Craigslisting

I'm very impatient.  Of the 3 showings Frankie had yesterday, we've only gotten feedback from one (pretty decent review).  I'm hoping the lack of reviews from the others means they're working on their offers.  A girl can dream, right? Speaking of dreaming, I've been perusing my local Boston Craigslist again- never a safe pastime.  Unless something is beyond perfect, I can't justify adding another item to our tiny, already filled home, so I'll just daydream about the amazing rooms these pieces could go in.

If I didn't already know that my dining room can't handle a piece of this size, you can bet your bum I'd be taking this 1948 hutch home.  At $100 it's an amazing price for a beautiful piece that doesn't look like it needs any work.  Quick, I need a client room so I can design a space around this!!!

cl 1948 cabinet

And speaking of pieces that I NEED.... I'm really trying to talk myself out of this one.  Alas, I shouldn't buy it, since we already have a bar cart and no space for another.  But it's an amazing price- $75 for a beautiful bar cart- please go buy it so I can live vicariously through you!  If you buy it, I'll even style it for you.

cl brass bar cart

This little Persian rug would be a nice addition to almost any entryway.  Mix it with some more modern pieces and it'll lend a classic, collected look to the space.  Although not a steal, still a pretty good deal at $100.

persian rug

This FREE sofa could definitely use to be reupholstered, which isn't cheap, but once complete, this would be an awesome sofa and still be less than comparable new sofas.  Just picture it: remove the skirt and arm covers and reupholster it in a crisp gray linen- timeless.

cl mod sofa

Not a home run at $60 (a bit overpriced if you ask me), I would LOVE to see this antique iron chair frame brought back to life.  The shape is so interesting- it just screams garden party!

cl iron chair

And just for proof that people will put anything on craigslist and prices are sometime beyond ridiculous, can I interest you in a creepy metal mask for.... $300??  What the WHAT??

cl ugly mask

And now that I've scarred you for life.... have you seen any fun/scary/awesome deals on craigslist lately?

Frankie: Week 16.5/Reveal pt2!

I hope you enjoy these weekly updates as I learn to navigate through the business of flipping houses.  Check out other posts about Frankie the Fliphouse HERE. Frankie is LISTED!!  Woo hoo!!  and I'm spent.  I hope you had a chance to check out part 1 of Frankie's reveal on Friday, if not, I'll give you a few minutes........ I'll share the link for the listing at the end of the post, but I wouldn't want you getting distracted before I show you the basement that I'm jealous of.

My own basement is old, tiny, and may be filled with stuff (just maybe)....  much like where Frankie's basement started, except his was very dirty and filled with old water damage and dangerous wiring.

frankie-basement-before1

There were remnants of walls, falling down ceiling tiles, and 3 layers of stylish wallpaper in some areas.  Sailboats are all the rage.

frankie-basement-before2

Again, the photos from the original listing showed the true character of the space:

basement-before-ceiling

basement-before

Really pretty, right?  But wait!  I said I'm jealous of this basement...

Now it's open, bright, clean, and fraught with possibilities!

basement-1

Everything that had gotten water-damaged over the house's 50+ year life was removed and practically every surface got painted.

basement-3

Have I mentioned there's also a half-bath in the basement?  We didn't change it much- removed a not-to-code shower pan and cleaned it up.

basement-bathroom-2

Back in the main area, all the utilities are nicely tucked into a storage room behind the 2 doors.  I couldn't help myself and had to style the laundry area a bit with IKEA shelves and cute Target dollar spot bins.

basement-6

basement-4

Can I take this basement and move it below my own home several towns away?  That would be lovely.  Can't you just see the possibilities down here?  Man cave?  Play room?  Craft room/work area?  Guess which one I'd go for!

AND as promised, check out Frankie's MLS listing and pass it around if you know anyone in the market!

Frankie: Week 16/Reveal pt 1!!

I hope you enjoy these weekly updates as I learn to navigate through the business of flipping houses.  Check out other posts about Frankie the Fliphouse HERE. Woo Hoo, the end is near!!!!  Frankie the Fliphouse will be 100% done in the next few days and LISTED on Monday!!

I was hoping to be able to show you the full reveal today, but the basement is still a thorn in my side.  A thorn that's very close to being done, but still isn't photoshoot ready.  Never fear, I'll give you part 2 of the reveal Monday with the basement's before and after (spoiler alert: I painted a lot!).

WARNING: long, picture filled post ahead.  Get your pin-finger ready!

I won't drag it out any further.... I present to you, the new and improved....  Frankie!!!

 Frankie exterior after

Admittedly, the exterior is not a HUGE transformation.  I basically cleaned it up and added a color pop on the door.  Remember what he looked like on day 1?

frankie1

A little fresher today, I think.

Frankie exterior closeup

The real transformation, however, is when you step inside.  Just inside the front door, you come upon the living room.  The once gross green living room.

frankie-livingroom-before

It's amazing what a bit of paint can do.

Frankie living room after 1

Frankie living room after 2

The most exciting transformation is what is just beyond the living room.

Frankie living room after 3

Once upon a time, the kitchen was grimey and practically non-functional.

frankie-kitchen-before1

frankie-kitchen-before2

This may be the first time I'll ever say this, but I think my before pics are too nice.  They don't truely convey the ick that was there before.  The photo from the listing does it a little more justice:

frankie-kitchen-before-listing

And now that you can really compare, it makes the end result all the better.

Frankie Flip House Kitchen After 1

Frankie Flip House Kitchen After 2

Frankie Flip House Kitchen After 5

 

Frankie Flip House Kitchen After 4

I raided my own house and Target's home section for some fun staging accessories.

Frankie Flip House Kitchen After 3

As we proceed down the hall, we find the first bedroom.  Thankfully it now looks larger an brighter than when we began.

frankie-bedroom1-before

Frankie bedroom 1 after

Across the hall is the other selling feature of this house... the bathroom.  What began as a dingy bathroom with a pink tub...

frankie-bathroom-before1

pink-tub

...is now a fresh space worthy of a new family's affection.

Frankie Flip House Bathroom After 1

Frankie Flip House Bathroom After 2

Personally, I'm jealous of the double sink.

Frankie Flip House Bathroom After 3

Between the kitchen and the bath, I'm hoping this house'll sell in no time!

Frankie Flip House Bathroom After 4

We can't forget, though, there are 2 more bedrooms.  They also didn't transform immensely, but boy, what a difference paint makes!

frankie-bedroom2-before

Frankie bedroom 2 after 1

Frankie bedroom 2 after 2

And last but not least:

frankie-bedroom3-before

Frankie bedroom 3 after 1

Frankie bedroom 3 after 2

And since I can't just leave you in the nice, bright, albeit not too exciting bedroom, I'll throw in a kitchen detail picture for fun.

Frankie Flip House Kitchen Detail

So, what do you think of Frankie's transformation??

Keep your fingers crossed that someone falls in love with him quickly!

Update:  Check out Part 2 of the reveal, the basement HERE