Center City Condos Boast Phillies Pride

Both the Lanesborough Condominium and Parc Rittenhouse are showing their Phillies spirit with oversized flags soaring from their highest points. Check it out...

Support the Phillies in Style: Watch the World Series at Barclay Prime

I just heard that Barclay Prime installed TVs for the World Series. What could be better than that...watching the Phillies play in the World Series while eating kobe hot dogs, spicy orange wings, and dry-aged burgers from their Best of Philly Bar Menu. Good move Barclay Prime...I'll be there!

Open Houses: Sunday, October 25, 2009

12:00 - 12:30 PM Pier 5, Units 201 and 222 7 N. Columbus Blvd.
Priced at $320,000 and $349,900 respectively, these two residences are located on the waterfront and include a parking space. Unit 201 has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and is 1658 sf. Unit 222 has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and is 2229 sf. Both are excellent values!

12:45 - 1:15 PM The Bank Building, Unit 5C 421 Chestnut Street
2,017 sf of unfinished space that can be built-out into your dream custom home. Residents enjoy the same services and amenities as guests at the adjoining Omni Hotel.

1:15 - 1:45 PM The Bank Building, Unit 4B 421 Chestnut Street
2,127 sf of unfinished space that can be built-out into your dream custom home. Residents enjoy the same services and amenities as guests at the adjoining Omni Hotel.

1:00 - 2:00 PM Parc Rittenhouse 225 S. 18th Street
Join the Philadelphia Magazine Open House Tour at Parc Rittenhouse. Tour some of our luxury residences and view our unparalleled amenities.

Penthouse, Investment and Value of the Week

Penthouse of the Week

The Lippincott 227 S. 6th Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

Brand new, bi-level penthouse designed by renowned architect Cecil Baker. This two bedroom, two and a half bath home features large balconies, bamboo floors, a private elevator into the home and one within the home, and custom finishes and appointments throughout.

3,276 sf $1,975,000

Investment of the Week

Parc Rittenhouse 225 S. 18th Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

Studio, 510 sf, southern exposure - $260,000 (currently rented for $1,450/mo.)

4.3% cash-on-cash return!

Value Property of the Week

Hopkinson House 604 S. Washington Square Philadelphia, PA 19106

2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, parquet wood floors, balcony with river and city views, high floor

1200 sf $449,900

$375 per square foot on Washington Square!

Sunny outlook for Center City housing market

According to the Center City District's annual residential market report, trends are favoring downtown housing and residents are confident about the future of Center City. The free report can be dowloaded from the Center City District's website and is worth the read.

The report clearly indicates that housing--condominiums and townhomes alike--in prime locations such as Rittenhouse Square, Washington Square and Society Hill, have fared better than those in peripheral locations. The three most important factors over the last 1,000+ years of real estate still hold true today...LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Open Houses: 10/11/09

12:30 - 1:00 pm

Hopkinson House, 604-36 S. Washington Square, Unit 2003

-2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, parquet wood floors, balcony, river and city views, 1200 sf, $449,900

1:15 - 1:45 pm

Society Hill Towers, 210 Locust Street, Unit 11BCD

- 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, den, marble and hardwood floors, unique combined unit, 2718 sf, $975,000

2:00 - 2:30 pm

Pier 3, 3 N. Columbus Blvd., Unit 407

- 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, Ben Franklin Bridge view, fireplace, parking included, 1300 sf, $279,900

2:30 - 3:00 pm

Pier 5, 7 N. Columbus Blvd., Units 201 and 222

- Unit 201: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, upgraded, 1658 sf, $350,000

- Unit 222: 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2229 sf, $349,900

Best penthouse, investment property, and overall value

Each week, I am going to feature 3 listings...an awesome penthouse for sale, a great investment opportunity for sale, and a property on the market that is an incredible value. Here we go:

1. Penthouse of the Week:

Top of the Parc, 19th Floor - This entire floor penthouse with 7545 sf of inside space and 1675 sf of outdoor deck space literally sits atop Rittenhouse Square and has 360 degree views of the city. Sold as raw space, the buyer can design any floor plan he/she chooses. Residents at Top of the Parc enjoy amenities such as a private elevator for no more than six homes, the ability to purchase park-and-lock spots below the building, and all other Parc Rittenhouse services and features. Here is one potential plan for the space (click on the plan to see a larger version):

2. Investment of the Week:

Parc Rittenhouse, Unit 423 - One bedroom unit offered at $309,900. The current rental income is $1,850. This is more than a 4% cash-on-cash return (much better than you would get from the bank!).

3. Value of the Week:

Pier 5, Unit 222 - 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2229 sf $349,900 - $157 per sf (this is a great deal)

Open Houses: 10/4/09

12-12:30 PM The Philadelphian 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue

Duplex penthouse, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, balconies with panoramic city and Fairmount views, high ceilings, bright and sunny throughout. The Philadelphian offers a 24 hour doorman, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, parking, and a number of on-site retailers. $995,000


12:30 - 1 PM The Philadelphian 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue

2 bedrooms plus den, 2.5 bathrooms, hardwood floors throughout, baseboard and crown molding, intimate views of the Art Museum, abundant natural light, updated kitchen with newer appliances, Sub Zero refrigerator, excellent closet space throughout. The Philadelphian offers a 24 hour doorman, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, parking, and a number of on-site retailers. $675,000


1:15 - 1:45 PM Hopkinson House 604 S. Washington Square

2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home, excellent closet space, balcony, high floor. $449,900