If you're on the hunt for a home but struggling to find one within your budget, maybe it's worth thinking about checking out a fixer-upper. You know, a place that needs a bit of work but has great potential. Fixer-uppers can be a solid choice if you're eager to get

““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.”
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— NerdWallet

If you're on the hunt for a new home and insisting on only checking out places that tick off all your dream features, you might want to reconsider. With the current low inventory, being too picky could limit your choices and make things more challenging than they need to be. It could be a good idea to start looking at a broader range of options.

Sometimes the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it.

Here's some info that can help you figure out exactly what you need to be smart about finding your dream home. First off, jot down all the must-have features you want in a home. Then, try to organize them into different categories like this:

• Must-Haves - If a house doesn't come with these features, it just won't fit your lifestyle, right?

• Nice-To-Haves - Nice-to-have features are those that you would enjoy having but could do without. They're not essential, but if you come across a home that checks off all your must-haves and includes some of these extras, then it's definitely worth considering.

• Dream State - When it comes to finding your dream home, this is the place to dream big! While these extra features may not be essential, if you discover a home within your budget that checks off all your must-haves, most of your nice-to-haves, and even includes some of these bonus features, then you've found yourself a clear winner.

Once you've organized your list in a way that makes sense to you, just pass it along to your real estate agent. They'll find homes that meet your current top priorities and could turn into your dream home with a some TLC. Rely on their knowledge to explore what's doable, which features can be updated or added easily, and how to bring your vision to life.

““Many real estate agents specialize in finding fixer-uppers and have a network of inspectors, contractors, electricians, and the like.”
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— Progressive

Your agent can also give you tips on which upgrades and renovations are most likely to help you get the best return on your investment if you ever want to sell in the future.

Bottom Line

If you're still searching for a home that ticks all your boxes without breaking the bank, why not consider checking out fixer-uppers too? You never know, the perfect home for you could be the one you make perfect yourself. Let's chat about the listings we have in the area!