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: 1,425 Properties
10440 Valle Vista Road Lakeside 92040
1625 Hotel Cir S C311 San Diego 92108
4116 Mount Alifan Pl F San Diego 92111
213 Mockingbird Lane Oceanside 92057
3621 Vista Campana 56 Oceanside 92057
144 Via Montisi Santee 92071
9910 N Magnolia Ave Santee 92071
4747 Oak Crest Road 85 Fallbrook 92028
4452 Mentone Street 206 San Diego 92107
11255 Avenida De Los Lobos D San Diego 92127
4499 Brisbane Way 6 Oceanside 92058
10961 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard San Diego 92124
35165 Grove Trail Fallbrook 92028
983 Pearleaf Court San Marcos 92078
910 S Rancho Santa Fe Road H San Marcos 92078
10750 Sabre Hill Dr 248 San Diego 92128
333 N Melrose Drive H Vista 92083
18614 Caminito Cantilena 325 San Diego 92128
310 Isthmus Way 19 Oceanside 92058
6263 Caminito Salado San Diego 92111
6856 Panamint Row 6 San Diego 92139
425 Beech Street 409 San Diego 92101
363 Liberty Way Oceanside 92057
634 8th Street 1 Imperial Beach 91932
