The Benefits of Buying a Fixer-Upper

Purchasing a new home can be an exciting process. The decision to buy a fixer-upper home can reap huge rewards personally and financially. However, it can also be a challenge, and you have to be ready for it. When renovating a fixer-upper, you have to be ready for many problems that can arise during the project. Timeframes can extend, costs can rise significantly and you may feel like it is a never-ending battle. Aside from the hard work, there are many advantages of buying a house that needs fixing.

What Is A Fixer-Upper?

Homes that are considered a fixer-upper are ones that are cheaper because they need some maintenance work before it is considered livable. You can usually live in the home while the renovations are taking place, but you will need to spend a lot of money and time on the cosmetic and structural improvements. Some buyers buy these types of properties to flip for a profit.

1. Personalization

When you purchase a home ready to move into, you will be subjected to how the property looks from the start. When you purchase a fixer-upper, you will be able to create your dream home from the beginning and give it your own personal touches. You have the option of fixing things yourself or hiring a professional to help. With a professional, you will be able to have control over the layout, materials used and colors.

2. Get A Larger Property For Your Budget

Another benefit of buying a fixer-upper is you will generally be able to buy a larger home for your budget. This is not always a guarantee, but if you are interested in a more expensive neighborhood, you will be able to get a home that will be able to retain its value once the renovation is completed.

3. Increased Equity

After renovations of your fixer-upper are complete, you will already have more equity built up in your home. The equity is like a “forced savings” that is being built into your home when you are completing the renovations. When you get to the time you want to sell, you will be able to get a greater return on your investment because of the renovations increasing the value.

4. Flexible Time Frame

When you work on a fixer-upper, you will be able to work on your timeline. Some homeowners will want to complete their renovations before moving in. Others may not have a choice and want to move in while the project is underway. This can slow down the renovations, but you will also be able to monitor the progress easier. No matter which way you decide to do it, you will have freedom in setting the pace and the ability to completely build a dream home for your family.

5. Affordability

For budget-conscious home seekers, a diamond-in-the-rough fixer-upper can offer a much more affordable price tag. Properties that need a little bit of TLC often come with costs that are priced accordingly. A lower price tag may also give your family a way of getting into a neighborhood you like. Before purchasing a home that needs work, be sure to get renovation costs from reputable contractors. You don’t want the renovation costs to add up to more than your budget or than the home is worth.

6. Less Competition

In more cases than not, there is often less competition for a home that needs to be fixed up. This means you have a better chance of ending up with the home you want at a better price.

Shopping for a new home is not an easy feat, especially when you have a limited budget or a timeline for moving. Many things need to be taken into consideration. Because of the hard work in finding the right home, many buyers decide to go with a fixer-upper instead of a property that is ready to move into. As you can see, there are many benefits of buying a home that needs some work before it can be the home of your dreams.