Renovate or Turn-Key?

Many historic Boulder homes need significant capital to repair, so when is one worth saving? In this episode, we dig into how to evaluate historic properties, Boulder market conditions, tales from the trenches, new all-electric building codes, and why so many buyers are backing out of deals.

The House Einstein Podcast is available wherever you podcast. Hosted by Osman Parvez and Hamish Crabb.

Recorded Date: 9/10/25
Published Date: 9/12/25

Opening Story or Quote: 

“Walter Fielding: It doesn’t make any sense, why would somebody be selling a million dollar house for a hundred thousand?

Jack Schnittman: Who knows? A divorce, loan sharks, a scandal. The point is you get to capitalize on another human being’s misfortune. That’s the basis of real estate.”

Topics:

• WELCOME
  • Declare Mission: Entertain, Discuss Real Estate, Help You Better the Market
  • Bios (who we are)
  • Disclaimer
  • Call to Action (Contact Us)
  • Review Topics Du Jour
• THE CLOSING TABLE | WORTH SAVING?
  • Many historical homes in Boulder require considerable capital investment to correct, but how do you figure if it’s worth it, and if there’s a “right price” what is it?
  • Historical designation
    • Can be restrictive, but also beneficial
  • Neighborhood value
    • Max supported value
    • Is the neighborhood improving?
    • HOA good? HOA bad?
  • Floodplain restrictions
    • Costs to correct
      • Physical: Grading
      • Financial – Hidden and external costs
        • Insurance
        • Lending
        • Future sale potential
        • Permit restrictions
        • Expansion restrictions
  • Environmental tests: Mold, Asbestos, Lead
    • Mitigation
    • Permitting
• TALES FROM THE TRENCHES | 4585 13th St 1-C
  • Unexpected expenses
    • Window
    • Sewer
    • Contingent
  • Good Seller
  • Good buyers agent
  • Second offer from them
  • Long time on market and price dropped during listing
• MARKET CONDITIONS
  • Market at glance COB and Boulder County
• SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION
  • Fort Collins Listing
  • Boulder County Buyers
• IN THE NEWS
  • Broncos plan to build new stadium at Denver’s Burnham Yard
  • Colorado launches new building code designed to encourage efficient, all-electric homes
  • Boulder man slashed by bear while walking dog
    National:
  • Their Real Estate Agent Talked Them Out Of Buying A Lake House, Saying Vacation Home Prices Are About To Drop
  • Homebuyers experiencing ‘economic nausea’ are pulling out of deals at a record rate — why so many ‘queasy’ buyers are suddenly canceling contracts
• CARVE OUTS
  • Burning Man
    • Rangers
    • Healing Camp
    • Creativity Art Music Inspiration
    • Thank Dog for Starlink
  • Cocktails & Brother in town
• WRAP UP
  • House Einstein Newsletter (Call To Action)
  • Check Out Social Media (YT, Insta, FB, X. Bluesky)
  • Visit House Einstein.com
  • Thank You For Joining Us
  • Feedback