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c/first-time-home-buyersthe_laurathe_laura12d agoMost Upvoted

I finally told my realtor to stop sending me fixer-uppers after she showed me a house with no kitchen floor

Last week my agent showed me a 3 bed 2 bath that was "perfect for a first time buyer." The kitchen literally had plywood for a subfloor. No tile, no vinyl, just exposed wood and staples sticking up. She kept saying "but the bones are good!" I snapped and said I can't afford a $40k reno on top of a down payment. She went quiet for a minute. Then she admitted most of her first time buyer clients end up spending $15k to $25k in repairs within the first year on places like that. Why didn't anyone tell me this upfront? Has anyone else had a realtor push houses that are way more work than they can handle?
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casey342
casey34212d agoTop Commenter
Wait, did you ever check if your realtor gets a bigger commission from sellers of fixer-uppers than move-in ready homes? Those lower list prices mean faster sales and less work for them, so they might be steering you toward stuff that pads their pocket. Have you asked her to show you only houses that have been fully inspected and priced accordingly?
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sanchez.julia
$20 says @casey342's realtor drives a nicer car than hers just off the commissions from pushing fixer-uppers on first-time buyers.
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casey342
casey34212d agoTop Commenter
Nah, I gotta push back a little here. Most agents push fixer-uppers because that's what the buyer's budget can actually afford, not because they're trying to screw you over for a few extra bucks.
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