For those who adore old houses — and enjoy working on them — the idea of purchasing a fixer-upper may be irresistible. Before taking the plunge, be certain you have a realistic concept of what you are getting yourself into!
 
Do the Math

Finding out what you ought to pay to purchase a fixer-upper begins with an easy equation. First off, add the costs up to renovate the home based upon a complete review of the home’s condition. Be tough with the estimate, which ought to involve labor and materials — yours and other's. Then, subtract it from the property's likely marketplace value after renovating, drawn from comparable prices in the community. Next, deduct at the minimum of another 5 – 10% for extras you add, unexpected mishaps, problems that must be handled, and inflation. What is left ought to be your offer.
 
Choose Projects which Pay

The perfect fixer-uppers include the ones requiring mainly aesthetic improvements — floor refinishing, drywall repairs, paint touchups — which usually cost less than what they return within market value. New light fixtures, window shutters, doors, siding, and updated bathrooms and kitchens also are lucrative improvements.
 
Be Ready to Roll Your Sleeves Up
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Whichever renovation is needed, it usually is more cost-effective as homeowners to pitch in. Fixer-uppers are for those willing to be a do-it-yourselfer, because that may save lots of money and they’d be keep the increase within home value for themselves.

​Incorporating stone inside the home is a timeless, classic way to spruce up your interior decor. Stone also provides for great sound absorption, durability, and low maintenance upkeep. Here are 3 different tips for decorating your house using stone:
 
A Rustic Feel


• Stone fireplaces add coziness and comfort to living rooms and bedrooms, and make for an impressive main focal point in a home


• A stone stairwell with a stone wall creates a great rustic atmosphere for you when walking throughout your home


• For a country feel, use rock walls instead of stone, and mix textures for an eclectic look 


• Include warm toned stones with earthy colors and rugged textures.


 
An Elegant Look
 

• Choose smooth stone flooring with brightly colored walls to create an elegant look


• Opt for using only one wall of stones for a large room, creating a minimalist and modern feel


• Use stones that have cool, muted tones and have monochromatic colors that can blend easily with furniture and room color palettes, providing an elegant atmosphere


• Mix rough textured stone walls or backsplash with modern amenities 


• Smooth stone walls and floors create calming and soothing bathroom environments, and are sleek to the touch


 
Finding A Balance
 
Too much rock or stone within your home can make a house feel more like a dungeon than a castle. Try mixing stone or rock elements with other materials such as wood or concrete. Brighten up a dark colored stone room with colorful rugs. Construct stone walls within rooms that contain large windows, providing a bright and airy atmosphere. As you blend stone flooring or walls with other textures or colors, you’ll bring a better balance to your home!

Want to increase your home’s value without spending too much? Here are some helpful tips:
 

1. Ask for Some Advice: Seek some expert advice about ways to increase the resale value on your home from experts like interior decorators and/or realtors. Many real estate agents are eager to list your house and share their expertise for free or a low cost in hopes of getting the listing. Interior decorators may also be prepared to offer an initial consultation for free or low costs.   
   
   
2. Consider a Home Inspection: Making some small improvements to your home’s structure could help increase its value. You can gain a lot of insight by having a professional inspection of your house’s roof, insulation, exterior, wiring, plumbing, and pest problems. Many problems like leaks, cracks, sinking, poor wiring, frayed electrical systems can be fixed relatively inexpensively if they’re caught early. If left unfixed, they can become a reason your house would not pass inspection for resale.  
   
   
3. Never Underestimate the Value of Paint: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve the look of your house! Neutral colors can appeal to most buyers and are easy to accessorize.  
   
   
4. Look at Energy Costs: Low energy costs are a great selling feature, but they also save you homeowner costs. Many local utility companies will offer free energy efficiency inspections of your home and/or energy saving workshops. 

If you want your house to appeal to potential buyers, then you’ll need to prepare it properly for an open house. Here are some tips on how to do so!

1. Present a Favorable First Look: Deals are made or lost on the first few minutes potential buyers view your home, whether at a real or a virtual open house. The first thing they see is the exterior, so make sure lawns are trimmed, entranceways are clean, and flowerbeds are freshly weeded.  
   
   
2. Cleanliness is Next to a Sure Sale: Scour your home and make it pristine. You may even consider hiring a cleaning service that specializes in staging homes for open houses. Don’t forget to check and clean windows, appliances, closets and garages.  
   
   
3. Clear the Clutter: If your house has lots of furnitures or collections on display, consider putting them in storage. Potential buyers want to be able to visualize how their things will look in your house. They won’t be able to do this if your stuff distracts them, so aim for sleek, streamlined, minimal look.   
   
   
4. Consider Staging: If you are trying to sell an empty house, or your furniture is worn or dated, consider hiring a company to stage your house for the open house.  
   
   
5. Open House is no Place for Pets…or Owners: One of the best things you can do to make an open house a success is to get out and take pets with you. Owners and their pets can be distractions. Vacate in lots of time and remember some potential buyers like to arrive early.   
   
   
6. Nowhere to Hide: Potential buyers snoop into every nook and cranny. That includes closets, basement, garage, sheds, drawers and cupboards. Remove any valuables and clear the clutter from closets, shelves and cupboards.   
   
   
7. Put Your Best Foot Forward: Open curtains and let in the light. Bake bread or brew coffee before the open house, or set out flowers in an attractive vase to make an impression!