Pedigree Dogs ad shot 1000 FPS using the Phantom camera
Category: Movies and TV
APRICOT A Short Film By Ben Briand
I liked it, especially the twist at the end.
Google Me Trailer
For everyone who has Google’d themselves, this movie is for you (hint: everyone has probably Google’d themselves at least once). Office Space is one of my favorite movies and in it Michael Bolton proclaims that the famous singer is a “no talent clown” (he actually added another a word in there, but this is a family oriented blog) ever since he became famous and stole his identity/name.
Can you imagine having someone ultra famous with your exact same name? Luckily I reserved jeremyperson.com years ago and Jeremy#2 below has jeremyaperson.com (bet he hates me).
If you are a Jeremy Person, I want to talk to you. It is so strange to think we have the same name. When I was in Portland over the weekend, I was going through one of the “Street of Dreams” condos and one of the agents had his card on a desk with the name of “Ryan Person”. I haven’t met another “Person” outside of my family, so if you are a “Person”, contact me!
Jeremy Person #1 (That’s me!)
The Other Jeremy Persons
Jeremy Person #2
Owner of jeremyaperson.com
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Could This Be You?
Are you a Jeremy Person? Contact me!
The “Person” Family
I haven’t met another “Person” outside of my family, so I’m on a mission to find others with this uncommon last name.
Ryan Person
Spotted on a real estate agent’s business card at a “Street of Dreams” condo in Portland.
Are You a Person?
If your last name is Person, I’d love to hear from you. It’s rare to meet others outside my family with this surname!
Name Domain Wars
If your name is your brand, securing your domain name is crucial!
jeremyperson.com
Secured years ago!
jeremyaperson.com
Claimed by Jeremy #2
yourname.com
Have you secured yours?
Join The Jeremy Person Project
Are you a Jeremy Person or have the last name Person? I’d love to hear from you!
The “Michael Bolton” Effect
Having a shared name with someone famous can be frustrating. In Office Space, the character Michael Bolton hates being associated with the famous singer. Do you share a name with someone famous? How has it affected you?
“Why should I change my name? He’s the one who sucks!”
— Michael Bolton, Office Space
The Way We Get By
I saw this trailer tonight and had to share it, it looks like it will be very powerful and very moving. “My life don’t mean a hell of a lot to me, but if I can make it mean something to someone else, that is my endeavor.”
Armando Montelongo
Strategic principles from the iconic TV show that remain relevant in today’s competitive real estate market
The principles from “Flip This House” continue to shape modern real estate investment strategies
I’m a fan of the “Flip This House” series and if you haven’t seen it, you will have to check it out. Don’t confuse Flip This House with Flip That House, it is two separate shows (confusing, I know). Armando is like a traffic accident; you want to look away, but you can’t.
In the world of real estate investment, few TV shows have had as much impact as A&E’s “Flip This House.” Premiering in 2005, the show followed real estate investors as they purchased distressed properties, renovated them, and sold them for profit—a process known as “flipping.”
Among the most memorable personalities on the show was Armando Montelongo, whose San Antonio-based team became famous for their energetic approach to house flipping. From 2006 to 2009, viewers watched as Montelongo and his team transformed dilapidated properties into profitable investments, learning valuable real estate principles along the way.
Today, I want to explore some of these timeless principles from “Flip This House” and how they remain relevant in our current real estate market.
The Foundation: Market Research and Property Selection
One of the most important lessons from “Flip This House” was the emphasis on thorough market research and property selection. Before purchasing a property, successful flippers analyze neighborhood trends, property values, and potential for appreciation.
Key principles for effective property selection include:
- Focus on location — look for properties in up-and-coming neighborhoods
- Identify the “worst house on the best block” for maximum profit potential
- Study comparable properties to determine accurate after-repair value (ARV)
- Follow the 70% rule: purchase price should be no more than 70% of ARV minus renovation costs
In today’s market, digital tools have made research easier, but the fundamental principle remains the same: successful flips start with selecting the right property in the right location at the right price.
Strategic Renovations That Add Value
The show regularly demonstrated that not all renovations are created equal. The most successful flippers focus on improvements that provide the highest return on investment.
Smart renovation strategies include:
- Focus on kitchens and bathrooms for the biggest impact on value
- Improve curb appeal with landscaping and exterior updates
- Open up floor plans to create a modern, spacious feel
- Avoid over-improving for the neighborhood (know your market)
A crucial lesson from the show was to avoid over-renovation. As experts in the field advise, “It’s tempting to want to rehab a house-flipping property into the best version possible to justify a higher listing price, but don’t over-improve a flip.”
Budget Management and Cost Control
Perhaps the most stressful scenes in “Flip This House” involved unexpected costs and budget overruns. These moments highlighted the importance of careful budget management.
Effective budget strategies include:
- Create detailed budgets that include all costs (purchase, renovation, holding, and selling)
- Include a minimum 10-20% contingency fund for unexpected issues
- Get multiple contractor bids and estimates before purchasing
- Track all expenses meticulously throughout the project
Today’s successful flippers know that one of the biggest mistakes in house flipping is not being mindful of renovation costs and going over budget, which can quickly erode potential profits.
The Critical Importance of Timeframe
The show emphasized that time is money in the flipping business. The longer a property sits unsold, the more it costs in mortgage payments, utilities, taxes, and insurance.
Timeframe best practices include:
- Aim for a quick turnaround — ideally 60-90 days total from purchase to sale
- Create and adhere to a detailed project timeline
- Coordinate contractors carefully to avoid delays
- Begin marketing before renovations are complete
Real estate experts today still emphasize this principle, with some recommending “60 days total — 30 days for renovation and 30 days to market and sell. After that, holding costs start eating into your profit.”
Building a Reliable Team
The show highlighted how house flipping is rarely a solo endeavor. Successful investors build a network of reliable professionals.
Key team members include:
- Experienced real estate agents who understand investment properties
- Trustworthy contractors and specialized tradespeople
- Home inspectors who can identify potential issues
- Lenders familiar with investment property financing
Modern house flippers recognize that having contractors inspect a property before purchase is a smart strategy, allowing them to get estimates immediately rather than after they’ve already committed to the property.
Managing Risk and Expectations
Many episodes of “Flip This House” showcased the unexpected challenges that can derail a project — from hidden structural issues to permit problems and contractor disputes.
Effective risk management strategies include:
- Conduct thorough inspections before purchasing
- Research permit requirements and zoning regulations
- Use written contracts with all service providers
- Have exit strategies for worst-case scenarios
Today’s successful investors recognize that house flipping is not as easy as it appears on TV, and they prepare accordingly by expecting the unexpected.
Conclusion: From Entertainment to Education
While “Flip This House” was certainly entertaining, its greatest legacy may be the real estate investment education it provided to millions of viewers. The principles showcased on the program—careful property selection, strategic renovations, budget management, time efficiency, team building, and risk management—remain the foundation of successful house flipping today.
The real estate market has evolved significantly since the show first aired, but these fundamental principles have remained remarkably consistent. Today’s investors have access to better technology, more data, and new financing options, but the core strategies that lead to successful flips have stood the test of time.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just considering your first flip, there’s wisdom to be found in revisiting these timeless lessons from “Flip This House.”
Join the Conversation
Have you applied any of these house flipping principles in your own real estate investments? What lessons have you learned from watching shows like “Flip This House”? Share your experiences in the comments below!