Flippers, Strippers, and Comebacks: Navigating Atlanta's Reno Scene
The Atlanta housing market is a whirlwind! Flippers – both big companies and individual investors – are everywhere, buying properties, slapping on some surface-level upgrades, and flipping them for a quick buck. Sometimes, it feels like they're just putting lipstick on a pig. These folks, often with their "out-of-town money," can make a house look good from afar, but don't be fooled – their primary concern is profit, not quality.
Flipper Frenzy:
My inbox is constantly bombarded with messages from flippers eager to snatch up our properties. They try every trick in the book to get a response, but I see right through their tactics.
(These messages are getting blocked faster than you can say "house flip!")
When Interviews Reveal Red Flags:
The same goes for separating flippers from the real deal contractors. During interviews of contractors, a lack of project preparation, rushed meetings, and the lack of a any identifiable plan to address our main concerns made it easy to identify the flippers. Those that prioritized getting things done quickly over demonstrating that they had a clear understanding of our vision for Cloud Cline. While timelines for construction are important, especially when dealing with construction loans, we're not interested in shortcuts; we aim for quality and long-lasting results.
Atlanta's Other Strippers:
If you know Atlanta, then you may also know that it is famous for strip clubs. There is, however a completely different kind of "stripper" plaguing Atlanta: copper thieves. These criminals target abandoned buildings and, unfortunately, sometimes even occupied homes. They rip out everything they can get their hands on – copper pipes, electrical wiring – causing significant damage and posing safety hazards. A local supermarket even got shut down for months after a copper heist!
(These aren't the kind of strippers you want entertaining you!)
Copper Caper Catastrophe:
We too got hit by strippers early in the project. They stole the guts out of the AC unit and the expansion tank off of the water heater. They tore through drywall like it was tissue paper, yanking out electrical wires. This wasn't just the first setback on Cloud Cline – it was, however, one of the biggest heartbreakers. All of our efforts poured into reviving this house, the passion behind the project – gone in a flash, unceremoniously stolen for a measly profit. There are days when you just have to walk away, regroup, and remind yourself of your vision. Rewiring the entire house, replacing HVAC parts, and patching up the damage amounted to a +$5,000 setback, not to mention the wasted time and emotional toll. Contrarily, the thieves’ net profit likely was not more than a couple hundred dollars.
Beyond the Setbacks:
Despite these challenges, the dream of Cloud Cline lived on. These setbacks, while frustrating, didn't dampened our spirits. In fact, they made us even more determined to create a home that's not just aesthetically pleasing, but also built to last. We're learning valuable lessons as we go, and hopefully, by sharing our experiences, we can help others navigate the renovation scene with a little more awareness.
Stay tuned for more Cloud Cline adventures, where we'll tackle flippers, strippers, and everything in between!
