TRULIA'S BLOG \ REAL ESTATE 101
7 Questions to Ask When Buying a Fixer-Upper By Robyn Woodman (/blog/author/rwoodman/) | September 28, 2015
Before you settle on a house to fix up, make sure you know exactly what you're getting into — from the neighborhood to the type of renovations needed.
Here’s what to find out before you sign up for a major home project. Buying a fixer-upper is a whole new ballgame; before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to find out as much as you can about exactly what you’re getting yourself into (http://www.trulia.com/blog/want-a-fixer-upper-this-mortgage-is-for-you/). Agents use the term “fixer-upper” liberally — it could be code for a train wreck of a house, or it could refer to a home that simply needs cosmetic updates. Use the questions below to begin useful conversations with professionals on your team. Questions for your agent What are the neighborhood stats? Neighborhood dynamics (http://www.trulia.com/blog/12-things-make-neighborhood-truly-great/) become missioncritical when buying a fixer-upper. Will the remodel dollars needed to make this home livable work well with the neighborhood? Ask your agent for her analysis (and the stats to back it up). If you invest $30K in improvements but update the home beyond the neighborhood’s value, your ability to recoup your investment is greatly diminished. Is the home located in a historic district? Buying and fixing up a charming Victorian home sounds dreamy: original crown molding, wainscoting, and lovely stained-glass windows. But buyer beware: If the property is historic (http://www.trulia.com/blog/found-on-trulia-a-historic-charlestonsingle-house/) or located in a historic neighborhood, the remodeling and finishes may have to be completed to an association or city standard. In many cases, this means getting approval for improvements and updates and often comes with a hefty price tag. Questions for your inspector What is the state of the home’s major systems? Given that the term “fixer-upper” is often synonymous with “a ton of work and cash,” it’s important to choose your inspector wisely (http://www.trulia.com/blog/8-home-inspection-missteps-that-cost-buyers-money/) and to listen carefully. Cosmetic work is expected, but what about the foundation, electrical, and plumbing systems? Better yet, how is the roof — can it hold in heat
and keep out rain? These items can run easily into the tens of thousands — and could turn a quick fix into a money pit. What are the huge hidden expenses? Ask your inspector to dig deep into the home’s details. For example, does the unfinished basement have an adequate ceiling height and is there any evidence of flooding? If the basement needs a new subfloor and vapor barrier, do you need a permit to complete the work and must you hire a licensed and bonded professional? If an issue is uncovered, you may need to call in an inspector who specializes in that area. Your inspectors are the first line of defense against a poor investment. Use reputable professionals with relevant experience; their advice can be worth their weight in gold. Questions for your contractor What is the total investment? Once you formulate a plan based on the inspector’s report, sit with your contractor and discuss your options. As with any project, it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. There are plenty of middle-road solutions that can satisfy your bottom line as well as a time commitment that’s comfortable. With that said, budgets and timelines may run over, so work with a reputable contractor (http://www.trulia.com/blog/tips-for-hiring-a-contractor/) to minimize the headache of living in a construction zone. Questions to ask yourself How is the overall layout of the home? With considerable cost and headache, it’s possible to change the structural layout of a home. However, I would counsel you to closely consider the existing layout of the home. Are there many small rooms with random nooks, whereas you’re more of a great-room kind of buyer? What about the number of existing bedrooms and bathrooms? If you require a four-bed, two-bath home and it’s currently a two-bed, one-bath, be certain this home will truly meet your needs. Do I have the time, energy, and patience for this project? This is where you dig deep in your soul and be honest with yourself: Are you prepared to have a DIY project every weekend (http://www.trulia.com/blog/tag/diy/) for the foreseeable future? Or on the flip side, are you prepared to drop a boatload of cash, paying professionals to make your fixer-upper into the dream home you’ve always wanted? Get real with your expectations and available resources. Fixer-uppers can be a great investment and allow you to customize a home to your specific needs. But it’s best to have a sense of what you’re signing up for! With some strategic due diligence upfront, you can purchase and remodel your new home with confidence.
Robyn Woodman (/blog/author/rwoodman/) (/blog/author/rwoodman/)Robyn Woodman spent several years as a real estate broker in the Seattle area, helping investors build their residential property portfolios. Based in the Pacific Northwest, she is an independent consultant; her writing has been featured on Refinery29, All Things Real Estate, and Modern Loss. You can find her on Twitter at @robynwoodman (https://twitter.com/robynwoodman).
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