Buying a Home Requires Many Difficult Decisions. Make Sure Your real estate agent is a Top Local Expert. 

Most buyers want a home that is in tip-top condition and ready for them to occupy, but many homes sell for bargain prices because they need work. Buyers love "fixer-uppers" for the obvious reasons: the affordable price and the satisfaction of remodeling the house to accommodate your tastes and needs.

Whether you are buying the property for yourself or as an investment, choose a house that is in a good location and structurally sound. It should be priced enough below market value (usually 25%) to allow plenty of room for a profitable re-sale after the work is completed.

It is important to educate yourself before taking on a fixer-upper project. Inexpensive cosmetic improvements often give the greatest return on your investment-- paint will increase the value three times for every dollar invested. Landscaping, carpeting, and light fixtures are also relatively inexpensive improvements. Try to avoid purchasing a house that needs expensive structural improvements such as a new roof, plumbing, wiring, or foundation repairs.

Remodeling a kitchen will rarely add more than the cost of the upgrade, but new appliances usually give a fine return. An extra bathroom is the best renovation from an investment point of view, often giving twice its cost in added value.      

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Bonnie Fagoh
C21 Beggins
6542 US Hwy 41 N
Apollo Beach, FL 33572
813-658-1344
Fax: 813-645-8892
BonnieFagoh@NUMBER1EXPERT.com

Bonnie Fagoh Awarded Centurion ** Bonnie Fagoh of Tampa Coastal Homes at Century 21 Beggins in Apollo Beach Florida has been awarded Centurion level recognition for 2009*** In a year that experts have noted as a difficult one, Bonnie has quietly gone on with what she loves and that is helping families find fantastic opportunity in this coastal community and it shows! She had her best year yet in 2009. "What I have found in 2009 is that many people are very frustrated with the "foreclosure bargains" that they have considered, only to find after many aggravating months and much frustration with the lenders that it is just not worth the wait. They miss out on some great buys waiting on short sale approval, or are outbid on a bank owned property. Of course, these distressed properties are "as is", in need of repair and neglected so they may not be the "best deal". I have helped families buy brand new homes with full warranties and close in 30 to 45 days. (Many short sales take 4 to 6 months or more and can "fall apart" right at closing). Some big national builders need to keep the scaled down workforce busy even if that means selling at a loss (under replacement cost). Several builders have bought lots at a drastically discounted price from other builders, so now thay can offer a buyer a new home at a very attractive price." "The hassle of liens and second mortgages etc... does not exist with these brand new bargains." Of course all the normal due diligence has to be performed. For example, what is the history of the neighborhood? Many of these factors cannot be determined from photos or a written description... No, in today's market as competitive as it is it pays to go with a pro that is very knowledgeable about the local area. You need to know that a realtor is serious about the profession. " I have lived in my area over 20 years and in Tampa Bay for over 44 years so the trends to me are clear, says Bonnie. Ask how was your 2009?"

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