Have you visited with a qualified loan officer and determined a budget, if not now is the time--you may find out you can offord a little more and then you'll have more options; with that said, not knowing the particular property and exactly what amount of work is needed tough to answer; but do contact local licensed contractors and start with estimates--remember though an estimate is just that, no one knows if one thing will lead to another. Look into the permit situation as well depending on the work being done they may be needed.

Anna

You are probably looking at foreclosure properties. These are always sold "as Is". You really don't know the extent of the work needed until you are committed. Better to go with a realtor who can alert you to pros and cons of a property and advise you on hiring licensed professionals to give you their opinion on the condition. Many times using local contractors will ensure higher quality work because the community will be watching and lower costs because they can use local craftsmen. If you are looking in the Putnam County area, give me a call. I am E-Broker certified to look for energy efficiencies and I have many contacts for professionals in the area who can assist you. Not sure what your price range is but we have many properties now on the market that are turnkey ready and are price adjusted to sell. If you're a first time buyer, get in on the $8000 tax credit and the low mortgage rates that make buying this year, a smart investment.
Check out http://www.houlihanlawrence.com/2904352 This listing sounds just what you are looking for. In addition, it has a legal rental apartment, which is income you can use to offset the taxes. 3 bedrooms upstairs, newly renovated granite kitchen, 1 acre of land with trout stream, lake rights to private non motor boat lake and clubhouse 1 mile away. Many more amenities. Come take a look. Visit my website below and we can schedule an appointment at your convenience. Regards, Kathleen Kourie kkourie@houlihanlawrence.com

Hi Sean,

I am a Broker Associate IN Ornage County. There are many homes for sale here now. I am wonderign what your tax range is that you are looing that you are only finding as is property? It sounds to me that you are finding homes that are either foreclosure or short sales that need so much work. This is usually reflected in the purchase price, rather than the taxes. I do handle regular sales as well as foreclosure and short sales. These are usually AS-IS sales, some need more than others. I do have many contracts and workmen that can do nealy anything you might need. Please give me a call so we can talk, I am sure I can help you. If you'd like to loo at mors houses please go to my company site http://www.currierandlazier.com/lbrodsky

My number is 845.401.1448 or my office 845-782-5151.
Email: lisa.brodsky@coldwellbanker.com

I hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,
Lisa Brodsky
Broker Associate
Coldwell Banker
http://www.coldwellbanker.com/for/lisa.brodsky

Hi Sean,

Seems you are asking a lot from a Real Estate community. As most Realtors are not contractors, we can not really give you a proper answer. Our sister company is a contracting company and I still could into give you an answer. The reason is that the question is so vague and without someone seeing a house, how can they answer this.

One thing to consider also; if you are looking at "fixer uppers" due to taxes, you need to keep in mind that your taxes Go Up when you start to improve on a property.

I honestly think you need to have a professional help qualify you for what you are looking for. If you are not locked into a contract with the Buyer's Agent you are currently working with (you are working with a Buyer's Agent, right?) then perhaps with my in depth knowledge of construction and real estate, I may be able to help properly guide you in your purchase. Otherwise, if you are in contract with another Buyer's Agent, I would request more help from them and maybe touch base with a contractor or tow and have them come along when you view potential properties.