Philadelphia, PA

Each week we have been sharing some of the random thoughts that go through our heads. If we wrote everything, it would be a large book, so below are just a few from this week:

1. Scheduling appointments to show houses - We have had difficulty this weekend getting several appointments confirmed as to make an appointment for a couple of houses, you must call the agent. Well if the agent does not call you back, what good does that do ? I wonder if the sellers realize that they are losing potential buyers for their properties. With us, we use E-Showings . If we had to schedule showing appointments, it would be a full time job. With a professional appointment center, agents can make the appointments at anytime and online as well. It amazes me that some agents and/or offices do not use an appointment center.

2. Economy - The data continues to show we are in the midst of a global economic recovery. And the stock market is loving it. I do not think the market has gotten ahead of itself. However, I think many of the pundits are behind the curve and are not happy they missed one of the great bull market runs in our history. This shows the importance of staying in the market and being diversified.

3. Local Philly Market - We have seen a decline in the showings for our listings in the last couple of weeks. We attribute it to:

(1) seasonal slowdown and

(2) pretty much everyone who wanted to take advantage of the tax credit did already.

However, with the extension and expansion of the tax credit, we predict February - April will be a VERY busy time period.

4. Do the Right Thing - When given the opportunity to do the right thing, it makes sense to reach out and exert effort in terms of working together, instead of doing nothing and risking burning bridges.

This past week we faced a professional situation where we reached out to a peer and asked them to do the right thing in a situation. Their response included rigidity and many reasons why no to. When faced with a dilemma, sometimes doing the right thing cannot be found in the rulebooks. You just have to use your heart and sense of rightness to try to do what is best and not default to rigidity and rhetoric.

Karma in the business world goes a long way. In life, there will always be a loophole to opt out, but for those that seek growth in their professional and personal lives, doing the right thing may not be an easy decision and may feel uncomfortable, but the longer term rewards are well worth it. Actions are louder than words. Even the smallest consideration can go miles and leave a lasting impression on people's minds. The opposite leads to longer term detrimental impressions. These situations can ultimately determine the long-term growth and success (and failure) of both a business and an individual.

Please share your thoughts on the above or post your own random thoughts in the comments below.

 Today was a rainy day in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia that turned into the first snow day.I could not resist  grabbing my camera and taking a picture of the first snow. When I came back in I realized  I really had not captured the beauty of the first snow. So I went out on my balcony with my flip "video" and captured the huge snowflakes falling down. I live in Delaire Landing Condominiums in the Torresdale section of Philadelphia Pa.I am also a resident Real Estate agent in the development. I have been Listing and selling Real Estate for over 25 years..I hope you enjoy this short Flip "video" of the first snow flakes of December.

Swift Half offers the Ultimate Tailgate

Tailgating before the big game has quite literally become a sport subculture throughout America. In Philadelphia, we are serving up a competitive alternative to the traditional tailgate that can be found at Swift Half located in in Northern Liberties. Swift Half has combined the gusto of tailgating with the restaurant experience. The owners , David Garry and Heather Gleason, who also own the wildly successful Good Dog in Center City, certainly made a wise choice with this strategic location at the Piazza.

The restaurant offers the camaraderie of the spirited sports bar located at the foot of an outdoor super sized big screen TV. There is outdoor seating under heat lamps for the cooler weather or an indoor venue with decent window views. There is an ample size bar and plenty of seating for a large or small group. If you have ever walked through the Piazza during an Eagles game or a Philies game, you would have noticed the large crowd sitting outside at Swift Half enjoying the "pub and grub".

We enjoyed a recent dinner at Swift Half on a non-game night just to see what it was like. The bar was busy, the restaurant floor was filled with smiles and full plates, and there was even a surprise birthday party going on in the back section of the restaurant. We sat at the bistro tables by the window which is the premier spot for people watching from the inside and there are several cozy booths as well as regular tables on the central floor. The menu is what we'd call upscale simple but plentiful, and it is printed on what looks like recycled paper bags. But be careful ! We accidentally incinerated our menu by holding it too close to the candle flame between us ! That was even before drinks.

In spite of it all, our forgiving server, Tiffany Sinclair, made us feel welcome and at home from the moment we walked in. She made some excellent recommendations including the steak sandwich, duck and fig salad, and she suggested we try some select cheeses and meats to share. There were some unique items on the menu that were worth noting such as the homemade red pepper marmalade that is perfectly paired with the cheese plate but could easily be added as a relish on their traditional burger which is one of Swift Half's popular sandwiches. The home made pickled beets were deceivingly delicious with a mellow tanginess that is universally admired by all pickled beet lovers.

Being a little curious, we tactfully peeked over to other people's tables for a glimpse of what they had ordered. The proper English inspired cucumber sandwiches were served crustless on lovely white bread and the fish and chips barely fit on the plate. We ordered the lamb lollichops which came highly recommended as we can see why - delicious chops of lamb, very tender and tasty. Most impressive of all was the owner's own specialty drink, "The Ghost of Mary". The cure all drink for hangovers has met it's match with this delicious "hair of the dog that bit you" recipe. You must go to try it. It is the most unexpected Bloody Mary in the city!

Whether you are scouting for a place to hang for the big game or just looking towards having a great brunch or burger, this is the place to go. The Piazza has so many wonderful shops, restaurants and galleries. It is currently our top choice to visit in the City. The energy is always positive and vibrant. For more info on the Piazza events, check out At The Piazza and of course also check out our new RE/MAX office in the Rialto building on the 5th floor. We so look forward to be working in the heart of this amazing sanctuary !

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer the city of Philadelphia is considering a tax amnesty program to begin as soon as May 3rd. If such a program were implemented it could have wide-ranging effects on the local real estate market - most of them positive.

For one thing homeowners who owe back taxes could have a chance to pay those down and get out from under heavy fees and interest. This may help to reduce foreclosures in the city as many foreclosure victims also have large past-due tax bills that make their situation even more difficult.

Additionally, a large percentage of the vacant and abandoned property in Philadelphia has delinquent taxes. A tax amnesty program could lead to some of these taxes being paid by owners who would then be able to transfer clear title to an investor at a reasonable price. For those tax-delinquent owners who do not take advantage of the amnesty program, it should make it easier for the city to proceed with tax-lien sales that return these properties to the tax-roll.

On the downside, a tax amnesty program could entice tax-payers to delay tax payments in the months between now and the time the amnesty begins. This could negatively impact the city's budget, already in rough shape, and it sets a precedent that it's OK not to pay your taxes - already a popular strategy in Philadelphia.

For the savvy real estate investor a tax amnesty period should present creative investment opportunities, so stay alert to what the city decides to do.

Philadelphia REALTOR Helps Home Sellers Save Money

Philadelphia - Local resident and Branch Owner of Citizens Premier Real Estate, Peter Lavelle, helps home owners save money when they sell their existing home. He provides an easy solution for home owners that want to sell their current home and want to upgrade or purchase a larger home. "It is real simple", Peter states, " we have a trade up program that saves home sellers money when they sell their current home; which allows them to have more liquid cash in their pockets to purchase another property." In our current economy when money is tight and the unemployment rate is increasing, many people are looking at options to save and look for bargains. When it comes to the real estate transaction, the consumer comes first and we need to "think outside the box."
Peter explains, "How this trade up program works is when you decide to upgrade from your current home and you use our agents to help you find your next home, we will charge 1 dollar to sell your existing property." As an example a $150,000 home with a commision of 6% will be $9,000. You are looking to purchase a home for $200,000 and your closing costs are approximately $12,000, with the trade up program you have a savings of approximately $4,500; bringing your cost down to $7,500. That is a savings of 37.5%. This program is for a limited time, for more information and the conditions of the Trade Up Program, Peter can be contacted at (215) 906-6702. His office number is (215) 725-0500 and address is 7967 Oxford Ave. 1st Flr. Philadelphia, PA 19111.

Visit the free Philadelphia real estate consumer website at http://www.freehomeinfosite.com