Doc Magrogran's Oyster House, 117East Gay Street, West Chester, PA  19380 www.docmagrogans.com I took a friend to Doc's tonight for her birthday.  We were pleasantly surprised to learn that tonight was all you can eat king crab legs for $19.99.  They were wonderful. The daily specials include: Sunday:  $10 burgers , $5 doc's Bloody Marys and $4 Mimosas Monday:  $1 Raw Oysters, $1 PBR Pounders and $4 Classic Mojitos* Tuesday: Dozen Littleneck Steamers or P.E.I. Mussels for $6, $2 Millers Lite and Miller High Life Wednesdays:  All you can East Snow Crab Legs for $19.99, $3 Coronas (I wasn't made aware of this... that would have been a nice touch), $3 Sierra Nevadas* & $2 Yeungling Thursday:  Live Bands 10 PM to 2 AM, $5 Fishbowls* 10 PM to 12 AM, $2 Miller Lite Drafts and $3 Three Olive... 06/18/2008

This update announces the guidelines for FHA's Risk Based Premium model. For the first time in history, FHA will take credit scores into account. These guidelines are effective as of July 14th, 2008. At the bottom of the page is a link to the full update.   The 10 primary guideline changes are as follows:   1. Borrowers need either no score, or at least 500, to get a LTV >90%; see matrix below.  2. Borrowers with a score less than 500 get a maximum LTV of 90%. 3. Borrowers without scores will require manual underwriting. 4. Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premiums will range from 1.25% - 2.25%, based on score. 5. The Monthly Mortgage Insurance will range from .50% to .55% depending on score. 6. The premium is based on the borrower with the lowest score.  7. If one of the borrowers has no sco... 06/13/2008

HE DID IT!!  Michael Mangigian, my first baby, graduated from high school! It was a beautiful ceremony, held outside on a spectacular summer evening. The procession was lead by our armed forces.  Next came the school board representatives, one of them a fellow Realtor at RE/MAX preferred, Jim Davision.  He calls me Suzie, I call him Uncle Jimmy.  Next came the staff. Last and certainly not least came the happy, excited graduates. There were a lot of very nice speeches, most short and sweet.  The best speech, by far, was given by the class Valedictorian, Matthew Young.  This young man is very impressive and is going places.  He talked about his parents and how they came to this country so he could have a better life.  He spoke about gratitude and accountability.  He spoke about how to be... 06/12/2008

Price Class Houses Sold SF Condos Sold Condo   # of Bedrooms Total # of Bedrooms Total   0-2 3 4+ Sales 0-2 3 4+ Sales No Price Reported       0       0 $49,999 or Under       0       0 $50,000 - $99,999       0       0 $100,000 - $149,999 2     2 2     2 $150,000 - $199,999 2     2 3     3 $200,000 - $249,999 2     2 1     1 $250,000 - $299,999       0       0 $300,000 - $349,999   1   1       0 $350,000 - $399,999     1 1       0 $400,000 - $449,999   1 1 2       0 $450,000 - $499,999       0       0 $500,000 - $549,999     1 1       0 $550,000 - $599,999     1 1       0 $600,000 - $649,999       0       0 $650,000 - $699,999     1 1   1   1 $700,000 - $749,999       0       0 $750,000 - $799,999       0       0 $800,000 - $849,999       0       0 $850,000 - $899,999       0       0 ... 06/11/2008

How fun this is, what a party town!  Last night I was at Swinging Thursdays, two really good bands played, it was hard to decide which place to stop and listen.  Thought you would like this POST. In case you need something to do the weekend of the 7th and 8th of June......... West Chester Business Improvment DistrictJune 5, 2008   Get ready for a SUPER Weekend in Downtown West Chester! June 5th Swingin' Summer Thursdays Kick off SUMMER with the first Swingin' Summer Thursday event!  This month, it's the music of the Barbone Street Jazz Band, and Melissa Martin and the Mighty Rythem Kings!  Enjoy cafe' dining, crafters, food vendors, and entertainment for the whole family.     June 6th Gallery Walk Spend an evening discovering the downtown galleries, "one night only" art shows, and the m... 06/05/2008

I had lunch at Cafe Menta, located at The Art Scene with my friend Miriam Cash.  The Art Scene is a great art gallery located at 530 E. Union Street, West Chester, PA UPDATE:  10/31/08, sadly, I spoke with Miriam and the Art Scene is closed.  I really hate to see small business like this close. They are participating in First Friday this week.  They are having a reception from 6:30 to 9:00 featuring two collections by Courtne Retzlaff. Here is the link for the calendar of happenings: http://www.theartsscene.org/calendar.php My friend Miran is an interesting lady.  She has her own company, Equilibrium.  Miriam offers her clients services to help them simplify their lives.  She can help with things like closet organization, wardrobe design, home decorating projects, decluttering, etc.   M... 06/05/2008

Kick off Super Weekend!   The biggest weekend of the summer begins with Swingin' Summer Thursday on Gay Street starting at 6:30 pm.   According to http://www.downtownwestchester.com/, Swingin' Summer Thursdays are free and take place on the 1st Thursday of June, July, August, and September. This Thursday, you'll enjoy the Barbone Street Jazz Band & Melissa Martin & the Mighty Rhythm Kings as well as lots of food booths and activities for the family. Also on Thursday evening, while you are walking around our beautiful town, Chester County Historical Society will have over 1,000 pieces of art on display at CCHS from Fern Hill, East Goshen, Glen Acres, Hillsdale and Penn Wood.  There will be refreshments, goodies, and great art!   This even is also free to the public!  For additional infor... 06/03/2008

East Goshen Township, Chester County Pa Average Sold Prices March 2008 A 2 Year Comparative Analysis of Average Sold and Median Sold Prices for East Goshen Township in Chester County Pa from March 2006 to March 2008. East Goshen Township Pa Average Sold and Median Sold Prices for March 2006 to March 2008 March 2006 Average Sold Prices - $328,033/Average Days On Market- 52 March 2007 Average Sold Prices - $369,241/Average Days On Market - 64   Read more about March 2008 Average Sold and Median Sold Prices for East Goshen Township at Main Line Pa Today... East Goshen Township, Pennsylvania- Average Sold Prices March 2008 06/01/2008

West Chester Pa 19380, Chester County welcomes Jennifer Aniston and costar Owen Wilson on location filming their latest Hollywood Movie on location for "Marley & Me". Jennifer and the Hollywood production crews will be in West Chester. They are filming some snow scenes for the movie in the quaint town of West Chester around the High & Gay Street area near Kildare's restaurant. The town is the heart of the county government, West Chester University, great art galleries, shops and restaurants. QVC Network Studio is minutes from downtown West Chester located in the West Goshen Brandywine Business Park at 1200 Wilson Drive. Come visit West Chester. West Chester is located about 40-45 minutes southwest outside the city of Philadelphia. A short drive to Valley Forge National Park, shopping a... 05/20/2008

West Chester will be home to a film crew for the next few days, and lucky residents may catch a glimpse of Jennifer Aniston or Owen Wilson as they film scenes for the upcoming release of "Marley and Me." (They were actually shooting winter scenes, using faux snow -- what I will coin as "snaux" -- a far cry from the previous shooting in Miami, FL!) As exciting as something like this is, it also comes with a few hassles:  Traffic and parking will be disrupted.  Here is a schedule of the remaining detours and disruptions that you may encounter if you live or work in the area: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 (Traffic) Entire Borough parking Lot # 10 will be closed to the public from noon until 0200 hrs. of May 21, 2008. West Gay Street will be closed from High Street, west to New Street from 1400 to ... 05/19/2008

It is OPEN.....4 gorgeous model homes, the latest and greatest 55plus neighborhood right here in West Goshen, PA.  The staff and salespeople couldn't be better and the building quality...........! This neighborhood is going to be the PLACE TO LIVE.  and it is the talk of the town.  A new beginning, a lifestyle change, with NO children for the 55plus from the area to stay right here in their own area and get a new house with new friends and a new lifestyle.     05/18/2008

Ok, I was just playing around on some google searches and I like to eat. and who doesn't????? What a great website for "foodies" http://www.westchestermenu.com/ Also, on http://www.frequentfoodies.com you can get coupons. Also, went out to lunch on Friday with some "Out of Towners" to Limoncello.  They have a fabulous buffet lunch for $8.95 including drink of the best italian food I have ever tasted!  The meatballs were definitely home made. 05/18/2008

RE/MAX PREFERRED With two offices to better serve Delaware County, Chester County and the Main Line. Newtown Square office The RE/MAX Building, 12 St. Alban's Circle, Newtown Square, PA  19073 West Chester Office Goshen Executive Center, 1450 E. Boot Road, Suite 600-A, West Chester, PA  19380 Should you, or any of your family or friends need assistance with any real estate needs, please refer them to me at RE/MAX Preferred and know that they will be treated professionally and courteously throughout the entire process. Think warm weather, sunny skies and a wonderful real estate market! 05/15/2008

Many buyers and sellers have asked my opinion on the Real Estate market.  My experience here in the Philadelphia Main Line has been more positive than negative.  The old adage " If priced right, it will sell" is all too true right now.  An example of this is a listing I had in Chester county, listed about $15,000 higher than its comps, A+ condition, decorated impeccably with warm colors and staged superbly brought 3 offers within the first week and sold for asking price with no contingencies on the home inspection.  I had been advised by local agents to list the property lower and was requested by the sellers to "try it " higher.  We did and to their advantage were successful.  Since it is still more a buyers market and the market is full of high priced homes, it is to the advantage of ... 05/14/2008

This is going to be a very happening weekend!  The Chester County Hospital May Festival will be held at the Goshen Fair Grounds all weekend.  That is a very big event, fun filled with crafts, rides, food...... Sure to be a winner. The other biggie in West Chester is the GRAND OPENING of the new 55plus active adult lifestyle community in the heart of West Goshen.  A lot of people have been waiting for this.  The biggest complaint for new home 55plus places is that they are "TOO FAR OUT".  Not this one! The ARBOURS of West Goshen is opening 2 out of its 4 models and NEW homes will be available for summer occupancy. These are the best new homes!  First floor master bedrooms, it will be so nice to live in this suburban area with easy to get to DOWNTOWN, lots of parks and recreational areas,... 05/13/2008

Belle Voix Jazz Concert and Wine Tasting This Sunday, May 18th 3:00 p.m.Join us at the Cultural Center at the Chester County Historical Society for a wonderful afternoon of jazz and wine. Belle Voix a powerful jazz ensemble will be performing accompanying a wine tasting by Chadds Ford Winery. Tickets are $20.00 per person. Call today to reserve your seat!  Sunday, May 18th 3:00 p.m. Cultural Center at the Chester County Historical Society Location225 North High StreetWest Chester PA 19380610-692-4800 05/12/2008

Call 1-888-905-3726 today for your free report!!  www.stoprentingalready.com www.stoprentingalready.com 05/08/2008

Last Monday I had the privilege to be invited to the 25th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.  I was invited by a lovely woman named Evelyn Ward, who helps organize the East Goshen group of volunteers.  She's a fascinating lady... took flying lessons at age 65, where she met and married the love of her life.  She was married to him for 10 years before he passed away and she tells me it was the happiest time in her life.  Meeting Evelyn and hearing about her life was just the first of many benefits to me of volunteering to bring hot lunches to people every Thursday.  Jeani Purcell, another wonderful woman, jointly oversees our little group of volunteers.  Another benefit to me is that I get to hug some very cute elderly people.  They are happy to see me and I am happy to see them.  T... 04/27/2008

 I can't remember when I was more excited about an election.  It wasn't long ago, sadly, that it was impossible for little girls, African Americans or minorities to imagine that they could grow up and be president.   Now, in one fell swoop, we have an extremely intelligent and articulate woman and a handsome, intelligent and charismatic African American man running for the highest office in our country.  I am so excited that my 18 year old son also got to vote for the first time today.  He's an Obama man, as most young Democrats seem to be.   I am so proud of him for getting out there and doing his civic duty.  Ours is a house divided.  I am a lifelong Democrat, my husband a dyed in the wool Republican.  You can imagine that discussions get a little heated around here.  My children were... 04/22/2008

I am putting a team together to walk in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Philadelphia this Mother's Day.  I have rented a bus that will seat 24 people and I'm hoping I can fill it with like minded people for an inspirational day of hope down in Philadelphia.  My home page link is http://rfcphl.convio.net/site/TR?team_id=21300&fr_id=1020&pg=team.  This will be the third time I am walking and I am really looking forward to it.  If you are local to West Chester and want to be on the bus, email me directly and I'll give you the details!An old friend of mine is a breast cancer survivor.  I ran into her a few years ago when I went to the race.  I hugged her and we talked for a minute before I realized that she was wearing pink.  I hugged her again and we both had tears in our eyes.  Sh... 04/20/2008