NBC 10 Philadelphia - Open House | Philadelphia Luxury Homes, Celebrity Homes, Photos and Galleries

Buy Delaware's Only Frank Lloyd Wright Home

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:02:52 -0400

The Dudley Spencer House is on the market for $1.35 million, reports Curbed. Wright died in April 1959, making The Dudley Spencer House one of his latest commissions.

Photo Credit: Zillow

NYC's Most Pricey Apartment Back on The Market With a Twist

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:03:23 -0400

The penthouse that went off the market in February is now back, and this time, for sale by owner, reports Curbed.

Photo Credit: Trulia

Startup Promises To Change New York Apartment Shopping Forever

LAUREN PASSELL — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:33:08 -0400

When Sinatra sang that if you can make it in New York City, you can make it anywhere, he must have been referring to finding an apartment. As everyone knows, it's a cutthroat endeavor that can often put you at odds with dishonest brokers, sky-high fees, or a market that's changing to quickly. It's impossible to keep up.

Urban Compass is trying to reinvent the apartment rental market. "[There's] too much fraud, too expensive, and it requires way too much time and energy," said Robert Reffkin, one of Urban Compass' founders, about renting in New York City.

According to The Verge, Urban Compass hopes to fix that by offering its own verified listings and hiring full-time agents with salaries and health benefits to guide users in finding their home, all for a smaller fee. Users can search and schedule appointments online or with the Urban Compass mobile app.

Traditionally, a broker is in such fierce competition that he can't succeed being honest to clients. Urban Compass promises to shake up that culture, borrowing from the doctor scheduling service ZocDoc (ZocDoc's CEO Cyrus Massoumi has invested in Urban Compass.). Agents will receive bonuses based on their online reviews, making good customer service one of their highest motivations.

Not everyone is impressed. Anthony Lolli, the founder of Rapid Realty says the formula won't work, and that "nobody is going to do that on a salary."

Sounds dreamy, right? It could make New York City an easier place to live, but then where would the fun be? Are Urban Compass' dreams a bit too lofty? Read the full story on The Verge.

Photo Credit: 19942094@N00 via flickr

Breckin Meyer Asks $2.995M For His L.A. Home

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:21:11 -0400

The actor and his wife, screenwriter-director Deborah Kaplan, have put their traditional two-story home on the market, reports the L.A. Times.

Photo Credit: Zillow

Comedy Couple Anna Faris and Chris Pratt Buy L.A. Pad

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:14:52 -0400

The couple picked up the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half Mediterranean-style home for $3.3 million, according to Realtor.com. The home offers lush plants, an outdoor gym, tennis court, saltwater pool, and his-and-hers walk-in closets.

Tour Dan Brown's Colorful, Private World

LAUREN PASSELL — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:20:22 -0400

Dan Brown, author of "The DaVinci Code," "Angels & Demons," and "Inferno," gave the TODAY show's Matt Lauer a tour of his New Hampshire home, his "colorful, private world," complete with secret passages, and, as Lauer recalls, "surprises at every turn."

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The most notable thing about Brown's home can be found behind a large painting on one of the walls--push it and you enter Brown's office, where all the writing happens. Moving through the office you'll find the library, which Brown calls his "fortress of gratitude." It includes all of his books in over fifty languages. The library also has several secret passages that leak out to the rest of the home.

Every day after he writes he moves on to the piano, which he plays very well. "That's no chopsticks," Lauer said after listening. Brown admits that piano is "definitely one of (his) passions."

Photo Credit: NBC

Mindy Kaling's Gorgeous L.A. Pad

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:30:31 -0400

The actress recently purchased a three-bedroom Spanish-style home, according to Realtor.com. The home boasts stunning unobstructed city and ocean views in the highly sought-after Bird Streets neighborhood.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Blog Exposes "Worst Rooms" In New York City

Thu, 23 May 2013 11:29:54 -0400

Among the many people frustrated with finding an apartment to rent in New York City is a guy named Ryan, who decided to get out his frustrations with a new Tumblr, THE WORST ROOM, which explores the most ugly, depressing rooms he can find in his search for a home.

Ryan captures photos and write-ups of tiny, awkward, sunless, ugly spaces he's found on Craigslist. As he searches for decent, affordable housing, he's finding that in New York, it's hard to find both.

Ryan moved here from Kentucky writes Business Insider, and has been ping-ponging between friends' apartments since. That was five years ago and he's still looking.

Maybe the blog will get him a step closer. Or perhaps, it will discourage him from continuing his search. Some of these places are pitiful.

Good luck, Ryan. You need it. Because I must say, if these are the pickings, it isn't looking good.

Inside Jennifer Love Hewitt's L.A. Love Nest

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:27:13 -0400

The actress bought the four bedroom, four-and-a-half bath home in the Pacific Palisades for $3.25 million, reports the L.A. Times.

Photo Credit: AFP/Getty Images

Buy The Apartment Featured In Hitchcock's "Vertigo"

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:30:20 -0400

The San Francisco home, featured in a movie hailed as one of the best of all time, is on the market for $695,000, reports Realtor.com. The spot was originally a popular Italian, family-style restaurant called "Ernie's Restaurant," and Hitchcock was a regular there.

Photo Credit: Realtor.com

Square Feet: Contemporary Living with Beach Views

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:03:34 -0400

Living on the beach takes on a whole new meaning in this contemporary abode next to the Pacific ocean. For more information on 32013 Laguna Point Pl., please contact Donna Pfanner of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at 949-499-1320. View the listing.

This episode of Open House was hosted from 240 Riverside Blvd, New York, NY. For more information on this property, please contact Michael Moran and Matthew George of Douglas Elliman at 212-891-7653 and 212-891-7677. View the listing.

Square Feet: North Shore Living With All The Amenities

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:31:24 -0400

Come with us to Glencoe, in Chicago's North Shore, to a 8,000-square-foot home. The space has an exquisite chef's kitchen, theater, and so much more. For more information on 171 Franklin Rd., please contact David Kipnis of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage at 847-446-4000. View the listing.

Square Feet: Live in Castle-Like Grandeur With a Modern Twist

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:41:38 -0400

Take a tour of an eleven-room duplex in The Beresford, one of the most prestigious buildings in New York City. For more information on 211 Central Park West, please contact Carol Levy of Carol E. Levy Real Estate at 212-580-7270. View the listing.

Tips of the Trade: Revamp Your Space on a Budget

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:51:52 -0400

We meet up with interior designer Rinat Tahar to see how to revamp your space without breaking the bank. She's helping clients discover their unique sense of style by repurposing what they already have and adding just a few special touches.

Buy Rita Rudner's Beach House

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:00:30 -0400

Comedian Rita Rudner is taking us inside her Dana Point beach home and takes a unique approach to getting a home off the market. For more information on this property, please contact Danielle Bowen and Harold Noriega of HOM Sotheby's at 949-294-7691 and 949-400-9905.

Subterranean Home for Sale for $1.7M

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:17:55 -0400

The totally subterranean home is on the market for $1.7 million, reports Curbed. The bunker also offers a guest cabana, perfect for hosting friends in the event of a nuclear war.

Own Larry Kramer's Elegant Barn-Style Home

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:37:44 -0400

The writer and activist put his gorgeous 4,092-square-foot home on the market for $3.5 million, according to Realtor.com. The property boasts spectacular views of Connecticut's Lake Waramaug.

Photo Credit: Zillow

This Week on Open House

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:27:31 -0400

Watch Open House Sundays on NBC. Check your local listings.

This Week on Open House NYC

Sun, 19 May 2013 05:57:29 -0400

Watch Open House NYC Sunday 8:30AM on NBC 4 New York.

How Extra Wide Is Better Than Super Skinny (In Real Estate)

LAUREN PASSELL — Thu, 16 May 2013 13:32:44 -0400

What's one of the most important attributes appraisers use in determining the sale price of a townhouse? According to Jonathan Miller, president of appraisal firm Miller Samuel, it's the width, writes a recent article in The Real Deal.

But wider homes don't necessarily sell for higher prices per square foot--location and layout factor in. A 13-foot, four-bedroom townhouse at 35 West 12th in Greenwich Village sold for $5.2 million in 2011, while the same year, a 20-foot, two-family townhouse at 69 Bedford Street went for $2.6 million. Important, too, is how far the width deviates from the Manhattan average.

Wider townhouses are a high commodity, offering a buyer more flexibility to work with the original floor plan. However, even with ample space, if the design does not take advantage of that space, the value is decreased. Miller warns against "throwing amenities at a property and not considering a key attribute like width."

There's something to the skinny houses, too. “There is some cachet behind having the tiniest townhouse around. You can boast about that," said Sofia Song of StreetEasy.

Read the rest of the story on The Real Deal.

Own Ali Landry's Moroccan-Inspired Home

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:19:53 -0400

The former model has put her Los Angeles home on the market for $1.925 million, reports Realtor.com. The home is full of elaborate tiles, stained glass windows, and wood floors.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jillian Michaels Lists Hollywood Hills Home For $2.45M

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:21:14 -0400

The 2,701-square-foot home has an open floor plan and a pool, but no gym, which is surprising for "The Biggest Loser" trainer. The Hollywood Hills Home is on the market for $2.45M reports the LA Times.

Photo Credit: Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Mickey Rooney's Westlake Village Home Goes For $1M

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:20:45 -0400

The actor's home boasts 2,413 square feet of living space and has a private dock in the back, reports the LA Times.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

"That '70s Show" Writers List NYC Pad

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:29:42 -0400

"Wayne's World" and "That '70's Show" writers Bonnie And Terry Turner have listed their NYC two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo. It is on the market for $3.75 million, reports The Real Deal.

Photo Credit: Zillow

Realtor's Rap Video Urges You To Buy In San Diego

LAUREN PASSELL — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:06:07 -0400

Sometimes a broker will do anything to get clients. That includes, in this case, filming a rap video in an act of self-promotion, brought to our attention through videogum.

Though he claims in the rap that he's not a rapper, it's impossible to ignore the agent's skills in rapping a rhyme to stress the importance of buying a home (like voting!), and the importance of buying a home in San Diego. With him.

Realtor Rafael Alberto Perez (initials: R.A.P.), boasts the following:

Now not too long ago, the housing market fell flat.

Foreclosures, toxic loans and all of that.

In sight was the death of the American dream.

Home ownership is back, now the new routine.

And:

Set your goal, write it down, continue forward.

Your American Dream, Your Daily Routine,

Working hard every day, a future you'll build.

Provide for your family, a castle from skills,

A place to raise the kids or a cash flow machine.

Which do you prefer?

And:

Take ownership, get involved, remember to vote.

This region can be yours, we still have a hope.

What's your American Dream? Is it silent, does it scream?

You're building a future, one day at a time

To get a net worth, of a million not a dime.

Kind of catchy. Definitely ambitious. Would you call R.A.P.?

Photo Credit: YouTube / john feits

Ben Stiller Sells Museum Apartment for Just Under $9M

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:44:48 -0400

The apartment is located near the American Museum of Natural History and was also featured in Stiller's "Night At The Museum" flicks. Stiller and wife Christine Taylor purchased the home for $10 million in 2008 and recently sold it for $8.995 million, reports Curbed.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Own Late Country Singer George Jones's Cowboy Manse

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:26:51 -0400

The singer, once married to Tammy Wynette, was famous for his hits "White Lightning" and "Tender Years." The late country star's home, set on 80 acres, is on the market for $8 million, according to our friends at Realtor.com.

Photo Credit: Realtor.com

Jeff Gordon's Trophy Apartment Asks $30M

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:00:13 -0400

"Wonder Boy" and four-time Nascar Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon put his 3,454-square-foot condo on the market, reports the New York Times.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR

Transform a Man Cave into a Chic Pad

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:02:16 -0400

Can a man cave be transformed into a chic pad? Definitely. But can it be done in one day? The clock's ticking as designer Jonathan Rosen takes on the challenge.

This episode of Open House was hosted from E 63rd St., New York, NY. For more information on this property, please contact James C. Cox and Jason Karadus of Town Real Estate at (646) 998-7422 and (646) 998-7435. View the listing.

Square Feet: Inside a Historic and Stunning NYC Penthouse

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:55:42 -0400

We're in Tribeca at the beautiful and historic American Thread Building. This was once the site of the New York Wool Exchange. You don't find many New York City apartments with a rotunda and a stained-glass dome, and this impressive penthouse has it all. For more information on 260 W Broadway, please contact Melanie Lazenby and Dina Lewis of Douglas Elliman at 212-727-6131 and 212-727-6129. View the listing.

Square Feet: Southwestern Style in the Windy City

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:42:05 -0400

What do you get when you combine modern architecture with Southwestern style? A beautiful home in Chicago's North Shore. This house was inspired by the simple structures of the Pueblo Indians. It's enchanting inside and out. For more information on 105 Indian Ridge Rd., please contact Julie Morse of Prudential Rubloff Properties at 847-460-5451.

Designer Living: Perfect Beach House Design

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:07:24 -0400

Interior designer Lawrence Rizkowsky gives us a tour of his client's Malibu home were he mixed contemporary design elements with custom pieces to create the perfect beach house.

Tips of the Trade: How to Landscape Your Yard

Sun, 12 May 2013 12:52:58 -0400

George Oliphant of George to the Rescue has some tips to help make sure your landscaping is luxurious.

Take a Tour of the Westchester Designer Showhouse

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:49:12 -0400

We take you inside the Westcheser Designer Showhouse where more than 20 designers have transformed an estate in Scarsdale into decorating masterpiece.

Inside the Lake Forest Designer Showhouse

Fri, 10 May 2013 12:01:32 -0400

We go inside the Lake Forest Designer Showhouse where under one roof you'll find some of Chicago's most talented designers.

Tips of the Trade: Mix Design Styles

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:22:04 -0400

Designer Chloe Warner shows us how mixing furniture style as well as using color and pattern in a room can help pull a space together.

A $21M Party Pad Now on the Market for $7M

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:24:06 -0400

We spotted this La Habra Heights home on Curbed not too long ago and we were intrigued. The price has been cut 66 percent over the past few years, but there's not shortage of party amenities.

Photo Credit: ZIllow

Inside "American Idol" Fantasia Barrino's Former North Carolina Pad

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:09:08 -0400

Former "American Idol" Fantasia Barrino's North Carolina home was recently sold for $1.3 million, reports our friends at Realtor.com.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Why FEMA Still Won't Aid Co-Ops In Wake Of Sandy

LAUREN PASSELL — Thu, 09 May 2013 17:48:14 -0400

Some of the buildings and homes that sustained the most damage from Hurricane Sandy are being denied federal aid for repairs, reports the New York Times.

What makes a home undeserving? A co-op, according to the policy of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is considered a business, even though technically it can be a nonprofit entity set up by its owner. That means co-op boards are banned from obtaining grants, and owners are denied money for repairs after a disaster such as Sandy, though they can receive aid for furniture damage or other items lost in their homes.

It's a problem stirring up controversy in Congress, with members calling for the rules to be changed stating since co-ops are flourishing as are severe weather damages, the city will be at an increasing loss when it comes to disaster aid.

FEMA officials maintain that their hands are tied. In a co-op, they say, "owners sign leases for the rights to their units, rather than owning them as real property, as the owners of condominium units do."

Almost 20 percent of the homes in the storm surge area were in co-ops, and 8 percent more were in condos.

“If FEMA gave a co-op $3,000 per apartment, our problems would be over,” one property manager said.

Read the full story on the New York Times.

Photo Credit: shankbone via flickr

Full Episode: A Soldier's Home Rescue

Thu, 09 May 2013 15:58:22 -0400

While deployed and serving in Afghanistan, Major Hults's home was flooded with seawater during Superstorm Sandy. From finishing the living room to completely renovating the kitchen, George makes sure that this dedicated soldier and his family have the home they deserve.

This Week: Tour the Kardashian Mansion

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:30:11 -0400

Watch Open House NYC Sunday at 8:30AM on NBC 4 New York.

This Week: Southwestern Style in the Windy City

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:00:21 -0400

Watch Open House Sunday mornings on NBC.

Own The Condo Where "Gone With The Wind" Author Lived

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:27:08 -0400

Inside the Neil Reed-designed Ansley building, the home is across the street from the Atlantic Botanical Garden. The 1,332-square-foot Atlanta, Georgia home is asking $310,000, reports href="http://atlanta.curbed.com/archives/2013/05/07/for-310k-you-can-live-in-margaret-mitchells-old-haunt.php" target="_blank">Curbed.

Photo Credit: estately

Reese Witherspoon's New $3M Home

Thu, 09 May 2013 10:52:50 -0400

The actress purchased the one-story cottage for $3 million, the editors at Realtor.com tell us. There is a pool and several gorgeous terraces on the lot.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Curt Schilling's Sports Enthusiast's Dream Home Asks $3.5M

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:49:59 -0400

The MLB player turned video game company owner has reduced the price of his Massachusetts home from $8 million to $3.5 million, reports Realtor.com. The home boasts a tennis court, basketball court/hockey rink, pitching cage, and beach volleyball court.

Photo Credit: Realtor.com

For $7.65M, Brooklyn's Most Valuable Townhouse Sells Again

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:19:46 -0400

The home sold for $7.3 million last August, was re-listed for $7.95 million in February, and recently sold for $7.65 million, reports Curbed.

Photo Credit: Trulia

Square Feet: Not Your Typical Upper East Side Home

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:48:37 -0400

Come inside a whimsical home on east 62nd street that's break all the traditions of a classic Upper East Side apartment. The homeowner and interior designer takes us on a tour. For more information on this property, please contact William Grant and Russell Miller of Brown Harris Stevens at 212-906-0518 and 212-906-9360. View the listing.

This episode of Open House was hosted from 260 West Broadway, New York, NY. For more information on this property, please contact Melanie Lazenby of Prudential Douglas Elliman at 917-685-8516. View the listing.

Square Feet: Live in Italian Renaissance Times in This Gem

Mon, 06 May 2013 23:10:07 -0400

We head to a gem in historic upstate New york to a masterpiece built for real estate tycoon Pierre Lorillard Jr. back in 1987. Designed by the founding architect of Tuxedo Park, the estate imitates the Italian Villas from the Renaissance. For more information on 107 Tower Hill, please contact Barbara du Pont of Sotheby's International Realty at 917-468-9653. View the listing.

Inside the Kardashian Beach Home

Mon, 13 May 2013 15:13:26 -0400

The home where the Kardashian sisters Kourtney and Kim live in their E! reality show "Kourtney and Kim Take Miami" is up for grabs. The houses known as "Palazzo di Mare" and is on the market. For more information on 2095 NE 120 Rd., please contact Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg of Coldwell Banker at 305-915-2556 and 305-788-5455. View the listing.