Your parents really should be talking to local realtors and builders.

The last thing a novice person to home owning should do is buy a "fixer upper" or try building on their own. Terrible choices. So many ways to loose everything. So, start lower in your desires and buy a small condo or townhouse. That will teach you a lot of lessons and give you a stable home. Buy something small or better yet, rent and see just what's involved in keeping your own home even renting. A lot of work and the "total cost of ownership" is more than a mortgage payment. There is taxes, water bill, cable bills, etc., etc. Good luck. Keep your dreams by saving pictures and articles that appeal to you. Then save, save, save. A few years down the road you can make a much better decision.

....... im not really a novice.

I see no reason to be snarky in reply to any post....if you don't care for a post then move along to one you DO care about. Save yourself the time and trouble of posting and have a cup of tea instead :)

Violet, an older home is indeed charming. But renovation and upkeep is very costly (it is on any home, but an older home even more so). On the other hand, while a new home will get you your own version of perfection, it will lack (what I can only describe as) soul.

Ideally, we would all be wealthy enough to buy that fixer upper in addition to the salaries of about 5 craftsmen for the next 10 or so years.

Either way, the joys of ownership will be an adventure for you, no matter whether it's a mansion or a mobile home.

What do you mean by your own room with bath? Do you mean his & hers master suites?