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    7 Real-Life Renovations That Prove You Shouldn’t Overlook Fixer-Uppers

    Don’t overlook that fixer-upper — these makeovers prove you can turn any property into a gem. When you’re looking to buy...

    • Ken Schwartz
    • February 23rd, 2021
    • 5 min read

    Don’t overlook that fixer-upper — these makeovers prove you can turn any property into a gem.

    When you’re looking to buy a home in a heated market with low inventory, you often have to consider properties that wouldn’t normally be on your list. These are the homes that are politely referred to as “fixer-uppers,” encompassing everything from ‘80s time capsules to homes that need a lot of TLC. 

    Though home makeover shows make the process look easy, it’s difficult to see past the aesthetic challenges when you’re looking at the listing (let alone when you’re touring the home in person). If you don’t have a team of designers at your command, the following YouTubers are the next best thing. Each is a real-life homeowner (or design pro) who has renovated, redesigned, or impressively reimagined a property — and reveals what it takes to get to that amazing “after.” 

    Homemade Home

    Great for: Anyone who wants to see a falling-apart home become livable again. 

    This YouTuber has a few renovations under his belt, but his tiny house is the most complete in this series. To say that this home was beyond help is an understatement — but it was a budget-friendly buy at only $12,000 (closing costs included). While the project might be beyond your DIY comfort level, it’s proof that every home has potential. For a more in-depth look at the process, watch through the whole playlist.

    Watch the Channel

    House of Valentina

    Great for: First-time homeowners, suburban home buyers, and anyone facing a dated ‘80s or ‘90s home.

    The focus is on interiors for this makeover, which started with a very-80s home virtually anyone looking in the suburbs will encounter. This YouTuber brought a modern aesthetic that served to highlight the surprisingly good architectural features that you’d never notice underneath all those dated design choices.

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    Alexandra Gater

    Great for: First-time homeowners, getting small space ideas, and those who don’t want to commit to construction. This channel is also great for sellers looking to do their own staging. 

    Even if you’re looking for a much bigger home, there’s something clever to learn from this YouTube design pro’s channel. This 250-square-foot studio makeover is a case study in how to rethink small rooms: Focus on the space's function rather than the type of furniture you’ll bring into the space. See something you particularly like in a room? Alexandra’s makeovers also include a list of everything she bought or used. 

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    Austin Flipsters

    Great for: Curb appeal inspiration, suburban homebuyers, and those who are considering a major renovation.

    The Austin Flipsters channel feels like a mini-HGTV. These pros have dozens of renovations under their belts — and, more importantly, understand the power of video production value. Each video gives you a before-and-after, along with a good explanation of the challenges that came up along the way. If you’re considering houses in need of major TLC, you’ll get a good understanding of how to make it all happen. If you’re watching for fun, you’ll come away with a great “eye” for curb appeal and rethinking floor plans. 

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    William McNeil

    Great for: Old house inspiration, townhouses, and those who gravitate towards a more traditional style.

    From a design perspective, redoing an older home that already has interesting architectural features is a bit easier. The actual challenge? How to incorporate more modern elements without making the interiors feel out of place. William’s DIY renovation of his Victorian home is an excellent example of balancing old and new, resulting in a timeless look. For a closer look at a few key rooms, check out the full playlist. 

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    Kaylah Stroup

    Great for: Old house inspiration on a major (mansion) scale.

    It seems that every town has “that” home: A rambling house that was once grand but fell into disrepair. That’s the home that Kaylah bought, in the form of an 1870s Italianate mansion. Watch along as Kaylah reveals room-by-room before-and-afters, along with fun finds (like a hidden patio). The emphasis is on the renovation, not restoration, and bringing one’s personal style into a space in unexpected ways.

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    BeeNeh Builds

    Great for: First-time homebuyers, suburban homebuyers, and DIY-savvy buyers on a budget.

    The advice of how it’s better to buy the worst house in the best location is true. Yet, the worst house can often have the worst issues. This YouTuber encountered many of the issues a renovation can have: Little to no natural lighting, zero curb appeal, tiny rooms, plumbing issues, and a wall-to-wall carpet that could best be described as “mold green.” This channel goes room-by-room to reveal surprisingly stylish budget-friendly DIYs to all those issues — check out the full playlist to see.

    Watch the Channel

    In the end, what keeps many from purchasing a fixer-upper isn’t necessarily the fact that the home needs work. Instead, it’s the challenge of envisioning what the “after” will be. If these YouTube videos convinced you to consider a fixer-upper, take the next step by starting your home search now. Maybe you’ll even end up starting your own YouTube channel in the process.

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    Fixer-upper or not, if you're thinking about buying a home this spring, let's start your search.

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    About the author

    Ken Schwartz

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    Since 2008, I have been helping clients reach their goals, and doing so in the most professional fashion possible. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California at San Diego in 2008. After working in the field for a short time, I found my true calling in Real Estate. My ability to talk with people and problem solve made real estate a perfect fit for me. I obtained my Real Estate License in 2008 and have worked in the industry ever since. My previous experience includes Property Management and helping clients Buy or Sell their home. In 2012 I received my Real Estate Brokers license and have recently joined the team at CENTURY 21 Affiliated. When I'm not out selling homes, I love spending time with my wife and 4 french bulldogs. I also play in an adult baseball league, which helps fulfill my competitive nature. Having played baseball in high school, it is a great extension to my glory days. Thankfully San Diego has such great weather, we can play year round. My expertise in the San Diego market and the outstanding resources of CENTURY 21 Affiliated give my clients the satisfaction that I can provide them the best quality service out there. A Real Estate transaction can be a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. We do everything we can to make it as smooth as possible, while delivering our clients the best value and helping to build their personal wealth.

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    Ken Schwartz | CA DRE #01854235 | NMLS 2461429

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

    2020 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 800, San Diego CA 92108

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    858-500-2195

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