This $150K Philadelphia Home Is the Most Popular Fixer-Upper on the Market
Flirting with the idea of a fixer upper? Those who are searching for homes online are majorly crushing on this massive stone home in Philadelphia that was originally built in 1900 and is for sale, “as is,” for $150,000.
While the sprawling 2,000-square-foot home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms is definitely begging for some TLC, it’s among this month’s “most searched” properties on Trulia, a home and neighborhood site for buyers and renters.
The fun thing about fixer-uppers is you can let your imagination run wild as you reimagine spaces. Take, for example, the slender but spacious backyard that this Philly property boasts. Are you seeing it as the perfect playing field for bocce ball or leaning more towards a secret garden? The lot is sizable at 3,920 square feet.
Also worth noting: The home is spread out over three levels, meaning it could be perfect for “house hacking“—i.e. buying a bigger house than you actually need, renting out a portion of said house, and then using that rental income to cover a big chunk of your monthly mortgage payments. Cha-ching.
We’ll admit it, the property isn’t for weekend DIYers. It’s certainly in need of some major renovations and restorations—especially if you’re a person who doesn’t see the charm in a buttercream yellow bathroom. But, it’s also got some elements worth salvaging that could lend unique vintage charm to a renovation, like the arched window, hardwood flooring on the staircase, and perhaps the breakfast nook in the kitchen.
Trulia also dishes that the home is in the Germantown Westside neighborhood, where neighbors greet you from their porches as you pass by. Aww. Plus, you’ve got a neighborhood cheesesteak shop, the Park Manor Deli, within walking distance.
So, how would you make over this turn-of-the-century property? What would you scrap and what would you keep?