My First Home Purchase: What I’d Do Differently 10 Years Later

When I bought my first home, I followed the advice in the book Buying A Home: All the Steps You Need to Purchase Your Dream Home, which suggested not focusing too much on surface flaws like wallpaper, old carpets, or worn countertops. Having seen remodels growing up, I was up for DIY projects.

I bought a structurally sound townhouse with hardwood floors, new windows, and a new roof—everything was great except for the outdated decor. The place had 70s and 80s wallpaper, pink carpet, and gold linoleum in the bathroom. The price was affordable, but I quickly learned the true cost of these “minor” cosmetic issues.

Lesson Learned: While I saved money on the purchase, removing wallpaper turned into a much bigger task than expected. After spending countless weekends scraping and painting, I had to hire help to finish the last section. The work was manageable, but I underestimated how long it would take.

What I’d Do Differently:

• Be Realistic About DIY Projects: If you’re eyeing a fixer-upper, be honest about the time and effort involved. Sometimes DIY tasks, like removing wallpaper, take way longer than expected.
• Look for Homes That Require Less Immediate Work: I’d focus on finding a home that I can move into and enjoy right away, rather than diving into a renovation project.

When to Overlook Surface Flaws:

• Cosmetic Updates Are Affordable: Minor fixes like old paint or fixtures can be manageable if you’re prepared for them.
• Strong Structural Integrity: If the home has good bones (roof, plumbing, electrical), surface flaws matter less.
• You Have a Vision: If you’re excited about personalizing the space, outdated finishes can be a fun project.
• Negotiating Power: Outdated features could give you leverage to negotiate a better price.

When Not to Overlook Surface Flaws:

• Hidden Problems: Flaws like wallpaper may hide water damage or other issues that a professional inspection could uncover.
• High Renovation Costs: Some cosmetic updates (like replacing flooring) may end up being more expensive than expected.
• Long-Term Enjoyment: If outdated surfaces would bother you every day, they might affect your overall enjoyment of the home.
• Time and Budget Constraints: Renovations take longer and cost more than you think. Make sure you’re ready for the financial and emotional investment.

Conclusion:

Outdated surfaces aren’t always a deal breaker, but it’s crucial to weigh the time, effort, and potential hidden issues before you dive in. As a first-time buyer, I’d recommend considering the bigger picture: the home’s structure, your renovation goals, and whether you’re truly ready for a DIY project.

#FirstTimeHomebuyer #HomeRenovation #DIYProjects #SurfaceFlaws #RealEstateTips #FixerUpper #HomeBuying #HomeBuyingAdvice #HomeownershipJourney

Contact me if you are interested in buying, selling, renting, or investing in Maryland.

Subscribe to Neighborhood News.

If you liked this post, please subscribe.