Buying a Fixer-Upper? Here’s What I Learned the Hard Way (While Stepping Over LEGO Bricks)

If you’ve ever dreamed of buying a fixer-upper, HGTV probably had you convinced it’s all sledgehammers, shiplap, and slow-motion montages where everyone’s smiling. Spoiler alert: it’s actually more like stepping barefoot on a LEGO while juggling appraisal deadlines and wondering why the plumbing sounds like a mariachi band warming up in your walls.

As both a Realtor® (licensed since 2016, DRE #02007423) and a homesteading mom, I’ve walked this road—sometimes in muddy boots, sometimes in socks on LEGO landmines. Let me save you a little pain (and maybe a few Advil) with the lessons I learned the hard way.

1. Not All “Potential” is Created Equal

The word potential in real estate is like the word fine in marriage. It could mean “great things are possible!” or it could mean, “prepare for battle.”

EEAT Pro Tip: Always get a thorough inspection. What looks like a charming “quirky old window” could really be code for “energy bills that make you cry.”

2. Budget for Surprises (and Double It)

That dreamy kitchen reno? Sure, it’s $15,000 on paper. Add in surprise electrical updates, permits, and the fact that your contractor also went on a surprise vacation to Cabo, and suddenly you’re staring at $30,000.

Homestead Humor: Just like raising chickens—you think you’re building a $200 coop, but somehow you’re three months in, $2,000 down, and Googling “chicken wallpaper” at midnight.

3. Sweat Equity is Real (and Sweaty)

Everyone loves the idea of DIY until you’re up at 11 p.m., scrubbing grout out of your hair while your kid is building a LEGO skyscraper in the only clean corner of the house.

EEAT Experience: Know your limits. Some projects are great for the YouTube warrior (painting, landscaping), but leave electrical, roofing, and plumbing to the pros.

4. Location Still Wins

You can fix ugly paint. You cannot fix a freeway running through your backyard. Always prioritize location over cosmetic “uglies.”

Expert Realtor® Insight: I always tell my clients in Yucaipa, Redlands, and Oak Glen: buy the worst house in the best neighborhood, not the other way around.

5. Don’t Forget to Live Your Life in the Mess

Fixer-uppers are a season, not forever. You’ll trip over toys, live with half-painted walls, and wonder if drywall dust counts as a new family pet. But you’ll also make memories—like your child riding their scooter through the empty living room or roasting marshmallows in the backyard before it’s “Pinterest ready.”

Final Thoughts (From Someone Who Survived the LEGO Minefield)

Buying a fixer-upper isn’t just a real estate choice—it’s a lifestyle commitment. It requires vision, patience, and probably a few extra cups of coffee. But the reward? Turning “that house” into your home.

If you’re considering buying a fixer-upper in Yucaipa, Redlands, or the surrounding Inland Empire communities, I’d love to guide you through the process. I’ve walked the walk (literally, through construction debris and toy minefields), and I can help you avoid the biggest pitfalls.

So whether you’re dreaming of acreage for your chickens or just want a place that won’t break your toes at night—let’s make it happen.

With love, listings, and a few too many unmatched socks,
Sam Nelson, Realtor® 💛
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