{"id":1320,"date":"2022-05-23T02:09:00","date_gmt":"2022-05-23T02:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/?p=1320"},"modified":"2026-05-28T14:59:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T14:59:04","slug":"2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/","title":{"rendered":"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"rl-page rl-page-lrg\">\n<div class=\"rl-wrap\">\n<header class=\"rl-hero\">\n<div class=\"rl-eyebrow\">Decision \u00b7 Guide<\/div>\n<h1>Move In Ready Vs Fixer Upper Which Is The Better Fit<\/h1>\n<p><a class=\"rl-cta-primary\" href=\"\/lrg-blog\/connect-with-lrg\/?ref=move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit\">Connect with LRG \u2192<\/a><br \/>\n<\/header>\n<nav aria-label=\"Jump to section\" class=\"rl-jump-nav\">\n<a href=\"#what-actually-separates-a-fixer-upper-from-move-in-ready\">What Actually Separates a Fixer-Upper From Move-In Ready?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#the-real-trade-offs-of-buying-move-in-ready\">The Real Trade-Offs of Buying Move-In Ready<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#the-biggest-myth-about-fixer-upper-savings\">The Biggest Myth About Fixer-Upper Savings<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#is-the-move-in-ready-premium-worth-it\">Is the Move-In Ready Premium Worth It?<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"#faqs\">FAQs<\/a><br \/>\n<\/nav>\n<p>Move-in ready homes cost more upfront but typically save buyers money over the first five years of ownership. Fixer-uppers sell for 20-30% below comparable renovated properties, yet renovation budgets routinely exceed initial estimates by 15-25%. The real decision comes down to your timeline, cash reserves, and tolerance for living in a construction zone while costs climb.<\/p>\n<div class=\"rl-quick-grid\">\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>Move-In Ready at a Glance<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Key advantage:<\/strong> No renovation timeline, no contractor bids, no surprise structural issues. You close, you move in, you&#8217;re done.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best suited for:<\/strong> Buyers on tight relocation deadlines, those using VA loans with strict appraisal requirements, or anyone who values predictable monthly costs from day one.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch for:<\/strong> Higher purchase price per square foot (typically 20-30% above comparable fixer-uppers in the same ZIP) and less room to negotiate below list.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bottom line:<\/strong> If your total budget tolerance is the purchase price with no five-figure surprise buffer, move-in ready removes the financial uncertainty that sinks roughly 1 in 5 renovation budgets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>Fixer-Upper at a Glance<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Key advantage:<\/strong> Purchase prices typically run 15-25% below comparable move-in ready homes in the same neighborhood, lowering your entry point significantly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Best suited for:<\/strong> Buyers with a flexible move-in timeline (6+ months), contractor access or DIY skills, and a separate renovation reserve beyond the mortgage.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch for:<\/strong> Scope creep once walls open up. Electrical, plumbing, and foundation surprises average $12,000-$18,000 above initial contractor estimates on older homes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bottom line:<\/strong> Fixer-uppers build forced equity fastest when total acquisition plus renovation stays under 80% of the finished comparable value, a margin that requires accurate pre-purchase inspections, not optimistic math.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>When Move-In Ready Wins<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ideal scenario:<\/strong> Buyers relocating on a job start date or PCS orders within 60 days rarely have runway to manage a renovation that stretches past closing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Financial trigger:<\/strong> Carrying a mortgage plus temporary housing during a 3-4 month renovation adds $4,000-$8,000 in duplicate costs most buyers underestimate at offer time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Timeline factor:<\/strong> Contractors in competitive markets currently book 8-12 weeks out before work begins, pushing total project completion past five months from closing.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Main takeaway:<\/strong> If your available move-in window is under 90 days and you lack a free place to stay during construction, the premium for turnkey typically costs less than the carrying expenses of waiting.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"rl-quick-card\">\n<h3>When a Fixer-Upper Wins<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ideal scenario:<\/strong> You have 6+ months before you need to occupy, a general contractor you trust, and tolerance for decisions that change weekly during construction.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Financial trigger:<\/strong> When comparable move-in ready homes sell at 25% or more above the fixer-upper&#8217;s list price, renovation math starts favoring the lower-cost entry point.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Timeline factor:<\/strong> Buyers with flexible lease terms or family housing available during a 4-to-8-month renovation avoid the double-payment trap that erodes savings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Main takeaway:<\/strong> Fixer-uppers return the most value in kitchens and bathrooms, where $40,000 in upgrades can add $60,000 to $70,000 in appraisal value on a median-priced home.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<details>\n<summary>What is the biggest lie about fixer-uppers?<\/summary>\n<p>The biggest lie is that renovation costs stay on budget. Most fixer-upper projects run 20-30% over initial estimates because hidden problems like outdated wiring, plumbing failures, or structural damage only surface once work begins, making the final price far less predictable than a move-in ready home.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Are move-in ready homes worth it?<\/summary>\n<p>Move-in ready homes are worth it when you value cost certainty and need to move on a tight deadline. You typically pay more per square foot than a fixer-upper, but you skip renovation surprises, contractor delays, and the budget overruns that commonly push fixer-upper costs 10-20% beyond initial estimates.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Which is the better fit: a move-in ready home or a fixer-upper?<\/summary>\n<p>Fixer-uppers cost less upfront and offer an affordable entry into desirable neighborhoods, but require more time, effort, and unexpected repair costs. Move-in ready homes give you cost certainty and immediate livability, making them the better fit if you&#8217;re on a tight timeline or want fewer surprises.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<section class=\"rl-bluf\">\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line-up-front\">The Bottom Line Up Front<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Move-in ready homes cost more upfront but deliver predictable budgets and immediate livability. Fixer-uppers typically save 10-15% on purchase price yet carry renovation risk that routinely pushes final costs 20-30% beyond initial estimates. The right choice depends on your timeline, available cash reserves, and tolerance for months of construction disruption. Neither option is universally better.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Nationally, fixer-uppers sell for roughly 8-15% below comparable move-in ready homes in the same neighborhood. But renovation budgets on homes built before 1980 average $47,000 according to HomeAdvisor data, and 60% of buyers exceed that number. Move-in ready buyers pay a premium but avoid permit delays, contractor scheduling gaps, and the carrying costs of living elsewhere during work. Buyers with VA renovation loans or FHA 203(k) financing can roll rehab costs into the mortgage, which changes the math significantly for those who qualify.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bullet-section-gray\">\n<ul>\n<li>Fixer-uppers list 8-15% below move-in ready homes but renovation overruns erase that gap in most cases<\/li>\n<li>Move-in ready buyers avoid 3-6 months of renovation timelines, permit delays, and temporary housing costs<\/li>\n<li>VA renovation loans and FHA 203(k) let qualified buyers finance rehab costs into a single mortgage<\/li>\n<li>Homes built before 1980 carry higher renovation risk from outdated wiring, lead paint, and asbestos<\/li>\n<li>Your timeline matters most: fixer-uppers suit buyers with 6+ months before they need to move in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rl-section\">\n<h2 id=\"what-actually-separates-a-fixer-upper-from-move-in-ready\">What Actually Separates a Fixer-Upper From Move-In Ready?<\/h2>\n<p>The difference comes down to how much work stands between closing day and actually living comfortably in the house. A move-in ready home has functional major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical), updated finishes, and passes inspection without repair requests. A fixer-upper needs meaningful work on one or more of those categories before it feels like home.<\/p>\n<p>The labels aren&#8217;t binary, though. A house listed as move-in ready might still have outdated bathrooms or a 15-year-old water heater. A fixer-upper might only need cosmetic updates (paint, flooring, landscaping) or it might need a full gut renovation with structural repairs. The price gap between the two categories in the same neighborhood typically runs 15% to 30%, but the actual renovation cost determines whether that discount is a deal or a trap. Sellers price fixer-uppers lower because buyers factor in repair budgets, carrying costs during renovation, and the risk of surprises behind the walls.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Category<\/th>\n<th>Move-In Ready<\/th>\n<th>Fixer-Upper<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Purchase price vs. neighborhood median<\/td>\n<td>At or above median<\/td>\n<td>15%\u201330% below median<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Timeline to occupancy<\/td>\n<td>Immediate (close and move in)<\/td>\n<td>2\u20138 months post-close for renovations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Upfront renovation budget<\/td>\n<td>$0\u2013$5,000 (minor cosmetic)<\/td>\n<td>$20,000\u2013$100,000+ depending on scope<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Inspection surprises<\/td>\n<td>Low risk, systems recently updated<\/td>\n<td>Higher risk (hidden water damage, outdated wiring, foundation cracks)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Financing complexity<\/td>\n<td>Standard mortgage approval<\/td>\n<td>May require renovation loan (FHA 203k, conventional reno) or cash reserves<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Equity position at close<\/td>\n<td>Market value, minimal instant equity<\/td>\n<td>Potential forced appreciation if reno cost &lt; value added<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Carrying costs during work<\/td>\n<td>Mortgage only<\/td>\n<td>Mortgage + rent elsewhere or living in construction<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>A buyer purchasing a $280,000 fixer-upper in a neighborhood where move-in ready comps sell at $350,000 looks smart on paper. But if the renovation runs $90,000 and takes six months (plus $9,000 in rent while the work happens), the total cost hits $379,000. The discount only works when the renovation scope is predictable and the budget has a 15%\u201320% contingency built in.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rl-section\">\n<h2 id=\"the-real-trade-offs-of-buying-move-in-ready\">The Real Trade-Offs of Buying Move-In Ready<\/h2>\n<p>Move-in ready homes eliminate renovation risk, but they come with trade-offs most buyers underestimate until they&#8217;re deep into the search. The premium you pay for updated systems and finishes means less budget for location, lot size, or square footage. Comparing a $350,000 move-in ready listing to a $280,000 fixer without factoring in the full cost picture on both sides leads to poor decisions.<\/p>\n<p>The biggest misconception is that move-in ready means no compromises. In most markets, you&#8217;re choosing between a smaller updated home or a larger dated one at the same price point. Buyers in the $300,000 to $400,000 range face this constantly: a 1,400-square-foot renovated home versus an 1,800-square-foot home needing $40,000 to $60,000 in work. There&#8217;s also the competition factor. Move-in ready homes in desirable neighborhoods attract multiple offers, pushing final sale prices 3% to 5% above list price. Fixer-uppers in those same areas often sit longer, giving buyers leverage to negotiate below asking or secure seller credits.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Factor<\/th>\n<th>Move-In Ready<\/th>\n<th>What You Give Up<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Purchase price<\/td>\n<td>20-30% premium over comparable fixer<\/td>\n<td>Budget for better location or more space<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Equity growth<\/td>\n<td>Appreciation only (already at market value)<\/td>\n<td>Forced equity from renovation ROI<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Competition<\/td>\n<td>Multiple-offer situations common<\/td>\n<td>Negotiating leverage and seller credits<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Monthly costs<\/td>\n<td>Predictable from day one<\/td>\n<td>Lower initial mortgage (smaller loan amount)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Customization<\/td>\n<td>Inherit previous owner&#8217;s choices<\/td>\n<td>Layout and finish personalization<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Timeline to move in<\/td>\n<td>30-45 days from closing<\/td>\n<td>Flexibility to phase improvements over years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>For buyers on a relocation deadline or those without cash reserves beyond the down payment, the move-in ready premium often makes financial sense. Predictable costs protect you from the $15,000 to $25,000 in surprises that fixer-uppers routinely produce once walls open up. But if you have 6 to 12 months and $30,000 or more in renovation capital, the equity math may favor buying below market and building value through targeted upgrades.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rl-section\">\n<h2 id=\"the-biggest-myth-about-fixer-upper-savings\">The Biggest Myth About Fixer-Upper Savings<\/h2>\n<p>The lower purchase price on a fixer-upper does not automatically mean you spend less overall. Buyers see a $40,000 or $50,000 price gap between a renovated home and one that needs work, assume that entire gap is profit waiting to be claimed, and stop calculating. Renovation budgets routinely run 20% to 30% over initial estimates, and carrying costs during construction erode whatever discount the listing price offered.<\/p>\n<p>A $200,000 fixer-upper needing $60,000 in renovations sounds cheaper than a $240,000 move-in ready comparable. But that $60,000 estimate rarely accounts for permit fees, temporary housing if the work makes the home unlivable, or the interest payments on a renovation loan charging higher rates than a standard mortgage. Contractors also find problems behind walls that no inspection caught. Knob-and-tube wiring, failing plumbing, or foundation issues that surface once demo starts can add $10,000 to $25,000 to the final number.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bullet-section-gray\">\n<ul>\n<li>Renovation loans like the FHA 203(k) carry interest rates 0.5% to 1% higher than conventional mortgages, which increases your monthly payment before you spend a dollar on actual repairs.<\/li>\n<li>Permit and inspection fees for structural, electrical, and plumbing work typically run $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the municipality and project scope.<\/li>\n<li>If the home is not livable during renovation, you pay rent or a mortgage on your current place plus the new loan. Two to four months of double housing costs can add $4,000 to $12,000.<\/li>\n<li>Retail material pricing runs 15% to 40% higher than what volume builders pay. Lumber, appliances, and fixtures all carry that markup when purchased for a single project.<\/li>\n<li>Timeline delays from back-ordered materials, contractor scheduling conflicts, or failed inspections push your move-in date further out and extend every carrying cost listed above.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Before committing to a fixer-upper on the assumption it saves money, add up the real total: purchase price, full renovation estimate with a 25% contingency buffer, loan interest differential, permit fees, and temporary housing. Compare that number to the move-in ready alternative. In many markets, the actual gap between the two shrinks to $10,000 or less once all costs are accounted for.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"rl-cta-mid\"><a class=\"rl-cta-pill\" href=\"\/lrg-blog\/connect-with-lrg\/?ref=move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit\">Connect with LRG \u2192<\/a><\/div>\n<section class=\"rl-section\">\n<h2 id=\"is-the-move-in-ready-premium-worth-it\">Is the Move-In Ready Premium Worth It?<\/h2>\n<p>The premium pays for itself when your holding costs, renovation financing fees, and time investment would exceed the price gap. For buyers with stable income and low risk tolerance, paying 10% to 15% more upfront for a move-in ready home often costs less than a fixer-upper once you factor in construction loan interest, temporary housing, and the inevitable scope creep that inflates budgets by 20% or more.<\/p>\n<p>The real calculation isn&#8217;t purchase price versus purchase price. It&#8217;s total cost of occupancy over your first three years. A move-in ready home locks in predictable monthly payments from day one. A fixer-upper layers renovation debt, delayed equity gains, and months of living in a construction zone on top of the mortgage. The premium buys certainty, and certainty has a dollar value most buyers underestimate.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Cost Factor<\/th>\n<th>Move-In Ready (Premium)<\/th>\n<th>Fixer-Upper (Renovation Path)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Purchase price (median example)<\/td>\n<td>$340,000<\/td>\n<td>$285,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Renovation \/ repair costs<\/td>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<td>$45,000 to $75,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Construction loan interest (6 months)<\/td>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<td>$2,800 to $4,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Temporary housing during work<\/td>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<td>$4,200 to $9,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Permit and inspection fees<\/td>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<td>$1,500 to $3,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Budget overrun (avg 22%)<\/td>\n<td>$0<\/td>\n<td>$9,900 to $16,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Total 3-year cost of occupancy<\/td>\n<td>$340,000<\/td>\n<td>$348,400 to $393,500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Run this math with your own numbers before assuming the fixer-upper saves money. If your renovation scope stays under $30,000, you finish in under 90 days, and you can live on-site during the work, the fixer-upper wins. Once any of those conditions breaks, the move-in ready premium starts looking like the cheaper path.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rl-section\">\n<h2 id=\"how-your-timeline-and-budget-should-drive-the-decision\">How Your Timeline and Budget Should Drive the Decision<\/h2>\n<p>Your move-in deadline and available cash after closing narrow the choice faster than preference ever will. A buyer who needs to be settled in 45 days has a fundamentally different calculation than someone with a flexible lease running six more months. Start with those two numbers, not with aesthetics or neighborhood wish lists, and the right path usually becomes obvious.<\/p>\n<p>Budget means more than purchase price. You need to account for post-closing liquidity: the cash you have available after down payment, closing costs, and a three-month emergency reserve. That leftover number determines whether you can absorb renovation costs without financing them separately, which changes your total cost of ownership significantly.<\/p>\n<div class=\"bullet-section-gray\">\n<ul>\n<li>If your timeline is under 60 days and your post-closing reserves are under $15,000, move-in ready is the only realistic option. Renovation timelines regularly stretch 2-4 weeks past contractor estimates.<\/li>\n<li>If you have 4+ months of flexibility and $30,000 or more in post-closing liquidity, a fixer-upper becomes viable because you can absorb overruns without going into high-interest debt.<\/li>\n<li>Buyers carrying two housing payments (current rent plus new mortgage) lose $1,500-$3,000 per month during renovations. That holding cost erases fixer-upper savings quickly.<\/li>\n<li>A renovation loan (FHA 203k, Fannie HomeStyle) adds 15-30 days to closing timelines and requires contractor bids before approval, which limits your flexibility on tight schedules.<\/li>\n<li>Seasonal timing matters: contractors book out 6-8 weeks in spring and summer. A fixer-upper purchased in March may not be livable until June or July.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Run the math with your actual numbers. Take your post-closing cash, subtract a 20% contingency buffer for surprises, and compare what remains against realistic renovation estimates for the properties you&#8217;re considering. If the numbers work and your lease gives you runway, a fixer-upper can build equity. If either number is tight, the move-in ready premium is insurance you&#8217;ll be glad you paid.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rl-section\">\n<h2 id=\"mistakes-that-turn-either-choice-into-a-money-pit\">Mistakes That Turn Either Choice Into a Money Pit<\/h2>\n<p>Both move-in ready and fixer-upper purchases become money pits when buyers skip due diligence or misjudge their own capacity. The path you choose matters far less than the execution mistakes you make along the way. Buyers routinely lose $20,000 to $75,000 on avoidable errors that surface within the first 18 months of ownership, and the mistakes look different depending on which type of home you bought.<\/p>\n<p>The pattern is predictable. Fixer-upper buyers underestimate scope and timeline, then bleed money on change orders and extended carrying costs while the renovation drags three to six months past the original deadline. Move-in ready buyers overpay for cosmetic upgrades they don&#8217;t actually value or ignore deferred maintenance hidden behind fresh paint and new appliances. Both groups skip specialized inspections, let emotional attachment override the numbers, and fail to build adequate reserves for the post-closing repairs that always surface.<\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Mistake<\/th>\n<th>Buyer Type<\/th>\n<th>Typical Financial Hit<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Skipping sewer scope inspection<\/td>\n<td>Both<\/td>\n<td>$8,000\u2013$25,000 for line replacement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No contractor bids before closing<\/td>\n<td>Fixer-upper<\/td>\n<td>$15,000\u2013$40,000 over initial estimate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Ignoring deferred maintenance behind cosmetics<\/td>\n<td>Move-in ready<\/td>\n<td>$5,000\u2013$15,000 in year one<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Financing renovation on credit cards<\/td>\n<td>Fixer-upper<\/td>\n<td>22\u201328% APR vs. 7\u20139% on a HELOC<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Waiving inspection contingency to win the bid<\/td>\n<td>Both<\/td>\n<td>$10,000\u2013$50,000+ in hidden defects<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Buying at max budget with zero renovation reserve<\/td>\n<td>Both<\/td>\n<td>Forced to defer critical repairs or take high-interest debt<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Underestimating permit and approval timelines<\/td>\n<td>Fixer-upper<\/td>\n<td>$4,000\u2013$12,000 in extra carrying costs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Assuming &#8220;updated&#8221; means current code compliance<\/td>\n<td>Move-in ready<\/td>\n<td>$3,000\u2013$8,000 correction costs at resale<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Every one of these mistakes compounds. A buyer who skips the sewer scope and waives the inspection contingency on a fixer-upper can face $40,000 in unexpected costs before a single planned renovation begins. The buyer who stretches to max budget on a move-in ready home has zero margin when the HVAC fails in month six. Run the full due diligence checklist regardless of which category the listing falls into.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rl-section\">\n<h2 id=\"the-bottom-line\">The Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>The bottom line comes down to timeline, cash reserves after closing, and risk tolerance. A $40,000 to $50,000 price gap on a fixer-upper disappears fast once you factor in holding costs, renovation financing fees, and the reality that projects run over budget. The move-in ready premium pays for itself when those combined costs would exceed the price difference.<\/p>\n<p>Your move-in deadline narrows this decision faster than personal preference. Buyers who need to be settled within 45 days face a fundamentally different calculation than those with six months and cash to spare. Match the choice to your actual numbers, not the sticker price alone.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"rl-faq\">\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary>How long do you need to own a house to make it worth it?<\/summary>\n<p>Most buyers need at least five years to break even. Selling costs alone (agent commissions, closing fees, transfer taxes) typically consume 8% to 10% of the sale price. On a $300,000 home, that&#8217;s $24,000 to $30,000 before you account for any repairs to prep for listing. In the early years of a mortgage, most of your payment goes toward interest rather than principal, so equity builds slowly. Fixer-upper owners face a longer timeline because renovation dollars rarely return at full value. Budget seven or more years if you&#8217;re putting significant money into improvements.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How much does a house need to appreciate to break even?<\/summary>\n<p>Plan for roughly 8% to 10% total appreciation to cover both buying and selling transaction costs. On a $350,000 home, that&#8217;s $28,000 to $35,000, covering buyer closing costs at purchase plus agent commissions and seller fees at sale. At a 3% annual appreciation rate, reaching that threshold takes about three years in a normal market. Fixer-upper buyers should add renovation costs to the equation. A $40,000 kitchen remodel that recoups 65% at resale means you need the home to appreciate enough to cover both transaction costs and the $14,000 gap from unreturned renovation spending.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How long should you stay in your first home?<\/summary>\n<p>Five to seven years is the standard guidance for first-time buyers. That window accounts for closing costs on both ends of the transaction, slow early equity growth, and normal market appreciation. If your first home is a fixer-upper, lean closer to seven years so renovation investments have time to boost your equity. If it&#8217;s move-in ready, five years is usually enough in a market with steady 3% to 4% annual appreciation. One exception: if you&#8217;re relocating for work or Military orders, selling earlier can still make sense since you avoid the carrying costs of an empty property.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Does it make sense to buy a house for 5 years?<\/summary>\n<p>It can work, but the margins are thin. In five years at 3% annual appreciation, a $300,000 home gains roughly $46,000 in value. After 6% in agent commissions ($18,000) and $5,000 to $8,000 in closing costs, your net equity gain may only be $20,000 to $23,000. A move-in ready home is the safer choice for a five-year plan because you skip the renovation spending that may not pay back in that timeframe. If you do buy a fixer-upper on a short timeline, focus only on high-return projects like kitchen and bathroom updates and avoid purely cosmetic changes.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Should you rely on Zillow estimates when comparing fixer-uppers and move-in ready homes?<\/summary>\n<p>Use Zillow&#8217;s Zestimate as a rough starting point, not a pricing tool. The Zestimate&#8217;s median error rate is around 2.4% for on-market homes but jumps to 7.5% or higher for off-market listings. For fixer-uppers, accuracy drops further because the algorithm cannot assess roof condition, outdated electrical, or foundation problems. A home Zillow values at $250,000 could need $50,000 in repairs the estimate does not reflect. To compare a fixer-upper against a move-in ready home accurately, get a professional inspection and at least two contractor bids before you calculate the fixer-upper&#8217;s true all-in cost.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/section>\n<footer class=\"rl-resources\">\n<h2 id=\"resources-used\">Resources Used<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/move-in-ready-homes-vs-fixer-upper-homes\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Redfin.com \u2014 Should You Buy a Fixer-Upper or Move-In Ready Home? &#8211; Redfin<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/bestflagstaffhomes.com\/fixer-upper-vs-move-in-ready-home-which-makes-sense\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Bestflagstaffhomes.com \u2014 Fixer-Upper Vs. Move-In Ready Home: Which Makes More Sense?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.treadstonemortgage.com\/blog\/fixer-upper-or-move-in-ready\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Treadstonemortgage.com \u2014 Fixer-Upper or Move-in Ready: Which One is Right for You?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.har.com\/ri\/4142\/move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-a-better-fit-for-you\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Har.com \u2014 Move-In Ready Vs. Fixer-Upper: Which Is A Better Fit For You?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thesouthern.bank\/blog\/move-in-ready-or-fixer-upper\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Thesouthern.bank \u2014 Should You Pick a Move-In-Ready Home or a Fixer-Upper? 5 Top &#8230;<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/topshelfgroupre.com\/blog\/fixer-uppers-vs-move-in-ready-homes\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Topshelfgroupre.com \u2014 Fixer-Uppers vs. Move-In Ready Homes &#8211; Top Shelf Real Estate<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vanderblue.com\/blog\/purchasing-a-fixer-upper-vs-a-move-in-ready-home\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Vanderblue.com \u2014 Purchasing a Fixer-Upper VS. a Move-In Ready Home<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/footer>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Decision \u00b7 Guide Move In Ready Vs Fixer Upper Which Is The Better Fit Connect with LRG \u2192 What Actually Separates a Fixer-Upper From Move-In Ready? The Real Trade-Offs of Buying Move-In Ready The Biggest Myth About Fixer-Upper Savings Is the Move-In Ready Premium Worth It? FAQs Move-in ready homes cost more upfront but typically [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3464,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1320","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lrg-blog"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You? - LRG Realty Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Move-in ready vs. fixer upper: compare costs, timelines, and renovation risks to choose the home that fits your budget and lifestyle\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You? - LRG Realty Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Move-in ready vs. fixer upper: compare costs, timelines, and renovation risks to choose the home that fits your budget and lifestyle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"LRG Realty Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-05-23T02:09:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-28T14:59:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Move-4.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Levi Rodgers\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Levi Rodgers\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"17 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Levi Rodgers\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4cf56ff41820927c9b7945c11af62bdd\"},\"headline\":\"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You?\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-05-23T02:09:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-28T14:59:04+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":3414,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Move-4.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"LRG Blog\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/\",\"name\":\"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You? - LRG Realty Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Move-4.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-05-23T02:09:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-28T14:59:04+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4cf56ff41820927c9b7945c11af62bdd\"},\"description\":\"Move-in ready vs. fixer upper: compare costs, timelines, and renovation risks to choose the home that fits your budget and lifestyle\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Move-4.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Move-4.webp\",\"width\":1080,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"exc-664bcbdfc3224847e37c51b8\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"LRG Realty Blog\",\"description\":\"LRG Realty Blog\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/4cf56ff41820927c9b7945c11af62bdd\",\"name\":\"Levi Rodgers\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/bbd74b65fb346f531071ca7aa6e41c129102826206de2fe4fbd316458379111a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/bbd74b65fb346f531071ca7aa6e41c129102826206de2fe4fbd316458379111a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/bbd74b65fb346f531071ca7aa6e41c129102826206de2fe4fbd316458379111a?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Levi Rodgers\"},\"description\":\"Levi Rodgers is the Founder of VA Loan Network, a leading resource for Veteran homebuyer education. A Retired Green Beret and Broker-Owner of LRG Realty in San Antonio, Levi leverages his military discipline and real-world real estate expertise to provide Veterans with expert loan advice, guidance, and trusted financial leadership.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lrgrealty.com\\\/lrg-blog\\\/author\\\/lrgrealtyblogs\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You? - LRG Realty Blog","description":"Move-in ready vs. fixer upper: compare costs, timelines, and renovation risks to choose the home that fits your budget and lifestyle","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You? - LRG Realty Blog","og_description":"Move-in ready vs. fixer upper: compare costs, timelines, and renovation risks to choose the home that fits your budget and lifestyle","og_url":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/","og_site_name":"LRG Realty Blog","article_published_time":"2022-05-23T02:09:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-28T14:59:04+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1080,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Move-4.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Levi Rodgers","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Levi Rodgers","Est. reading time":"17 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/"},"author":{"name":"Levi Rodgers","@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4cf56ff41820927c9b7945c11af62bdd"},"headline":"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You?","datePublished":"2022-05-23T02:09:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-28T14:59:04+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/"},"wordCount":3414,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Move-4.webp","articleSection":["LRG Blog"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/","url":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/","name":"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You? - LRG Realty Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Move-4.webp","datePublished":"2022-05-23T02:09:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-28T14:59:04+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4cf56ff41820927c9b7945c11af62bdd"},"description":"Move-in ready vs. fixer upper: compare costs, timelines, and renovation risks to choose the home that fits your budget and lifestyle","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Move-4.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Move-4.webp","width":1080,"height":1080,"caption":"exc-664bcbdfc3224847e37c51b8"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/2023-5-9-move-in-ready-vs-fixer-upper-which-is-the-better-fit-for-you-xwbioimm82rp33ie\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Move-in Ready vs. Fixer Upper: Which is the Better Fit for You?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/","name":"LRG Realty Blog","description":"LRG Realty Blog","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/#\/schema\/person\/4cf56ff41820927c9b7945c11af62bdd","name":"Levi Rodgers","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bbd74b65fb346f531071ca7aa6e41c129102826206de2fe4fbd316458379111a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bbd74b65fb346f531071ca7aa6e41c129102826206de2fe4fbd316458379111a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/bbd74b65fb346f531071ca7aa6e41c129102826206de2fe4fbd316458379111a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Levi Rodgers"},"description":"Levi Rodgers is the Founder of VA Loan Network, a leading resource for Veteran homebuyer education. A Retired Green Beret and Broker-Owner of LRG Realty in San Antonio, Levi leverages his military discipline and real-world real estate expertise to provide Veterans with expert loan advice, guidance, and trusted financial leadership.","sameAs":["https:\/\/lrgrealty.com"],"url":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/author\/lrgrealtyblogs\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1320","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1320"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1320\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3464"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1320"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1320"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lrgrealty.com\/lrg-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1320"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}