Listing of the Week: 1830 Rittenhouse Square

1830 Rittenhouse Square

$675,000

1 bedroom/1.5 bathroom

1,019 sq. ft.

totally renovated, Old world charm, hardwood floors, 10ft. ceilings, original moldings, eat in cook's kitchen with stainless steel appliances, luxurious master bath, beautiful updated powder room, excellent condition

Home Front

I spoke with CNBC's Hampton Pearson today about the housing market and spring selling season. While median prices across the country are down, home sales are up. So how do you explain that? I think it is first time homebuyers who have come out of the woodwork, but are buying at a lower price point. Check it out:

Existing Home Sales Up

The National Association of Realtors announced this morning that existing homes sales are up for the first time in over six months. Sales increased 2.9% in February to an annual rate of 5.03 million units, from the 4.89 million unit pace in January. The 2.9% rise is the largest monthly increase in home sales in a year. Sales of condos rose 3.7% in February to a 560,000 unit pace. Sales in the Northeast rose 11.3%.

Listing of the Week: Academy House

1420 Locust Street
$599,000
3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths
1,524 sq. ft.


24 Hour Doorman
Indoor Pool
Fitness Center
Sun Deck
Garden Atrium
Community Room with Audio and Video Equipment
Condo Fee includes Utilities
Cat Friendly
In- Building Parking Available

Features and Products for Today's Home

When recently asked by Money Magazine what features and products people should consider adding to their home--for their enjoyment now and with an eye on resale value someday--I had some ideas ...

• Wine refrigerator
• Large rain shower-head in shower, preferably in the ceiling instead of on the wall
• Electrical and cable outlets planned and built into the kitchen and bathroom for a small TV
• Espresso machines in kitchens
• Refrigerated breakfast drawers

What am I missing? What other products and features do today's homeowners desire? Feel free to leave a suggestion or two!

Hillary on The Booker Show

Hillary Clinton called into The Booker Show on Q102 this morning. When asked about improving the economy she talked specifically about tackling the home foreclosure crisis by a moratorium on forecloses and a 5 year rate freeze. Click on Hillary to hear the interview which is posted on Booker's home page...

I have some serious concerns about these tactics to help the economy. It is unfair to lenders if they have a loan that doesn't perform. Maybe one solution is to create a new type of loan in these situations that gives borrowers relief and allows lenders the ability to still have a strong investment, either through tax breaks from the government or other methods. At the end of the day, it won't help the economy for banks to go out of business. What do you think about a rate freeze and moratorium on foreclosures?

Listing of the Week: The Warwick Condominiums

Listing of the Week: The Warwick Condominiums

1701 Locust Street

$609,000

Taxes: $240
Fees: $566

2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,116 sq. ft.

Brand new condominium on the top eight floors of the legendary Warwick Hotel, one-half block from Rittenhouse Square. Residents enjoy all hotel amenities.

Real Estate and Retirement

Today I was on CNBC discussing real estate and retirement. How much of a role should real estate play in your porfolio? Who should buy real estate on sale? How safe is it to bank on homes as a retirement nest egg?

Here is what we had to say...