Don’t Buy a Stafford Fixer Upper Before Reading This
Purchasing a Stafford fixer upper can be a good way to get a great deal when buying a home. But before jumping into purchasing a house that needs work, you need to make sure you know what you are getting into. The process sounds easy, but there is a lot more that goes into it. Don’t jump in until you ask the following questions:
What is the neighborhood like?
You may be able to turn an old run down Stafford house into something updated and beautiful, but you aren’t going to be able to change the whole neighborhood. You don’t want to pour your time and money into a house in a bad neighborhood where you won’t even be able to find a return on your investment.
Is the house in a historic district?
You can find old homes that just need a little work in historic districts, but there are a lot of rules you will need to adhere to. For example, you could be limited on the finishes you use in the house and the colors you use on the house.
Historic districts will require you to maintain the integrity of the house in its former glory. You will be required to get association approval on your choices and it is often much more expensive then it would be in a regular neighborhood.
Are the systems in good condition?
There is a big difference between cosmetic work and needing to update the major systems in a house. Have the house inspected before you make a purchase so you know how much money to budget. You don’t want to be surprised by needing to rewire and re-plumb the house, or put in a new HVAC system.
What should I budget?
Do not purchase a Stafford fixer upper without first having a realistic budget of what it will take to fix it up. A contractor can help you determine which kinds of finishes you want to use on the house and the difference between the options. Always add extra funds into your budget because fixer uppers usually come with unexpected costs.
Am I ready for this project?
Purchasing a Stafford fixer upper takes a lot of work and can be stressful. You need to make sure you are at a good time in your life to take on a large project.
If you are working on the house yourself, you need to be prepared to give up the majority of your extra time to work on the house. If you are having a contractor handle the updates, you will still need to be available often to check on the work and answer questions.
Purchasing a Stafford fixer upper can be a good way to get a great deal on a house. But fixing up a house can be a lot harder than what they show on television. Do not take this step unless you are prepared with your time and budget for what will be required of you. The more prepared you are beforehand, the better your project will go.