Local News and Events

 Philadelphia’s transfer tax is going up on July 1As of July 1, the city’s portion of real estate transfer tax will increase from 3.278% to 3.578%. The state will remain at 1%, resulting in a total of 4.578% for transactions in Philadelphia. Even if your transaction happens before July 1, if you don’t register the deed before July 1, the new transfer tax rate will apply.Source: Philadelphia Inquirer; 6/13/2025The City of Philadelphia has some of the highest transfer taxes in the country. The transfer tax is typically split equally between the buyer and the seller at the time of final settlement.  What renters and landlords need to know about changes to security depositsPhiladelphia City Council passed two key housing bills on June 12, setting the stage for them to become law in the comi... 07/01/2025

I received a call a month or so ago asking me if I’d be interested in filling in at the Kalispell Visitor (Information) Center while the current Visitor Service Coordinator went on vacation. Sure! How fun is that? Of course, I didn’t know exactly what kinds of things happened at the Kalispell Visitor Center so here’s what I found out. The Visitor Center answers all kinds of questions that visitors or relocation individuals would like to know. Things like: Are you interested in information about Glacier National Park? For example, when do you need a special entrance pass, and when don’t you? How long does it take to drive from the West side of the park to the East side? What hiking trails are available, and where are they? Are they easy? Is there a shuttle through the park? What are the ... 07/01/2025

What’s happening for the 4th of July in Leisure World Maryland and Montgomery County Leisure World Community Events4th of July ParadeWhen: Friday, July 4 — 9 AM to ~10 AMWhere: Clubhouse I & II, N. Leisure World Blvd (around 3300–3700 block) Highlights: A classic neighborhood parade with floats, residents, and community decor.This year’s Grand Marshal is a distinguished retired Navy nurse, honored for her service to the community  Leisure World Chorale PerformanceWhen: Morning or midday on July 4 (exact time TBD)What to Expect: The Chorale will present patriotic favorites and other selections, showcasing the talents of local singers  Nearby Festivities in Montgomery CountyLeisure World is well-poised to enjoy nearby community celebrations, ideal for extending Independence Day fun: Germa... 07/01/2025

Relocating for Aerospace or STEM at Auburn? Here’s Where to LiveMoving to Auburn to join the Aerospace Engineering or Advanced STEM faculty? You’re not just looking for a house—you’re looking for a smart investment, quality construction, and a location that fits your demanding schedule.• Many STEM faculty relocate from large metro areas and expect thoughtful design, energy efficiency, and refined finishes.• I help technical professionals navigate our market, evaluate appreciation potential, and purchase with tenure-track flexibility in mind.• Woodward Oaks, The Ledges, and East Lake offer modern, high-end homes just minutes from campus.• Bonus: I know which builders cut corners—and which ones don’t. You’ll get honest guidance from the start.Let’s find a home that’s as solid and strategi... 07/01/2025

Patjens Lakes Loop Trail is a Moderate Hike in the Mt. Washington Wilderness For those who are looking for a Bear grass hike in Central Oregon, Patjens Lakes Loop Trail is hard to beat the end of June 2025. When hikers leave Hwy 20 to drive to the paved trailhead near the end of Big Lake Road, blooming Bear grass can be seen on each side of the road, a great indicator that the hike has a significant amount of it seen during the trek. Patjens Lakes Loop Trail runs adjacent to Big Lake at Santiam Pass before it leaves the lake to run south into the Mt. Washington Wilderness where it skirts the 4 small Patjens Lakes before returning to the starting point next to Big Lake. There are still signs of the B & B complex fire of 2003 which burned over 90,000 acres in the Mt Washington and Mt Jef... 06/30/2025

About Port Royal Famously named for the infamous Jamaican pirate haven, Port Royal is nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, a treasured neighborhood in Naples, FL. The real estate of Port Royal is made up of estate-sized residences that share a western border with the Gulf of Mexico, providing a restful environment for enjoyable walks on the beach. For its great location, there are plenty of attractions near Port Royal, including Rookery Bay and Cambier Park.  Continue to read to find out the best of calling Port Royal home, and all it holds in store for prospective residents. Location of Port Royal The neighborhood of Port Royal is located south of Downtown Naples. The Gulf of Mexico is bounded by Port Royal, known for its luxurious waterfront homes, many with direct access to either the G... 06/30/2025

Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights  The Maryland Tenants' Bill of Rights is a document outlining tenant protections, required to be included in all new residential leases starting July 1, 2025. Developed by the Office of Tenant and Landlord Affairs, it ensures tenants are informed of their rights, many of which have been part of Maryland law but are now explicitly included in leases. This includes rights to safe and healthy housing, return of security deposits, and protection from retaliatory actions by landlords.   Key Provisions: Right to Safe and Healthy Housing: Tenants have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment, with landlords obligated to address hazards and make necessary repairs.   Security Deposit: Landlords must return security deposits (no more than one month's re... 06/30/2025

Summer Fun~ 2025 Aloha Plunge in Carlsbad ~ Don’t miss your opportunity to celebrate the 2025 summer season with the Aloha Plunge on Saturday July 19th, from 5 to 8 PM. It’s a fun event for kids and parents! The Aloha Plunge will be held as always at the Alga Norte Community Park Aquatics Center. Alga Norte Community Park is at 6565 Alicante Road, at the corner of Poinsettia Lane, in the La Costa area of South Carlsbad.  The Aloha Plunge is limited to 500 attendees and registrations usually fill up quickly. The cost is $15 per person, with children ages 3 and under FREE (but must be identified at check-out online). Register online, and get your wrist bands now so you don't miss out. Tickets are on sale now with over 200 already registered. Ticket sales end July 18 at 5 pm. You can pick ... 06/30/2025

Hit the road again and visited Live Oaks Community Church, 12070 CR 103Oxford, FL 34484 (behind Walmart on 466).  I had an interview set up with Steve Clarke the Worship Pastor, past client, and friend who I wanted to hear about a special July 4th event at the church.  On Friday July 4th at 4:30 pm the church is having “One Nation Under God Musical Tribute.”  Steve tells us it will be an hour-long presentation with hot dogs and other refreshments after the show.Live Oaks Community Church is known to many as the golf cart church with the outdoor Jumbotron, golf cart access and parking called the Grove.   The church is know for their “Come to The Light” one of a kind Christmas light and sound experience in December at the Grove and many other events throughout the year.Here is their websi... 07/01/2025

 ☀️🎆 JUNE 30–JULY 6 at Arrowhead Lake! 🎇🏖️It’s the most patriotic week of the year and Arrowhead Lake is the place to be! 🇺🇸🏡 Fireworks, family fun, and lakeside memories are in full swing!🚤 Boating, fishing, kayaking & paddleboarding all week long🎶 Live music, BBQs & community events🌲 Nature trails, ATV adventures & s’mores by the campfire🎆 4th of July Fireworks Show – Don’t miss it!📍 Arrowhead Lake is your summer escape in the Poconos!Ready to make it your home away from home? Let us help!📞 RE/MAX Property Specialists 570.972.2940 🏠🌊🔥🎆🇺🇸 06/30/2025

Routine Mosquito SurveillanceDuring the spring and summer, Flower Mound Environmental Services actively monitors mosquito activity throughout the town. Mosquito traps are routinely set on a rotating basis, ensuring that each area of the town is sampled for West Nile virus once every four weeks. To maximize coverage, new traps are placed weekly and positioned approximately one mile apart whenever feasible. This systematic approach allows town staff to effectively track and manage mosquito populations. Flower Mound residents can receive free Mosquito Traps by visiting the Town Hall. Response to Positive Mosquito SamplesWhen a mosquito is found to be positive for carrying the West Nile virus, the Town of Flower Mound takes swift action to mitigate the risk of disease transmission. A licens... 06/30/2025

Red, White & Boom!Your Guide To Charlotte Area's Best July 4th Fireworks🎆🎉🧨🎇 There’s something timeless about watching fireworks on the Fourth of July—the way the night sky erupts in color, the distant echo of each boom, and the shared wonder that brings people together. It's been said that fireworks are poetry written across the night sky. “It’s Fourth of July weekend, or, as I call it, Exploding Christmas.”... Stephen Colbert In the Charlotte, NC area, the tradition is alive and thriving, with dazzling displays lighting up the skyline from Uptown Charlotte to surrounding towns like Matthews, Gastonia, Lake Wylie, Fort Mill. Whether you’re packed into a city park or lounging by the water, fireworks are more than just entertainment—they’re a symbol of celebration, freedom, and unity. Wi... 07/01/2025

🌵Events in the East Valley ~ 7-7-25 ☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian Mesa Night MarketThis night market will showcase local food vendors and a variety of anime/retail vendors at this Asian food festival. This food festival is about highlighting the diversity of food and an opportunity for small businesses to show their culture through their food.  To learn more about this event, click HERE. I specialize in the East Valley of the Phoenix Metro area - Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, Apache Junction, and Gold Canyon☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian 07/07/2025

If you been in The Villages long enough you will remember the Sweet Bay Supermarket at Lake Sumter, liked that store.  Next came Winn Dixie which I did like that store as well and it was convenient when heading home from the Brownwood area north.  Many people living between the 6’s depended on that Winn Dixie store for either grocery shopping or a quick pick up for an item or two.  Well, the wait is over, July 10th we have our grocery store at Lake Sumter back!This will be the fourth Aldi store in and around The Villages and shopping at the other three stores I know the stores are generally busy.  Shopping at Aldi’s is different, some people like it others maybe not, either way it is there and for many a quick golf cart ride to the store.The store has big plans for the Grand Opening and... 07/02/2025

4th of July, Today we celebrate Independence Day 2025. As Americans we like to celebrate the things that make us special.  We have cake with numbered candles on our birthdays.  We have the World Series and Superbowl to celebrate championship athletes.   And we have the best reason of all to celebrate as Americans – our freedom! July 4th is a combination of many of the things we hold dear to us, things that make us special.  It’s the birthday of our nation, our freedom and a time to thank those superior “athletes” our soldiers.  Our celebrations include hot dogs, watermelon and of course an evening of fireworks.-         Sally Crane Take some time to enjoy the Fourth of July Festivities. 07/04/2025

Happy Fourth to all you Rainers.  Here are some interesting facts about the the Fourth. Bill The Fourth of July is Americana at its core: parades and cookouts and cold beer and, of course, fireworks. Those pyrotechnics also make it an especially dangerous holiday, typically resulting in more than 10,000 trips to the emergency room. Yet fireworks remain at the center of Independence Day, a holiday 247 years in the making. Here are five things to know about July Fourth, including the origin of the holiday and how fireworks became part of the tradition. What’s the origin of Independence Day? The holiday celebrates the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. One yea... 07/04/2025

MY PLAN: How Citizens in The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan Can Fight Back Against Unwanted Bike LanesIf the city is pushing bike lanes against public will while exploiting cognitive dissonance, here’s how opponents can effectively resist:1. Gather & Present Hard DataChallenge the city’s narrative with facts:Conduct independent traffic counts (e.g., set up cameras or manual tallies) to prove low bike lane usage.FOIA requests for:Cost breakdowns (installation, maintenance, lost parking revenue).Accident data (do bike lanes actually improve safety?).Pre- and post-installation traffic flow studies.Compare Kalamazoo to failed bike lane projects in other cities.Example Argument:*"You claim these lanes are ‘well-used,’ but our data shows only 12 bikes per day—why spend $500,000 on empty concrete... 06/29/2025

 Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Auburn & Opelika (2025 Guide)Looking for the best spots to celebrate Independence Day near Auburn and Opelika, Alabama? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Lee County lights up for the 4th of July with epic fireworks, food, music, and good old-fashioned fun. Here’s your guide to the top events happening in 2025! 1. Auburn’s Independence Day Celebration at Duck Samford Stadium 1840 E Glenn Ave, Auburn, ALThis is Auburn’s biggest July 4th bash—and it’s a local favorite for a reason. Fireworks begin around 9:00 p.m. Live music, food trucks, and family activities kick off earlier in the evening Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a little patience—parking fills up quickly!  2. Opelika Freedom Celebration at the Sportsplex Opelika Sportsplex & Aquat... 06/29/2025

🥗Catholic Charities - 2009☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email BrianInspired by posts that I see from others, I wanted to begin a weekly series of resources for people in need who are in the East Valley.  I think continuing to research this weekly series will also help me to discover what is out there for those in need.Created in 2009. What does poverty look like today? See what Catholic Charities is doing to help. "What we do for the least among us...benefits us all." The video below is from October 3, 2011.” To learn more, click HERE.☀️For ALL of Your East Valley AZ Real Estate Needs📞Call or 🙋‍♂Text Brian at 480-773-2370📨Email Brian  ~  Search the MLS for FREE 07/06/2025

5 Ugly Truths About Buying a Home in 2025 (Auburn Edition) This market is not for the faint of heart—especially in Auburn, AL. Here are the cold, hard truths buyers need to know before diving in:• Interest rates? Still all over the place. No one—not even your mortgage guy—has a crystal ball.• Inventory? Low. Like, blink-and-it’s-gone low.• List price? That’s just the starting bid in many cases.• Dream homes? Fenced yards, modern kitchens—they’re hot competition.• Seller credits? Not happening like they used to. If you’re buying in Auburn in 2025, you need a real strategy—not just Zillow scrolling. I help buyers get ahead by acting fast, making strong offers, and knowing where to compromise without losing the deal.Text or call me at 334-332-7263 before you start shopping. I’ll help you a... 06/29/2025