Owning a home can serve as a huge point of pride, and occasionally, a source of stress. On the rainy February morning when we visited Cory and Lauren Popp at their newly purchased home in Newbold, they’d noticed flooding in their basement. “Deborah advised us to not purchase a house in this neighborhood with a finished basement, and I’m glad we took her advice!” Cory reflected.

Most Philadelphia rowhomes will experience basement flooding at one point or another. Sump pumps and french drains are gradually becoming de rigueur in home renovations, particularly as water tables rise and the city experiences increased flooding. But Cory and Lauren bravely tackled their first major challenge as newly minted homeowners, quickly calling contractors and rearranging their storage.

The couple and their young daughter moved into the home, near 18th and Mifflin, in late spring of last year. After spending several months looking at homes around East Passyunk, they gradually expanded their search to include Point Breeze and Newbold. “We put in offers on houses and got outbid every time” Lauren recalls.

Changing Realtors

When they decided to expand their search into new neighborhoods, they also made the wise decision to call Deborah to serve as their new realtor. “Our first experience was with an agent who didn’t really work to understand what we needed” said Lauren. Cory had provided freelance videography services for Deborah, who typically represents sellers and established clients, several years earlier. “I wasn’t sure if she’d be available, but she made time in her schedule and was amazing to work with” Cory said.

After looking at just three houses, they found the right place, put in an offer, and moved in less than two months later. “From the moment we first started talking with Deborah, everything moved like clockwork” said Lauren.

When asked what she loves about the house, Lauren quickly says, “everything.” The compact rowhome had been carefully renovated, with attention paid to small details like crown moulding and thoughtful finishwork. “We saw some flips that were pretty disappointing. This one really stood out” said Lauren. The couple knew they needed a 3 bedroom home so one room could serve as a home office for Cory, who works as a videographer. They also wanted an open and inviting space for their daughter to grow and play. The home was truly “move in ready”, and the couple hasn’t changed much since moving in. Of course, the inevitable basement flooding aside, the couple feel like they found just the right place where they can grow for years to come.