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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27709 N 23rd Drive Phoenix, AZ 85085

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,045 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776809

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom residence situated in Dynamite Mountain Ranch! Tastefully renewed interior features tile flooring, fresh neutral palette, and soaring ceilings in the harmonious living & dining room. HUGE great room bathes in abundant natural light & seamlessly connects to the back patio through sliding glass doors. The kitchen comes complete with recessed lighting, built-in appliances, a center island with a breakfast bar, granite counters, recessed lighting, and plenty of cabinetry topped with crown moulding. Spacious main retreat boasts plush carpet, vaulted ceilings, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Easy-care backyard has a covered patio where you can enjoy peaceful mornings or relaxing evenings. This urn-key gem is ready to be called home!

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2423 E Pony Lane Gilbert, AZ 85295

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,906 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779360

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Move in ready, clean, bright 3BR, 2BA with designer touches and extended 2 car garage. Large lot size with private bacyard. All new windows, security door, newer A/C and all appliances included. Newly updated bathrooms. Great location and close to shopping, highways, schools etc.

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1505 W Lynwood Street Phoenix, AZ 85007

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,420 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6777036

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in central Phoenix combines classic appeal with modern amenities. The spacious living area features natural light and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for family gatherings. The well-equipped kitchen offers updated appliances and ample storage. Each bedroom provides a comfortable retreat, while the bathrooms are tastefully designed for convenience. The backyard is a delightful outdoor space, ideal for entertaining or relaxing. With its prime location, this home is just minutes from local shops, parks, and dining, making it a perfect choice for both families and professionals.

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2349 W Del Campo Circle Mesa, AZ 85202

$550,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,586 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779561

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very nice home, Includes 3 bedrooms plus a small room and 2 bathrooms, current owner has kept this home in a very good shape, Master bedrooms has an addition. Lots of kitchen cabinets, tile flooring through out, a big grassed back yard perfect for entertaining, 2 car garage, RV gate, with a RV parking place. Close to City of Tempe, I-101, I-202 & I-60 freeways, ASU and restaurants.

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4533 N 93rd Glen Phoenix, AZ 85037

$550,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,590 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778859

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Elegant 4 bed 3 bath home- enter a grand tower the hallway accentuated with high ceilings and doors. The Great room has a gorgeous 4 panel sliding door, eat-in dining, entertainment and kitchen. Huge granite island with breakfast bar. Shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances w/ gas range. Split bedroom layout, the master features a nice sliding barn door, walk in sized ensuite, his/her sinks, and a walk in closet. The back is landscaped with pavers and artificial turf. Gated community-minutes from loop 101, Westgate district and AZ Cardinals Stadium.

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21019 N Totem Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

$550,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,322 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782057

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This is the perfect retirement haven you've been looking for! Situated on a HUGE lot in a cul-de-sac, this beautiful home offers 3 beds, 3 baths, a 2-car garage, & a desert landscape. Home exudes refined style with tons of natural light, recessed lighting, neutral paint, and wood-look TILE flooring t/out. You'll surely love the perfectly flowing living & dining room! The kitchen boasts black SS appliances, tile counters, ample cabinetry, a breakfast bar, & a cozy nook. But the true highlight is the two identical split main bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet, full bathroom, and sliding doors to separate patios. Want MORE? The attached CASITA provides so much possibilities! It includes the 3rd bedroom, a bathroom, and a spacious living/dining/den space - or transform it into a hobby room. Laundry room with storage closets for added convenience. Discover the expansive backyard with fruit trees and an open patio to relax while enjoying BBQ! Located in the 55+ Sun City West, providing a resort-style lifestyle with four recreation centers featuring pools, fitness facilities, and craft studios, plus seven golf courses, including private & public options. Residents also enjoy a variety of clubs, tennis & pickleball courts, and a year-round social calendar of events & performances, all set amid scenic walking & biking trails. What a RARE find! Make this gem yours! New roof 2019, New primary A/C 2022 2nd A/C 2016, New Redwood Gate 2022, New exterior paint 2023, New back patio cover 2023, New pavers 2023, New landscape trees 2022, New Sun screen throughout 2021, New valves & Timer at irrigation 2022, New garage door opener and key pad 2022, New landscape granite 2024, New exterior light fixtures 2022, New Gutters front and Back 2024, New fans and switch 2021, New 5 inch recessed lights 2021, Removed popcorn ceiling 2021, Fresh paint throughout 2024, New porcelain tile and base throughout, Epoxy paint in garage 2021, New storage cabinet in Laundry rm 2023, 3 NEW Kholer toilets 2021, New sinks 2021, New water valves 2021, New Hunter Douglas window coverings 2021, New bathroom vanity 2&3, Fan in garage, Dimmer switches, Tile wains coat at kitchen & bath

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619 W Winchester Drive Chandler, AZ 85286

$550,000

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,565 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782619

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Look no further! This wonderful home has it all in the new Haven Community of Chandler. Be welcomed by the bright living room w/recessed lighting, wood tile plank floor in all the right places, & a side patio. Fantastic family room filled w/natural light w/ balcony access where you can enjoy your morning coffee. Magazine cover kitchen showcases a plethora of white cabinets w/crown molding, upgraded counters, SS appliances, pantry, & pendant lights over the center island. The den is ideal flex space for an office or a teen room. Owner's retreat enjoys a luxurious ensuite w/dual sinks, & a walk-in closet. Relax in the perfectly sized backyard w/paver patio, and grass turf.

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20823 S 185th Way Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$550,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,051 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782864

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

What a gorgeous home with no neighbors behind! The layout was thoughtfully designed with a formal living and dining room, a sizable den, two ample bedrooms, and an open family room adjacent to the kitchen. Durable tile flooring in the main areas, neutral paint, and abundant natural light. Open-concept kitchen showcases a pantry, a center island with a breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances, and maple cabinetry. Discover a bright primary bedroom offering enough space for all your furniture, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom with a jetted tub, step-in shower, and dual sink vanity. Both bedrooms are carpeted for extra comfort! The garage has a window A/C unit, ceiling fans, and multiple outlets. In the backyard, relax under the covered patio, green grass, or sparkling pool. Move-in ready!!

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15818 W Mercer Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$550,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,846 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6783386

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seller may consider buyer concessions if made in an offer. Welcome to this beautiful split single level home in Greer Ranch. Four bedrooms plus a den! The home boasts a neutral color paint scheme and fresh interior paint. The kitchen is a cook's dream with all stainless steel appliances, a kitchen island. The primary bedroom features a walk-in closet and an en-suite bathroom with double sinks, as well as a separate tub and shower for ultimate relaxation. The covered patio overlooks a fenced-in backyard with a private in-ground pool, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a quiet evening. New carpet installed. This property is a must-see for those seeking a blend of comfort and style.

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518 W Amoroso Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,838 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6784234

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A move-in ready, 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms home in a lake sub-division for sale in the center of Magic town of Gilbert! This home provides everything that you're looking for: open layout with a good size living room looks into the backyard oasis; vaulted ceilings and laminate floorings throughout the house gives you cozy/country feels. Built-in bookshelves and computer niche in the family room right next to the kitchen. Comfortable size owner suite with huge windows to have backyard view, double sinks in the primary bathroom. Did I mention no carpets in the entire house? Newer HVAC/heater and water heater 2020, NEW roof 2022! The turquoise-colored pool, turf, the shed, the built-in BBQ, cover patio are just a few to mention that makes this backyard a perfect one to entertain! Minut away from downtown Gilbert, plenty choices to connect to freeway 60, 101 or 202, convenient location to great schools, shopping, and restaurants! Come see this gem today!

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954 E 7th Street Mesa, AZ 85203

$550,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,542 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6777888

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this stunning, fully remodeled home in the heart of Mesa where warranties abound! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is a perfect blend of style and functionality, ready for you to move in. Step inside to discover a bright and inviting open floor plan, featuring all-new appliances, sleek quartz countertops, and modern cabinets enhanced by a beautiful marble backsplash. The spacious primary bedroom includes an expanded walk-in closet with custom shoe rack shelving, offering ample storage space. Both bathrooms are luxuriously designed with heated porcelain tile floors. The master bathroom offers a curb-less zero entry shower. Throughout the home, you'll find durable Stone Composite Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring that combines elegance with easy maintenance. New windows and fresh paint... add to the modern appeal. Warranties include showers, floors, windows, with a service plan for the AC unit. Enjoy the new pressure-treated lumber fencing with RV gates on both sides of the house, making parking and storage are a breeze. The flood irrigated yard means lush greenery without the cost and hassle! Conveniently located near the 202 freeway, this home combines modern living with easy access to all that Mesa has to offer. Plus, with no HOA, you have the freedom to make it your own. Don't miss your chance to own this remarkable property!

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9021 W Wild Turkey Lane Strawberry, AZ 85544

$550,000

3 Beds

1.5 Baths

1,100 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6724129

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Bring your horses! Bring your toys! Bring your RV & camper! Bring your pets! Bring your family & friends! Plenty of room for everything on this .47 acre property. Enjoy as much outside living space as inside space. This 3 bedroom home exudes charm, character and the sense of being in a mountain cabin. Nestle among the tall pines, the 1100 sq ft deck is the perfect place to gather family & friends. The deck includes 220W electrical for the addition of a hot tub. To top it off, there is a fenced area for your furry friends. This cabin has been lovingly maintained and upgraded with the following: Underground utilities with a new electrical panel, newer HVAC with upgraded and insulated ductwork, entire house is insulated underneath, tankless water heater, deck flooring is designed to be fireproof and maintenance free. The carport has ample space for toys, storage or could be converted to a workshop. This cabin is turnkey and waiting for you.

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