u/It_is_me_Erie

Few years ago, I started to accumulate points on BA and booked nice Qsuites/First class on QR via BA Avios for 75K each way. I don't recent posts about BA Avios anymore. Does this method still work? I was made aware recently that booking directly via QR website is limited to account owner. Another reason why I preferred booking via BA avios, despite being transferrable to QR, was that BA considers the whole leg as one trip of 75K but QR back then was more expensive.

Would like to take the kids (toddlers) and grandparents to animal safari. We are looking for variety and experience for the kids. In other words to include some rare animals like lions, tigers, rhinos...etc other than just llamas and giraffes. I came across 4 options:

1. Keystone Safari (Grove City, PA): the closest. Offers both walking and drive through options. Seems mid range pricing. Not sure about variety.

2. African Safari Wildlife Park (Port Clinton, OH): Offers drive through option. Seems limited animal options. Some reviews complained of car damage from animals. But I am willing to rent a car and put some protection if people would recommend this park the most.

3. The Wilds (Cumberland, OH): The farthest and most expensive. Some reviews stated it's a true wild experience but it can be hit or miss with animals.

4. The Farm at Walnut Creek (Sugarcreek, OH): Very mixed and contrasted reviews on the web from very enjoyable to just a simple Amish farm without animal variety.

We are not from Erie and relatively new to the area so wanted to know what locals think. I will also welcome any other suggestions. Niagara falls is on my bucket list too.

The magistrate judge ruled in my favor as the defendant has tried dodging the court multiple times and finally the constable was able to get is served. The defendant owe me almost $4K per ruling. The magistrate told me that I have to wait 30 days after the decision before taking action.

However the defendant are shady. They are now trying to sell the house and move to another state. I am afraid if they sell the house then there’s is nothing I can collect and placing a lien on the property would not be applicable because they would have nothing left they own in Erie.

What do you suggest here? Inform the realtor that a lien is going to be placed on that property and better not to sell it? Or this would give the owner a chance to appeal and lengthen the process further? I am open to ideas and suggestions as I am getting really sick of this and money has been due for 6 months. You can not believe how many times I had to go to the magistrate house for renewing the case pay more fees for constable and other stuff

A week ago, I called in to open the platinum cash plus account for the engagement bonus as I applied for MS platinum account and got E-trade brokerage account number. The agent said that E-trade people who have to do referral for the virtual advisor team to open that platinum cash plus account. Then I called the E-trade people who confirmed that I have account, but then claimed that they require at least $25K to make that referral (yes this is different than the waiver requirement in the cash plus). Finally, after I funded it with more than $25K and thoughts things are cooking, I called again but the MS agent claims now that there are requirements for the cash plus account including opening and active investment with MS, and E-trade brokerage account that I have is not enough. I simply hanged up.

This is just crazy. Going back and forth between E-trade and MS agents...then finally they want to grab money by opening an investment account with MS and claim that E-trade through MS does not account as a relationship with MS!!!

Any recommendations or tips? It seems that viral video of Ng for the blank MS account does not work anymore.

I’ve noticed several recent discussions about the sharp increase in home prices in Erie. While we all understand the national housing shortage is a contributing factor, small cities have historically maintained more reasonable pricing compared to larger markets. Yet, the current surge in Erie is being significantly driven by greedy practices within the real estate industry.

I think it's our responsibility of Erie residents to fight this by stopping this greed. This works by cutting the middle man/woman. The seller agent does not give you anything more than what you see on Zillow/Realtor...etc. It's basically the MLS listing info. Buyer's agent is the biggest joke industry then they get automatically 2-3% of your purchase. It's so nauseating when I hear them saying that the seller who pays for it and buyer should not worry about it.
On the other end, the seller's agent marks up the price highly so they and buyer's agent make crazy profit.

I have personally observed homes being relisted for 20–30% more than they sold for just 6–12 months earlier, which raises legitimate questions about pricing strategies. Additionally, the close relationships within the local real estate community can sometimes work against the best interests of both buyers and sellers. They feed into each other and you are the prey.

I totally understand that agents were crucial 20 years ago or more when they had access and knowledge to listings, but nowadays, they don't provide anything extra than free websites.

My Suggestions:

For Home Sellers:

• Strongly consider selling your home yourself. The vast majority of the information buyers need is already available on Zillow, Realtor..etc
• You will still need an attorney for closing, which is required regardless of whether you use an agent.
• Many sellers have successfully handled showings by dedicating a few days per week and have saved tens of thousands in commissions.

For Home Buyers:

• You can submit offers directly using Pennsylvania’s standard Agreement of Sale form.
• Consider negotiating that the buyer’s agent commission (if used) be credited back to you or applied as seller assist toward closing costs.

Can't wait until AI replaces those leeches because they are truly destroying this local community. And don't get me started on home inspectors, this is another scam of one hour of superficial work for $500-800.

I never understood the breakdown of state income tax. Here is the paycheck from employer in the city:

SIT Withheld (PA) : 3.067%

SUI Employee Withheld (PA) : 0.07%

City Withheld (PA,Erie,Erie) : 1.15%

Head Tax Withheld (PA,Erie,Erie): 0.006%

School Withheld (PA,Erie City SD): 0.5%

Isn't school tax just on property tax? Why I have to pay this? Does this apply to me if I didn't live in the city of Erie (e.g., Fairview, Millcreek...etc)?

Unfortunately our A/C went down. We have American Home Shield (AHS) home warranty which was recommended by many realtors. We purchased the complete tier which is the highest and my understanding when we chatted with AHS that replacement for HVAC/laundry…etc will be covered completely after that copay of $125. Anyway, we requested the service for diagnosis and repair, first contractor came in and claimed it’s an easy fix, took pictures and said will come back in few days. Never showed up again despite multiple phone calls. So AHS finally assigned someone else. Second contractor came and tried to repair it then claimed the whole system needs replacement from condenser to A/C coil…then when I asked about the process, he claimed that I still have to pay him directly $1500-2000 for extra work not covered by AHS, and just to wait for communication by AHS for estimates and approval. He spoke in a passive aggressive way that if I don’t approve it, then AHS will only give me $500 (yes, not 5K) and have to find someone else for the whole work. I am really surprised with this because the highest tier option we purchased, called “complete”, states that coverage is even higher than other plans, e.g., up to $15K or so for HVAC compared to other plans that cover up to $5K. It’s getting really warm here despite have ceiling fans, dehumidifiers…etc and temp inside is above 80…so this is not sustainable. What are your thoughts and recommendations? I have a feeling that the contractor just wanted to make extra money. I remember he mentioned that I would only pay him $1.5K-$2K instead of over $6K if I didn’t have the warranty.

There is a bad car vs motorcycle crash between 5 and Pittsburgh Ave. I hope there is no casualties. Most of the motorcycle appears to be destroyed. Police closed the whole area for at least 2 hours. Many people were standing and was not great to see them taking pictures or videos. This is not a show!