7 Reasons Vegas Flips Are Different from the Rest

Sin City's real-estate market is one of the hottest in the country — and one of the most unusual. Aubrey Marunde walks us through what that means for flippers.

Aubrey and Bristol Marunde are old pros when it comes to flipping homes in Vegas: After more than 100 projects, they have yet to make a gamble that didn’t pay off.

Bristol and Aubrey Marunde, hosts of HGTV's Flip or Flop Vegas

Bristol and Aubrey Marunde, hosts of HGTV's Flip or Flop Vegas

Photo by: Zack Arias/UsedFilm Studios LLC

Zack Arias/UsedFilm Studios LLC

“To be a successful real estate professional in Vegas — or run a flipping business — you better know your market and bring your ‘A’ game,” Aubrey told us.

So, what are the sure bets when it comes to her turf?

The Tourism Industry Drives Trends

The newly renovated master bedroom of the house in Silverado Ranch, as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

The newly renovated master bedroom of the house in Silverado Ranch, as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

Vegas buyers are accustomed to the high-end, glam details they encounter at casinos, clubs and restaurants, and they expect a glitzy VIP experience in private homes, as well.

“Vegas buyers want new, trending and statement-piece homes,” Audrey explained. “[We’re] always inspired by what’s new on the Strip.”

The Market Moves at a Sprint...

Bristol and Aubrey's newly renovated front exterior of the house, as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

Bristol and Aubrey's newly renovated front exterior of the house, as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

Interested in flipping an older property, or purchasing one of Aubrey and Bristol’s projects? Bring your running shoes.

“If you’re buying or selling [in Vegas], you have to be ready to move fast,” Aubrey said. “Properties list and are sold in hours rather than days.”

Her flips average three to five days on the market after completion.

...And It’s Even Speedier in the Spring

back yard & pool after remodel. The pool features beautiful custom tile and some nice outdoor furniture completes the setting as see on Flip or Flop Vegas

back yard & pool after remodel. The pool features beautiful custom tile and some nice outdoor furniture completes the setting as see on Flip or Flop Vegas

“[The] Vegas market is always hot, but it’s extremely hot around April-June — after tax season when income tax return money comes in for purchasers,” Aubrey said. “And the warmer spring-to-summer weather is always great for sellers.”

The Housing Stock Is Comparatively New...

The closed off living room and kitchen before Bristol and Aubrey renovated it as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

The closed off living room and kitchen before Bristol and Aubrey renovated it as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

“Homes in Vegas really aren’t that old,” Aubrey said. “We try to stick to homes that are newer than 1970. We don’t run into a lot of structural issues that take a lot of time to correct.”

...But Finishes Tend to Be Very Dated

Aubrey and Bristol Marunde talk about the renovations they plan to do as they walk through a house they are going to purchase as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

Aubrey and Bristol Marunde talk about the renovations they plan to do as they walk through a house they are going to purchase as seen on Flip or Flop Vegas

Those aforementioned tourism trends have led to some ... interesting choices over the decades, and Aubrey and Bristol have seen them all.

“Vegas has some of the strangest interiors I’ve ever seen,” Aubrey said. “I think pink tubs and sinks were really hot in the ‘80s! Also, we see these strange sunken bathtubs and saloon-style doors a lot. Mirrors are everywhere: We just saw a house with an entire ceiling covered with mirrors.” 

Flips Take a Matter of Weeks

Bristol watches Aubrey as she gives the Design Plan Tour of the condo. Aubrey spray painting anything she wants to get demoed by Bristol.

Bristol watches Aubrey as she gives the Design Plan Tour of the condo. Aubrey spray painting anything she wants to get demoed by Bristol.

“Most of the homes in Vegas are in Home Owner Associations (HOAs), so there are restrictions on what you can and can’t do to the exteriors,” Aubrey told us.

That can translate to time savings for flippers. Aubrey’s policy of focusing on newer homes, in turn, steers her in the direction of cosmetic rather than structural projects. Bristol has ample opportunity to demo non-load-bearing walls and open up interiors, to be sure, but the majority of the Marundes’ flipping energy goes into updating details — which means their properties are back on the market in a flash.

Party Spaces Are Paramount

The transformed backyard of Aubrey and Bristol's remodeled Vegas propery

The transformed backyard of Aubrey and Bristol's remodeled Vegas propery

When you’re flipping a property in Vegas, you’ve got to think like a host.

“Outdoor spaces are key,” Aubrey told us. “We try to incorporate one shaded area for entertaining [at each property].”

Given Nevada’s arid climate and the perpetual need to conserve water, you’ve also got to think (artificial) green— and get used to the practicality of artificial turf, or what the locals call “Vegas grass.”

“Vegas grass is so great!” Aubrey exclaimed. “It looks real — sometimes nicer than real grass — it’s low maintenance, and it’s great for kids and pets. It also transforms a space extremely fast and gives a modern, clean look.”

Can you keep up with Aubrey and Bristol? An all-new season of Flip or Flop Vegas premieres Thursday, March 15 at 9|8c.

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