How this works: You have the same cash and the same monthly housing budget either way. Each path spends its cash and monthly budget on the house (mortgage, taxes, insurance, upkeep, projects); whatever is left over is kept as cash (or invested, if you turn on "Invest spare cash"). At the end, we compare total net worth: home value after selling costs, minus debts, plus savings. Every number is editable. Percent fields use plain numbers (6.25 = 6.25%).
1 Shared assumptions
Apply to both homes.
2 Turnkey house
Move-in ready. Add projects for big replacements later on (roof, HVAC).
Projects & big expenses
3 Fixer-upper
Cheaper to buy, with renovation projects over time.
Projects & big expenses
Net worth over time
TurnkeyFixer-upper
Side by side at the end
Year by year (net worth if sold)
Rough estimate only, not financial advice. Not modeled: income taxes, mortgage-interest deductions, capital-gains tax, and market volatility. Real appreciation and investment returns vary year to year.