Criminals are already on the prowl, so it won't hurt to be extra cautious. We’ve compiled a list of simple but savvy ways to safeguard your property against theft and break-ins during the holidays.

While you're out having the time of your life somewhere, burglars can have the time of their life looting your place. So if you’re planning to travel this holiday season, keep your plans off your social media networks. Burglars can be technologically savvy nowadays, and divulging too much information online about your trip compromises your home security and makes you an easy target for them. They can quickly identify you or your family and search for your home address, even if you think you have the highest level of security on your Facebook or Instagram accounts.

No matter how excited you are, wait until you are home before posting about your vacation so you won’t broadcast your absence. If you want to give updates to your family or close friends, give them a call. Also, adjust your privacy settings and confirm your location services are in manual mode so you won’t broadcast your location.

It's a sight many of us are probably looking forward to this time of year—a wonderful Christmas tree all lit up, with lots of pretty wrapped gifts underneath. But putting these festive decorations next to a window or other areas that are highly visible to the street is also a sight good enough for burglars to window-shop. It’s a visual invitation for them to size up your home and break in, especially once you’re away.

Minimize temptation by making sure you set up the tree and gifts away from windows or other places with a view. If the front room is your best choice, use thick curtains or blinds to conceal your home’s interior and block the view from the outside. You may also consider hiding gifts temporarily, only taking them out in time for the opening of presents.

‘Tis the season of gift giving and holiday shopping. And we know how joyful it is to get that spectacular flatscreen TV you've been saving for months, the latest laptop model, or any other big-ticket items that come in branded packaging and boxes. However, make sure you pay attention to how you dispose of your trash. Never leave empty boxes on the curb, unless you want to unintentionally advertise to everyone who drives down your block (including opportunistic burglars) that you’ve got a new TV. If you’re not mindful, burglars don’t need to see the inside of your home to know what valuables you have and what they can get their hands on.

So wait until garbage day until you can discard boxes of expensive items. Or better yet, see if you can break down the boxes into smaller pieces and conceal them in an opaque trash bag. Burglars are always on the lookout for such garbage items, so don’t send them an invitation to go in.

If you're expecting packages this holiday season but won’t be home to receive them, don’t make the mistake of sticking a note on your front door telling the delivery company to just leave the packages on your porch. Doing so only gives burglars the assurance that you’re gone. A report revealed that almost 1 in 7 Americans have fallen victim to package theft or what they call “porch pirates.” A smart move would be to contact the shipping company directly and give them special instructions about where to leave packages. If you’ve done all your holiday shopping and will be receiving lots of deliveries, you may also want to invest in a secure parcel drop box to keep on your porch.

With family and friends coming and going this holiday season, it's tempting to have a spare key hidden in an inconspicuous place around your home to make it easier for them to let themselves in. Did we mention under the potted plants or inside a fake outdoor socket? Well, that is a huge no-no! Experienced home invaders know all the best key-hiding spots, and you’re giving them an easy way to get in once they get their hands on your key. So stop hiding your spare keys around the house, or better yet, get rid of them altogether.

Are you going out of town for the holidays? Make your home look like someone is there, even if it's empty. Take advantage of smart home technology to control lights, TVs, and more from anywhere. Having lights on a timer is also preferable because you can turn them on automatically at specific times. Or better yet, invest in a monitored home security system, which can work perfectly with motion sensor lights. Maintaining a presence even when you’re gone will help reduce the chances of your home being the next target.

Even with all the aforementioned precautions in place, a lack of visible activity in the home, especially for a long time, is likely to raise a burglar's suspicions sooner or later. This is why it’s best to make arrangements with a trusted friend or neighbor and have them drop by to check in on your home. You can ask them to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity while you’re gone. Depending on what applies to you, you can also pay someone to shovel your walkways if it snows, collect your mail and packages, take out the trash, and more.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), anywhere it can rain, it can flood. Their historical data says 99 percent of U.S. counties were impacted by a flooding event (1996-2019). And since the risk of flooding is only increasing with climate change, it is critical to have a good understanding of your prospective property and its flood risk. Here is what you need to know before buying a house in a flood-prone area.

The best way to determine a prospective home's flood risk is to check out official flood maps. You can visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center, type in the address, and the map will show you where the flood zones are located in the area. The maps offer a risk calculation based on past events and flood patterns and are continually updated.

While there is no such thing as a no-risk zone, buyers can see how prone their property is to flooding using flood maps. They have designated two main types of flood areas: Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) and Non-Special Flood Hazard Areas (NSFHA). Homes in the SFHAs have a 1% or higher chance of experiencing flooding each year. During the span of a 30-year mortgage, these areas have at least a one-in-four chance of flooding. Meanwhile, NSFHAs are considered low- to moderate-risk flood zones that are not in immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing bodies of water or hard rains.

It is best to research this information early in the homebuying process, even before you tour or visit the home. Flood risk can significantly affect the property price, and you may need to purchase flood insurance (more on this later).

Once you have identified the floodplain, take your research further to learn more about the home's flood history. You may take a close look at the seller’s property disclosure statement, which is a legal form designed to share all facts related to the physical condition of a property that may not be obvious.

Currently, no federal statutes require sellers to disclose information about flood risk or prior flood damage. However, according to the Flood Risk Disclosure report from FEMA, as of July 2022, 35 states have enacted some form of a legal or regulatory mechanism requiring property sellers to disclose factors related to flood risk about their property.

But it is important to note that only current owners are obligated to disclose their first-hand knowledge. This means if the flooding happened before they took over the home, they may not know or may not disclose that information.

You can ask the sellers if and when a flood event has led to an insurance claim. Or you may check the flood history through the insurance carrier. If records indicate a previous flood, verify the reason and the resulting impact on the property.

Since you are buying more than just the house but also the neighborhood, try to look back at flood history in the area, especially if near a body of water. Ask your neighbors or search online archives from local news outlets. It is critical that you know what you are getting into before making an offer.

If your desired home is in a flood zone, you may be required to get flood insurance aside from a general insurance policy, especially if you need a mortgage to purchase it. Why? Because homeowners insurance does not cover damage due to flooding. Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents of a building, or both. After all, a single inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage.

There are two basic types of flood insurance available: the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is a government-backed option, and private flood insurance. Note that NFIP is only available in 23,000 communities. For borrowers in communities without NFIP coverage, the best option is a private insurer.

According to Forbes Advisor, the average cost of flood insurance from NFIP is $995 a year. Remember that you will pay for this on top of your other mortgage costs, so think long and hard about the numbers and remember to factor these premiums into your monthly budget before purchasing.

Your agent is your knowledgeable partner

Yes, your real estate agent isn't a flood map expert. But they can help you make a well-informed decision before buying your biggest investment. If you are starting your home search, you can ask your agent if the prospective home is within a designated flood zone. They can also tell you what the designation means, and the risk associated with it. If it is in a flood-prone area, be upfront about how much flood risk you are comfortable with.

They are also the best resource when it comes to seller disclosure forms, which can be very complicated, especially for first-time home buyers. Your real estate agent can also help you discover what steps the local government has taken in terms of its floodplain management to protect the community from the area’s flood risks. They can help you decide if best to consult a local floodplain manager. A floodplain manager will further explain FEMA maps, answer flood risk-related questions, and advise you to talk to a reputable insurance agent if you are set on buying a home and living in a flood zone.

Weigh the pros and cons carefully before buying a property in a flood-prone area

Deciding where to buy a home is an entirely personal decision based on many factors. People are considering purchasing a property in a flood zone because this usually means they are just a short walk away from beautiful bodies of water, such as a lake, river, or ocean. A charming house close to nature, how alluring is that?

Moreover, even if it is risky to own and expensive to insure, you might be able to get one for a good price. So aside from learning as much about the property as possible, think about your level of comfort with risk, your financial ability, and whether you are prepared to take action to mitigate flood damage, before making a decision.

Budgeting for any remodeling project can be challenging. In fact, in the 2021-2022 study by Houzz, 34 percent of homeowners exceeded their budget, and they did so for a variety of reasons. The top two reasons they cited include finding that the products or services were more costly than expected and that the project was more complex.

Want to avoid these mistakes made by homeowners? We have listed these four expert tips to help keep your project as close to budget as possible.

It can be tempting to do the legwork yourself, so you can save money, especially if you know you have got enough time on your hands. However, the DIY route may not be cheaper than you thought it would be. Your lack of know-how can be costly, and you could spend more on a botched job.

Especially for plumbing, electrical, or structural work, it will be safer and cheaper to pay a licensed and experienced professional to do the job right. Also, trust that professionals know the best brands to work with and can achieve the look you are aiming for while still getting the most bang for your buck.

But while it is better to leave the job to the pros, there are some things you can do to prepare your space before a crew comes, especially if you are paying them per hour. Depending on the remodel, you can tidy up the area and clean surfaces, pack up and move furniture and other decors out of the construction zone to make their job go more smoothly.

Experts recommend hiring a general contractor for medium- to large-scale remodeling projects. A general contractor knows who will do the best work for the best price, and they will know when to schedule them to avoid wasting dollars on inefficient use of time. Plus, sticking to a single contractor ensures the quality of work and materials will be consistent.

To get the best deal, obtain bids from at least three different traders. While it is not unusual for their quotes to differ in certain areas, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about their good and bad points and different approaches to the same work. Moreso, you can be wary if a bid is too good to be true, which could be a red flag that the contractor is either lying to you or is inexperienced.

If you decide not to choose a general contractor and hire individual workers yourself, get at least three quotes for each service performed so you can better compare their prices and scope of work.

No matter how big or small the remodeling project is, careful and detailed planning is the best way to avoid expensive problems down the road. Remember that the cost of renovations does not only include the materials and contractor/labor fees. Further, consider the little things, such as the costs for any necessary permits, sales tax, delivery charges, shipping charges, and even cleaning materials. Getting a detailed breakdown of the costs upfront means you can see how the different elements of your project add up to the total price.

If you are working with a good contractor, expect that you will get a detailed quote. They will also take the time to sit down with you and discuss the entire project, creating a step-by-step plan. This is also the best time to make all the decisions, especially regarding the materials and finishes you want.

And once the plan is complete, stick to it so you will not make last-minute changes when you are stressed, which is a surefire way to get your budget out of control.

Even if you are an optimistic homeowner, part of the planning stage is to have a plan for the unexpected. According to the Houzz study, one of the biggest reasons homeowners went over budget was because the project turned out to be more complex than expected. When your contractor opens a wall, they could find some necessary electrical work. If you have an older home, there is a critical risk of getting things that need updating, including plumbing, electrical, and wall material issues or even discovering mold and asbestos, that could jeopardize your family's health and safety.

Hence, regardless of the budget you arrive at, it is safer to have an additional 10-25 percent buffer to cover any surprise expenses and delays. You will get peace of mind knowing that you have the funds just in case you need money to fix whatever is discovered wrong at short notice. Besides, experts say this cash cushion, more often than not, comes in handy.

For starters, all those projects could cost money. Unfortunately, not everything is going to pay off at the closing table. Knowing what to fix – and what not to do when selling a home – can be tricky. Fixes are critical for any issues or defects that affect the intended significant function of a house system. To break it down, you should take care of any leaks, cracks in the foundation, minor electrical or plumbing issues, pest infestations, and other safety issues that could hurt your home's value and pose imminent risks. But beyond those, especially when it comes to cosmetic repairs, it's actually up to you. 

The last thing you want is to get carried away and pour money, time, and effort into any project that won’t get a return on your investment. So here are some of those fixes or updates you can skip without too many repercussions.

Having state-of-the-art appliances such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, or oven can be appealing and is a nice bonus. But not having them is seldom a deal breaker. Especially in hot seller's markets, old but working appliances may not need replacing or upgrading. All that you need is to give the appliances a good cleaning.

If your older model appliances are worn, broken, or missing some parts, that's the time to think about replacing them. However, brand-new appliances can cost a fortune and are not worth buying only to get your home sold. So instead of splurging on top-of-the-line models (that you won’t be able to use much, anyway), consider buying used or floor models that can still add a lot of value to your home without draining your bank account. 

Should you renovate the kitchen and bathrooms? That's probably one of the biggest questions sellers have when they decide to sell. 

It’s important to note that a kitchen or bathroom remodeling project can be costly and time-consuming. A kitchen remodel (midrange) will only recoup about 56 percent of the value, while remodeling a bathroom will only recoup about 59 percent, according to the 2022 Cost vs Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. First, you should consider several factors, especially time and budget, before spending thousands of dollars on these projects.

Likewise, your vision of a perfect kitchen or bath may differ from those of a potential buyer. And given all the home decor styles to choose from, trying to second-guess what they want and giving it to them when they visit your home is just plain unrealistic. It’s a risk when renovating these areas because they’re some of the things buyers look forward to when they can finally call it home.

If your kitchen or bathroom looks dated but functional, you only need to ensure it’s clean and clutter-free. Present it as a space with potential that is easily customizable to the buyer’s preferences. 

If your home already has hardwood floors, there's no need to tear out the existing flooring and replace it for the market. What’s important is to have your floors shined and polished before the staging or showing. The next homeowner may rip it out anyway and replace it with their choice of flooring, which could be wood, laminate, vinyl, or even carpet. If you have older carpets, you only need to spend a few bucks and hire a professional cleaning company rather than investing money into replacing them. The only time to consider ripping it all out is if there is a terrible odor from pets or if there are impossible stains that would deter a buyer from submitting an offer.

While improving your home's curb appeal is crucial in enticing buyers to knock on your door, your home's exterior needs not be perfect. Do not worry about fixing every small, minor, or insignificant crack in driveways and walkways that do not present any safety risks. They are common, and re-doing the paving of the entire section will cost more than it is worth. Only spend the money on fixing them if the cracks are hazardous for driving or walking.

Trends come and go, even for home colors and fixtures. What looks “cool” now can become dated in a heartbeat, or what may be trendy for a specific slice of the population may be off-putting for others. When you decide to sell, your goal is for a wider pool of potential buyers to come to your showings. By providing them with a blank slate, it'll be easier for them to envision themselves in your home.

If you’re repainting a room, door, trim, or cabinetry to provide a quick face-lift, pick neutral colors, such as whites, beiges, and light grays. Should you choose to fix any broken or damaged things like light fixtures, faucets, and cabinet hardware, never replace them with something too obnoxious or trendy. Always choose common fixture styles that can appeal to almost all buyers. They’d be happy to do their renovations once the house belongs to them!

Show off your home's potential

Don't get overwhelmed by the idea that you need to fix everything you think is wrong with your house to get more offers. You’ll only waste valuable time and money on unnecessary upgrades that you could use to cover closing costs. You aren’t going to get a return on your investment if your house becomes “too much for the neighborhood” and yours is the only one that stands out. Aim to show your home's potential instead of trying to achieve perfection. And if you’re still in doubt about what kind of repairs to make before listing your home, consult with your real estate agent so you’re guaranteed to make the most out of your home sale. 

But when you enter the housing market as a prospective homeowner, you will find that you have many options for your possible dream abode. Real estate listings often include cozy condominiums, lovely townhouses, and of course, the single-family homes you pictured when you were younger. Let's look at the definition of this type of residential property, its pros and cons, and whether it is the type of home that best suits you.

While it seems self-explanatory, in legal terms, a single-family home is a structure maintained and used as a single dwelling unit. It is a freestanding dwelling set alone on its own piece of property. 

The U.S. Census Bureau, on the other hand, states that single-family housing units can be fully detached or semi-attached, side-by-side structures such as row houses, duplexes, and even townhouses. 

In general, a dwelling should have these characteristics to be classified as a single-family home:

No common walls: This home is a stand-alone, detached property that does not share common walls, roofs, or any spaces with any other dwelling.

Land: Single-family homes sit on their personal parcel of land, and the area around the building is for the owners private use. 

Access to property: It has dedicated private entrances and exits and has direct access to the street or thoroughfare.

Systems and Utilities: Only one set of utilities can service a single-family home and not be shared with other dwellings. This rule includes heating and AC systems, electricity, water, and other essential services.

One owner: This home is built as the residence for one family, person, or household and is owned and maintained by the homeowner.

Single kitchen: Last but not least, single-family homes only have one full kitchen. The definition of a full kitchen is as having an oven and stovetop. Although some may have kitchenettes, adding another full kitchen will alter the zoning classification.

1. More privacy and less noise

Since a home like this is built on its individual slice of land and does not share walls, you will have some distance from your neighbors, giving you a high level of privacy. And while there's always the possibility of having a noisy neighbor, the noise levels are substantially a lot less when you don’t have housing directly over or under your living space. You don’t have to worry as much about disrupting anyone if you want to crank up the music a little bit or vacuum late at night.

2. Space

Since single-family homes are typically bigger than multifamily dwellings, they also have more storage space. Whether that means more interior space, such as a spacious kitchen, more bedrooms, a basement, an attic, or exterior storage spaces, such as a garage, or shed, it certainly gives more elbow room to its occupants.

You also have a yard that's yours alone, with a patio or a porch as a great selling point. You can also install other outdoor features like a swimming pool, a swing set, or a fire pit, as long as your municipality allows it. 

3. Offers more freedom and flexibility

Homeownership, especially that of a single-family home, provides more freedom and flexibility in general. It's easier to modify your home to your preferred taste and style. Some neighborhoods have homeowners association or HOA, which has rules and regulations, especially for the exterior. Even with HOA governances, there is still more room to personalize your exterior and outdoor spaces. You also have more options for renovation and remodeling, so long as you are in line with local zoning laws.

4. Comes in many different architectural styles

As opposed to the typical straightforward design of many condos or townhomes, single family homes also come in different architectural styles. Whether you're looking to buy a lovely ranch, a mid-century modern, a Cape Cod, or even a Colonial home, you’ve got options that will satisfy your love for architecture.

1. No communal amenities

Condos, townhouses, or multifamily homes usually include community amenities such as a gym, pool, or sports court. If you have grown accustomed to these, remember that you will unlikely have this access when you own a single-family home. 

2. Higher purchase price and other expenses

Although it can vary based on many factors, single-family homes often include a higher price tag than other dwelling types. Research from the National Association of Realtors on existing-home sales data shows that the median sales price of single-family homes rose to $391,000 from September 2021. On the other hand, the median sales price of condominiums is $331,700. 

Single-family homes are more expensive since you're buying an entire lot. And with a higher purchase price comes the need for a larger down payment, closing costs, and recurring expenses such as property taxes and homeowners insurance.

3. Maintenance and responsibility

Even if you're part of an HOA that takes care of a community’s shared spaces, being the owner of a single-family home means you’re solely responsible for all the home maintenance and upkeep costs. You are responsible for all yard maintenance, including mowing the lawn, cleaning the gutters, or shoveling snow on the driveway and sidewalk. It is a must to keep a maintenance budget just in case your home's major systems require unexpected repairs to the roof, major appliances, and other emergency fixes.

Who are single-family homes best for?

If you're on the market looking for homes and you’re still undecided on what home type to buy, a single-family home may be a good fit if: 

• You have or want to start a family.

• You want the luxury of more space and privacy.

• You have the time and money for general maintenance and upkeep.

• You want the freedom to renovate your home and landscaping to your preferred style since there are fewer restrictions.

Remember to talk to a local and trusted real estate agent about the features you want the most and what best fits your price range to find the type of home that suits your dreams.

So before you hit the hardware stores or call your trusted contractor, let's look at these three crucial things that will help you determine how to approach repairs as you plan to list your home.

With an experienced real estate agent by your side, you don't have to figure it out alone. Since they are knowledgeable about the neighborhood and the market conditions, they should be able to provide insight into which repairs and upgrades are necessary. Likewise, they can advise if some projects should be left undone to save money, especially those that won’t make a difference to your home’s value or won’t be a deal-breaker to potential buyers.

So make sure you hire a trusted listing agent who will keep your best interests in mind. Allowing them to do a quick walkthrough before you put your home on the market will save you from undertaking any project that will only waste your time and money.

Further, you can determine what repairs, renovations, or improvements will add value and bring a good return on investment (ROI) with the help of your agent. Sometimes a major renovation makes sense, and sometimes it does not. It depends on the market, neighborhood, and your time and budget. Your real estate agent can help you by doing a comparative market analysis, which is an in-depth report on your home's current value and how it compares to other homes. It will help you calculate the ROI to see if updating makes financial sense.

Remember that in the end, any cosmetic repairs or projects you complete should ultimately be to your benefit. If sizable ticket upgrades are impossible and won’t recoup their cost, consider other things that will help improve your home. It’s usually the small things, such as deep cleaning, decluttering, and enhancing your curb appeal, that has a significant impact on your home’s sale.

Lastly, it is not advisable to begin an upgrade or start a remodel that you can't finish in time before you sell. Home repairs are usually expensive and time-consuming, so carefully consider the time and your budget before committing. Some buyers will also find it hard to visualize the final effect of such partial fixes, which could be a considerable disadvantage on your end.

Once you have decided to renovate an area in your home that has the potential of yielding the best ROI, go all the way and make it shine. For example, there’s no point in replacing your worn-out countertops in your kitchen and making it look brand new if you’ll simply leave the old kitchen cabinets and hardware the way they are.

The problem starts when you realize that not all fixer-uppers are equal and worthwhile. And if you are not careful, that fixer-upper might turn out to be a money pit that could transform your dream project into an expensive nightmare.

A fixer-upper VS a money pit: How to tell

Generally speaking, a fixer-upper is a house that is structurally sound and should only need general maintenance and cosmetic repairs. The biggest thing to remember when purchasing a fixer-upper is to look beyond the surface. A money pit, on the other hand, has many major flaws and expensive issues that require extensive professional assistance to make it more livable. As long as the general systems of a home are in good shape, your budget is best allocated to refreshing the property instead of repairing it.

If the fixer-upper you are looking to purchase is plagued with even one or more of these huge deal-breakers, it's time to consider running the other way.

The bones or foundation that supports the entire house and what is holding it together. Without a solid foundation, it is impossible to have a structurally sound home. Serious issues with the structure are a large, expensive, and time-consuming undertaking to fix that could potentially turn your deal into an ordeal.

Therefore, it is probably the most important thing to look at when hunting for a worthwhile fixer-upper. Keep an eye out not only for large cracks, but also for bowing walls, shifting masonry, uneven floors, and even moisture in the basement or crawl space when viewing a home. Better still, bring in a structural engineer or a foundation repair professional to inspect the foundation very carefully. If there's anything questionable about the structural integrity of the house, the expense involved in repairing the home may end up being more than you’re willing to spend.

Water is meant to be confined within the building structure, such as pipes and plumbing. When it runs unabated in crawl spaces, basements, floors, or walls, it can cause significant water damage, which is disastrous, and a giant red flag. Moisture can damage a home visibly by warping the walls. Even a slow leak will rot out drywall, and could eventually weaken structural elements such as joists and beams.

Worst is, mold can thrive, which can cause serious health implications and be costly to remediate. Be aware of any damp smell, scour the ceilings for signs of leaks, and check every inch of the basement and foundation for cracks or water.

Another simple point to remember, if the mechanical systems of a home, including plumbing, electrical system, and heating, need a complete overhaul, you might want to think twice before taking that fixer-upper. These can all be expensive to update and have finite lifespans. Plus, outdated electrical systems can be extremely hazardous and cause electrocution or fire hazards. The value of fixing those problems will far outweigh the good, potentially leaving you out of pocket.

Many fixer-uppers might need at least some level of roof repairs, such as replacing some cracked, or missing shingles. But if the roof is already sagging, there are multiple layers of shingles, or the shingles are dry, cracked, and brittle, and you find evidence of major leaks on the ceilings, then it's a different matter. A complete roof replacement can cost you thousands of dollars, so you must know the age of the roof before buying.

Not to mention, severe damage to the roof could also cause a myriad of issues, such as damage to the sheathing, trusses, beams, and rafters, resulting in water damage, mold, or structural issues, from wood rot. Unfortunately, none of these repairs are cheap.

Lastly, be diligent with pests that can eat away at your house and budget. Especially if there is termite damage, or worse, an active case of termites, treating the home can be incredibly costly. The structural damage these wood-boring insects cause can be more problematic because it is not always visible. When checking a fixer-upper or any home, look carefully for signs of an infestation, including crumbling, damaged wood, buckling wooden or laminate floors, mounds of termite pellets, mud tubes climbing foundation walls, or discolored or drooping drywall.

If you suspect a termite infestation, make sure to enlist the help of professionals such as exterminators and structural engineers to help you understand the full extent of the damage. Catching the damage early, could mean you'll only need to cover the cost of extermination/treatment. However, finding it late should be your cue to look for a more worthwhile fixer-upper.