Real Estate - Andrew Stuckey - Keeping It Realty

Contractors think like contractors. Architects like so. Who has the skill and time to oversee all of the moving parts, connect the dots, coordinate timelines, handle the millions of small details and decisions while keeping in mind the big picture of marketing and selling the property. Who represents the Seller's interests (your interests) in a remodel - that is money in should equal money out at the sale.

We are experienced Real Estate Project Managers who can help you from A2Z and this service is included in the sales contract.

Why You Didn't Know You Need A Project Manager

HGTV, Property Brothers, Fund My Flip and those TV Shows glamorize the excitement of renovations and remodels. They are incredibly exciting and there is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes to make that magic. The trap homeowners fall into is underestimating the millions of small details and time commitments that must be managed. Contractors and the skilled labor are not project managers. They are not real estate agents. They do not have a vested interest in your net gain on the sale. Furthermore, homeowners lack experience to make quick decisions that may seem small but have major ripple effects on the overall budget and timeline of the project.

This is where the Real Estate Agent Project Manager makes a lot of sense. In fact, Property Brothers does exemplify this concept by showing it takes a team to accomplish the feat; however, there goal is not to resell the property and they often go over budget.

The Importance of Your Project Timeline

Timeline is a full-time job and there are many personnel and moving peices to coordinate and fit everything together. The rule is that there will always be a delay, there will always be an unexpected problem, and an unaccounted for cost. The
Periodic Adjustments

Combining the power of local community expertise, we offer you professional services.
Small Decisions, Big Impacts

Small Decisions, Big Impacts
Light Fires, Keep on People, Oversight

Everyone is human and susceptible to missing things. Contractors and their personnel are understandably also stretched thin, have competing prorities, easily get wrapped up in small picture details, and don't always think outside of the box. Our project managers regular check in that the workers are working. And we do not do it to be a boss or to lecture people, quite the opposite, we understand that a job is a lot of work and motivation is required to get to the finish line.
Checking in, Providing Updates

Even as experts, we know that many decisions are subjective and and are in a playing field with competing alternatives. Therefore, whenever possible, we like to include the owner/seller in the decision making process. Particularly where owners/sellers want to leave their creative mark, we recognize the desire to be a part of the design process. While we may pull rank, we encourage and often invite owners to assist in the design and detail decisions. We proactively communicate the good and the bad news, we overcommunicate expected outcomes and always seek to anticipate the next sequence of events so that we can be ready for anything.

Example Situations

Here are some real life examples where, not to toot our own horns, a project manager solved a problem and saved the day in a way that no one else on the job had the authority or high level view to do.

Procurement

We will help procure the items you need! That is right - don't let the contractor buy your tiles and do not negotiate the cost per square foot with them until we have had our say. Countless times, we have been able to find high-end tile, order it at discount, even pick it up and instruct the contractors precisely on layout and design to achieve the best balance of cost, quality and aesthetic design. Given our industry discounts, our prices are also passed onto the client when we are involved. We have gone so far as to help build furniture, buy smart home accessories and install them, put a Gibson Les Paul in a photo and even set up an outdoor fire place if we thought it would help sell the property and complete the story we are trying to tell to buyers. And it works!
Last Minute Changes

When it comes down to last minute changes, additions and issues, the agent who is vested into selling the property is the one who will answer the call to action. In the past, we have gone out of our way to create tile mood boards, pick up items for contractors, and track down permitting inspectors if we thought it would help the client. And it always does!
Strategy and Big Picture Awareness

The agent is in the best position to connect the work to the market, consumer demand and figure out the strategy for selling. During a live project, things may not always go as planned. New ideas may arise as walls are opened up or as costs go down or up or as inventory and supply changes. In the past, we have always been available to help make the tough decisions and align them with overall strategy. We helped owners set the course and navigate the obstacles along the way.
Mistakes Happen

Mistakes Happen All of the Time! What do you do when your contractor has scheduled a day to install cabinets and can only do it on that one day for a week, but requires the granite supplier to arrive first. What do you do when the granite supplier arrives as planned and then fits the wrong piece! There is no buffer and no way to get through the problem other than to stay calm, recognize problems happen and find a solution. Countless examples like this happen to everyone. Given our experience, we anticipate the mistakes and nip them in the bud. And when the unexpdected does happen, our resourcefulness and diplomatic demeanor helps us succeed in the face of challenge while maintaining integrity and respect along the way.

The Vital Importance of Project Management

Why You Didn't Know You Need A Project Manager

Example Situations