SimpleShowing, a brokerage in Atlanta, GA has been involved with nearly 100 fixer upper properties. Dozens of these were “fix and flip” homes and others became rental properties or owner-occupant properties. In this article, you will learn the main things to avoid, aspects that are acceptable, and other considerations to take in before you purchase a fixer upper in Atlanta.

Why buy a fixer upper?

Buying a fixer upper is actually a tremendous way to build wealth. Whether you’re planning to live in the property or flip it, buying a fixer upper is a tremendous way to generate income or buy below market value. Many investors have been able to successfully purchase fixer upper homes for 30-40% under market value. Fixers typically also make ideal targets for home flipping as well.

What to look for when buying a fixer upper to flip

When searching for a home to flip, you should have a list of key things you are looking at to narrow down your options. As a baseline rule, to find homes that primarily need cosmetic fixes only like new flooring, fresh paint, or an updated kitchen and new baths. Cosmetic fixes, of course, will help you limit your budget a timeframe. In contrast, extensive fixes like rebuilding the exterior, rebuilding the subfloor or fire damage will all lead to an expensive and lengthy rehab. If you find a great home that needs a new roof, this is acceptable despite being an expensive improvement.

In addition, pay attention to the floorplan. If you can open up a room by moving a non-load bearing wall, then that home may be a great option for you. Up and coming neighborhoods typically represent great areas to target find when shopping for homes that are flip-worthy.

Condition and type of construction:

• Does the home have a crawl space or slab? This is critical when rehabbing a home. If the home has a slab, it is very difficult to move plumbing, which makes the rehab more costly to expand a kitchen or add a bathroom. However, if the home has a crawl space, it is much easier to do this as there is easier access to water supply lines and drainage pipes.
• Does the home have a basement? Typically homes with basements could mean additional repairs and expenses that you typically don’t encounter with homes on a slab or crawl space – most notably moisture issues.  Moisture issues can be common with basements because the space is not conditioned and is below grade. Also, finished basement space does not get priced at the same dollar value amount as the main level living space. So, it is common to see homeowners over-improve basement space and then later experience a negative ROI on the amount spent in the basement.
• Are you planning on making an addition? If you are planning to do an addition, pay attention to the roof structure. Changing the roof line or building a second level could be a very costly endeavor that may not lead to a positive ROI on the money spent.

Financing your flip

When considering buying a fixer upper, you’ll want to weigh your financing options. You can obtain a conventional mortgage, an FHA mortgage or a VA mortgage. Other options include cash, hard money loans or syndicating a loan through multiple investors. There are also specific loans that can help with fixer-uppers that you intend to renovate and sell. With a fix and flip loan, you can get quicker than usual access to the funds you need. These loans are designed to be flexible, with no prepayment penalties, which can fit the often shifting budgets of a big renovation job.

FHA rehab mortgage

One great option if you don’t have the cash upfront is to obtain an FHA or conventional rehab loan, referred to as a 203K Loan. FHA mortgages must be used by owner occupants. So, you’ll have to sign an affidavit of occupancy that states your plan to live in the property.

Conventional mortgage

Conventional loans are always an option, however homes with extensive damage will typically not qualify for a conventional mortgage.

Hard money loan

There are a variety of great hard money lenders, such as Kiavi or Lima One Capital. Generally you will have a higher interest rate versus conventional or FHA loans, however one major advantage is that hard money lenders are much more lenient on properties with extensive damage.

Local permitting

Many investors and buyers avoid properties that might require construction permits. The process of obtaining a permit can be time-consuming and cause delays in completing the project. Upgrading plumbing or electrical, and removing walls to create an open concept often require a licensed contractor to obtain a permit. Ask your contractor who will handle the permits and if you plan to obtain permits yourself, make sure to do your research prior to making an offer on a property.

Other things to avoid when buying a fixer upper

When looking for your fixer upper, you’ll want to avoid a few main problems as they could become difficult to fix or costly. Most of these items can be easily discovered during the home inspection process. First, don’t buy a home with mold or moisture problems. These are expensive to remediate and it could cause potential health problems.

Secondly, avoid buying a home that has existing water intrusion in the basement, crawl space or anywhere. Otherwise, this could be a turnoff for potential buyers and could lead to a recurrence in the future. Lastly, don’t buy a house with structural problems. If the structure is weak or faulty, the house will either need to be reinforced and could lead to further issues when you try redoing the inside. Save yourself time and money by avoiding these off the bat.

Restrictive HOAs

In condo buildings, townhomes, and many luxury communities, the homeowners association can make or break your flip. Many investors will avoid condos all together in order to prevent any interfere from an HOA. If you pursue a flip in a community that has an HOA, make sure your renovations will be up to code. You may also have to adhere to architectural guidelines that are defined and enforced by the HOA.

Conclusion

Purchasing a fixer-upper house can be a promising venture for homeowners looking to save money and transform a space into their dream home. While renovation projects can seem daunting, financial instruments like the VA renovation loan, home equity loan, and the homestyle renovation mortgage make it feasible to finance these endeavors. It’s crucial, however, to understand the intricacies of these renovation loans. For instance, while VA loans can be an excellent option for veterans, the minimum credit score required and down payment can vary. Similarly, understanding the nuances of federal housing administration guidelines or the implications of private mortgage insurance can make a huge difference in your overall renovation costs.

In addition, securing the right mortgage approval isn’t solely about meeting credit requirements; it’s also about the purchase price relative to the after-repair value. This is where renovation mortgages can bridge the gap, giving homeowners more flexibility in choosing a property that might need a little extra love and care. Opting for a homestyle renovation mortgage or a similar product can sometimes mean the difference between having to pay out-of-pocket for repairs or having them included in your mortgage.

Lastly, navigating the waters of buying a fixer-upper isn’t something you have to do alone. Engaging with an experienced real estate agent can shed light on the often-overlooked aspects of the process. From understanding renovation costs to selecting the right loan type, a knowledgeable agent can guide you through the maze of decisions, ensuring your investment transforms into the home you’ve always envisioned.