Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Some real estate looks good on paper, but not always in person.

And no, this is not a new listing of mine. And yes, that is a swinging couch.

Looking for a Philadelphia realtor who will “Call them as he sees them?” Give me a call at 215.521.1523 or drop me an email at Mark@CenterCity.com, and let’s see all that Center City Philadelphia has to offer.

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

There are loft-like Philadelphia Condos, and there are LOFTS. And although the word is thrown around like a ragdoll being mauled by a dog, not all lofts are created equal.

I break them down into two segments-Hard Lofts and Soft Lofts. It is fairly easy  to recognize the difference, and I will make the distinction as easy as possible.

A hard loft is generally a converted warehouse space. Huge huge windows, rough finishes, and an open bedroom that overlooks the living area. Often times with cement floors, these hard loft condos lack the refined qualities that many buyers are looking for here in town, like designer kitchens and baths. They are truly open spaces that have been converted to living space.

Here are two examples of hard lofts:

Conversely, the soft loft, is more prevalent here in town, and what most realtors describe when they say “loft” in one of their ads. And it is what most buyers are really looking for (I find). They generally hold some elements of neat unique space, with high ceilings, exposed brick, and some degree of hip-ness.

Here are two examples of soft lofts:

    
         
The luxury is built into soft lofts, but they do retain elements of hip, cool kind of urban living.
If you are looking for either a hard or soft loft, give me a call at 215.521.1523 or drop me an email at Mark@CenterCity.com, and let’s go see what Philly has to offer!

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

…Is your sales pitch way over the top?

I work with a lot of buyers who look at new construction Philly condos for sale here in downtown Philadelphia. And after each visit, I get the same response back from my buyers, and it is never good feedback. They resent being held up for an hour, and do not like the “prying” from sales reps from these large new buildings, and are generally not interested in a long theatrical song and dance about how “Great” any particular building might happen to be.

My buyers generally want the quick overview…not the long serenade.

And why is it necessary for you to collect my buyer’s personal information? They are my buyers, not yours. I like to handle buyers with a non-intrusive approach…allowing them to give info as they please.

SALES AGENTS ATTACHED TO PARTICULAR BUILDINGS WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING, DOWN TO MY BUYERS SHOE SIZE. It is ridiculous.

I suggest that if any particular Center City condo building wants MORE traffic, they should provide an “express” overview of their new condos they are offering. Put a few units on lockbox, and let us go in and out at will. Your sales pitch is NOT going to persuade my buyers…that is my job.

Knowing that we are going to be tied up for an hour looking at your project is going to prevent interest in your building- We just don’t have the time. I can’t spend 8 hours looking at 8 properties.

DO THE MATH, YOU GOOF.

IF MY CUSTOMERS LIKE YOUR NEW PHILLY CONDO LISTINGS, WE ARE COMING BACK FOR A 2ND LOOK- I GUARANTEE IT. AT THAT TIME, MY BUYERS CAN SPEND THE TIME TO REALLY KICK THE TIRES-

An initial walk through is not the time to put my buyers on the spot with your questions and extended song and dance about how nice your “community room” is, or how impressive your weight room might be.

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

As you can imagine, I was ecstatic when I heard the news! The American Planning Association has named Philadelphia not once, but TWICE on their list of 2008’s Great Places in America!

Society Hill was named one of the top 10 Great neighborhoods! And why wouldn’t it? Revolutionary-era townhouses, wonderful expanses of greenery and a variety of high-rise and brownstone styled condominiums highlight this beautiful neighborhood. Society Hill Towers, the Hopkinson House, Independence Place, and Abbott Square are the major high rise buildings in this neighborhood. Quaint cobblestone streets and the historic feel of the area provide quite a draw for those looking to buy real estate in Center City.

Broad Street, also known as The Avenue of The Arts, was named in the top ten of America’s Greatest Streets! Condominiums such as the Symphony House and The Marine Club line this beautiful Street which is home to the traditional Mummers Parade every New Year’s Day. There are also many attractions including The Broad Street Theater and The Shops at The Bellevue that really bring this Street to life!

If you are interested in taking a look at some condos in Society Hill or along Broad Street or in any neighborhood here in Center City Philadelphia, please give me a call at 215.521.1523 or drop me an email at Mark@CenterCity.Com.

Mark Wade
www.CenterCityCondos.com