Best Flips and Tips From Tarek and Heather El Moussa

HGTV's Tarek and Heather El Moussa, hosts of The Flipping El Moussas and Flipping 101, share their top 10 house-flipping tips so you can transform any home project into a stunning, profitable masterpiece.

By: Elise Linscott

Show: The Flipping El Moussas

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Photo By: Erik Voake / Getty Images

Photo By: Erik Voake / Getty Images

Photo By: Gilles Mingasson

Photo By: Gilles Mingasson

Photo By: Gilles Mingasson

Tarek and Heather's Best Flipping Tips

Tarek El Moussa, host of Flipping 101 and The Flipping El Moussas, knows the key to success in real estate investing: Pay attention to details and make smart choices to maximize returns on investments. Now, he's bringing his wife Heather Rae El Moussa into his flipping world, and she's learning tricks, too. If you're looking for some house-flipping tips, the El Moussas have you covered.

see more: The Flipping El Moussas

1. Prioritize Curb Appeal

First impressions are important — especially when it comes to piquing buyers' interest ASAP. When designing the exterior, let the neighborhood drive your renovation decisions. "Don't overbuild for the area," Tarek and Heather warn.

see more: The Coolest Curb Appeal From Across the US

2. Focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms

"Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses," says Tarek. He and Heather recommend spending money where it will add value and provide a return on the investment. His major bathroom pro tip: "Always include at least one bathtub to appeal to a broad range of buyers."

see more: 99 Stylish Bathroom Design Ideas You'll Love

From: Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa

3. Use Comparable Properties to Inform Renovation Choices

Check out other homes in your neighborhood to determine what to prioritize during your reno and what to skip. If neighbors have gravel driveways, for example, don't spend money on concrete. "Renovate to what the comparables support, not what you think will sell," says Heather.

From: Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa

4. Maximize Efficiency

Tarek and Heather stress: Be strategic with your renovations. When making decisions, ask yourself, "Does it add value to the home? Does it help sell fast? Can it be done efficiently?" Avoid over-renovating to prevent out-pricing potential buyers.

5. Add Dramatic Accents and Sizzle Features

Make an impact on potential buyers with affordable design elements such as accent walls, pot fillers, dog baths and under-cabinet lighting. It's the little touches that make the home stand out. "Install tankless hot water heaters, slow-close and self-close drawers and attractive hardware in the kitchen," the El Moussas suggest.

see more: Tour Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa's California Home

From: Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa

6. Design for Daily Life

Think function. During the reno, walk through the process of unloading groceries, kicking off your shoes and other daily routines. Think about how the homeowner will interact with the space and make decisions based on practicality.

7. Choose a Modern Color Palette

Appeal to buyers with modern-neutral hues. During Season 1 of The Flipping El Moussas, Heather favored an earthy palette — wood tones, nudes and black — as seen here in a mountain cabin flip. Bold or bright colors may deter buyers who don't want to spend money or time repainting.

see more: Cool Paint Shade Ideas We Love: Blue, Green, Purple and More

From: Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa

8. Pull Inspiration From the Original Design

Tarek and Heather loved the retro fridge they found in this 1950s mountain cabin, so they kept the trend going. A new, similar-looking fridge (and a matching stove) echoes the space's original ambiance, while hunter green cabinets and a sleek backsplash brings it into the modern day.

From: Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa

9. Look for Cost-Saving Materials

Achieve the look you want without paying the full price tag. While redesigning this space, Heather was hooked on the idea of installing a concrete wall around the fireplace. So, she found a less-expensive, look-alike material. Impressive and cost effective.

see more: 10 Clever Hacks From Michel Smith Boyd to Design a Luxe Space for Less

10. Stage the Finished Flip to Evoke Emotion

When the flip is finally done and you're ready to sell, stage the new home in a way that will help families envision themselves living there. Ensure it's clean, inviting and appealing to a wide range of buyers. Be mindful of "out of sight, out of mind" tactics — like removing damaged window screens or other minor issues that won't be noticed if not present.

Finally, "Stay excited about the endless opportunities that real estate investing offers, and never stop learning from your experiences," say the couple. "As you continue to grow and develop your skills, you'll find that the world of house flipping is full of possibilities for personal and financial success."

see more: Give Your Unsellable House These Major Upgrades

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