You will never have to pay to be listed as a top neighbor. Period. That important detail clarified, let's discuss how we arrive at two "top neighbors" for a given region:
Localism is a bustling collection of hyper-local communities, and the top neighbors should reflect those members who are most active. When ranking users in a given region, several factors are considered. To get your foot in the proverbial door, you need to have posted at least one "Localism" article or photo for the region.
The very best way to quickly rise to #1 is to post high-quality local content. Keeping a steady strem of incoming posts and photos will massively tilt the scales in your favor.
What doesn't count toward the top neighbor ranking? ActiveRain points and community sponsorships. The top neighbor spots will always go to the most active members in a region. We want to create a level playing field that encourages the growth of communities — talent and dedication are required to win the day.
Photos of Philadelphia's Northern Liberties (view all)
Poplar Estates is now VA Approved: A Philadelphia Condominium Success Story !!
I was thrilled when an offer came in after a few days on the market for a Northern Liberties condo we had listed that was in Poplar Estates. However, when I saw that the mortgage would have to go VA my excitement disappeared quickly. I thought it would be great for this deserved veteran to purchase this fab condo, but could the building possibly get VA approved ?
The more I thought about it, the more I thought that it could work. After all, Poplar Estates met all the Fannie Mae requirements for FHA loans. And I just sold a condo that I owned personally in Old City that was FHA. And if FHA could go through, how much harder could VA be ? In addition, the offer was high enough that it made sense for the owner to give it a shot based on my belief that it could work.
So speaking of work, the work began... We provided the VA office with the documents that was needed. And then they required more.... and more.... and more. The management company was getting worn down and testy. An attorney had to get involved to help with the communication between the condominium building and the VA office. In addition, the Realtors made an agreement that we would pay some of the attorney's fees along with the buyer and seller. The process was longer than waiting for a dial-up modem to play a video. It was painful !! The buyer moved into the property on a short term lease as we continued the wait. The buyers agent went down to City Hall to get one of the documents recorded that the management company insisted did not need to be done. But VA wanted it done so it had to be done !!
We needed the condo association board members to sign a document, and then another one, and then another one. They were very patient with each request. And when it got to the point that no one could take much more, kaboom ! We received the VA approval !! The property settled about 2 weeks ago. Below is a photo of our sellers (far right), the new buyer (middle) and the buyers agent (far left) all holding their checks !! And just in time ! The new buyer got deployed to the Middle East a week later. Let us all keep him and all the veterans in our thoughts and prayers !
Now, moving forward, we have tremendous pride that we were a catalyst for helping all of these great people in this transaction. But in addition to that, Poplar Estates has VA approval for all potential re-sales to future buyers. Thus, we made the building that much more marketable. How cool is that ?
Success stories rock. Do you have any that you would like to share with a link or a quick story ?
Have you ever had a moment when suddenly you see yourself in perspective ?
Perhaps it happens when you peer down at the earth through the white fluffy clouds from your window seat during a flight. Maybe it was that time when the enormous steel freighter ship looked more like a plastic toy in the massiveness of the ocean. Or when you first held your newborn child and you became deeply humbled by the thought there must be a loving and intelligent designer with a plan for this precious new life.
For me, I had one of those moments when I took this photograph of Chris in our new Northern Liberties office. In life, the most impacting moments are often very personal realizations that create perspective.
When was your last moment when perspective was revealed to you ?
Northern Liberties Real Estate - Breathtaking City Views from our new RE/MAX office at the Piazza
When I was in our new office the other day monitoring the fit-out, I could not help but take a couple of photos of our view. I doubt neither myself nor any of the agents working at our office, nor the clients visiting, will ever tire of the views. The views and location are simply magnificent. If you are in the area and wish to check it out, email or call us.
The Piazzais an amazing place of people, shops and energy. We love it when the Phillies are on the wide-screen. We can watch the games from our balcony !
As a follow-up to our Roll Out the Red Carpet in Northern Liberties blog, this weekend we had our casting interview at our clients Philadelphia condominium in Northern Liberties. A HGTV representative came out to the property and conducted the interview on camera ! It was a lot of fun. They asked us questions in regards to how we were selected by the seller, what the challenges are for a "my first sale", the challenges in our local market, what surprises there may be and so forth ! Stephanie and I were delighted to take a break from our hectic schedules and do something fun and different ! Below is a photo the HGTV representative Karen took of Stephanie and myself and our clients Braiden and Meghan.
I think Stephanie had some great thoughts on the experience that she added in a comment in our previous blog post about this experience:
After reading the Release thet HGTV needed us to sign I was like "Whoa... wait-a-second here!"
The HGTV gods basically wanted us to agree to letting them have the exclusive rights all video and audio and manipulate them in any way negative or positive to portray us in any way they wanted forever in any capacity known to human or alien kind in all of the universe for eternity.
So, we agreed : )
I took the firm advice of one of the producers who emailed me the night before. I did my hair, put on some make-up (not that I had to be instructed to do so) and had a great time! Thanks for the opportunity HGTV! I admit I was a little nervous not knowing what to expect (thus the photo to the the right). But Karen, the person masterfully working the camera, was very cool and made us feel like we were just chatting amongst friends. Chris and I are so busy all of the time running our Remax office that we rarely take the time to do something fun and different. Well, this was fun and it certainly was worth it for us to participate just for the 15 minutes of fame (in my own mind) and the right to brag a little for marketing purposes.
Good luck with the rest of your casting HGTV. Thanks everyone for the well wishes.
Philadelphia is a great city ! Northern Liberties is a great neighborhood ! We invite you to visit us here any time.
Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !
"Hi Somers Team. We have a Hot show called "My First Sale" and we may have found our next new Rising Real Estate Star !"
Our condo listing located in Northern Liberties has captured their attention! With so many incredible contenders out there in the Philadelphia Real Estate Market, Hollywood has their eye on our lovely listing at 1027 N 4th Street, Unit L - A bright and warm 1 bedroom 3 story gated courtyard condo with fireplace and charm galore for $267,500.
This bright contemporary Courtyard Condominium development located in the heart of Northern Liberties is within walking distance to what will become some of your favorite coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants. The Piazza and Liberties Walk are a stone's throw from this chic 3 story home.
There's no better way to come home then to enter through the gated courtyard with communal brick patio outdoor space through your 1st floor private entrance to your unit. The second floor has an open layout with a modern kitchen with cherry wood cabinets, pristine granite counters, stainless appliances and hardwood floors throughout.
The living room has a romantic gas fireplace with plenty of room for your flat screen and comfy furniture. There is a half bath off of the living room. Step out on to the terrace and enjoy overlooking the beautiful courtyard. The third floor has a spacious bedroom with skylight, slider glass door with Juliette Balcony, a full master bath, washer and dryer. All baths have a contemporary Euro-style vanities and beautiful Italian tiles.
The condo owner and the Somers Team are going to be interviewed for submission to appear on HGTV's new Show "My First Sale." The interview will be this Saturday at 12:30 for the official meet up with the producers of the program on site at the condo.
Casting party is being planned as we speak and invitations are limited. So, if you want to be on the VIP List come to the Celebrity Open House on Sunday, October 11th from 12-2pm.
Come and Catch the Rising Star of Real Estate for your personal tour. All offers welcome of course! We look forward to seeing you there for this exciting event!
If this isn't proof of how effective blogging on ActiveRain and Localism and what great opportunities and exposure it can bring you then we don't know what is. You owe it to yourself and your clients to be an active member of this great community.
Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !
Local sponsor: Christopher and Stephanie Somers - Realtors - Philadelphia Real Estate
The Northern Liberties area is continuing to undergo massive development, new construction and revitalization. A haven for professionals, hipsters, local artists and musicians, the neighborhood has seen an upswing in interest for all types of property. The neighborhood offers Liberty Lands Park which is managed and run by the neighborhood association, the Orianna Dog Park, many fabulous restaurants such as The Standard Tap, N 3rd Restaurant, Honeys Sit and Eat and Bar Ferdinand to name a few, gr…
The Northern Liberties area is continuing to undergo massive development, new construction and revitalization. A haven for professionals, hipsters, local artists and musicians, the neighborhood has seen an upswing in interest for all types of property. The neighborhood offers Liberty Lands Park which is managed and run by the neighborhood association, the Orianna Dog Park, many fabulous restaurants such as The Standard Tap, N 3rd Restaurant, Honeys Sit and Eat and Bar Ferdinand to name a few, great boutique stores such as the ones at Liberty Walk, great coffee shops such as 1 shot Coffee, art galleries and so much more. So close to center city and a quick walk to Old City with a strong neighborhood and community feel. Northern Liberties has been one of the highest appreciating neighoborhoods in all of Philadelphia over the last 5 years.
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.
them have the exclusive rights all video and audio and manipulate them in any way negative or positive to portray us in any way they wanted forever in any capacity known to human or alien kind in all of the universe for eternity.
