I love looking at the pet projects of real estate professionals, and this pretty little flip in Midway Hollow from architect Gianna Glaesmann does not disappoint. The before/after shots tell an interesting story. The two-bedroom, two-bath post-war cottage at 3762 Park Lane is was a total gut job for Glaesmann and her husband, Brad. It went from dirty, dark and with an odd-shaped layout to bright and airy with some gorgeous designer fixtures.
“I was in commercial architecture for 24 years, and did some residential work on the side as a hobby,” Glaesmann said. “I have recently ventured out on my own doing mostly residential remodels. My passion is showing a home some love and bringing it back to life!”
While Glaesmann works with clients to transform homes as a full-time job now, this flip in Midway Hollow is her first-ever solo project. “I have always wanted to get my hands on a cottage to renovate and my husband Brad let me try this one out,” she said.
Well, Gianna and Brad did a fantastic job! The pair, who have decided to market without a Realtor to widen their profit margin, are asking $265,000 for the 1,220-square-foot home. There are several thoughtful upgrades to the property, including new attic and wall insulation, double-pane windows, an open kitchen with a butcher block island, extra storage, a fantastic deck, and a new master bath. Plus, it’s in an amazing neighborhood!
“I’m officially obsessed with the neighborhood, as everyone has been so welcoming,” Gianna said. “I’ve enjoyed seeing the changes in Midway Hollow over this past year and am excited to be a part of it. I took a house that was a rental in bad shape and opened it up and breathe life into it once again.”
And boy does it breathe! Gianna and her husband worked with a contractor for most of the big parts of the project, which included taking out walls and refinishing floors. The living areas are now connected to the kitchen, which has gorgeous cabinets and counters. While craftsmen worked on much of the big-picture projects, Gianna said Brad is very detail-oriented and worked on the smaller, more nuanced projects.
I have to say that I admire these two, since my husband and I can’t assemble a piece of Ikea furniture without mentally drawing up our divorce papers. “We work together really well, actually,” Gianna said. “It is amazing, we actually have a great partnership.”
The pair took the home from an ugly former rental to a gorgeous listing in just four months. Personally, I love every inch of this project, including the light fixtures Gianna chose for the home, which work so well with the paint and mouldings. Of course, I had to wonder why they were listing it themselves instead of using a Realtor.
“I love working with Realtors, and they do a great job,” Gianna said, “but the profit margin just didn’t work. I’ve been considering getting my real estate license, though.”
Now that would make Gianna and Brad a triple threat!
“I am passionate about what I do and want to share my love for renovation,” she said. “I hope to buy another in the neighborhood as soon as this one sells.”
Well, maybe you’ll market it as a bona-fide Realtor when you do!
