We’ve all got dreams but when it comes to a fixer upper, you’ve got to keep it real. A true fixer upper is often for the experienced handyman or someone with the funds to pay a contractor to do the work. Let’s not forget about pulling proper permits and getting the proper inspections done!

Fixer Uppers for First Time Home Buyers

A first-time home Buyer wanting to build some sweat equity is best off buying the type of fixer upper that features shag carpeting, wood paneling, pink fixtures in the bathroom and all things ugly. That ugly house was most likely well cared for as the years passed by. A house that a Buyer can remove carpeting to show off wood floors, reglaze the bathroom fixtures and add modern splashes of color throughout the house is a solid investment. You may need a new appliance or two, but don’t go in over your head and try to keep it real when it comes to the fixer uppers.

Fixer Uppers for Experienced Handypersons

A house with falling down plaster, dangling light fixtures, damaged wood floors, rusty furnaces, curling roof shingles, peeling exterior paint, windows with missing ropes and electrical panel with the awful old fuses are on the market for that special Buyer who is skilled to do a lot of the work themselves. If you have the funds and patience to hire out several contractors, more power to you but I would advise caution on that decision.

I’m here to help you find the right balance and the best investment.

From the desk of: Rachel Whaley