Picture this: You walk into a home that needs a little love, but you can instantly see the vision. The space, the bones, the potential—it’s all there. And best of all? It’s priced way lower than the move-in-ready homes you’ve been seeing.

No surprise then—fixer-uppers are having a serious moment.

In fact, searches for homes that need a little TLC have tripled since 2021, and these listings are now getting over 50% more online views than similar homes in better condition. Lower prices and the chance to create your dream home from scratch? That’s a powerful combo.

But there’s another side to the story, too. Fixer-uppers can be full of surprises—and not all of them are the fun kind.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of buying a fixer-upper here in Brevard County, this post is your guide to what’s happening in the market, what to watch for, and how to decide if this path is right for you.

🏚️ The Current Fixer-Upper Market (And Why It’s Gaining Traction)

Nationally, fixer-uppers have a median price of $200,000—a hefty 54% discount compared to the typical single-family home at $436,250. That kind of savings opens doors for a lot of buyers.

Even here in Brevard County, where prices can vary widely from beachside communities to more rural inland areas, fixer-uppers are increasingly showing up on buyers’ radars.

Here’s a quick snapshot of today’s market:

• Fixer-upper listings are up nearly 19% since 2021 nationwide.

• They now make up just over 5% of all active listings.

• The average fixer-upper is a 3-bed, 2-bath home built in the late 1950s, with around 1,600 square feet of living space.

• These homes tend to sit a little longer—about 53 days on the market vs. 50.5 days for more turnkey homes.

✅ The Upside: Why Some Buyers Are Jumping In

1. Lower Purchase Price

The obvious benefit? Affordability. You’ll often need a smaller down payment and could land a lower monthly mortgage—freeing up funds for renovations or even just breathing room in your budget.

2. Freedom to Customize

When you're starting from a blank slate (or a dated 1970s kitchen), you get to shape the space your way. Think open floor plans, modern finishes, energy-efficient upgrades—the sky’s the limit.

Imagine walking into your newly finished home, knowing every decision reflects your taste and lifestyle.

3. Less Buyer Competition

While interest in fixer-uppers is growing, most buyers still want move-in-ready homes. That means less competition, more room to negotiate, and maybe even some leverage on price.

4. Equity Growth Potential

When done right, renovations can build equity fast. Something as simple as upgrading floors or bathrooms can boost your home’s value over time—and if you’re handy, your sweat equity can pay off in a big way.

❌ The Flip Side: Real Challenges to Be Aware Of

1. Unexpected Costs

It’s not always what you see—it’s what you don’t see. Hidden water damage, outdated wiring, structural issues… these are common in older homes. And once you start tearing things out, there’s no turning back.

Pro tip: Always budget an extra 10%–20% for the unknowns.

2. Time and Lifestyle Disruptions

Renovations take time, especially in Florida where permitting can sometimes be slow. You might find yourself living in a construction zone longer than you expected. That charming little project? It could stretch into months.

3. Resale Risks

Not every improvement adds value. If you go all out with luxury finishes in a modest neighborhood, your upgrades might not pay off at resale. You want to improve the home—but stay in line with your area’s market.

🔎 Key Things to Evaluate Before You Buy

Not all fixer-uppers are good investments, especially here in Brevard where neighborhoods can vary dramatically in value, demand, and zoning.

Before you get emotionally attached, here are four non-negotiables to evaluate:

📍 Location, Location, Location

A home is only as good as where it’s located. Look at crime rates, schools, future development, and resale potential. Some Brevard areas are booming—others, not so much.

🔨 Cosmetic vs. Structural Issues

A little paint? Easy fix. A cracked foundation? Whole different story. Cosmetic updates are manageable; major structural repairs can bust your budget wide open.

📈 Resale Potential

Stick to renovations that make sense for the neighborhood. Experts recommend staying within 10%–15% above the median home price in your area to avoid overimproving.

⏳ Timeline Realism

Small projects might only take a few weeks, but bigger ones—like kitchens, roofs, or layout changes—can stretch into a year or more. Can you live in the home during construction, or will you need a second place to stay?

🚫 Common Fixer-Upper Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Even savvy buyers fall into these traps:

• Overestimating their DIY abilities

• Underestimating the cost and time needed

• Skipping necessary permits

• Forgetting to check zoning laws before remodeling

• Paying too much upfront

Here’s the good news: You can avoid all of these if you’re working with a local expert who knows Brevard’s real estate landscape and understands the nuances of fixer-upper properties.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Is a Fixer-Upper Right for You?

A fixer-upper can absolutely be the stepping stone to your dream home—but only if you’re clear-eyed about what’s involved.

If you’re considering buying one here in Brevard County, remember to:

• Explore current local fixer-upper inventory and pricing.

• Line up renovation-friendly financing options early.

• Create a flexible but realistic budget and timeline.

• Balance DIY savings with professional help where it counts.

• And never skip that inspection—ever.

👋 Let’s Talk About Your Fixer-Upper Goals

Whether you're just starting to explore the idea or already eyeing a specific home in need of some love, I’m here to help you think it through.

I’ll walk you through the pros and cons, connect you with local contractors and inspectors I trust, and help you avoid the money pits so you can focus on creating the home you’ve been dreaming about.

Sources: BAM, This Old House, Rocket Mortgage