Don't Let an Easy Fix Keep You From Finding the Right Home
Many buyers start their home search looking for the perfect move-in-ready home. They walk into a property and immediately notice what's missing:
- No finished basement
- No outdoor entertaining space
- Outdated paint colors
- Old flooring
- A kitchen that isn't their style
While these concerns may seem like deal breakers, one of the biggest home-buying mistakes is overlooking a home with great potential because of features that can be improved over time.
Whether you're buying a house in Oakland County, creating a home buyer checklist, or deciding between a move-in-ready home and a fixer-upper, it's important to know the difference between an easy fix and a true deal breaker.
As someone who has renovated a 90-year-old home multiple times and helped buyers throughout Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Berkley, Troy, and surrounding communities, I've learned that some things are surprisingly easy to change—and some things are not.
Quick Answer: What Can Be Changed After You Buy a Home?
Generally, buyers should focus first on the things that are difficult or impossible to change:
✔ Location
✔ Neighborhood
✔ School district
✔ Commute
✔ Lot characteristics
Features such as unfinished basements, outdoor living spaces, flooring, paint colors, lighting, and many cosmetic updates can often be improved over time.
The key is learning the difference between a project and a problem.
Easy Fixes That Shouldn't Automatically Eliminate a Home
No Finished Basement?
Many buyers immediately cross a home off their list when they see an unfinished basement.
But an unfinished basement may actually be one of the best examples of buying a home with potential.
A basement can often become:
- A family room
- Home office
- Guest suite
- Home gym
- Playroom
- Entertainment area
The footprint is already there. You're simply deciding how and when to finish it.
No Outdoor Entertaining Space?
One of the most common requests I hear is:
"We want a backyard where we can entertain."
The good news is that patios, decks, fire pits, landscaping, pergolas, and outdoor lighting can often be added later.
Many of these projects offer strong home renovation ROI while allowing homeowners to personalize their space based on how they actually live.
Cosmetic Updates
Paint, flooring, light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and décor can dramatically change how a home feels.
Many buyers searching for house hunting tips are surprised by how much transformation can happen with relatively simple updates.
These items should rarely be the reason you walk away from an otherwise great home.
The Things That Are Much Harder to Change
Does the Neighborhood Feel Right?
This is where I encourage buyers to slow down.
You can renovate a house.
You cannot renovate the neighborhood.
Learning how to choose the right neighborhood is often more important than finding the perfect kitchen or finished basement.
Pay attention to:
- Community feel
- Walkability
- Future development
- Nearby amenities
- Lifestyle fit
These factors affect your daily life long after move-in day.
Does the Commute Work?
A longer commute may not seem like a big deal when you're touring a home.
It feels very different when you're driving it every day.
Location impacts your quality of life in ways many buyers underestimate.
Before buying, think about:
- Daily travel time
- Traffic patterns
- School drop-offs
- Access to shopping and services
- Time spent with family
No renovation project can shorten your commute.
Would the Layout Require Major Structural Changes?
Buyers considering a fixer-upper should carefully evaluate whether changes are cosmetic or structural.
Removing load-bearing walls, relocating staircases, moving kitchens, or dramatically altering a floor plan can quickly become expensive.
The goal isn't to avoid every project.
The goal is understanding whether the home offers manageable opportunities for improvement or requires a major renovation.
Move-In-Ready Home vs. Fixer-Upper: Which Is Better?
One of the most common questions buyers ask is whether they should purchase a move-in-ready home or a home with potential.
The answer depends on your goals.
A move-in-ready home offers convenience and predictability.
A fixer-upper may offer:
- Less competition
- More negotiating opportunities
- Greater customization
- The opportunity to build equity over time
Often, the best choice is the home that has the right location, neighborhood, and lifestyle fit—even if a few improvements are needed along the way.
Kathy's 5-Question Home Buyer Checklist
Before you rule out a home, ask yourself these five questions:
1. Is this a cosmetic issue or a structural issue?
2. Could this be improved over time?
3. Do I love the location?
4. Does the neighborhood fit my lifestyle?
5. Am I focused on today's appearance or long-term potential?
This simple checklist has helped many buyers avoid overlooking homes that eventually became exactly what they were looking for.
My Personal Perspective on Potential
One reason I feel strongly about this topic is because I've lived it. When my husband and I bought our home more than 35 years ago, it was far from perfect.
There was one full bathroom.
The basement was unfinished.
There were holes in walls and ceilings.
The wallpaper didn't even cover the entire wall.
There was even a cement dog track in the backyard.
Many people would have walked away.
But we loved the neighborhood.
We loved the location.
And we could see the potential.
Over the years we've renovated, added on, replaced windows, replaced roofs, removed wallpaper—and eventually added wallpaper back when it became stylish again.
More importantly, we raised our children here.
We loved our schools.
We found a wonderful church community.
And more than 35 years later, I wouldn't change a thing.
That's why I encourage buyers to focus on the things that matter most. Sometimes the perfect home isn't perfect on day one. Sometimes it's a home in the right community, waiting for someone to see what it can become.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is buying a home with potential worth it?
Often, yes. Homes with potential can provide opportunities to customize your space, build equity, and avoid competing for the most turnkey properties. - Should I buy a fixer-upper or a move-in-ready home?
It depends on your budget, timeline, and comfort level with projects. The most important factors are often location, neighborhood, and long-term lifestyle fit. - What home improvements add the most value?
Finished basements, outdoor living spaces, functional layouts, and updated kitchens are often among the home improvements that add value. - How do I choose the right neighborhood?
Focus on schools, commute, amenities, community feel, walkability, and how the area supports your daily lifestyle. - What are the biggest home-buying mistakes to avoid?
One of the biggest home-buying mistakes is focusing on cosmetic imperfections while overlooking location, neighborhood quality, and long-term livability.
Let's Talk About Potential
One of my favorite parts of helping buyers is showing them possibilities they may not immediately see.
A missing patio, unfinished basement, or outdated room isn't always a reason to walk away. Sometimes it's an opportunity.
If you're thinking about buying in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Royal Oak, Berkley, Troy, or anywhere in Oakland County, I'd love to help you determine what's an easy fix—and what's a true deal breaker.
Kathy Remski
@properties | Christie's International Real Estate
Helping buyers see potential, make confident decisions, and find the right fit for their lifestyle.
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