Thinking about a ‘Fixer Upper’? Understanding the Balance Between Purchase and Reno Costs

Thinking about a 'Fixer Upper'? Understanding the Balance Between Purchase and Reno CostsFixer uppers can come with huge price benefits and opportunity, as well as problems. Make sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into before you purchase a home that needs significant restoration.

Carefully Calculate

Do the math very carefully before jumping in. Add up the expected renovation costs based on a thorough evaluation of the property. As some of the expected costs will lie within a grey area, it is important that you base your estimation on the higher end of the price range. Be sure to account for all materials and labor.

Once you have calculated your expected renovation costs, subtract this number from the home’s projected post-renovation market value. It is important that you base this projection on comparable listings in the same neighborhood. Consulting a real estate professional can offer very valuable assistance with this step.

To be conservative, deduct at least another 10 percent for any unforeseen costs, mistakes, or issues that arise. That final number should be the highest offer you make on the property.

Work With The Right Team

When looking for a fixer upper that is a sound investment, make sure that you have a solid team of professionals to work with. Choose a real estate agent who is familiar with the area and type of property that you are interested in, and make sure that all laborers you hire are not only competent to deal with the problems that you’ll face during renos, but who won’t cut corners. Aesthetically appealing housing don’t always pass inspections – it’s important to make sure that the property is fit for sale or it may never close at your asking price.

Aesthetic Problems Are The Best Problems

If you’ve managed to find a home that’s in great condition but is visually unappealing, you may have found yourself an excellent fixer upper. Ugly carpet, old appliances, and tacky wallpaper are easy fixes that won’t eat up much of your budget or your time.

Asbestos, leaky water lines, a cracked foundation, or a rotted frame are examples of more significant issues that will require the help of a professional. Be wary when investing in a property that has one or several of these problems, as they are the kind of issues that snowball into larger costs and a longer timeline for repairs.

Ready to find a great fixer upper and tackle it as your next investment? Give me a call!  J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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3648 E Caleb Way Gilbert, AZ 85234

$510,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,884 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6700813
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome home to this stunning 3-bedroom gem in the coveted Carol Rae Ranch community of Gilbert, where luxury meets comfort. This single-level residence offers both space and functionality, with 2 additional rooms providing endless possibilities for a 5-bedroom setup, a home office, workout area, or cozy den. Step outside into your own private oasis, complete with a sparkling pool, perfect for cooling off on hot Arizona days. Embrace the ease of desert living with front and back covered patios and low-maintenance landscaping, ideal for outdoor entertaining or simply unwinding in tranquility. Inside, the spacious floorplan boasts natural light, creating an inviting ambiance throughout. The kitchen is a chef's delight with newer appliances, ample cabinets, and a convenient breakfast bar for casual dining. Retreat to the main bedroom suite, where a luxurious walk-in closet, upgraded dual sink vanity, large oval tub, separate shower, and enclosed toilet area await your indulgence. With desirable North/South exposure and a 2.5 car garage providing ample storage, this home offers both comfort and convenience.

3935 E Rough Rider Road Phoenix, AZ 85050

$510,000
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,696 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6702219
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Welcome to a wonderful home located in the gated community. Two bedroom plus a bonus room or den off the primary bedroom. This luxurious residence offers a cozy ambiance with a traditional fireplace in the living room. The neutral color paint scheme adds elegance to the rooms, complemented by fresh interior paint for a polished look. The kitchen is a gourmand's delight with stainless steel appliances and sleek cabinetry. The primary bedroom features a spacious walk-in closet for seamless organization, and the primary bathroom features double sinks a separate tub and a shower for a spa-like experience. The Aviano community is fully equipped with a fitness center, multiple pools, basketball/volleyball courts. Close to Desert Ridge dining & Shopping & easy access to major freeways, 101 & 51.

9425 E Evergreen Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$510,000
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,701 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6659141
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Discover the charm of 9425 E EVERGREEN ST, Mesa, AZ 85207 - a centrally located decorator's dream on a corner lot. With custom interior and exterior paint, a captivating poolside ambiance, and upgraded features including updated bathrooms and modern appliances, this home offers style and comfort. With remodeled kitchen cabinets, quartz countertops and modern appliances, you'll forget about eating out! The large master suite boasts enough room for a sitting area, creating a joyous home you can settle right into. Outdoors, the backyard is an oasis in the desert, with a Pebble Tec pool, so you can enjoy the ease of xeriscape desert landscaping with beautiful nightly sunsets by the pool in the Summer and turn to the fire pit in the Winter. For those unfamiliar with xeriscape, this means money you will not have any water bills for irrigation! Lastly there is a spacious two car garage with an added electric car charger that will convey with the home. Don't miss out on this inviting haven! Additional upgrades to consider are the following: Pool Decking resurface 2023, Pool Sand Filter 2023, Pool Pump 2021, Full Roof Replacement 2021, Turf and Pavers 2020, AC Replaced 2020, and so much more! Owners are also willing to paint the interior a neutral color for new owners.

6816 S 30th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85041

$510,000 - 5Br/4Ba -  for Sale in Laveen Village Amd, Phoenix
Open House
$510,000
5 Beds
3.5 Baths
3,764 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705244
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this beautifully presented property with a fresh interior paint in a sophisticated neutral color scheme. The kitchen features a practical island for meal prep and entertaining. The primary bedroom offers a spacious walk-in closet for organized storage. The primary bathroom creates a spa-like atmosphere with a separate tub and shower. Step outside to enjoy the patio in the fenced backyard for alfresco dining or a quiet morning coffee. This property combines aesthetics with convenience and practicality, ready for you to make it your sanctuary.

6411 S River Drive Tempe, AZ 85283

$510,000 - 2Br/3Ba -  for Sale in Cottonwoods, Tempe
Open House
$510,000
2 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,589 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6646043
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
Introducing an extraordinary new listing in the highly coveted city of Tempe, AZ! Nestled amidst million-dollar homes, these exclusive townhomes are a rare find, offering a lifestyle of unparalleled convenience. Conveniently located near Loop 101, this residence is surrounded by a wealth of shopping & dining options. Explore the renowned Chandler Fashion Center, take a short drive to the vibrant Tempe Marketplace, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Tempe Town Lake. Outdoor enthusiasts can tee off at the Dobson Ranch Golf Course or Ken Macdonald Golf Course, & there's easy access to amenities near ASU. Plus, indulge in culinary delights at Whole Foods & Hash Kitchen just minutes away! This uniquely designed townhome boasts a prime location overlooking the community courtyard & fountain. Downstairs, the living quarters exude elegance with timeless saltillo tile, 12+ foot ceilings, a fireplace, a spacious living room & half bathroom. Multiple access points lead to the backyard patio, adorned with stone-like floors & a variety of seating areas. Ascend the spiral staircase to the upstairs living quarters, featuring a thoughtfully laid out split floor plan with two ensuite bedrooms. Both bedrooms have their own private balconiesone overlooking the courtyard & water feature for breathtaking AZ sunrises, and the other facing the back patio for serene sunsets. An expansive walkway sitting area upstairs provides another balcony to soak in the Arizona sunrise. The front patio is equally charming with its stone floors. Experience city living without sacrificing tranquility; this home effortlessly combines modern adobe style with elements of Santa Barbara architecture. Exceptional features that make this community truly special are the walking pathways to marvel at the beauty of 7 ponds filled with fish and a few friendly turtles! Don't miss the chance to make this exceptional residence your own!

5005 W Cheryl Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$509,999
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,829 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679868
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in North Central Glendale, Convenient to everything!! Gorgeous Open Plan with bedroom & full bathroom downstairs!! Wonderful Kitchen includes tons of cabinets, LARGE ISLAND, and Walk in Pantry for all the space required to live comfortably!! Plus, a grand primary suite stretching across the top floor offers a welcoming retreat and a convenient second-floor laundry room. Designer finishes include: 42'' White Cabinets with neutral ''picket fence'' shaped backsplash, White Quartz counters & ''Natural'' 6X36 Plank Tile floors!!! Home is move-in ready!

19614 W Wilshire Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85395

$509,995
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,570 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6641116
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Welcome to this elegant Celeste home, ready May 2024! Included features: a covered entry; pavers in the driveway, walkway and gourmet kitchen offering 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a center island; 36'' gas cooktop, oven and microwave in the wall; a generous great room; a charming nook with sliding patio door; a secluded primary suite showcasing a spacious walk-in closet a private bath with double sinks and deluxe owners bath with walk-in shower and separate bath tub; a central laundry with pre-plumbed sink; a covered patio; gas stub at patio; 2-car garage with 8' garage door opener ! This home also has dramatic 10' ceilings, cultured marble bath countertops, ceiling fan prewiring in select rooms, coach lights.

32214 N Buckaroo Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$509,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,178 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705038
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Located in San Tan Valley, this adorable single story, 2178 sqare foot residence boasts a meticulously designed living space. Crafted with a keen eye for both style and functionality, this home harmoniously blends modern elegance with timeless comfort. This home seamlessly integrates open-concept living, featuring a den, 8' doors, 4-panel center sliding glass door, a large kitchen adorned with quartz countertops, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances. The expansive owner's suite includes dual vanities in the bathroom and a large walk-in closet. Additional bedrooms offer ample space for family or guests, each thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. Complete with a 4-car garage, two car tandem and a super garage, this residence represents the epitome of ideal living.

20017 W Rancho Drive Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

$509,990
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,131 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6706014
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Come experience this Beautiful BRAND NEW Home in a highly desirable West Valley location. Prime Lot with View Fencing and Stunning Views of the White Tank Mountains! Featuring countless upgrades such as 9' ceilings, Shaw tile flooring, Granite countertops in the kitchen. Whirlpool Stainless steel appliances including the refrigerator. White Shaker cabinets. Energy-efficient features throughout, programmable thermostat, gas water heater, gas range, Whirlpool washer & dryer. Spacious walk-in closet in primary suite. Front yard landscaping, covered patio in the backyard. Spectacular Mountain Views! Minutes from Verrado in a master-planned community featuring walking trails, greenbelts, neighborhood park with playground, soccer field, and volleyball court. Conveniently located near the I-10 and 303, top-rated schools, shopping and dining!

5519 W Thurman Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$509,990
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,178 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679478
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Stunning Farmhouse split floorplan 3-bedroom 2.5 Bath with a den home located in the West Valley's newest community, Estates at Estrella Crossing. With a large walk-in pantry with the super 4 car garage is out of this world! This newly constructed home includes professionally designed features and finishes including quartz countertops, subway tile backsplash, 36'' cabinets that are 2 tone which include contemporary white uppers and complimenting gray cabinet for the kitchen island. Ashton Woods is pleased to include ALL APPLIANCES in this home, making your move-in process seamless. You'll find stainless steel dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator in the kitchen, and matching washer-dryer in the well-appointed laundry room.

15746 W Kendall Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$509,990
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,274 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689421
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!!! This single-level home features a spacious open floorplan shared between the Great Room, kitchen and dining room, while a more formal living room situated off the foyer offers a versatile space that could easily be converted into a study. A generous covered patio makes indoor-outdoor living and entertaining simple. Four bedrooms complete this home.

32273 N Saddlehorn Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$509,990
5 Beds
4.5 Baths
3,020 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6705842
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
''New Construction!! Nestled perfectly in the sought after city of San Tan Valley. Adorable 2-story home with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, large den and a 3 car tandem garage. Ashton Woods offers a spacious owner's suite, stainless steel appliances, quartz kitchen countertops and classic shaker style cabinets. This home has been upgraded with our newest coastal Collection and boasts gorgeous finishes, 42 inch upper cabinets, chrome hardware and a beautiful blue backsplash in the kitchen. This home also includes washer, dryer, fridge, and blinds to make moving in a breeze!

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