I'd rather look past the surface and focus on what actually costs money to fix... like plumbing or the roof.
Totally get where you're coming from. It's wild how much people will pay for a "move-in ready" vibe, even if it's just cosmetic. I always wonder—are folks factoring in the real cost of those upgrades, or just getting swept up by the shiny stuff? Paint and fixtures are cheap compared to a new HVAC or foundation work. But then again, not everyone wants to deal with renos, even minor ones. Maybe it's a time vs. money thing? Still, I'd rather know the big-ticket items are solid before worrying about cabinet colors.
Funny, I was just talking to a client about this exact thing last week. They were super excited about the fresh paint and fancy light fixtures, but when we dug deeper, the water heater was ancient and the roof had seen better days. It’s easy to get distracted by the “wow” factor, but those big-ticket repairs can sneak up on you. Personally, I’d rather live with ugly tile for a while if it means not waking up to a leaky ceiling... but I get why not everyone feels that way. Sometimes peace of mind is worth more than pretty finishes.
Couldn’t agree more about the “wow” factor being a distraction. I see buyers get fixated on quartz countertops and trendy lighting, then get blindsided when the inspection turns up $15k worth of roof work. Curious—would you ever take on a house with obvious big-ticket issues if the price was right, or is that just asking for trouble?
Title: Exciting News for Future Homeowners!
Curious—would you ever take on a house with obvious big-ticket issues if the price was right, or is that just asking for trouble?
Honestly, I’ve seen both sides of this play out. A few years back, I had a client who was laser-focused on “good bones” and didn’t care less about the outdated kitchen or the ancient shag carpet. The house needed a new roof and HVAC, but the price was knocked down enough to cover those costs—and then some. They went in with eyes wide open, budgeted for the repairs, and ended up with a place that was solid for decades.
But here’s the catch: you’ve got to be brutally honest about what you’re taking on. If you’re handy or have the resources to manage contractors, it can be a smart move. If not, it can spiral fast. I’ve also seen buyers underestimate costs or timelines, and that’s where the trouble starts.
Chasing the “wow” factor is tempting, but I’d rather see folks invest in structural integrity and systems. Trendy finishes are easy to change—foundation problems, not so much.
Chasing the “wow” factor is tempting, but I’d rather see folks invest in structural integrity and systems.
I get that, but sometimes the “big-ticket” stuff isn’t as scary as it looks. I’ve picked up places with old roofs or HVAC and got solid deals because everyone else ran for the hills. If you know your numbers and have a buffer for surprises, it can work out. The real killer is hidden issues—like bad wiring or foundation cracks you can’t spot right away. Those are the ones that keep me up at night, not just ugly kitchens or worn-out carpet.
