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

26511 N Thornhill Court Peoria, AZ 85383

$610,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,950 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6728282

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is a beautiful, professionally designed model home that you won't want to pass up! This is the Ashton Woods Oasis floorplan, with the lot situated in a cul-de-sac with great views. This home includes several upgrades to start with a pavered driveway and entry, epoxy coated garage floor, water softener, and a solar system! Moving inside you will find the upgraded lighting throughout, built-in speakers, modern accent trim walls, master walk-in shower with rain shower faucet, upgraded laundry room with cabinets, counter and sink, and a 4-panel sliding door, that provides abundant natural light, and invites you to the covered patio. The backyard is aesthetically landscaped with pavers, artificial turf, and tile beneath a pergola creating perfect space to enjoy the outdoors.

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19004 N 25th Way Phoenix, AZ 85050

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,106 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6730783

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful & well maintained home is now available! This home has too many upgrades to list! It has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 3 car garage, NO HOA, large corner lot on a cul-de-sac, large pool & new fencing around it, citrus trees in the back yard (orange & lemon). Full length covered rear patio, large kitchen with granite countertops, & lots of cabinet space. Here are some of the recent updates on the home: Roof- 2011 Kitchen remodel 2011 Pebbletec added to pool 2014 Trane 19 Seer AC unit 2014 PAID OFF & owned Solar system 2015 Aeroseal of the ductwork 2016 New Anlin windows for the entire home 2020 New kitchen appliances 2021 New variable speed pool pump 2023 New washer & dryer 2023 This home has RV parking space & gate, is close to 101, 51 & 10 minutes to Desert Ridge.

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3951 W Talc Drive San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$610,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,913 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756189

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in the heart of San Tan Valley! This property features modern finishes throughout, including a 2-car extended garage allowing space for up to 4 cars. The spacious kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island—perfect for entertaining. You'll also find a rare builder upgrade by Toll Brothers—an extra sliding window in the kitchen, a feature no longer offered, along with an extended patio for seamless indoor-outdoor living. Relax in the inviting living room or step outside to your private backyard oasis with low-maintenance landscaping. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and parks, this home has it all! A must-see in a fast-growing community

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22698 E Saddle Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,373 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762473

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO WAIT TO BUILD! This is your opportunity to move into the growing Madera Community and ASSUME 5.25% VA loan. This lovely JUNIPER plan built by Tri-Point has been lightly lived in for 18 months! Beautifully completed low maint back yard with artificial turf and established landscape. This ''like new'' home features 4 Bds, 3 baths, PLUS Flex rm, 10 ft ceilings,luxury vinyl plank flooring thru-out, custom window shade on patio door with remote open and close. The open concept kitchen highlights 42'' upper cabinets, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, breakfast bar with pendant lighting, 2'' faux wood blinds, Owner suite includes large walk-in closet with separate Tub/Shower. Exterior door to patio. Gorgeous amenites of the pool & park is a short walk away!

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3118 N 15th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85015

$610,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,392 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771036

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is over! Fall in love with the appealing open layout featuring a soothing palette, a modern feature wall, recessed lighting, and attractive wood-like flooring. The delightful kitchen comes with quartz counters, grey shaker cabinets with crown moulding, a stylish tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and a center island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The primary bedroom includes an ensuite with double sinks, a lavish raindrop shower, and a convenient and large walk-in closet. Outdoors, you'll find an open patio, pristine artificial turf, and a shed for additional storage. HVAC System was replaced 20024. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

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17850 N 68th Street Unit 2097 Phoenix, AZ 85054

$610,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,814 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769240

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

Prime location and luxury living! This stunning home boasts premium interior upgrades with no detail overlooked. Nestled beside Reach 11 hiking trails, 1,000 ft from Lifetime Fitness, and within 2 miles to 3,000,000sf of premier shopping/dining at Desert Ridge, Kierland Commons, Scottsdale Quarter, and Scottsdale/101. The home shines with granite countertops, tile backsplash, upgraded kitchen cabinetry with slide-out drawers, herringbone imported Italian tile, upgraded high end stainless kitchen appliances, Toto toilets, custom $2,000 office wallpaper, primary suite walk-in closet organizers, ADA-compliant bathrooms, laundry room cabinets and more!. Ample natural light through out, with community elevators for single-level living. Private 2-car garage and extra storage included Additional features include RO system, upgraded USB electrical outlets, 2 private balconies, European White Oak office floor.

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14214 N 38th Street Phoenix, AZ 85032

$610,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,808 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769316

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fully Remodeled Gem in North Phoenix! This stunning home blends modern luxury with comfort, offering an open-concept layout, sleek finishes, and designer touches throughout. Every detail has been meticulously updated - from the brand-new kitchen with stainless steel appliances to the spa-like bathrooms with custom tile work. Fresh flooring, new windows, and upgraded lighting, this home is move-in ready and perfect for entertaining. Located in a desirable North Phoenix neighborhood, close to top schools, New Paradise Valley Mall minutes away, and outdoor recreation. Don't miss your chance to own this beautifully transformed home!

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4317 E Western Star Boulevard Phoenix, AZ 85044

$610,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,615 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6757507

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Home Is A True Icon Like No Other Which Is Apparent The Moment You Drive Up The Street. It Is One Of The Most Admired And Sought After And Is Finally For Sale. Be Greeted By The Multi Tier Concrete Steps And Patios, A Fire Pit, Steel Posts And Beams,Smooth Stucco Walls With Wood Facia And A New Metal Roof. The Clear Glass Front Door Completes The Entry And The Mid Century Modern Block Home With Strategic Frank Lloyd Wright Style Gray Block Walls And Accents. Concrete Stained Floors, Birch Cabinets, With Corian Counters. The Two Bathrooms Have Been Proffesionally Designed With High End Commercial Grade Fixtures. Walk In To The Backyard Oasis And Wow! The Covered Patio Open To The Large Yard, Diving Pebble Tek Pool, Detached Block Office heated and cooled With Mini Split.. Backs Wash The Separate Quarters Is Quite Amazing. Gray Block Walls With Birch Interior Facia, Contemporary LED Lighting And Glass Block Windows With Double Door Entry. The Diving Pool Has One Of The Most Unique Custom Steel Fencing And A Metal Welded Shade Sail Frame. Two Unique Gates Lead You To The Open Wash For Hiking, Biking With Entrance To The City Park And Trails To South Mountain For Miles Of Trails. The Yard Also Features A Propane Fire Pit, Raised Planters, Propane BBQ Grill And Metal And Rock Pillars.

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330 W Verano Place Gilbert, AZ 85233

$610,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,123 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781175

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Immaculate and completely renovated gem located in a quiet cul-de-sac in the highly desired lake subdivision of Lago Estancia. This beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath home was completely remodeled in 2024. This Pulte built home features an updated kitchen with white shaker cabinetry, stainless steel sink and appliances, granite countertops, interior and exterior paint, luxury vinyl plank flooring, new carpet and baseboards, recessed lighting, new plumbing and light fixtures, new water heater, updated bathrooms with high-end vanities. Located just minutes from downtown Gilbert, fine dining, shopping, freeways and A+ rated schools!

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15210 S 44th Place Phoenix, AZ 85044

$610,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,315 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6725779

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see this gorgeous remodel with new white shaker cabinets, self closing with brushed nickel hardware. Stainless kitchen appliances with Granite counter tops. All downstairs floors done in wood look vinyl planks and upstairs is upgraded neutral carpet. One bedroom and full bath downstairs. Two upstairs bedrooms share a Jack and Jill bath. Huge owner's suite, Bath has step in shower plus tub and large walk in closet. Freshly painted, inside and out. Both AC units new in 2022, Gas water heater new in 2021. Front and back yards have artificial grass in 2024. Fenced play pool and spa. Nice well kept community with no HOA, close to freeways and shopping.

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688 W Ebony Way Chandler, AZ 85248

$610,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,157 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6716664

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PRICE REDUCED!!! and sellers giving$5000 towards closing costs as well! LOCATION! LOCATION! **NEW GRANITE COUNTERS in the KITCHEN and BATHROOMS!! *** All the CABINETS have been freshly painted! This beautiful home has 3 bdrms/2 bths with DEN can convert to extra bdrm. A spacious 3-CAR garage. The floor plan features a cozy family room, formal dining area, and formal living room. 5 Blink cameras and an alarm system that coveys with the home. Other recent upgrades-NEW A/C, with all new duct system in 2021, a NEW GAS HOT WATER HEATER 2023, and fresh paint both inside and out, including inside the garage! The backyard is a beautifully landscaped oasis with a stunning pool, perfect for relaxation and entertaining. This move-in-ready home is just waiting for you to make it YOUR own!

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176 N Honeysuckle Lane Gilbert, AZ 85234

$610,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,109 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6753160

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Rare find! Located in beautiful Park Grove Estates. Minutes from downtown Gilbert. This 4 bedroom 2 bath home features a large entry area thats open to formal dining room, open kitchen/family room concept, vaulted ceilings-lots of natural light throughout home. Ready for you to make it your own! Huge corner lot, (over 13,000sqft). Mature trees and an RV gate! Large pool with a built in spa, mature trees... +Newer roof, newer windows and A/C as well as exterior paint+ Lots to see!

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