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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3935 E Rough Rider Road Phoenix, AZ 85050

$499,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,575 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6698733

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Welcome to luxury living in the heart of Desert Ridge! This might be the best location in this desirable gated enclave, featuring 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, soft water system and all appliances included! The stunning Villages at Aviano features incredible amenities! In addition to the heated pool and outdoor spaces within the complex, you also have full access to the award winning Aviano facilities featuring heated pool, spa, fitness center, weight room, tennis & basketball courts, rock wall and a more! Desert Ridge is the place to be! Over 30 restaurants within 5 min, world class shopping, highly rated schools, amazing parks and ample open spaces-the crown jewel of the North Valley!

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2152 S Pennington -- Mesa, AZ 85202

New

$499,995

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,368 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703199

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**GOLF COURSE LOT** Stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bath home perfectly situated on a spacious lot overlooking the 1st hole of Dobson Ranch Golf Course. Step into the freshly painted interior to see the open floor plan, neutral paint, and tile flooring in main areas and bathrooms. The living room seamlessly connects to the kitchen/dining area, providing ample space for entertaining. This single-story home offers carpeted bedrooms, two with large walk-in closets, ideal for your family's comfort. Outside, enjoy the covered patio, freshly painted exterior, and the low-maintenance desert landscaping. This beautiful Mesa home is ideally located near excellent schools and plenty of shopping and dining options. Don't miss out - come see for yourself why this is the perfect place to call home!

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19648 W Windsor Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$499,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,070 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6622825

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Explore this beautiful Slate home, ready for quick move-in on a homesite boasting driveway pavers and front yard landscaping. Included features: an inviting covered entry; an open dining area; an impressive kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, a roomy pantry and a center island; a spacious great room; a lavish primary suite showcasing a generous walk-in closet and a private bath with cultured marble countertops; a 2nd bedroom with private bath and walk-in closet, a central laundry; a convenient storage area; a covered patio and a roomy 2-car garage. This home also offers stone tile flooring, ceiling fan prewiring and additional windows in select rooms.

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19589 W Jamestown Road Buckeye, AZ 85396

$499,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,400 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6648555

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The heart of this floor plan is an open layout with a great room, a breakfast nook with center meet doors and a kitchen with a walk-in pantry and a center island. The owner's suite is adjacent, and showcases a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with double sinks. . A private study, two bedrooms and a bath round out the residence.

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18016 W Puget Avenue Waddell, AZ 85355

$499,995

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,870 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6661377

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

BEAUTIFUL MODEL HOME-Enjoy this ready to move in 3 Bedroom 3 Bath with Study popular Larimar floorplan that offers endless upgrades including 9' ft ceilings, quartz countertops throughout ,an open great room with center-meet slider doors, immaculate landscaped backyard with firepit and comes fully designer furnished. This is an Incredible Value & A Must See!!!!

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3614 W Cobalt Court San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

Open House

$499,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,991 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6700066

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home was crafted for the way you live. The open-concept kitchen provides connectivity to the main living area with prime access to the outdoor patio. Embrace relaxation in the sun-filled great room that is bursting with natural light and is adjacent to the kitchen and casual dining area. A first-floor office provides the space to work from home. Don't miss this opportunity!

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5610 W Thurman Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$499,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,178 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696934

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Introducing the Ruby plan, an exquisite modern desert retreat offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a versatile den across its expansive 2173 square feet. Welcomed by a sleek paver driveway, this residence exudes contemporary charm and sophistication.Step inside to discover the seamless fusion of style and functionality, with grey wood-look tile flooring anchoring the open-concept living spaces. The kitchen is a culinary haven, featuring grey cabinets with upper cabinets reaching 36 inches in height, complemented by a crisp white backsplash and luxurious granite countertops.Designed with entertaining in mind, the home boasts a 4-panel sliding glass door leading to the backyard oasis, where outdoor gatherings await. The split floorplan ensures privacy, with the secondary bedrooms situated up front and the primary suite tucked away at the rear.Indulge in the comfort of the primary bath, complete with double vanities and a spacious walk-in shower. The convenience continues with a 4-car tandem super garage, providing ample space for vehicles and storage.This home comes fully equipped with blinds, appliances, and a garage door opener, offering a turnkey solution for modern living. Don't miss the opportunity to call the Ruby plan your own and experience the epitome of desert luxury.

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5512 W Olney Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

New

$499,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,150 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703313

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''Welcome to your dream home! Nestled on a spacious corner homesite, this charming single-story residence boasts comfort, style, and modern convenience at every turn. With 2,100 square feet of living space, this meticulously designed home offers ample room for relaxation and entertaining. As you approach, you'll be captivated by the inviting farmhouse exterior and charming front porch. The paver driveway leads you to a three-car garage, providing ample space for vehicles and storage. Step inside and be greeted by an abundance of natural light that illuminates the open-concept floor plan. The heart of the home is the expansive living area, featuring a stunning four-panel sliding door that seamlessly connects the indoor and outdoor spaces. Imagine hosting gatherings with loved ones or simply enjoying tranquil moments on the covered patio. The kitchen is sure to delight the chef in the family, with tall 42-inch cabinets, sleek hardware, and a beautiful backsplash that adds a touch of elegance. The white quartz countertops provide ample workspace, while the large island offers additional seating for casual meals or homework sessions. Equipped with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, including a gas range and built-in microwave, this kitchen is as functional as it is stylish. Adjacent to the kitchen, you'll find a versatile den, ideal for a home office, study, or playroom. Three spacious bedrooms offer comfort and privacy for family and guests, each featuring plush carpeting and ample closet space. The primary suite is a true retreat, boasting a luxurious ensuite bathroom with dual square sinks, upgraded fixtures, and a separate walk-in shower. Throughout the home, you'll appreciate the modern aesthetic of 12 by 24 plank tile flooring, offering durability and easy maintenance. Except for the bedrooms and den, this stylish flooring extends seamlessly throughout the living spaces, creating a cohesive and welcoming atmosphere.

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5622 W Thurman Drive Laveen, AZ 85339

$499,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,124 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690313

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning newly constructed single-story home offering a perfect blend of modern convenience and classic design in Laveen's beautiful Estrella Crossing Community featuring mountain views, miles of walking paths, open green spaces and parks! . There's plenty of curb appeal with a modern-desert exterior finish complete with a welcoming front porch and front yard landscaping. The interior boast 2124 square feet of meticulously designed living space including 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a den just off the second bedroom and bathroom which is designed perfectly to be used for a guest retreat, work from home space or private in-law or teen sweet. This home presents the Harmony pallet interior design finishes with open concept living through out the kitchen, dining and great rooms and features 8 foot doors through out giving it a feeling of grandior. The kitchen boasts a large island, quartz countertop and stainless steel appliances with a gas range accented with a signature Harmony backsplash and black cabinet pulls. The primary bedroom with on suite bath is situated at the back of the home offering quiet and privacy and has a window view of the backyard area. The 4-car tandem garage offers ample parking or storage and includes a garage door opener for your convenience. Right now, Ashton Woods is pleased to include ALL APPLIANCES in this home, making your move-in process seamless. You will find stainless steel dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator in the kitchen, and matching washer-dryer in the well-appointed laundry room .Don't miss out on making this residence yours. Located right off the new Loop 202 and Elliot. Great location close to dining, freeways, parks, and entertainment.

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25136 N 159th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$499,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,052 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677266

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Everything is stepped up on the McCormick floorplan at Mason Ranch! 4 CAR GARAGE!!! This home is a true stunner with 3 Bedrooms, 2 and a half Baths, enlarged Kitchen with White Shaker Cabinets thru-out w/ 42 inch Kitchen uppers, Walk-in Pantry, Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances with Gas Range, 24x12 staggered modern ceramic tile, Super-sized Kitchen Island, all with beautiful quartz kitchen tops in the kitchen area. ALL of which overlooks a massive Great Room! Each bath has been modernized with square sinks and marble-like shower wall panels! Exquisite! ALL of our homes include SMART Home technology. This home is ready for move in!

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25158 N 159th Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$499,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,434 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690420

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WOW!!! Best selling Pearl Floorplan is now ready for quick move in at the brand new Mason Ranch! This home is a stunner w/giant kitchen island, White Shaker 42 inch kitchen cabinets, under cabinet lighting, 12X24'' tile, and QUARTZ kitchen countertops, 4 bedrooms, 3 bath w/ porcelain shower walls and vanity tops w/ undermount sinks, Dining Rm, & enlarged den. Prewired for kitchen pendant lights & surround sound speakers in Great Rm. ALL of our homes include SMART Home technology. Ready for delivery!

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32204 N Sonny Jim Road San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$499,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,020 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679026

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 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, large den and a loft, with a 3 car tandem car garage. Ashton Woods offers a spacious owner's suite, stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen countertops and classic white shaker style cabinets makes this a place to call home. Conveniently located off of Combs Rd and Schnepf Rd. As with all of our homes, this one is also constructed as ''Energy Star'' for remarkable comfort, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability!

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