6 Questions With Venture Philly:

Ylli Bakalli Shares His Favorites, Real Estate Advice, & Info For New Residents to Philadelphia.


Meet Ylli.

Born in Warren, PA (tiny Northwest town), Ylli spent half the year of his childhood in Pennsylvania and the other half growing up in his home country of Kosovo. He moved to Philadelphia a few years ago working for a financial firm but then transitioned to a real estate development firm in his hometown. After working there, he decided to move back to the city that he loves (Philly) and start a career in real estate here. He does photography and videography and social media growth on the side and also has a YouTube channel.

 

What is your favorite Philadelphia neighborhood and why?

Although Old city is one of the favorite neighborhoods in Philadelphia, I am going to have to choose Point Breeze. Not because I am biased that I live here (or maybe I am) but the development and growth of the neighborhood is really apparent when you walk around. With an abundance of local & family owned restaurants and cafes so you really can’t go hungry around there. There are also a good amount of little community parks where you can just sit and enjoy ,which I think is really cool. Everyone around here is super friendly and it just feels very welcoming for anyone no matter who you are. Also center city is only like a 20min walk so it’s a prime location to be in! If you are ever in Point Breeze, you will most likely see me either walking or riding my longboard round. 

Available Point Breeze Properties:

 

Why did you decide you wanted to get into the real estate business?

Real estate has always been a career I have had an interest in but didn’t really take the leap of faith until a few months ago. I decided that it was time for me to finally get my real estate license so I can pursue the career I have always wanted to develop. It is scary but exciting because I know it is the right path for me. Now that I have my license and I live in my favorite city, I am ready to really develop my real estate business and bring my clients the service they want.

 

If you were to buy an investment property in 2021 and plan on selling in 2026, which neighborhood would you target and why?

I would target west Philadelphia, around the Mantua area specifically. The potential for that area is huge and is being utilized by investors right now because of what that neighborhood holds in terms of ROI. Not only is it a pocket of development that has not fully been utilized, it is within walking distance of University City, the Zoo and the Art Museum. I think we will see that area really be the neighborhood to live in by 2026.

Available West Philly Properties:

 

If you were entertaining an out of town guest who has never been to Philadelphia before, what restaurant would you take them to first?

Being a foodie and living in Philadelphia, this is one of the hardest questions. I honestly would say that it has to be Zahav. Not only was it rated as the best restaurant in the country in 2019 but it really does live up to its name. It is a little different than most places because it is a pre-fixe chefs menu (don’t worry the chef knows best!) that consists of Israeli inspired courses, which might be some of the best food you will ever have. Chef Michael Solomonov really has made one of the best restaurants in the country. The only tricky part is getting a reservation, sometimes you have to book a couple months ahead in order to secure a table. Luckily, I have an “in” with the restaurant so I can get us a table.

 
 

When you're not assisting clients with their real estate needs, what do you enjoy doing in your downtime?

I spend a lot of time camping, traveling, longboarding, and going to car events with friends. I also am a photographer/videographer so on weekends I am out on shoots for clients or I am just doing it for fun for my own instagram and YouTube. I mostly shoot cars but have recently been doing wedding videos, which has been a lot of fun to work on. Tennis also takes up a lot of my time as I am an avid player and plan on playing until I'm 90 years old. My free time is spent just relaxing with friends talking about anything or doing research on all my hobbies to further develop myself. 

 
 

One piece of advice you would give a first time home buyer before starting the process?

I think my one piece of advice has to be to do your research. There are so many variables when it comes to choosing a house, especially a first house! Once you can really pick out the variables that matter the most to you, you can narrow down your choices to make the thought process a lot easier for you. This makes it more of a fun experience than a chore or stressful situation. Plus us real estate agents are here to help you through the whole process, we want to make it a memorable moment for you.

 

Top Picks for First Time Home Buyers:


Ylli Bakalli, REALTOR®

ylli@venturephilly.com

814.688.2340


Venture Philly Group

Buy. Sell. Invest.

info@venturephilly.com

o. 215.592.9522

604 S Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA

venturephilly.com


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