Ep 11. Portland Couple Want Their First Home to be a Fixer

In the 11th episode of Season 48 of House Hunters, we meet a young Portland couple who are searching for their first home together. Unlike most first-time buyers, they are not looking for a turn-key property. Instead, they want a fixer-upper that they can renovate and make their own.

The episode begins with the couple, Emily and Matt, meeting with Realtor Jessica to discuss their priorities and budget. Emily and Matt are both creatives and are looking for a home that will allow them to express themselves. They have a budget of $400,000 and want to stay in the trendy Northeast Portland neighborhood where they currently rent.

Their first priority is a home with character and charm. They want something with original details like hardwood floors and built-ins. They also want plenty of natural light and an open floor plan for entertaining guests. Emily and Matt both work from home, so they need a home office space as well.

Jessica takes the couple to their first home, a 1920s bungalow in the coveted Alberta Arts District. The home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and has plenty of historic charm. The couple falls in love with the original fireplace and leaded glass windows, but they quickly realize that the home needs a lot of work. The kitchen is outdated and cramped, and the bathroom needs a complete overhaul.

Even though it's a fixer-upper, Emily and Matt are excited about the possibilities. They imagine opening up the kitchen to create a modern and functional space. They also dream of adding a large deck in the backyard for outdoor entertaining.

Next, the couple visits a 1950s ranch in the Concordia neighborhood. The home has been well-maintained over the years and has a newer roof and electrical system. However, it lacks the character and charm of the bungalow they saw earlier. The couple is disappointed by the lack of original details, but they appreciate the home's potential. The large backyard and basement space offer plenty of opportunities for expansion and renovation.

Jessica takes the couple to their final property, a Craftsman-style home in the Irvington neighborhood. The home was built in 1910 and has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The original woodwork and leaded glass windows are breathtaking, and the couple immediately fall in love with the home's historic charm.

The kitchen and bathrooms need updating, but the home's bones are solid. The unfinished basement offers plenty of opportunities for additional living space, and the large backyard is perfect for gardening.

After viewing all three properties, Emily and Matt have a tough decision to make. They love the bungalow's original charm, but they know it will require a lot of work. The ranch offers more space and is move-in ready, but it lacks the character they are looking for. The Craftsman is their dream home, but it's slightly over budget.

After much deliberation, Emily and Matt decide to make an offer on the Craftsman-style home. They know it will require some remodeling, but they are willing to put in the work to restore it to its former glory. Jessica helps them craft a strong offer, and they anxiously await the seller's response.

In the end, Emily and Matt's offer is accepted, and they become the proud owners of their dream fixer-upper home. They can't wait to get started on the renovation process and make the home their own. As the episode ends, we see them excitedly planning their future together in their perfect Portland home.