A good starter home doesn’t need to be your dream house. It needs to be livable, practical, and in a location that works for your day-to-day life.
Start with structure. Pay attention to the roof, foundation, windows, and heating system. These are expensive to repair. If they’re in good shape, you’re off to a solid start.
Next, look at the layout. You don’t need a big home, but you do need space that makes sense. A functional kitchen, decent storage, and a place to relax or work are more important than extra square footage.
Ignore cosmetic stuff. Paint, lighting, and outdated cabinets are fixable. You can change those over time. Focus instead on things that are harder to move or replace—like location, natural light, or parking.
Think about resale. You likely won’t stay in your starter home forever. A property that’s close to schools, transit, or grocery stores is easier to sell later. A strange layout or a house in poor condition may be harder to move when the time comes.
Don’t get distracted by staging or trendy finishes. Ask yourself: is the space clean, dry, and functional? Can you live here now and improve it slowly?
A perfect starter home isn’t perfect. It’s just a smart first step. Look for what works today, and leave room to make it better later.
