Buyers shopping for a condo in Center City Philadelphia almost always start with the same question: How much is a view worth? The allure of a penthouse skyline view is nothing new. Anyone who remembers Eva Gabor on Green Acres recalls how she “adored a penthouse view.” And today’s condo buyers in Philadelphia often feel [...]
One of the questions I hear constantly from Philly condo buyers and investors is a simple one: “Can I Airbnb this condo?” It’s such a common question that I usually know it’s coming before it’s asked. After more than 35 years of selling condominiums in Center City Philadelphia, I can say with confidence that this may be the single [...]
It is NOT always dollars and cents that prompt a seller to sign an agreement of sale…here are a few tips to sweeten your Philly Condo offer: Shorten your settlement date-especially if the home is vacant. Get a pre-approval from the mortgage company that the LISTING agent uses most. This will allow the listing agent, [...]
Living in a low rise or loft styled condominium can have its ups and downs. Here in Center City Philadelphia, we consider a low rise condominium to be an association that generally has anywhere from two to eight units, within a three to four story building. Defined as such due to the physical nature of how such [...]
Yeah, I swim. A lot. Here are my top five favorite pools in town. 1.)Waterfront Square 2.) One Riverside 3.) The Arthaus 4.) Symphony House 5.) The Murano
Twenty years ago, a Capital Contribution was a very rare line item paid by a buyer to reimburse the seller. Today, a Capitol Contribution is standard for almost any purchase, and the payment now goes to the condo association and not the seller. So WTF is a Capitol Contribution?Quite simply, it is a one-time fee collected from every buyer. [...]
1.) Do I need a lawyer?Legally, no you do not. However, I suggest you hire a REAL ESTATE attorney as they can be helpful. What I do NOT suggest is that you hire your brother's neighbor, and is a personal injury lawyer. That could really do more harm than good, in my opinion. Get a [...]
It is NOT always dollars and cents that prompt a seller to sign an agreement of sale. Here are a few tips to sweeten your offer:*Shorten your settlement date if the home is vacant.*Shorten your home inspection period to 7 days instead of 15 days.*Put more money down (to be held in escrow). A full [...]
A small number of condos in prime Center City zip codes have not appreciated over the past decade+/- In my 33 years of selling Center City real estate, I can tell you that value growth/appreciation is a priority for most buyers when purchasing a Center City condo: Many buyers rank appreciation as a reason to [...]
Property Flyers are Often Incorrect Here are a few examples:1) Hardwood Flooring- Likely, it is not hardwood, rather it is laminate. And laminate is preferred in newer condo buildings. It looks good, wears well, and offers an array of styles. 2) Deed Parking- Usually, a parking space is not what we call "deeded." If it were, it would have [...]
