Advice for Buyers

We regularly share the advice, ideas, insight, and assistance you need to buy a home in the Philadelphia community. From ideas on the best neighborhoods (for families, students, singletons, and more) to practical things like securing a mortgage in the Philly area, negotiating with sellers, and any obstacles common to our fair city specifically. We update the blog every day, so there’s sure to be a wealth of information that can help you on your home buying journey.

If you’re relocating here, we have a host of resources for you as well—buying a home in a new city can seem a daunting task, but our knowledgeable team has decades of collective experience in the Philly market, specifically. We share businesses tailored to relocated professionals, as well as full, hands-on services to help your move go smoothly—for you, and for your family!

We hope you enjoy the advice we offer here, and if you need additional information on anything, or to speak with one of our real estate agents, contact the CenterCityTeam: 215.440.2093

May 23, 2019

These Surprise Home Maintenance Costs Can Shock First-Timers

It’s rough being a first-time home buyer. You probably just spent more money than you ever had on anything in your life, and that was just the down payment. Closing costs and the many fees that go along with purchasing a home can leave you reeling if you haven’t been through the whole rigamarole before. And, to add insult to […]

April 23, 2019

Buyers: Avoid These Home Inspection Fails – Part 1/2

Home inspections are a big part of the homebuying process. They mark a big milestone in the course of the transaction for both buyers and sellers, because they can be stressful. The specter of an inspection turning up all manner of necessary repairs and tanking the sale haunts buyers, just as a already-beloved future home being deemed ineligible can frighten […]

March 28, 2019

How to Be a Great Home Buyer

You might not realize it, but buying a home is a highly-nuanced social procedure just as much as it is a financial transaction. Maybe even more so. There are the sellers, who must be courted, protected from insult, and gently wooed over to your persuasion; there are the agents, who are go-betweens as busy and secretive as Tudor pages, there […]

March 6, 2019

Holy Sticker Shock – The Reasons Why You Can’t Afford Your Dream Home

So, you’re buying a house. You’ve been searching a lot, and you think you are armed with a reasonable budget. Yet, all the homes that you really love are priced well above your budget. What’s with that? This is a scenario that befalls a lot of home-buyers, especially those out on the market for the first time. It can be […]

February 26, 2019

Buying Your Philadelphia Home – Does the Highest Offer Always Win?

Sometimes, in the midst of a humdrum home search, ~*magic*~ happens. You know how people talk about love at first sight? It happens with homes just about as often as it does with humans. You’re with your agent, checking out a number of listings that check off some, or even most of your boxes, and then BAM! You’ve found your […]

February 6, 2019

Renting a Philly Storage Unit: What You Need to Know

If you have no prior experience with renting a storage unit, the initial process can seem overwhelming and confusing to boot. Storage units are a great add-on to any home, giving you room to stash items that you don’t use frequently, but can’t or don’t want to get rid of. This is a tremendous help when you downsize your home, […]

January 9, 2019

Can You Save $$$ on Your Philadelphia Homeowner’s Insurance?

Homeowner’s insurance is a necessity when you own a home, but it is unfortunately one of your priciest bills. Traditionally bundled in escrow with your land taxes, this monthly payment can cost just as much as your mortgage! Obviously, you need the coverage – god forbid you should experience a house fire or a natural disaster, your insurance would be […]

December 31, 2018

Our Fave Loft District Condos: 2019

For those who love the feel of New York City-esque loft dwellings, the “Loft District” of Center City just may hold a place in your heart. Most of the buildings that house these condos were former warehouses or industrial buildings that were redeveloped for residential use, but retain their open, airy feel. The neighborhood nickname comes from the fact that, […]

December 31, 2018

Our Fave Logan Square Condos: 2019

Once upon a time, well-heeled Philadelphians held the motto that it was Rittenhouse Square or nothing. In the past several years, however, several other tony quarters have emerged. One of these is Logan Square. Once a spot known only by a lucky few, this well-kept secret has become a haven for luxury townhomes and condos. Logan Square is the heart […]