How to Buy the Worst House on the Best Block

Buying the worst house on the block doesn't hold a lot of appeal for most homebuyers. When you were growing up, you probably imagined buying the prettiest house on the street. Even today, that's the dream of some first-time homebuyers. They want to buy the best house on the block. But buying the worst house on the block is probably a better bet.

You can buy the worst house on the block among a bunch of other ugly, rundown fixer-uppers, or you can buy the worst house on the best block, among a bunch of fixed up or newer homes. The latter choice is smarter. 

The Benefits of Buying the Worst House on the Best Block

You can change a lot about a home—its curb appeal, exterior, and interior—but it's very difficult to change the location. There is a reason we cling to the three most important words in real estate: location, location, location.

Some benefits of buying the worst house on the best block include:

• The nicer homes on the street will pull up the value of the worst house on the block after it's fixed up.
• If a seller had the money or the time to fix up the worst-looking house on the block, it would not be the worst house on the block, and it would cost more.
• Other buyers might pass up this home, calling it an eyesore, which will leave fewer potential bidders for the home.
• Buying the worst house on the block is often an affordable way to move into an otherwise unaffordable neighborhood.
• The desirable location will help to ensure that the home maintains its value down the road.

Pick Your Neighborhood

Ideally, you want an area in high demand. The best locations are those that offer residents access to good schools, parks, entertainment options, local interest, educational opportunities, shopping, and good transportation. Pride of ownership is evident in these types of neighborhoods.

Hire an Agent Specialized in the Target Neighborhood

A neighborhood specialist can be invaluable and give you the information you can't get from an agent who doesn't know the area. An agent who sells a lot of homes in your target neighborhood will know the history of the neighborhood and be able to give you the downside as well as the upside. Plus, the agent can instantly spot a bargain for you.

 Look at the Comparable Sales

You'll have the home appraised if you are financing the purchase. However, you want to make sure your offer is low enough to make your investment and improvements worthwhile. Look at comparables to the potential purchase home, and compare not only price but also amenities.

Get Repair Estimates Before Making an Offer

People who sell the worst home on the block often want to sell that home in its as-is condition. They don't want to renegotiate with you after the home inspection and halfway through the deal.

Determine what this home will need to compete in this neighborhood. Determine whether you will need to price for high-end fixtures and design features. Be sure to calculate upgrades to electrical, plumbing, roofing, and other systems to bring them up to the current building codes in the area. If you get three estimates for every job, you should have a fairly good idea about how much you'll have to spend to repair the home.

Get a Home Inspection

You don't need any nasty surprises after buying the home. A home inspector can spot problems and make suggestions for further inspections. Know exactly what you are buying. As mentioned earlier, many homes in distressed conditions are offered in an "as-is" condition. There is usually little wiggle room with the seller when it comes to pricing an as-is home, but it costs you nothing to try to bring the price down.

Offer Less Than Your Bottom Line

Unless you're competing with several buyers, the seller might accept a low offer. If not, you can leave yourself a little wiggle room to come up in price and meet the seller somewhere in the middle.

After closing, don't feel like you have to fix up the entire house at once. Take your time and avoid mistakes.