Interactive Map Search

Use our Interactive Map Search tool to view properties directly on the map. Easily view listings in your favorite neighborhoods.

Search

Email Property Alerts

Get alerts of new properties meeting your search criteria delivered right to your inbox. It's FREE and you can cancel at anytime.

Sign Up

What's Your Home Worth?

Are you thinking of selling your home? Get a free evaluation and market analysis of your home with absolutely no obligation.

Get Valuation

Buying A Fixer-Upper: Are You Ready For The Work

 
Always dreamed of renovating a home exactly to your specifications, or have you found an older house that is structurally sound but needs a lot of work inside?  Perhaps the price is right and you can't resist all that house you can get for your money.  Whatever the reason, buying a fixer-upper can be both an exciting and rewarding purchase or a financial and time consuming disaster, depending on whether you are prepared for what you have gotten yourself into.  So what should you know before buying a home that requires a little or a lot of tender loving care?
 
The Benefits 
 
The benefits of purchasing a fixer-upper are obvious.  The price is usually right, and if the seller wants a quick sale because of decreased interest in the home, you may be able to negotiate a really great price.  Also, if you intend to flip the home after the renovations, the profit for the money and time you have invested can be quite considerable.  The trick to getting these benefits, however, is knowing what type of property to look for, as well as having an accurate idea of the associated costs, and realistic expectations of the time and labor it will take. 
 
What Makes A Great Fixer-Upper? 
 
There are several features that may make for a great fixer-upper. 
 
Location-Buying a home in a desirable neighborhood is always a smart idea, particularly with homes that require a lot of work. Purchasing a house in a sought after area can mean a greater profit margin for resale value. 
 
Layout And Configuration-This is especially important if you plan to sell the home after the renovations are finished.  Selecting a home that will appeal to the greatest number of buyers will get you the best price.  Also, choosing a home with a layout that flows may save you a considerable amount on the actual renovation costs because you are less likely to need custom installations and work. 
 
Condition-Ultimately the most important consideration is the actual condition of the home. Choosing a fixer-upper with only cosmetic problems such as damaged flooring or old fixtures and appliances, and in need of only a new paint job, can often have the greatest profit margin and require much less money and time. 
 
Overall, when purchasing a home that needs work, getting a qualified home inspector's advice and getting estimates of the cost of work to be done before making your offer can make all the difference.
 
 

Quick Search

$
$
 

Contact Me

 
Realtor Equal Housing Opportunity Multiple Listing Service
 

What my clients are saying  

I'm a veteran and Rick Houston went above and beyond his duty as a realtor, he got the seller to put a new roof on the house.

 

~ Joe

Rick was my agent as both a buyer and later as a seller on the same house and was outstanding both times. As a buyer, he knew all the areas and what to look for and what to watch out for. He made efficient schedules to see all the houses I wanted and was very flexible with last minute changes. When I found the right place, he knew just how much to offer and negotiate for some concessions and repairs. So of course I called him back when I needed to move.

 

~ Mason part 1

Rick goes above and beyond as a seller's agent. He over and looked around to make suggestions on what we can improve in the time we had -- and then did them himself. He replaced my dead sprinkler pump and all of the old heads, had all of the trees trimmed up nicely, found a gardener to come by weekly after he added seed all around the house. Most impressively, he redid the whole planter in front of the entire house by pulling out an old dead tree, adding new mulch, and planting beautiful flowers that altogether gave the place dramatically improved curb appeal. He again knew how to negotiate with buyers and found the right ones and I couldn't be happier with how easy Rick made things. I could have gotten some random agent off of Redfin for a slightly lower commission, but they wouldn't have done any of that and I certainly would have sold for much less if I had done so. I would absolutely call Rick up again if I return to the state and recommend him to anyone looking for a Realtor.

 

~ Mason part 2

Rick was both very insightful and helpful with preparing our home for the sale. He transformed our garden to something you would see on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. He made himself available to us around the clock. I would definitely work with him again!

 

~ Daniel

Rick is absolutely wonderful. We worked with him to sell our house and he made the experience as easy as possible. He really went out of his way to guide us through the selling process. Rick also managed to procure us our dream home in the midst of an extremely competetive market. I am forever grateful to him for all the time he spent working for my family to make that happen. He always took our calls and came to every inspection. Rick is honest and generous with his knowledge of homes. We felt confident buying a house with him. Cannot recommend him enough!!

 

~ Katie

Rick makes buying a home less stressful. He goes above and beyond to make sure you are taken care of. Recommend him 100%.

 

~ Donna

Rick was our agent when we bought our condo. He went out of his way to make certain the deal came through. He communicated well with the seller, finance company and COA to make things work. He was extremely responsive. Highly recommend!

 

~ Chris

More Reviews

Want to Know How Much Your Home is Worth?

Get Your FREE Home Market Analysis Report Right Now!

YES, SHOW ME NOW