Patrick Jones

First Trust Home Loans

  • Home
  • About Patrick
  • Reviews
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • First Time Home Buyer Tips
    • First Time Home Seller Tips
    • Closing Costs
    • Home Appraisal
    • Home Inspection
    • Loan Checklist
    • Loan Process
    • Loan Programs
    • Mortgage Glossary
    • Mortgage FAQ
  • Download My App
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Real Estate / Dos And Donts Of Buying Distressed Real Estate

Dos And Donts Of Buying Distressed Real Estate

June 20, 2014 by Patrick Jones

How to Build the Ultimate Tree House for Your Children in Just Seven StepsDistressed real estate is real estate in need of serious repairs. These properties are often called “handyman specials.” If you have the skill or the money to complete the repairs, you can often find great deals. Here are some dos and don’ts of buying distressed real estate.

DO Get A Home Inspection

Distressed homes need repairs. Some of these repairs, like broken floor tile, are easy to see. Others, like water damage in the attic, can be easily hidden. The only way to know for sure what you’re buying is to have the property inspected by a professional home inspector.

DO Pay Attention To The Home’s Market Value

You don’t want to buy a home and spend your hard-earned money for repairs only to find out the home is worth less than what you paid for it. Have your agent complete a comparative market analysis so you know what the home is worth.

DO Have An Estimate For Repairs

There’s no point buying a distressed home if you can’t afford the cost of the home and the repairs. Get an estimate from at least three contractors before you buy. Knowing the cost of repairs beforehand will help you make the best decision.

DON’T Think About Potential Profit

You’ve probably heard countless stories about people who bought distressed properties and sold them for outrageous profits. However, the reality is that most distressed homes are sold for a small profit or no profit.

DON’T Buy A Home Just Because The Price Is Low

When you buy distressed homes, you have to consider more than just the asking price. Add together the cost of repairs, insurance, and what you can realistically expect to make from the sale. This will tell you if the home really is a good investment for you.

DON’T Buy If You Don’t Have The Money

No matter how good a deal you find on distressed homes, they aren’t worth it if they will stretch your budget too far. The last thing you want to deal with is damage to your credit score and the risk of foreclosure in the event you can’t pay for the home.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Distressed Real Estate, DIY, Real Estate Tips

Patrick Jones Headshot

Get in Touch


Patrick Jones
Mortgage Lender

Call 615.668.6838
Email: pjones@myfthl.com
NMLS #203203
First Trust  Mortgage Logo

How can I help?


0 / 180

Connect with Patrick!

Browse Articles by Category

Recent Articles

  • White Lies That Could Make It Harder To Buy A Home
  • Rebuilding Costs: Rethinking How Much Homeowners Insurance You Really Need
  • 5 Tips for Crafting a Counter-offer That Doesn’t Scare Away a Potential Home Buyer
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 27, 2023
Patrick Jones NMLS# 203203
F&M Mortgage NMLS# 518158
Equal Housing Lender

Looking for something?

Our Location


1639 Medical Center Pkwy
Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Copyright © 2023 · Powered by MySMARTblog