Best Flips and Tips From Tarek and Heather Rae El Moussa

Tarek El Moussa, host of Flipping 101 and The Flipping El Moussas, knows the key to success in real estate investing: Pay attention to details and make smart choices to maximize returns on investments. Now, he's bringing his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, into his flipping world, and she's learning tricks too. If you're looking for some house flipping tips, the El Moussas have you covered.

First impressions are important — especially when it comes to piquing buyers' interest ASAP. When designing the exterior, let the neighborhood drive your renovation decisions.

"Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses," says Tarek. He and Heather recommend spending money where it will add value and provide a return on the investment. His major bathroom pro tip: "Always include at least one bathtub to appeal to a broad range of buyers."

Check out other homes in your neighborhood to determine what to prioritize during your reno and what to skip. If neighbors have gravel driveways, for example, don't spend money on concrete. "Renovate to what the comparables' support, not what you think will sell," says Heather. "Don't overbuild for the area," Tarek adds.

Tarek and Heather stress: Be strategic with your renovations. When making decisions, ask yourself, "Does it add value to the home? Does it help sell fast? Can it be done efficiently?" Avoid over-renovating to prevent out-pricing potential buyers.

Make an impact on potential buyers with affordable design elements such as accent walls, pot fillers, dog baths and under-cabinet lighting. It's the little touches that make the home stand out. "Install tankless hot water heaters, slow-close and self-close drawers, and attractive hardware in the kitchen," the El Moussas suggest.

Think function. During the reno, walk through the process of unloading groceries, kicking off your shoes and other daily routines. Think about how the homeowner will interact with the space and make decisions based on practicality.

Appeal to buyers with modern, neutral hues. During The Flip Off Season 1, Heather favored an earthy palette — natural materials, nudes and browns — as seen here in the El Moussas' finished dining room flip. Bold or bright colors may deter buyers who don't want to spend money or time repainting.

Tarek and Heather loved the retro fridge they found in this 1950s mountain cabin, so they kept the trend going. A new, similar-looking fridge (and a matching stove) echoes the space's original ambiance, while hunter green cabinets and a sleek backsplash bring it into the modern day.

Achieve the look you want without paying the full price tag. While redesigning this space, Heather was hooked on the idea of installing a concrete wall around the fireplace. So, she found a less expensive, look-alike material. Impressive and cost-effective.