renovation Archives - Chris and Christie Powers

What are the pros and cons to buying a home “as is”?

Mar 4, 2025 | QA

Question: What are the pros and cons to buying a home “as is”?

Our Answer:

When a home or condo is being sold “as is”, this simply means that the Seller has decided that they will not make repairs or improvements, and the Buyer is purchasing the property in its present condition.

While it may seem like “as is” homes are always in poor condition, this is not always the case. An “as is” clause is simply meant to help communicate that the seller won’t be making or financing repairs. Since the seller is not fixing any issues, the asking price for an “as is” house is typically lower than a comparable house. Here are some important “pros” and “cons” to consider.

Some reasons why buying a home “as is” could be right for a Buyer:

Exciting design opportunities: While not all “as is” homes need a complete makeover, they may be the perfect base for exciting renovations.
Negotiation power: Hoping to buy in a neighborhood that may be out of your price range? “As is” homes are typically priced lower than comparable homes, so you might find your dream neighborhood suddenly come within reach.
Opportunity to invest: Real estate investors looking for fixer-uppers buy homes to renovate and flip for profit. Whether you’re looking to do this as a business venture or have always wanted to buy a fixer-upper, an “as is” home may be the right venture for you.

Sone challenges with “as is” properties that Buyers should consider carefully:

Potentially expensive repairs: If renovating doesn’t excite you, then buying a home “as is” may not be your best choice. Depending on the home’s condition, it’s possible there could be expensive repairs that are hard to avoid.
Long renovation projects: Major renovations can take time. This might mean your home is out of commission for some time before you’re able to move in, or at the very least, you’ll be dealing with a noisy and dirty environment until the projects are finished.
Possible safety hazards: An “as is” home may have hidden problems you’re not aware of that pose safety issues.

Also check out our video about this topic on YouTube:

Home Renovation Tip: 7 Things that Make a Home More Comfortable

Aug 30, 2023 | QA

Published on our August 2023 Newsletter

Question: “When renovating a home, what are some ideas to make a home more comfortable?”

Christie’s Answer:

On St. Croix, both indoor and outdoor spaces of a home are crucial in forming a comfortable and welcoming setting. A spacious and open floor plan allows for movement, mingling, and conversation to flow, as well as for comfortable breezes. Here are 7 ideas which will make a more comfortable home:

The heart of a home is its kitchen. Create a space where you like to be while cooking for yourself or your guests. Make sure there’s a place for them to sit while talking with you, and enough room for them to help you cook!
Replace older AC units for energy efficient mini split units.
Shade for comfy outdoor furniture make a wonderful space for you and guests. Have around 150 square feet of shaded space, the size of a small room, if it will fit in your plans, more is always welcome. Use all-weather outdoor furniture which can handle the elements of the tropical climate.
Replace old windows, ceiling fans, and screens as needed for good air flow. You are going to want those breezes!
Think about how you use your home at night. Appropriately recessed lighting, wall sconces, and outdoor lights can make a huge difference in your comfort and tranquility.
If you don’t have the space or resources for a swimming pool, a plunge pool goes a long way to help cool you on those hot sultry days.
How about an outdoor shower? Showering outside while enjoying the view is delightful, especially after a day of snorkeling or diving, and decreases the amount of sand getting into your home!