There’s something exciting about the idea of turning a run-down house into a dream home — or a solid investment. Fixer-uppers often come with lower price tags and tons of potential, but they can also be packed with surprises, challenges, and unexpected costs.
At H.O.P.E. Property Solutions, we’ve walked through more than a few distressed homes and helped both buyers and sellers navigate what’s next. If you’re considering buying a fixer-upper in East Tennessee, here are a few things to keep in mind — shared with faith, honesty, and wisdom from the field.
1. Inspect With Eyes Wide Open
Looks can be deceiving. That chipped paint and dated kitchen might seem like easy fixes, but the real concerns often lie under the surface:
- Foundation issues
- Plumbing and electrical upgrades
- Mold, rot, or pest damage
- Roof and HVAC age
Before you commit, bring in a qualified inspector who can spot potential red flags. Don’t rely on emotion or HGTV-style excitement — lean on facts and professional insight.
2. Count the Cost (Literally)
Renovating a home takes more time and money than most people expect. Between permit fees, contractor delays, and surprise repairs, costs can rise quickly.
Create a realistic renovation budget, and include a 15–20% buffer for the unexpected. If you’re flipping or planning to resell, make sure you understand the after-repair value (ARV) in the neighborhood — not just what you hope the home could be worth.
Remember what Scripture reminds us in Luke 14:28 — “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost?” It’s wise to plan ahead before swinging that first hammer.
3. Know Your Why
Are you buying this home to live in long-term? To rent? To flip?
Your strategy should guide your renovation decisions. Over-improving a home in a modest neighborhood can hurt your returns, while under-improving might leave it unsellable or unlivable.
A faith-based approach reminds us to pursue purpose over profit. At H.O.P.E. Property Solutions, we believe real estate should be more than transactional — it should build families, restore communities, and provide places of peace.
4. Be Prepared for Delays
Supplies can be backordered. Subcontractors might not show up. A missing permit could halt work for weeks. The process of buying and renovating a fixer-upper requires patience and persistence — and a good sense of humor.
Having a trusted team in place can ease the journey. If you’re feeling stuck, reach out — we know local resources and can point you toward help that aligns with your values.
5. You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
One of the greatest benefits of working with a local investment team is having people by your side who have done this before. Whether you need a second opinion, want to explore a partnership, or are looking for off-market properties, we’re here to help.
Fixer-uppers are our bread and butter — and we love seeing them brought back to life in ways that bless both families and neighborhoods.
Final Thoughts
Buying a fixer-upper isn’t for everyone — but if you go in prepared, prayerful, and partnered with the right people, it can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll learn a lot, grow in patience, and hopefully find both purpose and profit along the way.
Ready to Talk About Your Fixer-Upper Goals?
We’d love to hear your heart and help however we can.
📞 Call/Text: 865-657-1393
🌐 Visit: www.myhopesolutions.com
💙 Let’s restore more than just homes — let’s restore hope.