Maybe your dream home isn’t in your budget, or you’re just not finding exactly what you’re looking for on the market. For buyers committed to making a move, sometimes you need to be open minded when it comes to your house hunting. This doesn’t mean compromising for a home you don’t love or buying a fixer-upper that’s more work than you want, though. It means knowing how to expand your perspective and spot those homes that have a bit of unrealized potential. For buyers willing to get creative and put in a bit of elbow grease, sometimes, it doesn’t take much to bring a home back to life. Here are some things to look for:

First Impressions

First impressions are important, but they aren’t everything. Many buyers will overlook properties with overgrown landscaping and unattractive entries because these things set the tone for them. When you have a more open mind, you know that these are often very doable fixes. If you’re open to putting in some time outside or have the budget to hire some landscapers, don’t let a lack of curb appeal cause you to overlook a great home.

Character Features

Some older homes may not be as well taken care of and certain features may be hidden behind furniture or overfilled with belongings. Built-in bookshelves and other unique detailing can really add an element of charm to a home, but when they’re not being well used, it’s not always easy to appreciate their beauty. While you might have to use your imagination to envision how you would use them, these types of features can be a real find.

Property

How much space will you get with your home? Would you have the yard space for a patio or a shed? Would you be able to put on an addition if you decided you needed more space? For some buyers, these are important questions. Finding a property that has the space for you to expand and get creative can give you more opportunities to make it their own.

Storage

What does the house offer in terms of storage? Is there a large basement or attic space? Not only do these allow for storage, but many hold the potential for finishing into additional living space. Whether it’s a playroom for the kids or a man cave for dad, these larger storage rooms can often be transformed to meet your needs. Other types of storage are worth paying attention to as well. Larger closets and built-in shelving can be features that some buyers overlook.

Open Layout

We all have different tastes. Maybe the sellers didn’t make many changes to their home before showing it, and their style is much different than yours. Don’t let the surface level fool you. Especially if the home has a more open layout, you’ll have the flexibility to create your own setup that works for you and your family. If the layout offers some flexibility, try to imagine the different ways in which you could arrange your furniture and make things feel more comfortable.

Sometimes all a home needs is a fresh eye. From dated decor and cluttered layouts to overgrown front yards, there are many things that can cause a buyer to miss a home’s potential. While it’s important to look into the structural integrity of the home and ensure you’re not signing up for more work than you can take on, often, some simple cosmetic fixes can be transformative. Have you found a home with hidden potential? I’d love to hear about your experience!