Buyer Feature – RENOVATION EDITION: Sara & Chad

NEIGHBORHOOD OF CHOICE & WHY?  DSC_0163

We chose the West Adams area because of it’s central location, affordability and access to the Metro line.  The neighborhoods are cute, safe and well kept with a lot of potential.

WHY ACME / WHAT SOLD YOU ON WORKING WITH DOMINIQUE?  

We were drawn to the style and quality of homes ACME represents.  We first met Dominique during a showing of a property across the street from ours!  It’s not often you find homes in LA that are remodeled with as high level of detail and design as the homes ACME represent.  We had been looking at homes for months but every house we saw was so far from our style, and at these LA prices, it was becoming a tougher pill to swallow. Though we were quickly priced out of the home Dominique was showing us, she was quick to suggest a property for sale across the street- but it needed work.  The next day, she took us around to a few more homes in LA that also needed work.  Thus began our journey of “building the dream” in LA. 🙂

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE DOMINIQUE / ACME TO RECOMMEND TO A FUTURE CLIENT?

This is easy – Dominique is simply best in class.  We cannot express our gratitude for Dominique.  Since we were using a FHA loan paired with a 203K construction loan, we had MANY hurdles to overcome.  Without her extreme attention to detail, persistence, excellent communication and constant reassuring, it’s safe to say we would not be in this house today.  She had our best interest at heart the entire time and we felt like we could trust her in every way.  We would recommend Dominique to anyone & look forward to working with her again!

FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN YOUR NEW ‘HOOD?

Oohh.  Well.  McDonalds? Yoshinoya? haha I don’t know yet- don’t think there’s much but I know Philip’s BBQ is supposed to be amazing if we need to answer this one.  (Major downfall of the hood is lack of restaurants/ bars – but hopefully not for long!)

Screen Shot 2016-07-16 at 4.40.32 PMMOTIVATION FOR BUYING? WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A HOME TO RENOVATE?

We were motivated to buy a home because we wanted to get into the real estate game. We are both at a point in our lives where it’s important we have ample space for our family and friends when they visit as well as space for our own family one day.  Also – our previous landlord only allows 1 dog and we want 3. We chose to renovate because we LOVE the idea of creating something unique and custom.  The design and style of our home is really important to us and we’re excited to put our personal touch on everything.

FAVORITE PART OF RENOVATING SO FAR?

Our favorite part of renovating was the day after our contractor demo’d the walls and ceilings and we could really see our vision come to life.  With renovating, there’s constant second guessing going on where you hope you’re making the right choices.  When we finally saw the walls knocked down, ceilings opened up, master bath reconfigured, bedroom turned into a new family room, we knew we were on the right track.

 

MOST CHALLENGING Screen Shot 2016-07-16 at 4.40.02 PMASPECT OF RENOVATING?

We think the most challenging aspect of renovating has been the “unknown”.  Not knowing what to expect regarding contractor timelines, not knowing if your vision is the right one, and the costs you weren’t expecting.  A good example of the unknown costs happened this week when we picked a shower fixture within budget, only to learn later that the valve (we need a valve?!) is $500.

DID DOMINIQUE HELP IN YOUR RENOVATION PROCESS? IF SO, HOW?

YES!  Though we received several contractor quotes, we ultimately went with the contractor Dominique put us in touch with- shout out to JP Torres Construction!  These guys have been awesome!  Aside from putting us in touch with the right contractor, she provided ENDLESS coordination between our HUD consultant, mortgage broker, seller’s agent, the previous owners, contractor appointments, etc.  With a renovation loan, this is SO important and Dominique hit it out of the park.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING FORTHCOMING ROOM OR DETAIL OF YOUR HOME THAT YOU’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO? 

It’s impossible to pick just one feature: a master bathroom, all the fixtures, the vaulted ceilings, new range to cook with, etc.
If we had to really narrow it down, I think we’d have to say the fireplace we are adding to the back family room.
We are really looking forward to that cozy room!
 

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WOULD YOU SAY THAT A 203K LOAN FEELS WORTH IT? ANY OTHER DETAILS/ADVICE ABOUT THIS LOAN YOU THINK BUYERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

We couldn’t be happier that Dominique helped us find the 203K construction loan.  Sometimes we can’t believe how lucky we are to be doing this project.  We think the most important thing is to expect some hurdles and roadblocks and make sure you have more money than you think you need. Also, be prepared to make a million decisions about things you’ve never thought of before. Find the fun in the little things!  We were driving down the 10 the other day, dropping off a bathtub at the house after work and we both looked at each other and said, “this is fun!”.  I know it’s silly but this is OUR NEW DEEP SOAKING BATHTUB! 🙂  Renovation projects are certainly not for everyone – but if you’re someone who wants your own style to permeate throughout your home- I’d highly recommend!  You can do it- it’s 100% worth it!




FOLLOW THE PROGRESS OF SARA & CHAD’S RENOVATION ON THEIR INSTAGRAM PAGE: @sweethomejeffersonpark TO SEE UPDATES ON THEIR DECK OUT BACK, CUSTOM VANITIES, BRAND NEW FIREPLACE, AND MORE!

AND BE SURE TO CHECK BACK FOR THE FINAL RENO REVEAL ON OUR BLOG!


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Los Angeles CA Real Estate & Homes for Sale