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Real Estate News
Your AVI (Actual Value Initiative) Handbook/Playbook
We all know that it is looming, that dark unknown cloud coming to your neighborhood - the AVI - where real estate taxes will soar to help fund the ailing Philadelphia School District and the hapless City Council folks who cannot think of any other way to fund the City's budget woes and bankrupt City. I have created a handbook or in the spirit of football season, I have created a Playbook, if you will, of how this game will be played out.
Before I begin, let's all try to get to our happy place. Take several deep breaths. You are going to need some tools: a yoga mat, a hot cup of tea, Jack Daniels, and a valium. Oh, and keep your handbook (and your checkbook) ready for the months ahead. One last thing. Have your go-to attorney ready on speed dial because alttorneys will be busy with lots of appeals.
So what is going to happen?
1. In December of this year, property owners will get their tax bill for 2013. Don't get too worked up. You can relax as this bill will be based on pre-AVI assessments. (Deep breath in. Deep breath out. It's a good time to grab your yoga meditation mat.)
2. Around that same time, you will get a notice of your new "AVI" assessment. This is the basis for calculating your 2014 bill, which will arrive later in the year. This is the time where you can call your Realtor and ask "Is this accurate?". If not, call your "go-to" attorney which you already have since you read this playbook and begin your appeal process immediately. Have your attorney on speed dial as he or she will be flooded with calls. (Better boil the hot water for that calming cup of tea now.)
Get the other 2 plays from our handbook so that you can fully brace yourself especially if you live in some of the neighborhoods that are expected to be affected.
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Tip Jar
Install This: Philly's 311 App
Civic engagement just got a little more tech-savvy with the new Philly 311 mobile app. This free app (now available on Android, iOS, and Blackberry devices here) gives residents of Philly the power to easily report potholes, graffiti, litter, and other non-emergencies. You'll be able to track the city's response to the requests, which go straight through to the city department. A notification is sent when your request has been completed. Check it all out in the video below:
 | | Philly 311 Mobile App Launch Video - Empowering Community Heroes |
[video via Philly311]
What do you think? Will you use an app lke this? Weigh in over at our facebook page. |
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Meet Your Neighbor
No Libs Makes America's Best Hipster Neighborhoods List
We've already been called one of the Best Cities for Hipsters.
No surprise then, that Northern Liberties makes the list of Forbes' America's Best Hipster Neighborhoods with the likes of Portland's Pearl District, Silverlake, and Williamsburg. While we can think of some seriously hip neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia, Northern Liberties tops the list as the original. Meaning it was hipster before the world knew what a hipster was. Here's what Forbes had to say about our hood:
"Sometimes called NoLibs, this hood is fast falling prey to a hipster influx. With one of the highest walkability scores on our list, it boasts some of Philly's best restaurants, coffee shops and art galleries. Clubs, bars, and bowling offer funky nightlife festivities. And for those literary lovers with gothic streak, the house once inhabited by Edgar Allen Poe is located here."
Read more about what criteria was used in coming up with the Best Cities for Hipsters and check out what other lists we showed up on.
Speaking of hip, have you checked out a Philly Facebook Page? Our page is designed to help you stay in tune and up to date on information about events, important real estate info and even providing you some weekly laughs.
Head on over and 'like' us & watch for some of our special giveaways. Well, what are you waiting for?
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Add a link in the comments and/or tag yourself or anyone you know with a noteworthy business in Philly so that everyone (our fans - 1000 set of eyes) can check it out!
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The Somers Team |
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Need a laugh? |
Joke: Why was the scarecrow invited to the conference?
Answer: Because he was "outstanding" in his field.
Happy Fall and Halloween everyone!
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Featured Listing | |
Beautiful, immaculate completely remodeled and updated 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath property, with a fenced in cemented yard and a finished basement.
Features include:
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Hardwood floors -
Crown molding -
Chair rails throughout -
Formal living and dining rooms -
Glass backsplash, 42' cabinets, stainless steel appliances -
Under cabinet lighting in your choice of color and granite counters in kitchen -
2 spacious bedrooms -
Large hall bath -
New HVAC electric and plumbing -
Close walk to park and Center City -
Very walkable rating of 89!
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The Somers Team
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