Fixer-uppers aren’t always a bargain

WASHINGTON – There are very few foreclosures in the region’s real estate market, so if you want to steal a deal on a house, you might be looking to steal a deal by buying a fixer-upper.

Ron Sitrin, of Long and Foster, says it’s not so simple. They’re cheaper, but some need more work than others.

“Some of them are clean and nice an neutral, and just need the upgrades. Others just look like – ugh, you don’t even want to go inside it.”

If you want to go ahead, Sitrin strongly advises bringing in a contractor or an architect, someone who can tell you what the repairs will really cost.

It might very well end up costing less to buy a house that’s ready to move in.

WTOP’s Mike Murillo contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on the WTOP Facebook page.

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