If you play your cards right, which is something a good real estate agent can help with, buying a fixer-upper in Seattle could be an excellent investment. Depending on the home's condition, you could implement a few simple home updates and move into a legitimate dream-come-true home. However, a fixer-upper might be nothing other than a money-eating machine in some cases. In any case, buying a home should always involve thorough research and careful consideration. That is why we are here to help you out with a few helpful dos and don'ts you can take into account while sifting through property listings.

Why should you move to Seattle?

Before we start talking about the dos and don'ts, let's see what makes Seattle so great. If you are a fan of sports, vibrant culture, great food, and quality beer, you will adore Seattle. Furthermore, Seattle is a coastal town located in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by wonderful nature. It means you will always be just a moment away from a great camping trip. 

Seattle has also been ranked among the ten best places to live in the USA. It's so accommodating and enjoyable to its residents that people are increasingly relocating to Seattle from NYC. In addition, the standard of living here is downright superb, especially in terms of healthcare. Consequently, Seattleites have a lower risk of heart disease, angina, and diabetes than most Americans. An added benefit of living in this city is that you can find plenty of fresh and locally grown produce in the numerous Seattle greenmarkets and whole food shops. So, once you organize a transfer from New York to this incredible city, you can expect to lead a much healthier life.

 

What are the dos of buying a fixer-upper in Seattle?

As a first-time buyer, you might think that buying a fixer-upper is an attractive option because it allows you to purchase a bigger house in a better location. However, it is essential to consider the amount of work you must do before you can finally move in. So, here is what you should do in advance to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible if you are thinking of buying a fixer-upper in Seattle.

Choose a good location

Location is perhaps the most critical factor to consider when buying a fixer-upper house in Seattle. If you score a cheap home in a fantastic neighborhood, you can easily profit from your investment. On the other hand, if you choose a bad location, you will invest money in an unavoidable failure. That's why you should take your time to research what the best location in Seattle may be for you.

Do a professional home inspection 

Buying a home is a considerable investment, so you should get a professional to inspect your home before signing the lease. Here is what you should ask the home inspector to figure out the state of the home you want to buy.

 

  • In what condition is the roof? A typical roof replacement is far from cheap. Therefore, you should ensure there are no signs of significant wear and tear.
  • How is the electrical system holding up? Electrical fires are more common than you would imagine. Therefore, ask for a detailed inspection of the home’s electrical. 
  • Is the plumbing in good condition? Your home inspector must evaluate drains, pipes, and water pressure. Also, they should take notice of any water stains on the ceiling or the floors.
  • Are there any signs of an infestation? Mice and other little critters may cause damage to the home. You want to be sure there aren’t any before starting your fixer-upper project.
  • How well is the home insulated? If you don't want to freeze during the winter, ask your home inspector about the insulation.

You can use these questions to find out what needs fixing and what problems you may encounter soon.

 

Set a budget and stick to it

Before you start, you must set a budget for the renovation. First, you should figure out how much you can afford to spend on your new Seattle home. If you plan to hire professional help, get at least three quotes to ensure you get a fair price. Once you have figured out the costs, try to set some money aside for any unexpected problems that might come up.

What are the don’ts of buying a fixer-upper in Seattle?

Purchasing a fixer-upper home is a potentially risky project. You might end up with a total mess that keeps draining your bank account due to numerous repairs and fixes. Here are the don'ts you should stick to so your project doesn't go downhill.

Don’t do everything yourself

Yes, you might be skilled enough to fix faulty wiring or a clogged pipe, but you want to avoid making everything a DIY project. It's important to know what parts of the renovation you can do yourself and when you should get professional help. Keep in mind that your attempts at repairing or remodeling the home could exacerbate the original problem, resulting in significant financial losses.

 

Don’t choose the first quote

It is tempting to choose the first quote and get the project going as soon as possible. But patience reigns supreme. As mentioned, it is better to get at least three quotes from different firms before you decide. Do a quick background check or read a couple of online reviews to ensure you book the right contractor. Our real estate team at Beth G Homes can help you make an informed choice when you reach the remodeling stage of your fixer-upper project.

Don’t spend all of your money 

Don't be surprised if buying a fixer-upper in Seattle generates unexpected costs. You want to avoid spending all of your money on the property purchase. So, make sure you have enough money for the renovations. Of course, you don't have to complete the entire house before moving in, but it's advisable to get all the necessities done on time. In that sense, it's wise to set some money aside so that you can patch up problems that show up after you move in.