"Right place, right time" counts in finding a house. Right price, too - like the $600,000s.

$689,000

Philadelphia

717 S. Columbus Blvd.

Taxes: $800 (10-year abatement)

Fees: $690/month

Residences at Dockside is the site of this two-bedroom, two-bath condo, which offers views of the city and the Ben Franklin Bridge. A combination living room/dining room has a balcony overlooking the Delaware River. In the kitchen are such features as stainless-steel GE appliances, a Kohler sink, Century Kitchens cabinets, and a pantry. The master bedroom has a washer/dryer and a walk-in closet. Fees include one parking space, a 24-hour doorman, a concierge, a gym, a pool, and a community room.

Broker: John Kriza or Kathleen Cole, Residences at Dockside; 215-925-3000.

$659,000

Penn Valley

1127 Centennial Rd.

Taxes: $7,608

Located close to the Schuylkill Expressway and just minutes from Manayunk's shopping and restaurants, this 38-year-old split-level house has four bedrooms and 31/2 baths. Among its features are a large picture window in the living room, a formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen with French doors opening to a patio, and a large basement recreation room with a bar. A lower-level family room has a fireplace and doors leading to another patio. There is a two-car attached garage.

Brokers: Maria Brockwell and Rita Talvacchia, Long & Foster; 610-664-2500.

$629,900

Philadelphia

728 Kater St.

Taxes: $1,722

This completely renovated three-story townhouse has four bedrooms and 21/2 marble-and-tile bathrooms. The combined living room/dining room on the first floor has hardwood floors. The kitchen features Jenn-Air appliances and leads out to a tiled patio. On the second floor, the master suite has a walk-in dressing area with built-ins. A spacious roof deck offers views of the city, and the house comes with a prepaid parking space for one year. A full basement provides room for storage.

Broker: Mike McCann, Prudential Fox & Roach; 215-627-6005 or 215-440-8345.