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Austin Real Estate Agent Helps Owners “Flip That House”

Chad Goldwasser, a leader in the Austin real estate market, will lend his expertise and market knowledge to a local couple on an upcoming episode of the hit reality TV show “Flip that House.” The show has come to Austin to capture the story of Justine and Kevin Smith, who are renovating and selling their property at 1309 E. 13th St. “Flip that House,” now in its second season on The Learning Channel (TLC), is in the growing category of popular shows based on renovating and selling properties for big money.

The Smiths responded to an ad on Craigslist placed by the show’s producers, who were looking to feature an Austin renovation project. Out of a large collection of submissions, the Smiths’ renovation story stood out and was chosen to be featured.

“Justine and Kevin’s flip is unique from the moment their episode starts,” said the show’s producer, Louis Goldberg. “The house started its life in Southern Austin and was cut in half, picked up and moved to where it currently sits. That alone makes it a different story.”

The Smiths purchased the home on South Lamar, moved it to the lot on E. 13th St. and hired contractors to have it completely remodeled over the course of 12 weeks. The original hardwood floors were refinished, but the structure benefited from a new roof, plumbing, electric and gas lines, paint, fixtures, counters, cabinets, appliances and everything including the kitchen sink.

Although Justine is a licensed real estate agent herself, she chose to employ the services of local Austin real estate Broker/Agent, Chad Goldwasser of The Goldwasser Team with Keller Williams Realty. “I just felt that my own resources and expertise in marketing the property were not as strong as that of Chad and his team,” Justine said.

The Smiths’ home is not slated to hit the MLS until October 13th but has already received 2 offers, thanks to The Goldwasser Team’s marketing efforts.

“Justine and Kevin’s property on 13th St. is a great example of a successful flip,” said Goldwasser. “The whole thing was executed very well, from selecting the perfect location in a hot, up-and-coming area to pricing the home correctly and marketing the property aggressively. It’s no wonder we’ve already gotten 2 offers on the property.”

Goldwasser’s own experience flipping properties has given him solid insight into the process.

“Always add in 10 to 15 percent more cost than what your initial estimates are,” Goldwasser said. “Don’t go into the process with unrealistically high expectations or without allotting for unforeseen costs. Shows like ‘Flip That House’ offer great advice on how to prepare a home and get in great condition, but it’s still really important to hire a Realtor with in-depth market knowledge to price the house correctly.”

The episode of “Flip That House” featuring Goldwasser and the Smiths is set to air in November, pending final shooting and edits.

The Goldwasser Team was ranked the #3 Austin Real Estate Team in 2005 by the Austin Business Journal and is currently ranked fifth among all Keller Williams agents worldwide. The team closed 200 transactions last year and is on target to more than double their business in 2006.