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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

5 N 119th Avenue Avondale, AZ 85323

$499,900
3 Beds
3 Baths
2,687 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6662962
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Nestled within the prestigious Cold Water Springs community, this 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is a gem. Situated on a coveted golf course lot, panoramic views of the pristine fairways and greens greet you from every window. Step into the backyard oasis, where a large pool beckons for relaxation, while the meticulously manicured putting green offers endless entertainment. Inside, the residence boasts spacious living areas. With an open floor plan designed for seamless indoor-outdoor living, this home provides the perfect blend of sophistication and leisure, creating an ideal retreat.

21838 N Scott Court Maricopa, AZ 85138

$499,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
2,312 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6673046
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Golf course lot! iIncredible 3-bed + Den home sitting on a golf course lot of a quiet cul-de-sac in the desired Rancho El Dorado Community! RV gate, 2-car garage, and manicured landscaping welcome you. Enter to see a formal living & dining room, designer paint, a double-door entrance den, and high vaulted ceilings. You will love the family room boasting wood floors, built-in niches, a gas fireplace, and backyard access! The eat-in kitchen features an island w/breakfast bar, a walk-in pantry, oak cabinets, a chic backsplash, granite counters, and SS appliances. The oversize main bedroom has access to the backyard and an ensuite w/dual sinks & walk-in closet. Oasis-style backyard highlights a blue pool w/water feature, a covered patio, a storage shed, and multiple seating areas. Close to schools and shopping.

18805 E Loma Vista -- Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$499,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,783 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6678645
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
FURNISHED Move-in ready! This exquisite 3 bed, 2-bath residence features a 2-car garage with a paver driveway, a stunning desert landscape, & a welcoming front patio. The family room boasts high ceilings, exposed beams, a neutral color scheme, durable tile flooring, and a cozy fireplace. New kitchen with skylights for natural light, quartz counters, wood shaker cabinets, recessed lighting, SS appliances, & a peninsula with a breakfast bar. You'll also find a versatile third bedroom/den perfect for an office. The main bedroom offers soft carpeting, direct backyard access, a private bathroom with raised vanity, dual sinks, updated shower & a walk-in closet. The backyard is an enchanting oasis, complete with a covered patio, an outdoor fireplace, & fragrant citrus trees. This one won't last

2602 N 70th Street Scottsdale, AZ 85257

$499,900
3 Beds
1 Bath
969 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691263
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Highly sought after corner lot in Cran Brook Manor. Really large lot for unlimited possibilities! This is a great opportunity for someone to create their new home or an investment opportunity! New windows are Energy Star in Southwest bedroom and Arcadia door. Remaining windows are dual paned also.

11207 S Iroquois Drive Phoenix, AZ 85044

$499,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
2,143 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6679134
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Fully remodeled designer home. Upgraded from top to bottom. New cabinets throughout the house, new bathrooms, new plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, new double-pane window, stucco, flooring, baseboards and doors, fresh paint inside and out, new landscaping and a lot more to discover.

4021 W Blackhawk Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$499,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,235 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6682598
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Desirable & Great Location - Arroyo Springs Neighborhood - Open Concept Layout - 3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms - Primary Bedroom, Bathroom & Large Walk In Closet Located Downstairs - Hardwood Floors & Ceramic Tile Thru-Out - Large Formal Dining & Living Room - Modern Kitchen w/ Newer Cabinets & Appliances, Breakfast Bar, Granite Countertops, Eat In Kitchen Area & Open to Family Room - Upstairs 2 Bedrooms w/ Walk In Closets & Large Open Loft Area - Large Backyard Great for Entertaining w/ Pool, Covered Patio, Grass Area, Palm & Citrus Trees.

16525 E Avenue Of The Fountains -- Fountain Hills, AZ 85268

$499,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,736 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6685641
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
NEW LOW PRICE!! Excellent value for this furnished condo!!Perfect location if you like downtown living!! Walk to and enjoy lots of shops, restaurants, art shows and of course the World Famous Fountain...This lightly lived in & recently remodeled upstairs condo is just right for part time living or full time residents! Being sold furnished/Spacious 1736 sf with large great room, beautifully remodeled kitchen/dining room, 3 bedrooms & 2 baths! Enjoy the mountain views from your covered balcony. You'll love the master suite with all new walk in shower & double vanity. Nice laundry room with extra storage...and a 1 car garage with built in storage cabinets & epoxy floors! Heated Community pool & spa / Exercise room/ Priced to sell...don't hesitate!!

18716 N 51st Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$499,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,663 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691970
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Best location and better home! Absolutely adorable almost new home in far North Glendale. You'll love this open great room with 10'' raised ceilings. Beautiful ceramic tile in all the right places. Upgraded kitchen has extended & 42'' tall maple toffee cabinets with crown molding, granite counters, huge island, & stainless appliances including gas cook-top. Large split master bedroom has separate shower & garden tub + huge walk-in closet. Professionally landscaped front & backyard with custom pavers, lush grass & extended patio. No rear neighbors & quiet cul-de-sac lot across from tot-lot/greenbelt. Close to everything!

1615 E Williams Street Tempe, AZ 85281

$499,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,280 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6690745
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NO HOA! 10,502 SQFT flood irrigated lot! Rare chance to own a remodeled home in Hudson Manor. These homes don't go for sale every day! Large lot with lush landscaping and new fencing! 3 spacious bedrooms and a large master suite! New kitchen with cabinets and counters, new appliances, fresh paint inside and out, new carpet, lights and much more! Close to Arizona State University, Tempe Marketplace, light rail, freeways and much more! You really need to see this home to believe it!

16433 S 17th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85045

$499,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,661 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6632600
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautiful home in Foothills Club West community. Ideal split floor plan with open kitchen and great room. Fresh interior custom paint and exterior including garage. New neutral carpet. Recessed lighting, custom wood blinds and ceiling fans in all rooms. White kitchen cabinets, pantry and white appliances. Neutral tile in all traffic areas and baths. Easy care desert front and backyards with watering systems. Great schools, hiking and biking trails and golf with lovely mountain views. Great location with easy access to freeways, shopping and much more.

16668 W Pierce Street Goodyear, AZ 85338

$499,900
4 Beds
2 Baths
1,862 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6689544
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
SPECTACULAR YARD WITH HEATED POOL & SPA, OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH WALL TV CABINET, GAS FIREPLACE, GAZEBO, 2 SHEDS & EXTENSIVE PATIO ON A HUGE CORNER LOT. This move-in ready FOUR BEDROOM home has been freshly painted outside, painted inside, has a NEW HVAC (2023), upgraded fixtures and beautiful tile throughout. The spacious foyer opens to a huge living area with vaulted ceiling. The kitchen features granite counters, custom backsplash, crown molding, large island with eating counter & built-in beverage fridge. ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED. The Ensuite bathroom has a patio door to the covered patio. Bedrooms #3 & 4 have upgraded windows & overlook a gorgeous front yard. Low voltage lighting front & back with an abundance of palm trees, shrubs, 2 orange trees & more. You may not want to leave home!

4066 E Cathy Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$499,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
2,303 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6637333
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
The wait is over! Book your tour on this awesome 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 garage home with loft and huge living area! Located in prime Gilbert location off Recker and Warner and close to 202! Very nice kitchen granite counters, white cabinets, kitchen island, double wall ovens, and newer dishwasher! Huge formal dining area that can be used for separate living area if desired. Functional loft on the second level perfect for work space or living area. Massive primary suite with room for sitting area and large walk-in closet. 2 sinks, separate tub and shower and private toilet room. Jack and jill bath at secondary bedrooms for added convenience. Community offers pool and spa, large grassy park, and playground. Great value and great location make this a great buy!

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