When you're shopping for a home with a limited budget, sometimes the best strategy is to find a home that needs a little TLC at a lower price point. A Fixer Upper! If you can see past surface flaws (paint, flooring, countertops, old appliances and light fixtures, etc), you can save quite a bit of money and then use that extra savings to update your new home and make it your own.
Here's a great example of a home I helped a friend purchase in 2019! I was able to connect her with several of my trusted vendors and contractors!
In this example, she bought a condo for $235K, and had $65K leftover in her budget to do updates to the condo, buy new furniture and go on a vacation! If you have are handy, and have the tools, some of this you can do yourself. But, if not (as in this case), I work with a lot of contractors and can help guide you to the best contractors with the best service at the best price.
One big update, and a very hot trend is LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile). It looks like hardwood but it's much more durable, looks great, easier to install and a lot less expensive!
Before
After
And of course, kitchens are probably the most common focus area when it comes to fixer uppers. New cabinets (or just cabinet facing and pulls), countertops and flooring can completely transform a kitchen into a place you'll love.
Before
After
Another popular trend is barn doors. It's an easy way to make a home more interesting, and also can save space if you have a a cramped room and opening the door is a pain. And they are not terribly difficult to install! My husband has installed THREE now!
You do have to do a lot of shopping to find the right fixer upper, but I can help! If you have an idea of "where" you want to buy, and give me a budget, I can start your search!
