Center City Real Estate News and Views

Clients' Testimonials

2010-11-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

"Ash and I used to joke that it would take a one-of-a-kind person to be our real estate agent. It would have to be someone with great knowledge, extraordinary patience, sensitivity, and a wonderful sense of humor. We can honestly say that we found all of the above and more in our agent, Michael Caven. We’re the couple that agents usually run from because of our stark differences in design preference. I prefer an ultra-modern loft but my husband is drawn to a more traditional brownstone. Though, he had his work cut out for him, Michael’s gentle yet informative guidance ultimately led us to a home that we both love. We worked with him for seven months and spent many a Sunday traveling the streets of Philadelphia. He was very patient with us as we spent months deciding in which neighborhood we wanted to live. Michael was never pushy and ultimately he let us make the decision even though we both suspect that he knew which home was going to be perfect for us much before we did. Michael was amazing through the bidding, mortgage application, and closing processes that can frequently become complicated and stressful. Michael Caven is the consummate ethical hard-working real estate professional who passionately enjoys finding clients the home that is right for them. The best part about Michael is that in addition to being a great agent… he’ll also be a great friend. We highly recommend Michael for any newbie to the city or any existing residents looking for a change. "

--Dr Ash Gupta and Mechelle LaVelle

In the News...My Seller's Labor of Love in Frankford...

2010-10-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

Renovating Frankford

Metro Philadelphia 11 12 2009

Longtime Frankford resident Walter Holt has seen the evolution of the massive home dubbed “The Jewel of Frankford” in his 25 years living right across the street from the mansion on Griscom Street.
“It’s a beautiful home inside,” says Holt.
Built in 1890, Realtor Michael Caven says the eight-bedroom house is Frankford’s original estate. The house, an earshot’s distance from the Frankford Transportation Center, stands out as a unique symbol for a once bustling Philadelphia neighborhood.
“There are no comparables in the area,” says Caven, of Keller Williams Realty, which has listed the completely renovated house for $369,000. “It’s a labor of love for my seller. When he purchased it about six years ago it was falling apart. He’s really put his heart into it.”
Caven says he thinks old neighborhoods like Frankford, which are portraits of urban decay, but have many huge homes at bottom market prices, need more ambitious owners willing to fix them up.
“If there were more owners with this vision, it would make such a difference,” he says.
“Hopefully, this will spur interest.”

BRIAN X. McCRONE

www.5038Griscom.com

http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/12/07/3017-82/index.xml

Back to School

2009-09-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

One of the many things I appreciate about Keller Williams Center City Realty is our commitment to education. Real Estate offers opportunities for learning every day! This is true for agents and for clients. Being the best I can be means that I serve you and your objectives with comprehensive knowledge and ability to interpret the market. Every client - whether selling or buying - has the opportunity to be empowered by the experience of engaging in a real estate transaction. I am committed to your empowerment!

First Time Home Buyer Seminar - Each Monday @ 6pm-Call to RSVP Now!

2009-06-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

One of the joys of my work as a real estate professional is at the settlement table when my first time home buyers receive the keys to their new home. The look of pride and happiness in their eyes is really wonderful. Owning real estate is an integral part of the American Dream. Yet, in recent years the mind set shifted to easy mortgage money and a ballooned market. Now that the dust has settled, buyers are finding their way back to the market. With an $8,000 tax credit, historically low interest rates, and a sizeable inventory of homes to choose from, it's a great time to buy your first home in Center City, Philadelphia.As we march into the high season of buying and selling, I am so excited about the Center City real estate market. There are outstanding opportunities for first time home buyers to choose from a large inventory of homes, while taking advantage of all the tax benefits of home ownership, the $8,000 tax credit and historically low interest rates. (Sellers who show well and price well are smiling too.) I urge all my buyer clients to act now and enjoy the current favorable market conditions. Call me now at 215-681-6110 and RSVP for the First Time Home Buyer Seminar being held each Monday at 6pm.

When is the right time to buy?

2009-05-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

Many clients ask me: “When is the right time to buy?” The fact is, there is no magical billboard that says “Buy now”. But I promise, national news headlines will be the first to let you know when the best time to buy has passed. So the real question is: What are you waiting for? There’s plenty of Center City inventory, motivated sellers and very low interest rates. Multi-task! While you are at Rittenhouse Square or the beach during high season, let’s negotiate a great deal for your first home or step-up. Carpe Diem!

Now is the Time!

2009-05-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

At Keller Williams Real Estate, we believe strongly in education. I want my first-time home buyers to be as knowledgeable as possible about the A-Z's of acquiring real estate. Written by Keller Williams founder Gary Keller, "Your First Home" is an exceptional book that educates and inspires. And I'd love to send you a copy. Please call me at 215-681-6110 and I'll mail you this book. Soon we'll begin to chart your course along the exciting road of buying your first home!

SUCCESS STORY

2009-04-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

Michael was an absolute pleasure to work with. He clearly understood our needs and what we were looking for. I recommend Michael without hesitation and look forward to working with him in the future. Stephan Benzekri
Besides Michael's promptness, knowledge and professionalism, I greatly appreciated Michael's adeptness at negotiating our buying price. I really think he's a guy we can trust who had our best interests in mind. Jennifer Rogers, Esq.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT!

2008-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

Okay sellers, it’s all summed in three words: The price is right! A long time ago I heard the maxim that there is no problem in real estate that can’t be solved with price. In fact, if it shows well, is priced well, it will certainly sell. So what gives? Everyone, including myself, is emotionally involved in their home, their memories and financial investment of improvements. However, the reality is that there is more inventory on the market now. Buyers have the luxury of time and a larger selection of homes to consider. Yet three of my transactions this year were bidding competitions. Why? The properties were competitively priced, reflecting fair market values. No clutter in the house, too! As your listing agent, I will interpret the market for you, and encourage strategic pricing that will sell your home quickly. Not to mention my aggressive marketing campaign! Call me today!

2008-12-22T13:15:00.000-08:00

Merry

everything,

everywhere,

to everyone

EDUCATION MATTERS

2008-09-14T17:29:00.000-07:00

There are two books that will help you buy or sell real estate. Your First Home by Gary Keller will inspire and educate. Along with my professional support and expertise, Your First Home will give you the groundwork for timelines, documents, legalese, and responsibilities of all parties. Looking to sell? Renovating Your Home by Alan J. Heavens, Philadelphia Real Estate columnist, is an excellent primer on how to address issues that may have gotten dusty along the way. It's true that first impressions are the most important to prospective buyers. Heavens' book will educate you on how to address easy and difficult rehabilitation jobs. Call me today at 215-681-6110 and I'll send you a copy of Your First Home or Renovating Your Home.

SUCCESS STORY

2008-09-08T22:47:00.000-07:00

Mike is the consumate professional. Attentive, respectful, responsive, polite, friendly, always at your service, and most importantly, eager to adapt to, accept and pursue YOUR timeline, budget, and approach to the market. As a first time buyer in a bent-but-not-broken Philadelphia housing market, Mike was lockstep with me and my strategy: look at every property, don't fall in love with one of them, but find 10 that you like, and demand a significant price reduction from the seller on each of them. If it doesn't work on one, move on to the next one. That strategy requires a lot of work from an agent, but it was one that Mike was perfectly happy to adopt in my interest, and he has gained a loyal friend and client in the process. Adam D., Esq.

Smile - Your House Is Worth More Than You Think!

2008-08-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

A recent issue of Philadelphia Magazine proclaims: Smile. Your House is Worth More Than You Think. Why? According to author Christene Speer, there are ten mis-perceptions about the Philadelphia real estate market. These include: national means local (wrong); the Philly market is going to crash (wrong); don't invest now (no! no! no!); you can't sell your home in this market (no!); you'll never get financing (absolutely wrong!). This is a reassuring article if you are a current home owner in Philadelphia, exciting if you plan to buy NOW, and realistic for current home sellers. Read the article here...

The Excitement of Philadelphia

2008-08-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

Whether you are a student, professional or future empty nester, the only thing better than living in the city is owning a piece of real estate. Ownership means no wasted dollars on rent, building equity over time and the benefits of mortgage deductions on your taxes. But what about Center City? Not only would you own your piece of the city, you're also investing in a vibrant community of exceptional arts, culture, history, restaurants and shopping. Best of all, you walk everywhere most of the time. I love this city!!

Olympic Fever

2008-08-04T16:55:00.000-07:00

Every four years athletes from around the world join to compete for the gold. Who are the favorites? Who are the underdogs? It is great drama, a real testament to hard work and passion. And inspiring! Real estate is the same way. There are ups and shifts, challenges and great successes. When you look at your investment in real estate, you really are thinking about today and tomorrow. Like the athletes in Beijing, you wonder if all the work is worth it. If you are buying, will you take advantage of the market and go for the gold? As a seller, are you willing to accept a silver or bronze in the shifting market? I am committed to providing you the gold standard of service and real estate expertise.

Michael Caven and Keller Williams Real Estate are Change Agents!

2008-06-17T15:10:00.001-07:00

Michael Caven, Realtor, joins Phyllis Ryan Jackson, Executive Director of Philadelphia Committee to End Homelessness at Royal Flush on May 21st at the Cira Centre. The event was a smash success, raising $100,000 for PCEH’s yearly commitment to provide services and shelter to homeless families in Center City, Philadelphia. Michael Caven and Keller Williams Center City served as “Change Agent” sponsors of the event.

Success Story

2008-06-06T15:00:00.000-07:00

My wife and I recently worked with Michael while purchasing our new home in Center City. His insights into the local market as well as his experience and personal approach made him an invaluable asset at every stage of the process. Michael did anything and everything required all the way from day one to settlement and beyond…researching any and all questions, to negotiating a great price, Michael did it all. I cannot say enough to compliment Michael’s professionalism and dedication to customer service. Indeed, Michael has proved to be a friend as well as an agent. Timothy Morrison, Center City, Philadelphia

Marketing Your Property

2008-05-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

The key to selling real estate is marketing. How are potential buyers going to know that YOUR beautiful, interesting and well located home is on the market? Strategic and aggressive marketing is the key. When you choose me to list your property, you are reaching thousands of Philadelphians on a weekly basis. I run monthly advertisements in Philadelphia Style and Phlare magazines, and a prominently placed Featured Open Houses ad in Philadelphia Weekly. I am a Philadelphia Real Estate Expert on Fox 29, and my listings are showcased on the Fox 29 website. Additionally my exclusive listings reach the rest of the country and planet through my optimized website HomeCenterCity.com. Call me and I'll market your property as though my life depends on it - and it does, that's how committed I am!

Cinco de Mayo

2008-05-01T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hola! This is Michael Caven, REALTOR, with Keller Williams Real Estate in Center City, Philadelphia for the month of May. Like my readers and clients, I have a special affinity for all things Mexican - enticing mole poblano cuisine, mariachi bands, laughter, vibrant colors and genuine hospitality. And Cinco de Mayo - a remembrance of Mexican strength - speaks highly for the importance of home. Really, home is where the heart is, isn't it? And as your realtor, that's the business I am in. Ole'!