What to Watch Out for When Buying a Fixer-Upper

by Cary Garcia 11/08/2020

Photo by Michael Jarmoluk via Pixabay

When you’re shopping for a new home, the prospect of a fixer-upper being on the market for an unbeatable price sounds great! There are a few things that should be on your checklist to make sure that the juice is worth the squeeze when purchasing a home. A fixer-upper that needs mainly aesthetic repair is usually a good deal. Just make sure you ask your real estate agent or the property owner about some costly, but necessary, repairs.

Foundation

First off, any home that is worth its weight in gold needs to have a good foundation. Foundation issues can be quite expensive, depending on the type of repair needed. For example, all houses will settle over time. It’s only natural. But if your prospective home has settled too much it can lead to slab leaks, cracks and serious structural issues; which may lead to expensive repairs. 

Water

Plumbing issues can range from a minor leak in the faucet to a cracked supply or drain line, which can either be a slight nuisance or a major flooding issue (and flood damage is not a cheap fix on its own). Along with the immediate cost of the plumbing repairs themselves, plumbing problems can cause higher monthly water bills.

Electrical

Electrical issues can not only be costly to repair but very unsafe. If you are shopping for a home, make sure to check with the homeowner or agent about the quality of wiring, electrical sockets, etc. to avoid both the costly repairs.

Remember, when shopping for that great fixer-upper in your new neighborhood make sure to check these three big boxes before choosing your soon-to-be dream home.

About the Author
Author

Cary Garcia

As a real estate broker licensed in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., I work strictly by referral. For over 20 years, my success has hinged entirely on detailed, efficient service to clients like you.

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Finding a real estate agent is easy. Finding a skilled agent is the hardest…What separates me from other real estate agents is my extensive knowledge of contract law. You need an agent who understands the legality of the contract by enforcing the terms of the offer as well as all of the contingencies, addendums and disclosures. Before signing the offer, I will thoroughly explain the contract in detail, so you understand what you are committing to.I bring an expert’s perspective to help buyers and sellers make the right decisions. 

Because I understand the legal and highly emotional aspects associated with real estate transactions, I am able to provide expert guidance to help you make informed and educated decisions. In addition, I’m very skilled at project coordination. 

With so many people involved in the home sale process, I know how to create satisfying resolutions and make the process go as smoothly and successfully as possible.