Should You Buy the “Except for . . .” Home?

Imagine finding a home that is perfect in every way, except for one nagging thing. That “thing” might be a smaller kitchen than you want, fewer closets than you need, or flooring that you dislike. Should you buy it anyway? How do you know if you should take a pass? It’s not an easy decision to make and depends on a number of factors.

Trying to answer these questions might help:

• How likely is it that you’ll find another home that better meets your needs?
• Do homes like this one come up often for sale and in the neighborhood you would like?
• How soon do you want to move? (If you’re in a time-crunch you may need to adjust your expectations.)
• Is the “except for…” something that can be fixed, perhaps with a renovation? For example, there are many ways to expand a small kitchen.
• If the home’s shortcoming is fixable, approximately how much will that cost? It might turn out that the improvement is a good investment. Seek guidance from a professional in the appropriate field, i.e. carpenter, plumber, designer
• Can you live with the nagging “thing”, especially when the home is otherwise perfect? Think about how long you plan to be in the home.

It can be tough to work through a decision like this, especially if you’re in a situation where you need to make an offer quickly. If possible go for a second viewing of the property and consult professionals. Call us today for help.