Congratulations; you’re finally ready to take the big leap into homeownership! Whether you’re leaving behind roommates, rental rules, or your childhood bedroom, stepping into your first home is a milestone that deserves to be celebrated.
But before you go under contract, seal the deal, and finally get the keys, you’ve got to find the home that’s perfect for you. As you scroll on listing sites or peruse with a realtor, there’s a crucial question you need an answer to: Do you buy a fixer-upper and make it your own, or go for the convenience of a move-in-ready home?
This decision isn’t just about paint colors and price tags. If you’re wondering, “Is it better to renovate or build new?” the answer depends on your goals—and the good news is, either can be the right choice with the right plan.
It’s about your lifestyle, budget, vision, and (most importantly) how much time and energy you’re willing to invest in the place you’ll call your first home.
What makes the most sense long-term? We’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons.
Buying a Fixer-Upper as a First House: Customization and Equity
There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a “before” into an unforgettable “after.” When buying a fixer-upper, you often pay a lower purchase price for a home with potential.
However, that fixer-upper “potential” can come with its own unique rewards and risks. We’ll break down the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper. Whether you’re buying a fixer upper house for the charm, the potential, or the lower upfront costs, there’s a lot to consider before signing on the dotted line.
Pro: Lower Upfront Costs & Quicker Equity Building Potential
Fixer-uppers tend to cost less per square foot than move-in-ready homes, which means you may be able to afford a larger space or a home in your dream neighborhood – which might not be possible with a new build or turnkey option.
If you’re looking for a certain number of bedrooms or to buy in a coveted, convenient location, your financial barrier to entry may be lower with a fixer-upper.
You also have the opportunity to build equity faster—especially if you’re smart about low-cost upgrades and sweat equity.
Pro: Renovating Allows You To Design Your Dream
One of the biggest appeals to buying a fixer-upper? Being able to look at your home as a canvas with endless personalization potential. Buying a fixer-upper gives you the freedom to truly make the space your own.
Whether reimagining the floor plan, scrapping the old landscaping, redoing the bathroom, reflooring, or creating a custom kitchen, you can personalize every corner to your tastes.
Do you love a vintage vibe? You can preserve the old-school elements you love about your new home while modernizing where you see fit to create a truly one-of-a-kind vibe.
Con: Potential For Unexpected Costs to Arise
Yes, renovating is rewarding. But it’s not all HGTV montages. Even after a thorough home inspection, hidden renovation costs can crop up fast.
Older homes can be prone to issues like outdated wiring, foundation issues, or plumbing surprises, requiring even the most experienced and motivated DIY-ers to call in (and pay) the pros.
Con: Living in a Construction Zone
Having part of your home under construction might not seem like a big issue–until you’re experiencing it firsthand. Remodels to high-use areas like bathrooms and kitchens can be incredibly inconvenient–and make your home feel unusable.
Additionally, watching your renovation’s progress in real-time is incredible, but it’s not necessarily conducive to relaxation. Looking over to see an in-progress remodeling project while you’re trying to unwind might take its toll, and living in your home while progress is underway can be both physically and emotionally draining. These issues can compound if you’re working on a tight schedule or budget.
Con: Major Structural Changes Require Permit Fees
Yes, you can save money upfront when choosing a fixer-upper. However, for some projects, you’ll have to go through permitting.
When buying a fixer-upper, you should carefully consider whether the changes needed are cosmetic or structural.
Projects like painting, redoing backsplash, or refinishing floors usually don’t need permitting–unless you’re in a historical home.
But any significant structural change (like removing walls or adding rooms, electrical work, or plumbing work will likely require a permit. Permits typically have an attached financial cost and also require you to submit plans for approval.
Remember that there’s a financial implication here, too. You must pay for labor, materials, and permit fees if significant structural changes or repairs are needed.
Con: Financing a Fixer-Upper Can be Complicated
Financing a fixer-upper might be more complicated, too. You could need a renovation loan to cover both the purchase of your home and improvements–and foreseeing and anticipating overall costs before diving in could be complicated.
The bottom line? A fixer-upper offers flexibility and long-term value — but only if you’re ready for the commitment.
Move-In-Ready Homes: Convenience Comes at a Premium
Pro: You’re All-Clear to Move In and Make it Yours
A move-in-ready home might be the right call if your vision of your dream home includes unpacking boxes and settling in on day one.
Move-in-ready properties are updated, clean, and immediately livable—no contractors or construction zones in sight. Since there aren’t major renovations, you can work on settling in and making your place your own. Heck– if you buy new or like what the previous owners had in place, you might not even have to paint!
If you’re managing work, wrangling kids, or just not up for the disruption of a remodel, the ability to move right in — without needing renovation loans or construction plans —can offer peace of mind.
Pro: Less Potential for Financial Surprises
Surprises can always happen after closing day. But when you buy a move-in-ready home, you’re stepping into an updated space regarding finishes, appliances, and essential repairs.
That means you’re far less likely to uncover expensive (and permit-required) surprises after closing — like a roof that needs replacing or outdated electrical work.
With most big-ticket items already handled, you can breathe easier knowing that it is less likely unexpected repair costs will be eating into your budget anytime soon.
Pro: Financing Can Be Easier
Securing financing for a move-in-ready home is often more straightforward than fixer-uppers, which may not meet lender requirements if they’re in poor condition. Financing ease can make a big difference if you’re on a tight purchasing timeline or are juggling other life priorities.
Con: Higher Purchase Prices
While you’ll save on renovation costs upfront, a move-in-ready home may stretch your budget at purchase more than a fixer-upper. When buying a move-in-ready home, you’re essentially paying for the finished product, meaning that added value is reflected in the listing price.
In short, all that convenience usually comes at a cost. Move-in-ready homes, whether newly built or lovingly kept, tend to carry a premium price tag because someone else has already invested in updates and improvements–which means you don’t have to!
Con: More Compromises & A Longer Wait to Customize
When your home is in good shape at move-in, there’s less room (and need) to transform your space into the mirror image of your Pinterest board — at least right away. You may love the layout but feel lukewarm (or even hate) the countertops or flooring.
But that’s part of the trade-off: you get a turnkey experience, but you might have to live with finishes that aren’t quite your style.
And redoing them immediately after closing can be a financial stretch, especially after covering your down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses.
Con: Lower Short-Term Equity Potential
Because a move-in-ready home is either new or has already undergone improvements, you may have less room to build sweat equity immediately.
With limited renovation opportunities, you rely more on market appreciation to grow your home’s value.
Unless the market moves in your favor, your short-term equity gains may be slower than someone who adds value through upgrades and repairs.
Ultimately, choosing a move-in-ready home is likely for you if you value time, peace of mind, and predictability — as long as the higher upfront cost works with your overall goals.
Smart Tips & Affordable Upgrades for First-Time Homeowners
Before You Buy, Think Through Your Space Needs
Before you submit your bid or undertake a major renovation, it’s worth pausing to consider how big of a house you really need.
While many folks think bigger is better, a smaller space, done well, offers everything you need without the added expense.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cheap Home Renovations
Whether you’re transforming a fixer-upper or just want to refresh your move-in-ready space, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to personalize your home.
Even cheap renovations—like a coat of paint or updating your cabinet hardware—can dramatically change the vibe of your space. For quick fixes, try upgraded light fixtures or a peel-and-stick backsplash, which can make a space feel all yours and completely transform it — even if just for the short term.
Start Small and Work in Manageable Increments
It’s great to have ambition and vision – but tackling too much at once can be stressful, whether buying a fixer-upper house or going with a move-in-ready home.
Instead of trying to do it all at once, give yourself some space and time to settle into the space. Get familiar with how you’ll use your home.
From there, focusing on one room at a time can help you manage costs, stay organized, and keep the updating process feeling less like a chore and more like a hobby.
This thoughtful, long-term, room-by-room approach is one of the most inexpensive ways to build a home that reflects your style without blowing your budget.
Don’t Be Afraid to Reuse, Repurpose, or Reinvent
Your wallet – and the planet – will love this tip! Don’t underestimate the power of getting creative or reusing or repurposing materials.
Whether thrifted hardware, salvaged wood, and other secondhand finds (like furniture and decor) – there are endless ways to add character and stretch your budget further when you don’t buy new.
Go With Budget-Friendly Furnishings Designed to Endure
No matter which path you choose — fixer-upper or move-in ready — your house won’t feel like home until it’s furnished with comfort and personality. And let’s be honest: if you’re trading in apartment life for a larger footprint, furnishing a first home from scratch can get expensive fast.
That’s where CORT Furniture Outlet comes in. We offer high-quality, stylish furniture and decor for every room — including outdoor living spaces — at reasonable prices. CORT’s furniture is curated by an in-house Product Development Team that attends design shows and tracks current trends, so you’ll find stylish, on-trend pieces that still feel timeless. Whether your style leans modern, cozy, or classic, CORT’s mix-and-match selections help you create a Pinterest-worthy, cohesive, lived-in look — without the showroom prices.
Our pieces are built to CORT Construction Standards™, meaning they’re designed for durability, cleanability, and longevity—even after multiple uses. Whether you’re furnishing your first apartment or a long-term home, it’s furniture you can trust to hold up.
Choose from new and previously leased furniture, all professionally cleaned and ready to make your space shine.
CORT’s circular model—Rent, Return, Refurbish, Reuse, Repeat, Buy—keeps 95% of products out of landfills and extends the life of every piece. So, while creating a home you love, you’re also helping the planet.
With us, it’s easy to stretch your budget while still getting your desired look. From curated collections to one-of-a-kind statement pieces, you’ll find everything you need to create a space that truly feels like yours.
CORT Furniture Outlet: Your Go-To For First-Home Furniture
Fixer-upper or move-in ready, the furniture and decor you put in make it feel like you. With CORT Clean Certified™ processes in place, you can trust that everything—from sofas to mattresses—has been professionally cleaned and sanitized before it ever reaches your space. That peace of mind is part of what sets CORT Furniture Outlet apart.
With us, you don’t have to wait for your dream furniture — or overpay for it. You’ll find affordable, well-made pieces that let you save where it counts and splurge where it matters.
Whether you’re remodeling room by room or unpacking into perfection, CORT Furniture Outlet helps you bring your vision to life—indoors and out.
Shop our outlet selection online or at your local showroom today and start building your dream home, one beautiful (and budget-friendly) piece at a time.
