Naval Square, Philadelphia New Construction
May 7, 2008
Naval Square is a 144 unit gated community consisting of condos and town tomes in the Graduate Hospital sections of the city. In the early 19th century, the property served as the first home of the U.S. Naval Academy and as the nation’s first retirement home for sailors and marines. Built by Toll Brothers, these 1 bedroom condos starting in the $300’s and town homes starting in the 400’s are offered in a number of different floor plans. Each unit comes with parking.
![Image of a Naval Square Kitchen](http://philadelphiarealestatehub.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/naval-300x239.jpg "Naval Square, \")
The units have unique layouts and they have a quality feel. I especially like the new condo building in the back, which has private entrances from the parking lot into the lower floors. It’s quiet back there and the condos are a good value.
The setting is picturesque. The homes have a classic, suburban feel. The location is a short walk to Fitler’s Square and the Rittenhouse neighborhood. For buyers who like classic style in a gated setting, Naval Square is worth checking out!
To see many more pictures and every property currently listed for sale at Naval Square, visit the Naval Square page at PhiladelphiaNewConstruction.Com.
-Sal Gardner
(Get To Know Sal A Little Better @ TheRealEstateItch.Com)
Memphis Flats, New Construction Review
May 2, 2008
Memphis Flats is a 72 unit condominium in the old Popcorn Factory in the heart of Fishtown. The building is comprised of two sections, built between 1900 and 1920. The timber section has exposed heavy wood beams and concrete floors, and the concrete section has poured concrete beams and wood floors. Both sections have high ceilings, exposed ductwork and exposed brick.
I was able to see a few finished units on the first floor. The rooms felt large, with a lofty feel. The kitchens are outfitted with Ikea kitchens and Bosch appliances, which give them a clean, designer look. The kitchens are a bit modern looking, but I think they offset the rustic feel of the unit well.
Prices hover at around $300 per square foot and condo fees are $.25/psf, which include all utilities except plug-in electricity. This will get you a 1,000 square foot 1 bedroom for about $300,000 with about $250 per month in condo fees. Although the price directly compete with single family homes in the area, having most utilities, parking, and exterior maintenance included make them a good deal for buyers who want a cool condo in an urban setting.
Our Memphis Flats PhiladelphiaNewConstruction.Com page features every available unit currently on the market at Memphis Flats.
-Sal Gardner
(Get To Know Sal A Little Better @ TheRealEstateItch.Com)
Trump Tower, New Construction Review
April 30, 2008
It’s finally coming to Philadelphia! Located on the Delaware River, Trump’s 45 story luxury tower will boast amenities such as an indoor and outdoor pool, fitness center, running track tennis courts, and a five star restaurant. Each unit will include parking, and chauffeured car service for the residents.
The Philly sales center is on the 57th floor in the Liberty One building. I was able to see a sample kitchen and bathroom, as well as all 63 floor plans. The spaces will be sleek and modern, but have a warm feel to them. The kitchen has features like Miele appliances, Fisher& Paykel drawer-style dishwashers, and Sub-Zero refrigeration. Baths will be in marble with double sinks, soaking tubs and separate showers. I found the finishes to be modern without being cold. The floor plans all make best use of space, light and views.
Prices start at $700K for an 1,100 square foot one bedroom, topping out at $2.95 million for a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath, 2,400 square foot penthouse.
Don’t miss out on the details — Receive my reviews of Philadelphia New Construction by using the email subscription form at the top of this page.
-Sal Gardner
(Get To Know Sal A Little Better @ TheRealEstateItch.Com)
Cu257, Featured Philadelphia New Construction
April 23, 2008
Cu257 is a five story, 10 unit boutique building in Old City. Each unit is configured with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 or 3 baths. They are about 2,400 square feet, have floor to ceiling windows with great views, private balconies, hi-end finishes, and parking. Kitchens are outfitted with Wolf cooking, Fisher & Paykel drawer-style dishwashers, and a Liebherr 48” refrigerator with built-in wine storage.
What makes Cu257’s units unique are their layouts. You enter from the core of the building and walk through a long gallery hall to get to the living space. This setup is perfect for art collectors who need plenty of wall space to display their artwork. The floor-to-ceiling windows bring in plenty of light and allow spectacular views of the Ben Franklin Bridge. The East units have a long window in the kitchen where the backsplash would be, as well as an equally cool light above the cabinets.
Carpeting is standard in the bedrooms, with hardwoods offered for a $15,000 upgrade. I would opt for the woods, as it will keep the airy theme throughout the property. The kitchen cabinets are a very modern wood grain that I thought would look great with a solid countertop.
Prices start at $899,000 for the first level, topping out at $1,799,000 for a penthouse. Condo fees are low at $.24 per square foot, with all utilities except plug-in electric included. Each unit comes with one garage parking space. If you are looking for a great location, excellent views and a gallery for your artwork, look no further!
To See Every Unit currently available for sale at Cu257, visit the Cu257 page at PhiladelphiaNewConstruction.Com.
Sal Gardner
Sal’s Picks– Grad Hospital Real Estate
November 1, 2007
Sal’s Picks
(Please visit RealEstateItch.Com for more about Sal.)
In my travels, I will be coming across properties that are in my opinion a good value for the price. They will come to me either in my quest to satisfy my own “three-year-itch”, or I will see them as I work with other clients. When I do, I will post them under Sal’s Picks.
Some may be wondering, “If these properties are such a good value, why isn’t Sal or his client(s) snatching them up?” The answer is simple. Not every property is for everyone. A client (or myself) may have ruled a home out because it just doesn’t satisfy our individual real estate needs, but it may be perfect for someone else. If a client of mine is looking for a garage, but a great house doesn’t have one, it may be just right for someone without a car. Or, an avid gardener may wish for a large outdoor space, but someone who isn’t home much may not want the upkeep.
Now on to today’s pick…
2208 Carpenter Street in Graduate Hospital.
Listed by Mike McCann @ Prudential Fox & Roach
From TREND:
“Very clean, well-maintained 2-story 2 Bedroom/1 Bath home on an excellent block in Graduate Hospital! Very clean home in slightly dated condition but offers excellent value in a great location! Features a separate living and dining room, large eat-in kitchen, nice size rear yard, and clean dry basement. 1ST FLOOR: Vestibule w/French door to LR with w/w carpeting & newer windows. Dep. Dining area w/carpeting. Large, EIK w/wood cabinets, window and door to yard. 2ND FLOOR: Front BR & back BR with w/w carpeting w/additional sitting room (possible office or BR) w/window. Spacious bath w/window. BSMT: Mechanicals & storage.”
At $179,900, I feel that this place is a good deal. The property is clean and looks as if it was well maintained. Rehabbed homes like this have recently sold in the area for the high $200’s to low $300’s.
If you would like to know more about this property or see the comps in the neighborhood, feel free to contact me .
Featured Post: The Real Estate Itch
October 26, 2007
Movin’ On Up
As some of our regular readers may already know, my specialty is “The Three-Year-Itch”:
Three-year-itch [three yeer ich]
-noun
a condition that motivates homeowners to want to step up to a different house. it can be caused by their current home feeling ‘too small’, increased property values, or the need for a change. it can also be caused by renters who realize that they can own for the same cost as renting.
In 1998 I purchased my first house. It was a huge row home in South Philly on S. Broad St. Walking into it was like stepping back in time. It has all of its original character and charm, including the original 7 foot tall parlor mirror, fireplace mantel and gas chandelier. It boasted 6 bedrooms, 3 full baths and 2 kitchens. At 3,600 square feet, it was a lot of house. The place needed a total renovation, so I got it for a song. I spent the next 5 years scraping, painting, restoring plaster moldings, updating kitchens and bathrooms., and refinishing the original staircase and floors. I even added a roof deck off the master bedroom and installed a hot tub! It was spectacular.
But the years of renovations and roommates took their toll. I was burned out on all of it and needed a change. I got the “itch”! I decided to downsize and move closer to Center City. I sold Broad Street for a substantial profit and downsized to a beautifully renovated 1,100 sq. ft. 2 bedroom house in the Graduate Hospital section of the city. The purchase price for the new place was higher than what I owed on Broad Street, but because of the equity that I built up, the mortgage on my new house was cut in half.
After more than 3 years in Graduate Hospital, I have the “itch” again. I learned that my current place is worth much more than I bought it for. With the profits I earned from both houses I can now step up to something better. I’m thinking of upsizing this time and am considering other neighborhoods in the city. Watch my posts for further developments…
If you have the ‘itch’, feel free to contact me to learn how you can step up. It’s not as difficult as you think.
Today’s Top Picks, Northern Liberties Real Estate
October 24, 2007
(Sal Gardner, REALESTATEITCH.COM)
Sal’s top real estate picks are in Northern Liberties. They each represent unique living and great values.
1. Le 22:
This development is in the heart of downtown northern Liberties. It’s gated with the garages inside a courtyard. The townhomes come in 4 different configurations with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths at about 2300 square feet. The carriage houses are 1,800 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Each home comes with a deck. The finishes are good quality as well as sleek and modern. With prices starting at $499,000, this is an excellent value.
2. Green Condos:
This place is spectacular. One of 4 condos, one of the upper units is available. It has 2,300 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. There is a separate living room on one end and a great room with an totally high-end kitchen. The upstairs hall is a catwalk with glass floors to allow light into the first floor from the skylights on the roof!
The most amazing part of the place is the roof deck. It’s a green roof, so your roofing material is grass! That’s right folks, you have a lawn on top of your house! Now for those who don’t know much about green roofs, they save energy by helping to cool the place in the summer and heat it in the winter. In addition, it has radiant floor heating which makes it very efficient to heat in the winter. Personally, I would look into installing solar panels to defray energy costs. The builder allotted for a place to install them in the roof plan.
3. Brown Street Estates:
This is probably the best deal in the city. 2,900 square feet separated in 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a great room with high-end kitchen and a formal living room. It has a real back yard and 2 decks and an indoor/outdoor fireplace in the great room and 2nd floor deck. The vent from the fireplace is designed to act like a heater to warm the deck! Glass and steel stairs round out this luxury palace. A finished basement with additional powder room is optional. Prices start at $749,000. In my opinion, this development is the best value in Philadelphia.
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Thanks,
Sal (Gardner)
![<a href=\"http://philadelphiarealestatehub.com/agents/david-shatley\">David Shatley Associate Broker</a>](http://philadelphiarealestatehub.com/wp-content/gallery/agents/david.jpg "<a href=\\"http://philadelphiarealestatehub.com/agents/david-shatley\\">David Shatley Associate Broker</a>")
