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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14772 W Cielo Grande Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$499,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,204 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650203

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; details available from Selling Agent. MLS# 6650203 April Completion. Explore the beauty of Plan 40R2 at Los Cielos, Rancho Mercado—a stunning single-story home offering 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 2,204 sq ft of living space. As you enter, discover 3 secondary bedrooms and a convenient laundry room through the foyer. The open main living area creates an inviting space for relaxation or entertainment. The kitchen boasts an island with a breakfast bar and pantry, seamlessly connecting to the gathering room. Enjoy the owner's suite nestled at the rear for privacy, featuring ample natural light, dual sinks, a separate shower, soaking tub, and walk in closet Structural options include: paver front porch, upgraded square corners, 5 baseboards, gas line for future outdoor kitchen and raised vanity at secondary baths.

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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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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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3610 E Peralta Canyon Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$499,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,832 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688521

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#6688521 Ready Now! Model home sale! The Edmonton at the new Combs Ranch Discovery community is a thoughtfully designed single story home offering 4 bedrooms, spacious owner's suite, and outdoor living space. Just off the foyer is the dining room that opens to the beautifully upgraded kitchen. There is plenty room to entertain or relax in the gathering room that overlooks the outdoor living. Design upgrades include: paver front porch, fully landscaped backyard, custom built in, curtains, GE top load white washer and dryer, Ge profile refrigerator, insulated garage, soft water loop and outdoor gas stub. Design upgrades include: paver front porch, fully landscaped backyard, custom built in, curtains, GE top load white washer and dryer, Ge profile refrigerator, insulated garage, soft water loop and outdoor gas stub.

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2919 W Woodridge Drive Phoenix, AZ 85053

New

$499,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,670 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696632

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

It's hard to say who's going to have more fun at this incredible house, the adults or the kids? This one of a kind home sits on a sprawling quarter-acre of joy with no HOA, and endless outdoor entertainment. Inside, the heart of this home beats with a bright, open living space, adorned with quartz countertops and shining stainless steel appliances in the well appointed chef's kitchen. Stunning flooring throughout, and crystal-clear new Anderson windows, framing views of your private outdoor resort. Outside, life is an endless summer! With your very own dazzling pool, a poolside bar for sunset cocktails, a waterfall pond for serene moments, and an 8-hole mini-golf course that blends seamlessly into the beautiful landscape for spontaneous family fun! The magic continues with ... beautifully lit, well established plants, an oversized covered patio for al fresco dining, and ample space for your RV, plus extra storage sheds for all your gear. Nestled in a convenient location with quick access to freeways, shopping, dining, and schools, this home is not just a place to live, it's a lifestyle upgrade! And with a maintenance-free front yard, you have more time to enjoy your very own vegetable garden and all the outdoor pleasures waiting right at your doorstep. Ready for fun in the sun and endless enjoyment at home? Dive into your new life today, because this slice of paradise won't wait forever!

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41030 W Agave Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$499,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6632214

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN.. It's the very popular Belice with 3 bedrooms, + flex space to use as you wish, 2 baths and a 3 car tandem garage. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with 4x16 Ice gloss in shower surrounds. 12x8 sliding glass door off the great room that leads out to your extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas range. Benton Birch ''Sarsaprarilla stain'' cabinets throughout the home with 42'' kitchen uppers. Himalaya white granite countertops in kitchen and on the extended kitchen island. EMS Casino Ice Matt 4x16 backsplash in kitchen. Upgrade flooring includes 12x24 Astra tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets which has a level 9 carpet. Dual sinks in bath 2. Gas stub for future BBQ, soft water loop, interior two-tone paint in ''Agreeable Gray''.

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158 W Winterberry Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$499,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,199 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6643292

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW GRASS in BACKYARD (April 15th) Queen Creek-San Tan Border! This meticulously maintained beauty features a lush grass backyard, perfect for outdoor enjoyment. 3 bedrooms plus a convertible den, upgraded granite countertops, and modern amenities like 8' doors throughout, 3cm thick granite countertops, upgraded cabinetry, kitchen island, dual primary bath sinks, a separate shower and bathtub, 3 zone A/C, a 3-car tandem garage w/upgraded 4Ft Extension, OWNED solar panels and an EV Charging Station, side Gate, Pavers and more. Community perks include parks, playgrounds, and a pool. Don't miss out! Full-price offer includes security cameras, video doorbell, refrigerator, washer, dryer, Tesla charging station, and projector. projection wall coated with projection screen paint ready for family entertainment, just plug in your devices. Reverse osmosis system to kitchen faucet and refrigerator, water softener. The community provides access to children's playgrounds, basketball courts, volleyball courts, greenbelt with Disc Golf, Aquatic Center, and many more amenities. The location is just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, Queen Creek Marketplace, Queen Creek Olive Mill, Legacy Sports Arena, and Schnepf Farms.

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9920 E Tamery Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$499,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,965 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6668527

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ready for you to move in! This beauty has all the upgrades you could want. Bright and Beautiful neutral colors throughout. Kitchen highly upgraded, with quartz, white 42'' cabinets and gas stove! Home also includes electrical upgrades and soft water loop! Awesome loft area perfect for office, workout room, play area...whatever you want! Second bedroom upstairs has a nice walk in closet. Come see today!

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9918 E Tamery Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$499,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,965 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6671137

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! Discover the charm of this newly constructed 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom plus loft single-family home in the most desirable neighborhood around! Step into a world of contemporary living featuring stainless steel kitchen appliances, elegant quartz countertops, and white cabinetry among other designer touches. Benefit from the practicality of a laundry room on the second floor and the spaciousness of a 2-car split garage. Eastmark offers exceptional amenities, including parks, a serene sparkling pool, clubhouse, the unique orange monster play area, a skatepark, a splash pad, and fields for baseball, softball, and soccer. Convenient connectivity to major highways and shopping. Embark on your new lifestyle adventure today - immediate move-in available.

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11135 W Levi Drive Tolleson, AZ 85353

$499,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,375 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678125

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MULTI-GEN HOME!!! This single-story home has such a smart layout that is perfect for families who like their personal space. Two bedrooms located at the front of the home, kitchen and dining area, versatile open livingroom, while the owner's suite is in the back for added privacy. The ensuite features its own kitchen, washer/dryer hookup, living room, bedroom, bathroom, and separate entrance. Built in 2022! Front and back landscaping. Custom paint that is out of this world! Beautiful Quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and gas stove! 220 V outlet in the garage! RO system and water softner. Enjoy the covered back patio while admiring the mountain views. Stone veneer and paver driveway out front, at 2375 sq ft., this could make an amazing investment/income property!

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108 N 236th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$499,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,248 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678396

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Recently remodeled 4 bed 3 bath with 3 car garage on a view lot with all new soft close kitchen/bathroom cabinets, quartz counters, designer tiled backsplash, modern cabinet hardware, stainless upgraded appliances, large farmhouse sink with commercial sprayer faucet, tile throughout main home, lush carpet and upgraded padding in bedrooms, new chrome interior door hardware, custom walk in tiled oversized master shower, his and her sinks, large master closet, walk out slider doors from master to back patio, blinds, ceiling fans, designer lighting, LED recessed lights, HUGE laundry room, new water heater, newly painted interior/exterior, huge covered patio with a professionally landscaped back yard with built in BBQ area, mountain views, and so much more to see in person!!

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10810 W Luxton Lane Tolleson, AZ 85353

$499,990

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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