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Saturday, February 14, 2004

Beach/Shore towns in Atlantic and Cape May Counties 

REAL ESTATE IN THE ATLANTIC CITY AREA

Here is information on Beach/Shore towns in Atlantic and Cape May Counties to help your real estate search:



ATLANTIC CITY
In Atlantic City, you can enjoy the excitement of 24-hour casinos and world-class entertainment every day and night of the year.

Stroll the world-famous Boardwalk and visit Caesars, Bally’s or one of the Trump Hotels. Or visit the beautiful Marina area with the new Borgata casino.

Don’t miss off-the beaten track spots like Historic Gardeners Basin with its beautiful Back Bay views, restaurants and the Ocean Life center.

Or try a famous White House Sub, just 2 blocks from the new in 2004 upscale outlet and entertainment mall “The Walk” in the center of town. Principals of Smarter Agent made the introductions between the Developer (Cordish Group) and the govenrment agencies involved in this project and its looks great and is doing very well. We hear Bubalou's Cuban restuarant is doing very well there.

MARGATE, VENTNOR & LONGPORT
Just south of Atlantic City, these once sleepy and ritzy towns are emerging into year round communities. Locals call this area "Downbeach" and say "we're going Uptown" when heading into Altantic City. Ventnor has a fantastic boardwalk and beaches. New restaurants like Tomatoes heat up the nights in Margate. And Longport benefits by being a quiet exclusive enclave.

BRIGANTINE
A popular summer town, now also popular with retirees and casino workers, is located right across the intercoastal waterway from Atlantic City’s marina district.

OCEAN CITY
This 108 year old family resort offers many unique special events. Its enclosed oceanfront Music Pier provides year round entertainment. Home of the Ocean City Historical Museum complete with nautical relics, clothing, and historical exhibits. An active arts center can also be found here. Eight miles of beach, 3 miles of Boardwalk with amusements and shops. Accommodations include hotels, motels, condos, and bed and breakfast facilities. Many fine restaurants, vibrant downtown shopping area, golf and fishing facilities.

SEA ISLE CITY
Five miles of scenic beach - perfect for quiet strolls. An outstanding family resort featuring boating and fishing facilities.

AVALON
A relaxing seashore resort with excellent boating and water sports, featuring one of the last high dune areas in the state. Follow the scenic paths and you'll find rare flora, trees and small wildlife.

STONE HARBOR
Long known for its fine shopping district, this quaint seashore community has fine beaches, sailing, tennis, fishing and water sports. Home of the Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary, a nationally recognized nesting ground for Glossy Ibis and American Egret.

THE WILDWOODS
Fun for the whole family. Five miles of wide white beaches plus three miles of excitement packed Boardwalk with amusement rides, games, shops, restaurants and special events. Wildwood Historical Museum traces the history of Wildwood over the centuries. Hereford Inlet Lighthouse, listed on the National Historic Register, has been standing in North Wildwood since the 1800's. Sunset Lake, in Wildwood Crest offers fishing, boating and beautiful sunsets. See also www.wildwoodhomesandrealestate.com, and a description of the Doo Wop Architectural movement that saved this city and is leading it into its funky future.

CAPE MAY
National Historic Landmark City. The nation's oldest seashore resort offers modern and historic accommodations. Over 600 authentically restored structures, band concerts, trolley and walking tours of Victorian area. Washington Street Mall, Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inns, outstanding Christmas Festivities and other special events.

Thanks to the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Bureau for town descriptions.


Living in Center City Philadelphia 

Locals call Philadelphia’s downtown “Center City”.

Center City Philadelphia is home to about 80,000 residents, the third largest downtown population in the United States after New York and Chicago.

Within Center City Philadelphia there is a wide range of real estate and housing options from modern apartments, to historic townhouses, to converted lofts—all near great parks and extraordinary recreational opportunities.

30% of Center City residents are between the ages of 25 and 34. 79% of these young professionals have college degrees.

Center City Philadelphia was recently named one of the ten-most walk-able cities in the nation by Prevention Magazine. According to the Center City District, a staggering 37 percent of Philadelphia’s Center City’s residents walk to work.

Generally, Center City Philadelphia is defined as stretching from the Schuylkill River (west) to the Delaware River (east), to South Street (south) to Vine Street (north).

Neighborhoods in Center City include Fitler Square, Logan Square, Rittenhouse Square, Society Hill, Old City, Washington Square, Chinatown, and Penn’s Landing.

The Art Museum area, Fairmont, Queen Village, Bella Vista, Northern Liberties, the Italian Market area, and University City are located just outside the traditional Center City Philadelphia boundaries but can also be considered located in the Center City/Downtown area.

Here is a description of several of Philadelphia’s most well known real estate areas:

Historic and Waterfront District
The city's historic and waterfront park begins on 6th Street, just four blocks east of the Convention Center, and continues to Penn's Landing on the banks of the Delaware River. The site of Philadelphia's earliest settlements, the neighborhood is full of 18th-century influence including Colonial-era homes and cobblestone streets. In addition to the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Independence National Historical Park - America's most historic square mile - is home to numerous historical buildings and sites, most of which are free to the public.

Old City
Your exploration of America's heritage continues north of Market Street in the city's first commercial district. In addition to Betsy Ross's home and Elfreth's Alley - America's oldest continuously residential street - Old City is known for the most exciting collection of art galleries on the East Coast.

Society Hill
A prominent Delaware River waterfront neighborhood steeped in America's history, Society Hill is an upscale prototype for urban restoration. Enjoy the architectural styles of hundreds of historically significant townhouses and places of worship.

South Street
The "hippest street in Philadelphia," South Street is famous for its eclectic shops, diverse restaurants and dynamic nightlife. There's no better place to people-watch on a Friday or Saturday night.

Washington Square
Washington Square Centered around one of the public squares planned by William Penn, this area of the city connects the historic and commercial districts. Walking through the quaint neighborhoods you will discover Jewelers Row and Antique Row, two of the city's specialty shopping areas, as well as the Walnut Street and Forrest theaters.

Convention Center
Opened in 1993, the state-of-the-art Pennsylvania Convention Center contains more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit and meeting space and is one of the finest facilities in the country. The Center is connected to the historic Reading Terminal Market, an open-air smorgasbord of 80 eateries and merchants.

Chinatown
The "Chinese Friendship Gate" at 10th and Arch Streets welcomes you to this bustling community that has established itself as a center for fine art, culture, and the very best in Asian culinary delights for more than a century.

Parkway/Museum District
Stretching from City Hall to The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway is flanked by some of the city's most acclaimed institutions. The Parkway is also the location of numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including Fourth of July fireworks. Logan Circle, one of the public "squares" in the city's original design, is home to the magnificent Swann Fountain.

Fairmount Park
Beginning at the Ben Franklin Parkway, Fairmount Park encompasses more than 8,900 acres of winding creeks, rustic trails, green meadows and 100 miles of recreational trails. The world's largest landscaped urban park also contains early-American mansions, historic landmarks, and a variety of outdoor sculpture, playing fields, and 19th-century Victorian structures along Boathouse Row.

Rittenhouse Square District
One of the most prestigious addresses in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse Square is famous for it's world-class shopping and restaurants. Part of William Penn's original city plan, this beautiful public square is a popular destination for Center City residents and visitors alike.

Manayunk
Nestled along the banks of the Schuylkill River just west of Center City, Manayunk is one of the newest hot spots in the area. Named a National Historic District in 1983, "Philadelphia's Main Street" boasts more than 65 chic boutiques and galleries and dozens of restaurants.

Chestnut Hill
Cobblestoned Germantown Avenue is surrounded by art galleries, restaurants and specialty and antiques shops, located on the city's northwest boundary.

University City District
University City was Philadelphia’s first suburb, and it remains home to distinctive, livable urban neighborhoods of wide porches, tree-lined streets, restaurants, and shops. World-renowned centers of education, medicine, and technology and residents of diverse backgrounds lend University City its intellectual and international flavor. The University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University are both located here.

South Philadelphia
This mix of long-established residential ethnic neighborhoods, provides a tapestry of sights, sounds and tastes to explore. In addition to being home of the city's expansive professional Philadelphia Sports Stadiums home of the (Eagles, Sixers, Phillies and Flyers), South Philadelphia is probably best known for the open-air Italian Market, outstanding Italian restaurants, and the home of the cheesesteak.

The Avenue of the Arts
Encompassing North and South Broad Street, The Avenue of the Arts is one of the premier cultural destinations in the city and the region and home to the Academy of Music, the Merriam Theater, Wilma Theater, Freedom Theatre and the dazzling Regional Performing Arts Center to be completed in 2001.

North Philadelphia
Home to numerous educational, cultural and community organizations, North Philadelphia is perhaps best known as the location of Temple University and the Uptown Cultural District.

El Centro de Oro
In this vibrant heart of Philadelphia's Latino community you will find music, shopping and dining, as well as extensive bilingual services.

Note: Real estate data and area descriptions prepared by the Center City District.



Sunday, February 01, 2004

9 tips for a smooth home buying experience  

Even smart people make common real estate buying mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them.

Kick some tires

1. Shop and Compare. Walk through several homes that are for sale in your price range and located in the area you want to live. By reviewing multiple properties on the market you will be better prepared to recognize overpriced homes and obtain the confidence to know a good value when you see it.

Get help from a local insider

2. “Pick the brain” of a smart Realtor. All Realtors are not created equal. If a Realtor does a lot a self-promotion, that does not mean they have the most experience and are respected by their peers. If you are a Buyer in a hot market, presenting an offer through a top Realtor gets your offer noticed and taken seriously. Top Realtors know the sales process, all about financing, how to remedy inspection issues and are expert negotiators. Great Realtors will get you what you want. Great Realtors know the pros and cons of homes and market area and may even know about properties not yet available but that will be soon. Ask Smarter Agent to recommend the best Realtor in your town.

A mortgage makes it happen

3. Get pre-qualified for a mortgage. Get over financial hurdles before you put in an offer. Find a good mortgage professional and go over what you can afford. A good lender will give you a pre-qualification letter even before you find the home you want. There is nothing worse than finding a home and losing it, or worse, losing your deposit because you can’t close the deal.

Budget for all your life needs

4. Don’t over mortgage yourself. There are so many mortgage products, you may be tempted or advised to borrow as much as you can. But be warned - there is nothing worse than getting in over your head. Make sure you can afford to live comfortably, put money aside for your children, and have cash on hand to pay for unexpected events. Don’t assume your home value will keep appreciating at the same rate it has over the past 3 years. Do assume your carrying costs will rise! Your annual local taxes and homeowners insurance rates will most likely go up each year. If you have an adjustable rate mortgage, your monthly mortgage payments will eventually go up. Housing markets eventually cool, but your payments never stop - be prepared!

The Agreement of Sale is key

5. Put all the details of your purchase in the Agreement of Sale. The Agreement of Sale spells out the timing, terms and dollar amount of the transaction. Don't take anything for granted, or rely on promises from the Seller or their agent. Have your Realtor put all conditions of the sale into writing, and get the seller's written approval for any modifications or amendments to the Agreement of Sale.

Inspections

6. Use a professional inspector. Make sure all electric, gas water and other utilities remain connected so you can inspect the home in working order. Get a qualified inspector to do a review of the house and prepare a written report for you. Go over the report with the inspector and your agent. Agreements of Sale usually allow a few days to bring any serious defects to the attention of the Seller - so a resolution can be attempted.

Final Home Check

7. Do a final assessment. After the Seller moves everything out of the house, take a walk through the house a day or two prior to settlement. Make sure the property is ready to be transferred in good shape as outlined in the Agreement of Sale. This will be your last chance to ensure everything is in working order prior to settlement.

Let your team show you their best stuff

8. Be open about your timing, financial condition, and lifestyle needs. A good Realtor is trained to find solutions to fit your needs – in ways you may have not yet considered. You may say you want an expensive house on a golf course. But by listening, your realtor may point out that your wife may feel more secure in a nice but low maintenance gated condo community. Plus you can play several of the regions courses with less carrying costs. Let your Realtor know the whole picture.

Be Flexible

9. Try to relax. From negotiations to closing and moving dates, focus on getting the deal done, not winning every battle. Delays and complications are part of most real estate deals, as both you and the Seller are completing a very time consuming, expensive and sometimes emotional transaction. Most issues are resolvable. If you’ve done your homework, have a great Realtor and mortgage team, you can be confident you will get a good deal.

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Our experience can help you avoid mistakes in the home buying process. We believe it’s important to pick the best professionals off the bat. When you start your search with Smarter Agent, you can call or email us with any questions from your first search straight through to your actual closing and beyond!

Get savvy, try www.smarteragent.com. Smarter Agent will save you a lot of time and help you get the best deal with the least hassles and at the best price.


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