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Getting ready to start an out-of-state (mostly) search to find a new home in Brooklyn (my former home, so I’m very familiar with it). I’d love some advice about whether I have realistic expectations for what I’m looking for, lest I waste too much time holding out for that “just right” place that takes years to come along.

Budget: around a million (but thrilled to pay far less!), less if it needs work, more if there’s rental income. Prefer something renovated or new, but if all else is perfect, we would consider doing reno ourselves.

Nabes: Prospect Heights, Park Slope, Ft. Greene,m Clinton Hill, Boerum Hill, etc. Walking distance to “good stuff.” Would LOVE walking distance to Prospect Park and Grand Army Farmers Market. Not Lefferts Garden or Kensington (too far out, and not enough walkable stuff).

Size: 1500+ sq. ft. At least 1.5 bathrooms. Pref. 3 bedrooms (or two bedrooms plus office area), pref. formal dining room or ample dining space.

Must have: dedicated parking on-site or super nearby.

My (no doubt unrealistic) dream home: a townhouse with parking and a yard, sizable owner’s duplex, plus in-law unit or studio and a one bedroom rental. I see one like this listed in Lefferts Garden, a limestone beauty, listed for under a mil. But it’s too far! If it were this, I could probably swing $1.3 mil…

OR, a large condo for a lower price, with reasonable maintenance. Parking for sure. A patio or yard would be great. Actually, the Vermiel listings for the largest units seem perfect, except that they front 7th Ave and Sterling (with the windows RIGHT, right, right on the street) and the asking prices are high!

Am I crazy, or is this doable?

The other dream (im)possibility, a well-priced empty lot that meets the above requirements and is buildable… for a super-dope prefab…