The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

2 Bedroom Home for Sale in Port Richmond Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

3270 Emery Street

You will find this cozy 2 Bedroom Home for Sale in Port Richmond has all new windows, electric wiring, plumbing including drain from house to street, drywall and primer paint, stucco, and tile floor in bathroom.

The roof was coated about 18 months ago and the steps to the second floor were moved to the side of the home to open up the floor plan. New hardwood floors throughout second floor.

Photo Gallery for 3270 Emery

This 2 bedroom home for sale in Port Richmond is priced below market value for a quick sale.

Explore more on Life in Port Richmond

TheSomersTeam.com

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

Contact Ryan Schaffer 267-226-1924

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Old Kensington Real Estate - 3 Bedroom Home for Sale in Old Kensington, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

167 W Jefferson Street

This newly renovated 3 story row home offers many wonderful features you will enjoy. This 3 bedroom home for sale in Old Kensington has beautiful curb appeal, is located across from a large clean park, and near beautiful architectural buildings.

Solid hard wood floors throughout every room, new kitchen w/ appliances and plenty of cabinets and counter space for cooking. The dining room and living room are combined in a completely open floor plan on the 1st floor. There is a rear powder room with bamboo style designer vanity and a 1st floor laundry area.

Photo Gallery for 167 W Jefferson Street 

The 2nd floor has 2 bedrooms that share a full bath. The 3rd floor is the incredibly tasteful master bedroom suite with walk in closet, room for a sitting area and bedroom set.

The master bath includes a spa tub, beautifully tiled ceramic walls and floor, and a large vanity for storage. The master bedroom and bath have skylights and there are good views of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

This 3 bedroom home for sale in Old Kensington has a full, clean, unfinished basement, new electric, new plumbing, gas heat and cooking and has central air conditioning.

Neighborhood articles and Information about Old Kensington

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

2 Bedroom 2.5 Bath Condo Unit for Sale in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

901 N Penn Street R2003

A 2 Bedroom, 2.5 bath condo unit for sale in Northern Liberties at Waterfront Square is a short sale opportunity.

This 1^st floor condo unit in Northern Liberties has over 1,500 square feet of living space with exterior glass balcony and includes all of the stainless steel appliances and a side by side washer and dryer.

The layout is extremely desirable with each bedroom on separate wings. There are hardwood floors and granite countertops through the main living area.

Photo Gallery 

The kitchen and baths have a neutral tile backsplash and shower. There is a separate glass enclosed shower and bath in both bedroom suites, walk-in closets and linen closets.

The living room, dining room, and kitchen are open to a stunning glass wall overlooking the Ben Franklin Bridge, Delaware River, and Center City.  Concierge, 1car garage parking, spa, pool, and gym included.

You will love the amazing 20th floor views from this 2 bedroom 2.5 bath condo unit for sale in Northern Liberties in Philadelphia.

Explore more about Life in Northern Liberties

Take a Tour of this amazing 20th Floor Condo Unit in Northern Liberties

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

4 Bedroom 1 Bath Home for Sale in Port Richmond, Philadelphia

Call The Somers 215-400-2620, RE/MAX Access, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

3210 Salmon Street 

Welcome to this extra-wide, spacious 4 bedroom, 1 bath home for sale in Port Richmond, Philadelphia.  This property is 22 feet wide which provides for added room and square footage to the property.

Features of this Port Richmond Home:

• Hardwood floors through-out most of the property
• Kitchen has been updated with tile floors and bountiful, newer cabinets
• Upstairs bath is ample size which has also been updated
• Basement is full and extremely spacious for storage
• There is also a side yard for outdoor space and bbq
• Electric is newer

Property is well maintained even though it is a short sale and was fully inspected in 2006. There are some minor updates that are needed as well as some cosmetic work.

Photo Gallery

This 4 Bedroom 1 Bath Home for Sale in Port Richmond is a short sale property that will require third party approval. Property will be sold in "as-is" condition and buyer will be responsible for any violations (if any) on the Philadelphia City Certification. This is a great opportunity to own on this great Port Richmond block below market value. Parking is easy.  Extremely convenient to shops and transportation on Allegheny Ave.

Property is easy to show and we welcome you to visit this 4 Bedroom 1 Bath Home for Sale in Port Richmond.

Explore more on Port Richmond Life

TheSomersTeam.com

215-400-2620

Remax Access, Northern Liberties

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612.  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub!  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

Areas of specialty include: Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

New Port Richmond Listing at 2727 E Venango Street for $174,900

Welcome to this Port Richmond 3 bedroom, 1 full bath home with a 1st floor powder room.

This home is expertly renovated and situated in the highly desired location of Port Richmond.  You enter this home through the ceramic tiled enclosed porch. The interior features include:

1.  new ceramic tiled powder room

2.  a spacious living room with Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring leading through to

3.  a formal dining room

4.  to a beautiful modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances and subway tile backsplash.

Photo Gallery

There is a nice size cemented outdoor space which is perfect for fall entertaining.

The second floor features 3 roomy bedrooms that have new wall to wall carpets and a remodeled 3 piece contemporary bath. 

The home offers the following NEW features:

• new electrical wiring throughout
• new central air & heating system
• new high efficiency windows.

Close to daily conveniences which include Target, Home Depot, shopping and only a few minutes from Center City.

Learn more about living in Port Richmond:

Contact Elaine Kasavage at (215) 756-1531 or via email at elaine103@comcast.net  to preview this great home.

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612 . You can connect with us on Facebook and Twitter .  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub !  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Click here to receive our Blog updates via email ! 

Areas of specialty include Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more ! 

New Listing in Mayfair ~ 3244 Ryan Avenue for $229,900

This fantastic block of Ryan Avenue features a Twin style home for sale with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and 1 powder room!

This home has been meticulously maintained over the years and everything is in excellent working order. It is spacious and has many elements that are highly desired. 

The exterior has a charming front porch as well as a convenient back patio. The interior 1st floor features include an expansive living room, a formal dining room, and an inviting eat-in kitchen with plenty of cabinet space.

Photo Gallery 

Downstairs there is a finished basement with terrain tile, a separate laundry area, and a convenient powder room. 

The 2nd floor features a master bedroom including a master bath with stall shower. The 2nd & 3rd bedrooms all have hardwood flooring and plenty of closet space. There is central air conditioning, a garage, driveway parking as well as street parking.

First time buyers welcome.  Contact Elaine Kasavage at 215-756-1531 or via email at elaine103@comcast.net.

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612 . You can connect with us on Facebookand Twitter .  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub !  If interested in checking out our new office in Northern Liberties, let us know !

The Somers  Team - Philadelphia Real Estate  

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Click here to receive our Blog updates via email ! 

Areas of specialty include Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Selling Your Own Property:  Our Recent Successes

When you sell your own property, it is a great case study to see if a Realtor practices what he preaches.  Also, it is interesting to see what your mindset and psychological reactions are to pricing your own home as well as negotiating on your own deal as well.  In May 2009, we settled on 2 of our own properties, one a beautiful condo in Old City and another investment property in Fishtown.  The Old City condo sold in less than 6 weeks and the Fishtown rowhome sold in 2 weeks !  Wow !  Who says you cannot sell properties in this market ?

Thus, we felt it "blog-worthy" to share why we succeeded on both of these goals.  To be honest, I was nervous about selling both properties in a slower market but it made complete sense for us to do so for reasons I will go into in a moment.   For now, let's focus why these properties sold well below the average days on market in the Philadelphia real estate market:

1. Both properties were priced right when they went under contract
2. For the Old City condo, there were quick price adjustments made on the listing price.  For example, to generate more traffic, do not wait 30 days in this market to do an adjustment.  Consider doing one every 2 weeks or 10 days.  Or do it after every 4 or 5 showings (see 5 ways to recommend price reductions to sellers ) .
3. The Old City condo was staged.  Staging is critical, especially for quirkier type spaces.  This condo was a studio so we wanted it to show very well and not have buyers question "where would the bed go ?" and so forth.
4. Excellent photos were taken of the property.  My wife Stephanie is a wizard with the digital camera.
5. Easy access for showings.  Both properties had instant confirmation.  The listing agent did not need to accompany !
6. Expert marketing.  Both properties were marketed all over the internet.  We did blog entries on them, posted each on our main site Thesomersteam, Craigs List , enhanced them on other sites such as Trulia and Realtor.com and so forth.

Selling your own properties can be challenging if emotions get in the way in terms of value.  If you catch yourself saying "I don't want to give my property away" I would suggest to have your own property listed with someone in your office.   Also, in some cases, it may be better to be represented by someone else for compliance reasons.  Either way, we are proud that we sold 2 properties in May 2009 during one of the slowest Philadelphia real estate markets.  If you are seller, you can do it too ! Just make sure you contact the right Realtor !

The great news for us is that the proceeds of one of the sales funded my purchase of the RE/MAX office I have worked at for the last 5 years.  So that is exciting and is another great example of the benefits to own Real Estate !

Related Posts:

5 Steps in Choosing a Realtor to Sell Your Property

Why Philadelphia Homes Do Not Sell ? Part 4 - Price

Why Homes Do Not Sell ?  Part 3 - Difficulty Showing the Property

Why Houses Do not Sell ?  Part 2 - Stigma

Why Philadelphia Houses Do not Sell ?  Insufficient Marketing and Advertising

The 4 Main Reasons Why Houses Do Not Sell

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If interested in buying or selling properties in Philadelphia, contact Chris and Stephanie Somers at thesomersteam@yahoo.com or 215-400-2612 . You can connect with us on Facebook and Twitter .  For investment properties, check out our new investor site at Philly Investor Hub !

The Somers - Philadelphia Real Estate - our main site

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Click here to receive our Blog updates via email ! 

Areas of specialty include Northern Liberties, Old City, Center City, Fishtown, Graduate Hospital, Art Museum, Queen Village, Pennsport, Old Kensington, Port Richmond, Bridesburg, Society Hill, Loft District, Spring Garden and more !

Confusion Reigns - Why sellers are Dazed and Confused ?

I was thinking that my experience this week is probably happening everywhere and everyday.  Sellers must be so confused they do not know who to believe as they are getting such wide ranges of information.  I have read many blogs about sellers living in denial or living in the past in regards to how much their home is worth but I also think that some of the misconception is from information they get everyday, even from professional Realtors.

Case in point:  I went on a listing appointment in Port Richmond a few days ago.  The person was referred to me from a past client.  So after touring the property, I recommended listing the property at $110,000 to $120,000.  I come to find out another Realtor who was there prior to me recommended $140,000 to $160,000 !  And a neighbor recommended $160,000 to $180,000 and gave the advice "not to sell it a penny below $160,000" !

So... no wonder the seller was skeptical with my recommendation, and a little upset.  I know it must be hard for folks who are receiving information that is just all over the place.  And I think it is a disservice for other Realtors to perpetuate the practice of over-promising and under-delivering by telling sellers what they want to hear.  Or some would say "buying the listing" .

Typically when you are referred to someone, there is already a level of trust established as it is important for me to build our business based on honesty and integrity.  I can see why this seller is confused in regards to his property due to all the information and misinformation swirling around.   So what is the seller to do ?  I think the best thing to do is really take a step back and see where the information is coming from, who has the most experience and knowledge in the market place and then make a decision.  I told this seller that when you are referred to someone, it was for a valid and good reason as the person who referred you really valued your service and knowledge.  Still... it is confusing in terms of what to do being a seller.

Now there is always the chance that I could be wrong with my assessment and evaluation but I kinda doubt it...

What is your experience in situations like this ?

Related Post:

5 Ways to Recommend Price Reductions to Sellers

The Somers - Philadelphia Real Estate

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Click here to receive our Blog updates via email ! 

Why Homes Do not Sell ?  Part 3 - DIFFICULTY SHOWING THE PROPERTY

There are 4 main reasons Why Homes Do Not Sell .  This is part 3 of our series.  The first 2 reasons are:

  Poor Advertising and Insufficent Marketing - Part 1

  Stigma - Part 2

In regards to part 3 - difficulty showing the property, the concept is pretty simple:  People will not buy what they cannot see !   Further, agents might even skip showing the property once they realize the difficulty of getting in. 

Some examples include:

1.  No key at the property.

Example: Key at office (other side of town) or key was taken out of the lockbox.  Who is going to drive to the other side of town for this one showing and then bring the key back ?

2.  Listing agent must accompany

Example:  This can be difficult logistically when you have 5 properties to show and have to coordinate a time where another agent has to meet you at the property. 

3.  48 hour notice for showings

Overnight notice should be sufficient in most cases.  Many times agents will not plan days ahead of time to make showing appointments for a buyer.

4.  Unrealistice showing times

Example:  Showings can only be Mon, Wed and Fri before 9 am and after 8 pm

5.  Listing agent never returns a call and appointments only go through them

If an agent is going to be responsible to confirm showings, they should always be accessible including the weekends. 

6.  An office is closed on Saturday and Sunday

I cannot imagine how many showings do not get confirmed when an office is closed.

7.  Is tenant occupied and tenants refuse to let anyone in.

This is a difficult one but can be overcome through communication with the tenants where a plan is made ahead of time.

SOLUTION - We use a professional appointment desk (Eshowings.com) that allows us to monitor all showings and receive feedback from each showing as well.  Eshowings is open everyday of the week to call in and agents can make the appointments online 24/7, 365 days a year.  We stress to our Philadelphia sellers when we are on a listing appointment that we need to come up with a plan that will allow for easy access to the property.

Another solution would be if you are confirming showings for your listings to be on call and answer your phone at all times.

What other obstacles have you had in terms of difficulty showing properties ?  And what other solutions have you implemented ?

Related Posts:

Why Houses Do Not Sell - Part 1

Why Houses Do Not Sell - Part 2

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The Somers - Philadelphia Real Estate

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Click here to receive our Blog updates via email !

Why Houses do not Sell ?  Part 2 - STIGMA

STIGMA - defined as a mark of shame or discredit or an identifying mark or characteristic

This is part 2 of our 4 part series of Why Houses Do Not Sell .  For part 1, please view "Why Houses Do not Sell - Part 1" where we focused on the importance of having the right realtor who is an expert marketer and who specializes in internet marketing.

The second reason why houses do not sell would be a possible STIGMA associated with the property.  The following are examples of different stigmas that are most common to the average seller. These stigmas are followed by simple and doable remedies that an average seller can do to overcome them.

1.  Days on Market - If a property has been on the market for close to a year or even six months in some areas, what is the first question or statement that will come from the buyer (or a realtor).  It would be "What is wrong with it ? "  or worse yet "There MUST be something wrong with it.  Let's pass."  

2.  Location of the property - There are many reasons why location may hinder a sale such as, being too close to a highway or heavily travelled road, being located at the end of a dark poorly lighted  dead end street, next to a shell or unkempt property, being close to a loud bar or club, etc... 

3.  Dirty, Ugly, Smelly - Have you ever walked into a house and wanted to leave the moment you walked in ?  This is because the house is a victim of the Dirty Ugly Smelly phenomenon.   Dirty floors, stained carpets, dishes in the sink, pet odors, mildew, peeling paint and wallpaper, clutter, broken furniture, unhinged doors, non-functional lighting, and the list can go on forever. Yards and exteriors are not excluded from this phenomenon.

4. A Negative Event - This one is the subject of many "what ifs..." in real estate school. Examples of a past event that could have a negative effect on the sale of a home are sadly, homicide or suicide in the property, drug or other illegal activity having transpired in the home, or my personal favorite is the dreaded haunted house. Oh boy, do  I have stories to tell !

REMEDIES

•1)     Adjust price. It is not always an option but it works!

•2)     Clean, de-clutter, fix, paint, freshen, deodorize, trim back, add light, fresh plans or flowers, and essentially stage your home so it looks fabulous! Home and garden magazines as well as the internet is a great resource to borrow tips. For those of us who do not have time or feel overwhelmed, we recommend a professional cleaning service and or a staging professional.

•3)     Advertise like crazy even if it is only on the MLS and make sure your photos show off the best characteristic of your home. No photos or poor photos is a killer!

•4)     Identify the positive aspects of your home and run with it in all of your marketing and advertising messaging. Think positive, talk positive, and believe it or not, when people enter your home they will feel positive.  

 What other stigmas are there that you have encountered ?

What other potential remedies or suggestions do you have to deal with specific stigmas ?

Parts 3 and 4 are coming soon !

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The Somers - Philadelphia Real Estate

Search the MLS Properties Here in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Real Estate Blog

Click here to receive our Blog updates via email !