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

4359 N 203rd Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85396

$594,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,674 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736229

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Gorgeous Altena floorplan curated with Classic 'Looks' interiors selections offering a gorgeous cohesive design. Your spacious kitchen is designed with a large island, pendant lighting, quartz counters, stunning stacking cabinets and GE profile stainless steel appliances. Feel the openness of your great room and dining room with coffered ceiling and crown molding. Enjoy indoor-outdoor living with your 12 ft sliding glass door. The Primary Suite includes an Upgraded no step rain shower. Wood look tile throughout most rooms and plush carpet in bedrooms, plus window coverings included! ^^Short/long term interest rate buydowns available when choosing our preferred Lender. Additional eligibility and limited time restrictions apply.

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22873 E Roundup Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$594,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,234 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764472

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

''The Sunflower floorplan is ideal for modern living, featuring an expansive kitchen with a large island, pantry, and generous dining and Greatroom areas, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying quality family time. Step into this stunning quick move-in home, offering a thoughtfully designed 2234 sqft layout with 4 bedrooms, a guest retreat, 3 full bathrooms and 2.5 car garage. The home radiates elegance with finishes from the Oxford Collection, showcasing 6 x 36 Vicinity Natural plank tile floors in the main living areas, plush carpeting in the bedrooms, and stylish 42'''' Fairview Sarsaparilla shaker cabinets adorned with sophisticated Champagne Bronze hardware. The kitchen is truly a showstopper, featuring Della Terra Quartz countertops in Carrara Breeze and a 3 x 12 Matte White brick-pattern tile backsplash, creating a seamless blend of luxury and functionality. Additional highlights include a paver driveway and entry walkway, two-tone paint, and 8' doors throughout, adding to its refined appeal. The spacious Greatroom is accented by a 4-panel sliding glass door that seamlessly transitions to the covered patio and backyard, making it perfect for embracing indoor-outdoor living. This home is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, refrigerator, white washer and dryer, blinds, soft water loop, and a garage door openermaking it truly move-in ready. This Sunflower plan combines thoughtful design with elegant details, creating an inviting and meticulously finished space that's ready to welcome you home. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this gem firsthand.

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20257 W Catalina Drive Buckeye, AZ 85396

$594,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,510 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783696

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 the beautiful Jade floor plan with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Multi slide door that leads out to the covered patio. Large walk in shower at owner's bath with tile surrounds. Kitchen features include a stainless steel gas appliance package with a 30'' cooktop, wall oven, canopy hood. Barnett Boulder cabinets. AZT Hana Sky Quartz countertops on the expanded kitchen island. Stainless steel undermount single bowl sink. Upgrade flooring includes DT Valance Gray 6x24 plank tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms and closets. Gas stub for future BBQ, soft water loop, 8' tall garage door with two remotes. Garage service door for easy access into the backyard and so much more.

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2173 N Iowa Street Chandler, AZ 85225

$594,990

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,881 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6774238

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Brand New Home Alert! Welcome to Arbor Square, where luxury and convenience meet in the heart of Downtown Chandler. Nestled within walking distance to the vibrant Downtown Chandler Entertainment District, our community provides the perfect balance of urban living and peaceful escape. Each home at Arbor Square boasts top-of-the-line amenities, designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. From elegant quartz countertops to luxury vinyl plank flooring, every detail has been carefully selected to provide you with a high-end yet modern living experience. Our homes also feature pre-wiring for EV chargers, making it easy for you to stay connected and eco-friendly. Our community is designed to give you all the perks of luxurious living without the hassle of upkeep. Experience the best of urban living in a peaceful and modern setting at Arbor Square. Come find your perfect home today! Photos are of the builder's model of a similar floor plan, actual home is under construction. Contact listing the agent for additional incentives. Agents Must accompany their clients upon their first visit.

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2627 N 30th Place Phoenix, AZ 85008

$594,900

2 Beds

1 Bath

800 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688674

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

ATTENTION INVESTORS AND BUILDERS. Small rental home on this amazing RARE LARGE parcel size of 17,000sf!! Zoning is R1-6, so each lot (without a variance) needs a minimum of 6,000sf per lot, but many lots in the area are less than 6,000sf. No variance needed if you split the site into two lots and you could build one home on the South lot and keep the small home on the North lot as rental income ($1,500/mo) until you are ready to tear it down and build a new home. Phoenix zoning now allows ADUs (Additional Dwelling Units). Many new homes are being built in the immediate area and this is a RARE parcel size!! See photos with potential development ideas. Check with city to verify all info. Please don't disturb the tenants by walking the lot without permission from agent. THANK YOU!

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769 W Citrus Way Chandler, AZ 85248

$594,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,979 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738698

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This fabulous residence nestled in the Fox Crossing Community is the one you've been looking for! Make yourself at home in the inviting interior showcasing a designer color palette, neutral tile flooring, and soft carpet in all the right places. The well-appointed kitchen boasts wood cabinetry adorned with crown moulding, sleek granite counters, matching built-in appliances, pendant lighting, a stylish mosaic backsplash, and a center island equipped with a breakfast bar. The serene main bedroom features private outdoor access, an immaculate ensuite with dual sinks, separate tub/shower, and a walk-in closet. Spend relaxing afternoons along with your loved ones in the charming backyard, offering a covered patio and an easy-care landscape! Don't let this home slip by!

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15 W Palmcroft Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

$594,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,608 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767877

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautifully updated mid century gem with all the historic charm intact in the heart of downtown Tempe! Impeccably maintained with updates galore featuring 3 bed/2 baths, large professionally landscaped lot, award winning schools, walking distance to ASU, downtown Tempe and Gammage. Updates include: new roof, new Trane a/c, plantation shutters, professionally landscaped backyard including irrigation system, block wall/fence, gate, extended covered patio & large storage shed, new windows, interior and exterior doors, remodeled kitchen, stainless appliances, remodeled bathrooms, interior and exterior paint & newer water heater. Date Palm Manor is a historic designated neighborhood which reduces owner property taxes by half.

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9919 E Radioactive Drive Mesa, AZ 85212

$594,900

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,115 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6655238

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Major Price Reduction! Better than New! 3 Bed + Den, 3 Baths, 3 Car Tandem Garage. Very spacious floorplan. Wood Plank Like Tile Flooring w/Upgraded Carpeting. Across the street from a park. Features Include: Butler Pantry, Large Kitchen Pantry, Gas Cook Top, Granite Countertops throughout w/ Island &Breakfast Bar, White Cabinets with Pull Handles, Wood Shutters, Soft close drawers & cabinets, Gas Stub for BBQ, Walk-In Master Shower, Extra Insulation to Garage, Built in Classy Closets in Garage w/overhead cabinets, Epoxy Garage Floor, Backyard Fully Landscaped w Brick Pavers and Artificial Turf, Water plumbed to backyard to add irrigation for garden boxes, Pavers at Front making driveway wider, Overhead cabinets in Laundry. 5 minute freeway access. Eastmark Community offers: Heated Pool, Splash pad, Dog parks, Many Parks, Tennis courts, Fishing Pond, Ball fields, Frisbee golf course and Rec Center. There are many recreational spots close by including a regional sports park just south of this home on Ellsworth and Pecan Lake Entertainment which offers many various attractions and restaurants.

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122 W Foothill Street Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$594,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,645 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771553

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful 1645 SQ. FT. slump block constructed home has been remodeled and refinished with all new and updated finishes. New roof & fascia boards, new exterior stucco & paint, new ac unit & hot water heater, all new dual pane windows, all new lighting inside & out, all new interior doors & baseboards, the kitchen has new white shaker style cabinets w/soft close drawers, new beautiful quartz countertops, new SS dishwasher & refrigerator, new barn style doors on walk-in pantry & laundry room. All interior floors are plank style tile. Both bathrooms have been remodeled and updated with the right touches. This open floor plan flows gracefully together and creates a wonderful place to entertain family & friends in. The property is 1.25 acres and is completely ..... fenced in with all new gas pipe fencing which also includes a large RV gate. No HOA to contend with here. Large enclosed chicken coop to convey and you can even have the chickens & the ducks. All new granite minus has been installed. The full length covered patio faces north and provides wonderful mountain scenery to soak up and enjoy. Cargo container located on property can be purchased on a separate bill of sale out side the COE and offers a great space for storing side by sides or what ever you might have. The land is very flat & buildable for any future additional buildouts that one might need and the owner has plans available and they are uploaded into the document section. The new plans are for an addition to make this a 4 bedroom & 3 bathroom home. Apache Junction is a hidden gem amongst our growing city population. Come see the beauty that surrounds this property from the Superstition Mountains up to the Tonto National Forrest. You won't be disappointed. Also, roof still has a 9 year warranty. 4 ton ac unit with a 16 seer rating. This area is known for it's equestrian areas and low key life style.

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2451 E Glencove Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$594,900

6 Beds

3 Baths

2,950 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778523

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the charm of this 6-bedroom, 3-bath property, NO HOA, now for sale! You'll love the sizable living areas featuring tall ceilings, neutral paint tones, and hardwood flooring, creating an inviting atmosphere for hosting and entertaining. The kitchen is the heart of the home, equipped with generous counter space, a mosaic tile backsplash, rich wood cabinetry, recessed lighting, and a breakfast bar. Retreat to the main suite, boasting two ceiling fans, a sitting area, an ensuite, and a walk-in closet. Venture upstairs to find more sizable bedrooms! Experience the ultimate outdoor lifestyle with weekend BBQs, refreshing swims in the crystal-clear pool, and endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. What are you waiting for? Make this gem yours today!

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2613 E Dragoon Avenue Mesa, AZ 85204

$594,500

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,598 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6714910

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NO HOA! A LARGE BEAUTIFUL 2598 SQ.FT. 2 STORY, TRI-LEVEL 5 BEDROOM, 3 BATH HOME IN A QUIET STREET AND NEIGHBORHOOD SURROUNDED BY LARGE CUSTOM HOMES. THIS HOME IS ONE OUT OF ONLY 9-10 SIMILAR 2 STORY, TRI-LEVEL HOMES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Home is currently owner-occupied. HOME IS BEING SOLD AS-IS IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION - The Seller will provide a two-year Premium Home Warranty Plan.

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12800 N 172nd Drive Surprise, AZ 85388

$594,325

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,159 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6756193

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

QUICK MOVE-IN!!!!! SELLER IS OFFERING INTEREST RATE AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE! This beautiful new home is a must see. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, loft and a 3-car tandem garage. 1st floor Owner's Suite! Beautiful, tiled floors on 1st floor including the Great Room, upgraded carpet upstairs and in bedrooms, The home has a large open kitchen and great room. Beautiful gray Cabinets, Quartz countertops, Stainless steel appliances and a large kitchen island. Secondary bedrooms are good size, and some have walk in closets, they are all surrounded by a spacious loft. The home is on a large lot that gives you many entertaining opportunities and has no backyard neighbors. THIS HOME IS COMPLETED!

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