Real Estate Blog Albany, Saratoga, Clifton Park NY

The Stages of Remodeling a Fixer-Upper

6/21/2022

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Data show that over half of Americans are not interested in fixer-uppers. This lack of interest keeps prices affordable for those willing to take on the challenge. However, if you decide to go for a fixer-upper, there are quite a few steps in the process. From Chris & Gina Buy Houses, here are some things you need to know before buying your first fixer-upper.

Buying and Planning

When shopping for a fixer-upper, there are many things to watch out for. Some homes only need cosmetic work, such as:

Paint
Flooring
Landscaping

Others require more expensive modifications, including:

Foundation repair
New drywall
New roof

Find a good home inspector to let you know exactly what needs to be done. Pay attention to the location of the residence. Purchasing a fixer-upper can often help you afford your desired neighborhood or school district.

See if you qualify for government assistance for repairs and improvements or other programs for first-time homebuyers. These programs often help make fixer-uppers even more affordable.

Decide whether you want to live in the home long-term or turn it into a rental property. If possible, make this decision before you begin renovations. If you want to use the home as your permanent residence, you can modify the home to your particular tastes. If you intend to rent out the home, go for more neutral design choices. Deciding to use the home as a rental property also requires additional paperwork. Choose the business structure best suited to your rental business, get an EIN (employer identification number), and complete the formation process.

Major Renovations

When you get started, connect with a good handyman to help you with projects that exceed your skills. Deciding where to start may feel overwhelming if you don’t come up with a plan. Make sure the foundation, roof, and exterior walls are sound before doing any interior work. Check that the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems are all in working order. Repair these before moving forward. Then make a list of the other renovations you intend to complete. It helps to break each large project into small, manageable tasks. Some individuals prefer to do all the big things at once, but others choose to complete one room at a time.

Keep up with your expenses and make sure you are staying within your budget at each phase of the remodel. If you have decided to rent the residence out, keep your receipts for tax purposes.

Finishing Touches

After all the major work has been completed, it is time for the final touches. These are the small things that make a home feel complete, including window dressings, switch plate covers, knobs, and other decorative touches. If you are staying in the residence, this is when you choose things like wall art, bedding, and accent pieces.

It’s a good idea to wait until you are near completion to do your exterior work. Major renovations tend to generate a lot of trash that can wind up outside, so there’s no sense in having to redo your landscape twice. If, however, an inspection reveals gutter issues, it’s best to handle those promptly. Search online for ‘gutter cleaners in my area’ to find local contractors that specialize in gutter cleaning and repair. They’ll be able to safely handle any necessary ladder work.

If you are renting out the property, you may want to choose some inexpensive pieces to stage the home for showings to potential renters. When staging to rent, go with neutral decor to appeal to the widest audience. Display the functionality of the place by demonstrating the function of each room. Make sure everything is clean and well-lit to show off the beauty of the place.

Whether you decide to live in the remodeled home yourself or rent it out, the process of fixing up a fixer-upper can be rewarding. Plan carefully and take your time to get the most out of the experience.

If you’ve found yourself in a fixer-upper that’s beyond your expertise, contact Chris & Gina Buy Homes for a Cash Offer to buy your house ‘as-is’.

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STAGING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR HOME

6/3/2022

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Staging your home is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers. By highlighting its most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next open house or viewing!

Help them visualize it as their own. Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal memorabilia, knick-knacks, and photos. Instead replace them with simple décors, such as paintings, nature images, and plants.
Think sleek instead of comfy. Modern-day buyers are leaning toward modern, crisp, clean interiors over comfy, homey looks. When staging your home, keep a minimalist mindset, and incorporate bright colors and metal accents.
Deep clean the small spaces. It's obvious to say you should clean your home before viewing, but don’t forget to cover your bases by deep cleaning the small spots. Take time to scrub porous areas like grout that may hold on to stains and baseboards where small pet hairs and dust love to cling.
Spruce up your landscaping. The first impression your home gives to potential buyers is its exterior. Ensure you have a freshly mowed lawn, neat hedges and shrubbery, bright flowers, and a clean driveway.
Set the mood. A home is so much more than just the way it looks, so you need to appeal to the other senses. Prior to having potential buyers over, set the mood by burning delicious smelling candles and selecting an upbeat, happy soundtrack to play in the background.

If you would like to save yourself the work of stagging and preparing your home for sale then contact us at Chris and Gina Buy Houses. We will buy your home "As Is" no stagging or other work needed. We can save you Money costly repairs and realtors fees. We can pay cash and best of all we can close on your timeline. If any of these sound good to you reach out to us today!

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The Stages of Remodeling a Fixer-Upper

STAGING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR HOME

Chris McMahon

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