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Are “turnkey homes” overrated compared to fixer-uppers?
Not sure what to buy. It seems like move-in-ready homes cost a premium. Are they really worth it? what are you thoughts?
Asked By Julie P | Phoenix, AZ | 11 views | Tips Advice | Updated 1 day ago
Answers (3)
Aaron Sims
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
“Turnkey homes” aren’t overrated, but they do come at a premium because someone else has already done the work, taken the risk, and absorbed the renovation timeline. Whether they’re worth it depends on your goals, your budget, and your tolerance for projects.
Move‑in‑ready homes make sense for buyers who want convenience, predictable costs, and minimal stress. You’re paying for certainty and speed. Fixer‑uppers make sense for buyers who have the time, cash, and patience to renovate — and who want the potential upside of building equity through improvements.
The key is knowing yourself. If you want a smooth transition with no surprises, the premium for turnkey is often justified. If you’re comfortable managing contractors, delays, and unexpected repairs, a fixer‑upper can offer better long‑term value. Neither option is inherently better — it’s about which path aligns with your lifestyle and capacity.
Move‑in‑ready homes make sense for buyers who want convenience, predictable costs, and minimal stress. You’re paying for certainty and speed. Fixer‑uppers make sense for buyers who have the time, cash, and patience to renovate — and who want the potential upside of building equity through improvements.
The key is knowing yourself. If you want a smooth transition with no surprises, the premium for turnkey is often justified. If you’re comfortable managing contractors, delays, and unexpected repairs, a fixer‑upper can offer better long‑term value. Neither option is inherently better — it’s about which path aligns with your lifestyle and capacity.
- 1 day ago
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Robbie Holycross
West USA
Julie, great question.
Move-in-ready homes do cost more, but you’re paying for convenience and no surprise repairs. Fixer-uppers are cheaper upfront, but can get expensive fast once you start renovating.
The biggest thing to base this decision on is how much cash you have saved.
If you’ve got solid reserves, a fixer can be a great way to build equity. If not, move-in-ready is usually the safer route.
Happy to walk through both options with you based on your numbers.
Robbie Holycross
602-935-6959
[email protected]
Move-in-ready homes do cost more, but you’re paying for convenience and no surprise repairs. Fixer-uppers are cheaper upfront, but can get expensive fast once you start renovating.
The biggest thing to base this decision on is how much cash you have saved.
If you’ve got solid reserves, a fixer can be a great way to build equity. If not, move-in-ready is usually the safer route.
Happy to walk through both options with you based on your numbers.
Robbie Holycross
602-935-6959
[email protected]
- 15 hours ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
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Alexis McKenzie
Real Broker LLC
If you want easy and predictable. No immediate repairs or projects, faster move-in (or rent-ready if investing), easier financing and insurance, less stress and fewer surprises than move in ready is for you even if it costs more to start.
When buying a fixer upper you’re buying potential and equity. Lower purchase price, ability to customize, opportunity to force appreciation (especially if done right)
Each client I work with has a different tolerance for repairs, remodeling and renovations. After viewing a few homes we get a sense of their true desires and narrow in on that type of home.
When buying a fixer upper you’re buying potential and equity. Lower purchase price, ability to customize, opportunity to force appreciation (especially if done right)
Each client I work with has a different tolerance for repairs, remodeling and renovations. After viewing a few homes we get a sense of their true desires and narrow in on that type of home.
- 15 hours ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
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