10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: #10

Here we are, only a little more than 7 hours away from 2010. Right now is probably one of the best times we will see in our lifetime to buy real estate. Low rates and low prices...a rare occurence. Having said that, here is my 10th top best value leading up to 2010:




The Lanesborough - 1601 Locust Street - Penthouse 1800
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own an entire floor penthouse in what is arguable the city's most exclusive residence (the floor plan above is one proposed plan for the space). The Lanesborough offers the ultimate in privacy and luxury. With 360 degree views, direct elevator access into the home, and a tremendous amount of private outdoor space, this is literally a manion in the sky. Penthouse 1800 is unfinished; a blank canvass for a buyer to come and create a completely custom home in the middle of Center City.

So where is the value? Penthouse 1800 is currently offered for $1,395,000. This home was originally offered for almost $2,000,000. This is a unique home in a very special building. Once this is sold, there will never be another opportunity like it in Center City.

Happy New Year!!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #9

The Rittenhouse - 210 W. Rittenhouse Square - Condominium 1504

This is your opportunity to live in a one bedroom, one and a half bath residence in The Rittenhouse Hotel & Condominiums. This 1037 sf home has fabulous sunset views, a large entry foyer, a spacious living and dining room, and the master suite offers a walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool tub. Residents of this highly sought after address enjoy the many amenities that the hotel has to offer.

Offered at $599,000, or $578 per sf, this condominium is an excellent value when compared to other homes sold at The Rittenhouse in 2009, which averaged a sale price of $736 per sf!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #8

The Bank Building - 421 Chestnut Street - Condominium 2B

Amazing opportunity to create your dream home in a boutique condominium overlooking Independence Hall. This 2112 sf home is completely unfinished and can be built to your needs and desires. Residents of The Bank Building enjoy hotel services such as valet parking, room service and use of the gym, pool and spa from the adjoining Omni Hotel. Priced at $329,900, it is only $156 per square foot!!!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #7

Pier 3 - 3 N. Columbus Boulevard - Condominium 113

Dramatic river and Ben Franklin Bridge views from this wonderful two bedroom, two bath home on the river. The condo features a terrace, updated kitchen and baths, direct access to the garage and wood floors. With a short walk to old city; parking, gym and pool included; and an awesome price of $269,900 (or $257 per square foot), this is one of the best values available on the market today!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #6

Society Hill Towers - 210 Locust Street - Condominium 15AW

2 bedrooms, 1 bath, unobstructed river views, natural light from oversized windows, wood floors, W/D, 1133 sf . . . $399,00!!!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #5

The Philadelphian - 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue - Condominium 21B22

What is the definition of a great value? How about $190/sf at The Philadelphian? How about a dramatic, 4207 sf bi-level penthouse reduced in price from $1,295,000 to $795,000?

Check this one out... 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, two large balconies, a ton of natural light and excellent closet space. The Philadelphian 21B22 is the epitome of a great value!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #4

Academy House - 1420 Locust Street - Condominium 6P

This highly upgraded 725 sf one bedroom home at Academy House is available for $285,000!

So what does that get you? Hardwood floors, brand new windows, washer & dryer and a spacious bathroom with stone tiled shower and new contemporary vanity. The open kitchen has beautiful granite, stylish wood cabinets, a cork floor, stainless steel appliances and track lighting. All in a doorman building in an incredible location in the middle of Center City.

The Barclay in Gingerbread

Barclay Prime's pastry chef Frank Urso created a replica of The Barclay in gingerbread in honor of the holiday season. Check it out...
It is completely to scale and has the correct amount of windows. Pretty awesome!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #3

The Dorchester - 226 W. Rittenhouse Square - Condominium 413

Upgraded, 723 sf one bedroom home at The Dorchester available for $309,900!!

This residence has parquet wood floors, a large private balcony, excellent closet space and a bathroom with new vanity. The open kitchen features a washer and dryer, Bosch stainless steel appliances, wood cabinetry, a new tile floor, stone countertops and a tile backsplash. The home also has brand new windows. The price per square foot, along with the high-end upgrades, makes this property an excellent value!

10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010: Value #2

Parc Rittenhouse - 225 S. 18th Street - Condominium 1008

Originally listed for $2,530,000, this dramatic 2131 sf three bedroom + den home is now available for only $1,595,000!!!

Condominium 1008 has the unique feature of having every room front Rittenhouse Square. The residence has real Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors throughout, bathrooms dressed from floor-to-ceiling in marble, crown and baseboard molding, and two fabulous Juliet balconies that literally bring Rittenhouse Square into the home. The open kitchen boasts granite countertops, wood cabinetry and high end stainless steel appliances.

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10 Best Values Leading Up to 2010

With ten days left in 2009, I am going to present to you our 10 best value listings, a new one each day until the end of the year. Maybe 2010 will be the year you will take advantage of great pricing and government incentives.

Best Value #1

The Wanamaker House - 2022 Walnut Street - $359,900

This Wanamaker House town home has a private street entrance and direct access to the garage. It features custom details such as a surround sound system, closets with organization systems and built-in bookshelves. The bathroom has a stainless steel bowl sink, flat screen TV, granite countertop and glass stall shower. The kitchen has granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood cabinetry and a tile floor. And on top of that, the home can be sold furnished.

This home is an incredible value. You get a private residence with all of the services and amenities of The Wanamaker House. Condo fees are extremely low, about $0.37 per square foot!

Rise in Existing Home Sales Announced Today

The National Association of Realtors announced today a 7.4% increase in the sale of existing homes in November as compared to October. 6.53 million existing homes were sold in November 2009, 44.1% more than in November 2008. While prices fell, it was the smallest price decline in two years.

The big gain in sales is due in large part to the deadline (which has since been extended) for first time home buyers using the government tax credit, which was originally November 30.

This data truly goes to show that existing buildings in core areas are still holding their own. People understand that while you can change the inside of a home, you can never change the location, which is where the truly value lies.

Open Houses: Sunday, December 13, 2009

12 - 12:45 PM The Philadelphian 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue

• Penthouse, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, abundant natural light, bi-level, 4207 sf $795,000



• 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, intimate Art Museum view, balcony, 2120 sf $650,000

1:15 - 1:45 PM Wanamaker House 2020 Walnut Street

• 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, stainless steel appliances, magnificent views, 1200 sf $525,000

2 - 2:30 PM The Dorchester 226 W. Rittenhouse Square

• 1 bedrooms, 1 bath, balcony, updated kitchen, parquet wood floors, 723 sf $309,900