Most people know that. Before a showing, they make sure the place is picked up, cart out extraneous furniture and, take out the trash. But what about the lighting?

Lighting is the one thing that can give your condo a warm, inviting atmosphere. Follow the tips below, and you’ll have buyers making offers:

-Use the sun to your advantage. Natural light is an incredibly attractive feature, so use what you’ve got. Trim any outdoor plants that are blocking that sun from streaming in, take down bulky window treatments, and move furniture away from the windows.

-Layers are key. The basics of lighting design involve incorporating at least three “layers” of light in each room. One layer is general lighting – you get that with ceiling fixtures. One is task lighting – that includes your floor/desk lamps and any focused lights such as under cabinet fixtures or desk lamps. One is accent lighting – that’s what will really highlight your decor and bring in the majestic feel. One of the most popular forms of accent lighting is indirect cove lighting via LED light strips installed in a recessed portion of the ceiling.

-Be critical. When you’re selling a condo (this especially applies if you’ve lived in it for years), you have to put yourself in a stranger’s shoes. If you were seeing the place for the first time, what would you think of the light fixtures? It’s easy to accumulate outdated light fixtures and forget to judge them with a discerning eye. Replace any tacky light fixtures with a more contemporary style.

-Go green. Sustainability is such a selling point for potential buyers. They want to hear they won’t get slapped with a huge power bill after move-in. They don’t want to go to the trouble of replacing inefficient light bulbs you installed. If possible, replace light bulbs with low-energy models. You can add it on to the list of benefits you tout to the buyer.

Emily Widle
E-Commerce Marketing Specialist
Pegasus Lighting
P 724.846.5137 x 102
F 724.846.8833
www.PegasusLighting.com
“Unique Lighting Products for Your Special Needs”

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1) You see that the condo is vacant, and the front desk tells you they moved
over a year ago.

2) You Google the sellers, and You see that they own multiple properties,
and all of them are for sale.

3) You search the history (in the MLS) of that listing, and see the seller is on
their third listing agent.

4) You walk into the condo, it is vacant, the appliances are gone, and it looks
like the seller left in the middle of the night.

5) You read some unique language in the MLS listing about “seller makes no
warranties”, or “ corporate addendum must accompany…” usually means
corporate owned- aka REO.

These are all possible signs that the condo is ripe for an insulting offer.

Good Luck!

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
530 Walnut St. #260 Phila., PA 19106

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Best Resource for any questions relating to your condominium association….
http://www.condoassociation.com.

This is a fantastic site..check out their blog. You can post questions, and there are some seriously intelligent questions on the site. If you are a board member, you should keep this website marked as one of your “Favorites”.

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach
530 Walnut St. #260 Phila., PA 19106

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“The association can influence value,” Wade said. For instance, if it doesn’t monitor the owner-occupancy ratio – that is, if there are more than the acceptable number of renters vs. owner-occupiers,  it may make it difficult for a buyer to get financing.

Condos not approved for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Federal Housing Administration-backed financing are known as “nonwarrantable” and offer few options for buyers or those refinancing.

“This scenario ultimately lowers demand for a building, and reduces resale values as well,” Wade said. “A review of the condo budget, money on hand, and knowing what is included in the condo fees should be considered when buying a unit.”

Click to check out some other articles in which I have been quoted speaking about Philly Condos!

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach
530 Walnut St. #260 Phila., PA 19106

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1) Strong location: Close to Penn and Drexel, not to mention the Schuylkill river jogging trail, and located within the coveted 19103 zip code.
2) Parking: Every unit at Rivers Edge includes a parking spot.
3) Doorman Building: And the doormen and women at 2301 are always friendly, and never seem to leave their post- great for security and that piece of mind that is important to many Philly condo buyers.
4) Fantastic asking prices: There is not a chance in hell that any similar product can be picked up what some of the recent sales have been registering than at 2301.
5) Outside Space: Almost every unit at 2301 has a private balcony or patio. And if that isn’t enough, then the common roof deck with it’s sweeping views will knock your socks off.

6) Layouts: Many of the units are done in half levels, which appeals to a fair number of buyers who are stair-adverse. I find this to be a huge advantage over other bi-level units with a full set of stiars dividing the levels.
7) Storage: The architect was a smart one here….great in-unit closets and storage areas.
Artificially depressed resale prices in recent months. Again, the values here, in my opinion are lower than they should be, and have no place to go but up.
9) A Smart Condo Association- Now making improvements to the building in terms of assessments that generally have a multiplier effect on resale values- for every dollar spent to improve the property, we will generally see a boost in resale values here in town.
10) Generous kitchen and bathroom sizes- providing great elbow room. Uncommon for a building that is not new construction here in town, in my opinion.

If you are interested in taking a look at this lovely condominium building, feel free to drop me an email at Mark@CenterCity.com and let’s chat!

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
530 Walnut St. #260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

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1. The Ritz Carlton – 1414 S. Penn Square

Towering 46 stories just south of City Hall, The Ritz Carlton houses nearly 300 condominiums in a variety of sizes from one bedroom condos to a jumbo Penthouse- nearly unrivaled in Center City in terms of size, views, and style. With some new pricing, the Ritz Carlton is poised to be 2011 and 2012’s hottest selling Philadelphia high rise. Condo fees are higher than most, but the services and amenities lend credence to the monthly fees. Pet Friendly, tax abated, and Towncar service for residents. Floor to ceiling windows and beautifully finished throughout.

2. WaterFront Square- 901 N. Penn St.

Probably the most overlooked building in town, WaterFront Square offers quiet, water front living in an environment that is nothing short of relaxing. Three towers- The Reef building being the newest and boasts a gracious tax abatement, river front gym and pool, not to mention shuttle service into Center City. Room layouts are well thought-out, and most unit have private balconies. A gated community with on-site management and concierge. Pet friendly.

3. The Hopkinson House- 604 S. Washington Sq.

The “Toyota” of Center City high rise living. Reliable, dependable, good resale, and a strong Washington Square location. Perhaps not high on “Glamour”, but consistently a strong buy in any real estate market. Roof top swimming pool, 24 hour doormen, on site management, garage rental parking, and the building offers Studio, One and Two bedroom condominiums. No dogs. South facing units offer great sun, and north facing units look onto Washington Square. All utilities included in condo fees.

4. The Clinton – 1023 Clinton St.

In terms of low rise condos in town, it is hard to beat the quality and location of the Clinton St. condominiums in Washington Square West. A lovely tree lined street with little thru-traffic, bricked sidewalks and historic street lighting. The condo building consists of 20 units- from one bedrooms to larger two bedroom bi-level units. A few of the condos include parking- and a rental garage sits directly across the street. Lovely interior finishes, and a well managed building. Pet friendly, and attractive rear common garden area. Often overlooked as a quiet, in-town option for condominium living.

5. The Philadelphian- 2401 Pennsylvania Ave.

The largest condominium building in the state of Pennsylvania. Known for it strong management, and services, the building boasts an assortment of activities, services, and on-site retail- including a restaurant, pharmacy, and small super market. South facing units are afforded a terrific view of downtown Philadelphia and the Art Museum, and the Penthouse units are nothing short of mansions in the sky. Condo fees include all utilities, and rental parking- when available is can be found in the lower level of the building. Two pools, and a shuttle into and around town.

6. 117 S. 16th St. AKA- 1551 Samson St.

Truly unique- This six story mid-rise condo building has but one unit per floor. Elevator opens directly into unit. A surprisingly well located building that even many Center City Realtors could identify. A plethora of windows, reasonable condo fees, and extra basement storage. Pet friendly and proximity to shopping and activities in town is strong. Modest condo fees and a fantastic light are the hallmarks of 117 S. 16th St.

7. Locust Point – 2429 Locust St.

With 110 units, on-site parking, and next to the Schuylkill River Jogging Trail, this building really shines. Great value, a terrific sales record, and FHA approved, Locust Point demonstrated it’s desirability by selling out when other buildings in town stood still. Not to mention the integration into a fine residential neighborhood, and proximity to University Of Penn. A great mix of one and two bedroom condos. Common areas have been refinished, and many common elements replaced (windows!) throughout the building.

8.  Saint James Court- Walnut/Locust between 5th and 6th Streets

The perfect cross between a modern townhouse and condo living in a Society Hill locale. Upper and lower units- each with it’s own distinct advantages. Lower units have very nice gardens, and upper units have soaring living room ceilings. Rental parking at Independence Place, and many units face the quiet off-street courtyard. Ranging from 1300+ to nearly 1500 sq ft., every units is a two bed, two bath with a small den area overlooking the living room. All units are bi-level, and even upper units have a balcony/outside space. Perfectly adept at customizing into a modern, or more traditional style, St. James Court Condos were built as a low rise supplement to Independence Place. Nice curb appeal and well managed. These late 1970′s units can go strikingly contemporary, to a more muted traditional feel.

9. The Dorchester- 224 W. Rittenhouse Sq.

Sitting proudly on the southwest corner of Rittenhouse Square is probably one of the best known building in Center City- The Dorchester. With roof top swimming pool, rental garage parking, and variety of sized units, 224 W. Rittenhouse continues to churn up more supply than demand. Units within the building have a tendency to sell fairly quickly and not languish on the market. High floor command strong prices, and have sweeping city views. Twenty Four hour doorman building and on-site management. A smart buy, if you can find a unit to purchase.

10. Acme Piano Condominiums- 201 Queen St.

This Boutique converted warehouse sits in the heart of Queen Village and units rarely become available for sale. All units are of substantial size (2000 sq ft+/-) and most include garage parking. Pet friendly and quiet building noted for high ceilings, over sized windows, and original detailing complement the scale and dimension to the rooms. Nicely finished with upgraded kitchens and baths. This project is approximately seven years old, and a great addition to the neighborhood.

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach
530 Walnut St. #260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Click here to check out our 2 Bed + Den condo that is currently available at The Philadelphian! You could watch all the festivities from your very own balcony! There are many lovely condominiums available in Center City and in the Art Museum Area that are just steps from all the action!

And if you love to be close to it all…but just not too close, there are great Philly Condos available from Rittenhouse Square to Old City to Washington Square West. Feel free to drop me an email at Mark@CenterCity.com to chat about just what you may be looking for in your new Philadelphia Home!

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
530 Walnut St. #260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
530 Walnut St. #260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

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1) “The cabinetry is A Wenge Dutch Maple laminate with a caramelized soapstone countertop”
To Which I respond: PUKE. Could you be more pretentious? Nobody gives a crap for all your
namedropping. The kitchen is small, not real attractive (some would say ugly)…no matter how much fabulousness you try to heap on it.

2) “We are 60% sold”
To which I respond …perhaps you have trouble telling the truth- I know you are lying, and you should know that I am going to tell my customers. I am not on “your” side. I work for my clients.

3) “The Developer said we will not negotiate on the prices”
Tell me if that is the case in 6 months when your bank is putting pressure on you to hold an auction. Actually, in some rare cases, this is true. More often than not, it is BS. I recently got
this song and dance from a high rise in 19103. The one that isn’t selling.

4) “I have a buyer for your condo!!”
I hate it when Realtors send these fake postcards to potential  sellers….trying to induce them to sell/list with whoever is sending the mailer. More often than not, this just a sales pitch.

5) “This condo includes parking”
No it doesn’t. You have induced your seller to buy one year of rental parking down the street, but you want to advertise that your condo has parking- hoping it will draw more attention. That is like lying to your therapist, or saying on eharmony that you are 29 when you are 48.
Do you think the world is full of idiots?- I mean, what is the point of lying here?

Looking for the straight scoop? Let me by your agent and I will sing like a canary!

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors

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Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors
530 Walnut St. #260 Philadelphia, PA 19103
215.521.1523  Mark@CenterCity.com

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