Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Many buyers who email me about Fitler Square condos in the 19103 zip code favor a quiet neighborhood, with easy access to the University of Pennsylvania, or I-676, or perhaps strolling distance to Rittenhouse Square. Though few condos exist in this part of downtown (Center City) Philadelphia, the attraction of being near the Schuylkill River and the recent addition of the jogging trail next to the river make the Fitler Square area a destination of choice for many Philly condo buyers.

Most notably, Locust Point condominiums has recently added condominium inventory to the neighborhood. 251 S. 24th St. is a boutique style loft condo building with parking, and a relatively small association. Additionally, one will find a smattering of low rise, Brownstone styled condos in the neighborhood– each offering a unique floor plan, layout, or character specific to the particular building. The introduction of some very high end Brownstone styled condos like 2025 Spruce St, and 251 S. 22nd have added a bit of cache to the appeal of this small, yet diverse collection of condominiums that make up (sometimes) rare offerings of Fitler Square.

The one interesting bit of info I can tell you about my experience selling, and sitting open houses in the Fitler Square area is that it seems EVERYONE who is looking for a condo here, is fairly set on finding something in the neighborhood. The #1 question out of their mouths is “What else is available here?”

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

There are contractors, and there are designers. And there is you. Let’s say you are neither.

But let’s say the “DIY” bug has hit you, because you read a book, and now you think you are both.

Well…uh, good luck with that.

Some home improvements are similar to how certain guys dance at weddings….just all wrong. And you know it the minute they hit the dance floor. Truly cringe worthy and laughable. But true to form, they have no idea how goofy they look out there trying their best to impress the ladies. But everyone else does!

Is This How You Roll?

You know what I mean here…..The cheap brass bathroom  sink faucet, paired with brushed nickel shower fixtures.  Or one of my true favorites, dark green wall to wall carpeting in a room with burnt orange colored walls.  Or the moderately acceptable DIY improvements coupled with the living room couch that was discarded at the curb by a neighbor, that magically found its way into your life.

There is overwhelming validity to carpenters, contractors, and designers work. And if you are (say) an accountant, perhaps you should allow the professionals to do what they do best. I sure as heck am not going to allow my plumber to work on my taxes. Would you? You should never underestimate the emotional impact your Philadelphia condominium exudes….or the lack thereof.

What you may not see, may be readily apparent to others. Like the lovely limo pictured above. Sure, it’s a limo. And it is a Honda. Put the two together, and you have one extraordinary piece of crap. There is always a side of an issue that others see, that you perhaps don’t. And having been a Philadelphia realtor for nineteen years now, I have seen “The dark side” of DIY home improvements, and they are not all pretty.  The emotional strength of your Center City Condo is going to equate directly to its marketability, and the eventual sale price.

So they next time you think you are some fancy-pants, limo-riding hipster, perhaps you should seek the advice of the professionals. Because like the “clueless wonder” on the wedding reception dance floor, not everyone is going to be impressed with your skills, regardless of how many “Do It Yourself” books you buy at the local hardware store.

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