Hey guys!
It’s that time again—get ready for Friday rev-up from moi! We just finished a project in Baldivis, and I’m buzzing to share it! This deal, brought to us by a an agent we have been working with long-term, was an off market house for sale. The owners were desperate to sell, the house was a disaster, and the process of putting this deal together reminded me why I do what I do.
The Hidden Costs of House Renovation (And Why They Matter)
Now, let me get real with you—every house has a story, and this one hit differently. The house was a total wreck, wires hanging out everywhere, ceilings caved in, and rubbish strewn about. I don’t know about you, but walking into a place like that can be bloody overwhelming. It got me thinking about how people underestimate the real house renovation costs when a home is in such bad shape.
I made the owners a cash offer for the house “as is.” The wife was ready to sign on the spot, but her husband? Not so much. He was demanding more money, even though, ironically, he was responsible for most of the damage. 🙄 The situation was heart breaking—domestic violence, addiction, untreated mental illness—the works. Every time the wife fixed something, he smashed it up again.
In these cases, you’re not just dealing with bricks and mortar—you’re dealing with people’s lives, and that’s the real cost of a house renovation you won’t find on a spreadsheet.
When House Renovation Costs Aren’t Just Financial
Most people think house renovation costs are just about materials and labour. But sometimes, the costs are emotional, and those are the ones that weigh the heaviest. The wife was exhausted, her life falling apart because of this house. If we didn’t step in, the bank would’ve repossessed it, and no one would have come out a winner.
So there we were at a stand still on the deal. Part of me considered walking away. But after sleeping on it over night, I came up with a creative solution—a modified joint venture with the sellers. I’d handle all the renovation costs and project management, then take my cut once the house sold. This way, the sellers didn’t have to cough up any cash upfront, and I didn’t even need to use my own money! A private lender I’ve worked with before was more than happy to jump on board for a nice return. With such a win win proposition, all parties signed on the dotted line, this time around.
Calculating the House Renovation Cost: Every Detail Matters
Before anything could start, we had to agree on a budget for the house renovation costs. Let me tell you, that wasn’t an easy conversation! The damage was extensive, and getting the house into a saleable condition wasn’t cheap. But here’s the thing—if you’re doing renovations to flip a house, you have to spend money to make money. There’s no cutting corners when it comes to adding value.
Once the reno budget was sorted, we had legal agreements and caveats in place to protect everyone’s interests. Fast forward a few weeks of hard work and some serious project management, and boom—new house, new start. The transformation was incredible, and when we took the wife and her new partner through the house after staging, she was in tears (the good kind this time).
House Renovation Costs vs. Profit: Is It Always Worth It?
You’re probably wondering—what did we make? Well, let me be straight with you. We didn’t walk away with our usual fat profit margin, but that’s okay. This one was about giving someone a fresh start and leave trauma behind. And the bonus? We kept our trades busy, made decent money, and turned a wreck into a beautiful, desirable home.
This is the heart of what I do—helping people move forward when they feel stuck. We got the house ready to hit the market, and thanks to its location and our hard work, I predict a tidy profit for the owners. Enough to start fresh and leave the nightmare behind.
Finding Deals Like This in the Off Market Houses for Sale Game
Now, here’s something for you property hunters. This gem was an off market house for sale, meaning it wasn’t listed anywhere publicly. These deals come to us through relationships we’ve built with agents over time. You won’t find these homes on the typical platforms, which is why understanding the off market houses for sale game is key. It’s about who you know and how you navigate those relationships.
If you’re serious about flipping houses or even buying your own dream home, you can’t just rely on the usual listings. Some of the best deals are happening off market, and you need to be ready to jump when the opportunity presents itself.
House Renovation Costs: What This Project Taught Me
At the end of the day, every renovation is different, and the cost of house renovation isn’t just about dollars. It’s about time, effort, relationships, and sometimes, a bit of heart. Would I do it all again? Hell yes. Seeing the look on that woman’s face when she realised her nightmare was over—that’s why I do what I do.
So, if you’re thinking about your own renovation project and wondering if the costs are worth it—trust me, they are. You just need to be prepared for the unexpected and know when to take a risk that could change someone’s life.
Alright, that’s me done for this week. Get off the couch, take some action, and let’s make some magic happen!
Until next time, Julie
