Are you looking for cheap fixer upper homes for sale in Tucson? You aren’t alone! Every single day, I scour the Tucson Multiple Listing Service and Craigslist for the latest deals on houses!
In today’s post, I thought I would share with you a search that I did looking for cheap fixer upper homes for sale. Specifically, I looked for four specific categories… Short sales, REO (Bank Owned, foreclosed homes), fixer upper homes, and handyman specials!
Follow along with me today as I search, and discuss what I find!
Distressed Properties Tucson
One of the first searches I do is for short sales. A short sale is a form of a distressed property in Tucson. Generally speaking, in a short sale, the bank is agreeing to sell the property for less than the amount owed. While this results in a net loss to the Bank, this can oftentimes be a good way for a homeowner to sell an unwanted property.
OR Listen to this post on the KarlBuysHouses Podcast!
These properties must be listed by a local real estate agent on the open MLS. Many times, they can result in a good purchase for me because many other buyers do not want to wait the time it takes for a bank to make a decision.
If I find a cheap fixer upper homes for sale in Tucson that are short sales, I often am interested.
Bank Owned Houses Tucson
After 23 years in the real estate business, I can honestly say that Bank Owned (REO or Foreclosure properties) are my favorite. In this search, we will examine all the REO properties available under $120,000.
Also, it is important to know that you can often get a very good deal once the bank has taken possession of the property.

The primary difference between a short sale property and a Bank Owned or REO Property is ownership.
In a short sale, the home owner still owns the home and is free to make decisions about the disposition of it. In a REO, the Bank is the owner, and makes the final decisions about the property.
Fixer Upper Houses Tucson
When I look for fixer upper houses for sale in Tucson, I love, Love, LOVE the “crappier” the house! I know I am strange like that, and unlike most Realtors.. but I don’t intend to list your home.. I am looking to buy it and get the repairs done on my own!
Most things that detract from a regular home buyer actually attract me!
If a house smells like cat urine.. that smells like opportunity to me!
If it needs lots of work, that looks like a blank palette from which my art can be shown!
This work of mine, buying cheap fixer upper homes for sale in Tucson isn’t just my work… it’s my art form!
Handyman Specials in Tucson
The final search I do on the Tucson MLS is for Handyman specials. On this particular search, I have to adjust the search criteria to specifically search for the criteria.
See Related Article: Tucson Homes For Sale With Guest Houses
If you are working with a local Realtor, you will definitely want to make sure they know this technique to find hidden deals on the MLS!
Oftentimes, these handyman specials, estate sales, probate sales, and other hidden “term searches” are a great way to find properties.. (including OFF market properties!!! (This part, I didn’t show in the video! But your smart Realtor will know how to do it!))
Do You Have An Unwanted Home?
Do you want a fast, fair offer on your unwanted home? Contact me today by calling or texting me directly at (520) 403-6227 or use the form below!
I close fast, buy your property “As Is, Where Is” and am here to make your move easy!