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With the wealth of real estate reality TV shows out now, many Delaware and Pennsylvania residents have their wheels turning and are ready (or so they think!) to buy a home that needs a little TLC. So, you think you want to buy a fixer upper home? While your dreams of renovating a property may be driven by what you've seen on television, it's important to remember that the reality of updating a home from start to finish can be much more time-consuming, tedious, expensive, and drawn-out than you realize.

But as your local real estate team in Delaware and Pennsylvania, the Kat Geralis Home Team is happy to share below three things to do before you commit to buying a fixer upper home this year:

Research the location
Not only should you research the location of a home before purchasing, but also look into the zoning. What you may not know is that every community in Delaware and Pennsylvania has zoning districts and restrictions surrounding what can and cannot be done to homes within their limits. You will want to take a close look at the zoning of your future property before you become too set on what renovations you will do once you get the keys.

Talk to a contractor
Unless you are confident in your ability to do all of the work on your fixer upper home yourself, it is wise to speak with a contractor or architect who can assist you in carrying out your vision. One rule of thumb— gather quotes and opinions from several contractors in the area prior to choosing one for your projects.

Recruit a home inspector 
It is a home inspector's job to look into any structural problems, in addition to pointing out what needs to be replaced— the roof, for instance. The last thing you want when you begin your renovation projects is to find that your foundation is unstable or a major operating system like the plumbing has failed. If you need recommendations for a home inspector in your Delaware or Pennsylvania area, do not hesitate to reach out! Remember, your real estate agent is a wealth of resources!

Ready to get started on finding the perfect home for you— fixer upper or otherwise? Give our experts at the Kat Geralis Home Team a call today! We even offer a FREE Home Buyer e-Guide to provide you with must-know information in an easy-to-read format!

We also offer FREE First-Time Home Buyer Seminars!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty

Homes for Sale
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4 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Fixer Upper in Wilmington DE

by Katina Geralis

By now, you've likely watched a reality TV show about buying a fixer upper home and thought to yourself, "that looks pretty easy." It is indeed exciting to mull over the prospect of making a home feel fresh and new again, but what the real reality will reveal is that fixer upper homes require much more time and money than their television slots allow.

Below are four questions to ask before you decide to purchase a fixer upper home in Wilmington DE or Southeastern PA:

What are the costs?
It can be a thrill to think about what a home in need of repair could be, but it is essential to consider all costs when buying a fixer upper in Wilmington, Newark or the surrounding areas. The last thing you want is to be surprised by mounting bills when the deal is done. In addition to the purchase price, look into costs like monthly maintenance, taxes, insurance, and how much equity you may have in the home once all of the work is completed. It never hurts to consider resale right off the bat!

Is everything sound?
You will want to have an inspector come in and check if the structural elements, as well as running systems are in working order or if they need replaced. The inspector will be able to tell you what needs replaced immediately and what can stand to wait. Remember, it never hurts to ask the age of systems like electrical and how much longer they have left. If you need a recommendation for an inspector in the area, your real estate agent is a wealth of resources! 

What is the scope of work?
One of your next steps when buying a fixer upper in Wilmington DE and Southeastern PA will be getting bids from contractors. Reality TV shows can make it seem simple to tear down walls, but there is so much more involved than what is actually shown. Gather bids from several contractors before choosing one and be sure to check references. While cost-effectiveness is important, trustworthiness will always play a major part.

Are there tax incentives?
Certain renovation projects come with tax incentives, depending on the work and the area in which the home is located. After all, you will be boosting the value of the property! Check which incentives may be available to you once you've completed all work.

Do not hesitate to give the  Kat Geralis Home Team a call today for more information about buying a home in Chester County or Delaware County or for a list of available homes in the area!

Katina Geralis
DE and PA Real Estate Expert
eXp Realty

Wilmington Real Estate
Wilmington Homes for Sale
Visit My Website
Contact Me
Find me on Facebook

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