Philly taxes, our new and current listings, and Philly happenings. If you’d like to discuss real estate or anything in this newsletter please send me an email: [email protected]. This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Friday, 5/6/22.
5/6/2022
Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block
Philly Tax Assessments Going Up
Hello,
In my real estate practice, I have always prided myself on my knowledge of the technical side of the business, such as contracts, negotiating, rules and regulations, and Philly real estate taxes. This is due to a combination of things—I am a former practicing corporate attorney, I have handled over 1,000 real estate transactions, and I love all this wonky stuff and have a natural affinity for it.
For many long-time readers of my newsletter, you may remember that I wrote extensively on Philly taxes around eight years ago when the city switched its property assessments to the Actual Value Initiative. AVI meant that Philly assessments would be based on the “Actual Value” of the properties rather than the convoluted formula that the city used prior to 2014.
Under AVI, theoretically, a Philadelphia property’s tax assessment should be at or around the amount of its fair market value, which (again theoretically) should be similar to a recent sale price of that property, if applicable. I say theoretically (twice) because anyone who is familiar with Philly real estate assessments knows that while they are supposed to be based on “actual value,” there is a significant level of arbitrariness as well.
Nevertheless, since “actual value” is the goal, it is no surprise that in this market, Philly assessments are going up. The city placed a hiatus on reassessing properties during the pandemic, but now they are back at it. As I have discussed numerous times, Philly home prices have increased during the pandemic, so tax assessments will be going up too. This means higher taxes for Philadelphians unless the Mayor and City Council come up with a plan to mitigate the increase. This will include some serious budget negotiations, and Mayor Kenney has just put forth the first proposal to deal with this tax increase.
Kenney’s proposal calls for the following:
Leaving the tax rate the same.
Reducing the wage tax for city residents from 3.84% to 3.7%. And for non-residents from 3.45% to 3.44%.
Increasing the Homestead Exemption from $45,000 to $65,000. This would increase the tax exemption for every Philadelphia homeowner from its current $630 to $910. A $280 savings.
Increasing Funds to the LOOP program, which provides property tax relief for long-time residents harmed by increasing values and property taxes.
These are some significant changes, and it will be interesting (to say the least) to see how much our assessments go up. I will continue to delve into Philly taxes over the coming weeks, and discuss the meaning of some of these potential changes as well as briefly discuss my thoughts on smart municipal tax policy. Keep in mind that while this Mayoral proposal is an initial foray into the next city budget, it is a virtual certainty that these policy changes will be heavily negotiated by City Council and materially change from what the mayor is proposing.
We shall see and I look forward to covering this issue in future ATBs as it progresses.
Finally, back in 2014 when I discussed the details of the Actual Value Initiative, my newsletter wasn’t even called Around the Block. It was then named the City Block Local. Which name do you like better?
Have a great weekend.
Warm regards,
Jeff
CBT April Closings
105 S 12th Street #304-305
*Represented Buyer and Seller
Wash West
3 Bed | 3 Bath
$1,207,500
1620 S 13th Street
East Passyunk Crossing
3 Bed | 3.5 Bath
$762,500
4514 Osage Avenue
University City
6 Apartment Property
$720,000
812 Lombard Street #25
Washington Square West
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath
$680,000
4514 Regent Street
University City
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath
$657,500
401 S 17th Street
Rittenhouse Square
Duplex
$640,000
4914 Pentridge Street
University City
4 Bed | 3 Bath
$630,000
2101 Market Street #2401
Logan Square
1 Bed | 1.5 Bath
$570,000
Here is a list of the 10 other properties the City Block Team sold in April:
2 BD | 2.5 BA | 1,200 SF | Brilliant Upgrades | Spectacular Character | Lovely Rear Patio | $475,000
A one-time, perfect opportunity–a historic home that has been meticulously restored, with brilliant upgrades, where all you need to do is all the fun stuff—the kitchen, the ½ bath, and some final finishes.
What has been done in this 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath south-facing home with lovely rear patio on a special, most neighborly tree-lined Rittenhouse Square block?
All radiators removed (they take up tons of room) and replaced with a coveted hot water under-floor radiant system. The most comfortable heat possible.
The home is fully ready for you to drop in a new high velocity AC system as well.
Random width pumpkin pine floors with actual rope to fill the gaps instead of wood putty.
Central vac system throughout so you don’t need to lug a vacuum on the stairs or store it.
Tankless hot water.
Wired for whole-house audio (with separate zones on each floor) and slotted for a pair of built-in speakers on each floor.
Fully rewired electric (200 amp and whole house surge protector).
Lowering of the kitchen floor for increased ceiling height (and the kitchen comes with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, just waiting to take its place in your future bespoke kitchen).
Both full baths have gorgeous Italian marble, and the primary bath is highly upgraded.
The ½ bath is plumbed and awaits your finishes.
Excellent closet space. This home has spectacular bones, character, and restored finishes, and awaits your custom kitchen and final touches. Plus, spectacular southern light, lovely outdoor space, and one of Philly’s premier blocks and neighborhoods!
NOTE–The home is being delivered in its current state of completion. It is not being finished by Seller. Seller is selling this property in as-is, where is condition, and with all faults. Property is not a completed home, so a conventional mortgage will not be feasible.
Last week the city’s largest restaurant opened on the Delaware River waterfront. The new restaurant, Liberty Point, has multiple elevated outdoor deck areas and indoor space to seat 1,400 people. Plus the mixed indoor and outdoor setting is great for not only dining, but also enjoying live entertainment, dancing, and taking in views of the river.
This week the Blue Cross RiverRink opens up for Summerfest. The attraction features a roller rink, a Ferris wheel, a boathouse-style lodge, and many awesome spaces to relax.
Also along the river and opening up is Spruce Street Harbor Park. The park features hammocks, a boardwalk, patio and arcade games, musical performances, and delicious food from local vendors.
Every Thursday through Sunday until September 4th, the prison offers twilight tours. And after the tour visitors can head to the Fair Chance Beer Garden and grab a drink from Triple Bottom Brewing Company.
New to the prison is a unique multimedia art installation inside cell block 15. The installation from artist Mark Menjivar is called DLP Mirror and is about the life of a Texas death row inmate, David Lee Powell.
Also, new content has been recorded for the self-guided audio tour narrated by Steve Buscemi.
Through May 30th, head to East Passyunk Avenue for its Garden Days. The theme is “In Full Bloom,” and the days will include floral installations and flower-related activities. Check out the full lineup of activities here which includes garden tours, live music, scavenger hunts, and story hours around the Singing Fountain.
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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