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July 2011
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July 28, 2011

4 Things You Should Know About Center City Real Estate- And be able to talk about at a Party

Filed under: Center City Real Estate,State of Marketplace — Center City Philadelphia Real Estate Agent @ 3:26 pm

So you are standing in a corner, evoking memories of your first 7th grade dance…feeling kinda’ alone. Since everyone likes to talk Real Estate…why not drop these little conversations starters:

1) For two decades, Northern Liberties was “Up and Coming”. It is here now… And home to a huge variety of contemporary new construction townhouses and condos. Hippest in town.

2) Flipping is going to be back in vogue starting in 2012 in Center City. The long somewhat slow market hasput a halt on flipping for about the past 10 years…so the buying public will appreciate the “2012 new offerings”

3) The Ritz Carlton is the best deal in town. Great prices, and one hell of a Luxury High Rise

4) Chase Utley lives at they Ayer on Washington Square, and Cliff Lee lives at 1706 Rittenhouse.

Everyone wants to discuss real estate at a party. You now can play a part….You don’t have to be a big-brain, you just have to nod accordingly, and drop these tid-bits out should the opportunity present itself….

Mark Wade

www.CenterCityCondos.com

 

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July 24, 2011

Philly Condos & Restrictive Pet Policies

Filed under: For Buyers,General Real Estate — Center City Philadelphia Real Estate Agent @ 8:36 am

Philly Condos- Not All Allow Pets

 

No Dogs or Cats:    2401 Pennsylvania Ave (The Philadelphian)

No Dogs, but yes to cats:
The Dorchester                    The Wanamaker House
Society Hill Towers                    Rivers Edge (2301 Cherry)
Hopkinson House                    Academy House

In today’s competitive condo sales market, there is one rule that stands above all others that may determine whether or not your condo is going to be looked at by potential buyers- Your Condominiums rule with regards to pets. Rules vary from building to building and some are very open, and some buildings are very restrictive.
Most buildings in town will have some kind of restrictions as to pet ownership- specifically dogs.
Restrictions in terms of dog size, breed, or the number of dogs per owner. All makes sense to me. But NOT to allow dogs is one sure way of restricting resales in the building.
Susie the buyer is NOT going to give up her cherished Poodle in order to live in your building, should you be on the above list.  In my opinion, those rules are SO OUTDATED….
Why not put limits on size and breed? Or allow ONLY owners and not renters to have pets?
Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com

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July 20, 2011

Dear Center City Developers- Are you some kind of F’in Idiot?

Filed under: For Buyers,Of Interest to Buyers — Center City Philadelphia Real Estate Agent @ 9:20 am
  I am often non-plussed by what I see developers pass off as an upgrade.   Usually some bullshit excuse about how the Developer  may “feel” the buyer is going to want to customize the unit, so they are being kind enough as NOT to add some simple living niceties like shelving inside closets, or a washer and dryer. Really?
 
Since when are closet inserts an upgrade? When one buys an $800,000 condo, should you not be able to expect that some sort of clothes hanging mechanism would be included? Even the cheesy cheap wire mesh systems? I have seen developers try to pass off even the basic necessities as upgrades, and it is insulting. Perhaps Mr. Developer, you think my $800,000 buyer just fell off the back of a turnip truck? How the hell do you think he or she got to the point in their life where they could afford such a condominium without a brain cell or two? Dumbass.

And please stop with the patronizing “and you get lovely carpet in the bedrooms at no extra charge”. Again, you are an idiot.

And touting the virtues of a dishwasher, a garbage disposal, and/or doorbell for each condo unit?Yippee…where does my buyer sign?? If developers could take a minute or two to tour some of the condo offerings in Center City Philadelphia, and realize that the buyers I am bringing to your front door have seen almost EVERYTHING on the market, then maybe that developer could wise up, and compare apples to apples. Tell us about the significance of your location, the quality of your construction, or the fact that you are priced competitively. My buyers are not stupid, and I will not allow them to be uneducated. So wise up, and let’s make a deal. Because until you (Mr. Developer) come to your senses, my buyer’s desire to write an offer on one of your condos is going to be severely limited.

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July 10, 2011

Center City Condos And Outside Noise

Filed under: Center City Real Estate,For Buyers,General Real Estate — Center City Philadelphia Real Estate Agent @ 9:05 am
 Philadelphia condominiums have somewhat of a unique issue that may not be relevant to condos in, say, remote parts of Montana or on deserted private islands. And that issue would be – the noise.

Some of the most sought after condo buildings here in Center City are on or very close to lively blocks that are full of activity, or they are on or near bus routes, and can have a close proximity to highways. This is very convenient but can be noisy!

Having constant noise outside your dining room or bedroom could be a big problem. So, I devised a kinda’ cool solution that works like a gem. And in the scheme of things, really doesn’t have to cost a lot.

Here’s the solution: Replace your windows (genius, eh?)!

Depending on where you live in downtown Philadelphia, you may have a fairly strong historic association who mandates the type of window replacement you must use.  However, this does not preclude you from installing another set of windows INSIDE the historical set.

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You can add a double paned, inexpensive vinyl clad INSIDE the outer set of historically approved windows, giving you a total of 3 or 4 panes of glass between you and the noise.  This ingenious little set-up demonstrates how you can effectively keep all city noise out of your Philadelphia loft or condo.

You don’t need to live 30 feet from the highway or live in a super luxury condo building to benefit from this idea.  Such insulation also provides extra protection from cold, heat loss, and dirt that gets inside of other single paned windows!  To Keep the Value in, You Must keep the noise out!

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a Center City condominium and want some more tips, I can help.  Give me a call today at 215-521-1523 or drop me an email at Mark@CenterCity.com.

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

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530 Walnut Street, Suite 480
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Direct: 215.521.1523 ~ Office: 215.627.6005
Fax: 215.627.3142
Email: Mark@CenterCity.com
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