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

2117 E Voltaire Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85032

Open House

$569,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772466

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

The Agave - A rare combination of Space, Style, Quality, and Value where Design Matters. Be inspired by the warm tones and natural textures of the desert where the Sagebrush and Adobe interior color schemes boldly echo the beauty of The Agave. Modern, Flat-Panel Kitchen Cabinetry in Matte color-ways, Solid-surface, Spa-Inspired Flat-Panel vanity cabinets in natural-wood tone finishes in Bathrooms. Standard LVT flooring installed in the entire home, Quartz Countertops, and Tile shower surrounds. Standard Accent painted interior doors and jambs for a bold, effortless design touch. Ceiling fans included as well as EV prewire. This premium end location Quail Plan showcases an enclosed front patio, oversized 2 car garage, bonus loft space and second floor deck.

View Property

22807 E Stacey Road Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,956 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6758518

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This open concept layout offers 3 bedrooms, private study, 2 baths, ample storage with a spacious utility room and two car garage. Enjoy sought after selections hand-picked by our expert designers; 12-foot slider leading you to the extended covered patio, signature ''super shower'' with upgraded tile to the ceiling in owners retreat, gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances with built in gas range, two tone shaker cabinets complimented by quartz countertops, and stunning kitchen backsplash. This beautiful home is situated on a desirable South Back home site. 2X6 CONSTRUCTION; NEW HOME WARRANTY.

View Property

11110 N 165th Avenue Surprise, AZ 85388

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,180 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6771392

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

One of the best properties in Surprise with an opportunity to assume a low interest rate! With a huge chef's kitchen and open floor plan, this home is perfect for entertaining. This home will make you feel like you are on vacation all year. This home has no neighbors behind or to the east, making this home feel like it is the only home in the neighborhood. The backyard is a desert paradise with a luxury pool, an above ground spa and a built-in gas fire-pit. This home is move-in ready and offered turn-key.

View Property

2640 E Northridge Street Mesa, AZ 85213

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,913 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779810

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Imagine drinking your morning beverage next to the tranquil fountain and under the large carob tree. This home, without an HOA, is owned and cared for by the original owners. Some of the many features include a 205 square foot enclosed patio, large lot, double gates for boat or RV, built in storage room, built in Barbecue, Built in table on the patio 220 stub for Jacuzzi and much more. Save water with irrigation in both the front and back yards. The interior has an open floor plan and mostly hard surface flooring. There is a wood burning fireplace in the family room. The water heater was replaced in 2023 and the AC was replaced in 2022 and has a transferrable service plan. This home is located very close to 202 freeway for convenience.

View Property

8791 W Kathleen Road Peoria, AZ 85382

$569,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,297 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782048

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning 4-Bedroom Home with Pool in Arrowhead Shores Located in the desirable Arrowhead Shores neighborhood, this beautiful 4-bed, 2-bath home offers a private, new PebbleTec pool with updated pool equipment and a new roof. The spacious 3-car garage and open-concept living provide both comfort and convenience. The chef's kitchen features stainless steel appliances and granite countertops, while the master suite boasts a walk-in closet and spa-like en-suite bathroom. With no HOA fees, you'll have more freedom. Walk to top-rated schools and enjoy nearby shopping and dining. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity! Schedule your showing today and make this dream home yours!

View Property

3332 E Windsor Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,054 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784340

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this charming single-level 3-bedroom, 2-bath, 2058sf home in the highly sought-after Higley Park community. This home features a spacious formal living room, a cozy family room with a stone-front gas fireplace, and a split floorplan for added privacy. The kitchen boasts ample cabinets, a large island seating 3+, a gas stove, and a built-in oven. Enjoy the heated pebble sheen private pool in the quaint backyard with view fencing and no rear neighbors. The owner's suite is oversized with an ensuite offering a separate tub and shower. Recent updates include fresh interior and exterior paint, removable pool fence, and a flat tile roof. Located near top dining, schools, freeways, and entertainment, this home is in an amazing location!

View Property

2185 W Mcdowell Boulevard Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,249 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6775782

Property Type Manufactured Home

Price Type --

Discover this beautifully updated 3-bdrm/2-bath home with breathtaking mountain & city views, situated next to preserved land for ultimate privacy. The home features a brand-new roof and modern appliances in a well-equipped kitchen, perfect for comfortable living & entertaining. Step outside to enjoy a spacious 52-ft covered patio, ideal for relaxing or hosting guests.For equestrian enthusiasts, the property includes 4 large covered stalls, each with its own turnout, a dedicated tack room, & covered hay storage. Additionally, a separate workshop, well house, tool shed, and ample covered storage space provide all the convenience and utility you need.This property combines luxury with practicality, offering a peaceful retreat while maintaining proximity to essential amenities.

View Property

8037 N Sage Vista Prescott Valley, AZ 86315

New

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,984 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787699

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

You don't want to miss this great home in the popular Viewpoint subdivision in Prescott Valley. Enjoy the open floor plan with large living room, dining room and bonus sitting area to enjoy morning coffee. Take in the amazing sunrises and mountain views from your covered patio completely landscaped and fenced for the pups! The kitchen has granite counter tops, upgraded cabinets, stainless steel appliances and tons of space, perfect for prepping for holiday dinners. Pull up a chair at the bar and enjoy a cocktail and the beautiful distant mountain views. The large primary bedroom is light and bright with a newer sliding glass door for easy access to the view patio. Watch the sunrise, enjoy Mingus Mountain views and experience the monsoon as it moves across the valley.

View Property

27504 N Montana Drive Rio Verde, AZ 85263

$569,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,741 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780473

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

TURNKEY! Lovely, fully furnished and updated townhome in the gated and picturesque community of Tonto Verde. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac street just a half block from the clubhouse and its amenities. The home features great room style of living with new flooring, new GE Profile SS appliances, new washer and dryer, new plumbing fixtures, new hardware, new LED ceiling fixtures, and it has been freshly painted, including the garage. The covered patio extends out and includes a wood-burning firepit. The garage is extended in length to accommodate two cars plus a golf cart. It's fully furnished and ready to move in. It's the perfect townhome for you!

View Property

8609 N 89th Drive Peoria, AZ 85345

New

$569,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,893 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6787852

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Located within the gated Crosspointe community, this turnkey, extensively upgraded residence boasts 3 bedrooms plus a den and 2 bathrooms across 1893 square feet, featuring a spacious great room design. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with ample cabinetry, granite countertops, a gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry, and an island complete with a breakfast bar and pendant lighting. Dual sliding glass doors from the great room open to a covered patio and a backyard surrounded by single story homes that includes a private pool, generous paver work, and a storage shed. The master bedroom offers backyard access through its own sliders and features an en-suite bathroom with dual sinks, a separate bathtub and shower, and a large walk-in closet. Additional amenities include tile and vinyl plank flooring, plantation shutters, neutral paint, ceiling fans, a side yard with a double gate, a stone-accented facade, and a 3-car garage complemented by an expansive paver-lined driveway.

View Property

14410 N 42nd Place Phoenix, AZ 85032

$569,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,752 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6690022

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream family abode nestled in the heart of North Phoenix, Arizona! This charming single-level home boasts an array of desirable features designed to cater to your every need. Step inside to discover a spacious interior adorned with multiple living spaces, providing ample room for relaxation and entertainment. Whether you're hosting gatherings or enjoying quiet family evenings, there's a space for every occasion. The home's owned solar panels not only offer eco-friendly energy solutions but also ensure significant savings on utility bills, providing both environmental consciousness and economic efficiency. Outside, you'll find a delightful backyard oasis, perfect for soaking up the Arizona sunshine. Welcome home!

View Property

7825 W Rovey Avenue Glendale, AZ 85303

$569,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,694 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6731089

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Beautiful home located in Tessera's gated community features *4 Bathrooms *2 Baths, Formal Living Room with Dining Room *Family Room*Granite counter*Tile floors in all common areas*Extended 3 car garage*Additional 4th Garage conditioned as workshop or can be used to store extra toys.*Lots of space for entertainment for large family*Beautiful front landscape with mature trees*RV Gate *Pavers/concrete laid out for RV parking Front/back yard*Across from Community Park*

View Property