Quick Flipping / Before & After Video / Palm Aire

Quick Flipping Before  and After Video

Get ready to remodel and flip.

Remodeling an investment property can be an intimidating task for any investor, but with the right contractor and the proper steps, a remodel can prove to be quite profitable. Take a look at this extensive remodel by Brista Homes. The end result was a brand new home (aside from it’s age) with a turn around time, from start to finish, of three months.


Step One: Estimating the Renovation Costs
Estimates were started as soon as the home went under contract. Once all the numbers were in, it was time to separate the “musts” from the “wants”. For example, repairing the roof, and replacing the AC unit and water tank were a “must”. Tearing down the kitchen wall to make it an open concept was a “want” but fit the budget.


As soon as the property closed, all supplies and material were ordered.


Step Two: Meet the Neighbors
Introduction letters were sent to the neighbors and the association informing them of the renovations and where to direct concerns they might have through out the process. This helped the job to start off on the right foot.


Helpful hint: As a result of the letter, you may receive calls early on about interest in the home. Make it a point to only show the home once the remodel is 100% complete. Save their information and assure them that you will update them when the home is nearing completion.


Step Three: The Demolition
Within hours after closing, the dumpster was delivered. The demolition was started immediately. The tacky wall paper was stripped, the popcorn ceilings were scraped, the moldings and doors were removed, the kitchen and guest bathroom was gutted, and the confining kitchen wall was removed.
The only two items salvaged in this property were the hardwood floors, the master bath marble tile, and a small section of kitchen cabinets that were cleaned and reused in the laundry area.


Step Four: Rough-in Mechanical Stage
These “must” items in the remodel were tackled first:
AC duct work
Electrical wiring for recessed lighting
Plumbing behind the walls
Roof repair
Helpful hint: Do not re-texture and paint the ceilings without repairing the roof leaks first. Do not repair dry wall before fixing the plumbing.


Step Five: The Installations
The following items were taken care of during the installation process:
Drywall repair
Retexturing of the walls and ceilings
Trim work
Painting
Installation of kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities
Floor and wall tile installation
Granite counter tops installation
Hard wood floors sanded
Helpful hint: When doing a kitchen, bring your dimensions to Lowe’s or Home Depot and have them design the kitchen for you. You’ll get the right size cabinets with a good fit.


Step Six:Trim out
The remodel was now ready for the finishing touches. This is also referred to as punch out and consists of the installation of plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, and outlet covers, paint touch up, etc. It’s a good idea to walk through at this point and create a punch list of items that need completion. These finishing details are what makes the remodel stand out above the rest.


Step Seven: Construction Clean
The home was professionally cleaned, including the windows.


Step Eight: The Garage
The garage doubled as a work shop during the remodel process, so it did not make sense to tackle this area until the end. The painting of the garage trim and walls were scheduled at the same time as the interior paint touch up. The garage floors were acid washed, etched, and received two coats of epoxy. Not only did the homes interior look brand new, but now the garage did too.
Next, the hard wood floors were stained and sealed. The floors received three coats of sealer, and were sanded lightly between each coat.


Step Nine: Carpeting
Since workers were coming in and out of the home, the carpets were installed last. Wall to wall carpeting went into the master and guest bedrooms.


Step Ten: The Exterior
Curb appeal plays an important part in making your investment property stand out from the rest. The home was pressure washed and damaged lanai screens were replaced. A professional landscaper was hired to clean the yard and remove the old stone hardscaping. Mulch and flowers were added along the walkway. An appealing exterior sets a good first impression and attracts buyers.

 

Condos for Sale in Downtown Sarasota 34236

Condos for Sale in Downtown Sarasota 34236

View full details and photos of condos for sale in downtown Sarasota.  All Sarasota condos for sale information is provided through a direct MLS feed and is updated several times per day.

Why live in downtown Sarasota?

Downtown Sarasota condos are conveniently located in walking distance to shops, theaters, art galleries, restaurants, Whole Foods, and more. Downtown Sarasota is home to several special events throughout the year such as the Chalk Festival, the Film Festival, and a weekly Farmer’s Market.


Current downtown Sarasota condos for sale range in price from $159,000 – $5,900,000. Prices vary according to square footage, views, property condition, and updates. To find out how much your downtown Sarasota condo is worth, fill out this simple form.


For downtown Sarasota community information including restaurants, medical facilities, crime risk, weather, shopping, and places of worship, visit my downtown Sarasota community page.

Live close to everything

Condos for sale in downtown Sarasota are located in close proximity to the Sarasota Bay and many local attractions including Burns Court Cinema, Towles Court, Selby Gardens, and the John Ringling Museum.


1 – 10 minutes to Players Theater which offers musicals, concerts, and plays.


1 – 10 minutes to Burns Court Cinema which features many small releases.


1 – 10 minutes to Hollywood 20 movie theaters


1 – 10 minutes to the Sarasota Opera House


5 – 10 minutes from the Ringling Museum of Art and Ca d’Zan


10 minutes to the Baltimore Orioles spring training field


10 minutes from Lido Key Beach


20 minutes from the world famous Siesta Key Beach

 

Free Market Report for condos for sale in downtown Sarasota 34236

The data in this free market report is consolidated from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales, and more. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions.


Call or email anytime to discuss how this information can benefit you!

 

Looking to remodel your downtown Sarasota condo?

Get in touch with Brista Homes, Inc.


View custom remodels by Brista Homes, Inc.

Quick Tips Foreclosure Buying Guide

True or false?

Investors should go after foreclosure properties because they can purchase them at a deep discount.

Foreclosure and bank owned properties may be priced at lower than similar fair market properties, but be careful because you may get what you pay for. Buying foreclosure homes requires research and experience. With this in mind, here is a quick tips foreclosure buying guide for purchasing foreclosure and REO bank owned homes.

Real Estate Foreclosure Auctions

]If you are unfamiliar with real estate auctions, the new HGTV show, Flip or Flop, is a good example of what you might expect. During the shows foreclosure auctions, seasoned investors with deep pockets bid against one another to purchase a home, sight unseen, and what lurks on the inside of the home is pretty much a mystery. Trashed homes, funky layouts, and mold issues are all potential unidentified risks which widdle away at an investors potential profits.

Once you take possession, the seller washes their hands of the property. Undisclosed issues or title defects that arise after you take possession are no longer the sellers problem, they become your problem.  So, if unbeknownst to you there are people living in the home, it is your responsibility to get rid of them. To minimize the risk of claims or liens on the home, always do a title search in advance on properties that are of interest to you.

Buying Bank Owned Real Estate

When a property does not sell at a foreclosure auction, the financial institution purchases the property and it becomes known as REO or real estate owned. For the novice investor, buying a bank owned REO is the safest way to purchase a foreclosure property.

With the dispassionate financial institution as the seller, the process is slower and longer than an auction or regular transaction, but there are several advantages to purchasing a bank owned REO property. Investors have the opportunity to view the property in advance, perform an inspection, and conduct a title search. This means less risk and more potential profit.  

Although many bank owned properties sell close to asking price, there are still opportunities for a good deal. One of the best tips for investors is to watch properties on a daily basis. When an owner-occupant period expires or a price drop occurs, immediately submit your offer.  A good real estate agent can assist in the process by setting you up for property alerts. As soon as one of your interested properties drops in price, you are alerted by email. I do it for my buyers all the time. I have personally purchased multiple properties using this technique.

Conclusion

When seeking a great deal, a foreclosure auction could be a good opportunity for the experienced investor, but novice real estate investors may want start with buying lender owned REO homes.

 

An REO purchase requires experience, research, and is more complex than a regular real estate transaction. Educate yourself on the keys to success. Learn how to submit a competitive offer and most importantly know what your are signing. There are critical things you should know when signing the bank addendum. A great real estate agent can assist you through the entire process.  

REMODELED TO PERFECTION - 6342 Grand Oak Circle #105, Bradenton, FL

Bradenton Real Estate Video Tour

 6342 Grand Oak Circle #105 Bradenton, FL

 

Another quality remodel by Brista Homes, Inc.

Beautifully remodeled ground floor condo in the golf and tennis community of Grand Oak at Tara Preserve. This designer kitchen boasts 42" espresso shaker style cabinets, Cambria countertops, glass tile back spalsh, and stainless steel appliances. Stylish industrial pendant lights accentuate the breakfast bar.  Rectangular ceramic tile which mimics salvaged hard wood completes the look and continues through out the main areas, including the two newly remodeled bathrooms. The two bedrooms switch up to hand scraped hard wood flooring.

Everything in this condo is new-- new AC, new water heater, new mouldings, new paver brick lanai, new everything. It's like moving into a new home.

Additional features include a one car detached garage, storage closet, interior fire sprinkler, two community pools, and beautiful lake and golf course lanai views.  Low maintenance fees, a financially stable association, and pet friendly community, make 6342 Grand Oak Circle #105 unit a must see.

Click here to view additional information on 6342 Grand Oak Circle, #105, Bradenton, FL

To view this property please contact:

Gina Ursini
Keller Williams Lakewood Ranch
gursini@sarasotahomescollection.com
941-812-4894

FALL DECOR FOR THE HOME

Create inspirational DIY decor for the home.

With fall quickly approaching, I thought I might put together some DIY fall decorating ideas for the home. These projects are easy, inexpensive, and beautiful additions to your home’s decor. The best part is that you made it yourself!

 

Inexpensive glass pumpkins receive a coat of looking glass spray paint, transforming them into beautiful mercury glass pumpkins.

Add a bit of whimsy to a room by placing faux leave branches inside contemporary glass vases.

A grid of leaf prints becomes a one of a kind piece of art.

Use candles and acorns for a simple centerpiece.

Stencil letters onto repurposed bottles or glass and add your choice of flowers.

Click here to view additional fall diy projects for the home.

(sources: houzz.com & pinterest.com)

Spooktacular Halloween Party Food

Spooky Halloween Party Food

Halloween party food will add a delightful spookiness to any festivity. Make a spooktacular impression with these creepy party treats, great for guests of all ages. Collected from Pinterest, these gruesome recipes are easy, inexpensive, and fun to make.


Witchy Finger Cookies

(Recipe and photo source:  http://domesticsugar.blogspot.com/)

For a horrifyingly scrumptious desert, roll out sugar cookie dough into a thin line. (The dough will spread when baking). Score at the knuckles and apply an almond shard at the tip. Bake as directed. Brush cooled cookies with a little cocoa powder to add contrast. They are creepy but delicious!

Witch fun fact:
Witches are usually seen with a black cat, flying on a broom stick or stirring a cauldron, but in earlier times, witches were considered healers and women of wisdom. Their cauldron (pot), broom, and cat are all symbols associated with the women's work and the household.


The Puking Pumpkin





















(Photo source: Pinterest.com)

This spin off of the jack o' lantern may disturb the digestion of any guest, but it will also evoke laughs and entertainment for all ages. All it takes is your favorite guacamole dip and a carved pumpkin.


Healthy Halloween Pumpkins


















(Photo source: Pinterest.com)

Peeled tangerines and a piece of celery stick, can it get any easier?

Jack O' Lantern fun fact:
The jack o lantern dates back to a Celtic story of Jack Stringy, a drunk, who made two broken deals with the devil. Upon his death, neither God nor the devil would accept him. Jack wanted to make his way to heaven, so the devil threw him a piece of hot coal inside a carved turnip, but legend has it that Jack has been roaming the earth with it ever since. To scare away Jack or other wandering evil spirits, the Irish would make their own version of the jack o lantern by carving scary faces into turnips. As Halloween evolved in America, the turnip was replaced by the pumpkin.


Halloween Screamers

(Photo source:  Pinterest.com)

These screaming pigs-in-a-blanket are unquestionably creative and a perfect Halloween hors de’oeuvre.


Zombie Boogies

(Photo source:  Pinterest.com)

Green candy coated popcorn will be a horrifying delight for any of your party guests. The recipe is super easy and the awesome zombie boogie bags are available for purchase too.


Jello Worms

(Photo source and recipe:  Pinterest.com)

Your party ghouls will love to gobble up these tasty squirmy worms made from bendable straws and jello.  Wrap straws in a rubber band and place into a glass. Gently pour jello into the straws, let the jello set, then release the worms by running the straws under warm water.

Should Real Estate Investors do Home Inspections?

Home Inspections

When flipping real estate, you can assume repairs will be needed, and in some cases properties may even require complete renovations. As a precautionary measure, a home inspection is always advised, although you don't always need to pay for it.

The new investor

If you are a new investor, hire a licensed home inspector. You need to know all the things that are wrong with the property, and that is exactly what the inspector will do. As part of the learning process, be present for the inspection and ask questions.

It does not matter if the property is new or old, a home inspector will still come up with a list of recommendations and repairs. Do not be alarmed by the number of items in the report -- a good inspector will let you know everything that is wrong with the property. Many of the items will be minor. Review the list, determine which repairs are serious or safety issues, and analyze the repair costs.

The experienced investor

Experienced investors and their general contractors should be able to spot troubled areas. A home inspector will point out the same items and recommend an expert for a further analysis, so is it necessary to hire a home inspector to tell you what you already know?

Save yourself time and money and go directly to hiring experts that specialize in specific areas. (foundation experts, mold experts, roofers, electricians, plumbers, and so forth). Often times these estimates are offered free of charge by the subcontractors and more informative than a home inspectors evaluation. If you are planning on remodeling the home, and you know you will be replacing items, than an inspection of those items may not be necessary.

Requesting repairs

When requesting repairs, a seller will not accept the opinion of your friend or general contractor. In addition, the seller may require receipt of the home inspection. Although you are not obligated to provide a copy of the inspection report, do not be reluctant to make it available. The seller will be more agreeable to the repairs if they see other items on the report that you did not request.

For a property that needs numerous repairs, ask the home inspector to inspect a few select items at a reduced price.  If the seller agrees to the repairs, the sellers repair cost may outweigh the $400 +/- you spent on your inspection, saving you money in the long run.

REO home inspections

When purchasing a REO property, you are purchasing it "as is".  On a standard Florida "as is" contract the buyer has the right to perform an inspection and based on the results, terminate the contract, and receive their escrow deposit back in full. What many investors, and even some realtors do not realize is sellers of REO properties will not return an earnest money deposit if the buyer cancels based on inspection results.

In addition to the standard Florida "as is" contract, banks require buyers to sign a bank addendum which supersedes the state contract. This bank addendum allows for an inspection but does not allow the buyer to terminate the contract based on the inspection results. The buyer must provide written notice to the seller of any problems or items they disapprove with the condition of the property along with complete copies of all inspection reports.  If the seller elects not to repair or correct these problems, then the buyer may terminate the contract and receive their earnest money deposit back in full.

It is important to review and understand the bank addendum inspection timeline prior to signing. The Florida "as is" contract states inspection dates begin on the effective date, but with many bank addendum's, inspection periods begin at the date of acknowledgement, which is the date of verbal acceptance.

Lastly, check the number of calendar days they are allowing for an inspection on the bank addendum. It may differ from the number of days in your original "as is" offer. I have heard of cases where the "as is" contract stated 15 days, but the bank addendum was changed to 7 days and neither the agent nor the buyer realized it. Silence from the buyer is recognized as acceptance by the bank, so this could potentially put your buyer at risk.

Keep an eye out for my upcoming blog on REO Quagmires, in which I will discuss in further detail the"as is" contract vs. the bank addendum's.

Further reading:

In it to Win it:  Tips on Submitting an Offer

Estimate Calculators: A Tool for Investing in Real Estate