Sandy Smith

Home and Real Estate Editor

Sandy Smith is Philadelphia magazine’s Home and Real Estate editor. A Kansas City native, he has called Philly home for more than 35 years. He reports on houses for sale, condos for sale, apartments for rent, new construction, development and trends in the Greater Philadelphia real estate market.

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Dorrance Hamilton Hall at the University of the Arts
Property

The UArts Property Sale: A Golden Opportunity for a Developer

Wouldn’t Dorrance Hamilton Hall make a fabulous condominium or apartment building?

crebilly farm
Property

Crebilly Farm in Chester County Spared From Development at Long Last

A two-month flash fundraising campaign raised the rest of the money needed to buy the farm.

tree planting at wayne junction
Property

How to Get Free Street Trees for Your House — and Why You Should

Trees help you keep cool, save money and fight climate change.

George Nakashima Woodworkers Arts Building
City Life

30 Must-Visit Pennsylvania State Historical Markers

There are nearly 600 markers in Philadelphia and its collar counties. These should get you started on a historical deep dive.

open houses gladwyne riverside house
Property

Where to Live if You Love Living by the Water

From creeks to rivers to bays to the ocean, this region has what you want in waterside living. Here are 10 communities to check out.

haunted houses philadelphia samuel powel house
City Life

Real Haunted Houses in Philly

The ghosts of past residents still live in these houses.

malvern
Property

Living in Malvern: A Neighborhood Guide

Small-town allure and urbane sophistication meet at the end of the Main Line.

vince fumo house sold
Property

Look Who Finally Sold the Vince Fumo Mansion: John Bolaris

The former state Senator finally gets to downsize.

house for sale plymouth meeting norman manor exterior front
Property

Get Your Philly House Ready to Sell in 15 Steps

Your house will sell faster and you’ll get better offers if you follow these tips.

handshake at real estate contract signing
Property

Is It Worth It For You to Buy a House Without an Agent?

You could do it yourself and save, but that may cost you, say experts.

mortgage refinance application
Property

Should You Refinance Your Mortgage Now that the Feds Have Cut Interest Rates?

Yes, if you can pass these simple tests.

open houses gladwyne riverside house
Property

5 Must-See Open Houses This Weekend

Two historic townhouses, a farmhouse that channels the 18th century and a rare chance to own a riverside home in Gladwyne.

Property

Living in Point Breeze: A Neighborhood Guide

The winds of change have blown stronger through this neighborhood than any other in the city.

montage of houses in the area
Property

The Ultimate Guide to Paying for Your First Home

What you need to get started on the path to the most important purchase you will make.

Property

Real Estate Showdown: A Shore House vs. A Montco Farm

Two expansive properties for different kinds of retreats