Must-haves are important. Parking, updated systems, a particular layout. You know what you need to make a home work for you. But if you only focus on finding a home that checks every single box, you might overlook a home that’s not quite a perfect match...yet. A home doesn’t have to meet every must-have from day one. If the price, location, and bones are right, there may be room in the budget to make it fit your criteria. A little imagination and some realistic home projects can turn that “almost” home into exactly what you want.
Central Air
This is a BIG one that we see here at Philly Home Girls. When searching on Zillow or via your curated concierge portal from your agent, you have central air as an absolute must. How could you live without it? But that little checkmark means you aren’t seeing homes in the neighborhood that are priced accordingly without AC. You’re missing out that 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath that’s priced $40k below the 3-bed, 2-bath that does.
An easy fix is to jump on that deal and look to install mini-splits or an HVAC system. What about the cost of installation? Ask your agent what kind of leverage you have as a buyer to ask for a seller's assist that can relieve some of the financial burden. A new HVAC system can run $20-$30k, and mini-splits about $12-20k. The silver lining is you won’t be inheriting a system, even if only a few years old. You will know the maintenance from day one!
At Least 1.5 Bathrooms
You know you need at least 1.5 baths. Why not check out a listing with 1 bath and plan out from the get-go where that second will be going? You may even be able to skip the half and install a full bath or first-floor laundry setup. If it feels like too big of a step, plan to have it installed before you move in, and you’ll take away some of the pain of living with a reno. We have a dedicated list of electricians, plumbers, and handy people that all of our clients have access to, which can help with where to start.
Our clients recently turned a broom closet that was tucked in the corner into a small powder room. They went one step further and installed a macerating toilet, which allowed them to easily plumb it without a larger pipe. The project was completed within two weeks, and they had the must-have they initially were searching for. Our hearts were truly warmed when we heard they found the contractor on our trusty list!
Private Parking
This is the hardest of the must-haves to hurdle. It requires patience as you’ll be dealing with the City of Philadelphia, permitting, neighborhood town meetings, etc. There is a possibility, albeit slim, to make it happen. For example, it may be helpful if your proposed property has had a curb cut previously. Permit Philly is a great place to start, as they can walk you through the process from A-Z. The caveat is you may not win, so make sure you can live with the street parking, or scout out a garage rental nearby.
We once had clients purchase a home across from them that had parking; they utilized the parking, stayed in their original house, and rented out the new home as an investment property. Now that’s some creative thinking!
Making It Yours
All this to say, there are times that you have to forgo your must-haves or… there are other times where you can purchase a home that doesn’t quite have exactly what you’re looking for at a better deal and modify to make it just perfect.
Our best advice is to have a great agent who keeps their eyes and problem-solving skills at the ready. That may mean looking to the neighborhood next door, or suggesting homes that may not have come across in your search that have a great price and room for modifying to your liking. We know just the team to help!
if you only focus on finding a home that checks every single box, you might overlook a home that’s not quite a perfect match...yet. A home doesn’t have to meet every must-have from day one. If the price, location, and bones are right, there may be room in the budget to make it fit your criteria.