Pros & Cons of Investing in Sweat Equity

by Cheryl Pendenza - Realtor®/Broker Associate 03/03/2022

If you’re thinking about buying a fixer-upper or are interested in flipping homes, it’s important to understand sweat equity. This concept has to do with the time and effort you put into improving a property. Because it’s not based on dollar amounts, it's difficult to calculate. However, there are major pros and cons to investing your time as sweat equity in a home.

Pros of Sweat Equity Investment

Lower Upfront Cost - A home that needs repairs and improvements will cost less than a turnkey home. Therefore, you need less capital to get started on the investment. After the initial purchase, every improvement you make will add value.

Personal Satisfaction - For those who love to DIY, there are few better projects than improving a fixer-upper. All the labor you put into renovations and repairs will add value not only in the monetary sense but also in quality of life. If you live in the home while improving it, you’ll be able to enjoy the new upgrades before anybody else.

Cons of Sweat Equity Investment

Living With Renovation - Living in a construction zone is stressful and messy. If you choose to live in the home you’re improving, your sweat equity might not be worth the chaos. If you choose interim housing, this also means paying rent somewhere else—an expense that would not factor in to your total sweat equity. Major renovations take a long time, so make sure you consider how much of that time you’ll be living in the middle of it.

Trends and Demands Change - If you don’t work fast enough, you might miss certain trends at their peak. All the labor and time you put into installing that surround-sound speaker system or basement bar might not turn a profit if these trends are no longer at the height of their popularity. From countertop materials to paint colors to layouts, trends are always changing, and you may end up investing too much in something with limited returns.

Sweat equity is difficult to quantify but makes an enormous difference in your home’s value and price. Consider these benefits and drawbacks to determine whether your sweat is worth the equity.

About the Author
Author

Cheryl Pendenza - Realtor®/Broker Associate

Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the table, Cheryl has a paralegal degree, banking background, and is a member of many professional, civic, and community organizations.

Qualified • Experienced • Skilled

"As a full-time REALTOR®, I am dedicated to providing my clients with a high level of service by building relationships, marketing, and negotiating on their behalf. As a homeowner, I realize how important homeownership is.

Cheryl brings warmth and compassion to her client relationships and referrals have become the backbone of her business. "I’m grateful for every referral and welcome the opportunity to help clients achieve their real estate goals.”

Cheryl Pendenza, Broker Associate affiliated with RE/MAX Andrew Realty Services since 1999 is a local businesswoman and formidable negotiator who can help you achieve your real estate goals. Supporting family, community and local business is important to Cheryl and she can often be found at one of the local restaurants, shops, or galleries.