Asheville homebuyers are always looking for that special bargain. The old saying, “buy the worst home on the best street,” insinuates that buying a “fixer-upper” home can be a great investment. While it’s always important to get the most for your money, what about distressed properties? Are they really the best value?
Before you decide to buy, it’s important to understand what is considered a distressed property. While a distressed home might need significant repairs, the term “distressed” is actually referring to the financial situation of the seller (foreclosures and short sales) rather than the condition of the home.
The home itself might also have material issues. Everything from deferred maintenance to major system problems may be present, and a distressed homeowner will not be in a position to make repairs. Selling a home “as is” does not, however, eliminate their responsibility for disclosures and these must be carefully reviewed.
There are advantages to buying a distressed property. Often these homes are listed lower than market value to encourage a quick sale. If the home is considered a fixer-upper, the homebuyer might save thousands of dollars compared to other homes in the area. If you are handy or willing to tackle this kind of project, then buying a distressed property might be a great solution for you; just ensure you get a comprehensive home inspection so you are fully aware of the condition of the home.
If you find that the projects are beyond your skills, or the cost of the repairs would outweigh the savings, consider buying a more expensive home that is move-in ready instead. You’ll want to make sure you’re not getting in over your head…or your budget. In this way, the property will be the bargain you hoped it would be.
For more information on this, contact us at Asheville Realty Group today!
Blog compiled by Erin Secretarski, a licensed real estate agent and Director of Getting Stuff Done at Asheville Realty Group.
About Asheville Realty Group
Asheville Realty Group is a boutique brokerage firm offering full-service real estate services. We have locally experienced agents who specialize in residential homes, luxury homes, country-side acreage and everything in between. We love Asheville and the surrounding mountain communities that we call home!
Get in touch with us today by filling out the form below or give us a call at 828-252-1910
Contact Form
We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.
Leave a Reply