The Little Realtor

 Its the beginning of the year, and nothing is more popular than predicting what comes next. Whether its fashion, home decor, paint colors, or real estate, we love thinking about whats to come.  Of course, predictions are only that: an educated guess at what is to come. No one could have predicted Covid, and few guessed at its ensuing impact on health and the economy, and similarly few predicted we would see the intense rate hikes that may only come once or twice in century. So with an ever-changing, quick moving and unpredictable market, lets put a few predictions together for the Philadelphia real estate market, regardless...  Rates will continue to Rise.... Momentarily  The rate hikes aren't over yet. We know that. And since the Fed gives the market little time to catch up, we definitely will see more over the first quarter. That will impact the Spring market to some effect.  However, we expect those to rate hikes to be less intense going forward. Since that ...

 If you are a parent of little ones this summer, you might already have your weekends booked with BBQs and kids birthday parties, but if not, its always good to get out and explore somewhere new (and plan for the less packed weekends in the Fall and Winter).  Here's a list of some of my favorite outdoor spots to visit, from West to East, with playgrounds or not!  Via Valley Forge  An obvious answer to parks around Philly, but even though this is doesn't have a playground and is geared towards historical tourists, its a GREAT spot to push a stroller. There are a several parking lots and wide open spaces and easy trails to push a stroller along. A very beautiful and pleasant walking experience! Plus, in the winter, its a sledding haven!  Norview Farm Park - King of Prussia  Home of Petrucci's Ice Cream, its a fun spot to visit. Its a real farm with goats, horses, chickens, etc. and even has a small toddler playground. Throw in ice cream, whats not to love?...

 Its all about the gardens this week!  First, something near to my heart - the shade garden!  Around greater Philly, we have our fair share of heavily wooded and tree-filled yards. We aren't in the state of Penn's Woods for nothing!  My own yard is covered with great, gorgeous oaks that leave over half of my yard space in dappled or full shade. Its very beautiful, but does provide its own issues with growing plants and flowers.  If you go into any Home Depot or Lowes and look for plants, you'll see most of whats for sale needs full sun. So what can you plant in those shaded corners or dappled lawns?  Here are some of my own favorites that have done really well in my own garden!  Hostas  Via My favorite plant ever. The are big, incredibly hardy, grown like a foot a day in the Spring, are full of color and shape and LOVE the shade. The only downside is they leave nothing behind in the winter so the 3 ft they take up in the Summer is empty in the win...