This is my first post and I figured I'd do it on something I love- fixing up homes! The problem with a lot of remodels is not in the work, but rather in the location and design of the remodel. This is where most remodels go wrong. They aren't conceived well from the start. In order to make money, in this market or any other, you need to create a home design that is both attractive and functional for the demographic that desires to live in the area you are remodeling in.

I have seen too many homes that have great work done in them and have gorgeous features, but are completely wrong for either the home or the area, and the person who fixed it up ends up losing money on the deal. A perfect example of this is a guy I met across the street from a home I sold. He was impressed with how fast my listing sold and that it was near full asking price- in this market. He asked me for my opinion on the work he was doing to his house and when I told him that I didn't think his pricing would fly in the neighborhood but he disregarded me and tried to sell it for what he wanted- based on what he had put into the home. Needless to say, he is still trying to sell his house- after 3 months. His problem isn't only in pricing. He also has some very nice features in the home that aren't well thought out. For instance- the bathroom with the beautiful tile, wonderful soaking tub, and fancy vanity opens it's only door out into the living room:( So, when you are done with your whirlpool, you have to walk out in your towel through the living/dining room to get back to the master bedroom. Not real user friendly!

It's things like this that hurt people trying to flip homes. I always wish everyone the best of luck in flipping, but sometimes you need more than luck.