Home For Sale In Summit County | Whether or Not to Buy a Fixer Upper

One of the most wonderful aspects of Summit County is the large variety of homes you can purchase here. From luxurious new construction homes to quaint, log cabins and everything in between, there is no shortage of choices for home buyers looking for a home for sale in Summit County.

Among the many options available is a special category: the fixer upper. This type of home can be a mountain chalet that just needs a little bit of work to restore its true beauty, or it could be a timber frame home that’s been through the ringer and requires extensive renovations to make it right for you. In either case, you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re thinking of buying a fixer-upper.

You may look at an older property and instantly see tremendous potential. However, before you make such a purchase, you should ask yourself some important questions:

• Do you enjoy taking on new projects?
• Are you handy and creative?
• Do you have the patience to see a remodeling project through to the end?
• Do you have a clear idea of how a home should look when it is renovated?

If you said yes to at least 3 of these questions, a fixer upper may be right for you. This type of home can have moldings, finish work and hardware that make it special, but it can also have old-fashioned quirks. One benefit of a fixer-upper is that you can choose what to keep and what to replace. You can choose to bring out its original charm in addition the modern touches that make the place your own.

Keep in mind, though, that buying a fixer upper means you’re making a long-term commitment. Some questions to ask yourself about the renovation process are:

• Will you live on or off the property during the renovations?
• Will you be doing the work yourself or hiring professionals?
• Do you have a budget for the remodeling process?

Some Final Words of Advice

Usually, by buying a fixer upper, you are saving money on the purchase of a home. Therefore, the money you save will likely go towards the renovation costs. While it’s wise to be economical, don’t sacrifice quality just to save a few bucks. Make a reasonable budget and try not to stray from it.

Also, be sure you go into remodeling with your eyes wide open, especially if you plan to live in the home during a massive renovation. Fixing up any home can be very messy and you’ll probably have to live sparsely while the work is in progress. There’s also a good chance you might not have a finished bathroom or kitchen for quite some time, depending on the remodeling that needs to get done.

If you have children, it’s smart to find temporary housing for both health and safety reasons. Use your best judgment and always weigh your options. Renovations often take an extended amount of time to complete. Therefore, you should plan accordingly so you and your family have a reliable place to stay while the remodeling is completed. 

Want More Info?

There are many things to think about before buying a fixer-upper in Summit County. If you’d like more information on this process, let me know. I’m happy to help.

If you’re ready to start viewing homes for sale in Summit County, I can put together some properties that might suit your tastes. Feel free to browse through the updated listings on my website as well. Then we can talk about the homes that interest you.

When you’re ready to talk through your options or schedule showings, contact me at any time via email ([email protected]) or on my office line. I look forward to working with you!