Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block
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Happy Holidays from the City Block Team!
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The last Around the Block of 2021. I probably say this every year, and I certainly said this in 2020, but what a year this has been. I imagine humans have been saying this every year since calendars were first invented. Hmmm, was that 5,782 years ago or something like that? Or perhaps we started counting with the Julian calendar, or Mayan calendar, or something else. In any event, take any year, let’s say 1983, and I’m sure you could say, what a year it has been. (Oy vey, can you imagine we invaded Grenada? How about that new game Mario Bros? I’m sure kids will get tired of that by 1984. Motorola introduced the first mobile phone? Big deal. Who would ever want to lug around one of those big, clunky things? Your World Champion 76ers? Well I’m sure they will win another one soon. And the Phillies win the Pennant, but then lost to the O’s in the World Series? I guess Cal Ripkin was pretty good.)
Well in real estate, 2021 was a record-breaking year. Record low inventories, some record high prices, and the City Block Team blew through previous highs in both team and individual agent sales volume. And most economists predict that 2022 will be an even better year or at least start as one. As you know, I feel that market predictions are more speculation than anything, but it would not surprise me if the beginning of 2022 and the spring market are really hot. Beyond that, no one really knows. I will discuss that sometime in Q2.
And of course, 2021 was the year of the COVID-19 vaccine. Sadly, even with the vaccine, the United States actually had more COVID deaths in 2021 than 2020. I found that statistic shocking, but it is a fact. The scientific data definitively shows that many of these 2021 deaths were preventable and were due to a lack of vaccine adoption (in all age groups). This is scientific fact (see here, here, and here, as well as numerous other sources). And as we move towards the start of winter, the positivity rates are starting to ramp back up in Philly and across the globe. While the vaccine provides significant protection against hospitalization and death, it will only reduce but not prevent the chance of infection. So please be careful.
The entire City Block Team is vaccinated (all agents and admins). In addition to vaccination, CBT will continue to use the best practices to keep our families, clients, and our communities safe. We look forward to a safe and productive 2022.
Most of all, I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate (my kids are lucky in that they celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas)!!
See you for the next ATB in January, and of course, if you have any questions or real estate needs in the meantime, please contact me any time.
Joyfully and with warm regards,
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56 W Queen Lane
Brand New Listing
3 BD | 2.5 BA | 2,135 SF | Adaptive Reuse | Multiple Outdoor Spaces | Parking | $595,000
One of four new detached homes on an established residential block in the burgeoning Penn-Knox section of Germantown. 56 W Queen Lane is a striking, adaptive reuse of a former garage space with substantial existing character throughout. Full 10 year tax abatement.
Designed by the renowned C2 Architecture, this custom built 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with Parking offers multiple outdoor spaces (cobblestone patio, rear patio, two large roof patios), natural finish solid oak floors throughout.
Dynamic 25’ x 32′ first floor living space with 15’+ ceilings, refurbished exposed beams with their original chains, exposed ducts, and reclaimed pine slatted wall enveloping the staircase. Plus superb and balanced light throughout. Curated finishes and custom mill-work. The Reform Basis Design cabinetry is “the essence of purity and streamlined design.” Adjustable, industrial style cord lighting. Kolbe window and solid core doors.
Spectacular home in a red hot neighborhood.
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CBT Gets in the Holiday Spirit
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Amber Joseph and her family LOVES this time of year! In December, every weekend leading up to Christmas they started a tradition (3 years running!) where Amber bakes cookies with her daughters, they have a Saturday Christmas themed movie night where they watch festive films and sip on homemade hot cocoa, and they also each make a new ornament to hang on the Christmas tree. Last weekend they made M&M cookies and little snowmen ornaments.
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Darlene Dolhun and her family made a special allergen-friendly gingerbread house this year!
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Carrie Waterman and her family look forward to seeing their neighbor’s holiday lights every year. Carrie’s family is also excited to celebrate the holiday with their new kitten, Lyra. Pictured on the right is her posing under their tree.
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My family and I got festive for Hanukkah and Christmas this year with many decorations.
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Visit the shops and restaurants at 12th and Market Street for new holiday events throughout December, including:
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On Thursdays from 4 – 6 pm, the Wayward brings patrons live holiday music and seasonal food and beverages.
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Animated shows take place twice a night on the 35-foot-tall tree on Chestnut Walk (Thursdays to Saturdays from 5:30 – 7:15 pm).
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On Saturday afternoons from 2 – 7:15 pm at Chestnut Walk, guests can purchase holiday wreaths, mulled wine, and spiked hot chocolate. Also taking place are live performances.
Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.
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Festive Live Entertainment
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The Philadelphia Ballet’s annual holiday production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker is back at the Academy of Music.
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The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 60-year tradition of performing incredible renditions of classic Christmas songs continues at Verizon Hall and runs until Tuesday 12/21.
Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.
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Holiday Spectacles and Lights
- As I mentioned in my piece last week, Philly’s Morris Arboretum has brought back its annual Holiday Garden Railway and on select Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings guests can see the railway in a different light during Holiday Garden Railway Nights. The railway features model trains that ride along a quarter-mile track and past tiny replicas of Philly landmarks. Advanced tickets are required.
- Head to the 1600 block of South 13th Street to see homes covered with twinkling lights and extravagant decorations for the annual, Miracle on South 13th Street.
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Check out the Comcast Center’s annual high-res LED holiday show. The show is free and will be playing daily at the top of every hour from 10 am – 8 pm on an outdoor video wall in the Comcast Center Plaza. The 15-minute show will feature performances from the Philadelphia Ballet, classic holiday songs, and a magical sleigh ride over the city. Also at Comcast this year is a new free cinematic experience called The Universal Sphere which was created by Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Animation, Universal Parks & Resorts, and Comcast Labs. (Advanced reservations encouraged.)
Photograph & content courtesy of uwishunu.
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Mount Airy
New Construction
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3 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$770,000
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5 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$595,000
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56 W Queen Lane
BRAND NEW LISTING
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$595,000
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1811 Chestnut Street #502
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64 W Queen Lane
BRAND NEW LISTING
2 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$450,000
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233 S 6th Street #304
NEW PRICE
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3 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$214,900
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250 S 13th Street, Unit 8F
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As always, please know that I’m humbled by and appreciative of your introductions and referrals. If you have a friend, colleague, or family member that is in need of Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them contact me.
Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.
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Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via UWISHUNU and Canva.
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