Finding Your Perfect Home in a Fixer Upper

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 Line

If 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.

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Timo Rivetti has been serving his clients with a highly individualized service tailored to specific needs and requirements since 1998. Unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the region is invaluable when it comes to buying and selling real estate. Hiring an agent who knows the area inside out makes all the difference in a competitive market. Timo and his team of experienced professionals work with each and every client to find and secure the perfect property at the best price, with all of the required amenities in the right neighborhood. When it’s time to make a move, call Timo.

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maclir2001

Sold a Single Family home in Petaluma, CA.

Timo and his team guided me through the preparation for showing, including all inspections and document gathering, the actual showing, and help with negotiations so it was an easy and successful sale. It was a textbook-positive process.

His team gave me confidence and clarity through the whole experience. I recommend Rivetti Real Estate fully and happily.

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Bought a Townhouse home in Petaluma, CA.

Timo helped me buy my first house! (Still can't believe it!) I had a lot of questions, but he and his associate Renee were patient, professional, and fast in answering all of them. I found Timo through a friend and he could not have been more helpful and knowledgeable about the whole process for this noob home buyer. Highly recommend he and Renee and am so grateful to my friend for recommending him.

Kevin76298

Bought and sold a Multiple Occupancy home in Petaluma, CA.

I cannot say enough about my incredible experience with Timo and his assistant Renee. I am 22 years old and had a dream of buying a house in westside Petaluma. Most people would say that is impossible, well not if you have Timo on your side! Timo walked me through the process and made me feel so comfortable and confident throughout the whole process. Timo truly had my back and did the impossible and I now am a proud owner of a house in west side Petaluma. I will be using Timo for any purchase or sell I ever have, and I recommend you do the same. Thank you again Timo! Together we “Made History”

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If you live here already, you know how blessed we are. If you're considering living or investing here, you've probably experienced some of the area's extraordinary possibilities: country settings and small-town communities; enthralling agricultural beauty, and true farm to fork lifestyle, If Northern California is your real estate destination, you've arrived at the right spot. Whether you're looking to buy your first home - or to sell an estate - expect nothing less from us than a Meritage blend of real estate expertise, professional service, creativity, and a passion for achieving your goals.