There are over 1,000 realtors in Philly; only one goes by “Mr. Brickhouse.” Solo agent Leon Aksman didn’t get that moniker by accident. “Nothing is better than combining a vintage brick house with modern style,” he said. “I like to restore brick facades, expose brick interiors, add contemporary kitchens, and reclaim original flooring.” Given that 70% of Philly housing stock is brick, Aksman’s is in his element. But his journey started 5,000 miles away.

“I was born in Russia and came to the US with my parents in 1981,” said Aksman. After earning a degree in Journalism and Philosophy at the University of Delaware, he worked for the Philadelphia Labor Department. Successful in that environment, Aksman might have stayed in that industry had it not been for a chance encounter. “I was at a real estate expo and met someone who offered to sponsor my real estate license. This is not what I had envisioned. It was spontaneous.” 

A high-energy, charismatic individual with an analytical mind, Aksman approached real estate with passion and determination. Since obtaining his license in 2007, he has gained expertise in the investment property market, worked with Philadelphia’s most respected real estate firms, and established a reputation as one of the city’s top agents. 

Ironically, the year Aksman attained his license was the same year the national housing bubble collapsed, causing the 2008 recession and the subprime mortgage crisis, which lasted until 2010. Meanwhile, Aksman, who lived in South Philly at the time, focused on the urban landscape from Rittenhouse Square to East Passyunk. “I built my reputation in the Queen Village and Graduate Hospital areas,” he said. “Then came the pandemic, resulting in urban flight. City residents were fleeing to Montgomery County, and area realtors were following them. I decided I wasn’t going to reinvent what I do.” That meant sticking with what he knew and loved best, the South Philly and Center City housing market, and making the transition from larger, national real estate companies like Berkshire Hathaway to a smaller independent brokerage like Solo Real Estate.

“I’ve known Deborah Solo and Alex Franqui for several years. When I expressed interest in joining their team, they welcomed me onboard in 2024,” said Aksman. A Philadelphia resident for 25 years, Leon is a specialist in urban property, focusing on multi-family, investment, and redevelopment. He has successfully negotiated millions of dollars in property sales, both acquisitions and listings, involving highly complex transactions. His experience in redevelopment and project management offers his clients solid investment opportunities.

“I’ve always been active in emerging markets,” said Aksman. “You need to see where the development is and take a few steps in another direction.” These days, Mr. Brickhouse’s sweet spot is Point Breeze, Greys Ferry, and Newbold.

When he’s not carving a path through the local real estate market, Aksman is a world traveler. His favorite destinations include San Francisco, Vancouver, Milan, and Barcelona. Fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish, he is also a soccer fan. His pick for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philly? “I like the Spanish leagues. Brazil, Argentina, and Spain,” he said.

Whether you are looking to invest, find a larger space that accommodates your growing family or business, you’ll find Leon Aksman to be a seasoned, knowledgeable resource. Interested in investing in real estate? Reach out to Leon.