The Philadelphia Condo Loft

OK, its not personal. The Superbowl game on Sunday, February 1 is not personal for us here in Philadelphia.

Well, not for some of us.

Some of us won’t care who wins since our Eagles are not there. Some of us will want to see the conference win. Some of us will want to see that other team from PA win.

Whatever. Philadelphia is still going to have a good time. Just be careful out there – state police will be watching for drunk drivers. This is a big weekend for drinking and celebrating – or drowning your sorrows in a bucket of suds.

Now we mentioned how before the playoffs, you could have enjoyed the game at the Residences at the Ritz Carlton, on their 65 inch screen television in the media room. But really, if you are looking for a home, events like the Superbowl tend to bring out the best in Philadelphia condominium living. Neighbors get together, either in residences or in commons rooms, and share the fun. Many new buildings now include full kitchens and big televisions as part of their private lounge/social area.

Less work for you, and lots more fun – and more friends.

And you can plan the next party – for cheering the Eagles on to victory in your Philadelphia condominium, with your neighbors, and all the amenities that go with your good life.

Enjoy the weekend.

Philadelphia is seen in various movies, tv shows, and stories.  After all, it’s a great city, with a lot going on, and has some of the most beautiful buildings in America – not to mention there’s never a dull moment!

Like most major cities, parking in Philly is an adventure.  So it’s fun to relax in your condo (which we hope has parking, many do) and watch other people stress about tickets, boots, and general parking troubles in A&E’s “Parking Wars”.  Who needs an exotic island or stuffy boardroom for a reality show?  You’ve got Philadelphia, city of brotherly love.

This program is a lot like a soap opera.  You get to see the day to day life of the people who write you  parking tickets – and how they deal with it.  And the nice thing about this show – if you’re moving to Philadelphia – it really takes you through neighborhoods, street level.  From the most historic areas to bustling business centers, from the parking garage to the city’s most famous sandwich shops, you get an eyeful of Philadelphia.

Of course, if reality shows are not for you, then just rent the Rocky series and enjoy the clips of people at the end of Rocky Balboa running up the “Rocky Steps” of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Tour Philadelphia condos here.  Let us show you, the buyer, how to save thousands of dollars on commission!

Along the Schuykill River, Philadelphia condominiums have a new standard in elegant midrise living.  Locust Point is conveniently located in one of Philadelphia’s most spectacular neighborhoods for river/cityscape views, close to University of Pennsylvania and major business and cultural venues.

Locust Point is a Philadelphia Condo conversion development.  The building is an historically certified multi family residence which is now converted to new luxury condominiums.  This unique residence, in the heart of Center City, features one and two bedroom homes, with every finishing touch you could expect in a luxury residence.  These Philadelphia Condo homes offer incredible value in one of Philadelphia’s greatest neighborhoods, and are now available.

This blending of traditional, classic design with modern upgrades is sure to set a new standard for Philadelphia living.

Tour Philadelphia condos here.  Let us show you, the buyer, how to save thousands of dollars on commission!

February is “New Play Month” in Greater Philadelphia and many new works will be featured at Philly’s great theaters.  Theatrical organizations will also host readings, discussions, and workshops.

The Theatre Alliance, located at 1616 Walnut Street, will host a celebration party sponsored by Philadelphia weekly at 6 PM February 23.  This will honor new plays being staged and premiered right here in Philadelphia.

Heading down Walnut Street toward the Delaware River, stop and see the progress of 101 Walnut Street, the new luxury residences in the famous Society Hill neighborhood.  These luxury residences are designed to be a single residence per floor, where keyed elevator access opens into your private home, privacy and peace abound in the midst of Philadelphia‘s Old City.  The residences feature a curtain wall system, expansive views from floor to ceiling windows, two balconies per residence, and a total square footage including balconies of 2850 square feet.  The penthouse is almost double that size.  Cherry flooring, Gaggenau appliances, 10 to 11 foot ceilings, and granite countertops are standard.

More than half of the residences at 101 Walnut Street are sold.  The exterior of the 12 story  building is finished, and residents have their choice of existing models or totally “raw” ones, which can be customized to their individual taste and desire.  Prices range from 1.5 million to 3 million.

Call me to arrange a tour of 101 Walnut Street.

The Residences at the Ritz Carlton opened in December, but this weekend sales were promoted with a “kickoff” – they offered buyers a chance to watch the game in their media room, on the high definition 65 inch screen television.  Imagine having the opportunity to watch future events in those comfortable leather seats, literally the “lap of luxury”!

Too bad for the Eagles.  But Steelers fans who are shopping for a Philadelphia luxury condominium might want to check and see what the plans at the Ritz Carlton are for Superbowl Sunday on February 1.

The Residences at the Ritz Carlton are priced from $550,000 to $12 million.  The building is a contemporary masterpiece which has transformed the Philadelphia skyline.  Situated in the center of Philadelphia’s arts attractions, shopping, and restaurants, this unique building is a distinguished, opulent address.  It is the ultimate in Philadelphia luxury condo living, with a gated park which features an on site dog park and a 12 foot waterfall.  There is a 7000 square foot fitness center, a Richel D’Ambra Spa, 24 hour concierge, a private lounge, executive conference room, and chauffer limosine service.  Residents will enjoy a 30% discount on Ritz Carleton accommodations world wide, subject to availability. The residences are equipped with the most updated high end features, including designer kitchens, spacious baths with full height marble walls, and Sub-Zero and Bosch appliances.

Tour The Residences at the Ritz Carlton

Remember when you buy with CondoDomain in Philadelphia you save thousands via our commission refund business model.  On average our clients get back more than $10,000 cash back at closing!  (Learn More)

OK, let the gloomy keep on talking.  Are you ready for some good news, Philadelphia?

A report from The National Association of Realtors announced that Philadelphia is among the six national markets for the strongest median price sales growth.  We join Dallas, Houston, Rochester NY, New Orleans LA, and Bismarck ND in this distinction.

Really, you have three sunny spots there – two in Texas, and New Orleans, and then Rochester NY?  Brrrr!  Bismarck ND?  Double Brrrr!  Sure, winter comes to Philly, but not like that!

Putting us up with the sunbelt says something positive about our general economic outlook.  And as we know, Philadelphia is a place that is wonderful because…well, because…it’s HOME.

This is a great time to come home to a Philadelphia condo.  For example, take a look at 1830 Rittenhouse Square, in one of Philly’s most historic neighborhoods.  Pre-war construction and tasteful décor are a hallmark of this building, priced from $200K to $600K. If a high rise is not what you are looking for, then take a look at 2201 Cherry Street – low rise, bright, airy, and still with wonderful views.  It’s newly renovated by Logan Circle, and priced also from 200K to 600K

Tour Philadelphia condos here.  Let us show you, the buyer, how to save thousands of dollars on commission!

Philadephia, “City of Brotherly Love” and home of the first Independence day, is hosting an inaugural celebration on January 20.  Makes sense – this is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.  At 11 am on January 20, there will be a Jumbotron broadcast next to the Independence Visitor Center.

Well, it’s not even close to Washington DC, but it’s close enough for some.  And unlike DC, you’ll probably be able to get a hotel room!

Philadelphia is more than history, it is a fabulous city with great opportunities for home ownership.

Philadelphia is 77^th out of 100 major metropolitan areas in the USA in foreclosures.  That means they’re not pressuring housing prices unrealistically downward, so properties have a better likelihood of holding their value, even in a down market.  For anyone who offers Philadelphia real estate for sale, that is good news.  Some realtors have noticed an increase in short sales and foreclosures, but find that the properties most likely to be affected are investor owned.

What does this mean for you, the buyer?  It means that there are some opportunities in purchasing foreclosures and short sales, but your property will maintain its value and build equity as the economy improves.  Take The Arts Condominium at 13th and Locust Streets, for example.  It is sold out – but 23 of the 372 units have been threatened with foreclosure.  These are for the most part investor owned properties.  Or Waterfront Square where the price of a $3.2 million condo was slashed by $600,000.  Or the promise developers made to buyers  of a free Smart Car if they bought a residence at Symphony House.

This is in keeping with a trend reported last year by The Philadelphia Business Journal.  Although there were more condos on the market, and prices had gone down, buyers and sellers kept making deals.  Short term, the market continues to be risky, but the overall long term view for Philadelphia condos  is very good for buyers.

Tour Philadelphia condos here.  Let us show you, the buyer, how to save thousands of dollars on commission!