The Pros/Cons of Buying a Fixer Upper

A fixer upper can be oh so very tempting when you are looking to buy a home, most likely because it seems like the more affordable option. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or real estate veteran, here are some pros and cons to consider before purchasing a property that needs major renovating.

Pros:
1) A less-than-perfect house often allows buyers to own in a neighborhood they otherwise couldn't afford. A fixer upper located in a desirable neighborhood may often sell for less than the surrounding homes.
2) When redoing a home there is the opportunity to create a space all your own and make it exactly how you would like.
3) There are a lot of variables specific to each property, but often, there is a possibility for profit in resale once the property is renovated.

Cons:
1)You may be overwhelmed with the amount of work, time and money it takes to renovate. Always have a back up plan to access funds or credit if any unforeseen hurdles are discovered during the renovation.
• Tip: It may be wise to bring professionals with you to walk through the property before you buy to avoid underestimating the work and cost.
2) There is always a possibility that you could lose money on your investment. It is common to go over budget on repairs and renovations. The housing market is another variable that can be unpredictable.
3) Whether you're hiring a contractor or doing the work yourself, the renovation process is often stressful. Consider the commitment before you buy, especially if you plan on living on the property while doing the renovation. If you do want to do the work yourself, consider the time you will spend on it and what you will need to sacrifice in the rest of your life to make time for it.

Looking to buy a fixer-upper? Let me guide you through the buying process so that you can be assured that you are making the right decision! We know there will be work to be done once you move in, but it is most important to get sound advice from knowledgeable people BEFORE buying! You need some recommendations of contractors who could accompany you on your walk-through? Give me a call. I will make sure that you know as much as you can about the property and figure out just how you can achieve your goals.

What affects your credit score and ability to get a loan?

We hear it all the time: "Make sure you have a good credit score, or else you'll never get a loan!". But what is a good score and how can we improve it?

With the tough economic conditions that we have been through during the last 5-6 years, with job cuts and the slow economic growth, many have found themselves in tough situations. It sometimes doesn't take much to push people over the edge into having no choice but to file for personal bankruptcy. Could have been an unforeseen medical emergency, a job loss or taking care of a loved one. Whatever the cause, if you have had to go through a bankruptcy, you know that depending on which kind of mortgage you would be interested in, the wait is anywhere from 2 to 7 years before you can apply for a loan.

Most lenders can offer mortgages to buyers with credit scores starting at 620. What affects that credit score? Student loans, car loan, unpaid credit card debts are just a few of the factors that affect your credit score. How can you improve it? Consolidate your debt and start paying it off! Pick whichever has the highest interest rate and pay that off the fastest. Scary fact: if you are only making the minimal payments on a 5000$ credit card balance, it will take you almost TEN years to pay it off! And that 5000$ will have cost you almost 8000$.

Something to think about. Maybe our mothers were right all along by telling us to not live beyond our means...

If you would like the discuss how to better your credit score in order to be able to get a pre-approval for a house loan, give me a call or email me. We have a great in-house lender who can get you a pre-approval with no charge or obligation.

52 Governor Chittenden Road, Williston, Vermont 05495

OPEN HOUSE - Sunday August 25th, from 12-2pm.

Great raised ranch on 1.57 picturesque acres for $275,000! Open concept upstairs, with hardwood floors throughout. Updated kitchen, with new appliances and new tiled floor. Third bedroom located downstairs in fully finished basement, which includes a ¾ bathroom, huge family room and laundry room with walkout. A detached 1 car garage and space for 4+ cars in driveway. Beautifully landscaped with raised beds, perfect for a vegetable garden. With just a short walk to Catamount Outdoor Center, minutes from Williston Village & easy access to the Interstate, the location cannot be beat!

Open concept living area with hardwood floor throughout the upstairs.

Updated kitchen with beautiful tiled floor and breakfast bar

Master Bedroom with walk-in closet

Second upstairs bedroom with large closet

Huge downstairs room with laminate floor, and full size windows. Perfect for a family room, office or home gym or all three!

Third bedroom with new carpet. Could also be the perfect home office!

Propane furnace - could easily be converted to natural gas.

3/4 downstairs bath, with lots of storage space.

Great off the driveway entrance into tiled laundry room.

Plenty of parking in the driveway, which includes a 1-car garage and space for at least 4 parked cars.

Beautifully landscaped yard, with swing set and plenty of space.

Back deck off of dining area perfect for entertaining and taking advantage of the outdoors!

Located just one mile from Williston Village, close to schools and the library. Walking distance from the Catamount Outdoor Center, where you can ski in the winter, and bike in the summer!

The perfect balance of being off the beaten path without sacrificing the convenience of being close to town.

Move-in ready!

Give me a call today to set up an appointment.

Sonia Krajicek
CENTURY 21 Jack Associates
802-777-7194
sonia@c21jack.com

Welcome to SKJ Vermont Homes

Welcome to the SKJ Vermont Homes blog!

Let me introduce myself. My name is Sonia Krajicek. I am a real estate agent with CENTURY 21 Jack Associates in South Burlington, Vermont.

I grew up in the suburbs of Montreal, and attended Université de Montreal, graduating with a bachelor of Engineering. I worked at Rolls-Royce Canada for almost 13 years before moving down to the Burlington area. 

I discovered my passion for real estate while I was in the midst of selling my condo in Montreal and looking for a new home in Burlington. The process fascinated me and I was hooked!

I want to help you by taking the time to listen to your needs and desires and use that to help you find a home that you love or to sell your existing home as quickly as possible. Once we've found your new home or a buyer for your existing home, I'll continue to help you understand the process and make sure that everything that needs to be done prior to closing is completed as easily and smoothly as possible.

I will dedicate myself to helping you find exactly what you are looking for, be it the perfect buyer for your property or the perfect house to call home. Let my attention to detail and high level of service work for you!  

I hope to share my knowledge about the real estate industry and about the Chittenden county area with prospective buyers and sellers!

If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me:

Sonia Krajicek
CENTURY 21 Jack Associates
1161 Williston Road
South Burlington, VT, 05403
802-777-7194
sonia@c21jack.com