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

10881 W Carlota Lane Sun City, AZ 85373

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,602 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6749966

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome home to Deer Valley Ranch! Not Age Restricted & No HOA! This spacious 4-bed, 3-bath gem sits on a corner lot with perfect North/South exposure, providing abundant natural light throughout the 2602 square feet. Complete with 2 RV gates & RV parking, RV plug, water hook up, & sewer cleanout. This home is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The leased solar system ensures energy efficiency, cozy fireplace in the family room & newer AC units add to your year-round comfort. Notable features include tastefully updated bathrooms, wood-look tile flooring, & an oversized patio off the primary bedroom. The convenient guest suite downstairs adds versatility to your living space. Just 30 minutes from Lake Pleasant, this location is a paradise for water lovers. Original Owners & Pride of Ownership.

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2042 E Flintlock Drive Gilbert, AZ 85298

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,952 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761102

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful home in the highly sought-after Adora Trails community! Step inside to an open-concept modern kitchen featuring upgraded lighting, staggered cabinets, a new sink, gas range, and stainless steel appliances—perfect for those who love to cook and entertain. The large and bright primary bedroom offers peaceful views of the serene backyard, where you'll find a built-in BBQ and lush green landscaping, an ideal space for hosting gatherings. Living in Adora Trails means enjoying an abundance of community amenities, including a pool, community center, basketball court, playgrounds, open fields, a lake, and scenic walking and biking paths. Located within an excellent school district, this home offers both comfort and convenience in a vibrant community.

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91 E Liberty Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,916 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6766955

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

PAID OFF SOLAR - EXTREMELY LOW UTILITY BILL! Welcome to the beautiful community of Cobblestone. Built in 2018 this 3 bed, 2.5 bath single family house is turnkey and ready for you to call home. Downstairs enjoy a light and bright floor plan with tiled floors and upstairs make use of a spacious loft, perfect for a TV room or play room. Many upgrades throughout like plantation shutters, rain-soft house filtration system, reverse osmosis, custom cabinetry in the laundry room and garage. Enjoy the convenience of a low maintenance backyard and when summer hits, take advantage of the community pool. Centrally located in Gilbert and only 5-10 minutes from Downtown Gilbert, Downtown Chandler, San Tan Mall and the Gilbert Epicenter. 5 minutes from the 202 Freeway.

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1201 E Desert Park Lane Phoenix, AZ 85020

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,730 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6761522

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Unique home in a neighborhood in ongoing revival. Possible business opportunity with this double corner lot. Well maintained home boasts a huge yard, tons of character with lot of possibilities for parking, adding on or building a totally new structure. Home has newer vinyl pane windows, stained concrete floors, porcelain tiles and tons of character as it is! Many homes on this street are total new builds, so move in as is, add on, or build a new home on this double lot. No HOA!

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4107 S 109th Avenue Tolleson, AZ 85353

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,649 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6767165

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Must see large single story, Next Gen home! Versatile floor plan has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Three car garage. Attached casita for varies uses, this home is only a year old, beautiful home inside and out with many modern amenities. This home is conveniently located near schools, stores, shopping, gas stations, restaurants, highways and much more. Open concept floor plan with oversized master suite and split bedrooms for individual privacy.

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1325 Tanglewood Road Prescott, AZ 86303

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,139 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6775016

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Set amidst the Ponderosa Pines in the highly desirable Haisley Homestead neighborhood, this tastefully updated single-level home is the perfect Prescott retreat. Featuring two ensuite bedrooms, this home has been beautifully upgraded throughout. Enjoy new luxury vinyl plank flooring in the main living areas, and freshly carpeted bedrooms for added comfort. The countertops have been replaced with a stylish mix of Corian and quartz, paired with fresh two-tone paint, five new solar tubes, modern light fixtures, and kitchen upgrades. The HVAC system was replaced five years ago, and a new roof was installed within the last couple of years, ensuring peace of mind for the new owners. The potential for dual master suites makes this an ideal getaway for families looking to escape the valley heat. The home boasts a large driveway with extra parking, in addition to the two-car garage with built-in storage shelves. Haisley Homestead is located just a mile from Prescott's new Bean Peaks Mountain Bike Park at White Spar Campground, offering nearby access to hiking trails in the Prescott National Forest, including the picturesque Goldwater Lake trail. The backyard features a covered patio, perfect for transforming into your own private escape with additional landscaping. A single-level home with four bedrooms, a two-car garage, and all the amenities of southwest Prescott at this price point is a rare find. Plus, enjoy a reasonably priced HOA that includes access to a swimming pool, tennis, and pickleball courts. Located within 5 minutes of Prescott's downtown courthouse square, this wonderfully maintained home is ready for you to make it your own!

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2478 N Earle Drive Flagstaff, AZ 86004

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,762 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6772135

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Welcome to this perfectly placed townhome in the peaceful, tree lined neighborhood of Elk Run. This property has been well manicured from the small details inside to the pristine landscaping outside. Enjoy updated kitchen and bathrooms with granite countertops. Fresh exterior paint - including the decks! NEW ROOF! New furnace in 2020. With the beautiful weather Flagstaff offers, you will be pleased with the TWO private decks. 3-bedrooms with a versatile loft, great for additional family room or office space. Open concept family room on main level. Snow removal covered by the HOA making winter time a breeze! Bear Paw, the pools, pickleball, tennis, and gym are all part of the country club amenities included in your very inexpensive annual HOA Dues. Nearby Trails and Oakmont restaurant.

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1290 E Bobcat Drive Munds Park, AZ 86017

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,485 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6770846

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Nestled in the gorgeous Munds Park, this 3 bedroom 2 bath A-frame home has stunning wood vaulted and beamed ceilings. A loft that overlooks the great room with beautiful stone fireplace. Watch the weather and wildlife through the floor to ceiling windows from the coziness of your home. Primary bedroom and bathroom are upstairs creating a more private spot. The large deck is the perfect spot for an outdoor living space and great gatherings. With the trails, just minutes away, you'll want to bring all your outdoor toys. 2 storage sheds are perfect for store some of those toys. Don't miss out on this one, this is the home away from home you've been waiting on!

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9908 S 43rd Avenue Laveen, AZ 85339

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,220 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774848

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Wonderful 3-bedroom home + DEN w/eye-catching porch! The 3-car garage, extended driveway, & RV gate/parking provide plenty of parking space. A welcoming iron gate opens to the ample courtyard. Inside, you'll find fresh paint, surround sound speakers, a gas fireplace, tile flooring, & a luminous great room that merges all areas for easy entertainment. Gourmet kitchen has SS appliances, a walk-in pantry, granite counters, an island w/breakfast bar, & wood cabinets. Discover a main retreat featuring French doors to the backyard & a newly remodeled bathroom w/two vanities & a soaking tub. The sizable den w/own entry from the courtyard can be easily used as the 4th bedroom, office, yoga studio, etc. Out the back, you'll see an extended covered patio, refreshing pool, & firepit area. Must see!

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27219 S 171st Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$550,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

1,590 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6773768

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This picturesque 5-acre ranch offers a serene, countryside escape with all the modern conveniences. The two-story home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, perfectly designed for comfortable living. Inside, you'll be greeted by a beautifully custom-made kitchen, showcasing elegant quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and custom cabinets that provide ample storage. The tile floors throughout the home not only add to its stylish appeal but also make for easy maintenance. One of the highlights of this property is the stunning view from the second floor and the expansive back deck, where you can relax and soak in the beauty of your private acreage. The entire property is fenced, providing both privacy and security. For those who value utility and space, the prope property is equipped with two carport shedsa large 40x30 carport shed perfect for storage or work projects, and a smaller 20x30 carport shed that can serve a variety of uses. A private water well ensures self-sufficiency, while the powerful 400-amp electrical panel provides ample capacity to build an additional home, set up a workshop, or create an RV parking area. This ranch is the perfect blend of rural charm and modern functionality, offering endless possibilities for expansion or customization.

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7005 E Russell Street Mesa, AZ 85207

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,756 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6774932

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**Beautifully Upgraded Single-Level Home in Las Sendas!** Welcome to this freshly updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in the desirable Las Sendas community. Recent upgrades include new paint throughout, elegant laminate floors, and stylish light fixtures in every room. The kitchen features brand-new quartz countertops, a new microwave, and an island, making it perfect for casual dining and entertaining. It opens up to a cozy family room with a gas fireplace, ideal for relaxing evenings. The flexible front room can serve as an office, formal dining, or creative space. The master suite includes a walk-in closet, dual sinks, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Two additional bedrooms share a full bath. Enjoy the convenience of an inside laundry room and a 2-car garage. Step outside to a newly landscaped private backyard, perfect for outdoor gatherings. Located close to the community's pools, spas, splash pad, tennis and pickleball courts, and the top-rated elementary school. Las Sendas offers a gated golf course lifestyle with parks, sport courts, and activities for all ages. Easy access to hiking, biking, shopping, and the 202 freeway makes this an ideal location!

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5559 E Gable Avenue Mesa, AZ 85206

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,848 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6771547

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful, one-owner, Fulton home in Stonegate is waiting for you! You will fall in love with the amazing custom kitchen features a massive dual fuel GE Monogram stove, new Stainless refrigerator, stunning wood cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances, which overlooks the living room with a custom tiled gas fireplace, built-in cabinetry, and large windows offer a view of the electric heated pool with fountains. The spacious primary bedroom boasts custom wooden shutters and a vaulted ceiling. The primary bathroom welcomes you with heated tile floors, a custom tiled shower, and a freestanding soaking tub. The resort-like backyard features a gorgeous tile deck, citrus trees and heated pool. Come see all the incredible features of this must-see home!

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