Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

I have been selling real estate in Philly for 22 years. I like to say I have “Seen It All”.

In this market, it is sometimes hard to believe it when a condo you LOVE comes on the market, and quickly sells out from under you. You know, you prepare for a 2nd visit, you get your ducks in a row, and the day prior to your 2nd visit – the property sells.
  
Yes, even in Mid-November 2010, properties do sell – if they show well, and are priced fairly. It happened to me twice this month…I lost two deals by either being out-bid, or by not getting my buyers to act fast enough to make an offer on a Philly Condo they loved. If you love a property, believe me – I am going to tell the listing agent, and signal that IF he or she gets an offer, please call and let me know. Most Philly Realtors, who work in the best interest of their sellers, will call.

SOME (PERHAPS) SHADY REALTORS JUST IGNORE THE REQUEST AND CLOSE THE FIRST DEAL…POSSIBLY THEIR OWN.

The point is….if you love, love, love it….then buy, buy, buy it. Quickly. The market waits for no one….

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

Easy quick steps to buying a Center City Condo

 
1.) Find a Philadelphia realtor (use google) drop them an email, and have a brief chat to describe your wants and needs. Make sure they are listed.

2.) Get in realtors car. Shop for condos in Philly. Find one you like after X number of tours/weeks/whatever.

3.) Revisit condo, bring in-laws, family, whomever. Ask lots of questions.

4.) Have realtor draw up offer. Sign. Have realtor submit to listing agent to give to seller.

5.) Negotiate…if successful, sign altered agreement of sale.

6.) Have your realtor help you schedule home inspection. Get mortgage application taken.

7.) Attend home inspection, send info to your mortgage company.

8.) Attend settlement, get keys, sign mortgage documents. You now own a Center City Condo. Congrats!

 
This is certainly a simplified version of events, but they pretty much encapsulate the process. It is fairly simple. Know that there are people in the state of Pennsylvania, who lack 6th grade educations, who indeed buy and sell real estate in our commonwealth. It is not brain surgery.
 
Here is a quick way to start the process:
 
Call me at 215.521.1523 or email me at Mark@CenterCity.com. We will chat..no obligation, and no pressure.

I am here to help you.

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

Many varieties to choose from…

   
           
When considering the purchase of a Center City condo, I think buyers should first ask themselves what style of condo are they considering?

A high rise? Maybe a loft, or a Brownstone style?

There are  a whole slew of different condominium buildings here in Center City, and each comes with its own unique characteristics.

Are you willing to pay the higher condo fees charged for doormen buildings?

Or is the idea of a Philadelphia condominium with oversized windows, exposed brick, and high ceilings your idea of the perfect urban pad?

Keep in mind that the larger buildings with elevators, parking, and doormen do have significantly higher condo fees than the Brownstone styled condos without such amenities. There is sure to be a condo in Philly that suits your needs. It just sometimes takes a deeper look than what is on the surface to find that perfect condo!

With my 19 years of helping people find their perfect Center City Condo, I hope to be of service to you, should you be looking to put down some roots in our town!

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

Most buyers are unaware that buying a condo in Center City will not cost them much of anything. The way the system generally works is that the seller pays the realtors fees (the listing and the selling agent) and that buyers may contact a realtor, and not have to pay him or her for their services.

The possible exception to that rule may be a $275 administration fee. At least that is the case with myself, and Prudential Fox and Roach Realtors. My fees, as your realtor, are paid for by the seller. You can use me, my knowledge, insight, and I will not charge you for my services. And I don’t charge you the $275, nor do I benefit from that fee-it is a fee that my agency charges. I hate that fee. I think it is stupid.

I will shuttle you around from Center City condo building to condo building, and sometimes even spring for coffee at the local Wawa. I will put money in the parking meters, or park illegally on the street and risk being towed. I might even pick you up at your place of residence, and drop you off there as well when we are done with our tour. All for free!

Now that doesn’t mean that there are not costs associated with buying a condo-on the contrary, as there are closing costs when you buy a Philadelphia condominium. It is just that my services are not charged directly to you.
So, if you are in a “Ready, willing, and able” state of buying your new Philadelphia condo…let’s roll!

Looking to hop into a car, and start your Center City condo shopping? I am ready when you are! Just drop me a note, and let’s chat! And let’s go look at some condos, and have some of that good Wawa coffee in the middle of our tour!

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