🚉 Regional Rail cuts on hold for now

🚆 Judge Halts SEPTA Cuts in Its Tracks

Plans to implement a fare increase and cuts to the Regional Rail this week are now postponed after a Common Pleas Court judge ruled that “everything must stop.” A hearing to determine whether the ruling will be made permanent is planned for Thursday. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: Although cuts to the rail lines are paused for now, the service reductions are exacerbated by the Chestnut Hill East Line’s suspension due to construction on bridges along the route. [SEPTA]

🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink Outside This Fall

The summertime pop-up gardens and evening social hours may be wrapping up, but you don’t have to be stuck inside this fall. Philly’s restaurant scene is booming with outdoor options, whether you enjoy rooftop views or people-watching on the sidewalk. [📝 Hey Philly, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

• Related: If you’re looking for even more dining options, check out these fall dinner parties. [Metro Philly]

🏫 What’s in Philly Teachers’ New Contract

Seventy percent of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers members voted in favor of a new contract with the School District of Philadelphia. The terms include five weeks of paid parental leave, 3% annual raises for three years, and a $1,400 bonus. [Chalkbeat]

Buying a home is no task to take lightly. You have to consider factors such as whether this is your forever home or for-now home, how far your commute from work is, what schools are in proximity (if you have kids), and of course: cost. These days Philadelphia-area homebuyers have to earn at least $199,129 to afford a median-priced home.

If you’re purchasing one for the very first time, all of this can be intimidating. Hey Philly spoke with Damien Manno, assistant vice president of real estate lending at Ardent Credit Union, to get some tips.

This conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

What are the common mistakes homebuyers make?

"Not really planning for a rainy day. So you basically poured every available cent into the home and now you have no ability to address any situations that are going to pop up.

"Another factor that some homebuyers don't take into account is who they got their mortgage through originally. Sometimes they might go for that lowest rate and the fastest talker, and then they find out later that's either not really what they thought they were signing up for or that they have issues with things like servicing, who they're making payments to, and then they can't get any help.

"Some other common misconceptions that first time homebuyers have: They think that their payments are never going to change. And they don't necessarily take into account [that] the taxes are going to go up, insurance is going to go up. If they're in an area that has a homeowners association or they live in a condo building, those fees are going to go up."

What's usually the ideal credit score when you're home buying?

"If you're looking at a [First-Time Homebuyer] loan, which is government-backed, mortgages for first-time homebuyers are really geared towards buyers that are on the lower end of the credit spectrum that may not be able to qualify with everyone through a conventional mortgage program. Sometimes they'll go into the 500s, but usually it's around 600, 620.

"For conventional lenders, typically they want to see a credit score of 660 or higher. But the higher your score, once you're in the 700s, you're getting access to better rates, and that can lead to lower costs as far as your monthly payment goes."