Tag: DIY

Flipping Houses: 2023 Interview with Bobby Curtis

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Flipping Houses: Interview with Bobby Curtis Part 2.1

Looking back on the interview and my responses from 2019 on house flipping was interesting. I remember lessons I’ve learned from the houses I have flipped since 2011. But I’ve learned quite a bit more since 2019 as well. Not just because I have remodeled and sold more houses myself, but because I have helped others start their flipping business and represented them as a real estate broker. So, I’ve been able to learn even more from them. Some things they have done  how I would have, and others done differently. I’ve learned from both and would like to expand on the responses I had based on the experiences I’ve had since that interview. 

1. WHAT ARE THE KEY FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS REAL ESTATE FLIPPERS SHOULD THINK ABOUT BEFORE THEY BEGIN A NEW PROJECT?

I didn’t have a bunch of money to start my business when I began in 2011. What I was able to do is get creative with financing. Borrowing money is actually one of the easier components, which I wasn’t expecting. There are many private money lenders out there who want to lend people money to restore houses. They have a cap, of course, on how much they will lend. That’s partially based on how much work and money you plan to put into the house, and it’s after repair value (ARV)- basically what it’s projected to be worth when your finished. 

Generally, you will need to start making payments on the loan you borrow from the private money lender within 2-4 months, so make sure you have enough money to start paying that back if you haven’t finished and sold the property yet. 

2. HOW DO YOU DETERMINE A BUDGET WHEN IT COMES TO FLIPPING A PROPERTY

When I look at house, I begin to determine what to do with it by seeing what nicely remodeled houses look like that have sold in the area. I am a data junkie. It’s worked for me, and it gives me confidence that people are already going for it. The ideal scenario is when you buy a fixer house, there are many ARV comps (comparables that represent what the house will look like). These comps show what designs trends are selling, how people are using spaces in a house, and what the overall property has to offer. 

If I’m coming into this field with no experience, I should rely heavily on these comp houses. They will be a good guide for what I should consider doing to this fixer house. And that is the beginning of my budget. I start to determine the cost of each update, upgrade, improvement in the house to get this house on par with the comparables I’m looking at. One question I have gotten a lot while clients have been remodeling houses is “I’m trying to decide between putting in this or that in the house”. Before I give my personal opinion, I ask them to go back to the best ARV comps we looked at when they bought the house to see what was done there. This usually gives enough insight to help them make the best decision.

3.WHY IS PROJECT MANAGEMENT SO IMPORTANT IN HOUSE FLIPPING?

I have not met a house flipper who is not a good project manager. The job is dynamic. There are so many facets to it: budgets, design, hiring, collaborating, and constant critical decision making. You have to become a skilled conductor to do this well. That doesn’t mean you need to be an expert project manager when you start (but it sure would help). A good project manager, and generally one who has something at stake, can make or break a profitable house flip. If you decide to hire a project manager, they need to have some kind of bigger incentive to make sure the project runs smoothly, great contractors are hired, timelines and budgets are followed. But honestly I’d rather you just be the project manager yourself, and get some help if you’re not great at it in the beginning. Nobody has more at stake than you.

As a project manager, I have had clients ask me what they should do in one circumstance or another, and even if I would make the decision for them. I can’t. The most I can do is tell them given the information I know, if I were in your shoes I think I would do this. But, everyone has a different set of circumstances, priorities, and risk tolerances. That’s important for you to balance out before making decisions.

Another thing- you might have a great design, but if you blow the budget and timeline, that design better be the VERY best to support someone paying tens or hundreds of thousands more for the house because you went so far over the budget and timeline. And it’s possible someone will. Just know it’s a risk.

 

4. WHAT ARE SOME KEY MISTAKES THAT CAN MAKE HOUSE FLIPPING A FLOP?

I stand by my original answers here but will expand on them.

A. Putting in materials and finishes that don’t work. Make sure people are already buying houses with the design ideas you are using. In this field we have so much at stake, so we are constantly looking for ways to mitigate risk. Having data- ie comparbles that show what materials and designs others have put in houses that have sold for prices we’re looking to sell our house for is important. If you decide to venture off to a new or different design, it’s okay. Just know that you are adding a component of risk since we don’t have that kind of data to support it. What makes me feel more confident with your non-supported design choices is if you’re already a successful designer or you’ve hired one to help with your remodel. That of course, brings those risk levels down. 

B. Buying a house with no good comparable houses. There are different levels of comparables. The best ones are close by, same era, square footage, style, with same size yard and amenities. There is no perfect comparable but we want to get as close as possible. The idea here is we want to decrease the number of variables between our house and the ones that have sold so we have a more than a strong intuition of what we can sell this house for when it’s finished. Did I mention I’m a data junkie? J

C. Putting a house up for sale before it’s 100% complete. Please don’t. Sometimes you’ll have success with it, but in the long run I have found it’s not a great idea. This is such a big investment for the end buyer. Generally when we list these remodeled houses, they are the most expensive houses in the neighborhood, outside of new construction. If someone is going to pay the highest price, they want to walk into a house that is completely buttoned up. We never know what people will cling to, or what will leave a lasting impression (good or bad). If something is unfinished, buyers will put together stories in their head and wonder why it isn’t complete, or why the rush to put the house up for sale. It just leaves a lasting bad impression that they may not even able to put their finger on. 

D. All D-I-Y work. You may be a skilled craftsman, carpenter, or extremely handy. Even if you are, it’s unikely this is going to be convincing enough to me for you to do everything. While you may love house flipping, it is a business, and timelines are important. If we’re looking at ARV comparbles that sold three months ago when you buy the house, and it takes you a year to remodel the house, then we are essentially relying on 15 month old data for what the house should be worth when you’re done with it. Real estate markets can change so much in that period of that time. I don’t want you to rely on getting lucky that the market will improve for sellers in that time.

E. Taking too long. See above.

5. ANYTHING ELSE TO ADD?

Be curious. Be a self-starter. Spend time wandering around neighborhoods. Go through open houses to see what houses that are going up for sale right now are going for and what condition they’re in. Join a real estate investor group so you can see and hear about what other investors are doing locally. You can also learn about some of the nuances that make house flipping unique in the area you live in. Hire great people, and people you enjoy working with. Now that this is your business, these are the people you will be spending a lot of time with.

If you missed the original Interview Part 2, you can see that here.

Five Favorite Portland Nurseries for Fall Planting

Posted on by Lydia Hallay

The greenhouse at Cistus nursery
You can find specialty palms (like this Sago), succulents, and agave in the greenhouse at Cistus nursery on Sauvie Island. It’s just one of my five favorite nurseries in the Portland area.

It’s the last week of September, the mornings have cooled, and those drizzly days have started to show their face again. As the tomatoes do a nosedive and the dahlia pump out what feels like a final rush of blooms (trust me, they’ve got weeks left to go)- you might be thinking the season for planting is…. over!

But don’t put those garden gloves away just yet- autumn in the Pacific Northwest is an excellent time to get back in the dirt with a sense of enthusiasm. The days are still long, the temperatures warm enough to encourage plant vigor, and more frequent rainfall means your freshly buried babies will have the gentle hydration they need to get settled for winter.

If you’re a new (or, existing) homeowner who’s been waiting for the perfect moment to renovate a landscape, now is the time to do so. With weeks of gentle temperatures ahead of us, it’s generally safe to continue digging and planting until around our first frost (usually early November).

Fall is also a great time to lay fresh bark dust on your paths (to keep those muddy ruts at bay) and compost on your planting beds. The nutrient-dense layer will help insulate and feed plants through the winter, so they survive the cold temps and emerge satiated and strong in spring.

Whether you’re planting trees, shrubs, hardy perennials, or spring-blooming bulbs- we’re lucky to live in a city rich in high quality nurseries. Here are five of my favorite places to shop (as well as what I like to buy from each):

Portland Nursery:  With two Southeast Portland locations (SE Stark and SE Division), you can find just about anything you’re looking for at this gardener’s paradise. While prices tend to be a little higher than your average box store, the quality and selection of plants available can’t be beat. If you’re looking for a special variety of Heuchera, Rose, Clematis, Japanese Maple, Hellebore, or flowering bulb- this is where you’re most likely to find it. 

Both Portland Nursery locations have information/reference desks on site, which are often staffed by Master Gardeners knowledgeable in topics like pruning, pest management, and soil health. If you’re looking for houseplants, both sites have a great selection of indoor specimens; however, the plant atrium on SE Division is nearly quadruple the size of the one on SE Stark, and usually includes a variety of specialty cacti, citrus, and orchids. 

Cistus Nursery:  Located 15 miles NW of Portland on Sauvie Island, Cistus specializes in Mediterranean climate, southern hemisphere, hardy tropical plants, and more. Owned by renowned horticulturalist Sean Hogan, Cistus isn’t just a resource for interesting plants- it’s a botanical wonderland worth visiting in itself. Densely planted with species you wouldn’t expect to see growing in the PNW, Cistus is an inspiring place full of fascinating specimens you’ll want to take home- including Eucalyptus, Yucca, Agave, Manzanita, and Hebe (to name a few). If you’re looking for “standard” plants that you can find everywhere else- this isn’t the place for that. If you’re looking for something truly unusual- go here. 

One Green World: This SE Portland nursery specializes in fruiting trees/shrubs, berries, vines, unique citrus, nut trees, and quirky southern hemisphere varieties like Chilean guava. While the bulk of their business is mail order, their nursery off SE Foster was recently expanded and is worth a visit- especially if you’d like to see what certain varieties look like once they’ve been planted in the ground and have a few years of growth behind them. If you’re a fiend for figs, a lover of olives, or interested in planting species like pineapple guava, yuzu citrus, or fruiting plum- OGW will usually have the best selection in town. 

OGW’s online catalog is extensive and fun to browse- you can also usually grab a paper copy on site, which is great for wintertime browsing on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee/tea. They do tend to sell out of things quickly- so order early and sign up for notifications on items that are listed as out of stock. 

Tony’s Garden Center: This family-run nursery has three Eastside locations – one on SE Holgate, one in Damascus, and the other in Happy Valley. Their prices are reasonable, the selection is solid, and the staff is super friendly. If I’m looking for general landscaping plants, vegetable starts, colorful annuals for my seasonal pots, or affordable (small) perennial flowers for my cutting garden, I go here. 

Tony’s offers affordable delivery in the metro area, so if you’ve ordered too much to carry home, they’ll load it on a truck and drop it on your driveway- usually that same week. 

Xera: Specializing in plants that are especially well-adapted to our Zone 8b conditions (wet winters, dry summers), this small SE Portland nursery is a must-visit resource for folks who are interested in native plants or xeriscaping (i.e., gardens that don’t need supplemental water in summer). While the footprint of the nursery is small (essentially, the front parking lot of an inner SE commercial building), the range of species offered is large. 

Finding what you’re looking for at Xera can sometimes be challenging; their selection changes often, their hours are limited, and they sell out of certain things quickly. But, the quality of their plants is good and they carry things you won’t find anywhere else. While they post a new availability list on their website every week, plants are catalogued by their botanical/latin name (i.e., no “common” names). As a big plant nerd (with Master Gardener training) myself, I know the names of a LOT of plants. But I don’t always know their latin name- and the availability list doesn’t provide much detail in terms of plant habit, bloom color, etc. I recommend visiting the store in person so you can see the plants in person and talk to a knowledgeable staffer before buying.

While these five nurseries are my most-visited favorites, there are many other wonderful nurseries in and around Portland that I love patronizing. If you have a favorite, I’d love to know about it! And, if you’re interested in more plant talk with a plant nerd, I’m always sharing plant/garden photos, house/design inspo, and (occasionally) floral arrangements on Instagram: @hiredthumb

 

PDX FOOD PLANTING GUIDE

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea
Planting your own food is a wonderful way to eat the freshest, most deliciously healthy food you can get your hands on. It’s farm to table everyday when you harvest food from your yard. Ready to start planting your own food? Perhaps a spaghetti garden or salsa garden? A pickle patch?
Take a LOOK HERE at Portland Nursery’s helpful guide of when to plant food in Portland!

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

What’s up with Cosmetic Fixers?

Posted on by Mel Marzahl

 

What’s up with cosmetic fixers? What are they? What’s the difference between a “fixer” and a “cosmetic fixer”? Here is a quick guide to cosmetic fixers. I’ll answer these questions and talk a bit about how buying one could be the best way to get into a busy market and what to look for.

What are they?

First, let me explain what I mean by a “cosmetic fixer”. These are homes that structurally and mechanically are in good shape but look outdated, dirty, or generally unattractive. Cosmetic fixers can be condos, townhouses, single-family or multi-family homes.

What’s the difference between a “fixer” and a “cosmetic fixer”?

In short, a fixer is a property that needs A LOT of work and may not even be livable (lacking heat, missing flooring, open walls, mold/mildew, etc). They are priced significantly under the average price for a similar property in the same area that is “move-in ready”. Fixers often require cash to purchase the home as lenders may not provide financing for them. A cosmetic fixer is a home that has “good bones” meaning its main systems are functioning well and it’s livable, but it may need a deep clean and some minor t0 significant updates to the cosmetics. Cosmetic updates might include things like carpet, paint, countertops, cabinetry, fixtures, tile, and the list goes on… It can also generally be financed as well because while it may need a deep clean and updating it is still in liveable condition.

What to look for

If you’re looking for a cosmetic fixer, you will need to look past a home’s popcorn ceilings, chipping vinyl floors, or dirty, threadbare carpeting and take a good look at the functional aspects of the home. The structural components of the home, like the roof, gutters, siding, windows, and doors should be in generally good to average condition. The mechanical components of the home, like the furnace, ac, plumbing, electrical panel, and ventilation should also be in good to average condition. Your realtor can point out things to take note of and share their experiences, but you should always rely on the expertise of a home inspector and/or trusted contractors to verify the condition.

Is a cosmetic fixer right for my budget?

Whether you are a first-time buyer looking to get into the market, someone looking to buy a second home, or an experienced investor, there are some things to consider first. Mainly, does your budget allow you to make the needed repairs? If you’re getting a loan to buy the house, you’ll want to look at the funds you have available after your downpayment and closing costs. Do you have enough money to make the repairs you want to do? How big is the home?

If you only have enough to cover new paint, some new hardware for cabinets, and an appliance or two, maybe a “light” cosmetic fixer or a more modest-sized home is best. If you have enough cash to replace all the cabinetry, re-do the bathrooms, replace light fixtures and flooring, you’ll have more options.

A way to stretch your budget as a first-time buyer, or someone who intends to live in the home as they fix it up, is to prioritize your repairs. Decide what needs fixing or replacing before you move in, what items you can do in the first year, and what things you can live with for a few years while you save up for the next project. Does the carpet need replacing or does the asbestos popcorn ceiling need to be removed? You might decide to do these items before you move all your stuff in and live with the 1970s kitchen for a while. If you go this route, keep in mind that you’ll also have regular home maintenance things to budget for as well. You may be saving for a new bathroom, but don’t forget to put a few dollars away to re-caulk and touch up paint the exterior next fall or to have your ac and furnace serviced regularly.

Is buying a cosmetic fixer right for me?

Well, if you’ve read this far, I think it could be! Deciding to buy a cosmetic fixer means that you have the vision for what a home could be with some TLC. It also means that you’re committing to a bit of a project. Cosmetic fixers can work for many types of buyers. Maybe you’re handy, you like a DIY project and plan to live in the home as you fix it up. Or maybe you’re planning to hire someone to do all the updates right away so you can move in and enjoy the freshly updated space. You might have an eye for design and see a cosmetic fixer as an opportunity to choose your own finishes and make a space your own vs buying something in great shape that doesn’t match your style. Maybe you see it as an investment opportunity and plan to fix it up to be more desirable to more people and sell it for a profit. Whatever your plan is, cosmetic fixers can be a good option for lots of buyers!

 

If you’re ready to start shopping for a cosmetic fixer in Portland or the surrounding areas, give me a call. I’ll happily show you homes with potential that just need a little TLC. I love a design project and can discuss how to meet your goals and make a place your own.

Rose in Full Bloom

Posted on by Gabrielle Enfield

Hi, Readers!

Recently, I made a new friend named Rose. I helped her and her now-ex husband in the sale of their big, beautiful Craftsman in NW Portland, and got them set up for their next chapter. Rose and I immediately hit it off – making each other laugh and enjoying each other’s company immensely. When she sent me a text that she “wasn’t really looking” but was curious about a fixer in NE Portland, I immediately jumped in to learn more.

 

What we found was an extraordinary NE Foursquare that was by a park I didn’t even know was there. It’s

close to the Zipper on NE Sandy, by Providore, and on a lovely tree-lined street. The house itself had been a rental for more than 30 years. It still had so much soul, but it was buried un

der a strange hodge-podge configuration. Hardwoods, leaded glass, picture rails, broad bannisters, tall ceilings, ahhh. So good. We put together a compelling offer for her and snatched up the old gal. Now, Rose is at work bringing her beautiful home back to its full glory. Here’s what happens when you strip old bronze hardware in a crock pot…

I can’t wait to see what else she comes up with. Thanks so much Rose. You’re amazing!

Are you interested in finding a fixer upper? Gimme a call, I can help you spot the potential.

Till then, high fives!

Hiring Great Contractors

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

So many of us are planning work on our homes right now. Ensuring you make the right contractor hiring decision is essential right now. And if you think it’s just about making sure they do quality work, that is only part of it. I shared some tips. with Kara Mack from Afternoon Live about what to consider and look out for. See the full 7 minute interview here

Great Contractors

Have great reputations

    1. Stand behind their work when problems show up- and people rave about them. DON’T just look at online reviews- businesses tend to ask for reviews from clients when things go well, not when they don’t
    2. Reliable

** Bad contractors tend talk about themselves more than others talk about them

Organized and good with the basics

    1. Have a schedule, and communicate when they will be able to do the work
    2. Do what they say they are going to do, including show up for the estimate on time, and get you an estimate when they say they will.
    3. May have an office person who keeps track of the schedule and communicates all necessary information.

** Bad contractors aren’t great at following through on the basics

Experts and resourceful

    1. Listen to you, meet you where you are, and present curiosity and interest in your project
    2. Do not treat your project like its just like all of the rest
    3. Willing to share why they recommend an approach or certain products
    4. Tailor their proposal to your interests, and not just what they are used to doing

** Bad contractors have a blanket approach based on what they usually do

One more tip: The clearer you are on the scope of work, and confidence you present that the project WILL be happen, the more interested contractors will be in working with you.

DIY Stock Tank Pool

Posted on by Andee Zeigler
Remember when it was summer last week?  It was just for a moment but I am confident it will be back!
I took some time this weekend to get our little stock tank pool ready, if you are dreaming up ways to stay cool this summer, I highly recommend that you get yourself one!
Below  is a little tutorial; this is our 4th summer with it and we feel like we finally have it working how we want.
-Purchase a 700 gallon round stock tank you may be able to get it delivered,  check your local farm supply shops.

-Choose a filter and pump, the Intex above ground pool salt water filter and pump are super user friendly and work great if you cut two holes in the side for the intake/out .

-Dig out the area where the pool will be placed. Pick a location that will get good sun to help warm the

water. Get it as level as possible, add a 2” layers of sand and 1 layer of foam core insulation.

This was the Intex set up 4 years ago, there a newer generations available.

-Buy a filter cartridge and pool salt, available at most hardware stores, get a 50lb bag of salt it it will last 2 summers. We also have an Intex rechargeable vacuum that is a must have!
-Purchase  a round solar cover and cut it to size, this pool is 8’ diameter . At night we also put a foam board insulation cover on it which has made a huge difference in heat retention.
Last year we added a second solar heating system that sits on top of a darkroom door we have been carting around for the last decade! This coil of black flex pipe can be placed anywhere but full sun is ideal.  We use a pond pump to pump water up through 200 feet of coiled black tubing.  The pump is on a timer so the water sits up there for 20 min and then is pumped back into the pool. The pump is a little loud so we housed it in an old styrofoam cooler and tucked it under the deck. When we are actively using the pool we shut all of the pumps off so it’s more peaceful.  With this solar setup up  we average 80 degrees by mid afternoon, late June-late September.
Last but not least, design your deck and landscaping. Having the half moon deck makes this a sweet spot to visit and dip your feet in. We find that we spend most summer afternoons in this little corner of the yard.
If you decide to get one and have questions, I am happy to help. We have found that if you google it, you get a handful of basic instructions, we tried all of the variations over the years and feel quite happy with this set up.  Now we just have to keep the ducks out!

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Buying a Home Vs. Remodeling The One You Have

Posted on by Bobby Curtis
I talked with Kara Mack on Afternoon Live today about whether people should buy a new house or remodel the one they have. It’s worth diving into a little bit because home prices, building materials, and contractor prices are all up this year. Below are some things to consider. To watch the 5 minute clip, click here
  1. Get honest about what really doesn’t work about your current house.
    1. Enough space
    2. Outdated
    3. Location
  2. If a remodel could work, get estimates
    1. Costs of some building materials have increased exponentially over the past year (lumber)
    2. Demand for remodel has gone up, contractors are busy, and their time is worth more than a year ago as well.
    3. Determine a realistic timeline- most materials are coming late.
  3. Planning to Buy
    1. Home prices in the Portland area are up 17% from a year ago. For a $500k house, that’s $85k more
    2. Since 2/3’s of houses sell in the first week, you will have to compete
    3. You may have to be willing to pay more than the appraiser says it’s worth, so make sure you’re planning to live there for a while

If you decide to remodel your current home, check out some tips on Hiring Great Contractors

Peel And Stick Wallpaper

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

photo credit society 6

Wallpaper is back, and it’s good. We know that is exactly what they thought in the 50’s when they went wallpaper crazy, but the difference now…it’s peel and stick. Yes, wallpaper comes in all forms from pasted to peel and stick, but the great thing about peel and stick, is that it’s not a nightmare to remove. With a little planning and patience, you could have a newly wallpapered wall in a day. Below are some of our favorite wallpaper sources – have fun out there!

About Us: Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped hundreds of clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

The Right Project House for First Time Buyers

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Right now, when it feels like there is 1 house for every 10 buyers out there, many buyers are having to adjust their expectation in a house. And if they see something they think will meet their needs, they are often writing an offer. Interestingly many of these buyers may have started off with a laundry list of what their needs are. As their offers have been rejected, they have boiled that list down to what their true needs are. In doing that, some buyers are considering houses that have the prime elements they are looking for, and then rely on the future renovation projects they will do to get it the rest of the way there.

Best Bang For Your Buck

Here are my thoughts on what projects new buyers should focus on. Buy something you can move right into (or move in within 60 days). Most traditional loans require buyers move in within 2 months, so find something that is livable. When it comes to projects to take on, consider the things that traditionally increase the value of the house. The kitchen and baths are a great start.

If you’re willing to do more updates, consider something that doesn’t need structural changes, or changes that will require an architect. Pulling in an architect increases costs exponentially. It also usually means city building permits are necessary in order to make those improvements. Many cities are back-logged right now, and might not even be able to look at those plans for 3 months. Stick to surface updates like paint, flooring, and lighting. For a handy person, those are even things you can do yourself. Thoughtfully updating these, along with the kitchen and baths, will typically bring back a high return for what you investment.

More Than Cosmetics

While I recommend generally staying away from houses with structural issues, making updates to the electrical can be easy enough, and is one of the most important upgrades to make when it comes to safety. Do yourself a favor though and hire a licensed electrician. If you find a home you love that has 2 prong outlets, no GFCI protection in kitchen or baths, or has an unsafe electric panel, these are prime for upgrading. Not only will it be safer, it adds modern conveniences. You will need these kinds of upgrades later down the road anyway to make further improvements in the house that you really want. While this electric project could average between $7,500 – $10,000 or more, if you’re buying in a market where the average cost of a house is over $500,000, that doesn’t feel like too much.

Looking for more of a project? Here are some tips for something more extensive: Click Here.

 

Flipping a Duplex

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

While I haven’t restored a multifamily property before, I have remodeled plenty of single family houses. So, I figure it might be similar, just times two. I am just beginning this one. Right now, these side by side units mirror each other with one bedroom and a bath on the main floor, and another bedroom upstairs. The basement is a blank canvas, unfinished, and on the dingy side.

My plan is to add a bathroom upstairs to create a nice master suite, as well as an additional bedroom, laundry and family room in the basement. The two units will still mirror each other, but I don’t know…maybe we’ll change up the finishes on each side. Updates to come as we move along.

Living and Dining Rooms

 

Botanical Wall Sculpture Workshop

Posted on by Living Room Realty

JOIN US!

Join the incredibly talented Lynsea with Coy & Co to craft a custom botanical wallhanging! Sophia Rosenberg (@pdxinspired) will be hosting the workshop at Living Room Realty’s Northeast office. Enjoy bites and drinks as we DIY away!

Using exclusively sustainably and locally sourced dried florals and foliage, brass, organic fair-trade cotton cordage, and more. This workshop will leave you walking away inspired!

Install your piece above your dining room table, your living room mantel, a doorway, above your bed, anywhere!

This type of service would usually cost you $250, but for this special class, we’re teaching you how to do it for just $95!

Botanical Wallhanging Workshop

Will my house sell for more money when I stage it?

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Perceived Value.

A homebuyer determines the value of a home before they even enter your home. The NAR reported 55% of buyers find their home on the internet. First impression is everything. A photo can speak a thousand words… but don’t take my word for it, see for yourself and review the research below. Forbes, the National Association of REALTORS®,  and HGTV agree that staging your home will earn you a positive return.

 

The photos shown here are from actual listings in Oregon & Washington, that I sold, and either personally staged or hired a professional stager. Some of these listings were full of clutter or located in a logistically difficult location.  One listing was on a very busy road with almost no driveway or garage and several unfinished construction projects. Another had little natural light and a slight pet odor. The last home was the most expensive house in the neighborhood, surrounded by homes that did not maintain their yard(or not attractive from the exterior), and did not have a garage. The point is- there may be other factors that make a home more difficult to sell. First impression is everything. If you can WOW potential buyers regarding the interior and exterior, the other factors are minimal in the end. A common rule of thumb for a home on a busy road, is to reduce the price 10%. If there are factors that already reduce the value of your home, wouldn’t you want to make up for it in some way? And if you could add 10%+ value to the true value of your home by re-arranging furniture or staging it- why wouldn’t you?

Forbes reported, “According to the National Association of REALTORS®, for every $100 invested in staging, the potential return is $400 . Compare that to the average sale price, which is a reduction of 10-20% from asking. So an average home with a $400,000 asking price will be reduced by $40,000 to $80,000.”

A great quote right out of an HGTV article, “I see many home sellers confuse staging with decorating and consequently resisting the process and the recommendations of the staging professional. But the reality is that the moment you commit to marketing your home for sale, you need to commit to transforming your home into a place that potential buyers can easily picture as their home.”

Staging is not only about furniture or de-cluttering. Staging a home for sale is a process that starts by preparing a “listing-prep” plan. After I meet with a client and sign a listing contract, we do a walk through together and make this plan. It can include a calendar of timelines to get household projects completed, packing, storing furniture, and touching up paint. As you can see from all of the above “before” photos, lighting makes a HUGE difference. Lighting, furniture placement, and professional photography create the WOW. Once we have all those elements, the perceived value of your home is at its highest and best. When your home is presented at its highest and best value- you sell for the highest price! Actual value depends on your location and condition of home. To find out what your home value is and what staging can do to improve the value of your home- contact me.

If you’re curious what it’ll take to sell your home, call me! I’d love to discuss future real estate opportunities with you. Call, email or text anytime.

Julia Robertson | Broker Licensed in Oregon & Washington

Insta @realestatebyjulia

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Living Room Realty

Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring a Contractor. Part 2

Posted on by Julia Robertson

Decision making on design: 101. Learning from my personal success and failures working with contractors.

Decisions decisions. Being well prepared with plans, a plan B, and your vision for a project will keep the flow going. Often your contractor will bring up questions during a project that only you can decide and you’ll need to be quick on your feet to respond. For example:

Do you want flat or semi-gloss on your walls, trim, and ceilings?

What size and style trim do you want around your window?

What shape do you want on your handrail?

Do you want silicon or grout around the base of your free standing tub?

Where do you want your light switches?

Often a question will catch you off guard and you’ll make a decision that you wish you could take back! Having a plan keeps you on track. Here’s what happened to me for example- the light switch to the closet. There wasn’t a light switch on our plans. The electrician suggested it go on the right side. But after we were all settled in, we realized this light switch should have been inside the closet or on the left side of door. Its an eyesore(for me) having a white light switch on the black accent wall! At the time the electrical was roughed in, I didn’t even think about it. Now, every time I open the door I feel for a light switch on the left- but its not there. If you are in Australia and is looking for a trusted North Brisbane electrical contractors then JTC Electric is a trusted electrician that can provide you such electrician services in and around Brisbane.

It’s hard to imagine knowing everything in advance. We do our best! Living in the space makes it so much easier to visualize how you want everything to be. Here are some tips on preparing your decision making:

  1. Do have a plan. Either blueprints or hand draw a room layout.
  2. Do have a Pinterest board. Pin all your ideas, including color, furniture, light fixtures, and finishes. This may take a while, but when you have all your ideas in one place you can slowly edit your favorites and it will help you stick to your “vision” for the space.
  3. Sometimes you have to say no. You have a lot of ideas on your vision board. You don’t have to do all of them. When it comes to a budget, you may have to say no to the more expensive windows and the skylight.
  4. If you’re making decisions with a partner and disagree- get a third or fourth tie-breaker. Then you can at least blame it on someone else when it doesn’t work out. Ha! No, actually it’s great to have another opinion. They may see something you haven’t considered. Do get a third or fourth opinion.
  5. Not all contractors have “an eye” for design. I always ask my contractors opinion, but refer back to my design inspo on my Pinterest board to remind me of the direction. Do show your contractor your design inspiration. Several of the ideas we had for our master bedroom, the contractor had not done before. He conceptualized it well, but it was because we stuck to our guns about the style we were going for. Both our GC and the flooring guy didn’t like the idea of transitioning the wood floor to hexagon tile. We literally cut out pieces of hexagon on paper and played with them like a puzzle until we found a good pattern. It was a group effort. It turned out great in the end! Sometimes you can’t compromise with style 🙂

When it comes to design, it’s hard making decisions. Especially when its for your own space. I really think experience is key! If the decision making gets overwhelming, hire a design consultant. When you’re in a pinch call them and they’ll help you figure out a situation. It may seem simple, but if I had called our designer about the light switch, I bet she would’ve said “put it on the left!”

I’ve said this before, but its worth saying again– Don’t make a final payment to a contractor until you are completely satisfied. I’ve made this mistake twice! Trust me, they’ll never come back to fix those final things if you’ve already paid them.

If you have real estate questions, call me! 

Julia Robertson | Broker Licensed in Oregon & Washington

Living Room Realty

541-505-1111 | julia@rebyjulia.com

Pro Tip: Sustainable DIY Halloween Decorations for an Eco-Friendly Holiday

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Halloween is the time to lean into all things spooky, and home décor can play an essential role is establishing the ambiance. However, traditional store-bought decorations can be scary for all the wrong reasons. Materials commonly include non-recyclable plastics, synthetic fabrics and toxic paint, which wreak havoc on our ecosystem. There are many ways to embrace the holiday of horror while reducing your environmental impact, and these sustainable DIY Halloween decorations are great activities to pair with pumpkin carving.

 

Egg Carton Bats

Rather than throwing your egg cartons in the recycling bin, set them aside for this classic Halloween craft. A perfect family-friend activity, this craft only requires egg cartons, a pair of scissors, black acrylic paint and some string to complete. You can get a step-by-step guide on on how to create these critters from Crafts by Courtney.

 

Floating Ghost

There isn’t a household item that has been more integral to the tradition of Halloween than the bedsheet. It works perfectly in a cinch and makes an impact on passersby. Using string, a white sheet and paint you can create a ghost to hang in your yard. If you don’t have a tree to hang your ghost from, this trick also works by covering a hydrogen-filled balloon with a lightweight sheet or cheesecloth. The motion from the balloon will even add an extra layer of realism! Additionally, you can preserve your white sheets by using attaching black paper cutouts to the material with a safety pin.

 

Spooky Spider Web

Store-bought spiderwebs are among the most commonly purchased Halloween decorations, but these webs can disruptive your local wildlife, as owls, bats and small birds can actually become trapped in them. You can create a safer web with yarn, which you can then reuse for a later project. For the details on how to create a spider web decorations for your home, check out this comprehensive tutorial.

By opting for sustainable DIY Halloween decorations, you can still indulge in ghoulish fun without playing any tricks on the environment. What Halloween crafts will you be enjoying this year? Let us know!

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Flipping Houses: Interview with Bobby Curtis Part 2

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Bobby Curtis was recently interviewed on how he finds good houses to flip. Here’s the second part of what he had to say.

1. What are the key financial considerations real estate flippers should think about before they begin a new project?

Make sure you have a reliable financial source that will bring you all the way through the project. Be financially okay to keep the house longer than you need to so you don’t run out of money. Only dip into your own money that you’re willing to lose. I normally don’t recommend using retirement money, or your personal home as collateral.

2. How do you determine a budget when it comes to flipping a property?

First I figure out what work the house needs, and then I figure out what I can buy it for.

A good general rule is that you can purchase a property for 75% of the after repair value (or what you’re going to sell it for) minus the cost of repairs. For example, if I can sell a house for $400,000 after I put $50,000 into it, ($400,000 * 75% – $50,000 = $250,000).

3. Why is project management so important in house flipping?

Timelines, schedules, budgets and great communication with your contractors can make or break how successful your flip is. You or another project manager who has your same interests down to core should be there every day there is work being done. Not all day long, but checking in. I recently took a 5 day trip to Alaska Ain the middle of a project. Even with a crew I’ve worked with for a while, things get handled differently (better) when someone in charge is there to check in, make decisions and overcome challenges.

4. What are some key mistakes that can make house flipping a flop?

Interesting you should ask. I did an interview answering just this question. Click Here.

Here are the nuts and bolts:
A. Putting in materials and finishes that don’t work. Make sure people are already buying houses with the design ideas you are using.
B. Buying a house with no good comparable houses
C. Putting a house up for sale before it’s 100% complete
D. All D-I-Y work
E. Taking too long

5. Anything else to add?

You can only do so much thinking about it and research. If you want to flip houses, you have to get things in place, buy a house and get started. You will learn things along the way. When things get tough, bring in experts in the area you are struggling in. It will be one of the best decisions you make. Miss part 1? Check it out here.

Bobby Curtis
Principle Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Licensed Contractor
CCB# 215071
503-502-3066

Flipping Houses: Interview with Bobby Curtis Part 1

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Bobby Curtis was recently interviewed on how he finds good houses to flip. Here’s what he had to say.

House flip – stately home in NW Portland

1. How do you find a good flip?

I find a good flip by keeping my eyes and mind open. It’s not just about finding a distressed house that needs work. There are many people out there flipping houses. I’ve discovered I need find something that presents a challenge that other people (flippers) don’t want. And I have to get creative to solve a problem in a way many end buyers will love.

2. What are the key steps to successfully flipping houses?

The key steps are:

A. First, hire a great real estate agent who is an expert in the area you’re looking in, and knows a thing or two about fixer uppers
B. Buy a fixer upper at the right price, and make sure there are good comparable houses for the price you plan to sell if for fixed up.
C. Get solid estimates for the work that needs to be done, and hire dependable contractors to do the work

D. Hire a cost-effective designer, or be one yourself. This is not a time to try out your super specific design ideas. You want something that will appeal to most
E. Get it done, and do it quickly without compromising quality. My goal is 4-8 weeks. If this is your first flip, don’t go over 3 months. Ideally you want to buy the fixer and sell the fixed up house in the same market.
G. And finally, sell it. Don’t nickel and dime the buyer who places their offer. You will often give more than you want to. That’s okay if you’re making enough money on it.

3. What should real estate flippers have in place to make sure the process runs smoothly

A great real estate agent, dependable contractors, a personal support network, and a reliable financial source.

4. What’s your best advice for working with and managing contractors? How do you cut ties with a bad contractor legally?

Very good question. I’m professional, and I hire professionals. That doesn’t mean the best price, because WHEN shit hits the fan, you want to know you can count on them. I hire a mix of contractors who do the work themselves, and larger companies who have crews. Equally as important is I work with people who specialize in fixers, not new construction.

I’m in this for the long haul, and most people who want to get into flipping houses usually want to do more than one. So, if I cut ties with a contractor, I usually give them more than I think they deserve and just agree not to work together again.

Lastly, reputation is important, and frankly you’re very exposed when you flip a house. If they want to make things difficult for you, they can. Most of the time when you want to part ways, they do too. So, shake hands and agree to be done.

Interested in Part 2? Check it out here.

Bobby Curtis
Principle Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Licensed Contractor
CCB# 215071
503-502-3066

 

Canning Demystified with Lucky Larder!

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

If you have ever attempted preserving food, canning, or fermentation…it’s no easy task. There is a lot to know to make sure it is done right, delicious, and won’t send you to the ER! Big thanks to Lucky Larder for coming to our NE office to give us a presentation on how to make pickled carrots and blueberry lime jam! Yummmm! Not only is she an amazing teacher, but we all had a blast canning together! Group canning should be a thing! Thanks to all of our clients who made it out for the event!

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

Catching Good Feels in Mt Scott-Arleta

Posted on by Living Room Realty

We started off munching on authentic tacos at the Portland Mercado, dreamed of a picnic in the lush Mt Scott Park, then to found the quintessential house that Jeff and Caitlin knew they loved from the minute they stepped inside. That feeling was like finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow!

Jeff and Cait found Kristin and I online. Kristin’s Filipino background was our first connection as Jeff is from a Filipino family. During our first video call we instantly caught good feelings about working together. We just needed to find the right house in time. Jeff and Cait are a sophisticated, cool and a collected pair with a keen eye for a good buy, and dang! Did they get a good buy!

When we came across the right house, I’ll never forget how their faces lit up. There was an excitement in the air. This revived American Foursquare fit their wants and needs very well. The entry room had an inside/outside feel which looked out onto the large front porch. The remaining of the interior, was so beautifully redone that it was hard to pass up.


We are so glad our lives are intertwined and that through this process we’ve each gained two amazingly talented friends. I’d say, we caught the good feels with these two and the house was the cherry on top.

 

Lucky Larder Preserving Class

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Join us for an evening with Traci Hildner of Lucky Larder.

Traci is Portland’s premiere caning and preserving educator. She loves to share her passion for local produce and her obsession with the art & science of food preservation. As an avid gardener she seeks out various methods for extending the life of her harvest and reducing food waste. In addition to her own research and experiments, Traci has completed Acidified Foods & Better Process Control training with the Oregon Process Authority and is a Master Food Preserver and Family Food Educator for the Oregon State Extension Service. Combining her education and experience in fruit & vegetable preservation with a master’s in teaching, Traci expertly shares her preserving passions with others.

Space is limited – RSVP Today!

• 1401 NE Alberta Street, Portland OR 97211 •

Tuesday July 16th • 6-9 PM

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

DIY DEVELOPER CLASS

Posted on by Aryne + Dulcinea

Learn more about developing your home and creating more versatility and value for your property. We will be discussing how you can fully develop your space with ADUs, detached bedrooms/studios, storage space and more. Find out what changes are taking place in our city that impact your zoning and possibilities. Become your own developer!

Wednesday, May 8th, 6:30 pm

Living Room Realty NE Office, – 1401 NE Alberta St. – Portland, OR

Presented by Aryne + Dulcinea and special guest Hillary Seiler

Dinner will be served.

RSVP by Monday May 6th.

 

About Us:
Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.

5 Mistakes to Avoid Before Flipping a House

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

I shared the 5 mistakes to avoid before flipping a house with Tra’Renee from Afternoon Live on Friday. Whether you’re a seasoned house flipper or you’re getting ready to restore your first one, you could probably get a good nugget or two from watching my short interview. Check it out here.

  1. Putting in materials and finishes that don’t work
    1. Find out what finishes are being used for houses selling quickly in the area. Use those.
    2. Consider working with a designer or an experience REALTOR® in this area.
  2. Buying a house to flip with no good comparable houses
    1. Flipping a house shouldn’t feel like a guessing game.
    2. Work with a REALTOR® who can show you there are other houses like the one you want to buy that other buyers have bought for the price you need to sell yours for.
    3. Look for evidence of houses selling for a lot more that are in much better condition. Take surrounding houses into consideration
  3. Putting the house up for sale before it’s 100% complete. One chance to make a good first impression.
    1. There are many houses I have walked into with evidence of work not being complete, door knobs falling off. No matter if that is the only doorknob loose in the house, it will BE the representation of that house.
  4. All DIY
    1. Hire professionals to do the professional work.
  5. Taking too long
    1. You had good intentions to flip the house in 2-3 months, and pretty soon that turned into more work than you thought. 9-12 months later you are ready to list.
    2. A market can shift dramatically in 9-12 months. I like to buy a house, restore it, and sell it in the same market
    3. Taking too long also kills personal morale. Keep that moment going.

 

Interested in more? Learn whether a house makes a good candidate to flip or not to flip here

Bobby Curtis
Principle Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Licensed Contractor
CCB# 215071
503-502-3066

To Flip or NOT to Flip

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

That IS the question. It’s always a pleasure to join Tra’Renee on Afternoon Live to chat about real estate.

I have been flipping houses, both large and small, since 2010 and have extensive first-hand experience with house restoration. You can find more of my interviews and tips on buying, selling, and flipping a house here.

This week I answered common questions about flipping houses. You’ve seen the TV shows that make flipping seem easy but there’s a lot to consider. If you’re thinking this may be for you, check out my tips and then watch this clip to arm yourself with all the facts before you dive into your next home restoration project.

Before you quit your job and start flipping houses, here are my Top Four tips:

1. Know your strengths and weaknesses.

2. Lower your risks by becoming or hiring a professional.

3. Have a budget and stick to it.

4. Be flexible because you never know what might come up once you’re in contract to sell that house.

Check out Afternoon Live, where I’m on once a month for more advice and guidance on Portland real estate. And click here to learn about 5 mistakes to avoid before flipping your first house.

Bobby Curtis
Principle Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Licensed Contractor
CCB# 215071
503-502-3066[/caption]

Original Montavilla Farmhouse Restoration

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

Montavilla is known as the quietly cool neighborhood in Southeast Portland. Centered on the commercial Stark/Washington couplet, the heart of it runs along SE Stark on what used to be street car tracks from 76th to 82nd.

Founded as Mount Tabor Village just before the turn of the century, its current name originates from an abbreviation used on that street car line: Mt. Ta. Villa. In addition to quietly cool people, Montavilla is home to shops, restaurants, watering holes, hardware stores, a university. In fact, Lonely Planet named it one of the “Top 10 Hot Hoods in the US you need to visit”.  It is also home to the latest farmhouse we restored at 505 SE 76th Ave.

Well, TECHNICALLY she’s across the street from the Western border of Montavilla, but she has been sitting at the foot of Mt. Tabor with her full attention staring down the heart of Montavilla for nearly 120 years. And she’s seen it all, believe me. Births, deaths, family gatherings, life before Country Cat, you name it. A huge tree even tried to take her down at one point but nevertheless she persisted. Persisted just long enough to welcome us in, so we could restore her to (most) of her original glory.

Whitewashed from top to bottom but still in really great shape, the exterior just needed a few standouts. So we maintained the original color and added black trim around the windows and to the large concrete posts. The roof had very recently been replaced, so we had to work with a trim color that worked well. Starting there, we quickly got inspiration for our interior color scheme. Not pictured here is the brand new roof we put on the garage, which had rotted all the way through to its joists and sill plates. Not very glamorous but very necessary. We added a fence and stone patio in the backyard for instant BBQ privacy/fun.

The living and dining rooms required the least amount of serious work. We restored the original wood floors, and added a fresh coat (or two) of paint to the ceilings, walls, and moulding. Tying in the exterior black trim color in with the stair risers and hand rail made a big impact.  And because there were no original light fixtures left in the house, we added period lighting that worked well with the era of the house.

The kitchen cabinets were original solid wood and in sturdy shape. All they needed was some freshening up. Staggered white 12” ceramic tile flooring was nicely accented with light gray grout, and we added maple butcher block countertops to warm it all up.

We made improvements to the TWO sunrooms off from the kitchen and master bedroom.  For many years these had been used as storage rooms, so little attention had been given to them. The windows hadn’t been used to look out of, and the sunlight coming in didn’t matter. Facing West, it was important we recreate these two rooms because they add so much charm to the home, and are very functional spaces.  Now these two rooms are the best places for languid summer afternoons with a good book and an even better ice cold beverage.

The main floor half bath and upstairs full bath got custom hex tile floors, efficient toilets, sinks and fresh paint. We also added all new water supply lines and sewer line to the house. Upstairs also got a brand new, gleaming subway tile surround. Very classic look for this beauty.

In order to gently nudge this old beauty in the 21st century, it was pretty clear early on that she’d need another bathroom. This had always been a family home and still now, she has room for more! Some spaces lend themselves easily to conversion. In this case, we converted the SE corner bedroom into the master bath and walk in closet, mixing vintage and modern. The 12” hexagonal tile pushes the design forward while an original clawfoot tub firmly (and very heavily) keeps it grounded in the turn of the century. The double vanity is a great mix of old and new, and the bedroom closet was easily turned into a private toilet room.

If you’re interested in checking out this Mount Tabor Village beauty, she’s still at the foot of Mt Tabor staring down Stark street, looking for new dwellers to call her home. You can check out the listing, price and see more pictures here.

And if you want to see Montavilla in all it’s glory, consider checking out the Montavilla Street fair on Sunday, July 29, 2018. More information here.

Bobby Curtis
Principle Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Licensed Contractor
CCB# 215071
503-502-3066[/caption]

Contractor Tips For Your Next House Remodel

Posted on by Bobby Curtis

If you’re getting ready to remodel your house, or take on a small house project, here are some of my top tips.

  1. Save money and time without compromising quality.
    Some lighting and bath stores have deeply discounted prices at certain times like Rejuvenation which specializes in new , high quality made to look original lighting. Once/quarter: new stuff sometimes 75% off from returned orders, or overstocked stuff. You can also visit online coupon websites and get a home depot promo code to use on your purchase.
  2. Tile stores like Pratt and Larson, Daltile and others have a formal clearance section. Great quality at deeply discounted prices for returned tile, or leftover boxes from a large order. Deeply discounted and high quality.
  3. There are places around town like The Rebuilding Center in North Portland that have great deals on original kitchen and bath fixtures, windows, and doors that came right out of houses in Portland, often times when houses are getting a make-over. Clawfoot tubs aren’t for everyone, so if someone takes it out, and you’re looking to put one it, you can get it for a great price.
  4. Contractor/Designer Discounts. Places like Lowes, HD, the lighting and tile stores I mentioned earlier, almost all of them offer contractor or designer discounts. If you let them know you restore houses, they will give you a contractor rate. Be sure to ask for it before you make purchases.
  5. Worksite/House Stuff: Bring Donuts and Coffee (especially when there are many contractors in a house at once). Most of these guys like to work alone, and you’re a savvy house renovator, so you have a timeline to keep and have several of them working at once. Bring donuts, and start the day off with a smile. It goes such a long way.
  6. Work clean- at the end of everyday, make sure the people you are working with pick up after themselves, remove debris, and take their tools and supplies with them. It allows you to see true progress on the house, and not feel like its constantly a wreck.

For more, check out my interview with Kara from KATU here

Bobby Curtis
Principal Broker
Licensed in Oregon
Living Room Realty &
Licensed Contractor
CCB: 215071
503-502-3066