A grandmother who earns less than 80 percent of AMI is now renting an affordable, updated three-bedroom home in the Haddington neighborhood of West Philadelphia. Her daughter and four-year-old grandson live with her. Haddington is a high demand area with easy access to public transportation, including the elevated trains, trolley, and bus stops. This home is only a few blocks from the Market Frankford Line, which is a popular commuter line, is one block from Commodore John Barry Elementary School, and is very near the Shepard Recreation center. The neighborhood is also walkable and offers a good assortment of restaurants, retail stores, drugstores, laundromats, and banks. In 1988, Haddington was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places because of the preserved architectural style, including Colonial Revival and Classical Revival homes.

Raza Homes, LLC, is the NCST community buyer that purchased and fully rehabbed this home. Irfan Raza noted that applicants who walked through this home’s door were surprised at how clean and spacious it was for the price, as compared to other properties they viewed. He said they were especially excited about the brand new appliances being included.

The home was vacant for at least one year, and had a filthy basement, outdated wiring, and old carpeting and windows. Raza Homes spent $35,000 on renovations including installing new electrical and mechanical systems, and new plumbing, windows, and appliances. They replaced all the flooring, as well as completed drywall repairs and applied fresh paint. The kitchen and bathroom were updated, along with interior doors and light fixtures.

Mr. Raza said the property is near other homes they’ve rehabbed and rented, which makes it more efficient to provide maintenance and address any concerns. He noted that Raza Homes is proud to provide affordable housing to three generations of one family, as well as a safe, clean house in which their family can thrive.