checklists

Your 2026 Philadelphia Property Tax Bill Is Here — What to Check

Jim Armstrong Market Education , ,
Philadelphia Property Taxes

Philadelphia property tax bills have been issued, which makes now a good time for homeowners to do a quick review before they are paid either directly or through your mortgage company (due March 31st).

Some things worth checking:

  • Does the assessed value look reasonable?
  • Is your homestead exemption applied, if eligible?
  • Has your tax abatement expired, if applicable?
  • Any unexpected changes from last year?

If you have not applied for one of Philadelphia’s tax relief programs, there is a new 5-in-1 application that works for any of the available programs offered by the city. Find it here.

What Homeowners Should Do Now If They Want to Sell This Spring

Jim Armstrong Selling in Philadelphia , ,
What Homeowners Should Do

If you’re thinking about selling your home this spring, January and February are actually the smartest times to start preparing.

Homes that sell quickly and for strong prices in March, April, and May usually started with quiet preparation in advance. Here’s exactly what homeowners should focus on now to set themselves up for a smoother, more profitable sale when the spring market heats up.

1. Get Clear on Your Timeline (Even If It’s Flexible)

You don’t need an exact listing date yet—but you do need a general window.

Ask yourself:

  • Are you aiming for early spring or late spring?
  • Do you need to buy before you sell, or sell first?
  • Are there school, work, or life milestones to plan around?

Clarity now allows everything else—pricing, prep, and strategy—to fall into place.

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26 Ways Philadelphia Homeowners Can Save Money in 2026

Jim Armstrong Market Education , ,
26 Ways Homeowners Can Save Money

With costs rising and budgets feeling tighter, many homeowners are looking for ways to save money in 2026—without making drastic changes or sacrificing quality of life.

The good news? Saving money as a homeowner is about stacking small, smart decisions involving:

  • Tax and insurance reviews most people overlook
  • Mortgage strategies that can lower monthly payments
  • Simple energy and utility savings
  • Maintenance habits that prevent expensive repairs

Here are 26 practical ways Philadelphia homeowners can reduce costs this year, organized into four categories:

Housing & Taxes

1. File for the Homestead Exemption (if you haven’t).
This can significantly reduce your taxable assessed value. Learn more here >

2. Appeal your property tax assessment if it feels high.
Many homeowners never challenge assessments—even when they’re inaccurate.

3. Track when your tax abatement ends and plan ahead.
Knowing when costs increase helps avoid budget shock.

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How to Prepare Your Home for Winter in Philadelphia

Jim Armstrong Market Education , ,
prepare your home for winter in Philadelphia

Prepare your home for winter in Philadelphia by maintaining the following:

1. Heating:
Replace the filter on forced hot-air systems, have a licensed HVAC technician service your furnace, and have a licensed chimney contractor ensure there is no blockage or creosote build-up from wood stoves or fireplaces.

Keep your heat above 55 degrees so water pipes within the walls don’t freeze, rotate ceiling fans clockwise to bring warm air down, and maintain pellet and wood-burning stoves per manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Roof & gutters:
Inspect your roof and coat it roof every five years to extend it’s life. Clear leaves and debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent ice dams or cycles that can fall, and ensure gutters direct water away from walking paths and the foundation.

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What are the Best First-time Home Buyer Tips?

Jim Armstrong Buying in Philadelphia , ,
best first-time home buyer tips

1. Save money
You’ll need to pay your down-payment (some loan programs offer as little as 3%), closing costs (3-5% of sale price), and escrow for insurance and taxes.

2. Improve your credit score
Make payments on time and don’t open new lines of credit or make major purchases—a higher credit score can equal a lower interest rate.

3. Get pre-approved
Shop around for the best loan deal and get it in writing (interest rate and any associated fees). You’ll need this letter when you make an offer. Local lenders often provide great, personalized service at competitive rates.

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