The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Rain or Shine the 2nd Street Festival will go on !

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:12:39 -0400

Philadelphia, PA (19123) Weather Forecast

Rain or Shine the 2nd Street Festival will go on !

Meet The Somers at the Remax Access Tent and enter to win FREE Phillies Tickets and a gift basket full of Phillies stuff. In fact, "you're all winners" because Remax Access will be giving away FREE gifts to everyone who visits their tent on Sunday the 1st. We hope to see you there!

Sunday August 1st, 2010 / 12 PM - 9 PM

Northern Liberties

ADMISSION IS FREE!

The 2nd Street Festival will take place on Sunday August 1st on the main drag of 2nd Street in Northern Liberties, between Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street, and will include Liberties Walk.

The festival will be free to attend and will feature 3 stages of live music, over 60 local vendors, and children's activities Businesses located on 2nd street will have attractions such as Exit Skate Shop, who is organizing a game of S.K.A.T.E.

The festival will feature 4 beer gardens located at Standard Tap, North Bowl, Dos Segundos, and El Camino Real. The beer gardens will feature selections from Yards, Stoudt's, Pabst Blue Ribbon, and Miller Light. Jameson and Jose Curevo will be featured in all bars and restaurants in Northern Liberties.

Children's activities and moon bounce will be near Rita's Water Ice, and carnival games in the North Bowl Parking lot and in front of the Standard Tap.

Live music will include performances from Black Landlord, Chuck Treece, Adam Arcruagi, and DJ Sets by Dennis Wolffang, Ian Saint Laurent, and Frosty.

For more information, go to nolibs.com

To volunteer, email fooderybeer@gmail.com

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

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:03:26 -0400

3 Bedroom New Construction Home for Sale in Northern Liberties

1355-59 N Mascher Street

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Are you thinking this is just another Northern Liberties area New Construction Property on the market offering the "same old, same old" builder grade cookie cutter stuff? Then think again ! This project will challenge that thought.

This Luxury New Construction gives you 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, a powder room, a electronic controlled attached garage with inside access, and private roof decks with views of the city. Other standard amenities that are included with these 3 Luxury New Construction Homes are: a fully loaded media room, 14 foot ceilings, an open progressive layout, balconies, decks, bathrooms with custom tile, gourmet kitchens, quality materials, and expert craftsmanship that raise the bar for new construction in Philadelphia. There is an expansive 2,205 sq feet of living space. All of this at an amazing value.

Located in walking distance to Northern Liberties, the Crane Arts building, shopping, public transportation and mere minutes to Center City. Development is booming all over the immediate neighborhood. Why just settle for a home when you can own something spectacular. There is a 10 year tax abatement and no condo fees.

Discover more about Life in Northern Liberties

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

What's Life in Old Kensington Like? A Client Writes in.

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:27:02 -0400

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?

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

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:22:55 -0400

110 x 141 sq foot plot of build-able land in the Northern Liberties Area

171-79 W Jefferson Street

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Calling all Developers! We have a RARE opportunity for you to build 17 new construction homes, apartments, or condos on this 110 x 141 sq foot plot of build-able land in the Northern Liberties Area.

Currently there are several successful and high-end homes and condo conversions on the same block such as the (SOLD OUT) Steel Factory Lofts and smaller developers improving homes at Jefferson and Hancock Streets. Located in walking distance to shopping, public transportation, entertainment at The Piazza, the Crane Arts building, and minutes from Center City. There are no existing plans or zoning approvals. Owner is very motivated ! All offers will be submitted.

Discover more about Life in Northern Liberties

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

2 Bedroom Spacious Condo for Sale in Northern Liberties - Close to Everything w/ 2 Car Garage Parking

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:54:51 -0400

2 Bedroom Spacious Condo in Northern Liberties

837 N 2nd Street Unit 310

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Located in walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops, local entertainment, and minutes from Center City. This is hands down, one of the best spots to live in Northern Liberties.

Garage parking for 2 cars, 2 large bedrooms, 2 .5 large bathrooms, and a private deck. Hardwood floors throughout on both the first floor and the second floor of this spacious condo. Contemporary kitchen with granite and stainless steel, breakfast bar. This is a corner unit so there is plenty of natural light. Many of the closets have been professionally fitted.

There are 5 years left on the Tax Abatement and this condo has roof rights to build a roof deck. Enter in at 2nd Street and the garage is electronically controlled with exits at Poplar and N Hancock.

Discover more about Life in Northern Liberties

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

1 Bedroom Loft for Sale in Loft District – The Shoe Factory is Minutes from Center City!

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:46:42 -0400

1 Bedroom Loft in Loft District of Philadelphia

314-322 N 12th Street 507

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The Shoe Factory is a Center City dweller's dream being centrally located in walking distance to Jefferson Hospital, the Convention Center & Reading Terminal Market as well as a few minutes from Market Street. The interior of unit 507 is spectacular. Inspiring views of the city day and night is the back drop for this true 1 bedroom 1 bath modern industrial mix. Features to admire are:

exposed brick
12 ft ceilings
soaring industrial size windows
dark original solid hardwood flooring
a contemporary open floor plan

The architectural element of the cement columns only add to the historic elements in this refurbished factory loft. The kitchen is what you'd expect: Kohler faucets, GE Profile stove, Bosch dishwasher, Monogram refrigerator & shower fixtures are from Axor by Hansgrohe just to drop a few names. The bedroom is romantic with built-in cabinetry and spa inspired bathroom. 4 yrs left on Tax Abatement.

Discover more about Life in the Loft District

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

Why Buy at The Mews At Brown Street? Reason 4: Parking is Deeded and Delightful

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:49:09 -0400

Those days of jamming your car into the only tiny space available or bickering with your neighbor over parking are behind you. You'll have deeded parking at the Mews at Brown Street, eliminating your parking woes for good. We know how important it is - one of the first things people inquire when looking for the right home is "what about parking?" And if the answer is an expensive garage, it can be a huge turn-off. The relief of a deeded space is just another reason why the Mews at Brown Street is an example of modern construction that makes sense and matches your needs...

Ready for Reason 5? We'll be blogging more reasons why Mews at Brown Street is right for you in the coming weeks.

Why Buy at The Mews At Brown Street? Reason 2: Outdoor Galore!

Why Buy at The Mews At Brown Street? Reason 3: Your Commute is a Breeze

New Construction Townhomes with Everything You Are Looking For and More – 4 Units to Choose From!

Condo Source: River’s Edge Condominiums

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 10:53:08 -0400

Overlook the Schuylkill River with style at the River's Edge Condominiums in Logan Square. These unique townhouse condos have their own courtyard and a private garden and common roofdeck perfect for gazing out at the city skyline.

The Goods: Amazing views of Center City, University City, and the Parkway. Full-size eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors. Deeded parking.

In the Neighborhood: The River's Edge is walkable and convenient to 30th Street Station and University City for commuters and students. The Logan Square neighborhood is grand and gorgeous, set off of the Parkway and all of its fountains and cultural attractions. Fairmount Park and the Schuylkill River Trail beckon the nature lovers and active runners and cyclists.

River's Edge Condominiums

2301 Cherry Street

Read more about Philadelphia condominiums with our Condo Source.

Candid Video: The Somers & Their Buyer Tour South Philly Home For Sale

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:44:38 -0400

It was a sizzling late afternoon in Philadelphia when we met up with first time home buyer, Kristen. We set out on a journey to find a property that she could call her own. We had already shown Kristen what her budget of $150,000 would get her in the neighborhood of Fishtown. Kristen, like many buyers, could afford a higher mortgage but wanted to stay under budget just to be safe. So, after our exploration of Fishtown where she saw a home she really liked, she was ready for round 2. We headed to South Philadelphia, in the neighborhood of Graduate Hospital, where a similarly priced 2 bedroom was waiting for us. With our mini camcorder in hand, and our client Kristen, being ready, willing, and very cool (I might add), let us shoot some candid footage of her tour of this Graduate Hospital home. We were curious to find out what our first time buyer's impression would be.

Would Kristen be wooed by Graduate Hospital's proximity to Rittenhouse Square and the subway?

How would the Fishtown property compare?

We were curious to find out what our first time buyer's impression would be.

Are you a first timer? Get in touch. And don't forget to stop by our first time home buyer's session to find out if you qualify for a grant to help with buying costs.

Battle the Heat with the 90degreez Fashion World Tour

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:38:44 -0400

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

Go Vertical at Philly’s Only Rock-Climbing Gym Right Here in Northern Liberties

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:18:15 -0400

There's a rock climbing gym in Philadelphia? Really? Oh, but surely it's on the Parkway or in Center City. What? It's in Northern Liberties?

When you blog enough about Philadelphia neighborhoods, you begin to think you know where everything is.

So when you find out that Philly does have a rock climbing gym and it is along the Delaware River on the Fishtown-Northern Liberties border, you feel like you should have known about it. Why aren't you a regular height-defying rock climbing marvel by now?

Right behind Yards Brewing, off the beaten path, stands Go Vertical, an indoor rock climbing gym and climbing school with over 250 rock climbing routes, bouldering, walls ranging up to 50 feet, and 13,500 square feet of climbing surfaces. There are classes every day for beginners, so don't be intimidated. And don't be worried, you'll be wearing safety equipment and the entire gym floor is made of shock absorbing foam.

Next time we think we've exhausted all possible Northern Liberties entertainment options (and there are MANY) we'll remember that just because we live here, doesn't mean that there aren't some surprises still waiting.

Go Vertical

950 N. Penn St.

215-928-1800

Discover more about Life in Northern Liberties. Ready to search for Northern Liberties properties?

[image via Go Vertical]

3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Huntingdon Valley - Spacious & Bright Home w/ Hardwoods, Modern Kitchen & More – A Must See!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:42:13 -0400

3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

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

46 Andrew Road

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This beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home for sale is located in a quiet neighborhood in Huntingdon Valley/Abington. Property features include:

hardwood floors
brand new central air
recessed lighting
new replacement windows
2 car garage (power door opener)
brand new black top driveway
separate laundry room w/ access to garage
brand new hot water heater & automatic irrigation system
natural sunlight shines throughout the entire home

First level has a spacious living room with tall ceilings and floor to ceiling windows, a dining room with access to yard and an ultra modern kitchen. The Kitchen features cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and tile backsplash. Head down a few steps to the tile floored family room which features a fire place. Family room leads to the rear concrete patio and huge yard.

On the 2nd level you will find your master suite which includes his & her closets, and a full bathroom with textured ceramic tile. Down the hall you will find two additional bedrooms and a 2nd full bath.

We invite you to visit this 3 bedroom home for sale in Huntingdon Valley and see for yourself how much this home has to offer!

Remax Access
The Somers Team

Call Elaine: (215) 400- 2631

Elaine103@comcast.net

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

New Construction Townhomes with Everything You Are Looking For and More – 4 Units to Choose From!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:32:59 -0400

2 & 3 Bedroom Townhomes for Sale in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

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

The Mews at Brown Street - 115 Brown Street

A new construction townhouse community in Northern Liberties

Unit A – 3BR/2.5 Bath - $500,000

Unit B – 3BR/2.5 Bath - $475,000

Unit C – 2BR/2Bath - $399,900

Unit D - 2BR/2Bath - $375,000

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This Boutique-style development has everything a discerning homeowner is looking for:

1,500 - 2,100 sq feet of living space and 3 floors
off street parking
private roof deck and balconies with Southern views and water views
10 Year Tax Abatement
interior features that offer lasting beauty and functionality

The Mews at Brown Street combines some of the most desirable home features you are looking for at a price point that is amazingly affordable. Located near Spring Garden St. and Columbus Blvd. this area is considered one of the most exciting river-side neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Walk to your favorite Restaurant and BYOB, Center City shopping at your door step, and close to major hubs of transportation.

These townhomes for sale in Northern Liberties are FHA approved and offer low taxes and association fees.

More information upon request.

Discover more about Life in Northern Liberties

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

2 Lots for Sale in South Philadelphia - Great Opportunity for Developer/Investors for 2 Corner Lots - Great Location!

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 08:17:49 -0400

Philadelphia Lots and Land for Sale

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

2 Lots for Sale in a Great Philadelphia Neighborhood

1601 S 21^st St - $29,000 (18x67 Corner Lot)

1848 Reed Street - $39,000 (16x58 Corner Lot) – Zoned R10A

Great opportunity for developer or investor on these CORNER lots located in a great neighborhood in Philadelphia!

Development and construction abounds in the immediate area. Nice frontage and depth on these lots. Block is wide and easy for parking. Seller is motivated.

Investors Search here

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

Are You Kidding Me ?

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:18:36 -0400

Are You Kidding Me ?

I think in every business, business owners will experience those "are you kidding me ? " moments. Heck, in relationships, perhaps even more ! In the last week, we experienced two that were worth mentioning.

1. VA buyer and buyers agent wants $10,000 cash back under the table from the seller

The offer looked pretty good until I saw in special clauses, "Seller will give $10,000 to buyer in the form of cash or money order". Hmmmm ... not sure the VA folks would like that. I cannot believe the buyers agent even agreed to put that in the agreement. Needless to say, the offer did not work out. Those folks can try to commit fraud somewhere else.

2. Short Sale Seller wants 25 percent referral fee so he can move to Florida

After a long listing presentation going over the short sale process, seller says "Great, let's do it." The last thing we require is that you give us a couple of thousand dollars from the real estate commission so we can move to Florida. We say "We will not do that." Seller says "We spoke to other agents who agreed to do that but we want to go with you due to your experience and expertise with short sales." . We say "Thanks, but no thanks."

Maybe we should have said "Are you kidding me ? " ....

What types of "Are You Kidding Me" moments have you had ?

Please share in the comments below.