Finding the right home is like a balancing act.  You may find one home that is in a great neighborhood, location and schools but the curb appeal and interior needs work.  You find a a beautiful home online with great curb appeal with all the upgrades but when you go to the property it is in a poor location or there are undesirables surrounding the home, etc.  If you have the money to spend you can increase your price and get the great neighborhood, location, curb appeal, and interior you love but if you have must haves such as the best schools, waterfront, city view, a particular desirable community etc and you combine that with a price limit then you end up having to make some sacrifices somewhere.  One option is putting in the offer that the seller give upgrade allowances, such as carpet, wood floors, change the hardware and fixtures, paint, fence, appliances etc.  Most homeowners do not initially have the money to pay for these upgrades and also buyers have differant opinions or preferances in decor for the home.  So, in order to make the deal work you have a few options: 1. Is you can speak with your lender where they have programs that will pay for repairs, renovations, etc. as they are done. 2. You can ask the seller to make the requested renovations before closing. In this option the seller may request a higher earnest money deposit that would be non-refundable in case you the buyer backs out of the deal last minute.  3. You can ask for an allowance that would be put into escrow or given to you at closing, but in this case you would have to check with your lender and attorney to see if this is an option since many lenders frown on money given back to buyer at closing.  When looking at properties buyers always get excited and Wowed with a home that is finished with all the upgrades but they may be paying much more for the home that is finished then if they go with a home that needs the updates in a better neighborhood or location by working out the details with the seller.  If you have questions or interested in finding the right home for you please call Matt Sarver at 704-506-2323, e-mail MattSarver@kw.com or visit http://www.CharlotteHomeUpdate.com where you can find homes for sale in Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas including Lake Norman Real Estate, cornelius, huntersville, davidson, denver, mooresville, matthews, indian trail, monroe, and more!