Step into the captivating world of real estate and architecture with this week's newsletter, where we uncover the stories behind the homes that define the Jersey Shore. The man behind the modern Shore aesthetic - Mark Asher, an architect with a 40-year legacy, has left an indelible mark on the region's homes. From Cape May to the Philly suburbs, his designs showcase a unique blend of style and functionality. Imagine homes with cedar siding, wooden gambrel roofs, and seamless transitions from indoor living spaces to outdoor patios and pools - that's the Asher touch! But here's where it gets controversial... Asher's preference for green lawns over rocks at Shore properties has sparked debate. "The stones were hot in summer, cold in winter, and ugly all year round," he says. Dive deeper into Asher's world and explore the evolution of his designs, which have kept pace with the changing needs of his clients.
Unraveling the Mystery of Suspicious Sales near Temple - In December, our colleagues Ryan W. Briggs and William Bender brought to light a mysterious real estate phenomenon surrounding Temple University. Clients of real estate agent Patrick C. Fay were paying almost double the asking price for properties that had been on the market for some time. But Fay wasn't alone in these questionable deals. Our investigation revealed that over two dozen Philly-area real estate agents were involved in arranging $45 million worth of suspicious transactions involving student rentals. The prices recorded on official documents were significantly higher than what the sellers actually received. One appraiser even reported being pressured by agents to increase property valuations. As a former assistant U.S. attorney put it, "If you don't present an accurate picture to the financial institution financing the loan, you've got problems." The Inquirer's reporting on this potential mortgage fraud has led to investigations by Coldwell Banker, Fay's former employer, and Temple University, which is looking into the potential impact on student renters. Keep reading to uncover more details about these controversial real estate deals and the signs of trouble brewing in the Temple neighborhood.
Other News to Note -
1. Signs of a frozen housing market are emerging in Philadelphia and Delaware County.
2. A first-time homebuyer shares his story of purchasing a house in Norris Square, originally beyond his budget.
3. A colleague and I reviewed a James Ijames play that explores gentrification through the lens of a fictional sports complex development.
4. Philadelphia City Council is discussing a bill to ban demolitions if property owners don't have permits for new projects.
5. Governor Josh Shapiro vows to prevent data center developers from increasing energy costs for Pennsylvanians.
6. Take a virtual tour of Muhammad Ali's former Cherry Hill mansion, now back on the market.
7. The Curtis Institute pledges to rebuild the beloved Art Alliance building on Rittenhouse Square.
8. A proposed redevelopment plan in Gladwyne has residents divided over the future of their community.
9. House of the Week: A historical five-bedroom home in Media, once a general store, is on the market for $785,000.
Home Tour: East Mount Airy Rowhouse - Cooper Lee Kidd celebrated his 30th birthday by buying his first home. After living in small apartments in Queen Village and Rittenhouse Square, he sought more indoor and outdoor space. He found his dream home in a 900-square-foot rowhouse in East Mount Airy, which was the first property he toured during his search. The house boasts tall ceilings, ample natural light, and a backyard that Kidd transformed into a garden. Kidd also kept some of the previous owner's furniture, which he was delighted to have. Step inside Kidd's birthday gift to himself and discover the many reasons why he adores his new neighborhood.
Photo Quiz - Can you guess the location of this week's photo? Email your answer back to us! Last week's quiz featured a photo from the mini golf course in Franklin Square, and Lars W. was the first to get it right.
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