You can get the biggest BANG for your buck in a special part Fishtown I’m going to affectionately call, Fishtown’s Lovely Backside. The technical name would be Old Richmond Civic which is the neighborhood association that oversees this area. For about $350,000 in this neighborhood you can buy 2314 E Sergeant St., a nearly 2000 SF new construction home. It is 19′ wide, one of the largest width’s you’ll find in a townhome. It has a 2-car driveway, an open lofted first floor with 10′ ceilings, 3 bedrooms including a master suite with vaulted ceiling and skylights, two and a half baths and a humongous roof deck. The taxes are only $604/year, and for a 1^st time home buyer with only $11,000 out of pocket, at today’s prevailing rate your payment would be $1422/mo including taxes and insurance. This area of the neighborhood remains natural and undiscovered at the moment. It’s only a quick 15 minute walk from the bros and valet parking you’ll find at the corners of Girard and Frankford. Instead of making the scene, wear your sweats or Muppet baby pajama pants to cozy Memphis Tap, a neighborhood bar that makes a reality out of the concept, ‘if you build it they will come’. Here you can find a friendly staff that knows your name, a vibrant yet local menu that includes vegan food, and an extensive, intellectual and worldly beer selection.

Queen Village has been an established neighborhood for at least 3 decades. It’s known for its abundance of mirrored mosaic artwork by local muralist Isaiah Zagar. Here you’ll find an incomparable culinary scene including such local haunts as the original Dimitri’s, cocktail centric Southwark and tasty New Wave Caf . Another neighborhood landmark would be the ever changing shopping strand, South Street. It’s difficult to find a home in our price range that’s not a trinity, yet here’s a pleasantly surprising option, 845 S American St B, featuring 2 bedrooms, 1 and a half bath with off-street parking for $359,900. This property does have a small monthly association fee of $113/month and a heftier annual tax bill of $3344, but it is located in the desirable Meredith School Catchment and has two charming outdoor spaces. The first floor dine-in kitchen has a fun color scheme and artistic decor. The large 2^nd floor living room features a fireplace, balcony and more traditional decor. The top floor finishes the home off with two sizable bedrooms and decent closets.[idx-listing mlsnumber="6109383"]

Old City has something to offer in almost any price range, but in our price range find 103-7 Church St 4, a fabulous bi-level condo features an amazing 2-story living room with a rustic carriage house feel in a luxurious building known as Cobblestone Court. This particular unit offers a whopping 1,275 square feet and an underwhelming 1 bedroom and 1 bath, but is truly something to behold. It is fairly new with a big sparkling u-shaped kitchen and the bedroom is nicely tucked away for a quiet and serene feel. The unit is situated on a charming old cobblestone street that gives this neighborhood its moniker. The other most notable traits Old City has includes its lively nightlife scene, fantastic restaurants such as Chloe, a variety of gyms including Level 1 Fitness and Lithe Pilates, fashionable avant-garde boutiques such as Third Street Habit and of course the best Real Estate Brokerage in town, Coldwell Banker Preferred. This unit was listed at $375,000 but has been reduced to $350,000. The monthly condo fees are $432 and the taxes are $2294. Although the monthly insurance expenses are less on a condo and the price tag is lower, this stunning property is still $582/mo higher than 2314 E Sergeant and $386.50/mo more than 845 S. American #B.

If cobble stones strike your fancy but you’d rather have more bedrooms and bathrooms, believe it or not you can live in Rittenhouse Square. For $359,900 you’ll get 2 bedrooms, one and a half baths all squeezed into 795 square feet of 2028 Latimer St. Tall skinny homes like this are not uncommon at the bottom of the price range for this neighborhood, but you’ll have to get used to the spiral stair case that often separates the largest bedroom from the bathroom. Lucky enough, this virtually square (lot size 15′x20′) foot print features straight stairs, and outdoor space in the form of a 3^rd floor deck large enough for a caf table and two chairs. Although the original structure of this home is quite possibly as old as the constitution itself, this home is in better than average condition. It features hardwood floors and a custom paint job. It’ll cost you $3097/year in taxes to be located only 3 blocks from Rittenhouse Square, the most highly sought after and central location with the densest concentration of income in the city of Philadelphia,. Weather you live here or not, the hot spots cannot be missed including Steven Starr’s French themed eatery, Parc, as well as intimate Rouge with its park views where it pays to be seen while seeing the park and the passersby.

If federal era is a little too old for you, try Le Fleur, ‘a European inspired boutique condo’ in Bella Vista. For $350,000 you get 2 bedrooms, only 1 bathroom, but more square footage (973 SF), soaring ceilings and a spacious, modern open floor plan. Le Fleur offers all the most popular modern amenities including: hardwood floors throughout, new high efficiency systems, video intercom, stainless steel appliances, stone counter tops, Italian tile, custom cabinetry, and what most people love best about new construction, a 10 year tax abatement and the ability to customize if you get in early enough. If you’re not a first time home buyer, condos can be tricky to finance but not this one. It’s fully approved by the Federal Housing Authority and can be purchased for as little as 3.5% down.

If condo living agrees with your lifestyle but you like traditional, rather than contemporary aesthetic and you have a full 20% down for a conventional loan you can purchase a brand new unit in Naval Square. 2420 Grays Ferry Ave #2639 is available for $354,895. This brand new unit built by nationally renowned developer Toll Brothers has 1 bedroom, and 1 bathroom. Believe it or not, these smaller units are very popular in this development which is desirable for its secure gated grounds, orderly construction, and long list of amenities. While the condo fee is only $284/month (half that of other units covered in this article), you’ll receive concierge service, 24-hour live security, landscaping of the grounds, swimming pool, fitness center and private parking. Anchoring the western most border of the Graduate Hospital neighborhood these units are great investments because they’re easy to rent to University of Pennsylvania’s transient population of medical residents. The location is within walking distance to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital Campus or accessible by the #40 Lombard St. bus or merely a cheap cab ride away. An easy way to learn more about what the Graduate Hospital neighborhood has to offer it’s residents, you can check our neighborhood review right here.

So whether you’re looking for a quick commute, easy off street parking, or a cool culinary scene, there is something for everyone who can spend $350,000 to own real estate in Philadelphia. The Philly Home Girls are happy to go over your wish list and budget with you to help you decide what the best options are. Whether you want the biggest house with the most amenities for your buck, or the smallest home in the best location, we are here to help. We are available at your convenience to answer questions and discuss the methods we use to help you achieve your goals.

Artwork Should Complement Your General Theme - Consider your furniture before hanging your prints and paintings. While you want variety in your displays, you also need some cohesiveness. If your frames or artwork ���fight��� with the furniture in the room, guests may feel unsettled. Period-style furniture (ie. modern, Victorian) is best paired with matching artwork.

Use a Variety of Sizes - You can add visual perspective through the use of small and large art. A framed collection of art brought together through a common message such as frame color or subject can also be quite interesting visually.

Do Not Overdo - In most cases, a few well chosen pieces will have more impact to viewers than many.

Consider Texture and Form - Variety plays a role here, as well. Too much of the same type of art can detract from your home. Make sure you mix it up by including works of art of differing textures and mediums.

Love Every Piece - Despite the advice given above, the key element in displaying any art in your home is that YOU love it. If your chosen pieces reflect your values, attitude, and dreams, then your viewers will recognize the connection and enjoy your displays.

After those two tasks are nailed down, time, research and organizational know-how are required to ensure a stress-free and seamless transaction for both home buyers and sellers. That’s why you need an experienced and knowledgable real estate agent.

I know it’s hard to believe, but as a real estate agent, I don’t just sit around eating bon-bons, sorting paint chips, and watching television. In fact, I’ve probably seen less Olympic events than you this summer! Instead I work hard to ensure that I am helping my clients in the most and best ways imaginable. In some ways, you might even say that being a real estate agent is like becoming an athlete!

I Train Every Day - I am constantly on the look-out not just for homes, but also for tools to make the buying and selling process easier on my clients. I seek out real-time marketing information I can share with you on my blog but also in person as I consider your individual needs. I use technology to make sure I keep up my edge and am aware whenever a new listing or open house is available in your neighborhood. It’s my job to know your area and I can’t do that without a daily commitment to myself AND to you!

I Start with The End in Mind - I set goals, personally, professionally, and also as your advocate in real estate. Whether you are searching or selling in a specific price range or are more concerned with architecture, I make delivering on your real estate dreams my goal. I love to win and while I may not get a medal to hang around my neck, I take great pride in knowing that I accomplished something profound when I see your real estate needs met. Seeing a happy new home owner or satisfied home seller makes my day!

I Set Specific Targets - Just as Olympians use determined focus and endurance to train for their events, I do the same when meeting your real estate needs. As your agent, I can outline the specific steps we will take to find you a home or get your home sold, or both. Details matter in real estate transactions and I will make sure you understand the importance of each. We will develop timelines, as well, to make sure that expectations are met for you and for me. As we reach the targeted steps throughout the process, you will feel confident and secure and relaxed, knowing that we are on track. If something unexpected occurs, we will easily redirect it and/or modify the targets as needed, to keep focus on buying or selling your home.

So, no, you’re not training for the Olympics when you buy or sell your home, but I may as well be! I want you to reach your highest real estate goals and to do that, I need to be at the top of my game. So ask me about my training, my credentials, and how well I know your area – let me show you how I’d compete if real estate was an Olympic event. Together, I know we’d bring home the gold!

This quote from A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style, by Tim Gunn, can help you understand how something as seemingly insignificant as a closet can affect you and your potential buyer. Closets are where we hide things: skeletons, forbidden loves, terrible birthday gifts we couldn’t return. It is for this reason that deciding what to wear while staring into those murky depths can be not just daunting, but emotionally exhausting as well. Using feng shui techniques, you can clear the clutter, along with the negative memories and energy, creating a home that will sell more easily. On that note, let’s move to 5 real tips that will give you positive emotional energy while readying your home for sale.

• #1 Open the windows and doors. Let a breeze blow through your home to clear the negative energy and refresh you as you begin your work.
• #2 Step outdoors onto your walkway, the entrance of your home. What do you see first when you walk into your home? Clear any cobwebs and dust and make sure nothing is blocking the entrance. If you have to step over something, remove it.
• #3 Add energy with greenery. Whether an indoor or outdoor plant, make sure your home feels vibrant through adding plant energy. You can do this through exterior landscaping, by adding fresh flowers to the entry, or with the addition of indoor plants.
• #4 Add positive energy through art and movement through proper mirror placement. There are tons of books that can guide you through this step, however, remember that the goal is to reflect positivity and not overwhelm or create clutter in your home for sale.
• #5 Clear the clutter. Cull what you don’t need and create a spa feel throughout your home in all rooms. Counters should be free of objects and papers, furniture should be placed to allow for ease of movement. Any obstacles to interior door entrances should be moved.

While these tips may not offer a cure all to getting your home sold, they can definitely point you in the right direction. Stop by the library and get a few books on feng shui to increase your knowledge. As you do, take care to notice your landscaping and apply some shine and good chi to your “Home for Sale” sign, too.

Try as they might to create a home that will meet every need and every taste, home builders are aware that it just can’t be done. As with shoes, versatility lies in key components – simple design, elegant tones, and a combination of shine, style and comfort.

As with your shoe purchase, buying a home requires you to consider what is most important to you and your future plans.

• Open design vs. cozy comfort?
• Modern storage options vs. vintage style?
• Planned, pre-designed landscaping vs. creative gardening?
• Modular vs. eclectic structure?

You should also consider how and who will be using the home. Should it be tailored to you or is it an investment property?

• Primary residence or vacation home?
• Adults only? Adults and pets? Adults, children and pets? Renters? College students?
• Will it be used to entertain often and is parking sufficient? Do you need a guest room?

Of course, there are many other questions to be considered, so take your time with your home purchase. Enjoy the journey as you find the home that is the perfect fit for you and your circumstances. And when you find the home that makes you want to click your heels so you can return? Make an offer! As to shoes? If the shoe fits… buy it in every color!

If you find yourself in a no-win situation regarding your mortgage, it can be helpful to speak with your lender and ask about modifications that can be made in the short term. You can ask about the short sale process, too, and see if that may be a viable option for you. A short sale is when your lender agrees to accept a lower price than is owed on your property as payment in full. There is a lot of paperwork that accompanies this type of sale and it is helpful to use a real estate agent that has short sale experience with this type of transaction. In fact, some real estate agents and home buyers specialize in just this type of sale and can be a great help to you!

If you want to stay in your home, rather than sell, programs such as the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) , or the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative (HAFA) offered by Freddie Mac may all be options. Fannie Mae and your individual lender may have other programs that can assist you as well. Please click here to view a variety of tools on how to avoid foreclosure. Remember that you have options, if you are willing, able, and have the time necessary to explore them. Don’t give up!