Why You Should Consider a Fixer Upper

Nobody wants a fixer upper anymore, and that’s why you should consider one 

For a decade, one hyphenated word seemed to reign supreme in real estate: fixer-upper. Thanks to a post-recession market filled with homebuyers who wanted to stretch their down payments—and design shows that glamorized the sweat equity of “demo day”—purchasing a fixer-upper became a commonplace right of passage. But according to a new analysis by Zillow, the popularity of fixer-uppers might be dwindling.

According to an article published by Domino.com, Zillow found that buyers are willing to pay nearly four percent more than expected for a home that is already remodeled—or an additional $13,194 on an ordinary American property. Furthermore, remodeled listings get 26 percent more saves on a daily basis and are shared 30 percent more often between home-hunting partners than similar properties that need work. Amanda Pendleton, Zillow’s home trends expert, has a theory for why some buyers may be less enthusiastic about sledgehammers these days. 

“Buyers who are already stretching their budget to afford a home in today’s market may not be willing or able to spend more on renovations or repairs,” she says in the report. “A remodeled home may come with a higher price tag, but a buyer would get to spread that additional cost over the course of a 30-year mortgage versus paying cash upfront to make similar upgrades themselves.” 

While it’s nice for someone else to have replaced the water heater or patched a few holes in the roof before you arrived, remodels tend to lack the one thing you want when purchasing a fixer upper: personality.

If you remodel your home, you can make it your own, ad your own touches according to your taste, as as Domino.com writes, these are three benefits of a fixer upper, that you don’t get with an already updated home.

1. You Decide What to Keep of the Past

2. You Pick Which Views to Prioritize

3. You Can Impress Your Neighbors

A fixer-upper isn’t just a cost-saving choice—it’s a chance to create a home that reflects your style. Unlike move-in-ready homes, you control the updates, preserving charm while adding modern touches. With the right vision, you can transform potential into the perfect place to call home.