Real Estate Talk with The CCSJ Team

Talking Grants with Diane Giovinazzo

First Front Door Grant: Learn How to Get $15,000 Towards Your Home

Cecile sits down with Diane Giovinazzo of Univest Home Loans to talk more about the First Front Door Program and how you can get $15,000 towards the purchase of a home.l

Foundations for the Future: A Parent's Guide to Preparing Kids for Property Ownership with David Frankel

Staging to Sell: Tips from an Interior Designer: Veronique Subers

In this episode of Real Estate Talk with the CCSJ Team, Cecile talks to Veronique Subers of Vero Staging and Design, a small boutique staging company. Listen in and get some pro tips on the rules of staging your property.

How Climate Change Impacts your Garden: Pass on Grass for Native Plants

In this episode of Real Estate Talk with the CCSJ Team, our stellar agent Mae Johnson sits down with Andrew Bunting, the Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS), to discuss the gold medal plant program. Established in 1979, this program selects six tried and true plants each year, including trees, shrubs, perennials, hardy edibles, and vines, based on their adaptability to the local climate, ornamental interest, and ecological functions. Andrew highlight...

1031 Exchanges Demystified: The Tax-Saving Strategy That Every Real Estate Investor Should Know

We want to help you build wealth and reduce your tax burden with a valuable investment strategy - the 1031 exchange. Recently, our team leader, agent, and investment expert Cecile Steinriede interviewed Ellie Trovato,  Exchange Officer at 1031 Corp, to learn more about 1031 exchanges. During our conversation, Ellie shared valuable insights about the benefits of 1031 exchanges and how they can help investors build wealth. Ellie highlighted the ability to defer capital gains taxes, diversify...

If There's a Will, There's a Way: Attorney Jay Kivitz

Feeling overwhelmed by the legal process of setting up a will and understanding how your real estate assets figure into the equation? In this podcast, seasoned agent Cecile and experienced attorney Jay Kivitz talk navigating the maze of wills and real estate assets. Learn the essential steps to create a will and how it can protect your family's financial future. Discover the power of planning ahead and understand how you can secure your legacy with a will by listening to this podcast or reac...

Financing as a First-Time Homebuyer

We sat down with David Frankel, VP of Guaranteed Rate to learn how prepare financially for buying a home for the first time! Purchasing a home can be an intimidating process, especially for first time homebuyers. With the right knowledge and preparation, however, it can be a rewarding experience. It is important to understand the basics of credit score, mortgage rates, and other financial considerations when buying a home.

The Golden Years Guide to Applying for Mortgages

Retirement doesn’t have to leave you behind. If you are currently or planning to retire in the near future and need mortgage help, our mortgage expert David Frankel spoke to us about the logistics of financing a smooth transition into your retirement. Whether you are upsizing, downsizing or relocating, the mortgage lender will take a look at your current income sources. That doesn’t just mean salary!  Even if you have completed your working years and you have other income coming in, we can w...

Don't Let Clutter Stop You from Downsizing! Let's Talk Smooth Transitions

Downsizing your home is a big project. It can be overwhelming, especially if you're not sure where to start. But don't worry—we've got you covered! In this episode of Real Estate Talk with The CSJ Team, our guest Hilary Jay of Department of Better will guide you through all the steps of downsizing your home, from organizing and staging to resale and moving. Are you thinking about downsizing? If so, there are many things to consider before making the leap. For example, how will you transiti...

23 Seconds or 2 Years: You Decide! Preventing Deed Fraud with Philly’s Fraud Guard Alert System

In this episode of Real Estate Talk, Mae Larimore tackles how you can prevent your property getting stolen from under your nose with Jim Leonard, the commissioner of records for the City of Philadelphia. If you have approximately 23 seconds to spare, signing up for Philly’s Fraud Guard you a long term (and expensive) headache! Read the full blog here

Soak Up the Sun: Let's Talk Solarize Philly

In this episode of Real Estate Talks, we are going solar! Catherine Gacki-Hartt sat down with Jacob Head of PosiGen, a certified vendor for the Solarize Philly Initiative. We discuss how start on your solar journey, how long it takes to get a return on investment and if your house is the right fit for solar power. Read our Full Blog Here and Learn How to Apply

The Best Way to Beat the Heat with an HVAC Specialist

With the summer heat coming in … hot, it’s time to talk HVAC! We sat down with Paul from Unique Indoor Comfort to learn all about temperature control, and how to best beat the heat this weekend! There are several types of HVAC that you’ll see when looking at homes across our region, from often cumbersome Conventional and High Velocity Systems to the more modern and environmentally friendly ductless Mini-Split System. Read the full blog here Here are the top take-aways from this podcast: ...

What's Under the Siding? The Secret Life of Cornices

As a homeowner, there are few things more daunting than receiving a notice from the city that your facade is in violation of License and Inspection codes. But don’t panic and think that you have to rebuild brick by brick from the ground up.  With the help of a design professional and a trusted contractor, the issue can be pinpointed and addressed with precision and expertise. In a historic city like Philadelphia, having someone who specializes in historic preservation can also be a huge leg...

America's Garden City: Greening Your Block with PHS' Chief of Healthy Neighborhoods

Did you know that Philly is also known as America’s Garden City? Listen to this episode thestellarchoice.com/podcast to find out more!  If you’re interested in green-ing your neighborhood, this podcast is well worth a listen! Our Agent Lydia Chen sat down with Julianne Schrader Ortega, who is the Chief of Healthy Neighborhoods at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. In this role, Julianne works in over 250 neighborhoods across the region to use gardening to help advance things that are ...

Right Down the Row: Understanding Your Row Home's Structural Integrity

Live in an old row home? Have you been staring at that crack in your drywall for the past year and you’re not sure if you should be freaking out? This episode of Real Estate Talk is perfect for you! Our newest agent Lydia Chen sat down with Melanie Rodbart of J&M Preservation Studio to discuss Philly’s row homes. Melanie has worked for 17 years on many national historic landmarks and Philadelphia’s row homes. In this episode, we cover everything from the history of row homes to how to look ...

How Emilie Went from 2 Suitcases 🛅 to 4 🏘 #PropertyInvestment

In this episode of Real Estate Talk, our agent Cecile sat down with her fellow Frenchwoman and Stellar Investment Client Emilie Theophile Catherine. Emilie moved from Paris to Philadelphia 12 years ago, and in the past four years she has built a stellar income producing property portfolio. She just signed on her fourth property last week (already rented, she’ll have you know) and is on the hunt for her fifth.  Emilie gives us so much insight into important tips and tricks that she has learn...

Real Estate Law: From Deeds to Disputes with Rich Weitzman, PC.

In this episode of Real Estate Talk with The CSJ Team, Cecile and Karen sit down with lawyer Rich Weitzman, who has over 25 years experience practicing Real Estate law.  We talk everything from the cost of wills, deed transfers, mediation, property disputes and more! Listen to answer your basic legal questions when it comes to real estate, and reach out to us or Rich if you have more follow up questions!

Talking Mortgages with Mae and Adam Funck!

How long does it take for your credit score to rebound from a late payment? How about buying a home as a gig or service worker? What about the paperwork that you need to have at hand while qualifying a mortgage? Our agent Mae Johnson sat down with Loan Officer Adam Funck, of Garden State Home Loans, to discuss all of these crucial questions when it comes to financing your dream home! The last thing you want is to fall in love with a house that you can't buy. So listen in and find out some o...

Designing Inside Out(side) with Mimi Leitzel

In this episode, the team sits down with interior designer Mimi Leitzel to discuss how the past year and a half has seen a trend of optimizing outdoor spaces out of necessity. How can you get the most bang (and zen) for your buck when it comes to your backyard, patio or rood deck.  Mimi Leitzel, founder of MCL Studios, has over 40 years of experience in the industry. This episode also features one of our new additions to the team, our stellar relocation agent, Catherine Gacki-Hartt. Here's...

City Plumbing

Welcome back to Real Estate Talk! Our City Plumbing Episode is the first in our series of interviews with contractors around the city of Philadelphia. Ryan Hughes, our guest, has an enormous company called City Plumbing.  Cecile met him in 2014, when he was barely starting the company. Currently he has about 30 people working with him and a fleet of 20 trucks. We spoke about a wide range of topics in plumbing ranging from the surge of PPE in our pipes to the virtues of tankless water heater...

Title Talk 102

Buying a property with a partner or partners may seem like a good idea at the time, but life changes. Join the CSJ Team and Megan Butterworth from Northwest Abstract to learn about the different ways of taking title and how to avoid future problems. How to contact Megan Butterworth Phone: 215.233.0888 Email: [email protected]

First Time Buyer Talk 101

Thomas, a first-time homebuyer, did his homework and found a STELLAR mortgage program.  Although banking regulations have changed due to COVID-19, there are lessons to be learned. An educated buyer will always be a winner.  Listen to the steps Thomas took and see how you could save thousands of dollars during the home buying process.

Finding The Right Realtor For You (Special COVID-19 Era Series)

Hi everybody, Once the stay-at-home mandate is lifted, the market is going to explode!  So, the CSJ team is launching a new podcast series: “Getting Ready For Your Next Transaction in COVID-19 Times.” Getting your house ready to sell, get pre-approved to buy… an enormous amount of work can be done right now!!! The CSJ Team is here to coach buyers and sellers now.  In this first episode, Cecile interviews Jeff, a first time buyer who just settled on Tuesday. (See the proud home buyer bel...

Staging Talk 101

In this episode we talk to Ali Kutner, stager extraordinaire, to discuss the benefits and process of the latest trend in home marketing. Listen to the end! She gives you the 69-cent tip to make your house listing ready!!!     http://sunflowercreationsonline.com/ Ali Kutner: 267-335-4290 Jenee Satterwhite, Funk Aesthetik Furniture & Home Décor Design Website:  www.funkaesthetik.com Instagram:  @funkaesthetik   Pierrette Montone Muralist & Painter Instagram:  @ohwellpierrette

Mortgage Talk 101

In this episode, Maryellen, Cecile and Karen talk with Maura McDonnell, mortgage advisor from Loan Depot, residential mortgage lender. Maura walks us through the mortgage process and surprises everyone with an outrageous settlement story! Maura McDonnell: (o): 610-687- 4507 (c): 610-291-1460 Email:     [email protected] Website: https://www.loandepot.com/mmcdonnell As part of our focus on the local Philadelphia arts, our team likes to ask our guests who is their favorite local artis...

Title Talk 101

Maryellen, Karen and Cecile take a behind-the-scenes tour with Mike Pio, Settlement Agent at Northwest Abstract. Mike explains the title company’s role in a real estate transaction and shares tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of a wire fraud. As part of our focus on the Philadelphia arts, our team asked Mike who his favorite local artist is and he chose Bruce Springsteen. Industry: Music Website: https://brucespringsteen.net/ Mike Pio Ph: 215-233-0888 Email: [email protected]...

Appraisal Talk

In this episode, Maryellen, Cecile and Karen talk with Iva Voorhees, "The Appraisal Lady." Iva demystifies the appraisal process and shares the tale of her most outrageous appraisal job. The police had to be called! Check out her website: https://appraiserladyllc.com/ As part of our focus on the Philadelphia arts, our team asked Iva who her favorite local artist is and she chose Joanne Barraclough Industry: Painter Website: http://barracloughart.com/

Appraisal Talk

In this episode, Maryellen, Cecile and Karen talk with Iva Voorhees, "The Appraisal Lady." Iva demystifies the appraisal process and shares the tale of her most outrageous appraisal job. The police had to be called! Check out her website: https://appraiserladyllc.com/ As part of our focus on the Philadelphia arts, our team asked Iva who her favorite local artist is and she chose Joanne Barraclough Industry: Painter Website: http://barracloughart.com/