Find It, Buy It, Fix It: The Insider's Guide to Fixer-Uppers [Paperback]

Robert Irwin (Author)

Book Description

Series: Find It, Buy It, Fix It | Publication Date: March 1996

In an overheated real estate market, many would-be homebuyers and real estate investors are looking for ways to capitalize on market opportunities and become part of the real estate boom. One of the most cost-effective ways to join the game is to investigate fixer-upper properties. Long-time real estate guru Robert Irwin acknowledges that such properties are not for everyone. For those willing to accept the challenges, however, buying and fixing up less-than-prime properties can be one of the most lucrative opportunities available.

With new insights on getting access to financing and estimating fix-up costs, Irwin also shows buyers how to use the resources of the Internet to locate fixer-upper properties.

This is a one-stop guide for anyone considering the possibility of buying or investing in houses, apartments, and commercial properties that need work. Money-making and money-saving advice includes:

*where to find the best fixer-uppers
*inspecting the properties to avoid "money pits"
*identifying ugly duckling properties needing only quick cosmetic fixes
*teaming up with top experts to make deals happen quickly and easily
*making low-ball offers that sellers will accept
*structuring deals to achieve win-win outcomes

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In this era of rising real-estate and building costs, it's natural that homeowner wannabes are turning to the less expensive (though more problematic) joys of fixer-uppers. Robert Irwin is a specialist in the area of improvable real estate, and this book is a terrific primer for those do-it-yourselfers who want to save money on the house of their dreams (or turn it around for a tidy profit). Irwin pulls no punches--he starts off with a quiz to determine what manner of fixer the potential buyer is able to handle; lays out the issue of money early on, keeping it firmly at the forefront of every chapter; and includes a horror story or two just to make sure the reader isn't easily scared off. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" seems to be his motto, however, and the venturesome handyperson will learn a lot from this book.

From the Publisher

Praise for previous edition:

“On a scale of 1 to 10, this extraordinary book rates a 12.” —Bob Bruss, Syndicated Columnist, Tribune Media Services

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Real Estate Education Co (March 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793116309
• ISBN-13: 978-0793116300
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,679,561 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Unless you are an absolute beginner, don't waste your money!, November 2, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Find It, Buy It, Fix It: The Insider's Guide to Fixer-Uppers (Paperback)

Robert Irwin writes in general terms about things that are common sense to anyone who knows a screwdriver from a hammer. This book is strictly for someone that has not even purchased a house before. One last note; If you do buy this book, buy it from Amazon.com because it cost me four dollars more at my local book store!

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide to buying and rehabbing a fixer-upper., October 14, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Find It, Buy It, Fix It: The Insider's Guide to Fixer-Uppers (Paperback)

This is a step-by-step guide to buying and rehabbing a handyman's (or woman's) special. Real estate expert Robert Irwin shows you how to decide if you're the right person for the project. If so, you'll learn how to locate a property, check it out, become its proud owner, then assemble your "dream team" of plumbers, electricians, and other contractors. You'll also find lots of helpful advice on estimating costs, financing the deal, and deciding what parts of the many projects to tackle yourself.

10 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful and informative, March 12, 2001

By 

Don A. Deisheron (Modesto, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Find It, Buy It, Fix It: The Insider's Guide to Fixer Uppers (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book that saved me countless dollars and hours in helping me figure out how the best way was to make my newly acquired 'fixer-upper' a dream home.