About Me

Joe McCarthy, Realtor

Call me at 267-228-3950

Keller Williams Real Estate
584 Middletown Blvd., A-50
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-757-6100 ext 173
kw.mccarthygroup@gmail.com

Got to http://www.BigJoeMcCarthy.com to see every house for sale!

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2012 (1)
2011 (34)
2010 (41)
 

No way to find out now about Philly property tax bill

Philadelphia is in the midst of its Actual Value Initiative (AVI), part of an endeavor to fix a historically inequitable tax system based on decades of bad and incomplete assessments. Assessors have fanned across the city in an attempt to tag each property with its market - actual - value. But the job won't be done until at least September, and the new City Council must pass a budget and set a millage rate - the property tax rate - before the start of the fiscal year July 1.
 
According to Councilman Bill Green, "That essentially means we are putting in place a new tax without having a true public debate on the issue. Not that we can do anything about it." AVI would figure to be a daunting challenge for any Council, but the 2012 version comes before a Council with six freshman members and a new leadership team. The city is also coming off several lean years marked by cutting services and raising taxes in often-bruising budget fights. Several Council members said the most likely approach is to determine a revenue goal and then pass a formulaic millage rate where the actual number is an unknown. In the fall, when the assessments are completed, the millage rate could be plugged in to hit that revenue goal.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 1/26/2012

http://www.BigJoeMcCarthy.com 

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Philadelphia ramps up pressure on blighted properties

Mayor Nutter says there are as many as 20,000 blighted properties in the city, and Philadelphia is using new state legislation to go after absentee property owners. "Let me put all property owners on notice right now," said Nutter. "If you are not maintaining your property, if you are not taking care of your property, if you do not have your property up to Philadelphia's code and are not in compliance, we are coming for you." 


Licenses and Inspection Commissioner Fran Burns says her agency will focus on homes with missing windows in blocks that are 85 percent occupied. The city has the ability to ask the court to fine an owner $300 per day for not repairing doors and windows that have been cited. Philadelphia has struggled with abandoned and nuisance properties for years. Owners looking to sell are less likely to spend money to improve a house for a diminished payoff. Source: WHYY; 10/26/11

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Disaster Center Open in Bucks County > buckscounty.org

A new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) is now located at the Neshaminy Mall (Rte. 1 and Bristol Rd., Bensalem, PA 19020). It will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
 
Various federal, state and county agencies will be on hand to provide assistance to those residents affected by Hurricane Irene. They include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Bucks County Emergency Management Agency, the Bucks County Health Department, the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, PennDOT, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office.

Those with insurance are asked to contact their insurance agent and file a personal claim before contacting FEMA. Additionally, anyone planning to come to a DRC should register with FEMA first, in order to maximize the efficiency of their visit. Online registry is available at www.disasterassistance.gov, or via web enabled mobile device at m.fema.gov. Residents also can register by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). When applying for assistance, applicants should have the following information available:

  • Social Security Number (including spouse)
  • Private insurance information, if available
  • Address and zip code of the damaged property
  • Directions to the damaged home or property
  • Daytime telephone number and current mailing address

Enter the Mall at the theater entrance at the rear of Sears. There will be signs to direct them to the DRC from there.

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Bucks County News 9/16: Flood Map Changes, Newtown Anti-Discrimination, Yardley Hurricane Irene Damage

Meeting on proposed changes to Bucks flood maps

An informational meeting will be held on Sept. 28 in Tinicum Township to review proposed changes to the Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The meeting will be held at theTinicum Township Building, 163 Municipal Road, Pipersville, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Bucks County Planning Commission will demonstrate an online mapping tool for residents to view the changes in the floodplain from the current maps to the proposed maps. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will answer questions about the new maps, the flood insurance program and how insurance rates may be affected.

Source: Plumstead Township; 9/13/2011

 

Newtown

 votes to advertise anti-discrimination ordinance

Newtown Borough Council voted unanimously to advertise an anti-discrimination ordinance. The ordinance will create a local Human Relations Commission tasked with mediating circumstances of discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity. Current state law does not include protection from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Twenty-two local governments in Pennsylvania have passed similar anti-discrimination ordinances.

Source: Newtown Patch; 9/13/2011

 

Bucks estimates latest flooding damages to top $1 million

Bucks County officials believe the latest round of flooding from the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee will exceed the $1 million in damages left behind by Hurricane Irene. Major roadways in the county were damaged, including Route 263 in Solebury. About 85 homes in Yardley were damaged by flooding, along with some homes along River Roadin Upper Makefield. The county recently submitted paperwork for $2.2 million in financial assistance for Hurricane Irene related damage and will be investigating aid for damages related to the most recent flooding.

Source: Courier Times; 9/12/2011

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Disney Cruise Line 2012 — GW Travel and Cruise

Disney Cruise Line 2012

Captain Mickey Mouse visits New York to help announce new Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2012.

What are Captain Mickey Mouse and I doing in the Big Apple? Well, we just announced our itinerary line-up for 2012 and (drum roll, please) it includes three new homeports – New York, Seattle and Galveston! Do we have any Disney Cruise Line fans from those areas? Now, a Disney cruise is even more convenient for you, as you can depart for your dream vacation from your backyard.

Captain Mickey Mouse visits New York to help announce new Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2012.

From New York…
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 20 cruises from New York – with three unique and
varied itineraries.

Captain Mickey Mouse visits New York to help announce new Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2012.

  • Eight-night Bahamas cruises that include a day at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; Nassau, Bahamas; and a stop at Port Canaveral, Florida, giving guests an opportunity to visit the nearby Walt Disney World Resort. As part of this itinerary, you’ll receive a one-day Walt Disney World Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation between the port and resort.
  • Five-night cruises up the New England coast that will call at Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick. In these popular Canadian ports, you can soak in splendid natural vistas, explore historic sites, visit quaint cafés and charming shops and browse Canada’s oldest farmer’s market.
  • Three two-night cruises (June 15, July 13 and August 10) that are perfect for families looking for a quick getaway and a sampling of the Disney Cruise Line experience with a day at sea over a weekend.

From Seattle…
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder will sail another season of Alaskan cruises including
seven-night voyages from the Port of Seattle to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as Victoria, British Columbia.

Donald Duck visits Seattle to help announce new Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2012.

These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. We work closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive Port Adventures that allow you to enjoy Alaska’s natural beauty, rich history and abundant wildlife.

From Galveston…
Beginning September 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail seven-night cruises from Galveston to the Western Caribbean. Ports of call include Grand Cayman and Mexico’s Costa Maya and Cozumel.

Minnie Mouse visits Galveston, Texas to help announce new Disney Cruise Line itineraries for 2012.

On this cruise, your family can enjoy a tropical getaway with world-class entertainment and impeccable guest service found only on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. You’ll have three magical days at sea to explore all of the fun aboard the Disney Magic and three days in port to lounge on warm, golden beaches, to swim and snorkel in azure waters or to shop to your heart’s content in exotic marketplaces.

If you want to secure your spot on one of these exciting new itineraries, bookings for 2012 open April 8, 2011. We hope to see you onboard in 2012! Which itinerary are you most excited for?

via gwtravelandcruise.com

Contact Stacey at 215-531-1305 to book your vacation!

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Message from the City of Philadelphia about the Earthquake

Philadelphia, August 23, 2011   This afternoon Philadelphia experienced the effects of a reported 5.9 earthquake occurring in the Richmond, Virginia area.

At this time only minor building damage has been reported in Philadelphia.  All major City of Philadelphia government buildings have been inspected and are re-opening with City employees returning to work.

We are working with the Building Owners and Managers Association to get the following messages to private building owners in Philadelphia:

- It is your responsibility as private building owners to assess the condition of your property and ensure its safety.
- Talk to your engineers and building managers to ensure that the condition of the property is properly inspected.
- If you are concerned about new structural damage to your building call 3-1-1 and the Department of Licenses and Inspections will make a site visit as soon as possible.

There are no reports of any damage to water, gas, roads and bridges.  If you see any new infrastructure damage please call 3-1-1.

Citizens who detect gas fumes should call 215-235-1212 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

Public transportation is experiencing minor delays so passengers are advised to check www.septa.org for the latest travel information.  Amtrak is now running at regular speed but with delays of up to one hour.

Philadelphia International Airport was temporarily closed but has now reopened and ready to assist with New York area diversions if necessary.

3-1-1 will be operational until midnight.  9-1-1 is currently experiencing very high call volumes.  Please only call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.

Sent through Philadelphia ReadyNotifyPA.

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Real Estate News Summary: EHLP, Flood Insurance, HEMAP

EHLP deadline set for September 16

The Emergency Homeowners' Loan Program (EHLP) is a foreclosure prevention program intended to help families in danger of losing their homes due to involuntary unemployment, under-employment, or for medical reasons.Pennsylvania still has approximately $50 million available for families in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) is administering the program, and has set an application deadline of September 16.  The EHLP will offer homeowners a declining balance, deferred payment "bridge loan" for up to $50,000. Additionally, the EHLP will help homeowners in danger of imminent foreclosure with payment of arrearages, plus up to 24 months of monthly payments on their mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance premiums, taxes, and hazard insurance. Pennsylvania residents should call PHFA at 1-800-342-2397 for details. EHLP funding will only be available for a limited time, so people are advised to call as soon as possible.

 

Lapses of the National Flood Insurance Program jeopardize home sales

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is essential to successfully completing approximately half a million home sales annually. Based on an analysis of National Association of REALTORS® data, 6 percent of REALTORS® experienced a delayed or cancelled home sale due to the lapse in the NFIP between May 31 and July 2 of 2010. Based on that data, NAR estimates that 1,332 home sales per day are interrupted during a lapse in the NFIP. Click here for more information on this study. Click here to take action and tell congress to reauthorize the NFIP today.

Source: Realor.org; 8/8/2011

 

HEMAP is needed amid the housing crisis, advocates say

Housing advocates have launched a campaign to try and save the Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Fund (HEMPA) that was shuttered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency because of state budget cuts. The fund provides loans to homeowners making mortgage payments because of unemployment, with the goal of having borrowers resume payments when able. PHFA can no longer approve any loans under the program because the state budget for the fiscal year that began on July 1 only appropriated $2 million (as compared to $14 in the previous year). The PA Save Our Homes Coalition, a consortium of housing, labor and church groups met last month and is trying to garner support by writing editorials and meeting with legislators.

Source: Philadelphia Business Journal; 8/12/2011


Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

The Cost of this Seminar is a Pair of Shoes!

Agents: Check out this Realtor Seminar. Very good deal for agents.


Cost to attend:   Bring one pair of shoes.  They will be donated to ReUse Your Shoes.  The shoes can be new and never worn, slightly worn or very worn.  Check out their website at www.ReUseYourShoes.Org 

Date & Time:
 Wednesday, August 17, 9:30-11am

 

Location:

 BCAR Headquarters, 1452 Old York Rd, Warminster, Pennsylvania

 

Topics to be covered:

 

Appraisals
--Understanding them.  What is a "Comp?"  Is a pending sale a comp? How old can a comp be?  What are the standard distances for comps.  How many days is an appraisal valid?  What happens if the property is located in a commercial zone

 

Prequalifying the Client
--Does your lender tell you that the client is prequalified for a certain sales price then you find a property then the loan officer says "They don't qualify." Why do they do that?
  1. Do you know how to qualify the client on your own? 
  2. What debt ratios do lenders use?
  3. Are the rules in written in stone or can you find alternative ways?
  4. What if the client has 1099 income, LLC income, rental income, Corp income, has your client been unemployed for an extended period of time during the past  12 - 24 months, do they file a schedule 2106 for unreimbursed expenses?

When these issues arise
 - how do you handle them?

 

Technology
--Stan will share with you several unique items that I use with my clients

 

Refreshments: 

 Coffee and donuts will be served.  Donuts will be from Yum Yum Donuts

 

Registration: Stan Reinford Emailsreinford@supmort.com or call 610-217-5241


Presented by Stan Reinford, a Certified Mortgage Coach, with Superior Mortgage.

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Congressional debt ceiling action will not impact real estate tax rules

The National Association of REALTORS® has issued a statement assuring its membership that the recently approved federal Debt Ceiling Bill has no direct impact on important federal real estate provisions. 

“After careful analysis of the bill we can report that it contains no direct impact on real estate tax rules or spending provisions,” NAR stated in an analysis of the legislation. 

NAR believes the next 100 days could be the most crucial period in its attempt to defeat efforts to modify the mortgage interest deduction. To read a complete NAR analysis of the debt ceiling agreement visit: http://www.ksefocus.com/billdatabase/clientfiles/172/4/1300.pdf

Posted by Stacey McCarthy 
 

Gorgeous Casa Del Mar — GW Travel and Cruise -- Fundraiser Trips

Casa Del Mar Beach and Golf Resort

Rates:

Jr. Suite (Studio): $1,400 for 7 days

Luxury Suite (One Bedroom): $1,800 for 7 days

Presidential (Two Bedroom): $2,100 for 7 days

Compare our rates to Expedia: Jr Suite $1,953 and Casa Del Mar $2,030 for guaranteed savings!

Casa del Mar is a 31-suite hacienda-style beachfront boutique hotel, situated in a stunning landscape where the desert meets the white sand and turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Graceful arches, cobbled courtyards, tiled fountains, lush tropical gardens, six swimming pools and authentic Mexican hacienda architecture create a totally romantic atmosphere.

This secluded sanctuary features exceptionally large ocean view suites with jacuzzis, Rivolta bedding and private balconies. Casa del Mar also offers a luxurious spa, gourmet dining, four lighted tennis courts, and access to the championship 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr, Cabo Real Golf Course.  A proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Luxury Lifestyle Hotels & Resort, Zoëtry Casa del Mar is a Condé Nast Johansens recommended property for 2008. Voted “Mexico’s leading golf resort” at the world travel awards, Casa del Mar has also been recognized among the “World s Best Golf Resorts” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and a “Favorite” by the readers of Departures. The Casa del Mar staff provides the smiling welcome and pampering care that is our hallmark of hospitality.

The 18-hole Cabo Real Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, offers 6,988 yards of lush landscape with three spectacular ocean front holes on the Sea of Cortez. With a variety of hazards, it is considered the toughest front nine in golf in Los Cabos and presents both a challenge to the champion and a delight to the high handicapper. The famous Senior Slam and Celebrity Challenge of Los Cabos tournaments are held at Cabo Real.

Casa del Mar was recently voted “Mexico’s Leading Golf Resort” at the World Travel Awards, considered one of the world’s most comprehensive travel awards ceremonies.
Casa del Mar has also been hailed among the “World’s Best Golf Resorts” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and a “Favorite” by the readers of Departures.

via gwtravelandcruise.com

Stacey and Joe McCarthy
GW Travel and Cruise
Call 215-531-1305

@FundraiserTrips on Twitter

Posted by Stacey McCarthy