Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

If you are purchasing a new Center City condo, and you are fortunate enough to have a developer who will allow you to choose some finishes, here is what I suggest you upgrade for maximum impact.

1) A Viking Stove is a must.  I know you really aren’t ever going to use it, or read the manual to find out how the convection part of your stove works. You don’t have to. Just get one. It will envelop the condominium, and put a halo effect on the entire kitchen, if not your entire condominium. Think of the resale value. Stainless steel Viking stoves just don’t go out of style, nor do the visual style of such change yearly. It is a status piece, and every buyer knows it.

2) Panel the dishwasher. Have the developer/seller install a piece of matching panel cabinet piece over the dishwasher. It will make the kitchen appear to be larger. And it is not like someone is going to walk into your new condo and be impressed that you have a dishwasher. Everyone has one, so hide it….with the same wood façade used in the rest of the cabinetry.

3) I don’t think you necessarily need to grossly oversize your refrigerator. Just make sure the developer gets one that fits. We have all seen refrigerators stuck in spots that are twice the size needed for that refrigerator. Not only should it be the correct depth, but height is important as well. Make sure it fits…and fits well.

4) Wallpaper a bathroom. It is really amazing how almost all decorated condo models in town have bathrooms that have been papered. The look packs quite a punch, and is not a touch seen outside of units done by designers.

Not only will your new touches give you much use and enjoyment in your new Philadelphia condo, but your potential resale value will be greatly enhanced, as you add more “emotion” to your new Rittenhouse Square condo, or your Old City loft, perhaps.

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