Center City Homes Blog

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

This is a gorgeous, 2011 rehabbed townhouse with 4 bedrooms and 3 and a half baths and GATED PARKING.  First floor is an open great room with kitchen including top of the line appliances – Wolf Range and Sub-Zero refrigerator.  Beautiful granite counter-tops and hardwood floors with a stunning back splash including under mount cabinet lighting.   Fully finished basement and laundry room with green radiant heat.  Second floor consists of 2 bedrooms and 2 full marble bathrooms.  Third floor offers the possibility of 2 bedrooms or one amazing Master Suite with access to the roof deck and amazing views of downtown Center City Philadelphia. 

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

                                
I have a question that I need answered……..If you have been actively looking for Real Estate in Center City Philadelphia and you’ve seen a lot of what’s on the market, why wait when you see something you love?!  Center City is full of buyers that know their inventory and chances are, if there’s a new listing that really “jumps” out at you, it has also “jumped” out at about 5 other buyers!!!  This blog isn’t advising anyone to RUSH into one of the biggest financial decisions of their life, I’m just saying, if you have done your due diligence, you’re pre-approved and you’re financially stable……WHY WAIT?  Interest rates are remaining low (this won’t last forever and then everybody will be kicking themselves for not taking advantage) not to mention, there are some great deals out there right now.  Ask you Realtor for his top secret list of best deals in the City, every agent should have one!  Advice, if you’ve been looking for a while and all of a sudden your Center City Realtor has taken you into this beautiful new listing that seems too good to be true, (compared to others that you’ve seen) I suggest writing up that offer ASAP because you are NOT the only buyer who feels this way.  Also know that a new listing will have 80% of its showings within the first 30 days.  (unless it is completely overpriced) This means high traffic and lots of attention!!!  Don’t shoot yourself in the foot by not jumping on a property that fits your needs!!

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

Tired of Streets in Bella Vista Philadelphia flooding and riddled with puddles when it rains??  Me too!  Thanks to the “Green Street Initiative,” part of the Philadelphia Water Department, there has been a successful effort to improve the city’s sewer infrastructure and reduce the amount of storm water that enters it.  On May 10th Philly’s first porous street was unveiled in the heart of Bella Vista on Percy St. between 9th and 10th!  Percy St. was completely reconstructed with a new sewer system, main and piping.  Construction of the city’s first porous street cost $330,000!!!  The new street is made of special permeable materials including porous asphalt that is specially designed to allow water to soak through the surface.  This will eliminate storm-water runoff.  Beneath the asphalt is a layer of stone that will act as a storage area for the water until it can slowly soak into the soil.   When heavy rain soaks our neighborhood the water treatment plants cannot accommodate all the water and consequently the toilet and storm water flows together into the city’s rivers.  This can happen 50-60 times a year but will be drastically reduced with the help of these special “soaking streets!”  The city will complete its second porous street on Webster between 13th and Broad later this spring. 

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

According to MSN.com Philadelphia attracted a record number of tourists in 2010.  In 2010 we were up from 36 million to 37.4 million.  Click here to read about it!!!!!

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

6 Fix-ups that are worth the price…….

 According to Realtor Magazine, these 6 quick fix-ups can be quite worth it.

1.        Cleaning and De-cluttering – remove personal items, clean and organize closets, shelves, and make the home as clean as possible.   Average cost = $290 / Average return = $1,990

2.       Brightening – Clean all windows inside and out, replace old and worn out curtains, update lighting fixtures, and remove anything that blocks light from the windows. Average cost = $375 / Average return = $1,550

3.       Smart Staging- Rearrange furniture, bring in new accessories and furnishings to enhance rooms, incorporate artwork and play soft music in the background of showings or open houses.  Average cost = $550 / Average return = $2,194

4.       Visual enhancements – Spruce up the homes curb appeal in the front and back if you have outdoor space.  Make sure your façade is well pointed and the paint is not chipping.   Average cost = $540 / Average Return = $1,932

5.       Repair electrical or plumbing –Fix leaks under the sinks, remove any mildew stains, and ensure all plumbing is in good working condition.  Update the home’s electrical with new wiring for modern appliances, fix any lights or outlets that don’t work, and replace old plug points with new safety fixtures.  Average cost = $535 / Average return = $1,505

6.       Replace or shampooing dirty carpets -  Steam clean carpets, replace any worn carpets and repair any floor creaks.  Also, upgrading to hardwood floors would be an added expense but could be worth it for the right buyer!  Average cost = $647 / Average return = $1,739

All amounts above are estimated and depending on location and market conditions, values will differ.  If you have any questions about how to increase the value of your Philadelphia home, please give me a call! 

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

Most people don’t realize just how strict the Mortgage companies have gotten since the crash of the housing market.  One piece of information that I always tell my home buyers is that you “CAN’T make big purchases before you go to settlement.”  We all know that buying a new house is exciting, especially if you get to go out and get new furniture and according to one of my past clients “everybody needs a new TV.”  Although this shopping is fun, I insist that you hold off until after settlement is completed.  Mortgage Company’s check to see if you have opened any lines of credit since the transaction has begun and if you have, this could easily keep you from settling on time.  If you do this you are taking a big risk, it will also impact your insurance rates and your premiums will go up!  So hold off on the 50 inch LCD until you have the keys in hand!  For more information on Home Buying or Home Selling, please don’t hesitate to contact me!

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

Here are the highest sale prices for Bella Vista in 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010.  Take a look and see how we’ve changed over the years. 

1995 – $158,000……………………2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

2000 – $359,000……………………2 Bedrooms / 2 Bathrooms

2005 – $1,475,000…………………3 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms

2010 – $1,180,000…………………3 Bedrooms / 3.5 Bathrooms

 
Looking to buy a house in Bella Vista?  Drop me an email at Zach@CenterCity.com and let’s chat!