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Tag: philadelphia

Start Your Home Search for the New Year

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Get a head start on finding the home of your dreams in the New Year! January and February are the ideal months to research the market, define your priorities, set a budget, and be ready to spring into action when availability blossoms in the Spring. We want to share insider tips on navigating Philly’s real estate market.

Timing is everything. It’s no surprise that housing prices tend to be lowest in January, as well as inventory availability. Both are at their highest come April. But that doesn’t mean you should wait until Spring to begin researching prices, locations, and availability.

If you are a first-time buyer, you want to focus on your ability to secure a mortgage first. Without that first step, going to open houses is like asking to see the menu in restaurants where you can’t afford the tab! Another reason to line up a mortgage first? You want to know how much house you can afford before you start to look.

According to Realtor.com, the median sale price of a Philly home was $260K and the median listing price was $270K in November 2024. However, Zillow reports that the average home value in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area stands at $343,102. When you think about price, think of location. While there are row houses in an affordable price range in Pennsport, Greys Ferry, and West Philly, prices are higher closer to Center City and in trendy neighborhoods such as Fishtown, Kensington, and East Passyunk. If you work remotely, the best values are just outside Center City where you can get more houses (and yards) for your money such as Lansdowne, East Falls, Germantown, Roxborough, etc. For instance, a BelLa Vista 3 bed, 3.5 bath home with a roof deck and yard is asking $739,900 while the median purchase price in Roxborough is $249,267.

A Philly home in the winter. Image: Cara Stapleton for Solo Real Estate.
A Philly home in the spring. Image: Cara Stapleton for Solo Real Estate.

Once you know how much house you can afford, cast a wide net to start. Look at listings in various neighborhoods. If you are unfamiliar with an area, go there during the day, at night, and also on weekends to get a feel for the community. Is it quiet, noisy, well-lit, or dark? Engage homeowners in conversation. 

On the other hand, if you are currently renting in a neighborhood you love and are ready to buy, you’ve saved a lot of time. In Philly, the cost of renting is higher than the cost of buying a home (and building equity). 

Knowing what kind of community you prefer is key. Condo owner Stephen Tenner moved here from Brooklyn. “I made my way specifically to West Mt. Airy. It has a progressive, liberal feel just like Park Slope where I lived. I love the old houses, Weavers Way Coop, and that it’s interracial and inclusive. Wissahickon Park is nearby and I walk miles every day.” When he doesn’t want to walk, a SEPTA train station is around the corner.

Howard Silver, on the other hand, has no regrets about his two-bedroom condo at William Penn House. “Everything I want is here. Di Bruno’s is across the street. Rittenhouse Square is a block away. I walk to the Kimmel, Wilma, and Suzanne Roberts. What’s not to like?”

Before you talk to a realtor, make a list of your priorities. What are some musts and what are some things that would be a nice-to-have?

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Garage or off-street parking
  • Roof Deck
  • Energy-efficient appliances or sustainability features
  • Yard
  • Access to Public Transportation
  • Walkability
  • Closeness to dog parks, schools, eateries, cafes, etc.
  • A fixer-upper or in perfect condition?

Remember, not every house will be “staged” like a reality TV show!  Unless you are looking only at newly renovated, unfurnished homes, be prepared for furnishings, rugs, and light fixtures that may not be your style. Or a bathroom that reminds you of your grandmother. The ability to re-imagine the house with the changes you require (and their cost) will save you money and time.

The City of Philadelphia’s Philly First Home Program offers a grant of up to $10,000 (or 6% of home price) to help first-time, home buyers with down payments and closing costs. You may also ask your lender about state grant programs.

Rather than chatting with mortgage lenders or Nerd Wallet on your cellphone, start with a financial institution with which you have a relationship. That could be your credit union or bank. They will walk you through your options, including conventional mortgages, VA mortgages,  FHA Home Loans, and USDA Mortgages. They will also introduce you to mortgage calculators.
For instance, current mortgage rates in Philadelphia, PA are 6.692% for a 30-year fixed, 5.785% for a 15-year fixed, and 7.164% for a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). 

Finally, working with a qualified real estate agent – one who knows the neighborhoods that interest you –  will make the process of buying your first or second home easier. Reach out to one our agents to get started!

Mortgage rates are falling. Should you consider refinancing?

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

It’s Fall and interest rates are dropping with the autumn leaves. So, does this mean you should refinance your mortgage? That depends on several factors. Let’s take a look at them and see how they add up for your particular situation.

Forbes says if your mortgage rate is 7% or above, refinancing makes sense, but if your current rate is 6.5% or lower you should hold on until 2025 when rates are expected to drop even lower. However, the change in interest rate shouldn’t be the only factor to consider, the cost of refinancing includes the following:

  • Government recording costs.
  • Appraisal fees
  • Credit report fees.
  • Lender origination fees.
  • Title services.
  • Tax service fees.
  • Survey fees.
  • Attorney fees.
  • Underwriting fees.

Because of all these costs and fees, many mortgage experts say refinancing only makes sense if you can get a rate that’s at least 1% lower than your current rate. Not just half a percent. A recent article in the Washington Post agrees. “In most cases, it doesn’t make sense to refinance a mortgage until the rate has dropped a full percentage point below your current rate. Once that happens, you can compare the amount your mortgage payment will drop against the closing costs you’ll have to pay to refinance.” 

Here are some steps you can take to lower your refinance rate:

  • Get rate quote estimates from three to five lenders
  • Ask lenders about waiving or reducing closing costs
  • Negotiate with your lender to match the best deal
  • Take steps to strengthen your credit score
  • Save for a larger down payment
  • Choose a shorter-term loan

However, if you got your mortgage during the pandemic when rates dropped to a historic low of 2.65% in 2021, consider yourself lucky and stay put. But if your current rate is over 6%, you need to consider how much time it will take for your savings to outweigh the refinancing costs. If your monthly payments cover those costs for two years or less, it’s probably worth it. On the other hand,  if you’re thinking about moving in a year or two, it might not be worth it. 

Another consideration is the increase in home values. For example, if your home’s value increases, you may qualify for a better rate.  If your credit score has improved since your original mortgage, you might qualify for more favorable terms. Even a small boost in your score could translate to big savings over your loan’s lifetime. 

“If rates continue to come down there could be a lot of additional buyer competition in the market, which could drive up prices,” said Solo agent, Alejandro Franqui. “That suggests that there is a sweet spot where rates are now more manageable, but prices haven’t started to accelerate yet.”

Headshot of Solo agent Alejandro Franqui
Solo agent Alejandro Franqui suggests it could be a good time to refinance while mortgage rates are down and before home prices increase. Image: Happy Hour Headshot.

No one has a crystal ball, but economic forecasters predict we’re in the early stages of a rate-dropping cycle. The Federal Reserve could continue to drop rates for the next 12 months or longer. On the other hand, waiting comes with risks. If you bought at peak rates and have a sizable loan, refinancing now could start saving you money. Waiting may lead to better rates — but future market conditions are uncertain so we recommend weighing your options to make an informed decision based on what makes sense for you now. 

Cultural Histories: The Puerto Rican Diaspora and Latinx Heritage Month in Philadelphia

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Philadelphia has long been home to a strong and vibrant Latin American population. With Latinx Heritage Month on the horizon, starting Sunday, September 15, 2024, and ending on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, now is the perfect time to consider how deeply intertwined the history of Philadelphia and the history of Latin Americans in Philadelphia are, as well as considering how you might celebrate that history and thriving contemporary communities by engaging with some of the many events celebrating both over the coming weeks. 

Many people in Philadelphia come from various parts of Latin America. However, the largest community with the oldest association in the city is the Puerto Rican community.. Puerto Ricans began to settle in Philadelphia in the 1800s, coming to work as merchants, cigar makers, laborers, students, professionals, and even for political reasons as Revolutionaries supporting the Puerto Rican Independence movement. By 1900, there were an estimated 1,500-2,000 Latin Americans in Philadelphia, many of which were Puerto Rican, and the majority of them settled around Spring Garden, Northern Liberties, and Southwark because it allowed dockworkers, cigar factory workers, and employees at the Baldwin Locomotive Works, located at Broad and Spring Garden at the time, easy access to their places of employment. 

The first massive influx of Puerto Ricans to Philadelphia, and the United States as a whole, came after the passing of the 1917 Jones-Shafrod Act, which declared all Puerto Ricans United States citizens. The ease of migration, coupled with recruiters who visited Puerto Rico encouraging migration to supply US labor needs, caused significant population growth in Philadelphia. Puerto Rican migrants settled in joining family members and friends in the existing Puerto Rican neighborhoods and nearby in Camden, NJ. By the 1950s, Philadelphia had the third largest Puerto Rican population in the United States, many of whom worked in Philadelphia’s once-thriving garment industry, settling around Spring Garden to access the dockyards and the Campbell’s Soup Factory in Camden, or moving up 5th Street towards the garment factories and mills in Kensington and North Philadelphia.

Centro Musical is a neighborhood staple and music store located in El Bloque de Oro. Image: Stephanie Aviles.
Streets in the ‘The Golden Block’ or ‘El Bloque de Oro’ are painted a yellow/gold color. Image: Stephanie Aviles.

It is from this Northward movement that El Bloque de Oro was first born. Beginning as a concentration of Puerto Rican-owned businesses at 5th and Lehigh, the block became a center of Puerto Rican community and culture, and by 1963 Philadelphia had established its own Puerto Rican Day Parade, just five years after the very first Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York. But life was not always easy for this community, which faced friction with non-Puerto Rican residents, economic and social discrimination, and violence and police brutality. Organizations like El Concilio, or The Council of Spanish Speaking Associations, Taller Puertorriqueño, and Aspira, and the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, among many others, have served as community advocacy organizations and centers of culture as Philadelphia’s garment and dockyard industries faded and Puerto Rican Philadelphians sought other opportunities and industries. Despite economic instability and countless challenges, Puerto Rican Philadelphians remain the most visible and populous Latin American community in Philadelphia. Joined by growing numbers of Mexican, Dominican, Central, and South American communities, Latin American Philadelphians make up a culturally rich demographic, without which Philadelphia, would be infinitely poorer. Moreover, the physical neighborhoods of Fairhill, Spring Garden, and Northern Liberties would be drastically different without these historic residents. 

Mural Arts project titled: “Semilla de Patria” by Betsy Z. Casañas. Image: Stephanie Aviles
Mural located in South Kensington to highlihgt the Puerto Rican local community. Image: Stephanie Aviles

In celebration of the Puerto Rican community of Philadelphia, Taller Puertorriqueño currently has an exhibit specifically focused on the Fairhill neighborhood this Latinx Heritage Month, entitled Estamos Aqui, a collaboration between The Historical Society of Pennsylvania and José Ortiz Pagán documenting the intersection of community and geography in Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Taller Puertorriqueño and The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, an exhibit is opening this month at the Historical Society revisiting Batiendo La Olla, an oral history project produced by Taller Puertorriqueño in the 1970s. 

Outside of these educational opportunities, there are countless chances to celebrate the many facets and communities honored through Latinx Heritage Month in the coming days and weeks. 

Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Events in Philadelphia

On the 15th of September, join Philadelphia’s growing Mexican population, among many others, celebrating Mexican Independence Day down at the Delaware River Waterfront. Then, for the rest of the month, dine out at local Latin American restaurants during Dine Latino Restaurant week (September 15, 2024-September 21, 2024) exploring these rich culinary traditions one dish at a time. 

On the 16th of September, enjoy El Mercado Cultural, the last of a series of events sponsored by Fleisher at the Cherry Street Pier, a family-friendly event celebrating art and Latin American arts and crafts.

Then, on the 29th of September, head down to the Parkway to attend or witness the Puerto Rican Day Parade, a joyous explosion of dance, music, and celebration. 

There are many reasons to visit Taller Puertorriqueño this month, but consider attending a poetry workshop they are hosting with the Free Library: Echoes of Heritage: Unveiling the Latin American Poetic Voice in Philadelphia. This workshop exploring Latin American poetry in Philadelphia will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. at Taller Puertorriqueño, 2600 N 5th St.

All through the month, check out events in honor of this month of celebration at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, which is running programming honoring Latinx Artists throughout Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month.

Fall Foliage: Leaf Peeping in Philly

Posted on by Stephanie Aviles

Philly is at its best in the Fall. From parks within the City limits to scenic destinations in adjacent counties, trees are ablaze with color, along with hiking, biking, and dining options. Peak foliage runs from mid-October through early November, but if you want to hit the sweet spot, we recommend hitting the foliage trail on the third week in October.

Where to See Fall Colors in Philadelphia

Photo by Cory J Popp. Philly Fall
Center City fall foliage. Image: Cory J Popp.

Center City

Make it a point to have lunch in Rittenhouse Square when the Maple, Elm, and Oak trees will be in their full glory turning hues of red and orange before they start fluttering down. Pick up a picnic lunch at Di Bruno’s or dine at one of the Square’s sidewalk restaurants while admiring the fall colors. In nearby Washington Square, the leaves on Poplar, Black Locust, Maple, Redwood, and Birch trees are just starting to change color. For a nice stroll in the area, we recommend grabbing a tasty wrap or salad at  Talula’s Daily and visiting the breathtaking Maxfield Parrish class mosaic “Dream Garden” in the Curtis Building at 6th and Walnut.

Bikers and hikers can take to the Schuylkill River Trail, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and go down Kelly Drive for a veritable kaleidoscope of Fall color. Pack a lunch and make a day of it to enjoy the scenery and cool weather.

fallen leaves in philadelphia rowhome
Golden yellow fall leaves on Philadelphia’s streets. Image: Cory J Popp.

South Philly

Another great place for leaf-peeping in the city is South Philly, where you can visit FDR Park‘s 40 acres of kayaking, fishing, and canoeing. Take a leisurely hike in the South Philly Meadow Trails and bring a camera to capture the landscape.

Southwest Philadelphia

Bartram’s Garden, part of the Schuylkill River Trail in southwest Philly is yet another local foliage paradise within the City limits. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia is hosting free biking days through November!

Also, in southwest Philly, you’ll find The John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum with 10 miles of trails and binoculars and fishing rods available for loan, free of charge. The refuge supports a diversity of habitats, including freshwater tidal marsh, open waters, mudflats, and woodlands that hundreds of species call home. 

On Saturday, October 21st Laurel Hill Cemetery East is hosting a Fall Fun Day from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. This family-friendly day of outdoor autumn festivities includes crafts, live children’s music performances, games, prizes, story times, mini cemetery tours, and more. Pre-Halloween costumes are encouraged. RSVP to attend this free event. Or take a ticketed Fall Foliage Tour of the cemetery led by its arboretum manager on Sunday, October 22, 10 am-12 pm.

Northwest Philadelphia

If you want to experience New England foliage without leaving town, head to the 1,800 wooded acres of Wissahickon Trail in the Northwest section of Fairmount Park. There, you will find 40,000 miles of trails for all levels of biking, hiking, dog walking (on leash only) or simply strolling along a pathway under a lush canopy of trees. Popular with artists and photographers, you can stroll through covered bridges, fish in Wissahickon Creek, and enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner at Valley Green Inn or the more casual Cedars House. Nearby attractions include Morris Arboretum and Woodmere Museum. 

Hit the Road: Buck’s County, Kennett Square, Media, and More

A short drive from Philadelphia is New Hope in Bucks County, a charming town on the Delaware River filled with shops, art galleries, and cafes. Experience an autumn journey by hopping on a historic train at the New Hope Railroad or walk across the river to Lambertville, an equally alluring little town lined with antique shops. On the way home, drive along Route 32 from New Hope to Washington Crossing for magnificent fall foliage. Or make it a weekend and stay in one of the area’s historic BnBs such as the Inn at Bowman’s Hill. For a scenic view of the county’s fall colors, climb to the top of Bowman’s Hill Tower.

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square is one of the best places in the region to view fall foliage with over 1,000 acres of woodlands, meadows, and formal gardens. Nearby is the Brandywine River Museum containing works by local artist Andrew Wyeth. Birdwatchers will want to head to the John James Audubon Center in Audubon, PA for nature walks and a visit to their museum.

Just 16 miles from Center City, Ridley Creek State Park in Media offers over 2,000 acres of lawn and forest including several formal gardens, horse stables, and trails, plus the historic 1789 Hunting Hill Mansion. Tyler State Park, located 33 miles from Center City in Newtown, PA offers nature fans hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Just a forty-minute drive from Philly, Valley Forge State Park provides 3,500 acres of rolling hills steeped in American history. 

As we head into the fall season, it’s the perfect time of year to check out our stories on how to be more sustainable this fall and Fall in Love with Philadelphia. If like us you’re also getting ready to prepare your home or urban garden for the winter ahead, we also have some Philly fall gardening tips for you.

Ray’s Reusables Brings Sustainable Shopping to Northern Liberties

Posted on by Solo Team

In March, Ray Daly opened her first brick and mortar store, Ray’s Reusables, at 935 N. 2nd St in Northern Liberties after running her business on the road as Philadelphia’s first mobile refill shop.

“In 2020, I turned a cargo van into a traveling eco-store, bringing reusable, low-waste products to farmers’ markets in East Falls and Fairmount,” said Daly. In her white van, decorated with Ginko leaves, Ray’s Reusables was well received.

“With the flexibility and mobility of the van, I was able to go into different neighborhoods around the city, making sustainable shopping easier for eco-conscious Philadelphians,” she said. 

“But there were neighborhoods I could not reach due to many farmers’ markets limiting vendors to producers and also the narrowness of streets in certain sections of the City,” she said. Meanwhile, residents of Northern Liberties and Fishtown sought her out via Instagram. 

Refill station at Ray’s Reusables in Northern Liberties

“As soon as I opened the shop in Northern Liberties, they came,” said Daly. “Among the most popular products are UNpaper towels made out of cotton flannel in fun patterns,” she said. “The other products that are in demand are refills: organic hand soap, dish soap, laundry detergent, and body wash.” Other products include a cast iron conditioner, beeswax wrap, rosewater face cream, bamboo cutlery and brushes, natural toothpaste, and an all-purpose cleaner.

Ray's Reusables

Why sustainability?

“Plastic production has increased dramatically since it first came on the scene. Between 1950 and 2019, approximately, 8.3 billion pounds of plastic were created. Only 9% of that total has been recycled. 79% is in landfills and, worse yet, in our oceans and other ecosystems,” said Daly. “I believe that as consumers we have the power to effect change. By investing in quality reusable and refillable solutions we also invest in the health of the environment.”

How it all started

A self-described “Air Force brat” who grew up in Maryland, Daly has traveled all over the world but, before moving to Philly in 2018, she had never lived in a large American city. 

“I came here with my husband whose family lives across the bridge in Jersey,” she said. “I had been teaching high school English in Maryland and working at Whole Foods when I decided to go in another direction.“

Ray’s Reusables Van – Image: Ray’s Reusables

“I started by turning the pockets from my old jeans into something useful and beautiful – cutlery holders! But as I watched the pandemic unfold and saw the waste that was being created as a result, I realized I wanted to do even more to support the sustainable community. That’s why I decided to open up Philadelphia’s first mobile refill shop.”

Daly seized the moment, realizing that during the pandemic people preferred to shop outdoors rather than entering a shop. Farmers’ markets created the perfect opportunity. “My mission was to make plastic-free options accessible and affordable to people regardless of where they live in the City.”

“Now that I have a storefront, it gives me a lot more flexibility in what I can carry. I just expanded to face care refills and curly hair gel,” said Daly. Besides basing her business in Northern Liberties, Daly is looking forward to becoming a neighborhood resident in the near future.

The new brick-and-mortar location shop allows Ray to stock a wider array of products, and reach a new audience but on Saturdays and First Fridays, Daly will continue to take the shop on the road. Her goal? To make sustainable options more accessible for all.

Stop by 935 N. 2nd St to support this sustainable small business during their store hours Mon, Wed, Fri: 11am – 7pm; Saturday: 3pm – 6pm; and Sunday: 10am – 4 pm, or check out their calendar to see where the van will pop up next.

Featured Tenant: Dope Botanicals

Posted on by Solo Team

Solo Real Estate welcomes our new tenant, wellness warriors, Dope Botanicals at 257 S. 20th. Here you will find herbal lattes, teas, tonics, smoothies, and elixirs that will put you on the road to plant-based wellness.

Catch the vibe

“We are curating a vibe here,” said Nakia Stith who launched Dope Botanicals in Rittenhouse Square with her sister Taahirah. “When you walk in, we want you to have a good experience. You can grab a drink and browse our hand-blended herbal products.”

Image: Cory J. Popp for Solo Real Estate.

Unlike national herbal and vitamin chains that cater to people seeking weight loss or muscle-building products, Dope Botanicals takes a holistic approach. “We want to help people use herbs for everyday nutrition, in addition to medicinal needs,” said Nakia. 

“We have created an intimate store that is more welcoming than the usual health shop and less intimidating than a Chinatown apothecary which customers often find confusing and overwhelming. Sometimes the staff in those stores are not well versed in identifying what you need,” she said.

“Everything we stock comes from organic farms and wild-crafters who forage for herbs in the woods,” said Nakia who believes that the number one health issue these days is stress. “It comes from everywhere. What you see on social media or TV. From juggling work and parenting. From the pace of City life. From the economy and the pandemic.” 

Image: Cory J. Popp for Solo Real Estate.

All in the family

While herbal medicine is currently enjoying a resurgence, it is not new to the Stith sisters. “We grew up in a family where plant-based remedies were valued. I was encouraged to read about herbal medicine by my father from the time I was ten years old,” she said. As a result, people were always asking the sisters how to use herbs to cure their health issues. 

Image: Cory J. Popp for Solo Real Estate.

For Nakia and Taahirah, turning their healthy lifestyle into a business was a logical progression. “People were always asking us for health advice,” said Nakia who also runs her family’s security and protection agency. Previously, Taahirah was a Montessori teacher who taught plant-based cooking for children. She also taught healthy cooking classes at the Free Library.

“We have both single herbs and herbal formulas that we blend and handcraft to address insomnia, stress, fatigue, and many common issues,” said Nakia. “For insomnia, we have herbs like California poppy, catnip (it’s not just for cats), and more. We also have a blend called Ease that incorporates hops and passionflower. The blend is very relaxing, and many people have had great success with it.”

Image: Cory J. Popp for Solo Real Estate.

“For folks who are used to caffeine and want to feel physically energized quickly, we have caffeinated herbs like Guayusa, Yerba Mate, and Matcha all of which have caffeine without the crash.,” she said. “We have a great energizing blend called “3M” that incorporates Matcha, Moringa, and Maca, it is both nutritious and energizing.”

Image: Cory J. Popp for Solo Real Estate.

Herbal Medicine History

Herbal medicine has been a respected and trusted tradition for thousands of years. In fact, it is the precursor of the modern-day pharmaceutical industry. The American medicinal herb industry started in 1799 when the Shakers gathered and cultivated 248 varieties of herbs and sold them to physicians worldwide. In 1821, the first pharmacy school in the nation, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, opened here.

If you had entered a Philadelphia pharmacy in the 1950s and asked for something for stomach pain, you would not be handed Tums. The pharmacist would have ground up anise in a mortar and pestle. Now, a renewed interest in alternative medicine, including herbal remedies, is sparking interest again.

Personalized Service

Confused by the variety of herbs? Both Nakia and Taahirah are certified health coaches who offer one-on-one advice. “People who are new to herbal medicine can get to know us and our products while enjoying a healthy smoothie,” said Taahirah. This isn’t the kale and strawberry smoothie found all over. It is blended to address your specific health issues.

One of the intriguing drinks, you’ll find on Dope Botanical’s menus is Dark Magic. “It’s a blend of organic cacao and seven mushrooms to enhance memory,” said Nakia.

Image: Cory J. Popp for Solo Real Estate.

Besides herbal brews, Dope Botanicals will offer consultations on herbal health, small group classes in plant-based health, and videos.

“We offer a more holistic approach to better health,” said Nakia. 

Dope Botanicals is one of many commercial tenants we are proud to work with and have in our community.  If you are seeking office or studio space, reach out to us to see how we can support your business goals.

6 Ways To Be More Sustainable This Fall

Posted on by Solo Team

Fall offers an opportunity to recommit to sustainability in your home. Whether you embark upon major improvements or small changes, every step you take helps Philly get closer to its zero-waste goal. See how many of the below energy-saving solutions you can check off your list.

Switch To LED Lighting

Today’s LED bulbs are a far cry from those limited, squiggly options of the past. Now they come in all shapes and sizes to coordinate with lighting fixtures in every room, including accent lighting, track lighting, and even candelabra chandeliers.

This energy-saving alternative to incandescent bulbs will lower your electric bill by using only 10 watts to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent 60-watt bulb. While LED bulbs are initially more expensive, they have an exceptionally long lifespan, lasting more than ten years. Another benefit is that LEDs emit almost no heat or UV rays. They are usually not hot to the touch, making them safer to handle than incandescent bulbs. Plus, they can help reduce air conditioning costs and won’t cause nearby fabrics and furniture to fade. 

Choose a warm or soft white LED bulb for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms. Bright white works best in kitchens and bathrooms. And, yes, fluorescent fixtures can be retrofitted with LED. Home Depot provides a DIY guide on transitioning from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs to LED.

Leave The Leaves, Or Compost Them

As trees begin to shed their foliage in the fall, consider leaving them on the ground or composting them instead of sending them to the landfill. Leaves left in the garden can be used as a mulch in vegetable gardens, flower beds, and around shrubs and trees. Leaving them to decompose will return valuable nutrients to the soil and using them as mulch can help insulate more delicate plants during the winter months.

If you are not able to simply leave them, fall leaves make for great composting material. They provide a rich source of carbon, and add significant quantities of trace minerals and plant nutrients to your backyard compost pile. Once we’re in peak leaf-peeping season, many local compost services like Bennett Compost and Circle Compost will also begin picking them up with a regular compost subscription service.

Recycle Your Closet

It’s not just your trash that needs to be recycled. It’s also your clothes! Instead of buying new clothing that depletes the environment, consider shopping at one of Philly’s many consignment shops, such as Greene Street, Addiction Studios, and ReMix.

Consider donating any clothing that doesn’t fit or you no longer wish to keep to local consignment shops such as The Wardrobe at 413 North 4th Street aims to provide affordable attire for people who are seeking employment, are moving to independence after incarceration, or are moving into recovery. They accept donations of clothing and accessories for men and women, including casual, professional, and dressy attire. 

Switch To Sustainable Candles 

As the days get shorter and nights longer, there’s nothing like candlelight to add warmth to a room. However, most candles on the market are made from paraffin wax, a product of petroleum refining. A more environmentally friendly choice is candles made from beeswax. Buy them locally to avoid the carbon costs of shipping. Try Bee Natural, LLC in the Reading Terminal Market or pick up one of Vellum Street Soap Company’s candles at any of the local handmade markets they vend at or any of their brick and mortar retailers. To encourage reuse, Vellum offers a $2 purchase credit to return any empty jars so they can be refilled and used again.

Wash Your Clothes In Cold Water

Up to 90% of the energy a washing machine uses goes toward heating water.  Skip the heating and use the cold water setting. This way, you reduce carbon dioxide emissions and also keep your clothes in top condition longer, as hot water can make your colorful clothes less vibrant.

Unless you’re dealing with stubborn stains, there isn’t a point in running your washing machine on the hot water setting. If you feel the cold water setting doesn’t do a proper job, you can try the warm setting. 

Draft-proof Your Doors And Windows

Cold air enters your home through uninsulated spaces that can raise your heating bill and allow cold air in and moisture. Use weather stripping and/or caulking to seal windows and door frames. Hang thermal curtains which not only block drafts but also noise.  Use a cloth or plastic draft stopper on doors. Cloth draft stoppers, also called door snakes, can be simple cloth tubes filled with batting or decorative doggy-shaped draft blockers.

If you are a homeowner, consider upgrading to triple-insulated windows in which glass panes are spaced apart and hermetically sealed, leaving an insulating air space. Yes, they are pricey, but, in the long run, they reduce your heat bill and improve your energy efficiency.  They reduce energy loss by as much as 30% to 50%.

Another consideration is how the windows operate because some operating types have lower air leakage rates than others, which will improve your home’s energy efficiency. Windows that are hinged a the top and open outward or hinged at the bottom and open inward both have lower air leakage than sliding windows. 

Our Commitment To Sustainability

Deborah Solo with a recycling bin.
Solo Real Estate provides free recycling bins to tenants, owners, and clients

Solo Real Estate is committed to sustainability. Our love for our homes, neighborhoods, and city inspires us to take an active role in preserving the environment. Solo proudly provides sponsorship to numerous local organizations committed to environmental stewardship, including PHS, Emerald Wildflower Garden, Hancock Park, and other community spaces. We also encourage tenants to compost through a partnership with Bennett Compost, install green roofs on our properties when possible, and distribute Solo Recycling Bins to tenants and clients. Thank you for joining us in our effort to help meet Philly’s Zero-Waste goals.

Interested in learning other ways you can help reduce your environmental footprint? Check out our article on Four Ways to Minimize your Waste Footprint in Philadelphia or our list on 5 Things Philly Renters can do for the Environment. If you’re a Solo tenant or owner and want to sign up for a special 2 month trial offer from Bennett Compost, please e-mail us!

Philadelphia’s Community Gardens

Posted on by Solo Team

This is the time of year when neighbors harvest organically grown vegetables in over 400 community gardens throughout the city. They feast on sun-ripened strawberries, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and fresh-picked herbs. If you are already involved in your local community garden, great! If not, we would like to introduce you to a few of the many community gardens in our city’s diverse neighborhoods.

Liberty Lands

This two-acre park in Northern Liberties has special significance for Deborah Solo, owner of Solo Real Estate. Deborah helped establish Liberty Lands Park, the only large public greenspace in Northern Liberties. Currently, Liberty Lands has an entry arbor, 37 designated plots, benches, a Native American herb garden, a butterfly garden, 183 trees, a children’s playground, a composting area, sculptures by neighborhood artists, and a colorful mural. 

Liberty Lands is one of a series of community gardens formed from reclaimed urban land in a former industrial area. Previously, it was the site of the American Street Tannery. When plans to convert the vacant factory to loft housing did not materialize, the developer donated it to the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association in 1995.

In addition to educational workshops, the park hosts community events, including Halloween Hayrides, Welcome America Neighborhood Festival, Annual Garden Tour, Birdhouse Silent Auction, and summer outdoor movie series.

Crease St. Garden

Originally, fourteen houses stood in the area now occupied by the Crease Street Garden in Fishtown. In the mid-seventies the City demolished the houses, leaving the land vacant. For approximately 40 years, the lots were completely overgrown with bushes, weeds, and vines, and served as a dumping ground for household trash and abandoned vehicles. 

In 2009 – through 2010, residents organized to clean up the lots and obtained a garden lease agreement with the City. Railroad ties from SEPTA were converted into benches and 250 feet of flower beds and raised vegetable beds turned the former eyesore into a source of communal pride. This year the Crease Street Garden has joined in partnership with the Neighborhood Gardens Trust, a recognized leader in Urban Land Preservation, to secure grants and raise funds to purchase the land the garden is on. NGT will be supporting us in securing government grants for the bulk of the purchase price, but the group needs to raise $100,000 by the end of 2021 to buy and permanently secure the future of the garden. Visit their website to learn more and donate.

Emerald Street Community Farm

Located in Kensington the Emerald Street Community Farm is a communal farming project on the corner of Emerald St and Dauphin St. Started by a group of neighbors in the Spring of 2008, they grow organic vegetables which they share with neighbors. They also have weekly kids activities: Cooking Classes, Kids Gardening and Craftivity Hour. 

Emerald Street Wildflower Garden

Across the street from the Emerald Street Community Farm, you’ll also find the Emerald Wildflower Garden, a garden focused on the ecological repair of habitat for plants, ants, birds, bees, butterflies, and the humans who are their guests. Jeff Carpineta, Realtor at Solo Real Estate, has played a key role in protecting and redesigning the garden, with coaching from his mentors at Mt. Cuba Center where he studies ecological gardening. 

Home to the largest concentration of trees and bird habitat in the neighborhood, the garden features over 50 species of native plants, a mural by legacy Muralist Ras Malik, a gnome house by Ed Guion, and the salvaged stoop from the beloved Rocket Cat Cafe. Volunteers receive free training in ecological gardening as well as tools, books, plants, passes to horticulture workshops, lectures, and regional botanical gardens. The garden is available for special events upon request. Contact emeraldwildflowergarden@gmail.com for more info.

Las Parcelas   

Located a 2248 Palethorp Street in Kensington, Las Parcelas community garden began with murals that recall the landscape of Puerto Rico, honor community leaders, and commemorate the passing of traditions on to a younger generation. Las Parcelas is a collection of garden spaces, founded by women in a dedicated neighborhood organization, Grupo Motivos, in collaboration with the Norris Square Neighborhood Project and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia LandCare program. 

Las Parcelas tells a story of Puerto Rican heritage as a part of American history. Economic decline and urban policies created a landscape seemingly devoid of nature and culture, and rife with racial tensions. Through gardening, Las Parcelas attempts to make a positive story of heritage and identity tangible, by displaying culture in a landscape where it was all too frequently made invisible.

A small structure known as “La Casita” (the little house) contains objects donated by older residents that are used as educational tools. There are areas for gatherings, cookouts, dancing, and crafts. It is also a place to invent new traditions for the future. 

In addition to Las Parcelas, the Norris Square Neighborhood project maintains half an acre of community gardens in the area, including The Butterfly Garden, El Batey, Jardin de Paz, Raices, and Villa Africána Colobó.

East Passyunk Community Garden

East Passyunk Crossing Community Garden is a mixed-use community garden located on the campus of Neumann-Goretti High School on 10th Street between Mifflin and Morris. One of the garden’s missions is to foster partnerships with refugees who live in the neighborhood. 

The community garden brings together people of different experiences and skills to contribute towards a common purpose. It promotes better physical and mental health through physical exercise and the satisfaction of work, dedication, and perseverance, and contributes to the health and well-being of local wildlife and insects.

Get Involved

Solo Real Estate proudly sponsors the efforts of numerous like-minded community gardens and public spaces, including McMichael Playspace, Emerald Wildflower Garden, and Hancock Park. We believe Philadelphia’s urban gardens are an important resource for the community. They increase access to fresh produce, promote biodiversity, and provide recreational areas that help strengthen social connections between neighbors. To find a community garden near you, click on the community garden map compiled by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.

A New Renter’s Guide To Philly

Posted on by Solo Team

Philly is a city of neighborhoods. Each one with its unique housing, cultural offerings, and personality. Renting offers an opportunity to test-drive a particular neighborhood without a long-term commitment. And, just maybe, fall in love. If you’re looking to move to Philly, there are many things to consider so we’ve created this renter’s guide to introduce you to the city’s diverse neighborhoods and give you some tips on leasing in Philadelphia. 

A City of Neighborhoods

Society Hill 

This is the oldest part of the City located on its easternmost sector, between Market and South Streets. This charming district features cobblestone streets and brick houses in Federal and Georgian styles, as well as contemporary high rises, with no shortage of fine dining, movie theaters, and culture.

Washington Square West 

Adjacent to Society Hill, from 6th Street to Broad, this historic neighborhood is centered around one of William Penn’s original parks. It offers a mix of townhouses subdivided into apartments, hi-rise options and adorable Trinities with access to trendy restaurants, theaters, and shops. 

Rittenhouse Square 

Considered the most desirable real estate in the City, the neighborhood extends well beyond the park for which it is named, extending from Broad Street to the Schuylkill and from Chestnut to Pine Street. It boasts the Kimmel Center and several great restaurants and designer shops in town. While an apartment on the Square is typically in a higher price range, there are also affordable options just a block away. 

Bella Vista

Wedged between South Street and Washington Ave, Broad and 6th Street, the focal point of this neighborhood is known as the Italian Market to tourists and 9th Street to locals. This is where you’ll find a population as diverse as the architecture with an abundance of bakeries, markets, and ethnic restaurants. Choose from 19th-century properties to new construction.

Queen Village

East of Bella Vista, historic Queen Village runs from the Delaware River to 6th Street and from South Street to Washington Avenue. It includes a mix of colonial homes and new townhouses with charming side streets, lively shopping, restaurants, and cafes. Plus access to Spruce St. Harbor Park and Penn’s Landing. 

East Passyunk

This former Italian neighborhood is sandwiched between Washington Avenue and Tasker Street to the west of Broad. Here, young professionals and artists seeking affordable housing mix with old-timers. Over the years, East Passyunk has become filled with trendy boutiques and has become a hub of nightlife and world-class restaurants. Here, the row house is king and the local community is strong.

University City

Home to the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, and Saint Joseph’s University, the housing choices here are varied. From stately Queen Anne homes of Clark Park to the Victorian charm of leafy Powelton Village and new construction in Mantua. Formerly inhabited by primarily students and professors, the area is now a thriving community for young professionals and families.

Identify Your Requirements

Property Manager and Solo agent Sean Rapp offers potential renters some advice on where to start your search. First, “tenants should start by identifying what they are looking for in terms of space, amenities, location, and price range to help narrow their search.”

When looking at potential neighborhoods, consider what’s important to you. Do you want to be within walking distance of restaurants? Or perhaps, having a small green space to entertain or a community garden nearby is something you prioritize. Make a list of wants but be flexible.

“Once you know what you are looking for and identify a property that interests you, the process really starts by booking a tour of the property,” said Rapp. “They can look through our website on the rentals page for options and reach out to set up a time to view the space in person.”

Love Where You Live

“I’ve rented all across the Philadelphia area over the last 20 years, and experienced all kinds of landlords and management companies,” said Solo tenant Gillian Neff. “Without a doubt, Solo is the best I’ve had. They’re not just responsive, they’re actually proactive in maintaining the property. And the staff are all friendly and pleasant to deal with. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a new home in town.”

Solo Real Estate has been renting Philadelphia apartments in Center City and surrounding neighborhoods since 1951. We’re a family-owned company and we are committed to providing exceptional service with a personal touch to all our owners and tenants. Our property managers want you to love where you live, and that means finding the right fit.

Interested in renting one of the rentals we manage or want to learn more about our property management services? Reach out to us!