Sale Finally Pending on the Saddest Home in Philadelphia


This house near Broad and Girard had listings photos that made you want to run to the house with a bag full of groceries and medical supplies to make sure the occupant would survive the night. In a city where 31 percent of families live in poverty, the home showed disturbing signs of habitation: foodstuffs in the kitchen, for instance; a jacket hanging up; toiletries, and a towel hanging on a door in the bathroom; a bedroom that, despite its misery, looks like it’s regularly used.

The wood stove and trash bags filling in holes in the floors and ceilings seem like adaptations to difficult circumstances. One thing we know for sure: It wasn’t staging.

The house’s asking price has been $150,000–not what you imagine for a place this decrepit. But the location has a lot to recommend it, at least in the eyes of the investment-savvy. It was first listed in the MLS in September of last year, so all things considered, that’s a quick sale.

Here’s how it was marketed:

Remarks: Fantastic Development and Rehab opportunity in buzzing Francisville and TempleU housing neighborhood. This property needs rehab and can be sold together with adjacent lot (1213 N 15th st, 17×75, R10) See MLS# 6108089 . Solid bones with 1st floor consisting of a living room, would be kitchen (existing gas line), a back bedroom and a full bathroom. 2nd floor is made up of a front bedroom, dining room and a large eat in kitchen. 3rd floor consists of 2 well sized bedrooms and a full bathroom. 4th floor is an attic with ample head room and a half bathroom. Full basement, New roof above 2nd floor kitchen, R10 zoning. Seller is very motivated, Easy to Show. AS IS Sale, Make your offer today!

1215 N. 15th Street, Philadelphia PA 19121