Guts and Glory

My dear friend and fellow entrepreneur just purchased her first vacation home in Phoeniz, AZ. It’s located on one of the best golf courses in the area in a gated community and has all the amenities – pool, hot tub, sauna, and elegant master suite. The only problem is that the interior is completely gutted! The former owner, a professional baseball player, lost the house due in part to a gambling addiction. Before he and his family departed, however, they stripped the entire place right down to the faucets, light bulbs and towel rods.

That proved strategic for Corinne and her husband in terms of price – they got a home valued at over $650,000 for under $250,000. But there is a lot of work to do to turn it back into the showplace it was 3 years ago when it was brand new. Luckily, she’s a real Renaissance woman (I can testify!). She’s driving out this weekend to spend two weeks installing bathroom fixtures, replacing the kitchen appliances (she’s a personal chef and caterer so she’s planning a “bitchin’ kitchen” remodel!) and repainting the entire house. She invited me along for the ride, and while I would love to go (I confess, I’m a closet construction junkie – I love working with a hammer and paint brush!), I’m closing on a condo in about 10 days and am looking forward to getting into my own home for the first time in 8 years.

I know I’ll visit her a few times before she sells it and moves on. She’s not about to retire on the golf course - she needs a project (or 3) going on to keep her restless spirit occupied. I admire her energy and can do attitude and I can’t wait to see the transformation. Who knows, I might be joining her on the next one. . .