All Forum Posts by: Nancy L.

@Troy Sheets

 Thank you! :) Glad you'll be able to make it!

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Hi BP! My post was taken down about our upcoming Developers' Network meeting -- I didn't realize I wasn't supposed to post event invites in this section, sorry! I've posted about the program before, and believe I've caught most of the BP'ers interested. If not, you know where to find me!

If this is the first you're hearing of it, this program is spearheaded by Philly Office Retail to support the revitalization of the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia by providing mentorship, financial resources, and networking opportunities to residential investors. I'm the coordinator of the networking part.

Sounds great! I'm planning to be there and will look forward to it. :)

@Troy Sheets

 Thanks! Can't take credit for the idea which came from someone else in the group. This is my new favorite thing about having a group of people focused on the same set goals... other people having great ideas! 

Small developers working in the different Philly neighborhoods tend not to all know each other, losing a lot of potential for collaborative problem solving, etc. Addressing this is the idea behind this group.

@John Matthews

 Yes I do try to keep up with the times! :)

@Charles Worth Agreed! Active neighbors can make all the difference in up and coming areas.

@John Matthews haha that's funny! I wasn't using it much at all until lately! It can be kinda a time suck.... I should prob go back to sitting in my cave writing messages to ppl on stone tablets soon before it's too late! :-p This group has been interesting tho.

Hi All,

A Facebook group of mine (Jumpstart Germantown) for investors in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia has a lot of residents contributing vacant property addresses in need of rehab. The idea is to get some of these eyesores turned into lovely homes for the residents here! Could be a good resource for those of you who use the strategy of tracking down distressed property owners... 

Also seems like a great idea in general, whatever area you're in!!! The neighbors know where these homes are (and are sick of looking at them). They also often know a little info on background, whether someone's living there, etc.

Ppl are using #blightalert to make this more searchable: https://www.facebook.com/groups/jumpstartgermantow...

@John Matthews Thanks for the idea! That actually rings a bell. I believe someone I know negotiated a sale with an owner, in which he also negotiated down the debt with the city in order to make the purchase work. A good idea for sure if doable! I don't know how this particular person managed to be so successful in his various negotiations with city agencies, etc, or whether others can do the same? (I even hear he was successful with the PPA once, but perhaps this is an urban legend...)

In general, I far prefer the idea of working directly with the owner whenever possible rather than trying to go through city bureaucracy.

@Kevin Delaney My understanding is that L&I has been out more than once.