WONDERFUL RENTAL OPPORTUNITY IN GREENWICH FOREST...RENOVATED & READY TO MOVE-IN. BETHESDA MAGAZINE CALLED HAMPDEN LANE "ONE OF THE PRETTIEST STREETS IN BETHESDA"...
Opportunity awaits! NY-style renovation of farmhouse--gorgeous top to bottom! Attention to all the details, why wait? Minutes to Pot Village, Kentlands, or Harris Teeter...
Beautifully maintained & renovated 6 Bdrm/5.5 Bath home in sought after community w/ great amenities! Hdwds, high ceilings, updated Kitchen, huge formal Dining Rm.Fully finished WO LL...
1 of 1 photos , DC For Sale $254,800 1 Beds / 1 Baths
Open Sun 8/08 1-4pm 730 sqft w/freshly painted neutral colors, parquet floors in LR replaced a few years ago, new w-to-w carpet in the BR. Mini blinds are on each of the large west facing windows...
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Have you heard of move-in ready? This is it! Fantastic 6BR/3BA colonial, each room flows to the next. Hardwoods thru out main & UL. Kitchen & all baths updated...
Buying a Fixer Upper Ask many a home buyer about the type of house they are looking for and many will reply "We are looking for something we can fix up and live in (or resell). We like the idea of gaining some quick sweat equity." The classic "fixer-upper" home. Unfortunately, there is a bit of fantasy in the notion, though. First of all, there are many more fixer-upper buyers than there are fixer-upper properties. Second, the current thinking in many minds is that anyone can make a killing in the Real Estate market, which is not always the case. Third,
many buyers totally mis-estimate both the cost and the time involved in fixer-uppers, severely impacting (and in some cases destroying) the profit potential. Unless you are fully prepared to deal with the realities of fixer-uppers rather than the fantasies, it probably is a good idea to look elsewhere for a home.
This does not mean that there isn't equity to be gained (or profit to be made) by purchasing the RIGHT property at the RIGHT price. The important notion is to understand that there are several factors that will make the difference between winning and losing in such a transaction.
The Mindset
The first factor that must be understood is that it isn't going to be easy. The only people who think that finding, buying, fixing and selling a home is an easy task are those who have never done it. Those with any experience (even if only once) will tell you that it rarely is as simple as it appears. In general, it is best to assume that repairs will cost twice what you estimated, take double the amount of time and,when finished, the house will be worth less than expected. If you keep that in the forefront of your thinking, the chances of being burned are much less.
Foreclosure sales are often good sources for fixer-upper properties.
Start Out Small
Some of the worst examples of mistakes made by buyers of fixer-uppers are first-time buyers who bite off way more than they can chew. Examples of this are houses that have structural problems or will take an exceptionally long time to repair, or are located somewhere other than a desirable neighborhood. These can be a horrible drain on finances, time and peace of mind.
A much better strategy for the inexperienced is to purchase a home in a desirable neighborhood that is in need of cosmetic attention--new paint, carpeting, appliances, landscaping and the like. These repairs can either be handled by the homeowner or are easily contracted out, saving time, effort and money. Yes, money can be made on homes needing major renovations, even if they
are in less popular neighborhoods, but these are jobs for professionals, not homeowners (and definitely not for first-time homeowners!)
Avoid Surprises
The most expensive situations are often those that are the least expected--those nasty little (and often big) surprises that jump out at you. You can avoid many of these surprises, though, with a couple of easy steps taken BEFORE final commitment to a property.
1) Have the property thoroughly inspected. Have the inspector detail all obvious (as well as potential) defects in the property. NOTE: The seller may say "we are selling the house as-is, so NO inspections." Avoid this property like the plague.
2) Run the numbers. You must know the market values for houses in the neighborhood in which you are interested that need no repairs. Running the numbers means working them backwards to see how much equity or profit may be available (or even IF there will be any) in the deal. You will need to begin by computing the realistic value of the home when all repairs are made. From that point, you will need to subtract any selling expenses you will incur (commissions and the like) as well as the full cost of repairs and, most importantly, the amount of desired profit or equity.
Example:
$120,000: Expected Sale Price, Repaired
-7,500: Selling Expenses
-17,500: Repair Expenses -10,000: Desired Profit/Equity
$85,000: Maximum Property Purchase Price
Don't be deluded into thinking that you'll be able to sell for more than the market value or do the repairs for less than the estimates. If the numbers don't fit--with a good amount of "wiggle room" for more expense or handling costs or if the property does not sell quickly--don't waste your time or your money!
Summing Up
When considering a fixer-upper, whether for resale or to live in with increased equity, go into the process fully prepared so you will avoid many surprises. For your first project, only consider structurally sound homes in good neighborhoods requiring cosmetic repairs only. Have any property you are considering fully inspected and then get firm estimates for all needed repairs. Most importantly, "run the numbers" to be certain that the potential for gain is truly there. If you are satisfied on all counts, you may very well be able to be successful with your fixer-upper project!
Property Inspection - Regardless of what the inspector may uncover, you shouldn't be
overly concerned about the actual home inspection
Pick An Offer - Picking among several offers isn't always as easy as choosing the highest price, especially in hot markets.
Open House Expectations - Was vacating your home for four or five prime-time hours worth the
inconvenience?
Your Open House - Was vacating your home for four or five prime-time hours worth the
inconvenience?
Your Open House - Public open houses may be more beneficial for the
agents themselves than for the home sellers.
Marketing Info - Your broker's marketing efforts and considerations will
include advertising, showing the property, how long the house has been on the
market and whether you're buying another home.
Selling My Property - The age-old observation that "you never get a second chance to make a first impression" certainly applies when it comes to attracting buyers to a for-sale home.
Getting BETHESDA Real Estate Ready - A
house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor,
even though both are structurally well-maintained.
Ask many a home buyer about the type of house they are looking for and many will reply "We are looking for something we can fix up and live in (or resell). We like the idea of gaining some quick sweat equity." The classic "fixer-upper" home. Unfortunately, there is a bit of fantasy in the notion, though. First of all, there are many more fixer-upper buyers than there are fixer-upper properties. Second, the current thinking in many minds is that anyone can make a killing in the Real Estate market, which is not always the case. Third,
many buyers totally mis-estimate both the cost and the time involved in fixer-uppers, severely impacting (and in some cases destroying) the profit potential. Unless you are fully prepared to deal with the realities of fixer-uppers rather than the fantasies, it probably is a good idea to look elsewhere for a home.
Don't be deluded into thinking that you'll be able to sell for more than the market value or do the repairs for less than the estimates. If the numbers don't fit--with a good amount of "wiggle room" for more expense or handling costs or if the property does not sell quickly--don't waste your time or your money!
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