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

16455 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6682617

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The Townsend has a gorgeous open floor plan with Guest Suite and 10' ceilings! Large Gourmet Kitchen with Quartz Countertops. Owners Suite has a deluxe Master Bath with Walk-in rain shower. Home is on a large lot in a secluded neighborhood. Home comes with paver driveway/walk way to entry. and is complete with stone front exterior on house! A Must See!!!!

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16399 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,995

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,506 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702001

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the essence of luxury in this home featuring an upgraded gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42-inch cabinets, & expansive walk-in pantry. The spacious design includes 10-foot ceilings, staggered wood-look tile, and multi-slide patio doors that enhance the open, airy feel. The Primary suite bathroom features an upgraded shower with an added secondary rain shower head. Practicality meets style with 8-foot garage doors & paver driveway, offering ample space for storage and vehicles.

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16372 W Avenida Del Sol -- Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,995

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,480 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6718700

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home features a must have Guest Suite as well as dramatic 10' ceilings throughout and a tray ceiling at entry; a gourmet kitchen with quartz countertops, 42'' cabinets, a spacious open great room with a multi-slide door; a beautiful primary suite with a generous walk-in closet. The walk-in shower features a rain shower head. This home offers stylish pavers at driveway/walkway.

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935 Calle Azul -- Wickenburg, AZ 85390

$567,900

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,884 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6722019

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful 4bed 2bath 2 car garage home with a large lot large patio RV gate with amazing views. Must see property in Wickenburg AZ.

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8718 N 180th Drive Waddell, AZ 85355

$567,250

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,548 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6715988

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Don't miss out on this beautiful Pulte home in a Great location! Easy access to the 303, I-10 and Luke Air Force Base. This home has an amazing floorplan with the master suite downstairs and 4 large bedrooms plus a huge loft upstairs. The nice sized lot backs to a greenbelt with mountain views from the backyard. You can take this all in while enjoying some quality time under the expansive covered patio. Some of the many wonderful features you will find inside include, granite countertops, an eat-in kitchen, tasteful neutral flooring and tons of storage space. The laundry room has ample space plus a utility sink. The 3 car garage features shelving and an epoxy floor. Come see it today. This one won't last.....

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10221 S Bickwell Trail Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$567,028

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,386 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6739939

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Experience the difference at Laurel at Blossom Rock! This stunning single-story Laredo design is currently under construction and features a spacious open-concept floorplan. The heart of the home includes an inviting kitchen with an island, seamlessly connected to a bright great room that opens to a private, covered outdoor living space. With 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and a convenient drop zone right off the 3-car garage, this home offers both comfort and functionality. Plus, $49,000 in premium upgrades are already included, and special financing options are available. The home is expected to be completed by November. Living at Blossom Rock means embracing the outdoors with community parks, miles of scenic trails, beautiful lakes, and signature events. Nearby the Superstition Mountains.

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2422 E Saint Anne Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85042

$567,000

5 Beds

4.5 Baths

2,599 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6743335

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this spacious 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom residence blends comfort, and modern living in the sought-after Arbor Subdivision. The spacious open floor plan seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and a large island. The home boasts five generously sized bedrooms, with the primary suite offering dual sinks, dual walk-in closets, and an en-suite bathroom. Enjoy mountain views from the beautifully landscaped backyard with a large covered patio, turf, and pavers. Additional features include a loft, office, and two-car garage. Arbor Subdivision provides well-maintained common areas, parks, and walking trails. Check it out!

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23852 N 167th Lane Surprise, AZ 85387

$567,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,016 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781319

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Stunning Family Home with Private Outdoor Oasis This spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home offers the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, with an inviting front patio that welcomes you into a well-designed living space. As you step inside, you'll immediately appreciate the open, airy feel of the home with its modern finishes and thoughtful layout. The heart of the home features a beautifully kitchen that flows seamlessly into a cozy living room, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The master suite is a true retreat, offering privacy and tranquility with its own ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet. Step outside to your own private paradise. The backyard is an entertainer's dream, with a heated pool complete with a tranquil water feature, ideal for relaxing or hosting summer gatherings. Enjoy outdoor cooking and dining with the built-in BBQ area, and when the sun gets too bright, simply extend the retractable awning for shade and comfort. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a meal with family and friends, this outdoor space is perfect for creating lasting memories. With its ideal layout, stylish features, and amazing outdoor amenities, this home truly offers the best of both worlds indoor and outdoor luxury!

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2398 W Arroyo Way San Tan Valley, AZ 85144

$567,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,535 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6707047

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful single family home featured in popular community ''Morning Sun Farms' located in Queen Creek, AZ. This highly preferred [single level] home incorporates a subtle balance of contemporary finishes with a modern design. The home features 4 bedrooms, +Den/5th bedroom, 2.5 bath(s), 2,534 sq ft open concept floor plan, nicely appointed kitchen w/ granite countertops, large [eat-in] island, dual ovens, gas cooking, raised panel cabinetry, ss appliances, and walk-in pantry. Also, this home features large great room space, 9ft+ ceilings, tile flooring, modern plumbing/lighting fixtures [fans], dual pane [low-e] windows, 2'' wood faux blinds, designated dining space, and a dedicated master retreat featuring a spacious sleeping quarters, separate shower/tub, dual sinks, and large walk-in. closet. Lastly, the home features a 3-car tandem garage w/ new epoxy floors & built-in storage cabinets, and a private [resort style] backyard equipped with covered patio space, sparkling heated pool, built in BBQ [w/ dedicated gas line], mature landscaping, backyard wall raised for increased privacy, and separate RV gate --perfect for entertaining guests & family. Morning Sun Farms offers residents plenty of walking & bike paths, green spaces, and is just minutes away from great shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

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441 S Dodge Drive Chandler, AZ 85225

$567,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,162 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6736916

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Fantastic location in the popular single level community in Kempton Crossing. Well maintained one owner 3BR 2BA plus large den, large kitchen with island and granite counter tops , breakfast nook, formal dining, formal living room and family room with gas fireplace, upgraded tile and wood flooring through out the home, Oversized lot with mature backyard and cover patio, 3 car garage, the home is one of a kind for the subdivision only one built, Kempton crossing is a unique community where all homes are single level with 7400 sqft minimum lot size, this home is the only one of its floor plan in the community, enjoy several nearby family parks with pickle ball courts, biking or walking along the canal and convenient close access to freeway and many stores.

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34475 N Fortini Way Queen Creek, AZ 85144

$566,610

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,937 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748798

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

From AZ-24, take Ellsworth Rd, south. Make a right onto Thompson Pkwy. Turn left onto Tesota Way. The sales office will be on your right.

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4901 W Hunter Trail San Tan Valley, AZ 85143

$566,090

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,926 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778084

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Elite community with a lot of amenities! The perfect blend of functionality comes to life. This stunning home boasts 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, bonus space, office and walk-in closets, ensuring that there's room for everyone. The island takes center stage, serving as a social hub where family and friends can gather. Whether you're preparing a gourmet meal or enjoying a family breakfast, the kitchen is designed to be a culinary haven. dark cabinets, granite counter tops with a generous amount of wood look tile! Stepping outside, the 3-panel sliding glass door offers an additional living space that seamlessly extends the indoor experience. Each of our homes is built with innovative, energy-efficient features designed to help you enjoy more savings, better health, real comfort and peace of mind.

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