List price: $1,275,000

Previous sale price: $662,500 (December 1999)

Square footage: 2,576

This 1960s “sun-filled” brick four-bedroom in Forest Hills is perfect for those looking to drop more than a million but still maintain their DIY cred. You can start your re-renovation by replacing the weathered and warped wooden deck in the back with fresh redwood. Don’t forget the water sealer! Next up for an overhaul is the cheap-looking Berber carpet upstairs and in the basement. Rip it out, and expose the hardwood floors upstairs or—even better—try out a luxurious twist-style carpet. Remember: the higher the twist count, the better! Finally, you’ll want to add the one thing missing from the finished basement: a bathroom. —Constantine Caloudas