Buying with Vision: The Case for the “Fixer Lot”

Not every dream home looks like a dream home when you first see it.

Sometimes, it’s a small 2-bed house sitting on a big, beautiful lot.

Sometimes, the kitchen is 20 years behind, but the bones are strong.

Sometimes, the driveway feels narrow, but the street feels just right.

For buyers with vision, these properties aren’t turn-offs — they’re invitations.

Smart Buyers Think Beyond the Photos

In a market like San Bruno, turnkey homes go fast, and they go high.

But homes with great potential? Those are where my thoughtful buyers often win.

What makes a great “fixer lot” opportunity:

• A large, flat lot with expansion possibilities

• A home that’s structurally solid but needs cosmetic updates

• An older property in a neighborhood with rising long-term value

• A seller who isn’t looking for top dollar, but for the right buyer

And here’s the real kicker: many of these homes never get listed. They’re shared quietly, behind the scenes, agent to agent.

How to Spot the Right Opportunity

Here’s what I tell buyers:

• You can always upgrade a house. You can’t upgrade a lot.

• So if your goals are long-term, building out, customizing, creating your forever home — look beyond the finishes.

Ask:

• Does the lot give us room to grow?

• Do we like the light, the street, the vibe?

• Can we live here now while planning for later?

  
  

And most importantly:

• Do we trust our agent to know what’s possible, even if it’s not on the listing?

Let’s Look for Potential, Not Just Perfection

• If you’re the kind of buyer who can see through outdated cabinets and imagine morning coffee on a custom-built deck five years from now, we should talk.

San Bruno has incredible properties hiding in plain sight.

Let’s go find one that fits your future.

💜 Marissa  

📞 650-296-3036

📧 marissa.torres@kw.com