Buying a fixer upper property requires that you hire a real estate investor that is quite knowledgeable about inspecting fixer upper property. You see, home inspectors alert buyers about problem areas in a house and its systems, before you buy. In essence, they act as your insurance that you’re making a well informed and good investment decision. In this article, we will discuss what things home inspectors evaluate when viewing fixer uppers.

First of all, the inspector will evaluate the property for defects on the outside of the house. That is, he will evaluate the fixer upper property for structural problems like foundation cracks or roof leaks. Either way, he will evaluate the “soundness” of the home.

Second, the inspector will examine the fixer upper’s windows, patio, deck and doors of the fixer upper property. He will also evaluate the sidewalk, driveway and other outside areas to make sure that there are no visible defects.

Third, the inspector will check the inside of the fixer upper property. This includes evaluating appliances, walls, sinks, ventilation and cooling units, countertops, etc to make sure that there are no defects and that everything is in working order.

Fourth, the inspector will check the property’s crawl space and basement areas. He will look for signs of water leakage, mold, mildew and other defects. If any problems are discovered, he will make note of them on the report.

Fifth, he will evaluate the fixer upper property’s electrical system and wiring. He will ensure that the property is properly grounded and that there are no unsafe wiring exposed that could cause problems.

Sixth, he will next check the plumbing of the fixer upper to make sure that the pipes are functioning properly and that there is adequate water flow and pressure. He will also check all fixtures, drains and toilets for proper drainage.

Seventh, he will check the heating and conditioning systems of the fixer upper to ensure that units are allowing for adequate air flow throughout the house.

Lastly, he will check the fixer upper for evidence of any pests, like ants, roaches, or mice. He may also look for wood-destroying insects, like termites. Note: In some instances, it may be a good idea to hire a separate person to complete a more thorough investigation if any suspicious activity is suspected.

Sal Vannutini is the author of ” The 8 Power Profit Secrets To Making More Money With Less Risk In Real Estate, ” a free strategy report for investors. Get your complimentary
copy at www.FastFixerUpperProfits.com today.

So, you’ve recently purchased a fixer upper property and are looking for proven ways to sell it faster. Well, we hear you. You’ve made a good deal and you want your profits quickly. Don’t fret, we can help! In this brief article, we will provide you with proven tips on selling your fixer upper home faster than you ever thought possible. So, without further adieu, let’s get started.

1. Take care of any minor or major repairs. This includes taking care of removing ugly wallpaper, repairing leaking faucets or cracked foundations, fixing bad plumbing, etc. By taking care of any problems beforehand, you will make the fixer upper house more marketable.

2. Ensure that the fixer upper property has good curb appeal. this is because a fixer upper that looks good on the outside will likely sell faster than those one that doesn’t. Therefore, you must make sure the property looks good for those driving by. For instance, you should take care of those weeds and trim those shrubs. You should plant new flowers. In addition, if the outside is extremely dirty, you should pressure wash it so that it looks appealing and clean.

3. Paint the inside and outside of the fixer upper property. That is, you should add some personal and homey looking touches for the new owner. For instance, you can add decorative accents like new faucets, ceiling fans, toilets, doorknobs, outside lights, etc which will give the fixer upper home a really nice feel.

4. Make sure that the fixer upper property has maximum exposure. So, if you’re selling it yourself as a for sale by owner, you will need to place prominent ads in the newspaper, put it into the MLS system, put adequate signs in the yard, run open houses, etc. In contrast, if you are working with a realtor, she will handle all of your marketing efforts. However, you must make sure your realtor is aggressive and successfully markets the property to get your property sold fast.

5. Devise a contingency sales strategy. Your plan should include a plan of action in case your property doesn’t sell for the asking price or within your preferred time limit. For instance, will you rent out the property, lower your price or offer buyer incentives like paying their down payment, etc? That is, make sure you have a plan in place in case the selling doesn’t go as anticipated.

In conclusion, you can sell your fixer upper property and get maximum money for your efforts if you follow the above mentioned tips. Although they do require a bit of work, the effort will be well worth it when you walk away with a huge check for your efforts.

Good luck! Sal VannutiniSal Vannutini is the author of ” The 8 Power Profit Secrets To Making More Money With Less Risk In Real Estate, ” a free strategy report for investors. Get your complimentary
copy at www.FastFixerUpperProfits.com today.

There are countless tips on real estate investing available and this is by no means intended as a comprehensive list. While every investment has its own intricacies and problems that need to be worked out, there are some very basic aspects that are common to most investment properties. Understanding those aspects and asking questions about them can help you determine whether a particular real estate investment opportunity is for you.

Anything Can Change

Building in the capacity for change in your investment is not only good real estate advice, but good life advice. Aspects of an investment can change at any given time and building in a little cushion in your profit projections for that change will most likely give you a better outlook on the possible outcome of your investment.

This is especially true for something like the tax climate of your investment as changes in tax laws happen regularly. If the tax situation surrounding your investment is the only thing you like about it, it is probably not a sound investment. Solid investments can withstand changes in the tax code, so never rely solely on the stability of tax codes, you will be sorely disappointed.

Do What You Know

It is tempting to get involved in real estate investment opportunities outside of your comfort zone. Maybe the terms look good or the area is nice, but your lack of expertise in the field will ultimately hurt you over the course of the investment. If you are well versed in multi-family homes, do your best to uncover the best investment opportunities in that field. If your bag is fixer-uppers, stick with that. Success is difficult to replicate so if you have a knack for something, exploit that knack.

Compare, Compare, Compare

As any real estate agent will tell you, valuations for a new home put on the market are a direct reflection of other sale prices of similar properties in that area. Your potential investment is the same way. If you are going to rely on rents to make back the money spent on the investment, compare the rents your prospective investment property takes in against similar properties in the area. Are they too high? If so, that may indicate future trouble filling the building at those prices, which then cuts into your profit forecast.

If you are getting involved in a fixer-upper, compare what you think the home will be like in the future to homes that have sold that look similar to that now. Doing so will help you estimate your eventual sale price and the amount of money you should invest to net a decent return.

Hammer Down True Expenses

Just as you want to examine what your incoming cash flow will be on any real estate investment opportunity, you want to investigate your outgoing cash flow as well. What are the key costs involved in running the property? What are the taxes on the property? How much does it cost you when part of your multi-family property is vacant? Sometimes properties can look great when you examine the rent payments coming in but then lose their luster when you look at the cost of running the facility. You need to investigate both sides of the story to get an accurate view of the financial future of your investment.

Know The Building

In real estate investing, surprises are usually costly. Not only should you do a full walk through of the prospective investment yourself, you should also look in to hiring an independent, professional inspector as well. Uncovering problems with the foundation, roof or furnace early can either save you from making a poor investment or give you ammunition to negotiate a lower price.

Not all real estate investments are the same and you will likely run in to a unique problem on every property you pursue. However, by sticking to the tips here, you can give yourself a great foundation from which to operate. Above all, pursue information on the property as vigorously as possible to eliminate the possibility of regretting your investment later.

Published by Joe and Colleen Lane, Realtors®. The Lane Real Estate Team services Tri City Wa Real Estate, Kennewick Wa Real Estate, Pasco Wa Real Estate, Richland Wa Real Estate, and surrounding Southeastern Washington Communities. Here is more information : www.joelane.com/