Smart Girls Own Real Estate Blog

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." ~Seneca

There were many reasons why I chose Parkwood to live. Among the many reasons was that I would be a stone's throw away from Bucks County, where I spend a considerable amount of time. I work in Langhorne, play pool in Andalusia, and my sister cuts and dies my hair at Patty's in Levittown. But I just found another good reason...

Being a regular Philadelphian, I am a huge fan of water ice and celebrate the first day of spring every year with the iced treat. I also consider myself an unusually lucky person... an opportunity magnet, if you will. Imagine my luck when a YEAR-ROUND RITA's WATER ICE opened up last year in the Showcase Plaza in Bensalem. Year-Round! 2 minutes from my house! Needless to say, my family and I spend a lot of time there indulging on the icy delights. (Water ice is a fat free food if you didn't know.)

This fall brought about an unusual flavor of water ice at Rita's in Bensalem. Pumpkin! I am a fan of pumpkin. I like pumpkin pie. I like pumpkin spiced lattes from Starbucks. But I was sceptical at first. I couldn't resist and had to have a little taste. I have to say, I love it! It tastes like a really cold pumpkin pie. Totally YUM!

So, move to Parkwood or Bensalem and you can enjoy a Pumpkin Ice with me!

Visit Rita's at the Showcase Plaza
2822 Street Road
Bensalem, PA 19020

 Keep 'em coming Rita's! This one's a winner! Be Cool. Eat a Rita's!

Second floor Tamerlane condo - Great location! Cute balcony, high ceilings, nice and neutral and move-in condition. Bedroom has walk-in closet. Kitchen has stainless steel appliances. Refrigerator, microwave, washer and dryer included. Enjoy the pool and tennis courts!

$168,000 Address: 3309 Atkinson Pl, Single Story "Second Floor" Bedrooms: 1 "Walk-in closet" Bathrooms: 1, Size: 761 sq. ft., Taxes: $1,692.00 (2008) Condo Fees: $181.00 MLS®: 5406162

See Virtual Tour Here

	Keller Williams Real Estate www.BigJoeMcCarthy.com   Joe and Stacey McCarthy Email Joe and Stacey   Phone: 215-757-6100 Business: 267-228-3950 Cell: 215-531-1305 Fax: 215-941-7425

My son went on his class trip to Shady Brook Farm this spring and although we've been to the farm on several occassions, we didn't know how much Shady Brook had to offer besides really, really sweet corn.

I have taken my son there just about every week this summer to play on their "playground" and treat him to Uncle Dave's delicious home-made ice cream. We pick up some fresh, locally grown produce and sometimes grab a sandwich at the deli.

Comming soon is their Pumpkin Fest which is the best $10 you will spend this fall...

• Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch to pick-your-own pumpkins (pumpkins not included)
• Inflatable Amusements Saturday & Sunday
• LIVE Entertainment Saturday & Sunday
• Themed Play Areas
• Straw Maze
• Barnyard Animals
• Farm Learning Center
• Pig Races Saturday & Sunday
• Giant Corn Maze, and more!

Open Sept. 27 & 28
DAILY from Oct. 4 to Nov. 2
11 AM to 5 PM

www.ShadyBrookFarm.com

Gem mining, pony rides, sand art, face painting, paint ball, Monster truck rides and some other activities not included with admission.

My son went on his class trip to Shady Brook Farm this spring and although we've been to the farm on several occassions, we didn't know how much Shady Brook had to offer besides really, really sweet corn.

I have taken my son there just about every week this summer to play on their "playground" and treat him to Uncle Dave's delicious home-made ice cream. We pick up some fresh, locally grown produce and sometimes grab a sandwich at the deli.

Comming soon is their Pumpkin Fest which is the best $10 you will spend this fall...

• Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch to pick-your-own pumpkins (pumpkins not included)
• Inflatable Amusements Saturday & Sunday
• LIVE Entertainment Saturday & Sunday
• Themed Play Areas
• Straw Maze
• Barnyard Animals
• Farm Learning Center
• Pig Races Saturday & Sunday
• Giant Corn Maze, and more!

Open Sept. 27 & 28
DAILY from Oct. 4 to Nov. 2
11 AM to 5 PM

www.ShadyBrookFarm.com

Gem mining, pony rides, sand art, face painting, paint ball, Monster truck rides and some other activities not included with admission.

Thinking of selling? Contact me first, I may already have a qualified buyer for your home! Email me: sellwithstacey@comcast.net.

Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery County Homes Wanted:

Close to the Train in Hatboro, Abington or Bristol Township: Newlyweds looking for first home under $200,000. Some work okay, but not a fixer. Need a well-maintained home.

Pennypack area: Family looking for home on quiet block under $130,000. Willing to do some fixing up to the property. Don't worry about condition of kitchen or bath because they will be remodeling.

South Philadelphia: Small home - 2 or 3 bedrooms close to the stadiums, south of Oregon Ave. No fixer-uppers.

Langhorne/Yardley: Family looking for large home with 4 large bedrooms. Porch would be nice, but not a dealbreaker.

Neshaminy, Pennsbury or Council Rock Schools: Couple looking to upsize in any of these 3 school districts. Looking for the perfect home.

Lower Bucks/ Bensalem : Large family looking for 4 bedrooms 2 bath under $300,000. No fixer-uppers!

For the Full List: SEE MORE HOMES WANTED CLICK HERE

Joe and Stacey McCarthy - Keller Williams Real Estate 215-757-6100
www.StaceyMcCarthy.com

I'm not so sure he was that far off. What's really happening in the marketplace? The prices aren't really all that down, but buyers sometimes think they can offer 30% less for a house in the "bad market." They do make those offers.

So why shouldn't a seller overprice his listing by more than that? Sounds reasonable enough.

But I couldn't do it. I ran the comps and we were $30,000 away from the very highest listing sold in a neighborhood where houses are going for 1/2 of what he wanted to list it at ($170,000). I flat out told him, "Sorry, but I can't lie to you. I couldn't in good concience put it up for any more than $150,00 and even at that, I'd be asking for reductions, I'm sure."

As an afterthought I called him up the next day to suggest another Realtor, but it was already listed. Just goes to show that you WILL find someone to take that overpriced listing. Even in this market.

Too bad. Maybe I will catch up with him when his contract expires. That seems to be the trend.

This home was a shell and everything was completely gutted and re-done. Beautifully renovated, large 3-story townhome just minutes from Center City Philadelphia. 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms featuring a relaxing jacuzzi tub in hall bath. Everything is neutral with sophisticated and stylish details... New everything!

The owners did such a great job, using only the finest materials, that they are taking a loss on this one. But, as they say, their loss is your gain!

• Magnificent master suite, the entire 3rd floor, with a full bath and walk-in closet.
• Brand-new and spacious upscale kitchen w/ solid granite countertops, ceramic tile backsplash, and shiny new stainless steel appliances.
• Fabulous slate patio overlooks sizable yard with an exquisite Casablana-style ceiling fan under the awning, creating the atmosphere for either gardening or garden party.
• New roof, New central air, New heating system.
• Exposed brick and Hardwood floors throughout.
• Breezy ceiling fans in every room.
• Convenient washer and dryer hook-up on second floor and in basement.
• No need to sacrifice a bedroom, there's an additional office fully wired, ready to go!

Why pay Center City prices? Here's the swanky new digs you've been longing for!

Marketed by:


Joe and Stacey McCarthy

Keller Williams Real Estate

Email Joe and Stacey 

 http://www.staceymccarthy.com/

Many seniors can't even imagine trying to fit their things in a smaller space. The thought of selling your home and leaving your neighborhood usually feels overwhelming for anyone. For many seniors, it evokes such fear and anxiety they often try to avoid moving even though there may be good reasons to make that move.

In some cases, there are safety and security issues that make a move necessary. Their home may not be the ideal situation or environment anymore. Or there may not be quick and easy access to care if something should happen. Read more at http://sellwithstacey.featuredblog.com/?p=50

Flowers Mill in Langhorne has a number of great homes for sale for the 55+ and over crowd. Spacious homes and a great community with a clubhouse and pool make a move there easy. A gated community in an easy to access location close to Rt1, I-95 and the Turnpike.

Other 55+ options in Lower Bucks county are the Villas at Shadybrook in Langhorne, Villas Riverview in Bristol, and Salem Manor, Chancellor Glen and Regents Glen in Bensalem.  

For more info contact: 

Stacey McCarthy sellwithstacey@comcast.net

Keller Williams Real Estate From Philly to Bucks PA Realtor

215-757-6100 ext. 173

Patricia Grace from Aging With Grace wrote a lovely article that I have featured in my home blog at www.StaceyMcCarthy.com.

Making the Move a Positve Experience

Once your loved one has moved into senior living community, you still play a key role in the quality of life they are able to maintain there. Your involvement in your loved one's care goes beyond just the amount of time you spend visiting.

Getting to know his or her caretakers can make the experience more pleasant for both you and your loved one. It may also be crucial to his or her health that you maintain communication with caregivers and pass on any changes in condition that you notice. Being friendly with your loved ones' neighbors and their family members is also a good way to cultivate a healthy living environment.

Read More Here: Making the Move a Positive Experience

Croydon's best kept secret is out. Everyone in Lower Bucks knows that Fritz's Famous Sticky Buns has the best sticky buns. One bite and their deliciousness will haunt you for years to come. The cream cheese icing ones are incredible - the sticky sweetness is oh so dreamy! I feel sorry for anyone who hasn't had one.

Of course, being from Northeast Phladelphia, I didn't always know about Fritz's, so it's kindof new to me. The novelty hasn't worn off yet, but I don't think it will. I try to have them on the menu at all my broker's open houses. They are now a staple in my Philadelphia Food roster. Count them in the line-up with water-ice and cheesesteaks, because there's nothing like them.

Is your mouth watering? Well you'll have to wait until tomorrow because Fritz's is closed on Mondays.

With the popularity of low-carb dining, stand-alone bakeries have become all but extinct in Philadelphia, with only the very best surviving. While everyone else is getting their baked good from the supermarket, we are happy to know about bakeries like Fritz's. For my sister's birthday yesterday, we ordered a strawberry shortcake from the Langhorne Fritz's. It was a hit! So light and creamy. I think for my next party, I will try a stickybun cake.

Fritz's has two locations:

360 N. Oxford Valley Road (across from Oxford Valley Mall, behind Boston Market)
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-949-7995

500 State Road
Croydon, PA 19021
215-785-5915

www.beststickybuns.com

MMMMmmmmmmm!