The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

A few years ago we helped client Taylor Picone buy a gorgeous Factory Loft at the Steel Factory in Old Kensington. He wrote in to thank us and to let us know that life in Old Kensington has been very exciting and extra convenient to all of his favorite spots. Thanks, Taylor!

Dear Somers:

Thanks for taking an interest in hearing from the local folks about the neighborhoods in the area. So far my past two years in Old Kensington living in the Steel Factory Lofts has been a great time. The area has really begun to flourish and there is never any shortage of great places to eat, drink, socialize, and take part in the ever exciting events of Northern Liberties and Fishtown. The Piazza at Schmidts is host to a variety of restaurants and bars from the classy Apollinare, to the great food at Darling's Diner 24 hours a day, and there is always a great seat at PYT to watch the Phillies game on the Jumbotron. Just across the street is Liberties Walk, host to great shopping and one of the best coffee spots in the city, One Shot Coffee, which is a great place to stop before or after your professional quality hair cut at DNA Salon just next door.

Not to be forgotten are all the great local Fishtown bars that each offer their very own unique personalities and plethora of drinks. Visitors to Philadelphia should never pass up the opportunity to see really Philly culture at The El Bar on front street where they can grab a quick Philly Special (Beer and a shot of whiskey for $3) while cheering the in season Philly sports team to victory. Looking for local live music? Try a night at Johnny Brenda's on Frankford and Girard, always a host to great local artists and some pretty famous ones, too!

A great location for Temple students with plenty of public transportation assets within walking distance that within minutes can get you to downtown Philadelphia with access to museums, South Street, Boat House Row, and plenty of other sites.

Overall, living in the Old Kensington/Northern Liberties area comes with all the perks and culture of a tight nit local Philly community while providing you great access to popular tourist areas. A combination of great food, drinks, scenery and people. The budding community of Old Kensington/Northern Liberties is a great place for any age and any profession.

Respectfully,

Taylor E. Picone 1st Lieutenant, FA

Here are two awesome opportunities right now in the Old Kensington neighborhood:

3 Bedroom New Construction Home for Sale in Northern Liberties – 2,205 Square Feet of Luxurious Living Space

Attention Developers! Rare Opportunity to Build 17 Homes in Northern Liberties

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

This event is right in tune with our current state of weather. The 90degreez Fashion World Tour brings an evening of fashion, art, music, and networking to Old Kensington to benefit the youth of the Kensington South neighborhood and the Kensington South NAC, a nonprofit organization that helps to improve the neighborhood.

On the runway, look for couture inspired from Brazil, Uganda, and other countries, with designers Genuine Gentlemen, Atal Stella Uganda, Eye Innovations eyewear, and others. Hip hop gospel artist TWyse will perform. The event will also tap its global potential by offering a live streaming video broadcast from 90degreez.com.

90degreez Fashion World Tour

July 31, 6pm

Crane Building, 1400 N. American Street

For questions call Marilyn or Cynthia at 215-427-3463. You can also call 90degreez at 215-200-0652 or visit www.90degreez.com

Art. Most of us can't afford to simply walk into any gallery we please and declare that we want that painting. Right there. We'll take it. No, let's face it: art isn't always that affordable and it's also the kind of thing that you really have to think about before purchasing because it is such a big deal and commitment.

Which brings us to Inliquid's Art For the Cash Poor 11, a budget-friendly art shopping experience that we are glad is still going strong. Items are priced at $199 or less, so you can fall in love and walk away with something, or you can make a spontaneous art decision that won't leave you broke even if it doesn't work out. It's all happening at the Crane Arts Building in Old Kensington.

Some of your favorite Philly artists will be selling their work and this is a prime chance to snag something cool and start a collection. Artists and artisans for sale include Jen McCleary, Margaux and Walter Kent, Rebecca Jacoby, Sarah Davey, and many more.

Ahem. Did we mention that Chalk and the Beige Americans will be playing, along with McRad and the Keystone Mountain Boys? Sold.

Ahem again. Food is art, too, except it's a lot cheaper. Buttercream Cupcake Truck, Las Cazuelas, Quince Fine Foods, Mango Moon, North Port Fishington Cookie Factory, and One Village Coffee will all be selling finely crafted food and drink.

The Crane Arts Building

1400 N American Street

Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 1 - 6 pm

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

[photo credit: Art For the Cash Poor 11]

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 !