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Canada’s Great Trail

April 9, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

This trail of greenways, waterways , roads and dirt paths is the longest connected trail in the world.

This is the time of year to start thinking about summer vacation. For any of you outdoor adventurers, whether you like to walk, hike, bike or paddle, the Great Trail may just be the destination for you. Few people know that this trail is the longest continuous trail in the world, over 24,000 km in length. It traverses 13 provinces and territories and connects the three coastlines of Canada. Not all of it is rural, either–some sections go right through towns, some through waterways (about 25% of the trail!). This video shows a sampling of some of the scenery and topography it traverses. Amazingly, it’s estimated that 80% of Candians live within 30 minutes of the trail. It took 25 years to complete and is all the more impressive when you consider that it isn’t actually one trail, but, rather, several local trails that all connect. Just think about all the red tape and “jurisdiction” issues that needed to be surmounted in order to achieve an uninterruped path. Each portion is locally maintained and volunteer efforts comprise the majority of its care and continued existence. While it is heavily favored by cyclists and hikers, you can find people on horseback and, in the winter, on cross country skis and snowmobiles on the trail, too.

If you don’t want to just hike aimlessly, but, rather, like to have a destination in mind, consider some of these. Whether you want to visit Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Banff, British Columbia, the Territories, Ottowa, Quebec or any other area of Canada, you’ll find great places to stop and see and plenty of regions you might want to stay in for a multi-day vacation. The website even has a great interactive “Explore the Map” tool that lets you see pictures, find out which sections allow which types of activites, see where there’s parking (as there are no cars allowed on the trail itself), see “points of interest”, an option that lets you measure the distance of a given section and even the ability to customize a map for your own personal travel on the trail. Most Canadians are big supporters and the Great Trail has an enormous fan base. Find out more here.

Home Improvements that Pay you Back

April 6, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Main Line selling your home — Thinking of selling your house? Read these suggestions for low-cost, high-ROI steps to take before listing your house.

In a recently published article in Realtor Magazine (aimed at industry professionals), the author provides a list that she encourages agents to suggest to our clients when it comes to low-cost, high ROI improvements to make before listing a property for sale. While many of the ideas are not new–have rugs cleaned, update old draperies, get rid of wallpaper, declutter, pay attention to landscaping (all VERY solid suggestions, by the way), she mentions a few that address current focuses that have only recently become important. For example, she suggests converting some outlets in high use areas to ones that provide USB ports as well as eliminating the need for ugly wires by installing a wireless router for internet and televisions around the house. She also recommends paying attention to both a house’s energy efficiency (and possibly addressing glaring issues) as well as the “health” of the house, which is quickly becoming a buyer concern.

One of her best suggestions is one I often give my sellers: have a pre-listing inspection done. There are three reasons: the first is to know what is going to turn up, so you are prepared. You can either choose to repair certain things or at least know that a buyer is likely to ask for repairs or a credit. It allows you to not be blindsided by a potentially significant reduction in your net proceeds due to inspections several days after you’ve negotiated a final sales price.

The second is that some buyers get scared by all of those items that are listed on an inspection report. If you can sort of “head them off at the pass” with an opportunity to explain things (and/or fix them), you can lessen the liklihood of a buyer terminating the contract.

The third advantage to having that prelisting inspection is that if you make it available to buyers (leave a copy on the table and provide a copy to any buyer’s agents whose clients might be writing an offer), you’ve disclosed everything. If you circle or highlight things you’ve repaired or are willing to credit for, it can help to set the buyer’s expectation as far as the things you, as a seller, consider your responsibility to repair and those that you DON’T. Even more important, if you’ve provided a copy of the pre-listing inspection, if a buyer comes back after his own inspection and asks for a credit for something you’ve ALREADY DISCLOSED, it’s a lot easier to say, “Sorry, we made that information available and believed when we agreed to the final offer that that issue was reflected in the offer price.”

So please consider a pre-listing inspection as it can save you unwelcome surprises which may reduce your net proceeds, prevent buyers from “getting scared off” and walking away and help you in the negotiating process.

Sellers: How to set the right price

April 3, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Main Line real estate listing price — There are a LOT of considerations that go into determining the best list price. Scouting out the competition is one.

While it can backfire, I have learned that, in many cases, it’s educational for sellers to see their competition. Here’s what I mean: when I go on a listing appointment, I have not only looked at comparable homes that have sold (and, therefore, are not available to see), but I’ve looked at the other properties that are currently for sale that will be competing for buyers with my seller’s house. In order to determine the best listing price, I take my sellers to tour those competing properties. I warn them ahead of time that I will point out from the perspective of the average buyer what I see as “better” than theirs or “not as good” as theirs–I don’t want to offend them as to their personal taste, but I believe it’s my job to give them objective feedback. Then, depending on their time frame for selling and their specific needs, we can set a list price that will be most likely to meet those needs. I will also explain to them that when houses have showings, but no offers, it’s an indication that they are overpriced. And, that when there are no showings, that’s the market saying the property is egregiously overpriced. Some related things to know about listing price:

What you paid for your house, how much money you put into it and what you “need/want” to get for your house have no bearing on what the market determines its value is. How much your house is worth is measured by what similar things are selling for.
You should really concentrate on what your net proceeds will be (after fees and reimbursements, etc.) vs. the sales price as that alone doesn’t really mean much.
The first two weeks a property is on the market is when it has the most showings and the most “buzz”. That’s when you want to try to sell your house.
Overpricing it and then lowering it six weeks later usually nets you a lower price than you would have gotten if you’d priced it more appropriately at the start, because people “low ball” you when they see it’s been on the market a while–as, clearly, buyers aren’t beating down the doors to submit offers or it wouldn’t still be available.

Many agents will tell you your house is worth more than it is because they know that’s what you want to hear. If one agent tells you it’s worth more than another, just consider that no agent will guarantee that. So think about whom you trust to be more accurate and honest with you–if the lower number is what you’re going to get anyway, does it do you any good to believe you’ll get more only to have to readjust your expectations? And remember the previous point: overpriced houses usually end up going for less and take longer to sell. So don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll get more if you hire agent #2 vs. agent #1 just because agent #2 tells you she would list it at a higher number.

For more, click here.

Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby & Arts Festival

March 31, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

The Kensington kinetic sculpture derby (and arts festival!) is a true Philadelphia staple.

Philadelphia takes itself seriously when it comes to history (including many “oldest”s and “first”s) and prides itself on its many museums, large park network and tourist attractions. That said, we certainly have our quirks and are not embarrassed to celebrate them. While not as extravagant as our (only-in-Philadelphia) Mummers Parade, the Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby & Arts Festival is a sight to behold. It’s a mixture of a vendor craft show and a parade/competition of huma-powered floats. No motors, pushing or pulling mechanisms are allowed. The floats must have movable legs or wheels and have to move at a minimum of three miles per hour. There are awards for costumes, best large team float, and my favorite; best pun. Did I mention this was a quirky event? The parade meanders through an obstacle course set up within the city streets of Kensington and Fishtown and culminates in a giant mud puddle. With around 100 vendors and more than 10 food trucks, the shopping portion of the festival is manageable and fun, but the big event is definitely the parade. Click here for a guide to the entire day.

Addictive Toffee Cookie Recipe

March 28, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Jen LeBow’s Oatmeal Toffee Cookies

Note: you’ll need ½ cup chopped, toasted pecans for this recipe. To toast, just spread in single layer on foil and either place in toaster oven on about 300 for 5-7 minutes (check so they don’t burn!) or in oven on cookie sheet.

Preheat to 350 degrees

Combine in stand mixer:

½ cup softened butter (not melted)

1/2 cup white sugar

¼ cup brown sugar

1 egg

Sift onto wax paper (or plastic wrap):

1 cup + 2 T flour

½ t baking soda

½ t salt

Add dry ingredients to mixer and combine.

Add and combine:

1 ½ cups oatmeal

1 t vanilla extract

6 oz. semi- sweet chocolate chips

6 oz. butterscotch chips

½ cup chopped, toasted pecans

Drop in rounded balls onto cookie sheet.

Bake 12 minutes, then remove from cookie sheet after about 5 mintues.

Windows: lots to look at

March 26, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow 1 Comment

Don’t overlook the windows in a house you’re considering buying. There are several style, cost and environmental factors to be aware of.

Let’s talk about windows. When you are buying a home, if the seller was wise, you are barely noticing the windows themselves because they are sparklingly clear. You are admiring the lovely outdoor views but not noticing the windows themselves. Well, start noticing them. Why? Because they can be a very costly system to update/repair/replace. First, note if they are updated, double-paned thermal windows. If not, and you’re looking through single pane, non-insulated glass, you may have some hefty utility bills. Energy-efficiency has become more and more important, not just from a cost of utility standpoint, but also from an environmental pollution perspective. If the windows are old, they may well be wood, which isn’t inherently bad. But what if they have rot? or broken panes? or the chains or locks don’t work? or they are painted shut? Hmmmm.

If they are old, but not terribly old, they may be aluminum framed. These are often single-pane windows, so check. Vinyl is what you will usually see as replacement windows. If someone went “bottom of the line”, these windows often fall out of square after a few years and sag or don’t fit properly in their positions in the wall. So pay attention.

How do they open? Are they sash windows that you raise and lower? If so, do both panes move? Or do you open them by winding a crank? What about cleaning them? Some tilt in, but others don’t. How about screens? If they aren’t visible, be sure to ask the seller (if you’re considering an offer) if there are screens somewhere. They can be a hidden cost for buyers who like to open windows but only if they have screens.

Replacing all of the windows in an average sized home on the Main Line could easily cost $15,000 and that’s for a middle of the road vinyl replacement window. Most people say to budget $400-$700 per window for an estimate. The moral of the story (or blog post, in this case) is that while windows should “disappear”, I advise that you make a firm effort to “see” their design, age and condition because the oversight of NOT noticing them could cost you a lot of money and headache down the road.

Produce Junction: Amazing Produce and Flower Prices

March 22, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow Leave a Comment

Philadelphia relocation local secrets — Both cut flowers and plants, not to mention produce are amazingly affordable at Produce Junction.

Produce Junction shoppers are a loyal group, and rabidly appreciative of what this store offers-fairly large quantities of produce (sometimes unusual things, too) at extremely low prices. Most items are pre-bagged and, yes, sometimes there may be a not-so-good-cucumber in the bag that you have to toss. Full disclosure, this produce is often seconds, meaning a little older and less pristine that what you would find in the supermarket. There are certain things I won’t buy there because they are consistently sub-par. That said, I’m there at least every four days and the amount of produce I can buy for $25 is astounding. They don’t have everything, but they have a huge selection of certain things, like hot peppers, squashes and salad greens. I’d never buy golden delicious apples for applesauce anywhere else (too expensive!). When I make butternut squash soup, I make a triple recipe and those ingredients would really add up elsewhere. Fruit, from berries to mangoes to watermelon and pomegranates is also very reasonable. You can also find fresh herbs and eggs.

Photo courtesy of https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/produce-junction-philadelphia?select=L9gvWwVAzNxD7oZZU4nP_A

Ok. You get it. Cheap produce. Absolutely. Now, here’s the thing–Produce Junction also sells cut flowers at ridiculous prices. Last time I was there, a dozen roses (all different colors) were $4.00. I took a quick video (below) of the cut flower display. They also sell potted flowers, including orchids and primroses and in the late spring, early summer, you can buy flats of annuals for around $10. Mid-May is the best time to go if you want to outfit your garden for the summer.

15 Best Indoor Kid Activities in the Philadelphia Area

March 21, 2018 by Jennifer LeBow 1 Comment

philadelphia relocation with kids indoor — Legoland Philadelphia (in the Plymouth Meeting Mall) is a terrific place to take kids moving to the area. *Photo courtesy of https://philadelphia.legolanddiscoverycenter.com/*

As I compose this post, it’s snowing outside and the schools are closed and Lower Merion Township has declared a state of emergency. So, although it’s technically the first day of spring, I thought it might not be a bad idea to compose a list of local indoor activities to do with kids. For many people who live here, my suggestions will be mostly familiar. However, I was actually thinking about people who have recently moved here or relocators who may be visiting in order to house hunt and need to entertain their kids while they are here. (On a side note, if you are going to be relocating, if, prior to the move, you have the opportunity to bring your kids here and familiarize them with their new stomping grounds, it can really ease the transition. One of the suggestions I make to transplants is to try to establish new “haunts” before the move, so that, once they arrive, their kids can look forwad to going to places they know.)

We have an impressive number of museums in the Philadelphia Metropolitan area, and while any of them might be a great match for your individual child, I tried to stick with the ones with the widest appeal here. I also tried to keep my list to within an hour of the city. There are always places like Sesame Place, The Crayola Factory, Herr’s Prezel Factory, etc. that are a bit farther afield, but, again, I was thinking mostly of soon-to-be relocators who may only be here for a few days and may not have an entire day for adventuring.

Please Touch Museum–this one is only for kids up to 7 years old, but I’ve included it because it is such a great museum.
The Franklin Institute–I’m extremely partial to this one; don’t miss the Giant Heart.
University of Pennsylvania Museum–often called the “Mummy Museum”, this is “stuff”: archeological items, as opposed to paintings and kids tend to really love it. It has a great museum store, too.
Camden Adventure Aquarium–for anyone who loves aquariums, this one is terrific. It’s also adjacent to the Camden Children’s Garden which is fabulous, but that’s outdoors, so if it’s a strictly “inside” day, you might have to come back!
Bowling (really)–Lucky Strike is a unique experience and there are also diehard fans of North Bowl in Northern Liberties.
The Mercer Museum–totally worth the drive to Doylestown, this museum born of Henry Mercer’s collections of Americana is amazing. You can look at a historic apothecary, blacksmith shop, etc., all within an amazing building.
Skyzone–kids need to bounce out some energy? This trampoline park should do the trick.
The National Constitution Center–a fairly recent addition to the Philadelphia museum landscape, the NCC was truly well thought-out and it is more engaging than you would think.
Independence Seaport Museum–great way to see the river and climb around a scale model of a ship and learn a bit of history at the same time.
Longwood Gardens–while, obviously a great outdoor activity, Longwood is so big and its greenhouses so extensive that just walking through the interior spaces is a good two-hour activity. Longwood is internationally known; it is spectacular.
Academy of Natural Sciences Museum–my mother always referred to this one as ‘The Stuffed Animal Museum”. Great for animal (especially dinosaur) lovers.
Keystone Mini Golf–an inside mini-golf course in Kensington which is great in bad weather.
Legoland Discovery Center–for those of you with kids who like Legos. you’ll be parent of the year!
Philadelphia Rock Gym–if you have kids who are climbers, or would like to try it, I’d recommend this spot.
Museum of the American Revolution–if you’re going to live in or around Philadelphia, this one is a must. At least once.

As far as “kids” goes, this list is meant for the elementary-high school aged group, not necessarily the pre-school crowd. We do have plenty of “rainy day” places that cater to the younger set, but this post was meant to be about specific destinations that your kids would get excited about visiting and less about “stay and play” options (but contact me if you need a list of those!).

If you are relocating to the Philadelphia/Main Line area, please go to my relocation tab. If you’d like to read other blog entries related to relocation, please scroll down a couple of lines and click on RELOCATION (to the right of FILED UNDER). Thanks!

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