Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VT
Teresa Merelman, Broker, Pall Spera Company Realtors-Stowe, VTPhone: (802) 793-5171
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
A fixer-upper requires significant time and effort to renovate. While the DIY route might seem like the best way to save money, it isn't always the most affordable option. There are other issues like time and logistics to consider. If you're thinking about buying a fixer-upper, here are the biggest things to consider:
The major drawback to fixer-uppers is the time and effort they require. Even for DIY masters, an entire list of home improvements adds up to a significant undertaking. Some tasks might be simple and inexpensive, like painting or installing tile. Others, like plumbing overhauls or installing new HVAC systems will require more time and labor.
Unfortunately, fixer-uppers often come with unexpected costs beyond what you budget for. Even with the unpleasant surprises, you may end up spending more than you budgeted for on renovations. Every construction project inevitably runs into delays or issues with materials—these issues can add up quickly and add monetary stress to the situation. If you hire professionals to help you with the bigger projects, their labor will factor in as well.
As with all renovation projects, there are bound to be timeline issues. Delays in getting materials, poor weather and any other myriad obstacles can stretch out a quick project into a month-long process. If you're doing the work yourself, you'll also need to consider your own energy levels and life balance. After all, you need to make time to eat and sleep! Balancing DIY renovations with jobs, social or household obligations and your own peace of mind may factor in to your timeline. Unfortunately, these issues are some of the hardest to plan for.
Fixer-uppers can be a ton of work, but they can be very rewarding. Whether you plan to live in the improved home or flip it for profit, you can get even more out of it than the work you put in.
Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:
Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:
In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.
