When it comes to flipping houses, there’s a delicate balance between making a home look beautiful and making the numbers work. Brian Leibowitz, Director of Acquisitions and Sales at Dominion Properties, has mastered that balance. Brian isn’t just any real estate expert- he’s a licensed realtor in Maryland and leads acquisitions for Dominion Properties, a cash home buyer in the greater Baltimore area that manages over 800 rental properties and transacts more than 100 homes a year. Dominion Properties is one of three divisions within the Dominion Group, a vertically integrated real estate firm that also includes Dominion Financial Services and Dominion Management.
We sat down with Brian to get his insights on how smart renovations can drive higher returns.
Q: What’s the biggest difference between renovating a rental and a flip?
Brian: “Retail renovations are totally different from rental ones. With rentals, you’re focused on durability—because tenants may not have the same long-term investment in the space that a homeowner would. But when you’re flipping a house, the aesthetic side carries more weight. People want to walk in and feel an emotional connection.”
“That’s not to say durability doesn’t matter—it absolutely does. A house that looks great but falls apart in two years is a failure. Modern buyers expect both: a stylish, thoughtfully designed home that’s built to last.”
Q: Are there any specific features that really help strike that balance between beauty and durability?
Brian: “Original hardwood floors are a game-changer. If we acquire a property with hardwoods we do everything we can to save them. We’ll bring in our crew to refinish them, fill gaps, or even repair intricate inlays. It’s not easy work, but it’s always worth it.”
Q: What about kitchens and bathrooms—how important are those when flipping?
Brian: “The cliché is true – kitchens and bathrooms really do sell homes. But savvy investors know it’s not about throwing money at these rooms indiscriminately; it’s about knowing which features actually move the needle.”
“For kitchens, I always recommend quartz countertops for retail renovations. Quartz has that upscale look buyers love, but it’s also durable and easy to maintain – exactly the kind of balance today’s buyers are looking for.”
“For bathrooms, it’s all about flexibility. Most buyers today aren’t taking baths regularly, but they still want at least one tub – especially if they have kids. We usually put a tub in the primary or guest bath, but the others will have sleek, well-designed showers. It’s what modern buyers want.”
Q: Trends change fast. How do you avoid designing a house that feels dated in a few years?
Brian: “That’s the trap – chasing trends. Gold fixtures might be hot this year, but will they still look good in five years? Probably not. Stainless steel appliances are a no-brainer because they have a modern, clean look that lasts.”
“Feature walls, like an exposed brick wall or custom trim detail, are a great way to give a house personality without scaring off buyers by making the property too customized. You want the house to feel unique but not so quirky that it limits your buyer pool.”
Q: Beyond design, are there any structural or layout changes that really increase value?
Brian: “Yes – adding a legal fourth or even fifth bedroom is one of the smartest ways to increase a home’s value. More bedrooms mean more flexibility for the buyer – and a wider pool of interested buyers.”
“Finishing the basement is another no-brainer. If you’re already doing work down there, adding a bedroom and a bathroom gives you more usable square footage and opens the door to a wider range of buyers. If you can make the house functional for more people, it’s going to sell faster and for more money.”
Q: What about outdoor space? Does that really matter to buyers?
Brian: “Absolutely. Private parking is gold in Baltimore. If you can create off-street parking by taking down a backyard fence, do it. Outdoor living space like a deck or a rooftop patio – can also elevate a property’s value.”
“You want to give buyers that ‘wow’ factor. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it.”
Q: How does Dominion stand out from other flippers in the market?
Brian: “We don’t believe in ‘lipstick on a pig’ renovations. That’s why we offer a full one-year warranty on our retail properties. If something goes wrong, even if it’s a leaky drain that damages drywall we fix it at no cost to the buyer.”
“Our reputation is more valuable than cutting corners. Buyers need to know they’re getting a quality home. That’s why we stand behind our work, every time.”
Q: Any final advice for someone looking to flip a house for maximum profit?
Brian: “Focus on creating a home that feels both functional and beautiful. Don’t cut corners, but don’t overcomplicate it either. The goal is to create a space that feels inviting while adding value in ways that buyers will notice and appreciate.”
Ready to start your next project? Dominion Financial offers up to 100% LTC on fix and flip loans and can fund your deal in as little as 48 hours. Get in touch today and let’s make your next flip a success.
