Jess Carpenter Real Estate Advisor

Jess Carpenter Real Estate Advisor Jess Carpenter is a Real Estate Advisor with Elfant Wissahickon Realtors, a public speaker and coach.

09/25/2026

Philadelphia homeowners: is your property assessment wrong?

October 5 is the deadline to file a formal appeal of a 2027 Philadelphia market value assessment.

And an assessment appeal isn’t the same thing as applying for property-tax relief.

One challenges the value the City assigned to the property. Tax-relief programs may change what an eligible homeowner actually pays.

I break down the difference and what homeowners should look at before the deadline.

09/24/2026

Is staying in your home actually cheaper than assisted living?

A paid-off house is not the same thing as free housing.

If you’re comparing staying home with assisted living or another senior-living option, look at the full cost of both choices.

At home, that may include:
property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, repairs, lawn care, housekeeping, transportation, and any help you choose to bring into the home.

In assisted living, the monthly cost may include some combination of:
housing, meals, housekeeping, transportation, activities, maintenance, and support services, depending on the community.

The better question is:

What does each option actually cost me, and what does that cost include?

Staying home can be the right choice.
Moving can be the right choice.

The goal is to compare the real numbers and understand your options before making a decision.

Jess Carpenter, Realtor®
Elfant Wissahickon Realtors
Philadelphia • Montgomery County • Bucks County

09/23/2026

Should you downsize before you retire?
Not automatically.
Retirement is not the reason to move.
The question is whether the house still works for you.
What does it really cost to maintain?
Do the stairs or layout still make sense?
Could a few changes make staying easier?
Would a smaller house actually save money?
Would another location put you closer to the people and things that matter?
Sometimes staying is the right choice.
Sometimes downsizing is.
And sometimes the better word is rightsizing.
Planning does not mean deciding to move.
It means understanding your options before making the decision.

09/22/2026

Is there actually a “best week” to buy a home in Philadelphia?

According to Realtor.com’s 2026 research, there may be.

For the Philadelphia metro, September 27 through October 3 historically brings an interesting combination:

More homes to choose from.

Less buyer competition.

Homes staying on the market longer.

And listing prices below their seasonal peak.

But I would not buy a house just because a report says this is the best week.

A good house in a popular neighborhood can still get plenty of attention.

And another house fifteen miles away might have been sitting for weeks.

The research tells you something about the overall opportunity.

The house you are actually considering tells you how you should approach the deal.

That distinction matters.

09/22/2026

What if you have more house than you need—but you don't necessarily want to move?
Pennsylvania has a program you may not know about.
It's called SHARE — Shared Housing and Resource Exchange.
Someone with extra space is matched with someone looking for housing.
The person moving in gets a private bedroom and shares agreed-upon common areas.
In exchange, they may contribute toward household expenses, help with agreed-upon things around the house, or both.
And this isn't just finding a random roommate online.
A SHARE Housing Counselor helps with screening, matching, a written agreement, a trial living period and ongoing support.
SHARE is currently available in Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
It's not currently listed in Philadelphia.
Is sharing your home for everybody?
Absolutely not.
But if you're thinking about moving because you're living alone in more house than you need, it's worth knowing another option exists.

09/16/2026

Are home prices dropping in Philadelphia?

Not exactly. But the market is changing.

There are more homes available, some homes are taking longer to sell, and more sellers are reducing their asking prices.

For buyers, that can mean more choices and sometimes more room to negotiate.

For sellers, it means pricing matters. Buyers have more options, and an overpriced house may simply get passed over.

And one important distinction: a true comparable — a “comp” — is a property that has already sold. An active listing tells you what a seller is asking. A sold home tells you what a buyer actually paid.

The headline is only part of the story. Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County — and even nearby neighborhoods — can be moving at very different speeds.

The better question is: what is actually happening in the part of the market that affects you?

09/14/2026

Philadelphia property taxes going up?
Before you decide that means it's time to sell, check whether you qualify for property-tax relief.
There may be programs that change the numbers you're working with.
Then you can make the bigger housing decision with better information.
Check the City of Philadelphia's current requirements before applying.

09/10/2026

What Does a Home Inspection Actually Do? | Jess Carpenter REALTOR®

A home inspection report isn’t a panic list.


I’ve seen buyers get a 40-page inspection report and immediately wonder if they picked the wrong house.
Most of the time, that’s not what the report means.
Inspectors are supposed to find things.
A home inspection isn’t about finding a perfect house.
It’s about helping you understand the condition of the home before you move forward.
When you review the report, separate it into categories:
• Safety concerns
• Major systems
• Moisture or structural issues
• Normal maintenance
• Small repairs and cosmetic items
Not every item deserves the same level of concern.
The goal isn’t to panic.
The goal is to make an informed decision.

09/08/2026

Should you talk to a lender before looking at homes?

It's one of the biggest mistakes I see buyers make.

Looking at homes is exciting—but falling in love with a house before you know what monthly payment actually feels comfortable can lead to real disappointment.

The amount you're approved to borrow isn't always the amount you'll want to spend every month.

In this video, I explain why talking to a lender first gives you a clearer plan and helps you buy with confidence.

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