• Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice
  • Texas Real Estate Information About Brokerage Services

Navy Fellas Realty Group

Real Estate, Residential sales and purchase

  • Home
  • About Us
    • About James
    • About Ashley
    • About Our Team
    • Accessibility Statement
  • Property Search
  • Resources
    • Home Buyer Tips
    • Home Seller Tips
  • Video Walkthroughs
    • Saratoga Homes (Plantation Lakes -Katy, Tx.)
    • David Weekly Home (Towne Lake)
    • Taylor Morrison Home (Alder Trails)
    • Ashton Woods (Towne Lake)
  • Blog
  • Contact

Is Buying a Remodeled Home a Smart Move

March 26, 2024 by James Scott

While watching shows like Property Brothers, Flip or Flop, Fixer to Fabulous, Fix My Flip and Fixer Upper may paint a rosy picture of buying a remodeled home, the reality often differs significantly. While these shows depict smooth transformations and stunning results, real-life experiences with remodeled homes can be far more complex and challenging.

Many flipped houses come with hidden issues. Contractors sometimes prioritize speed over quality, resulting in careless workmanship. Despite the initial aesthetic appeal, problems may emerge months down the line.

While purchasing a flipped property can be enticing, thorough research is paramount. Here are some red flags to watch out for during your evaluation:

Unpermitted Work:

In full disclosure states like Texas, sellers must disclose all known information about the property, including upgrades and renovations. Even in non-disclosure states, requesting a list of renovations is advisable. It’s crucial to check whether the renovations were permitted, as most significant remodeling projects require permits. Unpermitted upgrades could indicate non-compliance with building codes, posing safety risks and complicating financing and insurance processes.

Reputation of the Flipper:

Before committing to a rehabbed home, investigate the entity responsible for the renovations. Determine whether they have a reputation for delivering high-quality work. Reputable flippers prioritize customer satisfaction and aim to maintain their standing in the industry. Conversely, lesser-known contractors may prioritize short-term gains over long-term customer satisfaction, potentially leaving behind shoddy workmanship and dissatisfied buyers.

Failed Inspection:

While a remodeled home may boast gleaming surfaces and modern amenities, its history might reveal a neglected past. Many remodeled homes suffer from prior neglect and significant disrepair, with contractors opting to conceal rather than address underlying issues. Hiring a competent home inspector is essential to uncover hidden problems and ensure the property’s structural integrity and safety.

Consulting with a trusted mortgage professional can streamline the financing process, enabling you to secure pre-approval and make informed decisions when selecting the right property.

While purchasing a remodeled home can be an attractive proposition, exercising due diligence and skepticism is crucial. By carefully evaluating potential red flags and seeking professional guidance, you can mitigate risks and make informed decisions in your homebuying journey.

Filed Under: Homebuyer Tips Tagged With: Real Estate, Remodel, Renovation Loan

How To Avoid Delays When Remodeling

August 19, 2022 by James Scott

How To Avoid Delays When RemodelingIf you have a remodeling project coming up, you have probably been told to plan for delays. Even though it can be frustrating to hear that your project is going to be delayed, with some simple planning, you can prevent this from derailing all of your efforts. What are a few of the most important tips you should follow if you want to avoid delays during your remodeling project?

Choose The Right Contracting Team To Help You

One of the most common reasons why remodeling projects get delayed is that people do not choose the right team to help them. There are a lot of contractors available, but you should always start by taking a look at reviews and ratings of the contracting service before you ask them to sign a contract. Take a look at the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any issues. Then, reach out to the contractor to see if they have handled projects like yours in the past. If they have worked on similar projects, you may have found the right team to help you.

Order Everything Early

Once you have found the right contracting service, ask them to order everything early. A common reason why projects are delayed is that materials are not there when they are needed. If you build in some leeway by ordering the materials early, you can prevent a delay from arising.

Get Everything Written Down

There is a saying that if you don’t document it, then it never happened. If you feel like you have a verbal agreement with the contracting service, ask them for a written agreement. You should always trust what the contractor says, but verify it by asking them to write it down. That way, you can avoid disputes down the road, and you can hold the contracting service accountable.

Make Sure The Project Finishes On Time

These are a few of the most important tips you should follow if you want your remodeling project to proceed on time. It can be frustrating when something goes wrong, but with proper planning, you can minimize the chances of dealing with a delay during your project. That way, you can enjoy the fruits of your labor just a bit sooner. 

Filed Under: Home Tips Tagged With: Contractors, Home Improvements, Remodel

Avoid These Home Projects If You Are Selling Your House Soon

June 24, 2022 by James Scott

Avoid These Home Projects If You Are Selling Your House SoonIf you have paid attention to the housing market recently, you might be thinking about selling your home soon. You might even be thinking about taking on a few remodeling projects in an effort to maximize the return on your investment. On the other hand, not every project will help you turn a profit, and some might even make your house less appealing. Take a look at a few home remodeling projects your should avoid if you plan on selling your house soon.

Remodeling The Bathroom

You might be thinking about remodeling your bathroom to turn it into a miniature spa. While this might be attractive for you, it will not necessarily help you increase the value of your home. Remodeling the bathroom doesn’t generate a huge investment return, and if the plumbing system has to be moved or adjusted, it could delay the sale of your home. Problems often arise, parts are hard to find, and a project that should have taken a week could last a month. Avoid remodeling the whole bathroom if you want to sell your house soon.

Renovating The Living Room

While the living room is often the central area of the home, it is not an area you should renovate if you want to sel your house soon. In addition to being a major project, not every buyer wants an updated living room. Eclectic color choices and odd dimensions that often result from a living room renovation can shrink the number of people who make an offer on your home, depressing your potential sale value. If you leave the living room as it is, you could appeal to a wider market, potentially putting multiple offers on the table.

Reducing The Number Of Bedrooms

Before you take a hammer to the closet, remember that it could reduce the number of bedrooms you have. This could significantly harm the sale price of your house. A creative workshop or art studio might appeal to you, but it won’t appeal to a wide market, particularly people with kids. Those buyers could offer more money. In general, more bedrooms means more money, so keep the bedroom intact.

Consider looking for smaller projects if you want to sell your house soon. 

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Real Estate, Remodel, Resell Value

What Home Improvements Sellers Should Make In 2022

April 28, 2022 by James Scott

What Home Improvements Sellers Should Make In 2022Owning a home is an investment, and it is important for people to treat it as such. Some homeowners are looking for improvements they can make to their house that might improve its resale value. There are a number of home improvements that seller should consider making in 2022 if they want to maintain or increase the value of their home.

Add A Stone Veneer

One of the top home improvements homeowners might want to make is to add a stone veneer. It can be expensive to replace the siding of a house with a stone veneer, but this is an improvement that can add significant value to the house over time. Furthermore, homeowners might expect the cost of the veneer to recoup almost all of its value when they go to sell the house.

Update And Remodel The Kitchen

Another upgrade that homeowners should consider is remodeling the kitchen. Styles change over time, and the needs of homeowners can change over time as well. Remodeling the kitchen can be both a stylistic upgrade as well as a functional one. People spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and a prospective buyer might be willing to pay a lot of money for a kitchen that has been upgraded and remodeled. The cost of the project could pay for almost all of itself by increasing the value of the home. 

Replace And Upgrade The Windows

Consider replacing and upgrading the windows to boost the value of the house. A lot of people are tired of spending a lot of money on utilities, and one of the ways to save money on utility bills is to invest in energy-efficient windows. This can improve the insulation of the house and reduce the load on the HVAC system. Buyers might like these utility savings, and they could be willing to pay more for the house, covering the cost of the windows in the process.

Invest In A House With These Improvements

These are just a few of the many home upgrades that homeowners should consider making. There are plenty of ways to not only improve or remodel the house but also increase its value. Work with a professional to get the most out of these improvements. 

Filed Under: Home Seller Tips Tagged With: Home Improvement, Real Estate Tips, Remodel

Top Considerations When Adding a Powder Room To A Home

September 30, 2021 by James Scott

Top Considerations When Adding a Powder Room To A HomeA lot of potential buyers have a set number of bathrooms they need in their homes. Therefore, one of the possible ways to increase the value of a home is to add more bathrooms. It is possible to add a half bath to some homes. Even a small bathroom on the first floor can make a home significantly more attractive. At the same time, adding a powder room is not necessarily the best renovation project for all homeowners. What do homeowners need to think about before adding a powder room to the home? 

Consider The Space In The Potential Powder Room

Even though powder rooms do not take up a lot of space, homeowners still need to make sure the space is available. A powder room typically has a toilet, a sink, and a small mirror. Most powder rooms are approximately five feet by three feet. Homeowners must make sure they have enough space to add a powder room before they get started on the renovation project. 

Think About Where The Space Is Coming From

Homeowners also have to think about where this space is coming from. Is the space going to eat into a stairwell, impacting its integrity? Is the powder room going to take space from the foyer or the living room? The space has to come from somewhere, and homeowners need to ensure they are comfortable living without it. 

Map Out The Location Of The Pipes 

Of course, powder rooms also need to have a sturdy plumbing supply to power the toilet and the sink. Therefore, homeowners need to make sure there are pipes nearby. The closer the pipes are to the potential powder room location, the less expensive the renovation is going to be. If pipes have to be added to the area, the project will instantly become more expensive, eating into the potential profits on the sale of the home. 

Think Carefully Before Adding A Powder Room

Even though a powder room might be a good decision for some homeowners, it is not necessarily a smart decision for everyone. Everyone has to think carefully about the benefits and drawbacks before getting started. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tips Tagged With: Powder Room, Real Estate Tips, Remodel

Key Points To Note When Drafting A Contract For A Remodeling Contract

March 12, 2021 by James Scott

Key Points To Note When Drafting A Contract For A Remodeling ContractThere are a lot of homeowners who are thinking about carrying out a home remodel during the current era; however, it is important to understand what goes into a home remodel contract. Even though it can be expensive to get the contract reviewed by an attorney, it is critical to take a close look at the contract to make sure the language is correct.

What are some of the most important points that homeowners should keep in mind when it comes to a contract for a home remodel?

Understand The Basics Of A Home Remodel Contract

First, it is important to understand the basics. The home remodel contract will have a lot of numbers and it can be challenging to understand. In general, the home remodel contract must state that the contractor is going to secure any and all necessary permits and approvals, the payment schedule, when the project will start, and when the project will end. Any home remodel contract should also contact the license number of the contractor and include a few days to rescind the contract without penalty should the homeowner change his or her mind.

Review The Payment Schedule

In addition to understanding the start and end dates, read the payment schedule carefully. The first payment should never be any more than 10 percent of the total cost of the job while the final payment should be approximately a third of the total cost of the project to ensure the contractor actually comes back to fix any issues should something go wrong with the project. The final details of a home remodel are important.

Don’t Jump On The Warranty

Finally, do not jump on the warranty even if it sounds great. A warranty for a home remodel is usually packed with a punch of exclusions that are instituted in favor of the contractor and not the homeowner. There are probably state statutes in place that provide much better protection than any warranty that is offered by a contractor. Furthermore, accepting the warranty will remove this protection from the state. Unless a lawyer says to take the warranty, it is better to turn this down and go with state regulations.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Contractors, Remodel, Warranty

How To Find The Right Color Combination For Your Home

September 16, 2020 by James Scott

How To Find The Right Color Combination For Your HomeThere are lots of decisions that people have to make when it comes to the decorating scheme of their home. One of the key decisions that homeowners face involves the color scheme. Some people are afraid to talk about their color schemes for fear of making the wrong decision; however, the only way to make the right decision when it comes to the colors in the home is to discuss the situation. Have no fear because there are a few steps that all homeowners can take to make sure they nail their home’s color scheme.

Think About The Mood

The first step is to think about the mood of the home. Colors are used to reflect some sort of emotion and they are going to set the mood of the room. What type of mood should the space evoke? It might be helpful to think about the stories that could unfold in the room. For example, pinks and brighter colors are used to reflect both youth and vitality. Darker colors are used to create an earthy, warm vibe. Color should be a part of the design process from the first step.

Ease Into The Process

Next, it is a smart idea to ease into the process. Instead of trying to look at dozens of color tones at the same time, pick a few very different colors. Then, gradually narrow down the selection by looking at colors that are similar to the first one. By gradually moving to bolder colors, homeowners will have an easier time going through the process.

Consider The Saturation Of The Color

Finally, when looking at the possible variations, think about the brightness of the color as well, which is often referred to as the saturation. There are multiple hues in a single color and some hues might overwhelm the furniture or the carpets while others will work well in a synergistic manner. Think about the role the color is going to play in the room and how it might work well with different types of furniture.

Find The Right Color Scheme

These are a few of the most important points regarding home colors. With these tips, it is possible to enjoy the process of finding the right color scheme for the home.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Colors, Real Estate, Remodel

14 Remodeling Projects That Increase the Value of Your Home

March 12, 2019 by James Scott

14 Remodeling Projects That Increase the Value of Your HomeYour home is likely your largest investment. Beyond repairs and regular maintenance to keep it clean, comfortable, and safe, there are a number of projects that can increase the resale value of your property. These renovations top the list of changes you can make that positively impact your home’s value.

Kitchen

With the right strategy, your kitchen remodel could return up to 92.9% of your construction investment. The trick is to not overdo it. You don’t need to gut and rebuild the entire room. Instead, make strategic upgrades that increase the comfort and usability of the room.

  • Paint wooden cabinets or install new doors and fixtures.
  • Install track lighting or LED features.
  • Refresh or change countertops.
  • Refurbish flooring and spruce up walls with warm, neutral colors that are easy to clean.

Invest in new appliances right before you put your home on the market to catch the eye of potential buyers and pull them in.

Odd Spaces

Older homes with distinctive architecture stand out from the crowd of cookie-cutter residences. However, these unique buildings often hide a lot of unused space. Make the most of every inch of your home to entice buyers to place a bid.

  • Convert a basement into a bonus room.
  • Turn the space underneath a staircase into a storage closet.
  • Divide oversized dining rooms to create a small home office.

Most buyers aren’t looking for a long-term project. Instead of pointing out the potential of your property, make it easy to see by getting creative with odd spaces.

Increase Energy Efficiency

In 2017, the average monthly utility bill reached $111.67. Help potential buyers lower their monthly costs by installing energy-efficient options throughout the home.

  • Install a solar water heater.
  • Change the windows to more energy-efficient models.
  • Add extra insulation to outer rooms and around doors and windows.
  • Use LED lighting outdoors and throughout the home.

You may be able to get some help paying for your earth-friendly upgrades with state and federal incentives.

Bathrooms

After the kitchen, bathrooms are the most scrutinized feature of homes for sale. Once again, a little goes a long way in these rooms.

  • Update fixtures with shiny metals for a modern look.
  • Change out the toilet seat.
  • Fix up the shower tiles and head.

These projects don’t take a lot of time. However, they can offer a big payoff when you decide to sell your home.

If you are looking for a new home or interested in listing your current property, be sure to contact your trusted real estate professional.

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Home Improvement, Real Estate, Remodel

Four Of The Best Vintage Design Trends For Your Kitchen

July 17, 2018 by James Scott

Four Of The Best Vintage Design Trends For Your KitchenSleek modern kitchens were all the rage a couple of years ago. But now, homeowners are re-creating the Happy Days right at home. Retro styles from the 50s and 60s are making a comeback in the kitchen. Just make sure you combine the old with the new. Using too many vintage touches can make your kitchen go from looking trendy to outdated.

Here are some of the most popular vintage trends for the kitchen. Discover some ways that you can incorporate them into your design scheme.

Funky Flooring

Hardwood is no longer the ideal kitchen flooring material. Funky pattern tiles and vintage black-and-white linoleum are currently making a comeback in the kitchen. You can play with a variety of colors and textures to create a vintage look. Some good things to try include red and cream tiles, checkerboard black and white patterns and colorful speckled flooring. Think about something that you would be likely to see in your grandparents’ homes.

Pastels

Pastel decor dominated the 1950s. They give off a soft but dynamic feeling that reminds one of a retro American diner.

Some classic pastel combinations include:

  • Sea foam green with soft pink
  • Buttery yellow and soft pink
  • Lime green with cream white
  • Robin’s egg blue and mint

You can add touches of pastel to your accessories, walls or curtains. Dish towels and other fabrics are also great ways to incorporate these colors into your kitchen.

Retro Appliances

There is no need to give up your modern-day efficiency to have vintage appliances. You can have modern performance and timeless design. Many kitchen appliance manufacturers are getting in on the retro trend. Ranges, refrigerators and dishwashers are now available in a variety of period-inspired designs. Try a pastel colored-range or a refrigerator with a stamped-metal body and chrome trim.

Vintage Wallpapers

Vintage wallpaper reflects a bygone era in an interesting, fun way. Want a 50s look? Try polka dot patterned wallpaper. For a look straight from the 1960s, redo your kitchen walls with a busy print. Or try repetitive geometric designs in bright colors like turquoise and pink. Vintage wallpapers are available through many large online retailers or Etsy and similar sites.  

Nostalgic details and salvage finds can help give your kitchen personality and flair. You won’t have to sacrifice modern convenience with today’s vintage kitchen appliances and accessories.

Whether sleek and modern or vintage and retro is your preferred style, be sure to give your trusted real estate professional your list of must-haves!

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Kitchen, Real Estate, Remodel

Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Remodeled Home?

June 15, 2018 by James Scott

Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Remodeled Home?Are you considering buying a flipped house? Here are some ways to tell if it is a good idea or not.

If you watch popular TV shows like Property Brothers, Flip or Flop and Fixer Upper, you might believe that buying a remodeled home is a great idea. These shows always have happy endings. The process looks fun and easy, and the houses turn out beautiful. However, it is rarely this easy when buying a real-life remodeled home.

There are plenty of flipped houses that turn out to have significant problems. Contractors who do remodels sometimes rush through the job. This can lead to subpar work. While the house might look beautiful initially, problems could start to show up months later.  

A flipped house can be a great deal. However, it pays to do your homework before buying one. Maintain a skeptical eye when touring the home. If you notice any of these things, move on.

Unpermitted Work

If you live in a full-disclosure state like Texas, you are in luck. Sellers are required to disclose to buyers everything that they know about the house. This should make it easy to get a list of the work that the flipper completed.

Even if you don’t live in a state that requires full disclosure, still ask for a list of work. After you have a list of the upgrades, check for permits. Most larger remodeling projects need a permit.

Avoid a remodeled home that has had unpermitted upgrades. There is a chance that it is not up to code. Aside from being a safety risk, unpermitted work can make it harder to get financing or insurance on a home.

A Flipper With A Bad Reputation

Before making an offer on a rehabbed home, ask who did the work. Learn everything you can about the person or company. Are they known for doing high-quality work?  

Flippers that have solid reputations want happy customers. Most want to avoid legal issues later, which could ruin their reputation and damage their business. So, they will usually ensure that the work is up to standard.

Avoid flippers or contractors that are not well known. Many move on to the next town after the job is over and so don’t care if they leave behind unhappy customers as they won’t be around.

A Failed Inspection

Beautiful hardwood floors, countertops and shiny new kitchen appliances might make a house look like it was just built. However, most flipped houses hide a dark history. Many remodeled homes have had a substantial lack of maintenance and were in a state of significant disrepair before being flipped.

Some contractors cover up problems rather than do the extensive work needed. Therefore, it pays to have the home inspected. A good home inspector will be more likely to spot things that an average homeowner might miss.

Your trusted real estate agent can help you navigate through a sea of new or remodeled properties to find the best fit for you. 

 

Filed Under: Real Estate Tagged With: Fixer-Upper, Real Estate, Remodel

Connect with Me!

SEARCH FOR HOMES 
What’s my home worth? 

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2025 Navy Fellas Realty Group. All rights reserved.   Log In