Real Estate provides an opportunity to meet people from all different walks of like with specific needs and wants in their Indianapolis home.
I often encounter those who want to try their hand at flipping properties. As long as they know what they are getting into and have adequately considered both the renovation and holding cost, I will be their real estate scout.
Others, want to buy something low and fix it up themselves, also known as "sweat equity". I admire, appreciate and applaud those who are able to do the work themselves. Their goal and dream is to have a home they have created. My goal is to help them achieve their dream.
I also have clients who are weighing the cost of remodeling their home or adding on vs. selling and moving into something new or bigger. This is often a task which involves serious conideration since you are living in the home while it is being renovated. A homeowner also does not want to put more into the home than the potential resale value.
Then there is always a person. like myself, who dreams of remodeling and renovating one of the Historic, Victorian homes in Lockerbie Square. Now, that's a project!
Each of these scenarios has their own advantages and disadvantages. My advice is "always consider the true cost of taking on such a project". I often find those who have underestimated the cost of a project end up losing much more in the end, if they have to sell before finishing the project.
My recommendation is to seek an expert in the field of remodeling and renovation. Having expert advice beforehand can save you thousands later. One such renovation company in Indianapolis is Renovation Resources. Jeff Echols is a Renovation Consultant who has experience in determining the cost involved in remodel and renovation of properties.
Jeff's experience includes:
- An architect by training in the residential market for the past 10 years and more varied markets the 5 years prior having worked on everything from corporate headquarters to preserving historic covered bridges and firehouses.
- He has very strong ties to the construction field having worked in just about every major trade.
- His current projects range from a second floor addition, a master suite / pool house / summer kitchen addition, a complete home renovation, to an exterior facade renovation of a small but prominent condo building downtown.
- Evaluates properties that clients are considering purchasing for the renovation / remodel potential.
Contact Jeff Echols before you begin the project. You'll save time and money.
Jeff is a guest contributor on my IndyRealEstateTalk blog.
Copyright Paula Henry 2007.
All rights reserved. No reproduction permitted.
Paula Henry is an Indianapolis Realtor with Red Door Real Estate, serving the needs of homeowners in Indianapolis, Speedway, Avon, Brownsburg, Plainfield, Zionsville, Carmel and Eagle Creek. When you're ready to buy or sell your home, you want an agent with a plan for helping you attain your dreams and goals. Contact Paula for your Indianapolis real estate needs.
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Indianapolis Realtors
317-605-4174
Hey Paula,
Great info here. I'll contact you directly about the possibility of linking this to one of mine on my outside blog.
Paula,
Nice of you to give Jeff some exposure here. Consumers can now find his services on localism and google.
Paula,
I love older homes too. I would love to restore an old Victorian farmhouse someday. It must be great to have a local resource like Jeff who can help your clients with these complex decisions.
Paula - Good information for the consumers in your area. Having Jeff as an expert contributing to your site is an excellent idea . I use to do a newsletter and I had a home inspector who contributed an article in each issue.
Jason: Education is important! When clients take time to educate themselves about the cost beforehand - then I better assist them in finding the perfect property.
Neal: The information is important since we have many areas around the city which are being revitalized as well as those areas which provide a great rental income. You can honestly buy homes in many areas for $40,000-$50,000 and have rental income of $500-700 a month. Knowing whether it is a good investment depends largely on the cost to remodel and fix up.
The fact Jeff can now be found on page one of Google is a bonus for him!