and potentially dangerous, so instead of leaving them around to trip on, try out a wall rack to secure them properly. All that’s required to make this rack is two boards and a saw in order to make the proper cuts. Once all is said and done, you can screw the ... 06/30/2017

It’s great to have a yard in this day and age, but so many new developments in the city have limited green space for you to let your imagination run wild. If you’re wondering what you can do with your patch of green space or small yard, here are a few options for making it aesthetically appealing and still maximizing its potential.Pick A CenterpieceIn order to stretch the look of your green space, try adding a centerpiece or focal point that will draw the eye and instantly improve your yard’s appeal. Whether you decide on a planter, a birdbath or an awning covered in vines, a unique piece will work to distract from the limitations imposed by your yard. A centerpiece may do nothing to expand your garden space, but by changing the way you view it, it will make all the difference in how yo... 06/06/2017

For most people, the idea of saving more money each month is enough of a burden without having to think about investing in a home. A down payment, however, will require a lot more saving know-how and a lot more in liquid assets in order to be able to buy. If you’re trying to find ways to save a bit more each month, here are some sure-fire tips for raising the extra funds.Re-consider Your CommuteOutside of rent, there are few things that will cost as much money as owning your own vehicle, so instead of holding on to yours, you may want to consider putting it up for sale. While a vehicle costs a lot in gas, there are also costs for maintenance, insurance and parking that quickly add up. By foregoing this expense, you can easily save significantly!Stick To Your BudgetIt might sound like a ... 04/13/2017

Last week’s economic releases included readings on housing starts, building permits issued and the National Association of Home Builders/ Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. Fed Chair Janet Yellen testified before the House Finance Committee and consumer spending and core consumer spending reports were also released. Mortgage rates and new jobless claims were little changed week-to-week.Home Builder Sentiment Slows as Industry Faces ObstaclesNAHB reported lower reading for its January Housing Market Index. January’s index reading was two points lower at 65 than December’s reading. Builders surveyed for the index cited ongoing shortages of buildable lots and labor, they also said that housing regulation were causing home prices to rise as new home prices are adjusted to compensate for feel... 02/21/2017

Winter may be a time for nesting until the cold weather abates, but there are a number of important tasks that a homeowner should be sure to do during the winter months. If you’re readying for the slow season or wondering what you might have forgotten, here are some things you’ll want to check off your to-do list.A New Coat Of PaintGetting out the paint may seem like a sizeable task, but any peeling paint is going to be adversely affected by the cooler temperatures of fall and winter. While you may want to hold off if it’s already cold, it might be a task worth prioritizing if the materials on your home will be damaged as a result of the coming weather.Shovel The SnowShoveling snow may be important for sidewalk safety, but a build-up can actually have an ill effect on your home’s founda... 02/13/2017

Recently we have been showing houses that are over a hundred years old in Norristown, the county seat of Montgomery County.  Many houses are 3 story rows or twins with unfinished basements and many still have the original trim work hand crafted those many years ago. When I am in these houses I wish I could hear their stories.  I wish the houses could talk about the early days when knob and tube was the only means of transmitting electricity through a house, when those small narrow closets held only a few bits of clothing and when a coal bin had regular deliveries of coal.  I wish the house could explain why there is a patch in the hardwood floor, and what happened to that side window that is bricked in? Whose idea was it to remove the vestibule and when? Much has changed in a hundred ye... 06/21/2014

Market Report March 2013 Bridgeport, Conshohocken, Upper Merion & Montgomery County, PA This is a Market Report for Residential Homes located in Bridgeport, Conshohocken and all of Montgomery County Pennsylvania for March 2013.  Bridgeport and Conshohocken are located along the Schuylkill River and very close to downtown Philadelphia.  Public Transportation serves this area and make traveling around Montgomery County and to Philadelphia and beyond an option. Bridgeport Borough Houses Sold:  0 As of this writing….. ….Active Listings:  33 ….Lowest Price:  $80,000  ….Highest Price:  $795,000  ….Pending Listings:  11 Conshohocken Borough    Highest Price:  $300,000   Lowest Price:  $125,000  Houses Sold:  11 Average Days On Market:  20 As of this writing….. Active Listings:  44 ….Lowest Pri... 04/30/2013