With Inventory Low: Will Your Dream Home Need Some TLC?

According to a new survey from Move.com, the wave of first-time homebuyers hitting the market this summer has resulted in an interesting statistic. Nearly 60% of buyers searching for a home this spring are willing to consider buying a fixer-upper, with 95% believing that the projects needed will increase their new home’s value!
Realtor.com’s Chief Economist, Danielle Hale, pointed to low-inventory at the entry-level price range for the increase in willingness to renovate.
“The combination of rising home prices and limited entry-level homes for sale is prompting many home shoppers to consider homes that need renovating.
Replete with inspiration at their fingertips – like Pinterest, Instagram, and various home renovation TV shows – some home shoppers are comfortable tackling home renovation jobs to find a home that balances their needs with their budget.”
Just over half of all respondents who said they would be willing to buy a home in need of some TLC, would also spend more $20,000 to make the home fit their needs.
The most common ‘expected’ renovation is a kitchen remodel which can run anywhere from $22,000 for a minor remodel to $66,000 for a major remodel.
This isn’t a new trend by any means. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, home improvement project spending reached a new high in 2018.
“Americans spent $336.9 billion on remodeling projects, up 7.4% from the $313.6 billion a year earlier.”
Home renovation television shows have given many buyers hope that they could renovate a home they can afford into their dream home!
Bottom Line
If you are one of the many Americans considering buying a home this spring, let’s get together to help you find a house with the potential to be your dream home!
Forecast Signals Confident Buyers, Steady Prices by Late-2025
Slide 1 Total home sales in 2025 are forecast at 4.74 million units. Slide 2 Mortgage rates expected to finish 2025 at 6.5%, dipping to 6.1% by 2026. Slide 3 Forecast revisions are modest, keeping housing sales stable despite economic uncertainties. Slide 4 Fannie Mae...
Multifamily Housing Starts Surge 21% in Q2 2025
Multifamily housing starts reached 109K units in Q2 2025, with 102,000 built-for-rent, ↑ 21% yearly. Rental units made up 94% of multifamily starts, far above the long-term avg of 80% and the historical low of 47% during the 2005 condo boom. Condo construction starts...
The 8 best real estate markets in the country right now
WalletHub ranked 300 U.S. cities to identify the strongest housing markets in 2025, considering factors like home-price appreciation, foreclosure rates, affordability, job growth, and new home construction. With rising mortgage rates and a seller-friendly market,...
Are 2027 Trends Favoring Long-Term Gains?
Home prices are projected to rise 4% in 2027, reaching 10.8% cumulative growth since 2024. Experts forecast continued moderate gains in 2027, following slower increases in 2025 and 2026.
Utah: Hottest Spots for New Home Builds
Utah is one of the top states in the country for new home builds. Utah ranks No. 4 nationally, building 18.6 new homes per 1,000 existing.
Utah: Among States With High Home Values by 2030
Slide 1: "Utah’s Silicon Slopes drive home prices toward $673K by 2030." Slide 2: Limited housing and zoning challenges keep prices rising fast."
4 Smart Ways To Find a Reliable Real Estate Agent
Homebuyers and sellers can benefit from working with reliable real estate agents, as 89% of recent homebuyers chose to do so. To find a trustworthy agent, consider these strategies: 1. Research recent property sales in your area to identify active agents. 2. Call...
5-Year Forecast Favors Buying Over Renting
Buying isn’t just a home — it’s a wealth-building move for your future. Example: Buy a $300K home with 5% down = $82K equity in 5 years.
Do New Roofs Save Money and Energy?
Impact-resistant shingles and metal roofs extend roof life while safeguarding against costly storm damage. Solar-compatible roofs allow easier renewable energy adoption, even for homeowners not installing panels yet. Cool roofing systems lower household cooling bills...
Smart Steps to Buy Your First Home
Start with patience, flexibility, and assembling a trustworthy Real Estate team from day one. Work with a reliable realtor to avoid rushed or financially risky buying decisions. Compare lenders to find strong pre-approval options, like a pre-underwritten mortgage....