David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com For homebuyers on a tight budget, it’s tempting to consider buying a home in need of repairs; it may grant you access to a coveted neighborhood or a larger home than you could otherwise afford. But sometimes, a fixer-upper can be more than you (and your budget) bargained for, and the home seller is the one who ends up with the great deal by unloading their problem home on you. Money Crashers offers these five things to watch for that could be signs you’re investing in a money pit. The listing says 'as-is.' This signals that the seller is not in a position to make any repairs before selling. Before you proceed with such a home, find out exactly what repairs will need to be made and get a quote or two from a contractor. If you’re afraid of losing the home while you investigate these costs, make an offer with an escape clause in the contract. Also, be aware that the appraiser must sign off on the house as habitable, whic...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Meghan Belnap Purchasing a fixer-upper gives homeowners the perfect opportunity to have their own dream home makeover. As these renovations can be quite costly and time-consuming, homeowners would do well to focus on a few key areas of their home when starting the renovation. Consider the following ideas during a home remodel: Kitchen The kitchen is one room that's guaranteed to get a lot of traffic. Homeowners that are remodeling often like to begin with the kitchen to make sure this room fits in with the rest of the home. Start by developing a remodeling plan and removing all unwanted appliances, cabinetry and other items from the kitchen. Experts recommend updating the plumbing, replacing the wiring and upgrading the lighting in the kitchen at this time. Remodeling details like a new coat of paint and adding in tech-savvy appliances should be the final step in a kitchen remodel. Bathroom Your bathrooms will like...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By Bill Gassett A fixer-upper might have a lot more problems than you think. The last thing you want to do is purchase a home that ends up costing you more to fix than you calculated for. So before you spend a lot of your time and money on a fixer-upper, you need to know the questions to ask first. Without asking the right questions, you could be buying a lemon—what was a moderately expensive project in your mind could quickly turn into a money pit! Here are five of the most critical questions you need to ask before putting up your earnest money deposit and purchasing a fixer-upper: 1. Is the Investment Worth It? Deciding on whether to purchase a fixer-upper is a big deal. You need to make sure that it's an investment you're willing to commit to. If you have a contractor, they'll make you aware of the state of the home, and also give you a rough estimate of the total costs of fixing the house. However, if you don...