14 Chip Gaines Real Estate Tactics That Go Against Every Rule
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Chip Gaines, of Fixer Upper, has changed the way the average person perceives real estate. His no nonsense approach and unique ability to find potential in every property has made him an industry icon. What most people love about Chip is that he flouts the rules of traditional real estate so often. Many would counsel you to stay the course and use methods that are already known, but Chip dares to be different, and to shake things up in ways that feel genuine and delightful. His strategies show a different side to the real estate game, the kind that’s not about being perfect but trusting your gut and taking a risk.
Whether you’re just getting started in real estate or you have years under your belt, Chip’s unconventional methods might be just what you need to open up a new way of looking at real estate.
Breaking Rules With “As Is”
The ‘as-is’ property is something that Chip Gaines really believes in. According to conventional wisdom, buyers should always search for homes that are move in ready, but Chip can see potential wherever others see problems. What he’s known for is that the right “fixer-upper” can often be better than a fully polished property. He looks beyond the dated wallpaper or the dripping roof, seeing possibilities to put his own creative stamp, and raise property value, sometimes working wonders out of something that has little appeal.
Character Over Curb Appeal
When it comes to curb appeal, Chip comes at a different angle. He thinks character outlasts first impressions, and the perfect buyer will value a home’s personality over how it appears from the street. Because Chip values what’s underneath the surface — something that strikes a chord with buyers that want more than a pretty face — he focuses on the quirks and qualities of a home rather than spending large amounts on landscaping or facade updates.
Getting Over Transactions And Building Relationships
Chip believes that real estate is not just houses; it’s humans. He points out that he builds relationships with clients, not just doing the transaction. He treats every deal as a partnership, and wins the trust and loyalty of his clients, and many come back to him when the time is right to make their next move. In a space that can be transactional, Chip’s focus on real connection is a breath of fresh air that makes an impression that lasts.
Trusting Gut Over Market Trends
Most agents worry about current market trends but Chip follows instinct. He’s never been the type to go after what is ‘now’ for the sake of it. Instead, he goes with a strong gut feeling when picking properties. His approach has worked out for him, as he often sees value in things that others don’t. Ignoring market predictions may sound high risk but Chip’s method shows that sometimes you can trust yourself and get paid big.
Being Okay With Small Spaces
While looking at property, it is often recommended to buy a bigger home; Chip isn’t for size. He can see the charm, and the potential in smaller spaces and shows buyers how even the smallest of square footage can be functional, and inviting. He’s shown that a small home can be just as attractive, if not more so, as a sprawling mansion — with smart design and clever renovations.
Keeping Renovation Costs Lean
Although most agents recommend spending a lot on renovations in order to increase the value of a home, Chip is surprisingly cheap. He is famous for finding cost effective answers without compromising on quality. He chooses thoughtful design over the highest end finishes, ensuring the project impacts without spending a fortune. While you don’t have to spend a fortune to add value, according to the National Association of Realtors, there is still a return to be had from a modest renovation.
Valuing Emotion Over Logic
Chip goes against most real estate experts who say to keep emotions out of the buying process. He understands that a house is not just an investment, it’s where life occurs. He doesn’t follow the cold, calculated decisions that many people rely on in real estate, rather he lets himself, and his clients, feel a connection with a property. Chip says this is usually the most satisfying way to buy.
Embracing the “Ugly Duckling”
A lot of real estate experts will shy away from properties with unsightly features, but Chip is attracted to them. He is willing to take on properties that others are ignoring and he has an eye for potential. His specialty is the classic “ugly duckling” of a home, and he shows buyers that an eyesore can be turned into the exception with a little imagination. With this mindset in mind, many have reconsidered homes they may have previously written off.
Playing the Long Game
Chip Gaines is in it for the long haul, where many investors look for quick flips. He’s not afraid to wait and wait and wait for the right moment, even if it means holding onto a property for years. He prefers to be patient, and that patience usually leads to higher returns because he lets time improve the property’s value naturally. When most people want instant results, he’s willing to play the long game.
The Overlooked Spaces
Chip is the guy who sees possibilities where others don’t. Most agents concentrate their efforts on the main rooms of a house, but he looks at possibilities for basements, attics and even garages. He adds value in places that buyers might not know to consider by transforming these spaces. That’s a tactic that works, providing some surprise, which sets the property apart from your competitors.
Invest In the “Unfashionable”
One of Chip’s habits is investing in neighborhoods that other investors deem outdated or ‘past their prime.’ Most real estate advice tells you to invest in up and coming areas but he sees the potential gold in overlooked areas. By his approach, these neighborhoods often get a new life, and people begin to see the value in the areas not considered ‘hot’ by market standards.
Loving the Imperfections
Many might want perfection, but it’s not Chip’s cup of coffee. He believes that quirks inherent to a home are what make that home stand out among other houses. He isn’t striving for flawless finishes, but rather emphasizing the things that make each property unique. Chip thinks buyers can connect with a home that has a little bit of wear and tear
Refusing to “Stage” a Home
Staging a home is practically a requirement of real estate these days, but Chip doesn’t always take that route. He thinks buyers should get to see the real, the unpolished space, rather than just a “perfect” setup. He doesn’t over stage so people can envision how they would use the space and not get sucked into how it should look from someone else’s perspective. It’s about authenticity over allure for him.
Discusses the Importance of the “Big Picture” Over Small Details
Chip believes in the forest, not the trees. Other people can get stuck on the little things – such as fixtures or paint colors – but he is able to focus on the potential of a property in its entirety. He is all about seeing the finished product and trusting that all the little things will work themselves out. This approach allows him to feel comfortable to move on to properties that may have scared other buyers away.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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