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.

Click Here to See What Your Home is Worth

Listing types.

For Sale

For Rent

Land

Multifamily

Commercial

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Distressed

Open House

Location Search Nearby

BedsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

BathsAny1+2+3+4+5+6+

Price MinAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Price MaxAny$500$600$700$800$900$1,000$1,100$1,200$1,300$1,500$1,600$1,700$1,800$1,900$2,000$2,250$2,500$2,750$3,000$3,250$3,500$3,750$4,000$4,500$5,000$5,500$6,000$6,500$7,000$7,500$8,000$8,500$9,000$9,500$10,000

Advanced Options

Property TypeAnyApartmentManufactured HomeSingle Family ResidenceTownhouseTwin Home

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Home SizeAny600 ft2800 ft21,000 ft21,200 ft21,400 ft21,600 ft21,800 ft22,000 ft22,200 ft22,400 ft22,600 ft22,800 ft23,000 ft23,500 ft24,000 ft24,500 ft25,000 ft25,500 ft26,000 ft2

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Neighborhood

Address, MLS# or Keyword

Location Search Nearby

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

School District

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

Location Search Nearby

Lot SizeAny1+ Acres2+ Acres3+ Acres4+ Acres5+ Acres6+ Acres7+ Acres8+ Acres9+ Acres10+ Acres20+ Acres30+ Acres40+ Acres50+ Acres

Price MinAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Price MaxAny$50,000$100,000$150,000$200,000$250,000$300,000$350,000$400,000$450,000$500,000$600,000$700,000$800,000$900,000$1,000,000$1,100,000$1,200,000$1,300,000$1,400,000$1,500,000$1,600,000$1,800,000$1,900,000$2,000,000$2,250,000$2,500,000$2,750,000$3,000,000$3,250,000$3,500,000$3,750,000$4,000,000$4,500,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$8,000,000$10,000,000$15,000,000

Advanced Options

Address, MLS# or Keyword

YearAny2024+2023+2022+2021+2020+2019+2018+2017+2016+2015+2014+2013+2012+2011+2010+2009+2008+2007+2006+2005+2004+2003+2002+2001+2000+1999+1998+1997+1996+1995+1994+1993+1992+1991+1990+1980+1970+1960+1950+1940+1930+

View As: Thumbnails List

Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

5064 E Peak View Road Cave Creek, AZ 85331

$624,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,141 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6650226

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

3BD 2.5BA 2141 SQ FT HOME WITH PRIVATE POOL IN GREAT LOCATION. LARGE BKYD THAT BACKS TO DESSERT WASH. TILE IN ALL WALK AREAS & CARPET THROUGHOUT.

View Property

24041 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$624,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,890 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684177

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Come see this Julia dream home! Included features: an inviting covered entry; a convenient laundry; an elegant dining room leading onto a covered side porch; a spacious great room; a gourmet kitchen offering 42'' cabinets, quartz countertops, an extended center island, a butler's pantry and a walk-in pantry; a roomy nook with large center meet doors; an extended covered patio; a versatile flex room; an impressive primary suite showcasing extra storage in the bath and a generous walk-in closet; a study in lieu of a storage area; a 2-car garage and a single-car garage. This home also offers front yard landscaping and driveway pavers as well as ceiling fan prewiring, wood laminate and stone tile flooring and additional windows in select rooms. This is a must see!

View Property

21873 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$624,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731525

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The single-story Cassandra plan showcases an open layout with a great room with a multi-sliding glass door, a breakfast nook, a large gourmet kitchen and a 2-car garage. The primary suite is adjacent, and boasts a generous walk-in closet and an attached bath with a large walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms flank a full bath, and the nearby study.

View Property

24021 N 172nd Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$624,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6732025

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome Home! Darius plan provides a sophisticated and accommodating plan for livability that checks all the boxes on your wish list. In addition to a lavish owner's suite—with a roomy walk-in closet and attached double-sink bath—this home includes a second owner's suite with an adjacent living room, perfect for multi-generational living. You'll also enjoy a 3-car garage, a study, a great room with a covered patio featuring a multi slide door to bring the outdoor living indoors. Inviting gourmet kitchen with a generous island, dining nook for all entertaining gatherings! Airy 10 ft ceilings ,desired jack and jill bathrooms and so much more! This home sits on an oversized cul-de-sac lot.

View Property

22717 E Lords Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$624,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,123 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761308

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

4 CAR SUPER GARAGE!!! Do not miss the opportunity to own our lovely Opal plan featuring 4 bedrooms, a Den and 3 baths, Modern Desert home Not only will you be impressed with the expansive garage, this N/S homesite has a double gate and is large enough to build a wonderful backyard Oasis. The gourmet kitchen has light grey shaker cabinetry with extended dining cabinets, sleek stainless steele hardware, quartz countertops, and a glitensing tile backsplash. Wood plank tile floors are in the main living areas with designer tile floors in the primary bath; and the primary bath features an oversized shower with tile surrounds. The Opal floor plan offers flexibility with a bedroom, bath, and den separate from the other rooms for a guest suite arrangement. This home offers room for everyone and plenty of storage with the oversized garage, expansive 10' ceilings, & 8' interior doors. Additional convenience features include an electric car charging package, garage sink, preplumb for a sink in the laundry, laundry room to the primary closet, and added LED ceiling lighting. Gather at the community pool, hottub, pickle-ball, BarBQ's, Ramadas, or neighborhood park in our lovely Madera Community. When you choose to venture out for dining and entertainment, there are several options with Queen Creek Market Place a few short miles away and the new Frontier Family Park that is almost complete.

View Property

20147 W Mulberry Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$624,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,397 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678219

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN HOME! MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS! SPECIAL FINANCING WITH BELOW MARKET INTEREST RATES AVAILABLE! MOVE-IN PACKAGES AVAILABLE! PLEASE INQUIRE ABOUT THESE SPECIALS ON THIS QUICK MOVE-IN HOME AND OTHERS. ACT SOON BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE! It's our Carmona sitting on a LARGE lot with over 12,300 sq. ft. and an 8' gate. 3 bedrooms, study, 2 baths, 2 car with storage area. 12'x8' sliding glass door that leads out to the extended covered patio. Stainless steel gas double oven appliance package with a 36'' cooktop and canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Painted ''Linen-off white'' cabinets with 42'' kitchen uppers and pull out trash drawer. DT Quartz Evening Gray countertops with a stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. Upgrade flooring includes EMS Beaumont 7x24 Bosso tile in all areas of the home except beds/closets. Dual sinks at bath 2. Garage service door, stub out for future BBQ and so much more. Please verify all information with onsite agent . Thank you!

View Property

25931 N 23rd Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85085

$624,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,976 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758025

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Peralta plan, offering 1,992 square feet of elegant living space with a charming Farmhouse exterior. As you step onto the pavers at the covered entry and into the home, the paint grade mission stair rail adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship while the 8' interior doors adorned with matte black door hardware. This home's kitchen and great room open up to a spacious outdoor space with a gas stub for BBQ, ensuring the possibilities of effortless outdoor entertaining. The heart of the home, the kitchen, features stainless steel GE appliances including an under-cabinet hood, a built-in gas cooktop with five burners, and a built-in wall oven and microwave with trim kit. The kitchen features white painted shaker cabinets featuring 42'' uppers and 3'' crown at the perimeter. The kitchen countertops are adorned with Della Terra slate grey quartz which are complimented by the Dal Tile - Brickworks 2x8 backsplash. A large single basin stainless steel sink with a Moen Spring kitchen faucet completes this chef's dream kitchen. All bathrooms and the kitchen feature two-tone black and champagne bronze cabinet pulls. Moen Gibson 8 widespread matte black premium finish faucets offer a beautiful contrast to the white cultured marble countertops with rectangular sinks. Throughout the downstairs and in bath 2 and the laundry upstairs, you'll find durable Dal Tile Hill House Natural 6x36 wood look tile, while the primary bathroom boasts AZ Tile Reside Matte Beige 12X24 tile. The primary bath also features an enlarged primary bath shower, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Moving upstairs, Shaw Kennfield carpet in the shade Ecru providing comfort and warmth. All flooring is elegantly trimmed with upgraded 4 ¼ baseboards. This home is complemented by a soft water loop located in the garage for added convenience. Union Park offers Tree-lined streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and a 5,500 sf recreation center with resort style pool an kiddie pool, shaded ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickleball courts and basketball. Close to I-10, 101 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment and shopping. Don't miss your opportunity to own this beautifully designed new construction home where luxury meets functionality.

View Property

29403 N 31st Lane Phoenix, AZ 85083

$624,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,105 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771893

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Ask about special financing with preferred lender. This single-level home showcases an attached private suite, which is comprised of a separate living space, kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom, ideal for multigenerational living. In the main home, the Great Room, kitchen and dining room are arranged among a convenient open floorplan, with sliding glass doors that lead to the covered patio. The owner's suite is situated at the back of the home, while two bedrooms are found off the foyer. Photos are renderings of a model home, not the actual home. A public report is available on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website.

View Property

26827 N 67th Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$624,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715116

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is now complete and ready to make it yours! Experience the charm of Aloravita, nestled within the scenic mountains of Peoria. This community boasts breathtaking views and is conveniently located minutes away from shopping, dining, hiking trails and more! Our popular 'Barstown' floorplan features 3 full bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2 Car-Garage and a private yard with views! Designer selected finish includes Burlap Cabinetry, Quartz Kitchen Countertops, Wood Like Tile Throughout, and Plush Carpet in all the bedrooms. This beautiful home will have it all including 9' ceilings, Gourmet Gas Kitchen, Smudge Proof Stainless Steel Appliances, Blinds, Pre-Plumb for Soft Water, and Smart Home Technology. Interior photos of similar spec, options may vary**

View Property

3537 Plaza De La Rosa -- Sierra Vista, AZ 85650

$624,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,412 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781271

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MUST SEE, WONT LAST LONG!! A beautiful 3 bed, 2 bath residence in La Terraza is now for sale! Boasting a stunning facade w/stone accents, low-care landscape, a 3 car garage, and RV gate, it's sure to be the home for you! Inside you will find a spacious semi-open floor plan w/elegant wood-look flooring, vaulted ceilings w/skylights, neutral palette, and a warm fireplace. The kitchen is equipped w/ample wood cabinetry, tile counters & backsplash, a pantry, built-in appliances, a breakfast nook w/a lovely bay window, and a breakfast bar. End your busy day in the primary bedroom, boasting a 3-way fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a full ensuite w/dual sinks. Don't forget about the cozy bonus room, ideal for a lounge or entertainment center! Feel safe in this beautiful gated community. Lastly, the wonderful backyard includes a covered patio, a convenient storage shed, artificial turf, a seating area w/a ramada, and a sparkling blue pool!

View Property

2204 E Kelly Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$624,990

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,793 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759517

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the gated community of Belrose, this stunning Gilbert home offers the ideal blend of style & comfort. Wood-look tile flooring with plush carpeting in all the right places, recessed lighting, & modern fixtures & design elements throughout. The bright, open kitchen boasts white cabinets, sleek stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, RO System, & a walk-in pantry. The spacious primary bedroom features an ensuite with walk-in shower & dual vanity. Enjoy AZ living in your backyard with a covered patio, pavers, & a dog run. Also included, a convenient doggy door, a 2-car garage with extra storage & water softener/whole house filtration system. Situated in an incredible central location, this home provides easy access to highways, top-rated schools, shopping, dining, & more!

View Property

12643 W Roanoke Avenue Avondale, AZ 85392

$624,970

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,494 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783118

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to Rancho Santa Fe! This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence features a 2-car garage, an RV gate, and a low-maintenance yard. You're greeted by a cozy living room with a soothing palette, plantation shutters, recessed lighting, and tile flooring. The family room has an inviting fireplace and double French doors leading to the backyard. The delightful eat-in kitchen comes with granite counters, crisp white cabinetry with crown moulding, a stone tile backsplash, SS appliances, a handy pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. The bright main bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings, plush carpeting, balcony access, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the balcony, which offers serene views of the surroundings. The enchanting resort-style backyard showcases a covered patio, a lovely gazebo, a built-in BBQ, an outdoor fireplace, a putting green for golf enthusiasts, and a relaxing spa and pool combo. Make this gem yours now!

View Property