Deborah Castillo
Deborah Castillo is an experienced architect and house flipper. She is particularly interested in dock construction projects. She has been involved with building, renovating, and selling lakefront properties for over 15 years.
Castillo’s architectural designs are highly sought-after in the luxury lakefront home market. She focuses on bringing gracious and scenic outdoor living to homeowners all over the country.
When Deborah Castillo designs a lakefront home, she places it in the best position to take advantage of the waterside setting. Her innovative deck designs enhance the livability of her homes, along with providing beautiful and functional spaces for entertaining guests.
Deborah Castillo has a background in architecture and real estate. Her special interest in lakefront properties stems from her own lakefront home. She recently spent time renovating and replacing her dock to accommodate a new boat and other recreational opportunities.
When homeowners work with Deborah Castillo, they will be able to enjoy their outdoor spaces in new and exciting ways. Whether they like to swim, boat, fish, or simply enjoy the sun on the deck with friends, they will see great benefits from their investment.
What do you know about the real estate industry?
I have 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, so I have a good working knowledge of the business and how it works. I have been able to make a good profit on flipping lakefront homes, and I understand what flippers need to do to make a profit.
What are some of the challenges facing lakefront home builders?
Weather is probably the biggest challenge to lakeside builders, especially if they are in a cold climate. Lakes freeze, and ice can damage docks. Ideally, they are constructed in a way that allows them to be removed during the wintertime so that damage does not occur.
Another challenge is utility. Builders in the marine industry are always looking for new ways to make their work useful for the homeowner. Setting up docks to be suitable for a wide variety of recreational uses can be a challenge, but I enjoy working with other architects and builders to make it work.
Have you ever sold real estate? How did you make it happen?
Yes, I regularly flip lakefront homes. It started out as more of a hobby than a business, but now it has taken on a life of its own. There is so much you can do to a lakefront property since the natural environment is so beautiful and the outside possibilities are endless. Flipping homes with docks can be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing when it comes to this type of design. Inexperienced builders can set the homeowner up for a lot of trouble when it comes to the outdoor design process.
How much experience do you have in buying or selling real estate?
Again, I have a fair amount of experience, though I am primarily an architect. My house flipping business has been successful for the past few years. I am also interested in representing the best lakefront homes and finding motivated sellers who want to get the most out of their deals.
Have you ever made a sell or a purchase you have regretted?
Yes, I have made a handful of deals that I should have researched more thoroughly. I have changed home inspectors since the first major problem that I ran up against when flipping an older home. You really have to work with professionals you trust, and when they are not giving you accurate information, your entire deal can fall through.
Tell me about the key selling points of lakefront properties.
A lakefront property stands out because it is the perfect place for relaxation and leisure. Homeowners who are willing to put in the extra money to have a lakefront experience are often discerning when it comes to views, amenities, and other comforts. They frequently entertain, and it is great to have a gorgeous outdoor space in which to do so.
Dock construction is a great way to add value to a home because it allows for the use of fishing and pleasure boats. It also creates a nice place for family members to share special experiences like swimming and birdwatching.
If you have a boat that is any bigger than a canoe or small rowboat, you need a place to moor it. It is one of the best ways to add value to a lakefront home.
What advice would you give inexperienced who are wanting to buy or sell?
Always do your research. You don’t want to be backed up against the wall when it comes to a deal that you can’t get out of. It’s a good idea to set yourself a firm budget and not let yourself be tempted by a deal that is too good to be true.
Explain the basics of dock and/or dock construction design.
The most important function of docks is to keep a boat in a safe depth of water. It’s important to make sure that there are no obstructions underwater like boulders or tree stumps. As a bonus, you could create a recreational area for your family and friends, featuring benches or a table.
In cold weather areas, you have to be very careful with your docks. Putting in a simple wooden dock that does not come out of the water could be dangerous since the structure could break down after being exposed to winter ice for several years in a row. Invest in an assembly that can be taken out of the water and stored for the winter.
What have you found out to be the best way to market property?
When I am marketing my flipped properties, I find that the online property listings are sufficient to get exposure. I also like to send postcards to people in the local area and let them know what they could be missing. There are also lakefront-specific real estate agencies that can help.
What tools do you believe are essential for success in the real estate industry?
The first thing you need is to be able to think on your feet. Real estate may seem simple on the surface, but there is a great deal of maneuvering that goes on behind the scenes. You have to be brave enough to jump on a deal but circumspect enough to check it out beforehand. You need the skills required to read legal documents and understand them.
What are the advantages of dock and/or dock construction?
Dock construction is great for the home builder as well as the homeowner. It adds so much value to the property, both financially and in the general enjoyment of living there. Many people find boat ownership rewarding and relaxing, and having docks at home is much more convenient than having to truck your boat to the landing whenever you want to use it.
What has real estate taught you about life?
Real estate has taught me to be a stronger businessperson. Before I started flipping homes, I was involved in real estate only as an architect. I didn’t think about the real estate business very much. Now that I am experienced in the business, I can enhance my designs and provide elements that raise the value of my homes.
How can you use what you have learned in real estate to succeed in other areas?
There are so many things I’ve learned that I can apply to other areas. My real estate sales experience has been applied to my work as an architect, as I mentioned above. I have also become better at securing financial deals.
Do you have a mentor who taught you what you know?
No, I don’t have a mentor. I wish I did. I do have a mentoring relationship with a younger acquaintance from work. I hope that she is able to get a lot out of our relationship.
Do you have a feedback system? How does it work?
I certainly get feedback from my construction clients. I am then able to use this feedback to enhance my future projects.
