Rehab and Flip

Author: Rehab and Flip

  • Sarasota September sales cool off, but higher than last year

    Sarasota September sales cool off, but higher than last year

    September sales cool off, but higher than last year

    Members of the Sarasota Association of Realtors® sold 648 properties in September 2012, up almost 14 percent from last September, when only 570 transactions were closed. The figure was down almost 21 percent from the 819 sales in August 2012, continuing the historic trends that normally show a sales lull in the early autumn.

    The category totals were 500 single family homes and 148 condos sold, compared to last September when only 430 single family and 140 condos were sold. This summer was an exceptional one for local Realtors® who normally have a respite after the spring season. This year, traffic at open houses has been heavy and multiple offers on available properties have become the norm. Part of the reason for this has been the continuing decline in the inventory of available properties on the market.

    “Our inventory is now down to 3,460 – the lowest level since 1998,” reported SAR President Laura Benson. “The downward trend in inventory started four years ago, when we had over 9,500 properties for sale. We have a great demand for homes and potential sellers should know it’s a great time to list their properties.”

    The available inventory of homes on the market once again dropped to yet another decade low, about 1 percent below last month’s total of 3,504. Last year at this time, the inventory was at 4,430 properties for sale – more than 20 percent higher than the current total.

    Pending sales (which represent properties that went under contract during the month) dropped somewhat in September 2012 to 844 from last month’s total of 953. But the figure was still higher than last September, when there were 723 pending sales reported. This year’s activity is 16 percent higher than last year at this time. Pending sales are a good indicator of future closings.

    “There is a lot of good news out there in the Sarasota marketplace, and the real estate industry has returned to a much healthier place than we were four or five years ago,” said Benson. “For the agents who experienced the down times, this has become a great period of rebound for the market.”

    The median sale price for single family homes in September 2012 was almost identical to August 2012 at $169,950, while condo prices surged to $175,400 from last month’s $149,000. Last year at this time, median prices were at $165,000 for single family homes and $140,000 for condos.

    Examining the longer trend lines, the median price for single family homes for the past 12 months was at $170,000. For condos, the median for the past 12 months stood at $167,250. Last year at this time, the 12-month rolling median prices were at $157,500 for single family homes and $163,000 for condos. The numbers indicate a gradual upward price trend.

    For the year-to-date median prices, encompassing the first nine months of 2012, the picture was even brighter – $174,000 for single family and $178,800 for condo. The figures were both higher than last year at this time, when they were at $156,100 for single family and $165,000 for condos (11 percent and 8 percent higher, respectively).

    Across the nation, prices are continuing to strengthen, according to the CoreLogic Home Price Index (HPI). The index showed that home prices nationwide, including distressed sales, increased on a year-over-year basis by 4.6 percent last month. This change represents the biggest year-over-year increase since July 2006. The analysis showed that all but six states are experiencing price gains.

    The months of inventory remained near 10-year lows. The September figures were 4.4 months of inventory for single family homes and 8.5 months for condos. Months of inventory represents the time it would take to deplete the current inventory at the current sales rate. Last September, there were 6.7 months of inventory for single family homes and 11.1 months of inventory for condos. At the worst point of our market in November 2008, there were 24 months of inventory for single family homes and 41.7 months for condos.

    Currently, only 534 properties for sale in the MLS are listed as short sales or foreclosures, down about 6 percent from last month’s figure of 570 properties. This represents about 15.4 percent of available properties, down from last month’s figure of 16.3 percent and down from the start of the year when the figure represented 17 percent of the market.

    Click HERE for the complete press release in PDF format, plus several pages of statistical charts.

  • Standard Pacific Homes Unveils New Community In Seven Oaks

    Standard Pacific Homes Unveils New Community In Seven Oaks

    Standard Pacific Homes today announced the Grand Opening of Bellafield, a high end collection of single-family homes in the master-planned community of Seven Oaks in Wesley Chapel.

    Home shoppers will have the choice of seven home designs that showcase Standard Pacific Homes’ architectural concepts.

    “We’ve had the privilege of building in the prestigious master-planned community of Seven Oaks since 2001 and it has been a delight to see the community flourish into one of the area’s most sought-after places to live,” said Frank Messina, Tampa President of Standard Pacific Homes. “The state-of-the-art architectural concepts within Bellafield will introduce a new level of luxury to this popular community.”

    Homeowners will be able to choose between Mediterranean, French Country and Tuscan exterior styles. Homes feature spacious floor plans that take cues from hospitality, with oversized bedrooms adjoining spa-like master baths and walk-in closets.

    Ranging in size from 1,945 to 3,866 square feet, the single and two-story home designs offer up to six bedrooms and five bathrooms. Prices start in the high $200,000s.

    Seven Oaks is just a mile from The Shops at Wiregrass, one of the area’s finest shopping malls.

    The Bellafield at Seven Oaks sales center is located at 4527 Scarlet Loop, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544. For additional details and directions to the community visit www.standardpacifichomes.com.

    About Standard Pacific Homes

    Standard Pacific Homes has been building beautiful, high-quality homes and neighborhoods since its founding in Southern California in 1965. With a trusted reputation for quality craftsmanship, an outstanding customer experience and exceptional architectural design, the Company utilizes its decades of land acquisition, development and homebuilding expertise to successfully navigate today’s complex landscape to acquire and build desirable communities in locations that meet the high expectations of the Company’s targeted move-up homebuyers. Currently offering new homes in major metropolitan areas in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas, we invite you to learn more about us by visiting standardpacifichomes.com.

    Contact: Danielle Tocco Director of Communications Standard Pacific Homes 949.789.1633 dtocco@stanpac.com

    Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140325/LA90828

    SOURCE Standard Pacific Homes

    Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/03/25/4018715/standard-pacific-homes-unveils.html#storylink=cpyShare: 

  • Oxford City Football Club to Tour Prospective Campus Locations in South Florida

    Oxford City Football Club to Tour Prospective Campus Locations in South Florida

    Oxford City Football Club, Inc., among other things, is a sporting club much like Barcelona FC. They have interests in a variety of sporting endeavors, including professional basketball and a sports college.

    The Oxford City Sports College specializes in developing professional football players by scouting and training high quality football talents from around the world through our global network of affiliates.

    Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) March 27, 2014
    Oxford City FC (OTCQB:OXFC), Parent Company to CIT University is Holding Executive Meetings March 27th-31st that CEO Thomas Anthony Guerriero is to confirm that CIT University has established their short list of campus locations that fit their criteria for their new CIT University Campus in South Florida.

    Guerriero stated, “We are very excited about our meetings this week to evaluate and tour the short list of campus sites for CIT University.” Chief Operating Officer Diana Lovera said, “We plan on bringing increased global awareness to CIT University and all we as an organization have to offer to corporate partners.”

    About Oxford City, http://www.oxfordcityfc.com

    Oxford City is a diversified holding company, which controls four portfolios.

    The First Portfolio (OXFC Sports Portfolio)
    The OXFC Sports Portfolio have a controlling interest is the largest publicly traded diversified portfolio of professional sports teams in the world. Oxford City’s portfolio contains a 132-year-old professional football club Oxford City FC, which plays in the Conference North Division of the English Football Association. They also own Oxford City Nomads, which plays in the Hellenic League Premier Division of the English Football Association. Oxford City owns Oxford City Futsal, which plays at the highest level of Futsal in England and has one of the best teams in the UK. Most recently the company has acquired Oxford City Basketball, which plays their games in the EBL, English Basketball League.

    The Second Portfolio (OXFC Academic Portfolio)
    The OXFC Academic Portfolio owns a diversified portfolio of academic institutions. OXFC owns Oxford City Sports College in Oxford and CIT University in the United States, which expects to have its first brick and mortar campus in the United States in South Florida in the near future to strategically put the University in a tremendous position for the future.

    The Third Portfolio (OXFC Media & Entertainment Portfolio)
    The OXFC Media & Entertainment Portfolio owns a diversified portfolio of media & entertainment companies. OXFC owns Oxford City Broadcasting Network (http://www.oxfordcitybroadcasting.com) which is broadcasted on 740 AM in Florida which reaches from Miami, Florida to Jupiter Florida. OXFC has acquired 1882.tv which will become the global television platform for the company and their interests. Oxford City’s 24 hour television programming which will broadcasted around the world will feature the live radio show “The Oxford City Financial Report”, cover all of Oxford City’s professional sports teams, and provide continuously programming.

    The Fourth Portfolio (OXFC Real Estate & Property Management Portfolio)
    The OXFC Real Estate & Property Management Portfolio controls a diversified portfolio of real estate including Oxford City Stadium, Oxford City Indoor Arena, and the Oxford City 3G Training Facility. OXFC benefits from these facilities both in usage and in rental income.

    About Thomas Anthony Guerriero, http://www.ThomasAnthonyGuerriero.com

    Oxford City (OTCQB:OXFC) is led by their CEO Thomas Anthony Guerriero. Mr. Guerriero is known for being one of the most influential and powerful entrepreneurs in the world today. He is a world renowned value investor, published author, diplomatic adviser on economic and fiscal policy. Mr. Guerriero holds a Masters Degree from Harvard University, holds two Graduate Certificates from Boston University & University of Notre Dame, and has two BA degrees from Fairleigh Dickinson University & Thomas Edison State. He has held several professional licenses over the course of his career Series 7, Series 63, Series 66, Series 24 licenses. Always looking for a challenge Mr. Guerriero is a former professional soccer player, climbed two of the seven summits, been featured in a major motion picture with Oliver Stone, and has been featured on television and media around the world.

    Mr. Guerriero was the youngest Senior Vice President at First Union in their 90 year history. As one of the leaders at First Union he established his reputation for being one of the most driven individuals ever to hit Wall Street, known for his relentless work ethic, accompanied with the ability to execute tremendous achievements both individual and with his executive team. His efforts contributed significantly towards First Union’s assets eclipsing $400 Billion, leading towards their acquisition by Wachovia in the biggest banking acquisition in banking history at the time.

    After First Union Mr. Guerriero was highly recruited by some of the largest firms in the world due to his expertise. Ultimately he made history by accepting the position of CEO of TAA, making him one of the youngest ever to lead a member firm. Implementing his expertise in Economics and Finance he was able to lead TAA to being acquired by High Point Capital, taking part in the second successful acquisition in his career.

    Guerriero a renowned published author with “How to Understand and Master the Stock Market”, How to Understand And Master Securities Laws & Regulations”, “Plan For Crisis”, and “Military Involvement and Trade Treaties: Exploring the Differences in Military Involvement of the United States in Foreign Countries, Post-Trade Treaty” took this expertise to the helm of Global Wealth, accepting the position of CEO. Again for the third time in his career he was successful in growing this company to have a global presence having offices domestically throughout the US and around the world. This led to Global Wealth eventually being acquired, proving his unique methodologies in growing organizations are tremendous.

    A former professional athlete himself, Guerriero has always had the passion to become an owner of a professional sports team. This passion led him to becoming the owner of an NBA D League team with his partner Mike Savitt with the Springfield Armor of the NBA D League (Brooklyn Nets Affiliate). In his first season as owner they had the biggest turn around in the history of the NBA D League and eventually winning the Eastern Conference Championship for the first time in their history. This success made his vision even more clear on the aspirations to achieve something unique in professional sports and in business. This vision was to create a portfolio of the two core foundational interests he had, Sports & Education. This is the seed that has grown into his diversified holding company known as Oxford City.

    Safe Harbor

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21B of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Readers are cautioned not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and only speak as of the date hereof. Forward-looking statements usually contain the words “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” or similar expressions and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Investors are encouraged to carefully review regulatory filings prior to investment consideration. Past performance is no guarantee of future success or that there cannot be losses or business interruption. The Company is in a rapid growth sector that may or may not continue to grow in the future and therefore poses risks that may be different than other investments. Management regularly provides news and additional information believed to be true and accurate at the time of dissemination but has no requirement to modify, comment or change in the future should circumstance change or information prove to be inaccurate for any reason. Additionally, the Company makes every effort to comply with all applicable laws.

    Contact

    Thomas Anthony Guerriero
    Oxford City Football Club, Inc.
    +1 5612925730
    Email

    Diana Lovera
    Oxford City Football Club, Inc.
    5616004608
    Email

  • Chris Smith – Real Estate Investor

    Chris Smith – Real Estate Investor

    I’m Chris, and I’ve been investing in Real Estate for years. Our company, Bay To Gulf Holdings owns houses, condos, villas and multiplexes and manages rental properties for others, but much of our success has come from buying, rehabbing and then quickly selling houses. Many in the industry call this “wholesaling” or “flipping”. Wholesaling and flipping are pretty standard practice in our niche of the market, but it’s not a very main-stream practice.

    We buy houses from banks & municipalities at auctions, and also from private owners. We look for homes with POTENTIAL and have established a system of inspection that gives us pretty accurate estimate of the rehab variable. The cost of rehabbing a house pretty well determines our profit. What makes our system so great is that we can estimate costs of rehab so accurately that, after inspecting the property, we can quickly determine our selling price.

    You see, a house is most often valued based on the properties around it. If there are four 3 bedroom, 2 bath houses on the same block valued at 200k, then that’s the best that we can hope for for any other 3/2 bought in the immediate area. Our method of estimating rehab costs added to the purchase price tells us the selling price. From that pint we can determine how long it will take to sell the house. Our goal is to sell it in 30 days or less. That means that we need to come in much lower than the appraised values of the homes around it. The WHOLESALE price.

    For the new real estate investor, the method of inspection and the cost of rehab are almost completely unknown. Because of this, their first 2,3, or 5 houses are going to be very… educational. As we all know, education can be very expensive. … and that’s our niche.

    We buy houses, rehab them quickly and efficiently, and wholesale them to smaller investors.

    Other real estate investors save lots of time and energy, and even a little money by working with us. We deal in volume, so

    While real estate is a great long term investment (rentals), we’re impatient and are always looking for deals which will allow a quick sale. You won’t find many of our properties on Realtor.com or Trulia, (unless we’ve just underestimated the costs to fix a house and have to adjust the price to a retail level).

    Most of the investors we work with are landlords looking for additional long term rental investments. They could look for houses themselves and then purchase and rehab them, but the time and enrgy spent yields NO benefit, and usually costs them more than if they just purchased a house or 2 from us.

    We’re looking for more investors to work with, because that enables us to keep our prices low. As a member of our mailing list and a subscriber to our newsletter, you’ll be privy to all of our wholesale offerings and will get to learn what we already know.

    Will we share all of our secrets with you? No, but you won’t need them. We’ve created a business that benefits you, both in the long term and short term to buy houses from us. We’ve done the hard work of prepping them for the wholesale market. You’ll save time, money and headachespurchasing your investment real estate from us.

    See for yourself – Available Properties.

  • Siemens Group Announces Plans To Build Nine-Story Luxury Address In Boca West

    Akoya, Boca West Country Club from Media on Vimeo.

    Breaking ground this fall, Akoya will boast remarkable, modern architecture, world-class amenities, 24-hour security and dedicated concierge service.

    Akoya at Boca West Country Club

    BOCA RATON, Fla., March 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

    Siemens Group, a renowned real estate developer, announced plans to break ground on a new luxury condominium this fall that will change the residential landscape of. Akoya, set to be a sanctuary of modern architecture, will boast every conceivable amenity and white-glove service within the gates of this Private Residential Country Club. Slated to open fall 2015, Akoya has been designed by GarciaStromberg, architects of One Thousand Ocean, and award-winning Interiors by Steven G. Akoya will be the first new residential development in Boca West Country Club in more than two decades. Pricing ranges from $1.2 million to more than $2 million.

    “Akoya is truly a rare opportunity without precedent,” says Richard Siemens, president and CEO of Siemens Group. “Akoya offers a high-style, highly serviced luxury lifestyle all within a resort-style community that will provide owners with the highest quality living experience possible.”

    For 40 years, Richard Siemens and family have left their mark on the South Florida real estate industry through such innovative developments as the Polo Club Boca Raton, Gleneagles Country Club, and Harbour’s Edge. And now, for the first time in area history, a private country club is inviting a developer to build a luxury high-rise condominium within its community. Siemens Group plans to break the mold once again with the much-anticipated Akoya.

    “It’s been a long time since any new developments have been built in Boca West, and Akoya is truly a one of a kind building for this area,” Siemens says. “We know discerning homebuyers will appreciate the word-class amenities and services that Akoya will offer. We’re creating a private sanctuary for a privileged few who demand the very best.”

    Akoya residents will enjoy the resort-style amenities and more than 300,000 square feet of award-winning club facilities Boca West is renowned for, including 31 Har-Tru tennis courts; six distinguished restaurants; an expansive aquatic and fitness center; a world-class 38,000-square-foot European-inspired spa; and four championship golf courses designed by legends Arnold Palmer, Pete Dye, and Jim Fazio.

    Akoya will comprise nine stories, 120 private residences, three dramatic porte-cochere arrival courts, a resort-style swimming pool with tropical sun deck and intimate lounging area, a 24-hour fitness center with state-of-the-art training equipment, men’s and women’s card rooms, a lavish Grand Room and more. Residences, from two to three bedrooms with den and offices ranging from 2,676 to 4,780 square feet, will feature secured elevators opening into the foyer of each residence, expansive terraces creating an outdoor environment that takes full advantage of South Florida living, designer kitchens, spacious master suites and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Truly a full-service building, Akoya’s professional valet, front desk staff and dedicated concierge will deliver white-glove service catering to residents’ every need. A state-of-the-art security system will ensure peace of mind for residents 24/7.

    Akoya will be perfectly situated within walking distance of the 300,000 square feet of club facilities and resort-style amenities Boca West has to offer—not to mention its convenient location in Boca Raton, with easy access to shopping, dining, entertainment, all major highways and the private airport.

    On Tuesday, April 1, Akoya will co-sponsor “The Concert for the Children,” starring the legendary Diana Ross. The concert will take place at Boca West Country Club in the Akoya Amphitheater.

    The Akoya Sales Gallery is located in the Boca West Sports Complex, 20583 Boca West Drive, Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.akoyabocawest.com or call 561-362-2719.

    About Akoya
    Slated to open fall 2015, Akoya is a new luxury condominium being developed by Siemens Group within the gates of the #1 Private Residential Country Club in the Country, Boca West. Set to be a sanctuary of modern architecture, Akoya will boast every conceivable amenity and white-glove services. Residents will enjoy more than 300,000 square feet of world-class facilities at Boca West, including 31 Har-Tru tennis courts; six distinguished restaurants; an expansive aquatic and fitness center; a world-class 38,000-square-foot European-inspired spa; and four championship golf courses. Residences, from two to three bedrooms and ranging from 2,676 to 4,780 square feet, will feature secured elevators opening into private foyers, expansive terraces, designer kitchens, spacious master suites and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Professional valet, front desk staff and dedicated concierge will deliver first-class service, and a state-of-the-art security system will ensure peace of mind for residents 24/7. Pricing ranges from $1.2 million to more than $2 million. Akoya is being developed by Siemens Group, renowned developer of Polo Club, Boca Raton; designed by GarciaStromberg, famed architects of One Thousand Ocean; and designed by award-winning Interiors by Steven G. The Akoya Sales Gallery is located in the Boca West Sports Complex, 20583 Boca West Drive, Boca Raton. For more information, visit www.akoyabocawest.comor call 561-362-2719.

    SOURCE Siemens Group

  • How to Buy Wholesale Real Estate

    How to Buy Wholesale Real Estate

    In the Real Estate business, there are two terms which are related: “Wholesaling” and “flipping”. When you buy a property wholesale, you’re actually buying a house that was purchased at a discount in the first place, then rehabbed privately and sold for a modest profit.

    The value of rehabbing and flipping one house is negligible. However, rehabbing and wholesaling houses in numbers becomes more profitable with each one. So the profit is in VOLUME. As an investor, you’ll find thatsome wholesalers can sell at lower prices than others.

    We buy houses at auctions held by banks and municipalities. Most of these houses have been either neglected or vandalized and WILL need to be rehabbed. We have A/C & plumbing technicians, as well as landscape maintenance & construction contractors that we keep employed year round.

    Before We Buy

    Before we actually buy ANYTHING, we do a thorough inspection of the available property using an inspection checklist that allows us to keep a consistent pricing structure. We take everything into account, including the age of the house, the condition of every component and appliance, and the neighborhood the house is in. We then take the results of the inspection and make our bid.

    Once the house is purchased, we review our checklist and decide the best approach to quickly get the house into the market. Sometimes rehab is the only option, but if a house is in good condition, we may just

    At BTGH, we deal with small and very large real estate investors on a daily basis. We’ve developed a great “clearing-house” type formula that makes it more profitable for investors to purchase properties from us, rather than purchasing and rehabbing themselves. If you’re interested in becoming part of our investor network and purchasing property for rentals or rehabbing, start with our featured properties list, and then give us a call.

  • Simple Ways to Invest in Real Estate

    Simple Ways to Invest in Real Estate

    Simple Ways to Invest in Real Estate

    Real Estate is the #1 easiest to understand investment in the world. No complicated equations, no unyielding regulatory boards. Just buy some land and wait. What’s great about it is that there is an opportunity out there for everyone: You just have to be patient and ready to take advantage of the opportunity when it reveals itself.

    Here are some easy ways to invest in Real Estate.

    1. Buy a Rental House

    It sounds simple enough, don’t you think? Buy a house and rent it out to people.

    Well, it is – kind of. Find a house that needs some TLC, get a small loan against it or buy it outright, then fix it up and rent it out.

    First thing you need to do is FIND A HOUSE. BTGH has a huge selection of houses available to start from. We are an investor driven market, so our inventory is priced BELOW retail value for quick movement. Many of our Tampa wholesale properties have been rehabbed and are tenant move-in ready. Others have been cleaned up and are ready for rehab.

    Regardless of the path you choose, if you buy from us, you’ll get our full attention and we’ll be happy to answer all of your questions about the industry, profit margins, and processes.

    Something to keep in mind though is that rentals are a LONG-TERM investment. There isn’t a lot of money to be made up front in the rental game, but over time, and in quantity, this can be a very lucrative endeavor. The secret to success in the beginning though is ELBOW GREASE. That’s right – roll up your sleeves and get dirty. Buy a house that you can afford, and do the work yourself to get it rental ready.

    Don’t know how to do something? That’s why God invented Google.
    (Ex: “How to install a kitchen counter-top.”)

    Once you’re done fixin’ stuff, RENT IT OUT. Easy-peasy.

    Marketing Your Rental Property

    Ha, ha! Ok, so maybe you’ll have to do a little marketing to rent it out… and then you’ll have to maintain it for your residents, but if you rehabbed the house yourself, then maintaining it will be a breeze – If something breaks… go fix it.

    To market your new rental home, go down to Walmart and get 3 “FOR RENT” signs. Put your phone number on them, put one in front of the house, and put the others on main roads leading to the neighborhood. Your phone WILL ring.

    Other secrets to success are:

    • Keep money in the bank for problems down the road. You’ll need a new A/C unit, refrigerator or stove sooner or later. Accept it now, so that it’s not an inconvenience later.
    • Rent your property AT or BELOW market value. One awesome, long-term tenant is worth much more than a series of short-term tenants paying a couple of dollars more. Each new renter equals about 2 months of lost revenue.
    • Don’t be lazy. Being your own property manager is tough work. However, if you’re in a financial position to sacrifice 8 to 10% of your rental income, it might be worth it to hire a property manager.
    • Be empathetic, but FIRM with your tenants. Their problems are not your problems, unless you allow it. The #1 reason people fail as landlords is because they’re uncomfortable asking for the money. If you’re uncomfortable, hire a professional (aka: property manager).

    There you go: Easy Peasy. Stick with it and in 10 or so years, you’ll have a nice little money maker, because rents will probably have gone up, while your mortgage has stayed the same. Multiply that by 10 or 15 houses, and you’ll be retiring in Costa Rica in no time! !

  • Buy, Rehab and Flip

    Buy, Rehab and Flip

    When a house goes into foreclosure, it was usually neglected in the first place. Then it may sit empty for months – even years. By the time we get a hold of one of these houses, it needs extensive work. Buying houses to rehab and flip (sell for a quick profit) is a great way to produce a quick return on your investment, while also improving the communitythe house is in.

    You’ll find that one neglected home will have a negative psychological effect on everyone within view of the house. Homes in the vicinity of the foreclosure will go up for sale, many lawns don’t get mowed as frequently as they should and home improvements seem fruitless when the rest of the neighborhood is in neglect and disrepair. One rehabbed house can give hope to everyone in view of the home. It’s like Obamacare, but without all of grumblings of socialism, global warming and bad web design.

    When you buy a neglected home in any community and rebuild it, you’ve increased the value of every home on the immediate block, as well as the homes in the general community. In return, you should make a little profit (provided you’re doing it right).

    We have a crew of contractors we use to quickly repair and/or rehab a house, improve it’s curb appeal and make it liveable again. However, if you’re reading this, you’re probably interested in doing it yourself. FUN!

    How to Rehab a House

    The first thing you have to do before rehabbing a house is to analyze the structure of the home. Determine which walls are load-bearing and which are just free-standing (the load-bearing walls keep the roof up). You’ll also want to understand the difference between a frame house and block, and whether or not it has a crawl space. We’re in Florida, so the homes we find are a little different than the houses you may find. Houses built in Florida before the 1950’s tend to be frame houses (wood) with crawl spaces. In the old days, homes were built off of the ground about 2 feet. This helped the house to stay dry, by promoting air flow underneath it to remove excess moisture. Today, with the advent of air conditioning, Florida BUILDERS don’t seem too concerned with moisture, though they should be – but that’s another blog subject entirely.

    Modern Florida homes are built with no crawl space, but instead on a concrete foundation that’s poured right onto the ground. While this system of building promotes the introduction of moisture into the house (a real danger when houses site empty for months or years with no air-conditioning to move the air around), it actually makes rehabbing and remodeling a simpler process because there’s no sub-flooring to worry about. Tile, vinyl and carpet just lay right over the concrete foundation. Easy-peasy.

    Older homes with crawl spaces may require rebuilding of the flooring substructure, and who knows WHAT you might find when you start ripping out 80 year old wood. But in reality, the only way to know what you need to fix is to start tearing stuff out.

    Start Small

    Unless you’re rich, you’ll probably have just enough ambition and money to do one room at a time. Start small, and work from there. Most people start with a guest bathroom or laundry room. This is where the biggest impact can be made, but the needs are pretty straightforward. Tear everything out, and start putting new stuff back in – from the bottom up.

    When you’re all done, get drunk and say to yourself:

    “I’m never doing that again!”

    In 30 days, you’ll be ready to take on the master bath.

    Here’s a great little article (with pictures) on one couple’s challenges with rehabbing the laundry room in their house.

Reset password

Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password.

Powered by Estatik