Finding Your Perfect Home in a Fixer Upper If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. That’s a house that needs a little elbow grease or some updates, but has good bones. Fixer-uppers can be a really great option if you’re looking to break into the housing market or want to stretch your budget further. According to NerdWallet: “Buying a fixer-upper can provide a path to homeownership for first-time home buyers or a way for repeat buyers to afford a larger home or a better neighborhood. With the relatively low inventory of homes for sale these days, a move-in ready home can be hard to find, especially if you’re on a budget.” Basically, since the number of homes for sale is still so low, if you’re only willing to tour homes that have all your dream features, you may be cutting down your options too much and making it harder on yourself than necessary. It may be time to cast a wider net. Sometimes the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it.Here’s some information that can help you pinpoint what you truly need so you can be strategic in your home search. First, make a list of all the features you want in a home. From there, work to break those features into categories like this: - Must-Haves - If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle.
- Nice-To-Haves - These are features you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it’s a contender.
- Dream State - This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner.
Once you’ve sorted your list in a way that works for you, share it with your real estate agent. They’ll help you find homes that deliver on your top needs right now and have the potential to be your dream home with a little bit of sweat equity. Lean on their expertise as you think through what’s possible, what features are easy to change or add, and how to make it happen. According to Progressive: “Many real estate agents specialize in finding fixer-uppers and have a network of inspectors, contractors, electricians, and the like.” Your agent can also offer advice on which upgrades and renovations will set you up to get the greatest return on your investment if you ever decide to sell down the line. Bottom LineIf you haven’t found a home you love that’s in your budget, it may be worth thinking through all your options, including fixer-uppers. Sometimes the perfect home for you is the one you perfect after buying it. To see what’s available in our area, let’s connect.
Samia Morgan eXp Realty Luxury http://www.Move2CA.com samia@samiamorgan.com 650-678-3633 DRE# 00967165 Samia S. Morgan, Inc. |
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Spending on residential construction in December went up 1.4% from November, with spending on single-family homes up a solid 1.6%. Spending is up 9.9% on single-families compared to December a year ago.
The national S&P Case-Shiller Index reports home prices in November fell a tick, the first dip in 10 months, but they’re up 5.1% annually, and 6.6% by the FHFA price index of homes financed with conforming mortgages.
And Realtor.com reports active inventory continues to grow. The number of homes for sale not under contract is now 10.1% above the level of a year ago, helped by an increase in new listings, up 2.1% versus last year.
Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile. ~ Franklin P. Jones
A lot of people wonder what Valentine's Day is really all about so we went to the best source possible... what do kids have to say about it?
"I think you're supposed to find someone cute and hold their hand." — Oscar, 6
"I don't know. But you get candy!!" — Anika, 8
"Valentine's Day is when you give cards with heart stickers all over them." — Dev, 10
"It's a holiday about hearts and love and stuff." — Max, 7
"So there was this man, I forget his first name, but his last name was Valentine, a nd he was a very kind man. And actually, I think his first name was "Kind," and he made up Valentine's Day. It's for people to get together and have fun." — Ramona, 8
"It's kind of like Christmas, except not as good." — Sophie, 9
"It's like where it's basically you give people cards, and it's "be nice to everybody" day. Like if you see a stranger on the street, you can say, 'Hi.'" — Aki, 7
"Ehh ... I dunno, the holiday of love, I guess?" — Derek, 8
"In middle school, you pass out cards and then go home and throw them all out. At least I do. I emailed my classmates a PicCollage I made." - Mike, 11
"Valentine's is that day when my parents make me and my brother stay home with a babysitter so they can go and watch a movie or something." — Jack, 10
"It's also known as St. Chocolate Day." — Gabriela, 12
"It's has to do with St. Valentine's or something, and it's a celebration of love. And stuffed bears and chocolates. It's all about the giant stuffed bears!" — Fiona, 13
"It's a holiday where you tell the person that you love them. It's the loving holiday!" — Olivia, 11
"It means loving other people and sharing with other people and giving. That's what it's all about. Love." — Sachi, 4
Valentine’s Day means a boy and a girl hanging around. I don&rsqu o;t have any. - Erick, 9
My valentine is a guy at my old school. He’s very cute with dimples when he smiles. He’s funny, sweet and charming. - Thuy, 12 |
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Last updated: August 14, 2025 12:49 PM UTC Property Information © 2025 