Meet Kevin McClellan, a St. Clair Shores Flipping Pro.
We’ve had the privilege and honor of working with Kevin McClellan on multiple properties over the last few months. Kevin, a resident of St. Clair Shores, has been in the flipping business for over 14 years! He’s one of our most loyal customers, and you’ll see his projects in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, and beyond.
Recently, Tina Stratton, Business Development Manager of Impact Home Staging Experts, had the opportunity to sit down with Kevin and chat one-on-one to learn more about his business. While we work with many realtors and investors, Kevin stands out for a few reasons: his eye for detail, his reputation, and his passion for building a brand that outshines the competition.
In this article, you’ll get a glimpse into Kevin’s world of flipping houses. You’ll read about his insights, trials, and tribulations, and you’ll learn what makes him such a successful investor.
Dive into Kevin’s flipping journey with this insightful Q&A!
From Cash Flow to Flips:
Give us a little insight into how you started flipping? How long have you been doing this?
Kevin McClellan wasn’t always a flipping pro. “I started with my first four rental properties in 2010, but to expand my portfolio, I needed to be a cash buyer,” he told us. That’s when he saw the potential in flipping houses, the “biggest asset” people own, and decided to take this route that started it all. “I came to figure out that ‘only the first one hurts, so you just have to GO for it!” He added that waiting for perfection can stall progress.
Vision with Experience:
When you acquire a property, where does your “vision” for the final product stem from?
“It’s not really magic; it comes from experience and countless walk-throughs,” said McClellan. He doesn’t dive in blindly; three physical visits allow him to assess the property’s potential and make informed decisions about layout and design.
Taming the Flip Frenzy:
You seem to run a tight ship. When we come to your flips, they are clean (we can’t say that for all investors!) – what is your strategy for madness and keeping everything on track?
Keeping flip projects organized and efficient can be a challenge, he admits. Kevin’s secret weapon? An in-house team dedicated solely to his properties. This tight control minimizes the need for subcontractors, a major key to his success.
IMPACTful Partnership
We’ve been working with you for a few months, what can you say about us that has changed/added value to your business model? Why do you like working with us? Why would you recommend us?
Kevin credits Impact Home Staging with giving him a competitive edge. There was a time that he thought staging would clutter the home, but he found that with the right staging, he was wrong. “Impact’s staging transforms empty shells into warm, inviting homes, giving buyers a dream to live in.” He appreciates their responsiveness to his preferences and their professional approach. “I like that Impact listens to me as a client, if I say I hate brown and yellow colors in a home, then they don’t put any in there! The communication is impeccable, Impact is run like a top-level business.”
Staging: Investment, Not Expense
So many people say, “staging is expensive.” Can you us your thoughts on this, specifically as it relates to ROI? Is it really that expensive if you look at it as an investment vs expense?
Kevin said the “staging is expensive” argument doesn’t hold water for him. He’s seen firsthand how staging consistently attracts buyers and increases profits. “They get excited to make an offer on a home that has been professionally designed with people who pick out the right colors and furniture for their future home.”
We sometimes hear “Isn’t staging just expensive fluff?” Far from it. Take it from Kevin, who’s partnered with Impact Home Staging on numerous projects. “It’s an investment that pays off, big time.”
Learning from Losses
Give us a nightmare story that sticks out to you. Something funny, or weird?
Not every flip is a fairytale, he admits. The routine of smaller projects left him yearning for a chance to tackle something more complex and impactful. Kevin’s cautionary tale involves an 8,000-square-foot monster that tempted him to stray from his usual approach. He took bad advice on “restoration” instead of “renovation,” leading to his biggest loss. But even setbacks provide valuable lessons, and Kevin has used that experience to make smarter choices ever since. “It wasn’t the outcome I dreamed of, but the knowledge gained was worth its weight in gold. I haven’t replicated that loss since, and I can attribute that to the wisdom acquired,” said Kevin.
2024 Goals: Amplify the Hustle:
What is one thing you are making an absolute priority for in 2024?
Kevin’s focus for 2024 is clear: amplifying his marketing and social media presence. While organic leads from friends, family, and realtors are great, he knows staying top-of-mind is crucial and building your network is key. We agree!
Advice for New Flippers:
What would you say to a newbie in the industry? For newbies, Kevin offers the following reality check. “Be realistic about profits and the hard work involved.” The good news? “As you gain experience and refine your process, the deals and rewards get better: the deals, the process, and the people.” Great advice.
WHY STAGE? Kevin’s Top Four Reasons
1. Competitive Edge: In an unstable market, staged homes stand out. They give buyers an emotional connection, transforming empty spaces into warm, inviting homes. This emotional pull sets me apart from competitors who skip this crucial step.
2. Doubling Down on ROI: Let’s talk numbers. While the magic formula for exact return is elusive, my experience flipping 20 houses a year speaks volumes. I see a potential 2-3x return on my staging investment. In simpler terms, a $3,000 staging could translate to a $10,000 bump in the selling price. That’s hard to ignore!
3. Selling the Dream: Most buyers lack design expertise. They struggle to envision the potential of an empty space. Staging bridges that gap. It showcases the possibilities, igniting their desire to own the home they see beautifully furnished and styled.
4. A Partnership that Delivers: Beyond the financial gains, I value Impact’s professionalism. They truly listen to their clients. If I dislike certain colors, they don’t force them in. Their communication is seamless, and they run a tight ship, just like I do.
Investment in Success
Staging isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic investment that fuels the real estate business. It attracts buyers, maximizes profits, and ultimately helps people like Kevin achieve flippin’ goals. If you’re on the fence, take it from someone who’s seen the results firsthand – staging is more than worth it. It’s the key to unlocking the property’s true potential.
This is just a glimpse into Kevin McClellan’s flipping journey. There’s always more to learn and share. We truly enjoyed talking with Kevin, it feels good to know adding value to his vision in the Real Estate Industry is appreciated. If you are an investor or realtor in the Metro Detroit area, please reach out to us for a free estimate so we can help you too! Feel free to contact Kevin McClellan with any opportunities you may have for him! He knocks it out of the park every time! He can be reached at: 586-855-4041 or Kmick10@yahoo.com
