Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Every Philadelphia condominium building has it’s own basis for charging condo fees, and the percentage one pays is a reflection of the square footage of their particular condo.

Some potential condo buyers shy away from condo fees…or at least fees that they view to be excessive. But let’s look at what condo fees can cover. This way you can pick and choose which services might be right for you….and which building or building style may be right for you:

Trash Removal                        Common Area cleaning
Management Service               Doormen
Parking                                  Town Car Service
Pool                                        Shuttle/Buse Service
Heat                                       Central Air
Hot water                               Common Electric
Concierge                               Building Maintenance
Landscaping                         Gym
Window Washing                  Elevators
Common Electric                   Security
Bundled Cable                       Water and Sewer
Master Insurance Policy

You can pick and choose your services….Just let me know what your priorities are, and we can find a condo in Philadelphia that is right for you!

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Fox & Roach Realtors
530 Walnut St. #260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

It seems “The Donald” is coming to town, and bringing a big band of trumpet blowers with him. I am hearing all kinds of noise about his plans on adding to our waterfront. Trump Tower Philadelphia is his plan to add 45 stories, and 225 residences to our fair city. To which I say, “Have at it”.

I have seen the plans, and been to the sales presentation. Now I am rarely impressed with developers. Especially those from New York, who along with their New York city big- brained consultants tell us what we need, and how we need it. The principle they never seem to get is the “When in Rome” theory of life. And let me tell you, this ain’t Rome. This is Philadelphia. Not all issues, factors, desires, and sales trends translate across the wide expanse of New Jersey (from NYC to Philly).

But I gotta’ say…..I think someone at the Trump organization must have correctly read some tea leafs or perhaps they looked into a crystal ball on the Jersey turnpike on their way down here from NYC. From what I see, this building is not only gorgeous, but appropriately sized (in terms of unit mix, size, and number of units in total), and the amenity package seems to be spot on for what this town really needs to make the waterfront area a really desirable destination for residency. The new Trump Tower Philadelphia, looks to be its own “Private Idaho”, in terms of the amenities and the recreational facilities onboard. I can see the Jersey shore becoming less a draw for those who might live in the new Trump Tower Philadelphia….

What do you think?  Leave me a comment and give me your thoughts or send me an email at Mark@CenterCity.com.  www.CenterCityCondos.com
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106 

Mark Wade

I have been working with buyers in the Philadelphia condo market for some time now.  Since 1989 I have been shuttling around buyers in my car, on foot, and a few times, via bikes. I enjoy myself, and really like selling real estate. Call me nuts. I don’t care, but I do enjoy it.

But what I really don’t like are buyers who won’t give me any guidance or feedback. What Am I, a mind reader? I need you to talk to me. Tell me that you hate that condo on Lombard Street, or tell me you love that loft at 3rd and Arch streets. Just talk to me. Tell me why. I don’t own that condo, and I am not going to get offended by your dislike of dirty orange shag carpeting.  

Every buyer has a rank of priorities when they look at Philadelphia condos. Some value location, some condition, some value ceiling height and natural light above all else, and some Rittenhouse Square condo buyers value the prestige a certain building may or may not exude. I don’t care what your particular  priorities are, or how you value them….I just care that you adequately verbalize these wants and needs to me, so I can incorporate them into our next tour.  Otherwise, I am going to continue to show you a bunch of stuff you are not interested in seeing. God knows there is enough inventory on the Philadelphia condominium market to keep both of us looking until the year 2012, especially with the Changing Skyline that Inga Saffron, the Architecture critic for the Philadelphia Inquirer has been writing about. If you don’t have help me rule out some of the flats and lofts you are NOT interested in seeing, we are just going to spin our wheels.

My favorite buyers are the ones with opinions. Realistic opinions. Penthouse condos in prestigious buildings don’t sell for $139,000, nor can I get you EVERYTHING on your wish list. But I can hit a pretty high percentage of your wants and needs, if you just speak up and tell me why you liked the condo at 2nd and Spruce Street, or why you think you need three bedrooms, instead of two bedrooms and a den. Communication is the key, so don’t be shy!  Again, I don’t own these condos,  I just show these condos, so when you are ready to start talkin’ to me, give me a call at 215.521.1523 or drop me an email at Mark@CenterCity.com.  I am on your side!

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