Now, if season 1 of The Flipping El Moussas wasn't enough to prove that Tarek and Heather are the ultimate home-flipping power couple, the real estate results from season 2 might convince HGTV fans. Season 2 of the hit show won't air until later this year, but while we wait for the first episode to premiere, the duo has been generously sharing highlights from the project. The latest news is that another property flipped by the El Moussas in the upcoming season sold within a week.
In the caption of his Instagram Reels, Tarek called out the haters (we know, he loves that) and shared that just six days after completing the project, the three-bedroom, two-bathroom home he and Heather renovated together received multiple offers and sold for above the asking price. A look at the Zillow listing for the Westminster, California property reveals that the original asking price was $100 shy of $1 million. As of this writing, it's still listed as “pending,” so we can only assume it sold for more than $1 million.
Judging by the neighboring homes, the couple's asking price seems relatively appropriate for the area, if not on the higher side. While a fully renovated property would justify the high price, it's still a bit of a shock that this home sold so quickly in today's housing market. We wanted to find out why this “entry-level home,” according to Tarek, sold so quickly, so we did a little digging to find out what makes this home so valuable. Read on for a room-by-room breakdown.
kitchen
When it comes to the specific design aspects the El Moussas added to the home to boost its property value, the kitchen is undoubtedly the biggest upgrade.
Upgraded countertops. The couple added quartz countertops to the kitchen. Quartz is durable, so it's much easier to maintain than marble countertops. Plus, it's just as beautiful as marble and much more affordable. Cabinet features. Gone are the knobs in favor of cabinet pulls. The flat-panel cabinets are completely new, and the sleek pulls the couple used add an appealing sophistication to the room, according to the Zillow listing. Under-cabinet lighting is another little touch that adds brightness and class to the room. Coordinating appliances. Of course, everyone wants modern appliances. This is nothing new. But having a full stainless steel refrigerator, oven, and dishwasher goes a long way in increasing property value. Pot fillers are another feature that potential buyers will notice long after they've left the house. Thoughtful layout. This home was built for a growing family, which may need more space to eat and lounge. This kitchen layout was clearly made with that in mind, from the countertop space, large island, bar stools, and ample storage in the kitchen. The kitchen is a place where people gather and entertain, so a good layout is key to adding value.
living
Good flow. When moving from the kitchen to the living room, good flow between the two rooms is very important when it comes to the value of the home. These are the two most used spaces in the home, and many people are drawn to an open floor plan between the two rooms. This allows the occupants of each room to easily communicate with each other. Clever use of space. The way the home is laid out means that the dining area is just off the living room. While having a dining area is great, it does take away some of the furniture space in the living room area. However, the El Moussas have made good use of the floor space in their home by adding a small cushioned wall seating area to the right of the fireplace, making the living room seem more spacious. Neutral colors. Using neutral tones in high traffic areas of the home makes it more appealing to potential buyers. The couple used custom wallpaper throughout the home, including the living room, to match the neutral palette.
bedroom
Dark walls. Dark gray is known for its calming effect, and people gravitate toward this color in bedrooms. Rather than painting the entire room charcoal gray to keep it light and versatile, the El Moussas opted for an accent wall in one of their second bedrooms. Subtle statements. While a bold statement can lower resale value, a subtle statement can be enough personality to entice potential buyers. The El Moussas added a striking accent wall in the home's third bedroom using two light neutrals and a gray. If buyers want something different, it can easily be repainted if they want something modern to complement the rest of the house.
Bathroom
Bathtub. Of the two bathrooms, the non-bathroom has a bathtub. There's nothing better than a relaxing soak in an essential oil infused bath at the end of a long day. Even if you don't like baths, having the option to take one will increase your property value. At one time there was a trend to forego bathtubs altogether, which is great for young families or those who are obsessed with bath bombs.
backyard
Big Trees. Avid House Beautiful readers know we love big, old trees, and for good reason. Big trees can add thousands of dollars to a property's value. While the El Moussas didn't go for towering plants, the plants in their backyard definitely add curb appeal. Outdoor Living Space. In Southern California, having an outdoor living area is a given. This couple ticked the box by adding a chic tiled patio to their backyard. A simple, versatile living area in the backyard is very appealing to potential buyers. The El Moussas left plenty of room for the new homeowners to expand the patio if they wanted, but they also made sure it was clean and stylish enough to be used right away.
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