Money Moves with Michael

The Fixer-Upper Rabbit Hole (Why "Just Needs a Little Work" Costs More Than You Think)


Listen Later

In today’s episode, Michael breaks down the real truth about fixer-upper homes—without the HGTV sugarcoating. If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll buy something cheap and fix it up for a great deal,” this episode could save you tens of thousands of dollars and months of frustration.

Michael explains why renovations often cost more, take longer, and why living in a construction zone is one of the most underestimated stressors for homebuyers. He also walks through when a fixer-upper does make financial sense—and when you should walk away and choose move-in ready instead.

Whether you're a first-time buyer, a DIY optimist, or someone curious about taking on a project property, this episode will give you a realistic, numbers-driven perspective!

Key Takeaways

  1. Renovations Always Cost More Than You Expect
  2. Renovations Always Take Longer Than You Plan
  3. Living in a Construction Zone is Miserable
  4. Michael’s Advice for Most First-Time Buyers

    Move-in ready (or close to it) is almost always the smarter—and calmer—choice. Save the major fixer-upper for your second or third home when you have more experience and financial cushioning.

    Next Episode Preview

    Finding Houses Online Like a Pro (The Search Strategy That Saves You Weeks)
    Michael breaks down how to evaluate homes, what photos don’t show, and the deal-breakers that can cost you big.

    Connect with Michael

    Have questions about fixer-uppers or want help running the numbers?
    Reach out anytime — Michael and his team are here to guide you.

    This podcast is hosted by ZenCast.fm

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Money Moves with MichaelBy Michael Fornerette