Work with Martin
Buyer representation

Buy a home in South Philly

Bottom line: with the right prep, most first-time buyers in South Philadelphia can close in 45–60 days — and assistance programs like PHFA and Philly First Home can cover a large share of the cash needed at the table.

From the first pre-approval conversation to keys in hand, you get a step-by-step plan, block-by-block pricing insight, and negotiation backed by weekly deal experience.

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The buying process, simplified

Strategy & pre-approval

Timeline, budget, must-haves — plus lender introductions and assistance-program screening (PHFA, Philly First Home).

Tour & target

Curated showings in the neighborhoods that fit, with honest talk about condition, comps, and resale.

Offer & negotiate

A pricing strategy built from live South Philly comps — and terms that protect you.

Inspect & resolve

Trusted inspectors, clear-eyed repair negotiations, no surprises.

Close & move in

Coordinated title, lender, and walkthrough — so closing day is boring, in the best way.

After the keys

Contractor referrals, tax-abatement questions, and a yearly equity check-in.

Common questions

How much do I need for a down payment in Philadelphia?
Far less than most people expect. FHA loans start at 3.5% down, and conventional programs like HomeReady and Home Possible start at 3%. On top of that, Philly First Home grants up to $10,000 — or 6% of the purchase price, whichever is lower — toward your down payment and closing costs. You qualify if you have not owned a home in the past three years and your household is under the income cap (about $85,900 for one person, $122,700 for a family of four), and you complete one-on-one counseling with a City-funded agency before signing an Agreement of Sale. Grants run while funding lasts, so we confirm current limits with PHDC before you count on them.
Do I pay my buyer’s agent?
Compensation is always agreed in writing before we tour. In many transactions the seller offers buyer-agent compensation; where they don’t, we discuss options up front.
How fast can I buy?
With pre-approval in hand, typical Philadelphia purchases run 45–60 days from accepted offer to closing.

Let’s find your block.

Tell Martin your timeline and budget — get a plan, a lender shortlist, and a first tour scheduled this week.

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