Looking to buy a home but feeling like almost everything is out of reach? Here’s the thing. There’s still a way to become a homeowner, even when affordability seems like a huge roadblock – and it might be with a fixer upper. Let’s dive into why buying a fixer upper could be your ticket to homeownership and how you can make it work.

What Is a Fixer Upper?

A fixer upper is a home that’s in livable condition but needs some work. The amount of work varies by home – some may need cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring, while others might require more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing.

Because they need some elbow grease, these homes typically have a lower price point, based on local market value. In fact, a survey from StorageCafe explains that fixer uppers generally cost about 29% less than move-in-ready homes.

And that’s why, according to a recent survey, more buyers are considering homes that need a little extra work right now (see below):

If you’re looking for an option to get your foot in the door, and you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do a bit of work, a house with untapped potential may be a good option.

Tips for Buying a Home That Needs Some Work

Before you buy a home that may need a makeover, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Choose a Good Location: You can repair a house, but you can’t change where it is. Make sure the home is in a neighborhood you like or one with increasing property values and a growing number of local amenities. This way, even after you spend money fixing it up, the house will be worth more later.
• Budget for Surprises: Fixing up a house can take more time and money than you might think. Make sure you save room in your budget for unexpected repairs or other unknowns that might come up while you’re working on the house.
• Get a Home Inspection: Before you buy, hire an inspector to check out the house. They’ll help you determine the necessary repairs, so you don’t end up with expensive surprises later.
• Plan Your Priorities: When deciding what to tackle first, it helps to categorize your goals. Think of your home in three ways: the must-haves (essential repairs), the nice-to-haves (upgrades that would make life easier), and the dream-state features (luxuries you can add later). This will help you prioritize and stick to your budget.

Remember, the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it. By starting with a fixer upper, you have the opportunity to customize a home to your liking while saving money on the initial purchase price. With careful planning, budgeting, and a little bit of vision, you can turn a house that needs some love into your perfect home. 

Real estate agents are great at finding homes with potential. They know the local market and can guide you to homes where smart upgrades can add value. With their help, you’re more likely to find a house that fits your total budget and has room for worthwhile improvements.

Bottom Line

In today’s market, where the cost of homeownership can be intimidating, finding a move-in-ready home that fits your budget can feel like a real challenge. But if you’re open to putting in a little work, you can transform a fixer upper into your ideal home over time. A local real estate agent can help you explore what’s possible and find a place that’ll work for you.

Did you know? Homeowners are often able to put more money down when they buy their next home. That’s because, once they sell, they can use the equity they have in their current house toward their next down payment. And it’s why as home equity reaches a new height, the median down payment has too.

According to the latest data from Redfin, the typical down payment for U.S. homebuyers is $67,500—that’s nearly 15% more than last year, and the highest on record (see graph below):

Here’s why equity makes this possible. Over the past five years, home prices have increased significantly, which has led to a big boost in equity for current homeowners like you. When you sell your house and move, you can take the equity that gives you and apply it toward a larger down payment on your new home. That’s a major opportunity, especially if you’ve had concerns about affordability.

Now, it’s important to remember you don’t have to make a big down payment to buy your next home—there are loan programs that let you put as little as 3%, or even 0% down. But there’s a reason so many current homeowners are opting to put more money down. That’s because it comes with some serious perks.

Why a Bigger Down Payment Can Be a Game Changer

1. You’ll Borrow Less and Save More in the Long Run

When you use your equity to make a bigger down payment on your next home, you won’t have to borrow as much. And the less you borrow, the less you’ll pay in interest over the life of your loan. That’s money saved in your pocket for years to come.

2. You Could Get a Lower Mortgage Rate

Providing a larger down payment shows your lender you’re more financially stable and not a large credit risk. The more confident your lender is in your credit score and your ability to pay your loan, the lower the mortgage rate they’ll likely be willing to give you. And that amplifies your savings.

3. Your Monthly Payments Could Be Lower

A bigger down payment doesn’t just help you reduce how much you have to borrow—it also means your monthly mortgage payment may be smaller. That can make your next home more affordable and give you a bit more breathing room in your budget.

4. You Can Skip Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you can put down 20% or more, you can avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which is an added cost many buyers have to pay if their down payment isn’t as large. Freddie Mac explains it like this:

“For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI is an added insurance policy for homeowners that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. It is not the same thing as homeowner’s insurance. It’s a monthly fee, rolled into your mortgage payment, that’s required if you make a down payment less than 20%.”

Avoiding PMI means you’ll have one less expense to worry about each month, which is a nice bonus.

Bottom Line

Down payments are at a record high, largely because recent equity gains are putting homeowners in a position to put more money down.

If you’re thinking about selling your current house and moving, reach out to a trusted real estate agent. They’ll help you figure out how much home equity you have right now, and how it can boost your buying power in today’s market.

Some Highlights

• Affordability is based on three key factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.
• And today, it’s improving quickly as rates come down, prices level off, and wages climb. 
• If you put your search on pause because it was too expensive to buy, connect with an agent to talk about why now may be the perfect time to jump back in.