THE PRICE IS RIGHT!

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!

Merry

everything,

everywhere,

to everyone

EDUCATION MATTERS

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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'!