Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

As a Center City REALTOR® here in Philadelphia for the past 18 years, I’ve met my share of good buyers, and not so good buyers. Here is an off-the-cuff list of traits "Good Buyers” possess:

1. Good Buyers don’t bring their dogs on tour. They understand that if the Dorchester condominiums on Rittenhouse Square has a No Pet Policy, they probably won’t make an exception for you to bring your dog to see the new two bedroom corner condo with parking.
2. Good Buyers understand that the tour is timed. They don’t show up an hour late, which inevitably throws off the entire tour. If the Society Hill tenants in unit #4 on the tour come home after our 4 p.m. scheduled showing, we may not get in to see unit #4 on the tour.
3. Good Buyers understand that it’s a good idea to read their Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® agreement of sale. They understand that reading the condominium documents to their new Bridge View Place condo might be wise as well.
4. Good Buyers make themselves available to receive faxes, sign addendums, etc.  They understand time is of the essence in the agreement they signed to buy that new unit at Strickland Row in Washington Square West.
5. Good Buyers realize that all first time buyers get cold feet.  They make rational decisions prior to submitting an agreement of sale for the Old City Philadelphia loft with the big windows.
6. Good Buyers have their finances in order.  They submit information to the mortgage company when asked so they can settle on their new Philadelphia condo when the contract says they will settle….and not act surprised that settlement date is when there is an exchange of cash for keys and deed. 
7. Good Buyers know they must bring certified funds and a valid ID to settle on their new Center City condo, because their agent has told them no less than say, four times. And, they know that bringing $6,532.87 in cash to a settlement table may not be an ideal situation.
8. Good Buyers are respectful to listing agents when viewing their new luxury penthouse on Spruce Street. They don’t comment on the red sofa and the orange end table because they are personal property, and are not going to transfer with the sale.
9. Good Buyers don’t bring their mother, father, all siblings, neighbor, sister-in-law, best friend, sister-in-law’s best friend and neighbor’s uncle with them when we meet to see some Society Hill condos. My car seats six. Perhaps you thought I drove a bus….
10. Good Buyers make a B-Line for the photos on the dresser of The Moravian condominium we are looking at. We all do. But, Good Buyers wait until the seller leaves before ogling the occupant’s personal effects.