Ignite FB Tracking PixelBuying a Fixer-Upper? Make Sure You Do These Things First - Lana Harris
Keller Williams Realty Park City
Lana Harris, Keller Williams Realty Park CityPhone: (435) 640-8717
Email: [email protected]

Buying a Fixer-Upper? Make Sure You Do These Things First

by Lana Harris 04/15/2024

When choosing a home, many potential buyers opt for a fixer-upper. Fixer-uppers can be fulfilling projects and potentially save money compared to buying a move-in ready home. However, it can also be an incredible amount of work that requires ample preparation. If you’re thinking of going for a fixer-upper, here are the most important things to do first:

Get a Trustworthy Inspector

An unbiased inspector should be first on your list of professionals to contact. When you find a home you’re interested in, schedule a walkthrough with your chosen inspector. It’s a good idea to get an inspector with building experience and has experience inspecting older homes, as many fixer-uppers on the market are multiple decades old. Ask lots of questions during the walkthrough.

Price Renovation Costs

Another walkthrough to schedule is with a contractor. Get an estimate for any obvious repairs but also for your renovation plans. Share all the details so you can come up with an accurate budget for improving the home after purchase.

Check City Rules & Permits

Many local laws require permits for renovation and construction work on existing homes. As these permits can come with fees, it’s crucial to factor them into your budget along with the rest of your renovation plans. Research local rules and permits needed for the specific type of work you plan to put into the property.

Learn About the Neighborhood

Just as if you were planning to buy a move-in ready house, it’s important to know the neighborhood you’ll be renovating in. This will help with many aspects of the process, but will make budgeting and planning upgrades easier, as well. If possible, get a list of comps on local homes to see if they have the same improvements you’re planning. By doing this. You avoid overspending on unneeded details that might not sell well.

There are a lot of things to consider in buying a fixer-upper. To get the best possible results, take care of these key items before you buy.

About the Author
Author

Lana Harris

Lana Harris is a Chicago native who is a second-generation real estate professional. She was introduced to  real estate  at a very young age while attending open houses with her mother who is a broker.  She honed her skills assisting in property searches (back in the thick, Multiple Listing Service book days,) and using map reading skills to help plan property tour sequencing. Lana’s love of working with people and delivering strong customer service led her to the retail sector, where she developed her management skills at  MC Sports, Ann Taylor, and Adidas.  She and her husband moved to Utah in 2008 to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, and she began her real estate career here in 2015.  Most recently, she was a VP of sales for a large team; she thrives on challenges and is determined to overcome obstacles to achieve results for her clients.  Lana and her husband enjoy their three large dogs, skiing, camping and paddleboarding.