What exterior style works better for a flip? Open to all opinions!

Question

Hey BP community! I am currently under contract for a flip and want to get some opinions on exterior updates. I will attach original pictures (house is currently red), and some variants I put through AI. Would be open to all suggestions! Thanks in advance

Peter Mckernan · Answer

What does it look like for the comps and what is selling? That is what will get you that flip and turn quicker. I always try to see what is selling and what it looks like to match the area, and houses within the community.

Amy Lemaistre · Answer

Board and batten siding would be nice as well on the upper portion.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Alan Asriants You might look at the views and saves on something like zillow in your area that is what is catching peoples attention. What sells is the total house and of course look at that.

Personally two or 3 are good but I might lighten up the grey a little to avoid too dark a look. Of course for the third it isn't just color updating it is the vertical siding and different windows that make a difference. That will add to cost but if you are doing those things anyway. Personally I like the windows in 3 and the are a good fit for the house style.

Alan F. · Answer

Both of them look nice, but comps still dictate the majority of my decisions.

On a personal opinion i like the green 1, preferably with the dark ones windows.

I occasionally see darker motifs, but DOM tends to be longer. One thing to note is darker colors can be concerning out here as they absorb heat. We have very high Electricity rates and in some areas an all electric mandate...i.e. no gas or propane.

Hope it goes well for you!

Hazel Wilder · Answer

I think the more modern exterior would end with the highest value for sure! Something about it is really desirable at the moment. Seeing it a lot in the flips I'm funding, making me want to do my own!

Bo Smith · Answer

The exterior is one of the first things a buyer sees, so you're right to overthink this. Here's what I've learned doing 20+ flips: modern/contemporary styling appeals to a wider buyer pool right now, especially in competitive markets. It reads "updated" and "move-in ready." People pay for that perception even if the bones are the same.

That said, you also need to match your market. If you're in a historic neighborhood or an area where homes have architectural character, going too sterile hurts you. I did a flip in a tree-lined Dallas neighborhood where all the homes had Craftsman details -- going full modern would've cost me buyers. Conversely, in suburban sprawl, modern beats traditional every time.

My process: I look at sold comps in the exact neighborhood (not adjacent areas), see what exterior styles moved fastest and at what price premium, then design around that. If a modern home sold 15% higher than a traditional one 2 blocks away, that's your signal. Paint color matters too -- neutrals (greige, white, soft gray) let buyers imagine their own taste. Bold colors limit your buyer pool.

What neighborhood is the property in? That context changes everything about which direction makes financial sense.

Alan Asriants · Answer

very low inventory all around in Bucks county! thank you for the suggestions

Amy Lemaistre · Answer

I second that, blue/grey is my favorite as well. And modern styles seem a little more desirable at the moment.

Mendy J. · Answer

The second picture is definitely nicer and classier if that answers your question

What exterior style works better for a flip? Open to all opinions!

What exterior style works better for a flip? Open to all opinions!

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