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

1212 E Indianola Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85014

Open House

$614,999

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,738 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6675839

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this well-built 1950s mid-century modern with a total 2023 remodel from top to bottom. Upgrades include a new roof, new electrical panel, dual pane windows, energy efficient HVAC, all new flooring, fully upgraded kitchen with huge island and quartz countertops, all new appliances, newly renovated bathrooms, paver patio, sidewalk and driveway, tankless water heater, irrigation system. On suite bathroom in the master bedroom with a walk-in closet, 3 additional large bedrooms, as well as a bonus room/home office. Step out into privacy in your fully fenced backyard with a beautiful patio to enjoy the Arizona sunshine! Located in the heart of Central Phoenix minutes from downtown, Arcadia/Biltmore and highway 51. This is truly the perfect location!

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23969 N 171st Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$614,995

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,840 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6684307

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your exquisite new home residence. Darius provides a sophisticated and accommodating ranch-style layout. Popular multi-generational living layout. Talk about curb appeal. Love at first site with the modern upgraded elevation. The inviting front entrance opens up t a very spacious layout. Abundance of much desirable features including spacious great room open to gourmet kitchen complimented by10 ft ceilings and center meet door to open to the covered patio and backyard. Perfect for all gatherings. 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 or a flex space that an be utilized best for your desired livability. Jack and jill bathroom off bedroom 2 & 3 . Split

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21864 E Saddle Court Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$614,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,500 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730732

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.

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16711 W Saguaro Park Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$614,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,664 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767427

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Up to 3% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available through preferred lender plus additional 2% of base price or total purchase price, whichever is less, is available to be used toward closing costs, pre-paids, rate buy downs, and/or price adjustments. This Parklane floorplan offers 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a garage extension, and a glass no-step walk-in shower. Notable features include 8' interior doors, built-in appliances, granite kitchen countertops, and gas stubs in the kitchen, backyard for BBQ, and laundry for a gas dryer.

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37750 W Padilla Street Maricopa, AZ 85138

$614,990

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,024 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762739

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in FAST to this completed home! Say hello to luxury, Maricopa! This captivating Flagstaff floorplan features an expansive great room, Media room, Extra Suite with kitchenette, and stunning kitchen appointed with stacked cabinetry, gas stove top, and double ovens! Relax in your Primary suite and resort like bath with freestanding tub. The great room and adjacent patio are ideal for hosting gatherings. The tandem 4 car garage is perfect for storing offroad toys! With 10ft ceilings, 8ft doors, and 8,750 sq ft homesites, come see why K. Hovnanian is the First Name in Lasting Value! ^^Up to 6% of Base Price can be applied towards closing cost and/or short-long term interest rate buydowns when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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32018 N 117th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85383

$614,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,012 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755506

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Larkspur - 4 bed/3 full baths. Stainless steel gas appliance package with 36'' cooktop, wall oven, microwave, glass canopy hood. Sonoma Maple Linen-off white cabinets with black hardware, 42'' kitchen uppers. Upper and lower cabinets at owner's entry, and cabs in laundry room. AZT Steel gray granite tops in kitchen and all baths. Upgrade flooring - Mohawk Wood laminate Driftwood in all areas except beds & closets and so much more. Amenity Rich Mystic includes a Resort Style community pool, Rec center with year-round events, Hiking paths & community parks. The perfect location- close to shopping, restaurants, golf, Lake pleasant and the loop 3. PHOTOS OF THIS LISTING ARE OF THE CLOVER MODEL HOME.

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2212 W Chisum Trail Phoenix, AZ 85085

$614,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,976 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784079

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to the Perata plan, a 3 bedrrom, 2.5 bathroom floorplan offering 1,976 square feet of elegant living space with a charming Farmhouse exterior with artificial turf in the front yard enhancing the home's curb apeal. As you step onto the pavers at the covered entry, you'll immediately appreciate the attention to detail in every corner of this beautifully crafted home. Stepping into the home, the white paint grade mission stair rail adds a touch of traditional craftsmanship while the 8' interior doors adorned create a sense of grandeur. This home's kitchen and greatroom open 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 a 36'' chimney hood, a built-in gas cooktop with five burners, and a built-in wall oven and microwave with trim kit. There are white-painted 42 upper shaker cabinets at the kitchen perimeter and shale cabinets at the island with satin nickel and matte black hardware. A large single basin stainless steel sink with a Moen stainless steel kitchen faucet completes this chef's dream kitchen. All bathrooms feature Moen Eva 8 widespread brush nickel premium faucets. The bathrooms continue the theme of elegance with shale painted shaker cabinets and crisp white cultured marble tops with rectangular sinks. Throughout the downstairs, bath 2 and the laundry upstairs, you'll find durable 6x36 Natural wood look tile, while the primary bathroom boasts a serene 12x24 AZ Futura Tile in the shade Ivory which compliment the enlarged primary bath shower with white cultured marble surrounds and 3/8 glass, perfect for unwinding after a long day. 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-lines streets, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and 5,500 sq ft recreation center with resort style pool and kiddie pool, shared ramadas, parks, gathering areas, pickleball courts and basketball. Close to I-10 and 303. Walking distance to restaurants, movies, entertainment, and shopping.

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11458 E Utah Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$614,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,474 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787361

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to ''The Pearl,'' a stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom farmhouse-style home featuring a guest retreat. With 10-foot ceilings and 8-foot doors, this home boasts an open, airy feel. The great room opens to a covered patio through a 4-panel center slider, perfect for indoor-outdoor living. The gourmet kitchen includes a 36-inch gas cooktop, charcoal shaker cabinets with hardware, a tile backsplash, and quartz countertops. Upgrades abound, including 6''x36'' wood-look tile in the main areas, and upgraded bathroom lighting, faucets, and fixtures. Experience luxurious living in this beautifully designed home..

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865 S Oak Street Gilbert, AZ 85233

New

$614,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,243 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787824

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this delightful 4-bedroom residence in Raven Ranch! You're greeted by a spacious 3-car garage and a tasteful desert landscape. Discover a bright living room with high ceilings, a cool palette, plantation shutters, and wood-look flooring. The great room includes sliding door access to the backyard and ample windows for abundant natural light. Cook delicious meals in the spotless kitchen, equipped with wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a peninsula with a breakfast bar for quick meals. The serene main bedroom offers a sitting nook, an ensuite with double sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture out onto the backyard, complete with a covered patio, lush natural turf, and a refreshing pool. Make this gem yours today!

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3043 E Rose Lane Phoenix, AZ 85016

$614,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,185 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696353

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This charming, newly renovated 2 bed, 2 bath townhome is situated on the prestigious Biltmore golf course and offers amazing views and amenities. The kitchen opens to the family room overlooking the patio and course. The bedrooms and baths are separated offering privacy. The community offers a swimming pool, spa, guard gate and tennis court. Plenty of room for parking between the single private garage and the covered public one.

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21225 W Wilshire Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$614,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6713534

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Picture yourself enjoying the fall sunsets on your private patio next to your heated pool, perfect for entertaining family and guests, or maybe just your own quiet time This stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom gem with a den features a modern design and an open floor plan, perfect for both family life and entertaining. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, boasting contemporary appliances, a large island, sleek tile backsplash, quartz countertops, and ample cabinetry. Step outside to your private oasis with a fully landscaped yard and a luxurious heated pool, perfect for year-round enjoyment. The home also offers a three-car tandem garage, solar system for energy savings, and double gates to conveniently park your toys. Nestled on a desirable corner lot, this home is an absolute must-see

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3948 E Gold Mountain Avenue San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$614,857

4 Beds

3 Baths

3,146 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776756

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Enchanting new home featuring designer selections, a split floor plan, and north/south exposure. Located in Bella Vista Farms, homeowners have access to their community pool and playground. The kitchen boasts a GE Executive kitchen appliance package including double ovens and a gas cooktop, there are also Delta Terra Quartz Zinc countertops and Aristokraft 42'' cabinets in Benton White. Other highlights in the home include a frameless walk-in shower at the primary suite and Vicinity White 6 x 36 Matte Wood like tile flooring. Utilities for this home include: Mesa Gas, EPCOR Water, and Rural Metro.

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