Buying a fixer-upper home or condo here in the Taos real estate market is easy, if you follow a plan to assess the property and your abilities. You could save a ton of money.

Following are some helpful hints:

1) When looking at a fixer-upper, the first thing you should do is to assess what you can do yourself. Remodeling can be fun and inexpensive, or a real nightmare. Do you have the skills? Do you have the time and desire to take on the challenge?

2) Price the cost of repairs and remodeling before even making an offer. Get a contractor over to the house so you can get a written cost estimate. If you'll be doing the work yourself, get a price on the supplies and materials you'll need. Then add a percentage in for unforseen issues and overruns.

3) Check with the County to see what permits you'll need and what inspections will be necessary.

4) Don't try to do structural work yourself, if you're a novice. Get a structural engineer in to assess the situation.

5) Financing costs: Add them up, including downpayment, closing costs and repairs.

If you have the time, energy, skills and resources, there are some good fixer-upper buys in the Taos and Angel Fire real estate market. If you plan and budget well, you could have the home of your dreams at a fantastic price.

Hope to see you on the roof!

All best,

Katheryn Pate, Associate Broker, New Mexico Mountain Properties: 575-770-5023