If you're looking for a place that has it all, look no further than the Kona District. This stunning district on Hawaii's West side stretches for miles and is home to lush greenery, awe-inspiring beaches, gorgeous views, and a thriving real estate market. What's more, Kona is known for its relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect place to call home. The diversity of Kona homes for sale makes it possible to find a special move-in-ready home, or a home renovation, for just about anyone.
The pros of purchasing a move-in-ready home
It's not hard to understand why some feel more inclined to purchase a home that is move-in ready as opposed to one which requires some amount of renovation, let alone a fixer-upper. In Kona, you’ll be drawn to quirky and quaint colorful homes nestled in the native forest and wowed by sprawling, majestic estates with endless views of the coastline. Taking the time to visit a variety of parts of the island, from Kona Bay Estates to Alii Heights, to see everything the area has to offer can result in finding a move-in-ready property that fits your style, meets your needs in terms of bedrooms and baths, and will eliminate the stress of having to do any major renovations. A few quick coats of paint for an accent wall, and you are ready! You also won’t have to worry about budgeting money, and don’t forget precious time for repairs or immediate improvements, which can be a huge relief, especially if you are on a tight timeline. Those who have an idea of what they are looking for can take the time to explore Kona homes for sale with a knowledgeable real estate agent like Sharon Brown to find it, and who are ready to place a competitive offer, a move-in-ready home is a way to go. You can sit back, relax and enjoy your new space. Some say that if you have the budget, purchasing a move-in home is the way to go simply because renovations can take so long! If you need to hit the ground running, purchasing a move-in-ready home makes a lot of sense.
The cons of purchasing a move-in-ready home
You may be drawn to a move-in-ready home, thinking it will save you time and hassle, but consider the lack of opportunity it presents to personalize your space. Why pay a premium if you know you don’t care for the style of the kitchen and bathrooms? Why settle for a home that represents another family’s styles and tastes when you can buy a slightly older home for less and reinvest those savings into creating your dream space?
The pros of renovating
Purchasing a home that requires a little (or a big!) renovation can also be an attractive option. For home improvement enthusiasts, the biggest draw is that it's a fun and creative project that results in a home perfectly crafted to your tastes. By bringing your own creativity, and that of a skilled local residential architecture firm, to bear on the space, you can restore a house to its original style or period or completely transform a space into something new. An adorable but dilapidating bungalow that has seen a little too much salt air could either be restored faithfully to its original architectural layout or transformed into an open, airy modern space. The choice is the buyers, and this can be fun labor of love and a great way to transform a house not only into a home but into a stunning creative masterpiece.
Others might have the opinion that purchasing a home that needs a little work is simply a better investment because the time and labor they can put into the space will increase its value far more. Obviously, this rings true only if you are able to take on a good portion of the repairs and improvements yourself. If you are knowledgeable and skilled in a level of home construction and can actually do some of the labor on your own over time, this can be a real win when it comes to increasing the home’s value. Not only do you end up with the house of your dreams, but the time and effort you have invested also increase its value (not to mention its meaning to you).
Regardless, one of the biggest benefits of buying a fixer-upper is that you can usually secure the property for a much lower price than a move-in-ready home. You can also concentrate your home search on the area of Kona that you prefer rather than both the area and the home, so you may actually be more likely to find the actual view, landscape, and terrain you prefer. If you have a flexible timeline and the funds to budget your improvements or are ready and excited to take on a labor of love, then this might be the way to go for you.
The cons of renovating
The biggest downside to fixing up an older home? For one, it's not uncommon to discover larger budget issues lurking and which can even surface later. Things like water damage, electrical problems, or plumbing issues can hopefully be addressed during the inspection, but there can be dangerous surprises that end up being quite costly.
Shortages in building materials can also potentially arise, which can affect pricing, not to mention the time it will take you to finish your home. It's worth thinking carefully through all aspects of the renovation, including whether you will need an alternate living space while working towards achieving move-in conditions. It can be all too easy to get drawn into the dreamscape of shows like HGTV's Fixer Upper, but individual home buyers may not have access to these immediate resources to implement a fast and effective home renovation. At the same time, if you are able to put together your own dream team and have the time, renovating a Kona home can be a true labor of love: a fun, satisfying, and meaningful project to take on as an investor or as a family.
Which is the best fit for you?
The answer to this question really depends on your individual situation. If you have a tight timeline and do not take a personal interest in home renovation, then a move-in-ready property may make the most sense. However, if you enjoy the challenge, have a flexible timeline, and want to personalize your dream home, then purchasing a fixer-upper or a home that requires some renovation can be a rewarding choice.
If you are having trouble making the decision, consult with a knowledgeable real estate agent like Sharon Brown. Sharon prides herself on openness and honesty and is a skilled negotiator with an intimate knowledge of Kona real estate.
Want to know more about Kona? Read about the fantastic communities waiting for you to discover in Alii Heights, Keauhou Estates, and Kona Bay Estates.
