Agent Lady team member Brittany Loeffler writes about the reality of buying a home in Philadelphia through a series of short stories.
Spacious Philly
Carrie had been living with her parents after graduating from Kutztown University three years ago. She had small freelance jobs and a part-time job at a small advertising agency. She had been in her bedroom working on a graphic design for a client when she heard a small ping come from her email inbox. She switched from Photoshop to her Internet browser and checked to see what kind of junk mail had been sent her way. To her surprise, it was an email from Don Glass, the hiring manager for a big advertising agency in Philadelphia. Having forgot about the interview altogether, she opened the email and skimmed over the words, “Congratulations” and “We are excited bring you onto the team.” Her heartbeat quickened as she read over the email four more times to assure herself that it was real.
Click to get pre-approved for a home mortgage!
Now, here she was with Cherise, looking at yet another house in city. With the fantastic starting salary and the money she had saved up from living with her parents for three years, Carrie decided to buy a house in the city after reading the benefits of buying versus renting. “Is there something you like about this one that you didn’t see in the others we looked at?” Cherise questioned, holding her manila folder containing many more property profiles.
“It definitely has character.” Carrie walked through the foyer and ran her hand along the carved wood bannister. “I just can’t get over how small these homes are. It’s strange coming from a five bedroom house in the country to a small row home in the city.”
“Are you sure you want to live in the city then? Maybe I can refer you to one of the agents in my office that has an expertise in the suburbs,” Cherise offered. It wasn’t her first time offering either. She preferred to stay within the city limits because it was what she knew. When it came to suburbs, she could tell you everything you need to know about Abington, but was lost when it came to other suburban towns.
Carrie walked back into the newly renovated kitchen. The kitchen appliances were stainless steel and the counters were pretty gray granite. It was the only thing that reminded her of her parent’s house. “This definitely has potential, but when I walk in, it doesn’t feel like home, you know?” Cherise nodded, knowing exactly how her clients should feel when it came to finding the right home.
“Why don’t we finish looking at today’s properties? Afterwards you can go home and think about everything we’ve seen so far. If you want to revisit a property, just let me know and I can schedule a tour,” Cherise offered, getting a move-on the rest of the day. Carrie agreed and slid into her agent’s car.
Carrie sat on I-95 in rush hour traffic listening to the music she had recently uploaded to her phone. The houses she had seen today kept flashing in her mind. She couldn’t help but compare the properties to the house she was used to growing up in and living in. She was used to having a yard to lounge on during the summer and have family barbeques. Was she really ready to give up all that space for a small two bedroom house in the city where she would never be able to find parking?
As she pulled off an exit she decided to call Cherise. “Hi Cherise, how are you?”
“I’m doing well, looking for some other properties to take you to next week. How are you?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking about it a lot, and I think I want to start looking at houses in the suburbs. I just can’t help but feel like I’m cramped in a row home in Center City. Where will I put my things? Where will I park my car?” Carrie reasoned through her Bluetooth speaker.
“I understand your concerns. Why don’t I put you in touch with another agent who is more familiar with the suburbs? Is there a certain area you where you wanted to look?” Cherise had a calm voice, she wanted what was best for her clients, even if it meant she wasn’t able to find them the perfect house in the city.
“That would be perfect. Thank you so much for all of your time and help.” Once they hung up Carrie waited to be connected to her new agent.
Her parents were sitting down for dinner when Carrie got home. “Hi Sweetie, how did the house hunt go?” her mother asked, getting up to make her a plate.
“Not so well. I think I’m going to look outside of the city. The city homes just don’t have what I want.”
“That sounds like a smart idea. You’re making a pretty big purchase and investment, you want to make sure the house is perfect for you,” her father said with his mouth full of steak. It helped to be reassured by her parents.
Later that night, as Carrie was winding down and relaxing from a long day, she heard her email ping from her desk. Curious as to who may be emailing her so late, she crawled out from under the covers and walked to her desk. It was an email from Cherise with a link to a property that had just been put on the market. She opened up the listing and noticed that it was in West Philly. She had never thought of looking in that neighborhood.
The house was spacious with three bedrooms and a yard with a beautiful brick patio and a fire pit. There was a balcony off of the master bedroom in the back as well. She scrolled through the pictures and couldn’t help but fall in love with this house that reminded her so much of where she lived now. Cherise had added in the email that the street typically had a ton of parking available.
Carrie picked up her phone to send Cherise a text to schedule a showing of this house. “I love it! Let’s take a look tomorrow?” Cherise answered affirmatively. Carrie looked forward to not making the long commutes to the city anymore and to be less than a half hour away from the office.
Cherise took Carrie through the house and showed her the newly renovated kitchen and hardwood floors that had been installed throughout the house. For it being a few decades old, it had both character, hominess, and space that Carrie had been looking for. “Now, this feels like home,” she said with a nod towards Cherise. “Let’s put an offer in.”
About Brittany: Brittany is the super organized (and awesome) office and marketing assistant that helps home buying and selling clients have the best experience possible. She also shares her creative side by writing compelling short stories about the home buying process that are loosely based on actual client situations. Expect to receive emails and phone calls from Brittany if you decide to work with the Agent Lady team to buy or sell a home!
