Live in flip? Or buy an already remodeled house?

[Heidi Kenefick]

I’m house hunting later today, and this market is crazy. It seems every house gets 10 offers and sells in a day.

So- I don’t want to overpay because I’ll be selling in 2 yeas (unless life changes).

Should I go for a cheaper house and do a live in flip? Or buy something already upgraded and save the hassle?

I live near Hartford, CT where everything is expensive for no rhyme or reason. It’s not like we have nice views, nice weather or nice taxes! In the best towns with the best schools, nice but not upgraded homes start in the 350 ballpark, and complete dumps list for 200k. In other nice but not the best towns, houses that are nice start in the mid 200’s and renovated in the 300 ballpark. Because of this, there isn’t much wiggle room even after I do renovations if I purchase an older dated house.

Questions- when looking at a live in flip- go for neighborhood? Or cheapest property? Or just stay the hell away and get something already upgraded?

Thanks!