When we were looking to buy, I looked up recent sales on the blocks and surrounding blocks of the houses I was interested in. Sure, our agent could give us listings and comps, but I really preferred to do a lot of the research myself and BRT was helpful in that respect. It's also helpful if you want to see how many houses are owned by rental companies, how long people have owned on the block, how much turnover there's been in the past few years, etc. It's not all perfect information but does help paint a picture.

Just a concerned citizen who continues to watch in disbelief as to how Philly and PA gov't stumble over themselves to push businesses and residents out of the city no matter how strong the demographic forces might otherwise be in its favor.

As the city controller put it best, Philly gov't consistently kills each golden goose before it ever has a chance to lay any golden eggs.

The BRT real estate tax fiasco is one example, although apparently the same crapola is going on in the counties based on what you are embroiled in.

Thought for the day: when the city touts 10 year tax abatements to spur additional housing demand allowing development to blossum, it is the underlying taxes that squelch demand and hold back city redevelopment.

Under the present BRT plan, the drive is out with the old (residents) and in with the new (shiny, happy yuppies -- although in many neighborhoods, even shiny, happy yuppies won't be able to afford the revised taxes). IMHO, that is not a policy a gov't should adhere to or even allow.