Philadelphia is gaining national attention for something big—its economy.
A recent The Philadelphia Inquirer expert opinion highlights that Philly is now one of the strongest-performing major metro economies in the U.S., driven by job growth, stability, and affordability.
Read more
Philadelphia’s real estate market closed out 2025 on steady ground, but the story looks very different depending on the neighborhood. While prices remain resilient citywide, buyers and sellers are approaching decisions more thoughtfully. Here’s what the Q4 2025 Philadelphia real estate data actually tells us.
Philadelphia’s real estate market continues to show stability with modest growth as we move into 2026.
These numbers reflect a market that remains active, but one where buyers are more deliberate and sellers benefit most from strong preparation and pricing strategies.
Read more
Philadelphia property tax bills have been issued, which makes now a good time for homeowners to do a quick review before they are paid either directly or through your mortgage company (due March 31st).
Some things worth checking:
If you have not applied for one of Philadelphia’s tax relief programs, there is a new 5-in-1 application that works for any of the available programs offered by the city. Find it here.
If you’re thinking about selling your home this spring, January and February are actually the smartest times to start preparing.
Homes that sell quickly and for strong prices in March, April, and May usually started with quiet preparation in advance. Here’s exactly what homeowners should focus on now to set themselves up for a smoother, more profitable sale when the spring market heats up.
You don’t need an exact listing date yet—but you do need a general window.
Ask yourself:
Clarity now allows everything else—pricing, prep, and strategy—to fall into place.
Read more
With costs rising and budgets feeling tighter, many homeowners are looking for ways to save money in 2026—without making drastic changes or sacrificing quality of life.
The good news? Saving money as a homeowner is about stacking small, smart decisions involving:
Here are 26 practical ways Philadelphia homeowners can reduce costs this year, organized into four categories:
1. File for the Homestead Exemption (if you haven’t).
This can significantly reduce your taxable assessed value. Learn more here >
2. Appeal your property tax assessment if it feels high.
Many homeowners never challenge assessments—even when they’re inaccurate.
3. Track when your tax abatement ends and plan ahead.
Knowing when costs increase helps avoid budget shock.
More than 50 new Philly restaurants will be heating up the dining scene with a flurry of highly-anticipated new openings as well as some popular favorites expanding to new locations. The spectrum of openings is broad, from intimate cocktail bars to sprawling breweries and everything in between.
Stephen Starr’s “Italian version of Parc” Borromini, shown above in a rendering from Stokes Architecture, is just one of many concepts coming to the Rittenhouse area, while Oyster House and Federal Donuts will expand to the Philadelphia International Airport.
Last week, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced that not only would rates not increase, but they are expected to be cut three times in 2024. Once that happens, there will most likely be increased buyer competition and homes are likely to go way above asking price–especially since Philadelphia was recently identified as one of the top 10 national markets with the most pent-up housing demand, according to a National Association of Realtors study. And, it has twice as many affordable homes for first-time buyers as other comparable markets.
If you want to buy a home in Philly, it would be strategic to jump back into the market sooner than later and then consider refinancing later this year. After the competition increases (and home prices increase as well), you can never lower the price you paid for your home, but you can always refinance your loan to lower your monthly payment.
Many New Yorkers and others from more expensive metropolitan areas are moving to Philadelphia because of it’s affordability.
If you don’t have a residential tax abatement on the primary residence you own, the Homestead Exemption can reduce the taxable portion of your assessed value by $100,000. With this program, Philadelphians can save around $1400 on their annual tax bill, and once accepted, you don’t have to reapply each year. You will receive the benefit as long as you continue to own and live in the property.
Those with a current residential tax abatement are not eligible, but you can apply after the abatement is expired or removed. If you move out of your property to a new primary residence–keeping your former residence as an investment property, you have to remove the exemption from that property and reapply with your new primary residence.
Early tax filers should apply by September 13 while all others can apply by the deadline of December 1 to see the exemption reflected on the next year’s tax bill.
For those considering buying a home in Philadelphia or moving to Philadelphia, this is a huge benefit. Questions? Feel free to reach out to me.
Ready to save money on your tax bill?
A recent study from Attom Data Solutions showed that the best time to buy a house to save (up to 7.4%) was in the winter months and buyers who closed on the day after Christmas realized the greatest below-market-value discounts of any other day of the year. Here’s why:
1. Less competition
Most buyers prefer to visit prospective homes in the warmer months of May, June, July, and August, which account for 40% of home sales. For the convenience of warmth—and the increased competition for available inventory—you may pay more than 7% higher for a home during these months.
While January and February make up less than 6% of sales, less competition may translate into more negotiating power for the Philly home buyer.
2. Motivated sellers
Sellers listing their homes in the winter often cannot wait until the warmer months when they can make a higher profit. For one reason or another, they need to sell now—empowering you with more leverage in your offer.
In addition, if a Philadelphia home is still lingering on the market from a summer listing, the seller may be more willing to accept a lower offer or give concessions, like assisting with closing costs.
Read more
Prepare your home for winter in Philadelphia by maintaining the following:
1. Heating:
Replace the filter on forced hot-air systems, have a licensed HVAC technician service your furnace, and have a licensed chimney contractor ensure there is no blockage or creosote build-up from wood stoves or fireplaces.
Keep your heat above 55 degrees so water pipes within the walls don’t freeze, rotate ceiling fans clockwise to bring warm air down, and maintain pellet and wood-burning stoves per manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Roof & gutters:
Inspect your roof and coat it roof every five years to extend it’s life. Clear leaves and debris from gutters to ensure proper drainage and prevent ice dams or cycles that can fall, and ensure gutters direct water away from walking paths and the foundation.