Houses that are spotlessly
clean and tastefully decorated tend to sell quickly, and for top dollar. There
can be substantial savings for home-buyers who are willing to overlook surface
clutter or other cosmetic failings of a house.
When you look at a home that needs work, try to
imagine it with fresh paint, refinished floors and new carpet. Consider the good
things about the house. Would it get more sunlight if the draperies were opened
and the windows cleaned? Does the back yard have potential? Try to distinguish
between the cosmetic condition of the house and the state of its structure and
major systems. Some fixer-uppers need a lot of professional attention from
electricians, plumbers and other expensive professionals, while others are true
bargains that can be transformed with a little elbow grease, a paint brush, and
your imagination.
