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 [...]
Philadelphia condos have a unique issue that may not be relevant to condos in, say, remote parts of Montana or on a deserted private island. NOISE! Some of the most sought-after condo buildings here in Center City are on, or very close to lively blocks full of activity. From bus routes, to highway proximity, noise is sometimes [...]
If you are of a certain age, you recall that Eva Gabor on Green Acres just "Adores A Penthouse View" for which she and her husband no doubt forked over some big bucks to accommodate her desire. And who wouldn't love such a view? The question is- Are you willing to pay for such an [...]
Center City offers a buffet of living arrangements. Almost any Center City condominium with a smattering of exposed brick attempts to pass itself off as a loft. Often sought after as an expression of one's own style, loft living has taken off in downtown Philadelphia. Lofts vary in look, layout, and location throughout downtown Philly. [...]
Every spring, my phone starts ringing off the hook with students and or parents of students who will be attending Jefferson Medical School. My name is Mark Wade, and I am a realtor in Center City Philadelphia. Many of these folks have figured out that buying a condo in the area is a wise investment, [...]
If the adage location, location, location were as etched in stone as it is etched in many buyers minds, then there would be little price difference between The Wanamaker House Condos at 2020 Walnut St., and its high-rise condominium neighbor, "2135" Walnut St. If size dictated values alone, then The Ayer and the Aria could [...]
Open houses are great. What a wonderful collection of folks who may at any time walk right in your front door. And each one is different from the next.... 1) The Tourist: "Oh, we're from Ohio and just visiting. We love to visit open houses". 2) The Blind- I once had a blind couple at [...]
Not giving an inch may cost you a mint in a real estate transaction. Back in the 1960's, Tarryton Cigarettes had the saying "I'd Rather Fight Than Switch". Personally, I think I would give up my specific brand of cigarettes than take a solid punch in the face. But fighting is what some folks like [...]
