Thinking About Buying a ‘Fixer Upper’? Here’s What You Need to Know

With all of the home renovation and fixer-upper shows on television, the idea of completely renovating and re-doing an old home can seem like an enticing premise. Unfortunately, investing in the wrong fixer-upper can mean an awful lot of expenditure without the added financial rewards. Whether you’re considering investing down the road or are ready to dive in, here are a few things to consider first.

How Much Do You Want To Spend?

It’s easy to be swept away by possibility, but before making an offer you’ll need to sit down and determine exactly what you’re willing to invest into upgrades for your fixer-upper. By deciding what you would want to renovate, what the cost of materials and labor would be and how this figures into the market price of the home, you’ll be able to determine if the price you’re offering will be worth it.

Are Major Repairs Required?

It’s one thing to consider a nice paint job and new tiling in the kitchen, but if there are serious issues with the home, it can create huge financial issues to put money into it. Because foundational issues or water damage throughout the home can be expensive items to repair and will take time and resources, fixing these issues may cost more than the money you’ll make. If you’re uncertain about what you’re getting into, it may be a wise decision to bypass the investment all together.

Are You Willing To Work?

Most home fixer-uppers that people buy can be financially lucrative because the buyer is interested in doing a lot of the work themselves. However, if you’re thinking of hiring people to do the work for you, this can end up costing a lot more money and eating any profits the renovations might have created. It’s also important to realize that renovations can go over budget. Instead of being idealistic about a fixer-upper, ensure you’re certain it’s what you really want so that you’re not stuck with a home you don’t want to invest your efforts into.

The idea of digging in and getting your hands dirty with purchasing a fixer-upper may be endearing, but if you’re not truly prepared for the responsibilities it can be a drain on your time and your finances. If you’re currently considering purchasing a home, investment, fixer-upper or your dream home, give me a call – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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633 S Golden Key Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

$538,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,877 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772178

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover this beautiful CORNER LOT home just a short walk from DOWNTOWN GILBERT, nestled in a SAFE, well-developed community with endless walking paths, LAKES, and parks. Enjoy a spacious backyard featuring a COVERED PATIO and a sparkling, HEATED POOL/SPA—the perfect size for cooling off or heating up! (NEW pool heater/cooler (2023) This DESIRABLE FLOOR PLAN boasts a stunning front-to-back entry, a LARGE OPEN FAMILY ROOM/kitchen and dining area ideal for entertaining or game nights. Modern touches include GRANITE COUNTERS and newer appliances in convenient walk-through kitchen. Recent: NEW WATER HEATER (2024), NEW RO AND WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM/SOFTENER (2021), and a NEW ROOF (installed 10/2024). Located near A+ Gilbert schools, gyms, restaurants, shopping, and MORE! MOVE IN TODAY! and WATER SOFTENER (2021). 2 CAR GARAGE with storage and attice access. NEW ROOF installation 10/2024!! Perfect location NEAR RESTAURANTS, shopping, parks, schools and SO MUCH MORE!!

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13403 W Cabrillo Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$538,850

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,335 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6665100

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Freshly painted interior! Gorgeous home boasting 2 bedrooms, a den, 2 bathrooms in the desirable CORTE BELLA! As you approach the home you will love the gated courtyard and immaculate landscape. The open floor plan is well designed with a dining room, living room, and great room. The kitchen offers beautiful upgrades featuring a peninsula island with a breakfast bar, elegant cabinetry with crown moulding, and wall appliances. The great room is open with plenty of natural light. The primary suite is over sized with a ceiling fan and a lavish ensuite bathroom featuring a seperate shower and soaking tub, dual sink vanity, and a walk-in closet. The backyard is easy to care for! Do not miss out on this home! Corte Bella offers an abundance of amenities to suit every lifestyle. Enjoy the 18-hole Kemper-Sports Owned golf course offering breathtaking views of green fairways, lakes, and mountains. Cool off in the full Olympic-size pool or heat up in a well-equipped gym with saunas for various classes like yoga, dance, and much more. Whether you are seeking a full-time AZ residence or a winter get-away this home is perfect!

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6510 S Hazelton Lane Unit 138 Tempe, AZ 85283

$538,822

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,145 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779036

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

GREAT TEMPE HOME IN HIGHLY DESIRABLE GATED COMMUNITY! Rarely available, this architecturally unique interior, bright & spacious residence has two primary suites, each w/partially renovated, light-filled bathrooms & solid maple cabinets. High ceilings & large windows thru-out create an uplifting, open feel. Recent updates incl. new carpet & pad, (2) new ACs, dishwasher, fridge & freshly painted kitchen, dining, & hallways all in 2024. Open kitchen offers ample storage, large pantry & solid maple cabinets. Enjoy the community's pool/hot tub steps away. A mature Ash tree provides backyard shade, keeping summer energy bills low. Located near the US 60, Loop 101, and ASU, close to Trader Joe's, Changing Hands Bookstore, parks, etc. This low-maintenance gem won't last long!

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25203 S Kansas Avenue Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$538,500

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,021 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767478

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 3bd/2 bath main house(1621sf) with a lovely **GUEST HOUSE**! (400sf) = 2021sf total living space! Guest house has a living room, full kitchen, large bath with shower and safety seat. Bedroom accommodates a twin bed, nightstand and dresser. Large closet. Main house has been extensively renovated. Kitchen has new cabinets and lovely quartzite countertops. Both baths have tiled showers and new vanities and toilets. Tile flooring throughout. Backyard has been landscaped with artificial grass and a large gazebo. Great place for a firepit and outside seating. All in the busy community of Sun Lakes for 55+. Loads of activities ,pools, club house with the Sunset Grill and library. This is a great multi-generational home.

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