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4 Fixer-Upper Tips

By Morgan Saylor

Buying a fixer-upper is a popular maneuver for first time homebuyers and those looking for their dream home without the dream home price tag.

With any fixer-upper, you anticipate some fresh paint and the caulking of cracks, but if you’re determined to make the listing that needs “a little TLC”, Zillow offers four tips for buying your soon-to-be dream home.

Checkout the Zoning

Familiarizing yourself with the zoning laws where your diamond in the rough is located is important – knowing the zoning will determine what you can and cannot do to a home. To find out about your home’s zoning district, visit its municipality’s website.

Bring in a home inspector

This is sort of an obvious one, but no less important. A home inspector is a third party you will hire to check the house and advise you on things that may need repair, replacing, or is fine as is.

Hire a Contractor or an Architect

Both of these professionals are good to resource when determining what you’d like to do with your new old home from a design and structural perspective. Zillow recommends doing your research when doing a hire.

Tax Incentives

Stay attuned to tax incentives for the type of work you do to your home – some areas provide tax abatement for those who improve their property’s value, says Zillow.

Source: http://www.zillow.com/blog/fixer-upper-200428/

Tags: First Time Home Buyers, Renovate, Home Buyer, home buyers, renovation, home buying, fixer-upper, rehab