PRLog - March 25, 2015 - RICHMOND, Va. -- Bobby+April signs have been showing up all over the Fan and Museum District, proving that their HGTV basis works in real life as well. For the past few years, the Bobby+April have been following the famous formula of the reality TV show, Property Brothers, to help clients find the perfect fixer-upper, and then do the work to make the house a client’s “dream home.”
While the process certainly takes longer than the hour-long show, Bobby+April, whose principles are long time residents of the neighborhood, uses the same ideals – maintain the charm of the house,update the floor plan, modernize all the mechanicals and redesign the space to make Museum District and Fan homes shine in a whole new light.
“I have to admit to being a HGTV junkie,” confesses April Straus. “It looked so easy – quick and clean – on TV. Initially our big issue was getting the word out about our new company – three years later, our biggest issue has been finding houses that fit into the model! We’ve had to become marketing and advertising specialists, something I never see Jonathan or Drew doing!”
While working on their first project on West Avenue, which was done as a fun project for the couple, Bobby and April discovered they have very different skills. “April is great at keeping to budget, and working on colors and design. Seeing the big picture isn’t her strong point,” admits Bobby Hicks. “Sometimes she is pretty shocked by the tear down, but I always have a great vision of the end product.” And clients agree that the end product and budget both work for them.
Since that project closed, the team has successfully completed dozens of other
renovations, with great reviews from neighbors, buyers, and other realtors. Their second project at 3224 Grove Avenue was a showplace for months, purchased by investors, and selling once renovated the first day on the market for asking price. The client was so happy with their work he allowed the new Bobby+April to use that house to hold seminars for clients for the four months while he traveled to NY.
With their success, Bobby+April has started to attract the attention of investors in the area who want to buy distressed properties and renovate them to flip. “I guess it’s time for Property Ladder,” laughs Straus. “Fortunately I love that show as well, but I’ll have to reset the DVR.” Currently, Bobby+April has renovated dozens of homes for clients and investors alike, and have six in the works.
“It’s incredibly rewarding,” extols Straus. “We get to take family homes from the past -houses with stories to tell and a real feel - and give them new life. Seeing a new family move into a house that has been the base for another family for 40 years is incredible.”
Bobby+April is currently recreating a pair of homes on Grove Avenue where the previous owners had lived since the early 1970’s. The pair hosted neighbors and realtors two weeks ago for a “pre-reno” open house, and found that they have developed quite a following. “It’s exciting to see the same people following our work and following us on Facebook,” admitted Hicks. “They always want to know what’s next, what our plans are, and to see the pictures as the project progresses. Then several have become clients as well, the best compliment of all.” Straus adds, “It’s bizarre to suddenly have strangers recognize me, know my name, and to know all about what we are doing. Bizarre, but GREAT!”
Excited about progress on Grove, Bobby+April hope to have the project complete by late April so they can catch up on some travel. “We’ve been homebound with projects for so long,” mused Straus. “Isn’t there a Selling NY show as well?”
About Bobby+April
Bobby+April is a partnership licensed as both a realtor and Class “A” contractor. Follow their updates, before and after pictures, and info on their Facebook page Bobby+April, or their website BobbyandApril.com. For more information on upcoming projects, call 804-307-4280.
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Bobby+April, Renovation/Realty Company, Uses Property Brother’s Formula to Help Clients and Neighborhoods
March 25, 2015 at 11:48 AM EDT
