If you're hoping to buy a detached home under $300K, one important question to consider early on is...

How much work are you willing to do on the home you purchase?

Some homes in that price range will be move-in ready. Others may need a bit -- or a lot -- of work. So, what might that look like?

Maybe the electrical system needs to be updated.

Perhaps the kitchen and bathrooms are dated and will need to be renovated at some point.

It could be that the flooring throughout the home needs to be replaced, along with a fresh coat of paint.

Or maybe the exterior needs paint, and some siding needs to be repaired or replaced.

Depending on the age of the homes you're considering -- and your price range -- we'll likely need to dial in on how much updating or renovating you're comfortable tackling.

Sometimes that answer is based on your budget for improvements.

Sometimes it's whether you have the time or desire to take on those projects.

Sometimes it's simply the inconvenience of living in a house while updates are being made.

Whatever your reasons, we'll want to get a clear sense of how much work you're open to doing -- so we can focus on homes that fit your budget and don't need more work than you are willing to take on.