The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

It doesn't matter what you're selling, whether it is old or new, big or small. Whatever it is, you want to showcase it and make it stand out in the best way possible. Think about it for a second. You wouldn't just place an unfrosted half eaten cupcake in a bare display case and call it a delicious snack for sale. You wouldn't be able to convince anyone that your unwashed car with the broken window and remnants of your kid's happy meal in the back seat is a hot buy. Right? Well, Busybee Design, a Fishtown-based interior design and staging company, can make your property stand out to buyers.

Whether the home be old or new, large or small, staging homes for sale to make them look marvelous is their specialty. Let's face it, it is not always evident that a property has the potential to be your dream home when you can't even visualize where to put your Xbox or Wii. When a home is empty, or quirky, it is a real challenge for many people to picture what it would look like with some thoughtfully placed furniture and decor. Sometimes all it takes is the right sofa, bookcase, colors, or lighting and voila! It can make a big space feel comfortable and inviting, or turn a small room into a spacious one. Staging allows sellers to maximize and highlight a dwelling's strong points.

So, we took an inside peek at the pros in the process. The designers for this staging process had to work with a few small spaces in a 1 bedroom condo near Northern Liberties. We met with Busybee Design of Fishtown (always keeping it local) and had them trick out a property in Old Kensington that we thought could use a designer's touch. Here are some before shots:

 

We were ready for a loud Wednesday as we headed to check out a band we've watched explode through the past years, the Blood Feathers. The hometown boys hang out at your local coffeeshop or at 700 Club in Northern Liberties, but it's when they take the stage at any rock house in Philadelphia that you really hear them coming. The jangly rock n roll outfit serenaded their neighborhood with songs from their second album, Goodness Gracious, released in December on Philebrity Label. Last night they took over Old Kensington bar Kung Fu Necktie. It's common to hear the sound of the elevated train roaring ahead, but it's even more expected that there will be soaring tunes from a local band at the Front Street bar and music venue. The Blood Feathers play a ton of local shows, so if you like what you hear, do check out their next performance.

Explore more about Life in Old Kensington. Ready to search for Old Kensington properties?

Later this week, FBH Entertainment will present Philadelphia Fashion Week, with a neighborhood-spanning three day event that brings in designers from all over. Many are from the Philadelphia area. Designers include:

MonAri 1962

Ying Edge

Melani Von Alexandria

Ray Vincente

Nevets Couture

On Thursday, Banana Republic in Rittenhouse Square will host the Black Tie and Awards Ceremony, an invitation-only affair. Friday's ready-to-wear runway show will lead you to the Crane Arts Building in Old Kensington, a massive space that is a blank canvas for any event. Imagine what they can do with it for this show. Saturday's Couture finale will happen here, too.

We suggest raiding Third Street Habit in Old City for something slinky and then having a glass of red at Bar Ferdinand in Northern Liberties before you head over to the 7 P.M. spectacle. Then you get to catch the fashion show that is a weekend night on Liberties Walk.

Purchase tickets online for Philadelphia Fashion Week 2010.

3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Old Kensington, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

1507 N Hancock Street

This 3 bedroom home for sale in Old Kensington is a new construction property with finished basement and is new from the basement foundation walls up. Everything inside is new. 

Some of the features include:

• a master bedroom suite on the 3rd floor with private spa bath
• large walk-in closet, recessed lighting, and plenty of natural light
• hardwood floors throughout
• guest bath
• half bath on the main floor
• recessed lighting throughout

Photo Gallery for 1507 N Hancock Street

 

 

There is a huge deck off of the 3rd floor hall with room for plenty of outdoor furniture.   This 3 bedroom home for sale in Old Kensington offers an open first floor living and dining room with a large kitchen, plenty of cabinets and granite counter space as well and the added bonus of natural light from the kitchen skylight. There is a covered shared breezeway that leads to the street.

A 10 year tax abatement is being offered (exact tax amount/yr pending) and central air included. We welcome your visit to this new construction 3 bedroom home for sale in Old Kensington. 

Explore more about Life in Old Kensington

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

 

 

 

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more ! 

Old Kensington is a revitalized community located north of Northern Liberties. Whether you call it Old Kensington or you tack on the letter "e" for that Olde Kensington effect, the ever-changing neighborhood has been through a lot.

The working class community is a haven for many artists, with the Crane Arts Building providing gallery and event space. There are some great taquerias nearby and good times to be had at the eclectic music venue and bar, Kung Fu Necktie. The view of the Market-Frankford line is both gritty and inspiring. The area has played host to new construction and funky architectural touches. Recent additions like the Piazza at Schmidt's and Liberties Walk are only a few blocks away, for those who prefer to live in a quieter part of town, but still want to have fun activities within walking distance. You got it.

The sun is not shy in this part of town, as the lack of tall buildings allows for an excellent view and a generous delivery of sunlight. We love Old Kensington, especially this hot new version of it.

Ready to search for Old Kensington properties?

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Duplex with 2 Bedroom Units for Sale in Holmesburg, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

 

4413 and 4415 Solly Avenue

Great price on this spacious duplex with 2 Bedroom Units for Sale in Holmesburg located on a super block! Property is bank-owned and to be sold in "as-is" condition. Priced below market.

Photo Gallery

Both units are dated and need cosmetic updating. Parking out-front. This Duplex with 2 bedroom units for sale in Holmesburg is vacant and easy to show.

Note: Electric is off so please bring flashlight for evening showings.

Explore more about Life in Old Kensington

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

 

 

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

One of  our remodeling opportunities is located in an area known as New Kensington, sandwiched between Old Kensington and New Kensington and Fishtown. This section has gained the affection of many first time buyers, investors, artists, and all sorts of creative folks for many reasons. From our vantage point as Realtors, the buyers who we have helped buy in this section of Philadelphia and sellers who have sold homes in this area are pioneers and their presence in this area of Philly is impacting the way we look at "Fishington".

New Kensington, which stretches from York Street to Lehigh and from Front to the Delaware River and takes up a huge portion of the zip code 19125. Many people like the very edge of this community that is sometimes lovingly called Fishington and it encompasses the parallel between the El at Front Street and the Frankford Avenue corridor. The El Stop and the Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor is becoming very popular for commuters in and out of Center City. For those who use public transportation, the area is very convenient. The price of properties per square foot is an amazing value so buyers can own a huge home for a fraction of what it would cost in other areas of the city. Investors are buying dilapidated shells that are eye sores and certainly do not contribute anything positive to the area. These developers are rehabbing these ugly ducklings and turning them into small palaces in their own right. There is enough opportunity to turn a profit and still provide an affordable market value home for buyers. It is a perfect symbiotic system at work.

We have assisted at least 3 artists in purchasing a home in the last 6 months in New Kensington and they are thrilled with their purchases. We think that artists gravitate to this area because thy are quite frankly priced out of their old stomping grounds in Northern Liberties and in Fishtown central. The appeal to create something beautiful is certainly here. There is so much opportunity to be creative. Some of the most recent homeowners in the area are joining forces with those who have lived in New Kensington for years  and together they are building a proactive neighborhood association. The NKCDC (New Kensington Community Development Corporation) is a strong advocate for the area. We have found that a strong neighborhood association is one of the keys to a healthy community.



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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Old Kensington Real Estate - 3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Old Kensington, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

167 W Jefferson Street

This newly renovated 3 story row home offers many wonderful features you will enjoy. This 3 bedroom home for sale in Old Kensington has beautiful curb appeal, is located across from a large clean park, and near beautiful architectural buildings.

Solid hard wood floors throughout every room, new kitchen w/ appliances and plenty of cabinets and counter space for cooking. The dining room and living room are combined in a completely open floor plan on the 1st floor. There is a rear powder room with bamboo style designer vanity and a 1st floor laundry area.

 

Photo Gallery for 167 W Jefferson Street 

 

 

The 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms that share a full bath. The 3rd floor is the incredibly tasteful master bedroom suite with walk in closet, room for a sitting area and bedroom set.

The master bath includes a spa tub, beautifully tiled ceramic walls and floor, and a large vanity for storage. The master bedroom and bath have skylights and there are good views of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

This 3 bedroom home for sale in Old Kensington has a full, clean, unfinished basement, new electric, new plumbing, gas heat and cooking and has central air conditioning.

 

 

Neighborhood articles and Information about Old Kensington

 

 

 

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

New Listing in Old Kensington ~ 1514 N Leithgow Street for $99,900

For more information contact Stephanie (215) 694-3707 The Somers Team

 

Our listing at 1514 N Leithgow Street is a 2 bedroom home in Old Kensington located on a friendly little block in walking distance to Northern Liberties. That is right... only a few blocks and you can enjoy all of the life-style perks of living so close to all of the fun and activities the area has to offer.

This 2  bedroom home in Old Kensington is a 3 story brick front property with some original features and all appliances are included. There is radiator heat, gas cooking, and a peek through window in the kitchen that overlooks the formal living room and dining room, and a small rear yard.

This Old Kensington property has the original walls which are in decent condition and most of the trim is original as well. A 2 bedroom home in Old Kensington that s in move-in condition at this price is really a wonderful opportunity.

Photo Gallery

 

There is original plank timber flooring under carpets throughout, a hall bath on second floor with claw foot tub and side-by-side washer and dryer area as well.

There is a bedroom on the second floor and one on the 3rd floor.

Bright and sunny with plenty of windows and natural light. Pet Friendly. Owner is a licensed PA Realtor.

Also available for rent: $750/month

If you are looking for an affordable home that is perfect to share with a room mate, or perhaps you want to live in Northern Liberties but can not find a home that is in your price range, then we'd like you to consider Old Kensington. This 2 bedroom home in Old Kensington is available immediately.

More info on Life in Old Kensington

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

New Listing 1553 N Orkney Street in Old Kensington for $115,000

 

This 3 story has a modern open layout and has been updated in both the kitchen and bath.

As you enter in this home through the main living space, you will see the the living room which has hardwood flooring and overlooks the eat-in kitchen.

The kitchen has plenty of cabinet space and tile flooring and provides access to both the rear yard and the basement through the first floor.

Photo Gallery

 

The basement's best use is for storage and the utilities that are easily accessible, updated and in good working order.

 

The second floor bath is enormous and has been remodeled with a new tub and shower enclosure combination as well as a new white vanity for storage. There is plenty of room to expand the bath or for it to double as a laundry room.

There is a bedroom on the 2nd and third floor with closets and plenty of natural light. The windows are newer, it is cable wired and this property can be considered move-in condition.

1551 Orkney also available next door (has a garage).

We welcome both showings.

More info about Life in Old Kensington

 

 

 

 

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612 . You can connect with us on Facebook and Twitter .  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub !  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

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Areas of specialty include Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !