Plenty of buyers want a house that fits them but cannot afford the finished version in the neighborhood they love. Fix and move in is the middle path: buy a home that needs updating, make it yours, and move in while or after the work is done. You trade some convenience for a home that suits you and may be worth more when you finish.

Who this works for

• Buyers who are comfortable with a bit of mess and a project timeline
• Buyers who want a particular location or lot but not the premium price for a finished house
• Buyers who would rather choose their own finishes than inherit someone else’s

Choose projects that match your tolerance

Paint, flooring, lighting, kitchens and bathrooms are friendly projects for first-time renovators. Roofs, HVAC, plumbing and electrical are bigger jobs but still predictable. Foundation, structure and moisture problems are where we slow people down and bring in a professional opinion before they commit.

Paying for the house and the work

• Renovation loans, including the FHA 203(k) and conventional renovation products, can combine the purchase and repairs into one mortgage
• Cash on hand for repairs after closing, if you have savings
• Seller credits, where a seller agrees to contribute toward closing costs or repairs, subject to lender limits

Talk to Nil about approved lenders, and never count on a program or a credit until your lender confirms it in writing.

Plan the living situation

Decide before you buy whether you will live in the house during the work. Living through a kitchen remodel is possible, but it is easier when you have a second bathroom, a place to cook, and a contractor who works on a schedule. Ask for the schedule in writing.

How we help

We walk the house with you, estimate repairs, connect you with licensed contractors, and write an offer that makes sense for the condition. We help buyers across Atlanta, Brookhaven, Decatur, Duluth, Ellenwood, Griffin, Hampton, Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Locust Grove, McDonough, Norcross, Snellville, Stockbridge, Stone Mountain and Tucker.

Nil Patel is a licensed Georgia real estate salesperson with Keller Williams Realty Atlanta Partners. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and nothing here is a commitment to lend. Talk to a lender and a real estate attorney about your own situation.