Happy Holidays!

Philadelphia offers so many fun ways to celebrate the holidays!
Here are some ideas to try out with your family and loved ones

*Looking for some center city action?
Visit the Christmas Village in the heart of the city- Love Park
More than 80 booths full of shopping, food and drinks.
Christmas Village in Philadelphia 2011
FYI: The Tree lighting ceremony has been pushed to December 8th at 5pm

An iconic attraction is the Macy's Holiday Light Show from November 25-December 31.
The 3rd floor is transformed into "Dickens Village" featuring memorable story moments from "A Christmas Carol"
Macy's Holiday Light Show information

While in the city, head down to Penn's Landing for outdoor ice skating or Reading Terminal for some delicious food and treats
BONUS! Free metered parking every Saturday in December

* Want to get out of the city?
Longwood Gardens is a great destination all year round, but during the holidays it is extra special. From November 24-January 8th is their Christmas exhibits.
Check out some of their featured events:
Events & Performances

Peddler's Village is such a charming little town in Bucks county offering dining and shopping. For the holidays they host a Gingerbread Competition. There are several categories and each creation is displayed in their Gazebo.
Enjoy free admission and parking!
Peddler's Village

* One of my all time favorite holiday traditions is driving around various neighborhoods and checking out all the lights and decorations. It's free, fun and you can enjoy the warmth in your car!

**Be sure to check out your towns website for their own special events.

Spring is around the corner

I'm serious! The Real Estate Spring market begins right after the Superbowl which is less than 3 months away.
Now is the time to get your home in tip-top shape. 
Here are some Tips:


*Do a Thorough Clean- First impressions count. Buyers want a home that looks like they it has been cared for and in good condition. 


*Clear the Clutter- Organize your closets and counterspaces and remove excess furniture from rooms. You are planning to move anyway so start packing away those knick-knacks!


*Make Minor Repairs- Not every repair costs a bundle. Fix as many small problems (sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, dripping faucets) as you can so buyers don’t have the impression that your house is not well maintained.


*Make Minor upgrades- You would be surprised by how much simply switching out light fixtures, sink faucets, and painting a wall can make a difference. You want your home to stand out among the others and doing the little things can pay off. 




Below is a video on a few additional tips on getting your home sold quickly:

Is the Homeownership Rate Stabilizing?

Since I entered the real estate industry in 2006, I'm not sure what a "good" or "normal" housing market is. This is all I know and right now in the Philadelphia area, I see real estate moving at a steady pace. I'm optimistic for 2012.

Below is an informative article on the current Homeownership rating:

"The U.S. homeownership rate rose a notch in the third quarter, with 66.1 percent of households owning a home – up from 66.0 percent in the prior quarter. However, the trend has clearly been downward since the bubble situation of several years ago. Just maybe, however, we’re starting to venture into sustainable homeownership, since the current ownership rate matches up with 1998 levels. Back in 1998, there was no mention of a housing bubble or unsustainability in the media or in the academic literature, so the current homeownership figures may indeed indicate the right stabilizing level for the country. Other housing data have also pointed to stabilization (though not a genuine recovery) in recent months – such as home prices, home sales, and housing starts.

If the homeownership rate stabilizes at the current 66 percent or so level then the natural increases in population (3 million a year) and households (about 1.1 million a year during normal times) in the U.S. will bring about 700,000 additional homeowners each year. Total home sales and business opportunities for REALTORS® would arise from these new set of homeowners. Not to mention the added turnover rate among the existing 75 million home owning families, which was exceptionally low in recent years, due in part both to the weak economy and to the many underwater homeowners who have been unable to move without a short-sale approval from the banks."

Link to full article:

Is the Homeownership Rate Stabilizing?