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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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

philadelphia property tax appeal process mt airy house
Property

How to Dispute Your Philadelphia Property Tax Assessment

You’d better act quickly if you want to challenge your 2025 assessment.

philadelphia parking rules expired parking meter
City Life

The Unwritten Rules of Parking in Philadelphia

When, where, and how long you can park, and where you can’t.

Property

Living in East Falls: A Neighborhood Guide

You’ll feel like royalty living in the only Philly neighborhood where a princess grew up.

manayunk arts festival
Property

Where to Live in the Philadelphia Region if You Love to Walk Everywhere

Between walkability and decent transit service, these places make a low-car diet possible.

Property

The Journey to 1001 at Broad and Washington Is Finished (Sort Of)

Since this project first surfaced a decade (!) ago, the rental market has changed considerably. 

aldi cheap grocery stores
Be Well Philly

Steep Discounts and Really Good Cheese: Your Guide to Cheap Grocery Shopping Around Philadelphia

As grocery prices continue to creep upward, these limited-selection supermarkets will help your food dollars go further.

rendering of sculptural bench
City Life

Plans Revealed to Turn the Avenue of the Arts Into a 10-Block Park

From concrete canyon to landscaped park.

Property

Living in Yardley: A Neighborhood Guide

Situated between history and industry, this former mill town retains its village character.

train arriving at jefferson station
City Life

The Unwritten Rules for Riding SEPTA

Use your head and common courtesy and you’ll be fine.