April 2024 Week 1

Welcome to The Weekly Waffle!
While some would argue (myself included) that the term "waffle" as defined as "to speak or write without saying much important or useful" does not apply to this newsletter, I'm sticking with it because, well, I like the way it sounds an because... waffles! I'll make this intro brief because I'm gearing up (literally) to camp in Texas for few days. A group of almost 50 of us from all over are gathering to celebrate a dear friend's 50th birthday along the upcoming eclipse's path of totality! While I'm a very experienced car camper, this is the first time I've ever had to fly with camping gear, and those who have camped with me at all in the last ten years will tell you I am the opposite of a minimalist when it comes to my gear. But I'm proud to say I've assembled everything into one piece of checkable luggage and we'll see how it goes. Check out the links below for some good eclipse info and I'll see you back here next week! I'm sure I'll have lots of tales to tell from our adventure.

Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8th, beginning at 2:08pm Eastern, there will be a solar eclipse! Click the links below for info on the path of totality, safe viewing, where to get free eclipse glasses, and more. Free glasses:

Eclipse info from NASA
Local Info from Franklin Institute
Free glasses from Warby Parker or the Free Library

Real Estate

I'm going to keep the real estate talk light this week because I can get kind of worked up when consuming general media content about the NAR lawsuit (saw a NYTimes video online recently that had me practically sputtering, lol) and I'm short on time. Anyone else feel like they just end up working a ton the week before and after they take time off from work?? #worthit

Construction Started on Penn's Landing Park

The park over I-95 will be home to nearly 12 acres of parkland and connect Old City to the Delaware waterfront at Penn's Landing. After 
a 2-year delay, preliminary construction has begun on the long-awaited project. Click the link below for more info.
Courtesy of WHYY

Featured Local Business

Tell us a little bit about your business. 
I run a one man handyman/residential contracting business that includes painting, drywall repair, staining, power washing, light electrical work such as installing fixtures and outlets, light plumbing work such as faucet installation and toilet repair, carpentry (door, cabinet, and window installation), flooring, tile work, and other handyman services such as lock installation, furniture assembly, and TV mounting. Because I am a small business, I don't do large projects such as full remodels. Instead, I specialize in the small to mid-sized projects that aren't as profitable for larger contractors to take on. Because I got my start in the property management side of things, I have a lot of experience with punch lists and doing all the little things to get a property ready to rent or sell.

How did you get into it? 
Several years ago, I started working with my brother-in-law while he was the maintenance manager at a property management company. I loved working with my hands and got a lot of satisfaction from fixing things for people. During that time, I built up my skill set fixing the common issues that arise around a house or apartment. I also began to see the need for quality work at a fair price as I would often go into a property and notice how poorly the previous work had been done and hear how much the owner had been charged for that work. I decided to start my own business because I saw the opportunity in small to midsize jobs that larger companies and contractors didn't want to take on.

What do you like most about the work you do? 
I really enjoy the creative problem solving that comes from doing something different on each job. I tell people all the time that I get paid to play with grown up Legos.

You can contact Ben via phone at 484-538-6826 or email him at updegrovehomeservices@gmail.com.

See ya next time!

Liz Laramee

R.E. Salesperson
R.E. Support Specialist
M: 267.456.7682
O: 267.435.8015
1430 Walnut St, 3rd Fl
Philadelphia, PA 19102
liz.laramee@compass.com

Office: 646-982-0353

Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.