On a number of occasions over the last 19 years, we have had clients who enjoy urban living in the City of Pittsburgh. One characteristic many of these buyers have is their propensity to predominantly walk and/or ride bicycles pretty much everywhere. So, when we initially meet with potential clients, I often hear ” We do not care if there is off street parking. We can park on the street, anyway. Plus, we like to mostly walk and ride our bikes to places.”.
We are first and foremost interested in helping our clients find a home they LOVE ! Still, a large part or our job is to also counsel our clients as to how important certain GENERAL aspects are of a home, whether this particular buyer cares about such features, or not. A home is an investment as well. So, it is important to also take into consideration what MOST potential buyers may desire in an urban Pittsburgh home. You never know when/if you will be selling the place.
In many of the City of Pittsburgh’s 90 neighborhoods, off street parking is at a premium. It is rare, indeed. Much of the city housing inventory was built on smallish lots at a time when owning a car was the exception as opposed to the rule. Yet, the norm for most home owners today is to have at least 2 cars per home. It is this vexing situation that led, in part, to Pittsburgh instituting a neighborhood permitted parking ordinance.
In short, off street parking is GOLDEN! Thus, for resale, even a home that requires some level of updating may sell more quickly than a more updated home; merely because the “more drab” home has off street parking. In fact, if that off street parking includes a garage, all the better. A potential buyer can always update a kitchen and bathroom. Adding off street parking where none exists….Not so likely. Unless, perhaps a buyer wants to purchase the next door house and knock it down. Yes, I know of people who have actually done that. It gets pretty expensive.
Besides, who likes walking home in the rain ? Who likes wiping snow off a frigid car in the morning / Not too many people, assuming they have a choice. By purchasing a home with off street parking, an avid bike rider and pedestrian can have his/her cake and eat it too !!