Much of our job at Express Homebuyers is finding and recognizing diamonds in the rough – houses that with some creativity and work can shine again.  Sometimes we even surprise ourselves with our renovations! This house on Gallatin Street in NW Washington, DC is one of those homes. Our large, collaborative effort started out the way it always does.

The acquisition team makes the initial decision to purchase the house as-is for cash. The construction operations manager gives a thumbs up after the final walk-through. The acquisitions manager solidifies the final budget and scope of work. In the case of Gallatin, as you can see from the “before” pictures, it needed a lot of work.

Bit by bit, we begin to assemble our ideas. The construction company owner gives his structural input. The architectural designer offers up a few floor plans for consideration. We select colors and order materials. We all focus on the elements and details that will do this house justice.

We assign a general contractor and obtain permits. The construction crew is managed by the general contractor. The field manager smooths over any unforeseen obstacles and the entire process is managed by the construction operations manager, who once the project gets going, might also see an opportunity to add more architectural interest with coffered ceilings or columns. It's like a well-orchestrated symphony.

Once in a while, even a neighbor has input when they get concerned about the exterior paint color chosen. At Gallatin, our neighbor wanted to test different color patches after the contractor painted it. We politely and patiently assured her we know what we’re doing and that our color choice was the right one for this house.

Sure there are some hiccups and speed bumps along the way, but we keep moving forward until the day arrives when all the renovation work is finished.

At last, it's ready for showcasing. Stagers make the space come alive. Photographers take pictures for online and printed materials. A listing agent markets it to home buyers.

We anticipate that when the doors open, the home is well received and the neighbor grows fond of the paint colors chosen for the exterior. We cross our fingers to attract many buyers who will submit their best offer in hopes of becoming the lucky new owners who call this house their home.

When we pay cash for houses that need massive repairs, we’re excited to be able to renovate and restore them to better than ever condition. Changing neighborhoods, changing towns, changing lives one house at a time. That's what we do!

Tracy Kay Griffin is a member of Express Homebuyers Design Team. She was the Series Designer for HGTV’s “Get It Sold,” a Guest Designer for HGTV’s “My First Place” and the Lead Stager for Washington DC’s premier staging company, Red House Staging & Interiors.