Center City Homes Blog

Parking in Philadelphia is similar to visiting the Dentist, most of us don’t enjoy  it but we have to do it anyway.  As many city dwellers know, parking can be a  hassle but it’s still a commodity and something to be heavily valued.   As a real estate agent here in the city I come face to face with the PPA more  than most people want to, so I truly understand the value of a guaranteed parking  space.

Buying a house or condo in Philadelphia that has a deeded parking spot is  great even if you don’t own a car.  There are  too many perks to list but the most important being resale value of your  property.  It’s fair to assume that you can automatically add $20,000-$40,000  to the value of your property if you have a deeded parking spot on the  premises.  Not only is the parking spot huge for the resale of your Philadelphia Home, but if you  are not using it, you can easily rent the spot out to one of us who aren’t as  privileged as you.   Monthly parking rates in Philly tend to run anywhere from  $175-$375 depending on where the parking spot.  Think if you rented your spot out  for only $200 a month, you could put that towards your mortgage or anything else, PLUS you have a major selling point to add to your  home!  Any who, if you can pick a property up here in Philly that has parking and  you don’t necessarily need it, don’t cross it off your list.  If you  need any help finding a place here in Philadelphia, with or without parking,  feel free to drop me an email!

If you have any questions or are looking for real estate in the downtown  Philadelphia area, email me at Zach@CenterCity.com!  I look forward to  hearing from you.

Zach Skidmore
www.CenterCityHomes.com / 215.901.7844
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

Are you considering selling your Center City Philadelphia Home?

As a buyer’s agent specialist I know what buyers are looking for in today’s market and every buyer is different.  That being said, there is one equality that every buyer shares…..almost every buyer will know within 30 seconds of walking through the front door if that specific house is a possibility and could make their “short list.”  Most buyers are aesthetic buyers and if the walk in and the layout is nice, there’s no clutter and it’s clean, then consider it on the short list.   Center City buyer’s are smart and usually have already done their homework and if they haven’t hopefully their agent has done it for them. They usually already know bed and bath count and square footage, what they don’t know is interior condition, layout and “feel.”  It’s very important that sellers make that first 30 seconds count.  The best thing a seller can do is go to open houses in the area and pretend they are buying.  Walk through the door and instinct will take over, something that disappears when walking into your own home.  This will also help you to know your competition and how you stack up.  Be realistic too because everybody thinks their house is the best. (I’m guilty) Then try walking into your own home and seeing it from and outsiders point of view, although hard to do, very helpful.  Maybe you enjoy having a hot pink-bedazzled-popcorn ceiling and it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, but step out of your shoes and look at it as a prospective buyer….and I’m just kidding, if you have a ceiling like that please don’t bother putting it up for sale.

Seller’s, use this 30 seconds to your advantage.  Stand in your doorway and take it all in.  Little things like a nice smell, layout and cleanliness make a buyer feel comfortable and at ease.  Try it!

Zach Skidmore
www.CenterCityHomes.com / 215.901.7844
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

Center City Real Estate in Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia

Southwest Square, AKA – Rittenhouse Square is one of the most desirable places in Center City Philadelphia.  It sits in the heart of it all, surrounded by the city’s biggest and most abundant high-rises this beautiful square is one of the 5 that exist in Center City.  Rittenhouse Square is one of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn in the late 17th century.  The other 4 squares are: Centre Square (City Hall) Northeast Square (Franklin Square) Northwest Square (Logan Square / Logan Circle) Southeast Square (Washington Square).  Southwest Square, now named Rittenhouse Square received its new name in 1825 after David Rittenhouse who was a descendant of the German immigrant, William Rittenhouse.  William was the first paper-maker in Philadelphia and his original paper-mill site is known as Rittenhousetown which is located in Fairmount Park along Paper Mill Run.

Today this stunning square is surrounded by beautiful highrise condominiums and office buildings.  Rittenhouse neighborhood is not only populated by high-rise condos but also by some of the city’s most fantastic Victorian homes.  With the highest prices per square foot of any neighborhood in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse has many types of living sure to please all who see.  For more information on Rittenhouse Square and its real estate, please call or email Zach Skidmore at Zach@CenterCity.com / 215.901.7844!

Zach Skidmore
www.CenterCityHomes.com / 215.901.7844
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

Cost Savings Comparison

Although this “cost comparison” will apply to any type of home, new or old, let’s assume you are buying a new construction home in the heart of Bella Vista Philadelphia; if you are savvy money person and analytical when it comes to your finances you will not only understand the importance of buying at the low point in the market but how it pertains to you in a monetary sense.  Let’s make this simple…..interest rates play a huge role in money owed on your note throughout your 30 year mortgage.  For example see chart below:

Price     /       Mortgage   /   1% Interest Savings – 8 Years  /  2% Price Depreciation

$249,750       $200,000          $11,520                                                          $4,995
$375,000       $300,000          $17,088                                                         $7,500
$500,000       $400,000          $22,752                                                        $10,000

Zach Skidmore
www.CenterCityHomes.com / 215.901.7844
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

Read about these two terrific neighborhoods in this article…..

http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/life/article/915641–neighborhood-guide-queen-village-and-bella-vista

Zach Skidmore
www.CenterCityHomes.com / 215.901.7844
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106

This spectacular condominium boasts city living at its finest. An 18th century brownstone that has been transformed into a 4 unit elevator building. Features include private elevator access, rosewood flooring, exotic granite counter tops & stainless steel appliances, European style cabinetry, luxurious bathrooms and every modern convenience and safety feature. Keyless entry system into building & elevator with direct access into unit. Don’t miss this very unique opportunity to own a Philadelphia architectural treasure! Renovation completed in 2007. Large windows, high ceilings, two bedrooms with en suite baths, plus den. Extra storage in basement. Centrally located, bright and open floor plan. A must see!  Also for Sale!  Contact your Center City Realtor today!

Zach Skidmore
www.CenterCityHomes.com / 215.901.7844
Prudential Fox and Roach REALTORS®
530 Walnut St., Suite 260 Philadelphia, PA 19106