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

Fixer 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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

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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11017 W Wood Street Tolleson, AZ 85353

$509,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,375 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6695680

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Below Market Financing Available!!!!!!!!! This single-story home features a central open design with patio access for easy living and entertaining. The luxe owner's suite is situated toward the back for privacy, while the secondary bedrooms feature toward the entrance—one of which boasts a separate flex space perfect for independent residents. A 3-car garage provides additional storage space. Photos are of a model home, not the actual home.

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12521 N 172nd Lane Surprise, AZ 85388

$509,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6597528

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN!!! Belice with 3 bedrooms + flex space, 2 bath and a 3 car garage. Multi slide door at great room that leads out to the extended covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with 6x18 tile surrounds in Persuade White. Stainless steel gas appliance package. Sonoma Maple Painted Linen -off white cabinets with 42'' uppers in the kitchen and roll outs at pantry and a pull out trash drawer. DT One Quartz ''Evening Gray'' countertops in kitchen and owner's bath with a undermount 60/40 sink. Upgrade flooring includes MZ Norwood Oak 6x24 tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. Dual sinks in the hallbath. Soft water loop, gas drop to dryer. Gas stub for future BBQ. Interior two tone paint ''Agreeable Gray'' and so much more. HOA fees are apprx.

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12114 W Marguerite Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$509,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,985 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6646000

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PACK YOUR BAGS... It's our popular Belize. 12x8 sliding glass door that leads out to your extended covered patio. Walk in shower at owner's bath. Gas appliance package including a cooktop. Kinsdale painted - Linen cabinets with rollouts at pantry and pullout trash drawer with two bins. Soft close doors and drawers in the kitchen. Quartz ''Concrete Gray'' countertops in the kitchen and at the enhanced kitchen island. Flooring includes 6x36 Magnolia Bend tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms & closets.16 SEER rated gas A/C unit and so much more. Seller to write contract. Verify all information with onsite agent.

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12057 W Ashby Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

$509,990

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,160 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6670687

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Vibrant Vistancia Village Home Now on Market! This tremendously popular floorplan is situated on a larger corner lot in the high-demand master-planned community as well as the very popular 85383 ZIP code, giving access to the lifestyle sought in the greater north Valley of the Sun! From indoor & outdoor living as well as access to shopping, dining, education & other amenities, this home cannot be beat. The forward-thinking versatile layout is great for a first-time owner or move-down or even a seasonal lock & leave home as the dual living areas allow for room to spread out while still feeling connected! All appliances convey, plus durable finishes plus upgraded master bath & new carpet in living areas & master suite round out the upgrades for this gem - come & see!

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10810 W Luxton Lane Tolleson, AZ 85353

$509,990

5 Beds

4 Baths

2,945 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682076

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New home under construction. Estimated completion is June 2024. - 2,945 sq ft, Two story home with 5 bedrooms, loft, Den, 4 full baths, 3-car Tandem garage and covered back patio. Includes professionally designed features and finishes with our AW Collections Rockwell Essential! Beautifully landscaped front yard with pavers on driveway. This home also includes 9FT ceilings, kitchen Island with granite kitchen countertops, white cabinets in kitchen and bath, walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliance package, ceiling fan prewire in all bedrooms and den, ceramic wood-looking plank tile throughout, carpet in bedrooms and den, pendant light prewires, blinds throughout, garage door opener, and so much more! This home also offers a 2-panel sliding glass door to the back patio so you can enjoy the backyard from your kitchen and family area. Located close to the I-10 and the new Loop 202 Highways. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment.

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11500 E Cochise Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85259

$509,990

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,301 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6686575

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Recently renovated ground floor corner condo in the exclusive Scottsdale Mirage Crossing Resort gated community. This light-filled unit boasts a spacious open floor plan with 2 beds, 2 baths, and an attached garage. Updates include a luxurious walk-in shower in the master suite, custom window shutters, stainless steel appliances, upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, a breakfast bar, pantry, new carpet and tile flooring, fresh interior paint, and more. The laundry room offers additional storage space with hidden shelves and includes a washer and dryer. Enjoy the private covered patio. Community amenities include greenbelts, picnic areas with gas BBQs, a heated pool and spa, a community center with a fitness gym, billiards, and more.

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10266 W Piccadilly Road Avondale, AZ 85392

$509,915

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,949 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6642636

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of total purchase price towards closing costs incentive offer. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply. MLS# 6642636 April Completion! Experience contemporary living at Parkside Los Cielos with our 40-1 floorplan—a single-story oasis featuring 3 bedrooms, a flex room and 2 baths. The open design effortlessly connects the dining room, kitchen, and great room. Delight in the kitchen's 42'' upper cabinets, gas range, quartz countertops, and stylish recessed panel cabinets. Two secondary bedrooms and a bathroom adorn the front for added seclusion, while the primary bedroom at the rear offers a generous walk-in closet, spa-like super shower, and dual vanities—blending opulence with functionality. Embrace a lifestyle of comfort and elegance in your new home. Structural options include: paver front porch, RV gate, upgraded square corners, 5 baseboards, 8' interior doors, soft water loop, and complete reverse osmosis system.

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4608 W Acacia Drive Eloy, AZ 85131

$509,900

2 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,121 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6646527

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GORGEOUS ALTURA MODEL built in 2021! Kitchen features highly upgraded 42'' cabinets, marble backsplash, pendant lights, SS chimney hood, under cabinet lights, Gas cooktop w/5 burners, built-in trash bin, pot & pan drawers, Quartz counters, roll-out shelves (even in the pantry), soft close drawers, wall oven & microwave. You will love the plank flooring, 5-1/4'' baseboards, Glass front door, 8' interior doors, upgraded 340 glass windows, Quartz vanities, 2 full suite bedrooms w/walk-in closets & tile showers. Extended Sun room off the dining area. The laundry room has a full set of cabinets & sink. Step out back to the covered patio w/sunshades. Backyard is fully fenced & landscaped w/pavers & synthetic grass. This home has so many upgrades, is immaculate & was built in 2021.

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4817 N 93rd Drive Phoenix, AZ 85037

$509,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,435 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6705080

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-full-bath home in Terracita, Phoenix! With a versatile den, loft, and proximity to attractions, it's ideal for a large family. Downstairs den and bath offer guest or in-law suite potential. Conveniently located 1.5 miles from State Farm Stadium and Westgate Entertainment District, and less than 1 mile to AZ 101 freeway. The kitchen boasts granite counters, wood shaker cabinets, chic fixtures, SS appliances, and a walk-in pantry. The master bedroom features a spacious walk-in bath with separate vanity area. Enjoy privacy in the clean slate backyard with no rear neighbors, and benefit from two brand-new AC units. This home is filled with so many upgrades come see for yourself!!

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4529 E Carob Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$509,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,604 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700267

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to resort-style living at 55+ Trilogy at Power Ranch in Gilbert, AZ. You'll love this 1604 sq ft. 2B2B +den Morningstar floorplan built by Shea. This home offers updated finishes throughout including Californian iron screen door, cherry cabinets, tile backsplash, granite countertops, s/s appliances (including gas stove,) tile flooring throughout, plantation shutters, updated bathroom fixtures and classic neutral interior paint throughout. The south-facing backyard oasis is completely fenced with a paver patio and mature plants with auto-irrigation. This home is being sold completely furnished with any remaining household items included. Mechanicals include water softener (owned,) reverse osmosis, gas water heater, 18 SEER HE AC and gas furnace. Trilogy at Power Ranch offers amazing amenities including heated swimming pools, fitness center, steam room and hot tub; organized fitness classes, pickleball, tennis, hiking, dancing, cards & games; groups including scrapbooking, stained glass, cooking, photography and quilting. Our championship golf course features an on-site restaurant and bar, all open to the public.

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9516 W Trumbull Road Tolleson, AZ 85353

$509,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,273 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6704558

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Step inside and be captivated by the spacious, open-concept layout and modern finishes. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, featuring ample counter space, stainless steel appliances, and a large island perfect for entertaining. The inviting living room flows seamlessly into the dining area, creating an ideal space for family gatherings and hosting friends. Step outside into your own private paradise! The sparkling pool and surrounding patio are perfect for soaking up the Arizona sunshine, entertaining, or simply relaxing. Located in the desirable Tolleson neighborhood, this home is just minutes from schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment options & easy access to major freeways, commuting to work or exploring the Valley is a breeze.

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