Why You Should Buy the Ugly House
By The York & Co.
Let’s talk about something I feel really strongly about — the ugly house.
You know the one. The listing you scroll past because it has carpet in the bathroom or wallpaper from your grandma’s sewing room. The one that’s been sitting on the market a little too long. Yeah… that one.
Here’s the thing: buying the ugly house might just be the smartest move you can make right now.
The Real Estate Reality
Kansas City’s housing inventory is finally rising, but many homes remain unsold, often due to price or outdated style.
If you can look past that, you’re already ahead. Because if a house has good bones — a solid foundation, roof, HVAC, and windows — everything else is just cosmetic. Paint, flooring, lighting, and countertops can be a GAME CHANGER!
The key is to get into the right neighborhood. Prairie Village, old Leawood, Brookside, Briarcliff…spots where location alone gives you built-in equity. Once you’re in, you can invest in updates that actually add value.
The Design Opportunity
“Ugly” doesn’t scare us, it excites us!!!
When we walk into a dated home, we see potential. Maybe it’s as simple as paint and new lighting, maybe it’s a kitchen refresh. Either way, it’s about bringing the home forward while keeping its soul.
Think about your grandparents’ house — solid, loved, and maintained with pride. Those homes have heart. They just need a facelift.
A Little Industry Secret
Here’s something the design world doesn’t always admit: trends change, and they change fast.
They have to; otherwise, the design industry would collapse. You’re told what’s “in,” and before long, it’s “out.” Remember farmhouse style? Subway tile, shiplap, and those wooden KITCHEN signs? They’ve had their moment.
Or the shiny brass from the 1980s — now back as “champagne” or “brushed brass.” Give it time, and the bright version will return, too.
So don’t get hung up on trends. If you want brand-new and trend-forward, new construction is a great option (and yes, we’ve got deep experience with that too). But the real opportunity often lies in reimagining what’s already there.
Financing the Vision
Here’s the best-kept secret: you can finance your renovation right into your mortgage.
Find a $300,000 home, plan $50,000 in updates — certain loans roll it all into one package, one payment. We work closely with lenders who offer renovation loans, FHA programs, and first-time-buyer options to make the process smooth and realistic.
The York & Co. Difference
At The York & Co., we’re not just real estate agents — we’re your design partners.
We bring trusted contractors, painters, flooring specialists, and craftsmen who know our standards and share our vision. Together, we turn potential into something beautiful.
And when the remodel’s done, we help you decorate and style so it truly feels like home. Because a house isn’t just an investment — it’s a feeling.
The Takeaway
Don’t be intimidated by the ugly house.
Be curious about it. Look twice. Ask what could be, not just what is.
That house everyone else scrolls past might be your opportunity — a chance to build equity, express creativity, and create something that feels completely yours.
Let’s find your ugly house and make it beautiful together.
The York & Co. Difference
At The York & Co., we’re not just real estate agents — we’re your design partners.
We bring trusted contractors, painters, flooring specialists, and craftsmen who know our standards and share our vision. Together, we turn potential into something beautiful.
And when the remodel’s done, we help you decorate and style so it truly feels like home. Because a house isn’t just an investment — it’s a feeling.
The Takeaway
Don’t be intimidated by the ugly house.
Be curious about it. Look twice. Ask what could be, not just what is.
That house everyone else scrolls past might be your opportunity — a chance to build equity, express creativity, and create something that feels completely yours.
Let’s find your ugly house and make it beautiful together.
