How we love Philadelphia. And now, Philadelphia loves us back.

“With Love, Philadelphia XOXO” is a new advertising campaign aimed at stimulating tourism. The target really is leisure travel. Discounting campaigns in the past few years have made Saturday nights the busiest of the week in hotels, and further discounts are not felt to be necessary. The advertising will feature various “love letters” from Philadelphia. They’ll be aimed at Phillies fans, history lovers, and weekend getaway seekers.

“With Love, Philadelphia XOXO” is a new advertising campaign aimed at stimulating tourism. The target really is leisure travel. Discounting campaigns in the past few years have made Saturday nights the busiest of the week in hotels, and further discounts are not felt to be necessary. The advertising will feature various “love letters” from Philadelphia. They’ll be aimed at Phillies fans, history lovers, and weekend getaway seekers.

“With Love, Philadelphia XOXO” is a new advertising campaign aimed at stimulating tourism. The target really is leisure travel. Discounting campaigns in the past few years have made Saturday nights the busiest of the week in hotels, and further discounts are not felt to be necessary. The advertising will feature various “love letters” from Philadelphia. They’ll be aimed at Phillies fans, history lovers, and weekend getaway seekers.

A great place to visit is also a great place to live. Take a look at these Philadelphia condos we love:
The Ellington
American Loft
1904 Spring Garden

Find out why CondoDomain is different from other real estate brokers.

Going green & saving green seem to be all the rage these days, which is why the real estate development firm Postgreen has the right idea.

Browsing aimlessly through an airline magazine trying to pass the time on a boring flight, I came across an article that literally had me rip the page out to keep! (Sorry Airtran) It was titled, “Reduce, Reuse, Real Estate” and it gave me great idea on an interesting concept taking place right in Philadelphia!

Postgreen is the source behind the 100K House, a case study in which they are attempting to build a LEED-platinmum certified Philadelphia home for only $100,000 in construction costs. For those of you unfamiliar with the high cost of green building…this is an incredible goal! Postgreen is aiming to prove that green homes can be built affordably if designed properly. Being “eco-friendly” will now hopefully be “eco-nomicially friendly” too!

After reading this article I was thoroughly impressed with Postgreen and their use of their blog as a source for ideas and information…because after all, here at CondoDomain we value our blogs in the same way.

Postgreen plans to build ten houses in Philadelphia in 2009 and a projected 40-50 in 2010. To learn more about Postgreen visit their website or their blog.

Stay tuned to our Philadelphia Condo Loft blog for more information on Green Building and Modern Condos in Philadelphia!

Source: Pam George, GO Magazine

We started our St Patrick’s day celebration here in Philadelphia this weekend, with our annual parade. Did you know that the Philadelphia St Patrick’s Day parade is the second oldest in the nation? Only New York City has been holding a St. Patrick’s Day parade for a longer time.

Of course, the party doesn’t end with the 239th St Patrick’s Day parade, which took place on the weekend, it’s just getting started. Here’s a list of some of the places you can go today to really celebrate in style, and get a feel for Irish culture here in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia has such a diversity of cultures, it’s one of the strong things about this city.

Another strong thing for Philadelphia is the availability of Philadelphia condominium residences for qualified buyers. With tax credits, tax abatements on many properties, lower prices and lower interest rates, the long wait to buy your home may be soon over.

Enjoy the day – and then call me about seeing some Philadelphia condominiums. We’ll find the right home for you at a price you can afford. And remember, when you buy with CondoDomain, we give you money back at closing.

Why not come home to the best? Philadelphia condominium buyers have so many advantages – this fabulous city, and choices of fine residences – and right now, the opportunities for home owners have never been better.

Prices and interest rates for qualified buyers are still low. The economic stimulus bill that is before Congress will not give you a $15000 credit as a first time home buyer, but it will give you one of up to $8000. That’s only $500 more than the present $7500, but this time, there are fewer limitations. At present, you have to pay the $7500 credit back over 15 years. The new $8000 credit will not have to be paid back unless you sell within three years. And we sweeten the deal too, when we give you cash back at closing.

So let’s look at something that maybe you thought was out of your reach, but might be possible for you now. Let’s look at Aria, on Rittenhouse Square. You can expect the best here, from the sumptuous lobby, from the 24 hour concierge that knows your name and anticipates your every need, to the spa for your pet (don’t worry, you have a fitness center!) Mingle with other residents in the clubroom, host a private meeting in the full service boardroom.

Your Philadelphia Condominium residence, priced from $300,000 on up, comes fully equipped with luxurious finishes, including Viking and Bosch appliances (Sub-Zero in the upper floors) and fine decor. Aria’s location is a prime one in Rittenhouse Square.

Now that stimulus package might not really affect you if your income is above the limit. But the truth of the matter is – You have a great opportunity for prices and mortgage rates now, and what we give you back at closing will certainly save you money. Based on a price tag of $300,000 to $3 million, we can cut you a check at closing for between $4,000 and $85,000.

Now that’s a stimulus that any Philadelphia condominium buyer can live with! Let us show you, the buyer, how to save thousands of dollars on commission!

Happy Valentines day Philadelphia! Our gift to you is a bouquet of Rittenhouse Square’s beautiful Philadelphia Condominiums. And of course, we always have our year round valentine to you.

Lets start with Parc Rittenhouse. This luxury Philadelphia condominium conversion boasts spacious homes at a wide range of prices. From $275K to 15 million, these world class residences offer an uncommon level of luxury that you might only find on vacation – but you’re home, here in Philadelphia. In addition to the renovated residences inside the existing former Sheraton/Rittenhouse Regency Apartments building, three new floors are being built to house new penthouses atop the 1924 structure. Prices range from $275,000 for a studio to 15 million for the most luxurious new penthouse. The raw space of the most expensive penthouse is an amazing 15,084 square feet.

Pre war elegance is yours at 1830 and 1900 Rittenhouse Square. 1830 Rittenhouse Square is an elegant Beaux Arts building which is a highly sought after address. Turn of the century styling, spacious bay windows, and modern amenities in these Philadelphia condominiums make the 1830 a wonderful home. There are no more than two residences on most floors. 1900 Rittenhouse Square is a co-op apartment building, offering discreet, exclusive, and private living at a historic address. Built in 1926, this Rittenhouse Square Landmark is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The last contemporary Philadelphia condominiums to be constructed on Rittenhouse Square are 10 Rittenhouse Square and 1706 Rittenhouse Square. 1706 is under construction, to be completed in 2010. We’re looking forward to this new Philadelphia condominium, offering the best of modern 21st century luxury. Even your car will be pampered, being brought to you via automated parking on rails, so no one will ever touch your car except you. Priced from 1 million to 6 million, these 29 spectacular full floor residences at 1706 Rittenhouse Square will be unlike any other in Center City. 10 Rittenhouse Square is expected to be ready for delivery in the fall of 2009, with soaring ceilings, fine finishes, on premises parking, and huge penthouses. A 10 year tax abatement comes with a residence at this address of distinction.

So, when you’re at home in one of these fabulous Philadelphia condominiums, you can break out the bubbly, pop “High Society” or “Philadelphia Story” in the DVD, and enjoy classic romantic luxury beyond your wide screen HDTV. In fact, you’ll be able to pamper yourself pretty well with the money you will save at closing once you buy your luxury home with us.

Center City is the place for new Philadelphia Condominiums, and smart buyers are not letting them sit empty too long. Lets talk about Naval Square. Toll Brothers has crafted a variety of housing types in this
comprehensive development, and at a variety of prices too. These residences are newly built town homes with private garages, and historical renovated condos with tall ceilings and distinctive, open space.

At Naval Square, you are surrounded by history. The property originally was the Naval Home, a National Historic LandmarK. This served as the first home of the US Naval Academy and the nation’s first retirement home for sailors and marines. As a military academy, it was designed to have parade grounds and exquisite residences. The Governor’s and Surgeon General’s residences have been preserved in this historic area, providing residents an ideal spot for enjoying the outdoors, walking, meeting neighbors.

There are a variety of plans for the residences. At present, the Cityview home sites are now available. These three bedroom 2 1/2 bath town homes with onsite deeded parking or attached garage feature all the quality materials you expect from Toll Brothers – gleaming hardwoods, granite and stone materials in Kitchen and bath, upscale appliances in the kitchen. There are also a variety of the Pemberton condominiums for sale. These range from studios to three bedroom Philadelphia condominiums with deeded parking.

Your community not only has beautiful landscaped grounds, but residents share a large outdoor pool and new state of the art fitness center with the latest in equipment. You’re in a gated community, and you have the rare peace and beauty that comes in a well planned urban neighborhood just a short walk from major employment centers and medical and academic institutions.

Philadelphia’s cultural life is at your doorstep. Don’t let this opportunity to own a new home in one of Philadelphia’s premier neighborhoods pass you by.  Call me for a tour of Naval Square today.

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!

]]> http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/parking-wars-fun-in-the-big-city/feed/ 0 http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/101-walnut-street-old-city-is-new/ http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/101-walnut-street-old-city-is-new/#comments Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:48:09 +0000 Anthony Longo http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/?p=143

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)

]]> http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/the-residences-at-the-ritz-carlton-2/feed/ 1 http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/the-january-20-inauguration-in-philly/ http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/the-january-20-inauguration-in-philly/#comments Fri, 16 Jan 2009 12:18:52 +0000 Anthony Longo http://www.philadelphiacondoloft.com/?p=137

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!

A true luxury condominium. That is what the Corinthian condominium building in Philadelphia is- in an understatement. Beautifully landscaped grounds surround the Corinthian and the luxurious amenities leave nothing else to be desired. Building amenities at the Corinthian include a private fitness center, guest suites, resident library and lounge, club room, and 24 hour concierge services.

Tour Corinthian Today