R&R? That'd be Rebecca Jacoby and Robert Solomon, and you can check out their latest work this Friday, November 2nd in Fishtown. Check out more First Friday in Fishtown events here and add our favorite pick below to your list!
FIRST FRIDAY AT 1816 FRANKFORD AVENUE
Location: 1816 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125
Reception and opening will be on December 2nd, 2011 from 5pm to 8pm. The show will run until the end of January and is open by appointment.
1816 Frankford Ave is pleased to present the work of artists Rebecca Jacoby and Rob Solomon. Rebecca Jacoby's abstract work on paper in acrylic, pen, marker and collage relies on process, impulse and a love of mark making. Jacoby says, “My goal is to possess a range of skills, avoid limitations and challenge myself intellectually, emotionally and creatively”. www.rajacoby.com
Robert Solomon’s background is in sculpture, installation/assemblage and architecture. His artistic journey has taken him from a conceptual and intellectual bri-coleur approach to a physical alchemy of substances (wax, oil, water)on paper, canvas and fabric. His recent work involves ideas, constructs, memory and time using and abusing art-based materials and tools. inliquid.org/complete-artist-list/solomon-robert
[image via Rebecca Jacoby]
Selling Your Philadelphia Home? Think Twice Before Listing With Your Best Friend
Selling your Philadelphia Home is a big decision. Who are you going to list with? Your best friend? A good friend? Someone you know or a premier listing agent that services your area? These are the questions to ask yourself whether it be your primary residence or even an investment property that you own. Too often I hear after the fact, "Well I gave the listing to so and so because I thought he would do a good job." This sale is going to bring in proceeds for you, or perhaps save you from a foreclosure. It is a big decision. You need expert advice from someone that is independent and who is an expert in the marketplace. You need someone that you can trust, but not someone that is going to "yes" you to death and not someone that is going to tell you what you want to hear.
Or perhaps your friend is only in the business part-time and not up to all the changes in real estate or does not provide maximum exposure for listings (video, blog, enhancing listings) or is just an outright crappy negotiator? Or even if your friend is a great agent, they may be soft with you in terms of where your listing price should be, thus you question why your property is not selling? I have heard one too many times that these friendships can get soured through these real estate trials and errors. So why even bother in markets like these? List with the friend during the seller markets when the friend does not have to do too much and do your research to list with someone who goes the extra mile and stands above the crowd in these tough markets. What sellers need now (more than ever) are the best agents that are honest, that are not afraid to tell the truth, that are the best negotiators for their clients and who excel in giving them the maximum exposure for their listing - to get it SOLD.
Real Estate Negotiation - What We Can Learn from The "Super" Committee and Occupy Philly
I love to negotiate. I love to sell real estate. Day or night. Weekday or weekend. It is what I do. And I am one of the best in Philadelphia. It is a skill. Part of that skill is to know when to stop and to know when to recommend a deal to your buyer or seller client and NOT TO OVER-NEGOTIATE. That is when it becomes an art. And that is when you become a true deal-maker. Over-negotiation can be a deal-killer.
Two recent examples outside of real estate that come to light where it puts things into perspective are:
The "Super" Committee
Here is a case where twelve politicians clearly tried to over-negotiate from Day 1 refusing to back down on anything or compromise on points that could have brought a deal together. Clearly, there were a lot of options that both sides could have compromised on that a deal could have been crafted, but beliefs, politics and plain old being stubborn got in the way. When this happens, it is a detriment to both sides (and to the country as a whole). We already can see the after-effects in the stock market in the last week since the debacle and there will be more ripples to come. In my view, all twelve of these "politicians" are on my "wall of shame" but that is another story. The point here of the blog is that over-negotiation gets you nowhere!
Same with Occupy Philly. They held firm with the City of Philadelphia with their stance "We will not leave Dilworth Plaza." That stance and over-negotiation lost them leverage to work out a deal over the last several weeks to have both a better plan of an alternative site as well as logistics of overnight privileges. Now they are left with very little options besides going across the street but with no tents and no overnight options. At the most recent General Assembly (November 25th), it was utter chaos with Occupy Philly split in several different groups, in complete disarray, no direction, and being completely lost with their direction. It all goes back to over-negotiation several weeks ago. And what gets me is that they have been so obsessed about this negotiation with the city that their movement has lost its original foundation and message, but again I digress... And I am still pissed from being censored on their Facebook page, which does not civil discussion.
Real Estate
I am sure everyone can relate to this story. I can guarantee this happens all over the country every week. It happened to one of our sellers about two months ago. An offer came in on their property. Instead of being happy like most sellers, they were agitated by the sales price and held firm on their listing price. We were able to negotiate the offer where it was only $5K from their listing price. Here was their chance to get it sold! Nope...they just did a reduction. Holding firm!!!!! I strongly recommended to take the deal and said that they were "over-negotiating and reminded them it was a buyers market. My recommendation was not heard. We did not hear from the buyers agent for a few days. Sellers call a few days later, "Okay, Chris, we will take it." We follow up with the buyers agent "Buyer found another property".
Conclusion: Be careful of over-negotiation. AND, listen to your Realtor!
Holiday Pollyanna dead-line closing in on your calendar? Got a "difficult to shop for person" on your gift list? Plagued by the the person who has everything, needs nothing, the scrooge, or just plain running out of inspiration for gift ideas this Holiday?
Well, we feel ya. So, we came up with a few cool gift ideas that you can shop for online on Black Friday, Cyber Monday or any time your heart desires. If these gifts don't work for you, then they will certainly inspire new ideas that will make your Holiday shopping a huge success this year!
The Imelda Marcos Wannabe
Zappos - Just say the word "Zappos" to me and I get that warm fuzzy feeling all over! Why not give the gift of Zappos in the form of warm and fuzzy slippers to your favorite guy or gal on your Holiday gift list? Here are two slippers under $50 but there are many under $30. The Zappos return policy is the best, too!
The Drinker
Silicon Ice Cube Trays - This is a fantastic idea for the Cocktail Mixologist on your Holiday gift list. Silicon ice trays make fabulous ice cubes for the perfect drink. They come in all shapes and sizes. Many of these trays are under $14.00. Here are a few I love.
The High Brow
Monogrammed Stuff - Try His and Hers bath towels or a monogramed pillow. Nothing says "I bought this just for you" quite like a monogrammed gift. West Elm has a monogram shop that is really convenient and offers a variety of gifts and prices.
The Locavore
Farmers Market Baskets - These are the coolest containers ever. In Philadelphia we have several great Farmer's Markets like Headhouse Square and the Rittenhouse Square Farmers Market. I am sure there is a market junkie on your holiday shopping list that will absolutely flip over this gift. Check them out at Jayson Home. They range from $20-$38 each.
The Old Schooler
The 7 Year Pen - Who even writes any more these days? These cute and anything but old-fashioned pens will inspire you to go back to the old days and write a note by hand! This is a great non-tech gift perfect for stocking stuffing or to give alone in a set of 3! At $7.50 each, you can buy a set for all of the people on you Holiday Gift List!
The Diva or The HEiva (we don't discriminate)
Handbag Flat Iron - For the vain and beautiful I have found one of the smallest flat irons sure to keep your fringe, waves and your straight locks looking perfect all of the time, $35.
The Desk Diva
Aphrodite USB Dock - This is the gift I want this holiday season. A fun USB dock, $46.
The Homebody
House Numbers - Ever drive by a house with really cool looking house numbers and wonder where they got them? Well, Chiasso has a few different styles on sale right now! What an awesome gift idea for an apartment or a house, or even as an interior decorative item. Buy them now at Chiasso for only $14.
The Nice Sado-Masochist
HIMALAYA Mat - This is NOT your girlfriend's YOGA mat, boys. This is literally a "Bed of Nails" and perfect gift for the one on your gift list that may be, shall we say difficult to shop for or just plain difficult! But seriously, this mat when used frequently is known to give relief of pain in the body as well as promote overall health. For under $30 on Amazon, it will make an interesting conversation piece and I will bet everyone at the party will want to try it. Namaste, my friends!
Tell us what the coolest gift idea on your shopping list is this year.
And here are few of our favorite shops in our own neighborhood, Northern Liberties. Don't forget to check out their Black Friday sales!
[images via Zappos, Jayson Home, Cocktail Kingdom, Seltzer, Fred Flare, Chiasso]
Why is Occupy Philly Censoring on Facebook ?
It came to my surprise today that my comments were deleted from Occupy Philly Facebook's page. And needless to say, I am unable to make any new comments. I noticed when I went to the page, I had to "relike" the page. What I find very surprising here is that this was supposed to be a movement that prides itself on the Freedom of Speech and democracy, NOT censorship, exclusion and a form of big brother!
Yes, I have been both a supporter and a critic of Occupy Philly. I have written several blogs about the movement and have kept active on all the recent news. None of the comments were obscene. But what is going on here is whoever is moderating the Facebook page might see something they do not like, and simply delete a user instead of allowing additional discussion which goes against everything the Occupy movement stands for.
I am asking for a public apology from Occupy Philly about their censorship of Facebook. And if they reinstate my account for discussion, that is up to them. Either way, I am getting fed up with it.
 |
|
|
Please visit our website at: www.thesomersteam.com to view more information about us, our listings and the thriving Philadelphia market.
About Us
Chris Somers
After working as a financial consultant with Oppenheimer for 7 years, and having also held positions with Deloitte and Touche and the Federal Government, Christopher Somers decided it was time to pursue a new challenge. He united forces with his wife Stephanie, a Philadelphia native, former Art Teacher turned business owner, to engage in a career in real estate. Focused on protecting their clients' wealth in every real estate transaction, the Somers have quickly gained recognition in their market segment.
Chris' education background and previous work experience have significantly contributed to his success as a Realtor. Clients benefit from his aggressive negotiating skills, extensive market knowledge, and financial expertise.
Featured on RE/MAX Times Online
Chris Somer's blog article entitled Plan Now to Jump Start Your 2009 Production can now be seen on the online edition of The RE/MAX Times. It is not too often that an Associate will receive a phone call from RE/MAX International congratulating for a well-written blog post and requesting approval to have it posted on their premier online publication.
Updated weekly, RE/MAX Times online edition provides all 100,000 Associates worldwide with the latest industry news, tips from top producers, coaching, business and marketing stories, and more. Chris' article provides very insightful tips for other Associates on how to achieve success in today's market, and explains why his blog has continuously generated interest and participation from the community. Whether you are a Buyer or Seller, you are encouraged to read the blog and participate in the discussions. You can also sign up to receive weekly email updates.
Stephanie Somers
Drive, enthusiasm and a very dynamic style of doing business are just a few of the words Stephanie's clients use to describe her. Before joining her husband Chris in their exciting Real Estate business, she studied and taught Arts in Center City, earned an advanced degree in natural health and nutrition, launched a business that rapidly grew from one location to various ones in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and took the challenge of expanding a private company's business overseas.
Stephanie's experience as an educator and a business entrepreneur, coupled with her organization skills and attention to detail, makes her a valuable asset to the business. She proudly wears as many hats as needed and keeps the entire team motivated to become top producing agents on a daily basis. A Realtor very seriously dedicated to the profession, Stephanie also acts as the teams manager, marketing assistant, help desk and business coach.
By knowing how to best leverage their strengths, and how to match their expertise with their client's objectives, Chris and Stephanie deliver a winning action plan.
For more information about us, visit our social networking sites:
AWARDS:
2008 Awards
Chris Somers is now a member of the prestigious RE/MAX International Hall of Fame. The coveted Hall of Fame Award is only given to Associates with more than $35 million in closed sales volume in real estate transactions since joining RE/MAX. Less than three percent of all RE/MAX Associates worldwide earned this esteemed award this year. Once inducted, the Associate becomes a lifetime Hall of Fame member.
Top 20 Individual Sales Associates AwardMonthRank
This recognition is awarded to the Top Producing Real Estate Agents year-to-date in the RE/MAX Pennsylvania and Deleware Region.
September 2008 12th August 2008 16th July 2008 12th June 2008 15th May 2008 8th April 2008 7th March 2008 4th February 2008 14th January 2008 7thOther awards received in 2008 include:
Other awards received in 2007 include:
Philadelphia, Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Art Museum, Fishtown, Olde Kensington, Loft District, Pennsport, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Northeast Philadelphia, Graduate Hospital, Society Hill, condos, condominiums, new construction.
We specialize in buyer and seller agency in Philadelphia. Getting a property sold in this market is much more challenging. However, our marketing and advertising strategy is always intensive and aggressive to accomplish the goals.
What it takes to get your house sold
Not too long ago, listing a home on the MLS, putting a lock box on the door knob, and sticking a For Sale sign on the front yard was all it used to take to get homes sold. Though the Philadelphia region is still doing fairly well in comparison to the rest of the country, currently there is a large inventory of houses for sale and the time on the market doubled over the last year. This is good news for buyers but not so good news for sellers who may still be convinced they can sell their properties just as fast as their neighbors did two years ago.
It takes a well-conceived marketing plan to get houses sold these days and this is exactly the approach we take with every client. It ultimately boils down to pricing it right, creating the maximum amount of exposure in the market through innovative marketing tactics, and making sure the house shows well. With so much to choose from, buyers are picky and almost always look for properties that are move-in ready. You can read more about getting your house ready for sale in our Resources section.
"I have bought and sold several properties over the years with Chris and Stephanie. The aspect that makes them outstanding is that they live and breathe real estate. They take the time to teach me and are an asset to helping me achieve my goals" Ken Lawall
"Chris and Stephanie's immediate follow-through sets them apart as real estate professionals" Steve Scuron
"The Somers provided attention to detail - both small and large. They allowed our buying process to go off without a hitch." Andres Gomez
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2013 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
