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New Construction Projects in Philadelphia

New Construction Projects in Philadelphia

 

When living in a large city like Philadelphia it can be difficult to see all the new and upcoming real estate construction. With the demolition of old buildings to the construction of newly renovated complexes, let LYL Realty give you the scoop on what’s to come!

Just North of Broad Street is the newly constructed six-story multifamily apartments on the corner of Callowhill. The development broke ground in early 2016 with co-partners Hanover Co. and Parkway Corp. The bottom of the building will contain retail opportunities. With construction almost complete, tenant applications are also being accepted. The hopes for these new apartments is to start bringing Center City’s density up Broad Street.

Further toward Center City is the renovation an old parking garage located in the Avenue of the Arts section of Broad. The parking garage will be turned into a Cambria Hotel and will hopefully bring more tourists and business partners to the area. Pearl Properties broke ground in 2016 and is expected to be finished early 2017.

How could anyone miss Philadelphia’s newest skyscraper? A project expected to open in 2017 is the new Comcast Innovation and Technology Center. The new building will stand 172ft taller than the previous Comcast Center and have a remarkable 59 stories. The building will be occupied by 200+ luxury hotel rooms, a vast amount of retail space, and a top floor restaurant with a view of the city.

After months of debate and fights with the zoning board, the Toll Brothers has revealed their proposal for a 29-story tower filled with condos and retail opportunities on Sansom Street. To start the construction of this massive building 5 historic buildings will be torn away but not forgotten.  It is too have a modern feel with brick and metal exterior to still keep the history of the street alive. The project is not expected to be concluded until 2019.

With the new construction going on, some have felt that the history of Philadelphia was being forgotten. In most cases, significant historic buildings are being salvaged or just renovated for different use. With the changing skyline of our city we are still excited to see where it all goes. But don’t forget, when it’s time to find a new place to live, whether you are looking to buy or rent, LYL Realty Group is here to help you every step of the way!

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Is being a real estate agent right for me?

Is being a real estate agent right for me?

 
Are you looking for a job that will keep you on your toes? If so, being a real estate agent might be the perfect fit for you! Let LYL Realty explain some pros and cons of the work that we love to do.

An important factor of being a real estate agent is that you become your own boss. You have control over your hours and movement. If you have a family, having this sort of flexibility can be very beneficial. On the contrary, most of your clients have 9-to-5 jobs which most likely has you working at odd times during the day to fit into their schedules. Weekends become full with showings and next thing you know, you’re working when everyone else is off.

Secondly, a nice perk of being a real estate agent is when the market is strong you can feel it. You’re not worried about your next lead because you know you have the extra cash coming in. You are not paid hourly but by the amount of time you invest in growing your clientele. When buying and selling real estate seems to be spreading like the gold rush, you’re loving every minute of it. Con: when the market fever starts to settle, it hits hard. During the slow season, agents are all scrambling for the same clients. Everyone is in more competition with each other. This job needs someone who doesn’t mind adapting quickly to different market situations.

Lastly, a pro about being an agent is that you are the expert. Your clients are depending on you to find them what will best suit their needs. You are the one who knows all the ins and outs of the surrounding area. They are depending on you to guide them with this major life changing decision. With this amount of trust you form very close relationships with your clients. The only stressful con about this is that you are trusted with someone’s life savings. Having such a heavy weight on your shoulders can make it heart aching when things don’t go as planned. Deals fall through and terms of sale change. You must remember that unhappy clients spread word just as fast as happy ones.

Being a real estate agent is a different job than most. It can be very rewarding and self-motivating. But don’t forget, when it’s time to find a new place to live, whether you are looking to buy or rent, LYL Realty Group is here to help you every step of the way!

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Different Historic Landmarks to visit in Philadelphia!

Different Historic Landmarks to visit in Philadelphia!

Philadelphia has so much to offer for any adventurer. The Betsy Ross House and the Liberty Bell aren’t the only landmarks that show this city’s history. Here are some of our favorite places that aren’t too far from you that are fun for anyone to visit!

East Park Reservoir

The East Park Reservoir or otherwise known as East Fairmount Park is a 37-acre artificial lake that once provided the whole city with drinking water. Unfortunately, it was decommissioned in the 1950s, but one basin is still used today! From the banks of the water you can perfectly see the city. There is recent activity of a Discovery Center being built for the youth of North Philadelphia adjacent to Strawberry Mansion. This project will provide environmental education and adventure programs.

Strawberry Mansion

Right from the reservoir you can take a short car drive to the Strawberry Mansion. Currently this is used as a music pavilion in East Fairmount Park.  Built in 1905, the mansion was initially used as a simple band platform. The implementation of the trolley system boosted the popularity of the mansion dramatically. Today it’s the largest Fairmount Park Historic House and it is filled with antiques and fine art all from the 18th and 19th century.

East Park Canoe House

This remarkable house was built in 1914 and is listed on the national register of historical sites. In the 1900’s it represented the Spanish Mission Revival architectural style which was very popular for the time. Unfortunately, the building was condemned in 2008. Soon thereafter, its restoration was led by the city. This place might seem familiar because it houses Temple’s very own Crew Team! You can go here to support the races or to  just get a view of the water.

Bartram’s Garden

Located in West Philadelphia, Bartram’s Garden is a beautiful 45-acre outdoor extravaganza. Being the oldest surviving garden in the United States, it attracts people from all over. With over 40,000 visitors each year, it is intended to continue John Bartram’s legacy of the joy of discovering, arts, and gardening.  Originally built in 1731, it was the family home for John Bartram and his wife. His fine intelligence led him to travel and take an interest in horticulture. He would bring back thousands of plant specimens, which led to an international plant exchange. The house soon began to attract attention and it never stopped. The house has been restored multiple times but the garden has remained intact.

There are so many cool historical sites that are affordable and convenient to discover! A simple day trip to discover your city can satisfy your desire for adventure and knowledge.  And don’t forget, when it’s time to find a new place to live, whether you are looking to buy or rent, LYL Realty Group is here to help you every step of the way!

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Smart Home: Friend or Foe

Smart Home: Friend or Foe

It seems like the hottest topic in real estate right now is the Smart Home.  In this day and age, everyone wants to be in control of as many things as they can – right from the palm of their hand.  Recently, many Builders have begun to equip all of their New Construction projects with Smart technology.  At LYL Realty, we ask is the Smart Home really Smart or another time-zapper posed as a cool idea and fun trend?

Some ask, what constitutes a Smart Home exactly?  And, our experts say that it is any home equipped with lighting, heating, and electrical components (i.e. appliances, sound systems, etc) that can be controlled through your computer or mobile device.  The rise of smart homes has been increasing every year due to the stress-free environment and convenience they provide. Is this advance in technology all it’s cracked up to be when it comes to saving time and money?

For one, energy savings is the biggest attraction.  Most people use lights, appliances and/or temperature controls daily.  And, everyone considers how energy will be consumed when buying (or even renting) a home.  Who likes to be surprised with a large heating or air conditioning bill?   In a Smart Home, you have the ability to pre-program temperature and light timers which makes you able to efficiently use these things when you aren’t home.   Product manufactures have actually done surveys and estimate that Smart technology can contribute to close to 15% in annual energy costs.

Two, Security is huge.  Our personal dwellings homes MUST be safe.  Smart technology allows you to have remote monitoring, which can put your mind at ease when you’re away home.  Automated security alerts you and the authorities of suspicious activity.  Features can even include camera and audio views of inside your home when you’re away.   Now, with Remote monitoring, becomes another To Do.  Finding the time to “unplug” seems to get harder as the years go by and having a live video and audio feed to your home may cause a bit of paranoia and obsessive behavior.

Three, Smart technology is still considered an “upgrade” by the Construction community.  Some Sellers/Builders of new homes will include it (with the right price!) but for the most part you are going to pay extra.  Installation can be complex.  And before you know it, you could be looking at a costly project depending on what you require.

Finally, one issue that has been popping up is the voice activated programming and its hyper sensitivity.  Sometimes the system can pick up a normal conversation that you are having like “Our office got pizza and I wanted two of the pepperoni slices…”.  All of a sudden a delivery guy is at your doorstep with 2 pepperoni pies.  Little did the voice activation system know that you are meat-free this week, but you were eye-balling the pepperoni at work.

Even with all the pros and cons, smart homes are not for everyone. Buying and renting a house can be stressful. Remember to stay on budget and focus on the things you need. Upgrades can always come later!  If you want to know more about Smart technology and how to get it in your existing home or rental, give us a call.  And don’t forget, when it’s time to find a new place to live, whether you are looking to buy or rent, LYL Realty Group is here to help you every step of the way!

 

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5 Fun Things To Do In The City!

5 Fun things for Temple Students to do in the City!

Brought to you by LYL Realty Group

 

Wanamaker Organ at Macy’s Center City

 

So, you just moved to Philadelphia to start school and you’re looking for cool things to do in the city? Or maybe you’ve got friends or family coming to visit you in your new city and you want to show them some fun Philly-centric things to do? Well, here is a list of some of our favorite places to visit that aren’t too far from Temple Campus and won’t cost you an arm and a leg that you can go and explore!

 

Eastern State Penitentiary

Gloomy and interesting, this old piece of history is a hot-spot for locals to go and check out whether it be the audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi or the infamous Terror Behind the Walls around Halloween. The Eastern State Penitentiary is perfect for people who like to see ruins of the past! Save $4 with valid student ID! Check out their website for more info – http://www.easternstate.org/home

The Barnes Foundation

Way back in 1922 Albert C Barnes founded the Barnes Foundation. He was a prolific and prestigious art collector whose passion for fine art became that of infamy and lure. His collection is thought to be one of the finest in the world, and for years it was very difficult to see it. However, things have changed over the years and now this breathtaking collection is open to the public! It’s very surreal to be on the streets of Philadelphia, only moments from the Rocky statue and across the street from a Whole Foods, and then enter this world inhabited by the world’s most famous art. Pieces from artists like Picasso, Monet, Cezanne, Van Gogh, and many more! They offer discounts for students with valid ID on a sliding scale from FREE-$10 instead of the normal $25 adult admission. They also have a free day for everyone every first Sunday of the month! Check out their Website here – http://www.barnesfoundation.org/

 

Reading Terminal Market

This is a great place to see what Philly has to offer when it comes to food! This place is legendary. It’s hard not to gorge yourself on all of these top notch eateries! Start things off with a smoothie or coffee as you enter, and make your way over to Hershel’s for the finest Reuben of your life which is also right next DiNics where you’ll get Philly’s best roast pork sandwich. If you’re feeling a little more on the sweet side, Termini Brothers bakery is the finest source for decadent baked goods (personal favorites include; Tiramisu and chocolate banana). Now, the known favorite spot in the market is Beiler’s Donuts. The line to get these tasty things can stretch around half the market at times, as a pro donut-eater myself I would suggest getting the maple-bacon donut. For a complete list of merchants and more info, check out – http://readingterminalmarket.org/

 

Wagner Free Institute of Science

The Wagner is a natural science and history museum founded in 1855. This place is great, especially since it’s free! They often offer free lectures on really fun topics! Earlier this year I attended one about the planet Mars and another about Leeches, they often will have multiple experts in the field come and talk about the topic and then hold a discussion at the end. There are also great exhibits to be seen, much of which have been in place since it’s opening. They’ve also recently added fun events like scavenger hunts for adults and “Science on tap” which is described as “a monthly science café that features a brief, informal presentation by a scientist or other expert followed by lively conversation. Held at the National Mechanics Bar and Restaurant”. Learn more about the Wagner here – http://www.wagnerfreeinstitute.org/

 

Wanamaker Organ 

Another fun and FREE thing to do in Philadelphia! Located in the Macy’s in Center City, this is a charming piece of history. The Wanamaker Organ is still played to this day (mainly during the holidays) and is enormous! It was built in 1904 for the Word’s Fair in St. Louis and now lives in Philadelphia. This thing is so big, when it was transported to Philadelphia, it took 13 freight cars to move and 2 years to re-assemble! Check in with their website to find times to go and listen to this one of a kind instrument make beautiful music! For more info, check out – http://www.wanamakerorgan.com/

 

 

These places are sure to satisfy your desire to immerse yourself in the oh-so-Philly flavors enjoyed by locals for years. And don’t forget, when it’s time to find a new place to live near campus, LYL Realty Group is here to help you every step of the way! Feel free to drop us a line anytime!

 

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Written by Jake Smith  © LYL Realty Group