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.

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1610 W Lynwood Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

$499,900
3 Beds
1 Bath
1,140 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6683262
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Step into a piece of Arizona history with this charming 1920's bungalow, nestled in the coveted and iconic F.Q. Historic District. Retaining its distinctive classic integrity while boasting modern finishes, this home offers a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience. The spacious kitchen is a standout feature, adorned with exposed brick, white beadboard, and butcher block countertops. Built-in stainless steel appliances, an island cook top, and cobalt blue Mexican tile surround the cozy breakfast nook, creating a perfect blend of functionality and style. Newer windows allow natural light to flood the interior, illuminating the subtle Smokey Ash porcelain wood plank flooring and crown molding that graces every room. designated dining area lead to a versatile flex office space and the third bedroom, providing flexibility for modern living. Outside, a spacious covered patio overlooks the backyard, offering a tranquil retreat for relaxation or a stylish setting for entertaining guests. Whether seeking solitude or a quintessential Arizona outdoor experience, this home provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying the desert lifestyle in style. Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of Arizona's architectural heritage in this enchanting F.Q. Historic District residence. NO HOA!

2409 W Mandalay Lane Phoenix, AZ 85023

$499,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,162 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6668488
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
NO HOA! 4 Bedroom 3 Bathroom Tri-Level Home Located in North Central Phoenix. This beautiful home with a recently upgraded kitchen, pool and front yard has 3 bedrooms upstairs and one private bedroom on the bottom floor. Just an easy 20 Min Drive From Downtown, Sky Harbor Airport and North Scottsdale. You are mere Minutes From I17 and Loop 101 Freeway's. The Convenience of this location is Just Fabulous! The Sparkling Blue Pool awaits in your private low maintenance backyard. The Property does have solar, the seller will pay off the solar note at closing so it will be owned. Pool was redone in 2017 and HVAC in 2020. On top of all this, it has North / South Exposure.

3749 E Emile Zola Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

$499,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
1,714 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6671627
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
PRICED BELOW APPRAISAL! The perfect single level home with 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms is now available in Paradise Valley Oasis! This beautiful home features an open floor-plan, spacious kitchen with dark wood shaker style cabinets, granite counter-tops and stainless steel appliances, staggered laid tile flooring throughout, updated lighting, new exterior paint, new roof, whole house water treatment system, master bedroom split for additional privacy, large master bathroom with dual sinks, granite counter-tops and travertine tile wrapped shower, hall bathroom has granite counter-tops with tile wrapped shower, additional bedroom has ensuite bathroom with spacious walk-in shower and much much more. This one will sell fast!

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.

2611 Leisure World -- Mesa, AZ 85206

$499,900
3 Beds
2 Baths
3,278 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6683707
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
This is the best value at $153 per square feet in Leisure World The Laguna floor plan has the large, vaulted ceiling living area with plenty of room to entertain. The primary bedroom and bathroom are also oversized with 16' of closet space. On the other side of the house is 2 large bedrooms and an enormous family room that could be a game room, theater room, or a combination of both. Behind the kitchen is a office or den area with built in shelving units and another large room to use. The back yard has a built in spa and plenty of room to spread out. All this in the Premiere Active Adult Community of Leisure World with 36 holes of private golf, new tennis complex, pickle ball, swimming pools, library, state of the art fitness center, theater, arts and crafts, billiard room, and more!

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!

34967 N 30th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85086

$499,900
3 Beds
2.5 Baths
1,614 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6691449
Property Type Townhouse
Price Type --
** Amazing Opportunity ** Beautifully furnished with new one year lease. This exquisite three-story townhome comes with a stellar track record of success as a rental. Step into luxury as you enter this meticulously designed interior featuring stunning granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom lighting fixtures that illuminate the contemporary furnishings throughout. With three spacious bedrooms and 2.5 baths, there's ample room for guests to relax and unwind in style. This property delivers with a walking path just 100' from your front door. Enjoy the warmth of hardwood floors on the second level, adding a touch of elegance. Your investment includes all furnishings shown in the photos.

17136 N Oliveto Avenue Maricopa, AZ 85138

$499,900
4 Beds
3 Baths
2,904 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694717
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
Beautifully upgraded and one of a kind tri level home on large lot with POOL and 3 CAR GARAGE and OWNED SOLAR!! This nearly 3000 sq ft home has it all with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths (including downstairs bedroom or office and bath), no carpet, plantation shutters throughout, gourmet kitchen with large stone finished island, backsplash, stainless steel appliances, large master bedroom and closet with highly upgraded bath and large additional bedrooms with upgraded baths as well. Exterior features include lush landscaping and cacti in front and back, resort style pool and backyard perfect for entertaining. Don't miss your chance to see this truly unique Sorrento property today!!

3131 N Central Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85012

$499,900
2 Beds
2 Baths
1,125 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6624731
Property Type Apartment
Price Type --
*Construction Completed* 3.5% buyer incentive can be used towards rate buy down, upgrades, closing costs, or combo of those! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

372 W Nikita Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$499,890
5 Beds
3 Baths
2,586 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6630546
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
On 4-18-24, the Carpets were cleaned and ready for a new owner. Large backyard! Don't wait any longer, as the seller is highly motivated. This is your chance to own a stunning McKinley floor plan with a 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom that includes a loft in the coveted Meadows community. The house is close to a new shopping complex, restaurants, a hospital, and grocery stores. You'll love the spacious and well-designed floor plan, which features an open concept on the main floor with access to a covered patio. The kitchen is a chef's dream, with plenty of cabinet and counter space and a walk-in pantry. With one bedroom and a full bath downstairs, you'll have plenty of space for your family and guests. Upstairs, you'll find the laundry room, three additional bedrooms, and a split primary bedroom, each spacious and perfect for relaxation. The primary suite is the ideal retreat, with a large, secluded room, a private ensuite bathroom with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. The loft is suitable for movie nights or a separate space to unwind. The house is fully landscaped and ready for you to move in. The lot is large enough for a future pool/spa/spool. Take advantage of this opportunity to own your dream home!

1731 W Palmaire Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85021

$499,880
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,375 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6694080
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW, this home has just completed an extensive remodel and it looks great! This 3 bed 2 bath home on a large north central, culdesac lot also has a great pebble tech pool! The interior has been updated with plank flooring, quartz counters, new paint inside and out, baseboards, vanities, tile showers, lighting, landscaping, epoxy garage floors, the list goes on! Located in area of million dollar homes, this house has it all at half the price. Large back yard for entertaining, two car garage, storage, large interior laundry room, space for RV, no HOA. Newer AC and appliances. Third bedroom can make a great work from home office. Come check out this north central Gem today!

5160 W Village Drive Glendale, AZ 85308

$499,800
3 Beds
2 Baths
1,622 SqFt
Status Active
MLS # 6692890
Property Type Single Family Residence
Price Type --
WOW!! This immaculate,ultra clean 3 Br/2 Bath, 3 CAR GARAGE home is located on a Cul-De-Sac lot. New natural color painted inside. Eat-in kitchen has GRANITE COUNTERTOPS, decorative backsplash, plenty of cabinets, stainless steel KitchenAid appliances. Spacious master suite has a bay window, dual sinks, & separate shower& soaking tub. Tile in all the right places, new carpet in bedrooms, plank flooring in Living Room. The covered, tiled Patio has sunscreens. Enjoy the beautiful and immaculate desert landscaping in this inviting backyard with manicured bushes, fruit trees, & a raised garden. A CUSTOM-BUILT FIREPLACE is the Focal Point. LOCATION! Easy access to 101 & 17 freeways, Arrowhead restaurants and Shopping Mall. Beautifully maintained subdivision with acres of trails & parks.

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