If you’ve made a list of what you want and need in a home (a “wish list”) it
may look more like an impossible dream. Depending on how much a
home-buyer has to spend on a home, wish lists are often tall orders.
That isn’t to say you won’t get many of the items on your list, but let’s face it,
the chances that you’ll find a home you can afford, in good condition, in an
area in which you want to live, that ticks all the boxes on your list are slim.
This is when it’s time to think outside the box. Yes, it requires the ability to
see possibilities in the seemingly impossible and beauty in the ugliness.
That’s what you’ll need when you consider purchasing a fixer-upper home,
known as a “fixer” for short.
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The Benefits of Buying a Fixer
Sure, they aren’t much to look at in their present form. But they do come
with some very attractive benefits, if you are willing to delay your dreamhome-
buying gratification.
• Fixers cost less than homes in turnkey condition.
• There is less competition for fixers.
• The home can be customized for your needs and wants.
• Fixers often are located in otherwise unaffordable neighborhoods.
• Loan options combining buying/rehab costs are quite attractive.
The Disadvantages to Buying a Fixer
The following common fixer issues should help you reflect on how much
work your willing to do and how much you’re willing to spend. These include:
• Foundation problems
• Structural problems
• Deck replacement
• Major problems with the sewage system
• Major problems with the electrical wiring
Shopping for a Fixer
The best fixer will be located in an in-demand neighborhood, in an in demand
school district that has a floor plan that’s close to what you envision
for your dream home. Your two most powerful allies during the fixer-hunting
process are an experienced real estate agent and a contractor. Don’t look at
homes without the assistance of both.
You’ll Need Financing
Unless you’ll be paying cash for both the home and the rehab work, you’ll
need to get your hands on some money. Thankfully, there are several loan
programs to fit your needs: Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle® Renovation
Mortgage, Freddie Mac Home Possible® mortgage, FHA 203(k) loan.
These programs differ in various ways, but they all offer the opportunity to
bundle the cost of the rehab work and the financing of the home into one
loan. The FHA program offers the buyer the very attractive bonus of the first
payment not coming due until the buyer actually moves into the house.
Speak with your lender about the aforementioned programs and others that
he or she may think are worth looking into.
Search for the latest fixer homes in San Diego:
Search Results: 608 Properties
8808 Aspenglow Place 1 Santee 92071
21803 Crestline Road Palomar Mountain 92060
2565 Garnet Peak Rd Chula Vista 91915
4286 5th Ave San Diego 92103
909 Richland Rd 102 San Marcos 92069
3475 Paseo De Brisas 42 Oceanside 92056
4462 Garnet Oceanside 92056
1261 Natoma Way A Oceanside 92057
3321 Dehesa Road 91 El Cajon 92019
1785 Linwood St 4 San Diego 92110
2639 Pirineos Way 135 Carlsbad 92009
999 N Pacific Street A212 Oceanside 92054
1356 Corte Lira San Marcos 92069
1977 Rowley Ramona 92065
357 Los Arbolitos Boulevard Oceanside 92058
5009 Los Morros Way 13 Oceanside 92057
4647 Pico Street 202 San Diego 92109
9750 Birch St Spring Valley 12912
1519 Drell Court El Cajon 92021
3729 Fairway Drive La Mesa 91941
2824 Todd Street Oceanside 92054
1621 Hotel Circle E131 San Diego 92108
10300 Caminito Cuervo 47 San Diego 92108
28925 Deer Creek Trail Pine Valley 91962
