Ep 8. To Sell or Not to Sell

Windy City Rehab is a home renovation and real estate show following the work of designer Alison Victoria and her contractor Donovan Eckhardt as they flip homes in Chicago. Season 1 episode 8, titled To Sell or Not to Sell, sees Alison caught between her desire to turn a profit and her emotional attachment to a house she has put a lot of work into.

The episode begins with Alison and Donovan checking on their latest renovation project, a massive six-bedroom house in Lincoln Square. The project has been a challenging one, with unexpected setbacks including mold and a cracked foundation, but the team has put in endless hours of work to get it ready for sale. However, as soon as Alison steps inside the finished property, she starts to have second thoughts about selling it.

The house is absolutely stunning, with high-end finishes and luxurious features throughout. Alison has put her heart and soul into the design, creating a space that is both modern and timeless. She's clearly proud of what she's achieved, but as she walks through the house, she can't help but feel a sense of attachment to the space. She tells Donovan she's not sure if she wants to sell it anymore, and he reminds her that they've already put a lot of money into the project and need to make a profit.

Alison decides to put the house on the market to test the waters, but she doesn't have high hopes. The housing market in Chicago is competitive and fast-moving, and Alison worries that the house won't sell quickly enough. She's also concerned about the price point; they've listed the property at $1.6 million, which is high for the area and may price out potential buyers. As they wait for offers to come in, Alison starts to weigh her options.

Meanwhile, Donovan is hard at work on their next project, a two-flat in Bucktown. The property is smaller and more manageable than their Lincoln Square project, but it comes with its own set of challenges. The building is old and in need of serious renovations, with a layout that doesn't make sense and outdated features throughout. Donovan and Alison work together to create a new design that maximizes the space and creates a functional, attractive living environment.

As Alison and Donovan work on their Bucktown project, Alison receives an unexpected offer on their Lincoln Square property. A potential buyer has offered them $1.4 million, which is significantly lower than their asking price but still a respectable offer. Alison is torn; part of her wants to take the money and run, but another part of her wants to hold onto the property and continue to make it her own. She talks to her business partner and friend, Donovan, about what to do.

Donovan is blunt with her, telling Alison that she needs to focus on making a profit and not let her emotions get in the way. Alison listens to his advice, but she's still conflicted. She knows it will be hard to let go of the Lincoln Square house, but she also knows that they can't afford to hold onto it forever. She ultimately decides to accept the offer and move on to their next project.

The episode ends with Alison and Donovan closing the sale on their Lincoln Square property, satisfied with the profit they made and the work they accomplished. Alison reflects on the experience, realizing that flipping houses is both a business and a passion for her. She knows that her attachment to the properties she works on will always be a challenge, but she's up for it. As she looks towards the future, she's excited to see what awaits her and Donovan on their next project.