Looking for a new home in Philly isn't supposed to be frustrating. And if you find yourself feeling that way... it might be time to whip out that imagination of yours! It's rare for Philly home buyer's to find a "turn-key" home that is exactly what they've envisioned. You see, another family may have lived there for years and decorated in their beloved style, and the developer who's renovated the home likely has different tastes than you do. This is no reason to fret! Here's 5 things you should absolutely ignore while you're house hunting in Philly....
1. CARPET
I had to capitalize this one. Carpets seem to be a home buyers number one pet peeve. It's tough to understand, since carpets are so easily ripped up... inexpensively! Don't like the green carpet? Pull it up and you might find beautiful, original hardwood flooring under there. If not, there's plenty of low-cost flooring options to replace that carpet with. Replacing the flooring will take about a day, and it isn't impossible to do yourself if you don't want to hire a professional.
2. Wallpaper/Paint
Okay, so the former homeowners really liked rooster wallpaper in the kitchen. Or maybe they were really into red walls. You don't have to get down with their decorative style. (My favorite wallpaper is the kind with kittens on it, exquisite taste.) It takes a little bit of elbow grease, but HomeDepot has great products to help you get all that hideous wallpaper off your walls. If you don't want to lift a finger, hire a low-cost professional. They'll remove the wallpaper and paint your favorite neutral color.
3. Appliances
Please don't choose a house based on the kitchen appliances. These too are so easily replaced. Are you dying for that Samsung smart fridge with the big screen on the front? You can have this, delivered and installed, and it will even come with a warranty. If you look out for sales around the holidays, you might be able to land a full appliance package (fridge, dishwasher, oven, microwave) for under $2000.00.
4. Cabinets
This item is inspired by a client-friend of mine, who cannot fall in love with a home unless it has the ever-so-trendy gray cabinets. The problem is.... less than 10% of the homes on the market have gray cabinets. If the home is the perfect size, in the perfect location, with the perfect EVERYTHING (sans the gray cabinets) -- please don't throw it in the "NO!" pile. Replace those cabinets for about $1500.00.... or paint them.
5. Curb Appeal
Okay, so the facade of the home is a little tougher to replace inexpensively... but it's not tough to spruce up. Hate the awnings? Remove them. Add some decor -- It's a wonder what planter boxes in the windows will do. Giving your front door a pop of color can really change the entire look of the exterior. Paint that door yellow, teal or red... and watch the neighbors follow suit.
So there you have it, 5 things you should really try to ignore while house hunting in Philly. Buying a home is, without a doubt, one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. You can't change the location and the natural light -- but you can change these five things quite easily and inexpensively.... so don't let them deter you from becoming a homeowner.
Ready to make your move? Contact Nicole Neff to start house hunting in Philly today:
Nicoleneff@kw.com