All Forum Posts by: Julie Grupke

Check out Habitat for Humanity if there's one in your area - they've got all kinds of stuff, from fixtures to furniture to cabinets/vanities. Also, maybe try Sears outlet - not sure how much furniture they have but awesome for appliances. Also, Big Lots has some floor model cheap furniture, or the dreaded Art Van clearance center. Marshalls RULES for accessories - especially knick-knack decor, bath fixtures, & mirrors (have some furniture deals if you look around).

Hi everyone! Just curious if anyone has suggestions for landscaping/curb appeal for flips in winter.

I'm looking at a house that has ZERO landscaping, front or back - it really stands out badly with all neighbors having decent front landscaping.

Also, any thoughts on dressing up lawn bare spots in winter? If I seed & mulch it now will it kick off growing in spring (if birdies don't get to it)?

This MI winter has been mild so far (not much below 30 at night) but no clue if that'll last thru the season.

Thanks all!!

Hey guys! I have a related question. What is a fair payment for a (kickass) PM? Would you pay a share of the profits? A % of the reno cost? Something else? Thanks!

Hi all! I'm a big fan of those shows too, but often times when they give the home's "new" value or the list price, they never address if that's the appraised or retail price, if a home actually sold for that price, what market they're in, or what year the show was filmed. And a lot of the shows come from Canada, so there's the USD->CAD dollar value difference (i.e. currency not clarified), plus the Toronto area, where alot of the shows focus on, is still an extremely competitive seller's market.

When doing a rehab budget, I like to reduce the total amount by 20% initially and keep it for 'surprises', which you will always run in to! And that 20% is still conservative, IMHO. But if you luck out and don't need to spend it, that's just more $$ in your pocket! But I figure the full 100% in when determining max purch price. So if you buy a house for $100k and think rehab will be $30k, use $24k as your initial total budget when itemizing - do all the core stuff first (structure, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc) and then work in the finishings. Personally, I think that's where you can make or break maximizing your profit, and where the TV shows give lofty expectations (eg $3500 for a rain shower head??).

And finishes depend on the ARV too - in my area, I'd never do granite countertops or solid hardwood floors in a $100k house (well, unless it was MY house, LOL). Instead, I'd look at tile or laminate countertops and engineered wood, laminate, or carpet. But, if I had a $200k home I'd be doing granite and solid hardwood as standards. Even something like the furnace or hot water heater - is 92% efficiency sufficient vs. the 95%+? Is a standard HWH OK vs. a tankless? I strive for high quality, but as another poster mentioned it's a property you're selling for profit, not your own home.

Maybe start out by signing up for mailing lists for the supplier stores you'll frequent, including the manufacturers' sites of materials you like. I've gotten TONS of coupons that way! For appliances, see if there's a Sears outlet in your area (i.e. Sratch n Dent) - I always have good luck there and a lot of times there's no damage (floor model) or the damage won't be seen (wall side of a stove). Prob an avg of 50% off retail, if not more.

Oh duh, I just realized this post is old, but oh well - I typed all this already so I'm posting! :)