C
ameron LaFreniere, a 29‑year‑old software engineer, recently closed on a 1,260‑sq‑ft rowhouse in Philadelphia’s Point Breeze. The 1925‑built home, featuring three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and a 2017 remodel, sold for $340,000 after an original listing of $350,000. Rachel Shaw of Philly Home Girls represented the seller.

    LaFreniere had been searching for a permanent residence that would accommodate a future family. Originally from Rhode Island, he weighed Providence against Philadelphia, ultimately choosing the city because of its lower housing costs and car‑free lifestyle. “I wanted a place that could grow with me,” he said. His budget ranged from $275,000 to $400,000, and he was specifically interested in well‑maintained historic rowhouses. “Older homes tend to be more cost‑effective over time,” he added. He also wanted recent updates, multiple bathrooms, a home office, and proximity to Center City by bike.

    The hunt began in December 2024. LaFreniere spent months walking through South Philly, covering roughly a third of the neighborhood to get a true feel for the area. Over several weekends, he toured 25 properties, including eight on the final day of his search. He visited sites in Wharton Square, Graduate Hospital, and even a house just a block away that was $20,000 pricier and featured nicer floors and staging. He noted that competition was low in Point Breeze, a market he described as balanced with ample supply and many fixer‑ups—ideal for first‑time buyers.

    The house he ultimately chose had been updated in 2017, boasting central heating and cooling and a high‑quality kitchen while retaining original features like the staircase. “It’s the best of both worlds,” he said. When he visited, the seller had just reduced the price by $10,000. LaFreniere made an offer at the new asking price of $340,000, and with no competing bids, the seller accepted. He raised concerns about the worn floors, requesting a replacement. The seller declined but agreed to cover $3,000 for any inspection‑discovered issues.

    Financially, LaFreniere had saved $30,000 over six years in tech, despite sizable student loans. He used $10,200 for a 3% down payment. Because he qualified for community reinvestment financing through OceanFirst’s HomeHelping loan—thanks to living in an eligible census tract—he avoided private mortgage insurance and secured a 6% interest rate instead of 7%. The program also covered $6,000 of closing costs.

    For the move, LaFreniere donated most of his furniture and half his belongings to local charities and thrift stores, eschewing movers and car rentals. He took the train, arriving with only a suitcase and his bicycle on Amtrak. He settled in on June 25, 2025.

    Looking back, he has no regrets. “I knew what I was getting into,” he said. While he had to learn the basics of homeownership, such as trash disposal, it was a quick learning curve. The only issue since moving in has been a single encounter with cockroaches, which he claims has not recurred.

    After the purchase, he spent the remaining $10,000 of his savings on furniture, largely buying from Ikea. He considered reflooring but decided the rugs and furnishings would conceal any imperfections.

    If you’ve recently bought a home, we’d love to hear your story. Email [email protected].