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Philadelphia, PA Real Estate News

By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Today, I read an article telling buyers that they should fire their Real Estate agent if they own a computer. Usually, when I read something like this, my blood pressure would increase. I would get upset and feel like I had to call someone and vent. Instead, I laughed. I thought about all the for-sale owners there were and how many ended up listing their homes with an agent.  Statistics show that 97% of for-sale by owners list their house with an agent. There was a time when I did very well working primarily with for sale by owners.   They did not feel they needed to pay an agent to help them sell a house. Surprise, surprise, it was not as easy as they thought. Especially as time went by they had many lookers but not any buyers under contract.  Therefore I will sit back and not stress a...
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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 Christopher Nelson, Montgomery County, PA - Realtor
(GenStone Realty)
Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love, is a destination rich in history, culture, and vibrant energy. As the first UNESCO World Heritage City in the United States, Philadelphia holds a special place in the nation's history as the birthplace of the United States. From the iconic Liberty Bell to the historic Independence Hall, visitors can immerse themselves in the country's founding and explore the city's rich American heritage. But Philadelphia is not just about its historical significance. The city has evolved into a modern metropolis with a thriving arts scene, a diverse food culture, and a vibrant nightlife. From top-notch art galleries to world-class museums, from authentic Philly cheesesteaks to trendy cafes, Philadelphia offers something for everyone. In this blog, we ...
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By Kokou Michael Logossou
(Tax Resolution Society LLC)
The context of this analysis is for non-filers who are married. As known to everybody, the non-filers are taxpayers for some reasons did not file their taxes for many years. It happened that they received a notice from the Revenue Internal Service (IRS) to file their taxes. The married non-filers need to think twice before filing jointly their returns.Married Filing Jointly vs Married Filing SeparatelyOunce you are married you have an option to file your return with your spouse what is called married filing jointly or you both can decide to file your returns separately because you want to be responsible for your own taxes. The common trait for non-filers is that most of them owe taxes to the government. For that reason, they need to think strategically about the collection before filing...
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By Kokou Michael Logossou
(Tax Resolution Society LLC)
When applying for a mortgage, the lender you have chosen will take many factors into account. These factors not only influence what type of loans you can qualify for but also what your monthly payments will be and how many years you will take to pay the loan off completely. Knowing these factors and doing what you can to improve them all can make a tremendous difference when you go and see your lender and start the process that will get you your new property.Some of the basic factors apply for just about any loan but are especially important if you are trying to get a mortgage. The big one is credit. How good is your credit? Get copies of all of your credit reports from the 3 major consumer reporting companies and check each one for errors. Many times, they have errors that can be corre...
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By Kokou Michael Logossou
(Tax Resolution Society LLC)
The tax date of April 15th has passed. If you did not file your tax return or extension request, you are considered a non-filer. Some individuals and businesses put themselves in this situation of non-filers for many years. The internal Revenue Service (IRS) want everyone to file tax return even if you owe and cannot pay so it could put you in a payment plan. For that reason, failing to file leads to unwanted attention from the agency to those individuals and businesses. One afternoon, you open your mail box and you find a letter from IRS about the many years of returns not filed. If you are in that situation, how many years of returns do you need to file?According the IRS policy statement 5-133, non-filers have to file at least six years of tax returns. The fact that you did not file f...
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By Kokou Michael Logossou
(Tax Resolution Society LLC)
Kokou started managing a tax franchise since 2013 and is a Founder of Tax Resolution Society LLC, a tax firm in Pennsylvania. The mission of Tax Resolution Society LLC is to help individuals, businesses and particularly Real Estate Professionals to resolve their tax issues with the government. Indeed, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wants everyone to pay his /her tax on time. That being said, IRS also understands that the life circumstances could cause some taxpayers to be in tax difficulties with the government. For that reason, IRS designs rules for trouble taxpayers to resolve their tax issues. Tax Resolution Society LLC is very effective in representing taxpayers to IRS to help them resolve their tax situations. So, why did Kokou Michael Logossou join ActiveRain?The answer is sim...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
 The times they are a-changing. We have been isolated and quarantined for so long. Wearing masks living in a kind of science-fiction-like environment. Let's face it did you ever think we would live our lives in fear of catching a deadly virus. I know I did not. I was truly scared   In 1918 There was the terrible influenza flu that killed 25 million people in the first six months this virus originated in Spain and we still get a Flu shot every year to prevent it I recently saw a news show showing that people were so relieved that this epidemic was over that it is believed that it may have sparked the mood of the Roaring Twenties. The Roaring Twenties was a time of gaiety and prosperity. Everything was going right, fashion was outrageous, yes bold and exciting and so was the music. Life w...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
 Corner first floor 2 BR  2 Full Baths unit in the very desirable Garden section of Delaire Landing also known as Condo #1. This is a spacious unit with a 1,224 sq ft interior living space. It has its own private entrance and a small patio outside. No steps to climb and so much room to roam inside.    Large LR and Dining area with a full walled mirror that makes the home appear even larger. Large storage closet and coat closet. Wood-like flooring - plus a GSD to the outdoor patio      Perfect size kitchen with all the modern conveniences, large built-in pantry to store your extra food.  Big enough for a small kitchen table or to put stools to use the countertop. There is plenty of cabinet space. All appliances included (in as-is condition with no monetary value)   Large personal laundry...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
 Let's talk about what is happening in Bakers Bay a Gated Waterfront Condo Community. There are two sections the Mid-Rise and the Gardens. The Mid Rise is an elevator building close to the River and the Gardens are two-story units in a Garden setting. Bakers Bay community is like living in a country club setting.   Because of Covid many of the Amenities have been closed but now with the Vaccine, many things are starting to open up. Soon the clubhouse will be open again the pool will be open again with restriction. Hopefully this year the indoor pool will also be open after the outdoor pool closes.   This weekend is Memorial Day Holiday and the pool looks beautiful. All the chairs are lined up and the water in the pool is ready for the residents. The only thing missing is the umbrellas w...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
 Let's take a look at what is going on in Delaire Landing Gated Community. The Spring Fair took place on May 1, 2021, and was a huge success. One of our residents Joyce Fienberg looks far and wide to find vendors to participate in this Fair. Masks were required and the masked police were about although I do not know who they were.  It was really a beautiful sunny day and nice to get out and about and see your neighbors; though it was difficult to recognize each other but wonderful to be there just the same. There were soft pretzels and one of my favorites Gayle's Goodies, also Tastefully Simple. There were homemade cakes and cookies which I did not even go near as I am watching my sugar intake. Beautiful jewelry and wreaths among many other crafts even clothes, handbags, and shoes.     ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
April Is over and there is a new May Contest hosted by Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP  Let's all get our entries ready for May as the is a Contest, not a challenge Life is a Story our judges are:Anna Banana Kruchten CRS, CRB, Phoenix Broker Jeff Dowler, CRS Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!  Kathy and I would like to thank everyone for contributing to theActive Rain April Spring Challenge Your posts were beautiful and so enjoyable to read.This is my second April Spring Challenge I am always grateful to work in unity with Kathy Streib   and hope we may do another Challenge together soon  These local posts should make our phone ring and create SEO. Let's keep writing posts on our local events and areas. Let's not forget our local Market reports.   Active Rain lost a wonderful sister mem...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
  You are getting ready to sell your house.  The hardest part is de-clutter the house and the closets. If you are like many people you probably looked and said where do I start?    The closets are a great place to begin. You are going to be moving so let's start to pack up the closets and also clean them up. If it is warm weather and you live in a four-season climate take out your cold-weather clothes and shoes. Pack them away. Let's make room in these closets and make them look big and spacious.  Clean them out. All the closets in the house even the linen closet  There are many books and even videos online to show you how.  Keep only what items are necessary.  There is nothing worse than showing prospective buyers closets that are messy and full to the brim with stuff.  If you must box...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Today we had a great Zoom meeting with the blogging members of Active Rain and the Staff. It was a special meeting Ben Kenny the owner was there to let us know what was being planned and to listen to our feedback. There was also a special guest Bob Stewart (hope I spelled it right ) who we adore.   He taught many of us so much about blogging. We will forever remember the classes he and Ben taught about the longtail blog they will never know just how much they influenced our lives. We really owe them so much those two young guys who walked into that room that day so many years ago were so smart we adore them both. Back to the Zoom Meeting, the team listened to our feedback and issues. Things have been moving along and improving at a steady pace. It does help when we tell the team our iss...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
My favorite place to visit in Philadelphia has been and always will be The Philadelphia Art Museum You can walk through all the beauty and treasures of the world. I have always thought if people would stop and look at all this beauty perhaps wars would stop and peace would resonate throughout the world.  My big sister Sarae would always take me here as a little girl and tell me about all the artists. She would argue with some in modern Art and say come on really it just a square i could draw that with ease   We would walk and discover the Japanese tea house and many other fine Asian exhibits which my sister loved. My little feet were so tired but we were having so much fun together discovering new worlds.  These are the things I have never forgotten and continued to share with friends a...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
The Today Show is Coming to Philadelphia how wonderful is that!  They will be wandering around the city to help us open it up. Sheinelle Jones who worked at Fox Good Day Philadelphia will kick it off. She is a long-time resident of Philly and knows just where to go   Where will the cameras be? Cheesesteak eaters like Pat's, Gino's of South Philly and Jim's Steak of South Street. What great Mexican eateries will they pop up at?  How many people will want to go check it out? Please wear a mask when out and about stay safe in this big city of ours.  Philadelphia has such wonderful places to visit Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Betsy Ross House, and so many other historic sights. Let's not forget the magnificent Art Museum The  Rocky statue is there too and who doesn't want to take a run-...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Let us take a look at what is going on in Delaire Landing a gated waterfront community. in the Torresdale section of NE Philadelphia. Just like every community across the country this wonderful condo development was hit by the COVID 19 Virus. Many of the amenities were shut down. The residents love these amenities. Hopefully, with the vaccine, many things will be opening up again.   Unfortunately, a few residents passed away as everywhere across the country did. We keep these residents in our thoughts and prayers. The pool was closed for precautions also because of city ordinances. This did cause an upset by many residents. The rec center also has been closed for alterations as has been the gym. Delaire Landing still has so many wonderful amenities. You can not beat the location of this...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
We were very lucky this month and were given an extension to the Share the Love challenge hosted by the wonderful Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist and Rocky Dickerson both gave their time and energy to make this challenge a success         There is a lady who is both beautiful inside and out that I had a chance to get to know through Zoom meetings this year of the COVID-19 Virus. My good friend Endre Barath, Jr. always said how much he admired her and now I know why. She is so thoughtful, special, kind, and considerate just to name a few of her traits   She also does so much behind the scenes to make Active Rain the wonderful place it is. Every week she searches all the posts on Active Rain and picks posts just for us on Sunday's she writes:  What I learned this week in Acti...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Bakers Bay Gated Waterfront Condo Philadelphia Pa Free Market Value Since there are many styles to choose from it will really depend on which style you prefer in Bakers Bay and how many bedrooms you want or need. Do you want an elevator building or do you like the units with private entrances? As they say different strokes for different folks. No matter what your choice is Bakers Bay is a lovely community. It is situated on the Delaware River with amazing views. Not to mention the wonderful group of people that live and work there.  There are two beautiful pools one indoor which opens when the outdoor pool closes and visa-versa -both pools are heated. There is also a gym. Under pre-COVID 19 circumstances, everything was like living at a country club. Unfortunately for the safety of the ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
 Getting the Covid-19 Vaccine in NE Philly and  Bucks County has been almost impossible. Many have been offering sites to get the vaccine but how can you administer the shots if there is not enough of the vaccine available In Pennsylvania, it has been very difficult and frustrating for many seniors who are eligible to receive a Covidi-19 Vaccine.   While looking at some of the questions especially the first which asks if you are an essential worker it made me do some research on exactly who was considered an essential worker. Google took me to several sites but the most informative and most interesting was   NCSL.org The National Conference of State Legislators. There you could find a map that actually broke down each state which told you each individual occupation and broke down that i...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Wordless Wednesday: Somethings Go Without Saying  Trust and love go hand and hand. While Cleo was sitting on my lap I raised my hand. I was very lucky that I was able to get this photo shot with my cell phone camera. The expression on a face whether it be a person or a pet somethings go without saying. 
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
Where when and how do you receive a COVID19 Vaccine that seems to be the question? My one neighbor tells me you have to sign up on the state website but when she sent me the link it was for Rite-Aid and it said no appointments available. Then it asked for my medical history.Scrolled across the top it said for new patients only. That was not me. I had received Flu shots there so that had my information plus prescriptions  I called my local Rite Aid and spoke with the Pharmacist she asked me to hold as she needed to get a list to put me on. When she came back on the phone she took my name and phone number and said they would call me in a month. My neighbor insists that if I am not signed up on the website I will not receive the Vaccine  I also called my local Pharmacy where I get some of ...
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By Hannah Williams, Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376
(HomeStarr Realty)
What is happening in Delaire Landing Gated Waterfront Condo Community. Values are up and properties are not staying on the market very long if they are priced right. It is certainly a seller's market. It is no longer a secret Delaire Landing is the place to live. The rec center is still under construction. The office is still closed but calls are being answered in a timely manner when messages are left. It is my understanding that management is looking for a new printer to do the newsletter. There was one snowstorm so far this season and four seasons did a wonderful job in clearing the development of the snow. We are very lucky to have them. They also did a great job of cleaning up the leaves. Now the important information on condo sales values in the last seventy-five days Active: 2BR ...
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