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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325 E 8th Street Douglas, AZ 85607

$50,000

3 Beds

1 Bath

795 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6579372

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Great location, the zoning is now General Commercial but may work with the existing structure and keep it residential, Seller Motivated.

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190 N Cornerstone Way Star Valley, AZ 85541

$50,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6610408

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

THIS HOME IS PRICED TO MOVE. GREAT STARTER HOME, located in a great park. Enjoy your evenings in this outstanding community. Watch the wildlife walk through your yard, in the cool weather of Star Valley. This is a great opportunity, for a starter home or even a summer getaway. This mobile home is financeable, just contact the listing agent to get the details. With a little TLC, this can be an amazing home. This home features a storage shed and new carpet throughout. THE SELLER IS VERY MOTOVATED TO SELL. MAKE AN OFFER TODAY, BEFORE THIS OPPORTUNITY IS GONE.

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7807 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$49,999

1 Bed

1 Bath

720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6652400

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

55 Plus Community Great 1 bedroom 1 bath open. Nice open floor plan with laminate flooring separate dining area. Nice storage in kitchen. Gas Stove, Big bedroom and again laminate flooring thru out. Lots of closet space. nice big walk in shower. Newer split ac system to help with those energy cost. Big shaded patio area for extra living space with plenty of room for entertaining. Sit outside and have a beautiful view of the superstition mountains. Large insulated shed with laminate flooring and shelving. big enough to make it into a man cave or a she shed. This is a must see!

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7807 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$49,950

2 Beds

2 Baths

960 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6656835

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

NEW PRICE! NEW CARPET! MAKE IT YOUR NEW ADDRESS! Just a few doors south of the pool you'll find a freshly painted exterior and an updated kitchen with modern white cabinetry, stainless smooth top range, recessed lighting and island. 2 bed, 2 bath and in unit laundry. Huge covered side patio with new decking and a second covered back porch. Plenty of storage with a shed with electric. Agave Village is a 55+ community with an abundance of activities & amenities.

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3330 E Main Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$49,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6639156

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Great 3 bedroom 2 full bath ground set home in a 55 plus 5 star park that is professionally managed and gated. Many amenities and activities in park for a close community. Two brand new full length awnings on both sides. New paint almost completed on exterior, paint is provided not much to complete. All appliances stay. New dog park close by.Park approval needed park rent increasing March 1st.

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535 S Alma School Road Mesa, AZ 85210

$49,900

2 Beds

1 Bath

1,100 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6643179

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Step into your personal oasis of tranquility! This 2-bedroom gem has undergone a complete makeover, and now it's your chance to customize it to your heart's desire with our exclusive BUILDER SPECIAL! ''SELLER WILLING TO GIVE UP TO $5,000 CASH CREDIT AT CLOSING- USE HOWEVER YOU WANT'' Prepare to be wowed by the 'new' - refinished cabinets that gleam with sophistication, a chic washer/dryer combo that's practically begging to do your laundry, a roof coated with freshness, and windows that frame clarity like a work of art.But wait, there's more! Say hello to the redesigned bathroom, boasting an all-new tile shower and space big enough to host a party - or accommodate a walker with ease. *CLICK MORE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY* With revitalized electrics and fresh paint inside and out, this home is practically singing 'Hallelujah'!Parking? Effortless, thanks to the newly completed carport. And let's talk comfort - a fresh A/C system ensures you stay cool as a cucumber, even on the hottest of days. Floors built to last? You betcha - because resilience is our middle name.But that's not all! An additional tool shed awaits, ready to become the haven for your hobbies and DIY projects. Nestled in a peaceful, safe 55+ community, this is more than just a home - it's a sanctuary for your soul.Curious? Exclusive photos and virtual tours are at your fingertips. Financing options available - because we believe everyone deserves their dream home. Don't wait a moment longer - your slice of serenity awaits! <=

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8600 E Broadway Road Mesa, AZ 85208

$49,900

2 Beds

1 Bath

910 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6651032

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

2 MONTHS PAID Lot rent, Cute & cozy partially furnished 2BR 1BA home on a wide lot. located in the inspired 55+ Community of Mountain View Estates. The floorplan is open, bright and cheery. Storage is plentiful including a coat closet, pantry, built-in china cabinet, linen closet, plus a 9X14 wooden storage shed with a workbench & electricity. There are window blinds throughout & sunscreens where needed. The porch is private and covered for your morning coffee or afternoon tea & is also pet safe. Your large carport will keep your car in the shade. All appliances stay as well as the inside washer and dryer. Most of the furniture stays too including a built in 14 ft dresser. The roof was recently refoamed. Check out the pool & clubhouse. You'll be pleasantly surprised with this lovely home

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9985 N Pinal Avenue Casa Grande, AZ 85122

$49,900

1 Bed

1 Bath

508 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6660486

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Step into luxury with this 1-bed, 1-bath home in a sought-after 55+ community, untouched and waiting for its first resident. Revel in the natural light that fills the space, highlighting the high-end floors and fixtures. The kitchen boasts new appliances for modern convenience, while a storage loft offers added space for organization. Outside, indulge in community amenities including a pool, spa, dog park, horseshoe pits, and fire pits, ensuring a lifestyle of leisure and relaxation. Experience unmatched comfort in this pristine home within a vibrant 55+ community.

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4065 E University Drive Mesa, AZ 85205

$48,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

900 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668771

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Very well maintained Citrus Gardens home! Mature grapefruit tree, 2022 AC and furnace! Newer vinyl plank flooring, wide bedroom door and walk-in shower. Open floor plan with kitchen island, built-in microwave and oven. Washer, dryer and refrigerator convey. This active 55+ community offers 2 clubhouses hosting weekly activities and events, heated pools, separate pool for children to visit. Shuffleboard courts, fitness center, EV charging stations! Workshop, and upgraded siding surrounding the carport and payio.

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33426 S Ha Wa Si Trail Black Canyon City, AZ 85324

$48,000

1 Bed

1 Bath

380 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6663870

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Great Retiree Find! Sweet 1 bedroom, 1 bath Park Model! If you are a winter visitor or living year round, this is a super clean home. Cute front entrance porch and side deck as well as 8X8 Tuff Shed. Located in a 55+ quiet, small gated park. Space rent is $500 per month inlcudes water and trash.

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2900 W Superstition Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$47,500

2 Beds

2 Baths

840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6694954

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Located in the Silverado Estates 55+ community of Apache Junction, this cozy mobile home features 2 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms, making it ideal for shared living with a companion or roommate if needed. Upon entering, you'll be greeted with vaulted ceilings, wood laminate flooring, and bay-style windows that fill the interior with natural light. This home features a large walk-in pantry and comes with all appliances, including a washer & dryer. The main bedroom has large bathroom with a private toilet and walk-in shower. The guest bathroom has a vessel sink and tub/shower. Outside, you'll find a covered carport that offers ample space for your belongings & vehicle. HVAC 2014 / Electric Water Heater 2016. Additionally, this home features Double-Pane windows, and a separate storage shed equipped with lighting and electrical outlets, making it suitable for use as a workshop. Summer is here, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to bask in the sun, dive into the pool, explore the clubhouse, and embrace all the community amenities while making new friends along the way.

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730 S Country Club Drive Mesa, AZ 85210

$46,999

2 Beds

1 Bath

720 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668174

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful Fully furnished 2 bed, 1 bath, 12'x60' mobile home nestled in a gated retirement community. Enjoy the convenience of community amenities including a pool and proximity to multiple freeways. Recent updates include new vinyl flooring, furnace/AC, kitchen faucet, and fresh paint. Stainless steel appliances are included. Relax in your private jacuzzi. Additional upgrades: new bathroom sink, 7-layer roof coating with 10-year warranty, and a new bathroom vanity mirror. Don't miss out on this turnkey home!

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