Most buyers want a home that is in tip-top condition and ready for them to occupy, but many homes sell for bargain prices because they need work. Buyers love "fixer-uppers" for the obvious reasons: the affordable price and the satisfaction of remodeling the house to accommodate your tastes and needs.

Whether you are buying the property for yourself or as an investment, choose a house that is in a good location and structurally sound. It should be priced enough below market value (usually 25%) to allow plenty of room for a profitable re-sale after the work is completed.

It is important to educate yourself before taking on a fixer-upper project. Inexpensive cosmetic improvements often give the greatest return on your investment-- paint will increase the value three times for every dollar invested. Landscaping, carpeting, and light fixtures are also relatively inexpensive improvements. Try to avoid purchasing a house that needs expensive structural improvements such as a new roof, plumbing, wiring, or foundation repairs.

Remodeling a kitchen will rarely add more than the cost of the upgrade, but new appliances usually give a fine return. An extra bathroom is the best renovation from an investment point of view, often giving twice its cost in added value.      

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Craig Alexander
Weichert Realtors
824 John Marshall Highway
Front Royal, Winchester, Strasburg and Luray, VA. 22630
Cellular: 540-671-6082
Home Office: 540-933-6964
Fax: 540-301-0791
Voice Mail: 540-635-1300 ext. 131
Email: craigalexander@NUMBER1EXPERT.com
Email: craig@mris.com

Born and raised in the Front Royal area, I began practicing real estate in 1990. I offer a wealth of information about the area, including Front Royal, Warren County, Winchester, Frederick County, Flint Hill, Rappahannock County, Strasburg, Shenandoah County and Luray, Page County. A top producer in the region with over 450 closed transactions since 1997, I provide the best service possible to my customers and clients and have been recognized as one of the Top 5% Realtors nationwide for the past 7 years.