Transforming Potential into Perfection: Is a Fixer-Upper Right for You?

Is a Fixer Upper Right for You? 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. Let’s explore what’s possible and find a place that'll work for you.

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Charming First-Floor Condo in Eastport: Welcome Home to 936 BAY RIDGE AVE #106, Annapolis, MD 21403

Welcome to 936 Bay Ridge Ave #106, a bright and welcoming first-floor condo nestled in the heart of Eastport, Annapolis. Priced attractively at $315,000, this delightful home offers a blend of modern updates and prime location that makes it an irresistible choice for prospective buyers.Step inside to find a freshly repainted interior adorned with updated fixtures, bathroom lights and mirrors, and an enhanced dining area. This condo boasts a thoughtfully designed layout that maximizes space and comfort. The open kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring stainless steel appliances and a convenient breakfast bar perfect for casual meals or entertaining guests.One of the standout features of this condo is its accessibility—#106 is located on the first floor of a secure building, eliminating the hassle of stairs. The ample closet space ensures you have plenty of room for storage, making it easy to keep your living area tidy and organized.Living in Eastport offers a lifestyle filled with convenience and charm. Just steps from your front door are some of Annapolis's best restaurants, cafes, and shopping destinations. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate having a gym right across the street, making it easy to maintain an active lifestyle.For those who love life on the water, local marinas offer the perfect spot to keep your boat. Imagine spending weekends sailing or enjoying water sports just minutes from home. Additionally, the condo is just a quick one-mile walk or bike ride to downtown Historic Annapolis. Here you can immerse yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque waterfront that make Annapolis such a beloved city.Don't miss out on this opportunity to own a piece of Eastport’s charm. With its modern updates, prime location, and attractive price point, 936 Bay Ridge Ave #106 is more than just a home—it’s a lifestyle. Welcome to Eastport!

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Jane Holtz's Earns ABR® Designation

The Jen Holden Group of Compass Celebrates Jane Holtz's Achievement of ABR® Designation The Jen Holden Group of Compass is proud to announce that our amazing teammate, Jane Holtz, has earned the prestigious Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR®) designation from the National Association of Realtors®. This distinction is a testament to Jane's dedication to excellence in real estate and her commitment to providing unparalleled service to her buyer clients. The ABR® designation is awarded to real estate professionals who have demonstrated superior knowledge and skill in representing buyers throughout the home-buying process. With this specialized training, Jane is even better equipped to guide homebuyers through every stage—from initial consultations to negotiations, contracts, and closing. How Jane's ABR® Designation Benefits You as a Buyer: Elevated Expertise: As an ABR® designee, Jane has access to advanced real estate education tailored specifically for buyer's agents. This means she is fully prepared to assist you with even the most complex transactions, ensuring that you have an advocate on your side who understands the nuances of the market and can help you make informed decisions. Up-to-Date Industry Insights: Jane’s ongoing access to exclusive resources, programs, and publications keeps her in-the-know about the latest trends and issues affecting homebuyers. This enables her to offer sound advice based on current market conditions and buyer needs, giving you a strategic advantage in your home search. Tailored Buyer Representation: Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, military family, or looking for your forever home, Jane's ABR® designation provides her with the tools and insights to navigate the process with ease. You can trust her to deliver a seamless experience as she works to protect your interests and achieve your real estate goals. 🌟Why Having a Buyer’s Agent Is Important🌟 When purchasing a home, having a dedicated buyer’s agent like Jane can make all the difference. Unlike a listing agent who works for the seller, a buyer’s agent advocates for your best interests. They help you navigate the complexities of the real estate market, from finding the right property to negotiating favorable terms. They also provide access to crucial resources, such as off-market listings, professional vendor recommendations, and tailored property searches that match your unique needs​(Your-Advocate-at-Every-…). Most importantly, they offer undivided loyalty, reasonable care, and confidentiality throughout the process, ensuring that you are fully supported at every stage. At The Jen Holden Group of Compass, we are committed to offering our clients the highest level of service, and Jane’s ABR® designation is yet another example of how we continually invest in bettering our skills for the benefit of those we serve. Ready to Find Your Dream Home? If you're looking for a buyer's agent who will go above and beyond to ensure your home search is successful, we encourage you to reach out to Jane Holtz today. Her expertise, coupled with her ABR® designation, makes her the perfect partner to help you navigate the ever-evolving real estate market and find the perfect property. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Jane Holtz directly at 443.472.0092 or jane.holtz@compass.com.

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