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Turn an “Almost Perfect” Home into the Perfect One

Sometimes you find a home that’s almost everything you’ve been looking for; the right neighborhood, the right price, the right potential… but it just needs a little work. Maybe the kitchen needs updating, the roof needs repairs, or you have big plans for an open-concept layout.

That’s exactly what BuyItUgly from River City Mortgage was built for. Instead of buying now and renovating years later, you can finance both the purchase and the improvements together in one simple loan. One process. One payment. One plan to make your home exactly how you want it.

How It Works

BuyItUgly combines your home purchase and renovation costs into a single mortgage. You don’t have to worry about comparing loan types or figuring out which renovation program fits your situation. We handle that behind the scenes.

Our team works with you before closing to review contractor bids, project plans, and renovation budgets; making sure everything is clearly broken down, verified, and approved. That means you go into closing with confidence knowing your renovation funds, licensed contractors, and scope of work are all in place. After closing, the contractor completes the approved improvements, and the transformation begins.

Whether your home needs major repairs, modern updates, or a few finishing touches, we’ll structure the financing to fit your project.

Here’s how we can help:

• Homes needing significant repairs: Perfect if your dream home just needs structural or safety upgrades to make it move-in ready.
• Buyers focused on design and customization: Great for adding modern finishes, reworking layouts, or personalizing your space.
• Eligible veterans and service members: If you’ve served, we can include renovations while still maintaining your core benefits.
• Rural or small-town buyers: Even homes outside major metro areas can qualify! Ideal for small-town and country properties that might need a little extra attention.

You bring the vision, and we handle the financing from start to finish.

Why Buyers Love BuyItUgly

• Simplified financing: One loan covers both the purchase and renovations.
• More homes to choose from: You’re not limited to move-in-ready listings.
• Personalized results: Every improvement reflects your taste and lifestyle.
• Built-in value: Renovations can increase equity and long-term comfort.
• Licensed professionals: Work is completed by approved contractors with plans and costs confirmed before closing.
• Expert guidance: River City Mortgage manages every step through closing for a seamless experience.

Make Your Move with River City Mortgage Don’t let a few repairs or outdated finishes keep you from the home you love. With BuyItUgly, you can purchase and renovate in one smooth process. Talk to River City Mortgage today and discover how BuyItUgly can help you buy smart and renovate confidently.

Many homebuyers dream of finding a house with potential, the one that’s “almost perfect” except for the outdated kitchen, worn flooring, or old roof. The common plan is to buy now and fix later. It sounds reasonable: get settled, save up, and renovate when the time feels right.

But in reality, “later” often turns into years of postponed projects, higher costs, and ongoing frustration. Prices rise, life gets busy, and what once felt like a quick weekend project becomes a full-scale renovation that’s harder to start and more expensive to finish.

That’s why River City Mortgage’s BuyItUgly program flips the script. Instead of waiting, you can buy and renovate in one step with a single loan. It’s a smarter, simpler way to move into the home you want, not the one you’ll “fix someday.”

One Loan. One Process. One Move-In.

With BuyItUgly, your home purchase and renovation costs are combined into a single mortgage. There’s only one approval, one closing, and one monthly payment, no second loan or credit card needed later. Since the financing happens upfront, you avoid juggling multiple lenders or paying higher interest rates on personal loans or credit lines.

After closing, renovation work begins right away, handled by licensed contractors. That means you can focus on moving in while your home transforms. Instead of putting off updates for years, you’ll start seeing progress soon after you close, and before long, your new home will feel exactly how you imagined it.

Immediate Comfort, Long-Term Value

Since BuyItUgly finances your home based on its after-renovation value, you’re building equity from the start, not years later after spending more out of pocket. Every improvement increases both your comfort now and your property’s worth long term. And since projects are completed at today’s prices, you lock in savings before material and labor costs climb even higher.

Beyond the financial benefits, there’s peace of mind. Licensed contractors handle the work, and the process is guided every step of the way to keep things on schedule and on budget. You don’t have to chase bids or coordinate construction; it’s all managed for you.

Buying a home that needs work doesn’t mean settling or waiting. With River City Mortgage’s BuyItUgly program, you can purchase and personalize your home in one seamless step without draining your savings or taking on extra loans later.

You get the home you want, the upgrades you love, and the comfort you deserve right from the start.

Have you ever found a home in the perfect neighborhood that just needs a little work? Maybe the kitchen feels outdated, or the flooring has seen better days. Most buyers walk away from homes like that; not because they lack potential, but because financing renovations later can be complicated and expensive.

That’s where BuyItUgly from River City Mortgage changes the game. This unique program lets you buy and renovate in one simple step, combining your home purchase and renovation costs into a single mortgage. One loan. One payment. One smooth process from start to finish.

Why Buyers Love BuyItUgly

BuyItUgly was designed for homebuyers who can see beyond what a house looks like today and imagine what it could be. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” listing, you can create your dream home right where you want to live.

• Personalize your space: Choose your finishes, your colors, your layout, and move into a home that truly reflects your style.
• Simplify your financing: Skip multiple loans or high-interest credit cards. With BuyItUgly, everything (purchase and improvements) is rolled into one manageable payment.
• Build value right away: Smart renovations not only improve your comfort but can also increase your home’s value from day one.
• Expand your options: Older homes or properties that need a little love become real possibilities, especially in competitive markets where move-in-ready homes go fast.

What Can You Renovate?

BuyItUgly covers nearly any project that enhances safety, comfort, or livability. From simple upgrades to major transformations:

• Kitchen and bathroom remodels
• New flooring, paint, or roofing
• Energy-efficient improvements
• Room additions or finished basements
• Accessibility or safety upgrades

If it helps make the home better suited to your lifestyle, it likely qualifies!

Make Your Move with River City Mortgage

With BuyItUgly, you don’t have to settle for “almost perfect.” You can buy the right home, in the right location, and make it everything you’ve envisioned. All with one mortgage and one guided process.

Ready to see the potential? Talk to River City Mortgage today about how BuyItUgly can help you finance both the home and the upgrades. Together, we’ll turn what’s “ugly today” into perfect tomorrow.

Turn a “Almost Perfect” Home into the Perfect One

Sometimes you find a home that checks most of the boxes, but needs a little work. With a renovation loan, you can buy the home and include the cost of repairs or upgrades in one mortgage.

Whether you’re fixing a roof, updating a kitchen, or adding energy-efficient touches, there’s a program designed to help you create your dream home right from the start.

Here are the four main options most buyers consider:

FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan

Best for: Buyers purchasing older or fixer-upper homes.

This program lets you roll the cost of repairs and improvements into your home loan. It’s flexible and works well for homes that need more than just a few cosmetic updates.

Why buyers like it:

• Combines the purchase and renovation into one loan
• Great for older homes or those needing major repairs
• Designed to help buyers make a home move-in ready

HomeStyle Renovation Loan

Best for: Buyers who want to personalize their home with modern or luxury updates.

The HomeStyle program is a great fit if you’re buying a home that’s in good shape but not exactly your style. You can use it to update finishes, add rooms, or make structural improvements.

Why buyers like it:

• Works for nearly any type of home improvement
• Perfect for customizing your home after purchase
• Great choice for those who want flexibility in upgrades

VA Renovation Loan

Best for: Eligible veterans and service members purchasing a home that needs light repairs or updates.

This loan combines the benefits of a VA loan with funds for renovations. It’s a simple way for veterans to buy and improve a home at the same time.

Why buyers like it:

• No separate loan for repairs
• Covers most small-to-moderate home improvements
• Keeps the same VA loan benefits and protections

USDA Renovation Loan

Best for: Buyers purchasing homes in qualifying rural or suburban areas.

This program allows you to buy a home and include repairs or upgraded costs all in one step. It’s designed for small-town and country properties that might need a little extra attention.

Why buyers like it:

• One loan for purchase and renovations
• No large upfront costs
• Help improve safety, comfort, and livability

Choosing the Right Loan

If the home you love needs a few upgrades or even a big transformation, there’s a renovation loan that can help.

• Choose FHA 203(k) if the home needs major repairs.
• Choose HomeStyle if you want design freedom and customization.
• Choose VA Renovation if you’re a veteran improving a home with manageable updates.
• Choose USDA Renovation if you’re buying in a rural area.

Each program helps make buying—and improving—your home simpler and more affordable.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home that needs work doesn’t mean you have to wait years to make it yours. With a renovation loan, you can buy and improve your home all at once, saving time, money, and stress.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Connect with River City Mortgage to learn which renovation loan fits your goals. Our team can help you compare programs and make your next home everything you want it to be—starting from day one.