The "Turnkey" Premium: Why Move-In Ready is Winning in 2026
If you’ve been browsing listings in Brunswick County lately, you’ve likely noticed a significant trend: two homes with similar square footage and locations are selling for vastly different prices. The differentiator? One is "turnkey," and the other is a "fixer-upper."
In the current 2026 market, move-in-ready homes are not just selling faster—they are commanding a serious premium. As your local real estate advocate, I’m seeing a major shift in what buyers are willing to pay for, and it all comes down to one thing: peace of mind.
Why "Fixer-Uppers" are Losing Their Luster
In years past, many buyers looked for a "diamond in the rough"—a home they could update over time to build equity. Today, that sentiment has shifted dramatically. Almost every buyer I work with is hesitant to take on a home that requires even minor renovations.
There are two main reasons for this:
The "Beach Life" Priority: Buying a home is already a stressful process. My clients are moving to places like Ocean Isle Beach and Calabash to lower their stress, not increase it. They want to spend their first weekend at the beach, not at a hardware store.
The Logistics Gap: It has become increasingly difficult to find reliable, affordable, and timely help for home projects in our coastal area. Between rising material costs and the high demand for skilled contractors, a "simple" renovation can often turn into a months-long headache.
The Turnkey Blueprint: What Buyers Actually Want
If you are a seller looking to maximize your ROI, you don’t need a full-scale remodel. You just need to remove the "friction" for the buyer. In our market, three specific updates consistently drive the highest value:
Liveable, Modern Flooring: Carpet is officially out, except perhaps in bedrooms. Because we live in a sandy, coastal environment, buyers are looking for durable, high-quality flooring like Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). They want a floor that looks updated and can handle the "Beach Life" without the maintenance of outdated tile or linoleum.
A Neutral, Fresh Canvas: Color is personal, but "neutral" is universal. A fresh coat of paint in a light, airy coastal palette (think soft greys, whites, or sandy beiges) makes a home feel new and spacious. It allows a buyer to imagine their own furniture in the space without the visual "noise" of bold or dated colors.
Zero Clutter: For lived-in homes, minimal clutter is a non-negotiable. A clean, organized space signals to a buyer that the home has been well-maintained.
The Seller’s Advantage: Speed and Value
The impact of these updates is measurable. While the overall market has seen a bit of a stabilization, homes that are updated and well-maintained are still selling in a matter of days rather than months. For a seller, this doesn't just mean a higher price; it means a smoother transaction with fewer inspection hurdles and a faster path to the closing table.
Your Advocate in the Details
Whether you are a buyer looking for that perfect, stress-free retreat or a seller wondering which updates will actually put more money in your pocket, I am here to help. I specialize in identifying the homes that have the "good bones" and the updates that matter most in Brunswick County.
If you’re ready to discuss your next move or want a professional opinion on your home’s market readiness, please reach out to me at any time. Let's make sure your real estate journey starts on a high note.
