This newsletter was originally published yesterday, 4/5/20. During this time, we’re also sharing Jeff’s newsletter via social media in order to provide helpful and timely information. In this edition, Jeff talks about the much-loved local non-profits, schools and cultural institutions and the impact that the Coronavirus is having on these organizations. You’ll also find information on how to support local health care workers on the front lines, ways to support local restaurants and much more. Have an idea or suggestion for an upcoming newsletter? Just contact us at [email protected]. Thank you.
Volume 19: Issue 71 4/5/20
Your Weekly Dose of Real Estate News, Listings and More — by Jeff “City” Block
Supporting the .orgs
Wow, have things changed. When I watch TV shows and movies now I think to myself, “Hmmm, look how those people are all hanging out together like there is nothing going on.” The world has changed and I look forward to the time when we can socialize instead of social distance. Be at work and school instead of just Zoom meetings.
One of the overlooked aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing is the cancellation, postponement, or a reimagined digital take of all of the events in this year’s charitable fundraising season. Many charitable organizations hold fundraising galas, balls, auctions, and other events every spring and they rely on these proceeds to fund much of their important work throughout the year. Many of these organizations will not be able to make up these lost giving opportunities and at a time when many of their services will be needed more than ever.
Every year I support some of these organizations throughout the city by being a sponsor of the event or purchasing a page in the program book. This year, one-by-one, every single organization contacted all of their sponsors and told them the event had been canceled, postponed, or reimagined as an online event, and they asked if I would still honor my full payment. I said “yes,” as I know that these organizations need this money now, more than ever.
These organizations include:
The Philadelphia Outward Bound School. POBS does some of the most important work for Philadelphia youths and changes so many lives. This organization is very important to me and I was a major sponsor of their inaugural POBS Trailblazer Jamboree, which was scheduled for May. That is canceled, and I have reaffirmed my support for their Get Outside “Gala.” Note the quotes around “gala,” of course. Learn more about POBS and this event here.
So many Philadelphians are stepping up to give to our public schools and other organizations that need our help. I salute them all and I will continue to give outside these spring sponsorships as well. I also know that many people are out of work or their businesses are closed or much reduced. It may be difficult for some to give and that makes total sense in times like these.
Ironically, in this time of being at home and social distancing, it is our community and these community organizations that become more important than ever. If we stick together, we will come out of this stronger than ever—as a community.
Be safe. Stay well.
Jeff
Did You Know…
There are 20+ ways to support nurses and health care workers on the front lines of COVID-19
This list from nurse.org is great because there are some creative suggestions on it that most people don’t necessarily think about like #5: Pay for their parking or #13: Help them with childcare. By far, I think the most important suggestion is #15: Stay home. These selfless workers are the army fighting this war and also suppressing their own daily fears. Let’s do all we can to brighten their days ahead.
University City District has rolled out Digital Dining Days
This is your up-to-the-minute online guide for West Philly restaurants offering takeout, delivery, gift cards, and staff fundraisers. UCD has amassed a list of awesome local restaurants and also instructs you regarding how you can support them, through safely ordering takeout, purchasing gift cards, or making donations. This is an important and smart initiative that will hopefully help many small businesses survive this time in our nation’s history. Click here for more information and please support these much-loved establishments!
There are some really great suggestions for not touching your face
CNN Health takes a deeper dive into serious strategies to help us all stop touching our faces! It sounds simple, but it isn’t. Everyone touches their face a lot. This is always evident in a Zoom meeting when you see a full “Brady Bunch” worth of people… all touching their faces. What can we do to be more mindful of our hands? Read this short but helpful article to find out.
You can learn how to make a CDC-compliant face mask on YouTube
This video instruction by The New York Sewing Center shows you how to craft your own masks with the help of a sewing machine. Make them for your family and loved ones or make them for your local hospital staff. Now that the CDC recommends wearing face masks in public, this tutorial may come in handy.
Coming Soon
Click on the links below to view additional property details. If you are interested in either one of these Coming Soon properties, please contact me to discuss. Thank you.
4 Bed + Family Room | 3 Bath | $785,000 Spacious and open contemporary corner home in the Art Museum neighborhood with spectacular light from three exposures. Rear brick patio plus two roof decks with spectacular city skyline views.
221 S Melville Street 4 Bed + Office | 2.5 Bath | $750,000 Beautifully updated bath home on a tree-lined neighborly block in the Penn Alexander School Catchment. Front yard, covered porch, and beautifully hardscaped rear yard. Stainless and granite kitchen.
4836 Hazel Avenue 5 Bed | 3 Bath | $550,000 Lovely Semi-Detached, 2,400 SF Townhome in the red-hot Cedar Park neighborhood. Charm and character abound. Awesome front porch and backyard. Spacious and beautiful detail throughout.
contact me for details Brand new construction (2020) in West Mt Airy with 10-year tax abatement. Quality, high-end contemporary finishes. Rear patio and sweet roof deck. Open first -floor plan. Superb light throughout. Quiet block in a burgeoning section of West Mt Airy.
Spotlight Property of the Week
New Listing in University City
3313 Baring Street with 4+ Car PARKING 6 Bed | 4 Bath | 2 Half-Bath | 6,350 SF $1,500,000
Magnificent, extra-wide, and amazingly bright 2010 new construction twin on one of Philly’s most beautiful, tree-lined blocks. On a huge lot, this south-facing home was commissioned as the personal residence of an experienced developer and his family–and the quality, design, taste, character, light, space, and finishes reflect the level of attention and detail that you would expect.
4+ Car PARKING directly adjacent to the property. 6 spacious and light-filled bedrooms, big family room, office, 4 full baths, 2 half baths, plus a huge finished lower level and more. Amazing 2nd-floor master suite. High-ceilings and just spectacular volume. Superb outdoor space in front, back, and side. Big windows, recessed lighting, and ceiling fans throughout. 2-zone HVAC.
This home offers everything. On a tree-lined block in the desirable Powelton Village neighborhood of University City. Powel School CATCHMENT. Ideal block with the best neighbors.
This important home is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. DETAILED FLOOR PLAN, HOME DESCRIPTION & DETAILS AVAILABLE.
Please contact me to discuss these or any other properties or with any questions
.
3313 Baring Street
NEW LISTING FLIP THROUGH OUR INTERACTIVE BROCHURE University City 6 Bed + Family Room & Office 4 Bath | 2 Half-Bath Finished Lower Level 4+ Car PARKING $1,500,000
7111 Germantown Avenue
ON-SITE COVERED PARKING
FULL 10-YEAR TAX ABATEMENT Mount Airy 19 distinctive & dramatic condominium residences with high-end finishes & significant character $405,000 – $1,200,000
817 S 48th Street University City
7 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$649,000
4720 Larchwood Avenue University City 4 Bed | 2.5 Bath $579,900
4025 Powelton Avenue Powelton Village Quadruplex $550,000
531 Greenwich Street Dickinson Narrows 2 Bed | 2.5 Bath $359,000
173 W Price Street
BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION
FULL 10-YEAR TAX ABATEMENT Germantown 3 Bed | 2 Bath $350,000
240 W Penn Street
BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION
FULL 10-YEAR TAX ABATEMENT Germantown 3 Bed | 1.5 Bath $269,500
2053 Christian Street #B Graduate Hospital
1 Bed | 1 Bath
$265,000
610 Annin Street Passyunk Square 2 Bed | 1 Bath $240,000
CBT Under Contract
Here for you
Please know that I’m available 24/7 to answer any of your real estate questions. We can talk by phone or via Zoom. Contact me to discuss your specific needs or concerns. I’m happy to help.
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 who might be seeking Expert Real Estate Representation, please have them reach out.
Be assured, I will do my best to exceed their expectations! Thanks for taking the time to read this issue of Around the Block.
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.
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By submitting information, I am providing my express written consent to be contacted by representatives of this website through a live agent, artificial or prerecorded voice, and automated SMS text at my residential or cellular number, dialed manually or by autodialer, by email, and mail.
