Residential Real Estate

Client Profile: A young couple in Denver, Colorado ​ Situation: After years of renting, a young couple is ready to purchase their first home. They have mortgage pre-approval for up to $800,000 and found two homes they love, listed at $785,000 and $730,000. Their real estate agent is encouraging a quick offer, citing Denver's competitive market. Challenge: While excited, the couple feels uncertain. Are these properties worth the price? Could they afford the future costs comfortably? What would their financial picture look like if rates rose or property taxes adjusted? ​ What Liberty Clear Would Do: We would perform a comprehensive buy-versus-rent analysis for both properties, incorporating projected homeownership costs (including local property taxes, maintenance, HOA dues, and future mortgage rate adjustments and so on). ​ Example Outcome: Our model reveals that the $785,000 home is overvalued by roughly $50,000 based on recent sales, projected resale value and expected returns over the couple’s ownership period. Our work shows that the comparable listing is the better option for the couple, as it provides the same long-term lifestyle value but aligns better with their 10-year cash flow goals. The model also shows that the couple would reduce financial risk if they were able to successfully negotiate the second home to $715,000.

Client Profile: First-time real estate investor in Los Angeles, CA ​ Situation: The client is considering a duplex purchase for $1.90 million. They plan to live in one unit and rent the other to offset the mortgage. Their real estate agent emphasizes "house hacking" potential but can’t provide a full financial projection. Challenge: They are unsure about future tax assessments, maintenance costs, and how much vacancy might affect cash flow. Without clarity, they risk becoming "house-poor". ​ What Liberty Clear Would Do: We model full P&L and cash flow forecasts with toggles for property taxes, maintenance reserves, vacancy rates, and appreciation scenarios. We include a rent comp analysis and adjust for realistic expense growth. ​ Example Outcome: Our analysis reveals the break-even cash flow point wouldn’t occur until year 8, as opposed to year 6 as their realtor has estimated, unless they reduced capital spending.

Client Profile: A family in Boise, ID are building their "Forever Home" on a recently purchased lot ​ Situation: With a $960,000 budget, the family are planning a 4,200 sq ft home. As interest rates have risen and material prices are fluctuating, they fear the project might stretch their finances. Challenge: They have very little experience navigating cost escalation or value engineering. Their contractor doesn’t offer financial scenario planning. ​ What Liberty Clear Would Do: We develop a dynamic model comparing size, finishes, layout tweaks, optional upgrades and interest rate scenarios. We also add resale and appraisal projections to gauge long-term value. We stay with you for the duration of the project and provide regular updates if anything changes. ​ Example Outcome: Our model reveals that by reducing total size to 3,600 sq ft and choosing cost-effective upgrades, they can bring the budget down to $825,000. The home is still appraised above $900,000.

Client Profile: Homeowner in Austin, TX planning a major renovation ​ Situation: The homeowner is planning a full renovation of a 1970s-era bungalow. A contractor has quoted between $240,000 and $260,000, but the homeowner has never managed a large renovation and is overwhelmed by multiple estimates and decisions. Challenge: The client is unsure how to compare quotes, what contingencies to plan for, and whether the planned spend would be justified by post-renovation value. They want more financial clarity before breaking ground. ​ What Liberty Clear Would Do: We consolidate the received quotes from the client’s vendors and benchmark each line item against local market data. We model overruns based on Austin’s historical and current cost trends, and project post-renovation value using comparable listings and appreciation forecasts. We also integrate budget toggles within the model for optional items like furniture, landscaping, and solar. ​ Example Outcome: Our model flags missing scope for structural work based on our analysis of comparable local renovations data, which could have added an unexpected $45,000 mid-project and delayed other vital workstreams, altering the amount and timing of cash flows and project duration significantly.