Ep 7. Dancing With Disaster

In season 1 episode 7 of Flipping 101, titled Dancing With Disaster, viewers are taken on a journey with real estate expert Tarek El Moussa as he meets with novice flippers who have taken on more than they can handle.

At the beginning of the episode, Tarek is introduced to a couple named Shane and Sydney who have been renovating a property for six months but have hit a roadblock. The couple has gone over budget and are unsure of how to finish the project without spending even more money. Tarek takes a look at the property and is immediately taken aback by its condition. The home has a small kitchen, outdated bathrooms, and cramped living spaces. However, Tarek sees potential and is confident that he can help the couple turn a profit.

The first obstacle that Tarek helps Shane and Sydney overcome is the lack of space in the kitchen. The couple had removed a wall, but the new layout created a cramped and inefficient workspace. Tarek calls in a contractor to have the wall rebuilt, making the kitchen feel larger and much more functional.

The next challenge for Tarek comes when he discovers that Shane and Sydney have overspent on tile and granite for the kitchen and bathrooms. Tarek calls a meeting with the couple to discuss ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of the renovation. He suggests that they use materials that look similar to expensive tile and granite, but cost significantly less. The couple is hesitant at first, but ultimately trust Tarek's expertise and decide to take his advice.

As the renovation progresses, Tarek realizes that Shane and Sydney have taken on too much of the work themselves. The couple has been doing most of the painting, laying flooring, and installing cabinets on their own. Tarek explains to them that their lack of experience is slowing down the renovation and costing them money in the long run. He brings in a team of professionals to finish the work in a timely and efficient manner, while teaching the couple some valuable renovation skills in the process.

Throughout the episode, Tarek also helps the couple make design decisions, like choosing new light fixtures and paint colors. He emphasizes the importance of choosing neutral colors to appeal to potential buyers and showcases how small design choices can make a big impact in a space.

By the end of the episode, Shane and Sydney have gone from feeling overwhelmed and hopeless to confident and excited about their future as flippers. With Tarek's guidance, the couple has learned valuable renovation skills, saved money on materials, and created a beautiful and functional living space. Tarek has once again proven his expertise in the real estate and renovation industry, while helping another couple achieve their dream of flipping a property.