There was a time when people bought a starter home, boosted the property value, and then upgraded later. Now? That’s not really how things work anymore. Nowadays, prices are high, interest rates are unpredictable, and most buyers don’t want to go through the home-buying process twice if they don’t have to.
But what happens when the forever home isn’t in the budget? Or just isn’t available? That’s where the “good enough” house comes in. Maybe it’s not the dream home, but it’s in the right location, has potential, and makes financial sense. Sure, this is usually what starter homes are, they’re usually just “good enough”.
Now, at the same time, it’s easy to convince yourself that a house is right when it really isn’t. Before signing on the dotted line, ask the tough questions, because a bad decision now can turn into years of frustration (or a renovation bill that makes you cry in Home Depot).
Can this House Actually Grow with You?
Okay, sure, some compromises are manageable, and some are a future nightmare waiting to happen. For example; a slightly outdated kitchen? Well, that’s not a dealbreaker. But a house that barely works for your needs right now? That’s a problem.
So, just think long-term. Will the layout still make sense in five years? Is there room for a growing family, a home office, or whatever else life throws your way? Yes, some things can’t be fixed, like a tiny yard, a weird layout, or a lack of storage. If the house is already feeling too tight, too awkward, or too inconvenient, it’s only going to get worse over time.
How Much will it Actually Cost to Make it Work?
The phrase “we can just update it later” is a slippery slope. Well, it can be, and yeah, it can be an expensive one too. Sure, painting some walls and swapping out light fixtures is easy enough. But what about major updates? Well, those can drain the bank account fast.
If the house needs a full kitchen remodel, new bathrooms, or layout changes, those costs add up quickly. While yes, a house that seems affordable now can turn into a money pit if renovations spiral out of control. So, ideally, before committing, it’s smart to talk to a residential architect who can break down what’s doable, what’s expensive, and what’s just flat-out unrealistic. Plus, you can work with them to create your dream home with that house anyway.
Is the Location Worth the Compromises?
Sure, a house can be remodeled, upgraded, and completely transformed, but the location is permanent (unless it’s a tiny home or some sort of mobile home of course). If the house is just okay, the location needs to make up for it. A great neighborhood, good schools, short commutes, and walkability can make an imperfect house totally worth it.
But if the commute is brutal, the schools aren’t great, or the area doesn’t feel right, no amount of home improvement will change that. To sum it up; the location has to work, or the whole thing isn’t worth the hassle.
Will It Be a Nightmare to Sell Later?
This might be a surprising question, right? But buying a not-quite-dream-home means there’s a good chance it won’t be your last house. If that’s the case, it needs to have strong resale potential.
Just go ahead and look at what’s happening in the neighborhood. Are home values going up? Do houses sit on the market forever? Does this house have weird features that could scare off future buyers? Even if the goal is to stay put for a while, it’s smart to think about how hard it would be to sell if plans ever change.
