Looking for an Affordable Starter Home? Here Are 5 Homes You Can Buy Right Now for Under $400K

by Kellie Speed

With the rising cost of homes and mortgage rates hovering near 7.5% this week for a 30-year fixed mortgage, according to Freddie Mac, purchasing a property can be a challenging feat for a first-time homebuyer.

Finding a starter home, known for its smaller floor plan and more affordable price tag, has become increasingly difficult in many cities.

Still, options exist. The Midwest offers some of the most budget-friendly abodes in the nation, while states like Massachusetts are looking to expand the supply, with a question on the midterm ballot that would legalize smaller lots for starter homes.

From North Carolina to Colorado, we found five affordable starter homes available for as little as $289,900.

1. 1160 Harland St, Charlotte, NC

Price: $359,000

Seller incentive: This newer three-bedroom home, nestled in the Belterra neighborhood, is being offered with seller financing.

Built in 2023, the 1,725-square-foot, energy-efficient residence features a sun-soaked open-concept layout. The modern kitchen has a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and a dining area that opens up to a back patio. Other highlights include a primary suite with a walk-in closet, a "versatile loft," and an attached two-car garage.

According to the listing, the property "qualifies for 100% financing with no PMI and $5,000 in towards closing costs or rate buy down."

Niki Neel of Keller Williams South Park is the listing agent.

Newer starter home in Charlotte, NC, on sale for $359,000Newer starter home in Charlotte, NC, on sale for $359,000 — This newer starter home in Charlotte, NC, is being offered with seller financing. (Realtor.com)

Interior of newer starter home in Charlotte, NC, on sale for $359,000 — The home, built in 2023, features a sun-soaked layout. (Realtor.com)

2. 4651 Josephine St, Denver, CO

Price: $349,000

Move-in ready: Built in 1890, this three-bedroom home has already been modernized for the next buyer, with efficient heating and cooling systems.

The 1,033-square-foot abode has an updated kitchen with refinished cabinetry, new appliances, and stylish floors. One bedroom can be found on the main level. A floating staircase in the light-filled living room leads up to two more bedrooms. Two refreshed bathrooms now offer updated fixtures, lighting, and flooring. The back patio overlooks the fenced yard.

A covered front porch would be a nice spot for morning coffee.

Mina Henderson of Keller Williams Realty Downtown is the listing agent.

Move-in ready home in Denver, CO, on sale for $349,000 — This move-in ready starter home in Denver was built in 1890 but has been modernized for its next buyer. (Realtor.com)

Modern interior of move-in ready home in Denver, CO, on sale for $349,000 — The home features a modern interior. (Realtor.com)

3. 4785 E Kiva St, Phoenix, AZ

Price: $349,000

55+ golf-course community: This three-bedroom time capsule, built in 1983, still features many original details, including arched doorways, mirrored closets, vaulted ceilings, and laminate countertops.

Designed for the soon-to-be retiree, the 1,446-square-foot abode, "definitely worth checking out," is tucked away in the Ahwatukee Retirement Village near the Ahwatukee Golf Club. The property features a kitchen with new appliances and a breakfast bar, a dining room for entertaining, and an enclosed patio. A fenced backyard would be an ideal spot to soak in the Sonoran sun.

According to the listing, "furniture can be included."

Tammy Adams of Maricopa Home Realty is the listing agent.

Move-in ready home in Phoenix, AZ, on sale for $349,000 — This three-bedroom starter home in Phoenix was built in 1983. (Realtor.com)

Interior of move-in ready home in Phoenix, AZ, on sale for $349,000 — The home is based in a retirement community. (Realtor.com)

4. 1367 Kenilworth Dr SW, Atlanta, GA

Price: $289,900

Updated ranch: This inexpensive three-bedroom dwelling has already been modernized for the next buyer.

The 1,190-square-foot open floor plan features a spacious living room that flows effortlessly into the dining area. Luxury vinyl floors run throughout the home. The stylish kitchen has stainless steel appliances, subway tile, and granite countertops. Two baths have also been modernized, and one offers a glass-enclosed shower.

A private fenced backyard offers a blank canvas for setting up a firepit or soaking in the tree-lined scenery.

Kristopher Willis of Bolst, Inc. is the listing agent.

Move-in ready home in Atlanta, GA, on sale for $289,900 — This move-in ready starter home in Atlanta has been modernized. (Realtor.com)

Interior of move-in ready home in Atlanta, GA, on sale for $289,900 — The home features open plan living space. (Realtor.com)

5. 5104 S Menard Ave, Chicago, IL

Price: $309,000

Adorable bungalow: This three-bedroom brick residence, nestled in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood, boasts a newer furnace and central air conditioning system.

Built in 1971, the 1,040-square-foot home features a living room with newer wall-to-wall carpeting laid over the original hardwood floors. An eat-in kitchen has oak cabinetry and laminate countertops. The partially finished basement offers additional living space with a dedicated bar, a laundry room, a storage room, and a workroom. A two-car detached garage has "convenient alley access."

The home is being sold as is.

Cindy Rizzo of Charles Rutenberg Realty of IL is the listing agent.

Bungalow in Chicago, IL, on sale for $309,000 — This starter home in Chicago was built in 1971. (Realtor.com)

Kitchen of bungalow in Chicago, IL, on sale for $309,000 — The home features an eat-in kitchen and oak cabinetry. (Realtor.com)

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