DESIGN AND REAL ESTATE INVESTING

With the resurgence of the real estate market, property investment is again coming back in vogue. In addition to the firm’s current design projects, Gary Jerabeck is working with numerous clients to find properties to be used as their main residence; for dual purposes of a primary residence and investment return; and for short term renovation flips. Please view our May newsletter.

Architectural design, options, timing and flexibility are key elements to the purchase and development process. One cannot predict what the market may do or the timing of the market but we can produce good solid design work with flexibility and options. This has particular value in the case of investment properties where return is a key issue. Additionally, as demonstrated by the now subsiding housing market down turn, it is also prudent to evaluate investments in our primary residences.

Over the years, Gary has personally developed 10 properties for his own use or for investment. Some of these were his residences for several years; others were short term flips; and a few were rental properties purchased to create income. One of his present properties is in Rancho Mirage, CA, which was designed and developed with flexibility in mind.

In 2001 after an exhaustive property search in the Coachella Valley, Gary finally settled on a home built in 1979 and in need of a major transformation. Property values were down and he could “buy right” at that moment; as typically one’s investment value is strategically tied to one’s buy in price along with the renovation costs. The home met the criteria of offering a wonderful location, good square footage and a general layout that he could reconfigure to adapt to his needs. The goal was to purchase a home for long term personal use while also creating income. He came to the conclusion that he would design it for his own needs yet allow flexibility for its use as an upscale short term rental. Short term rentals do require more work then long term lease options but it met his particular requirements.

Sophisticated Desert Retreat »

Gary Jerabeck completely gutted his desert home creating an updated façade, a new interior layout and new gardens and pool/spa. He created “Jasmine” to be a unique and distinctive property in the upscale Tamarisk area of Rancho Mirage. The residence is a wonderful open floor plan entertaining home, with walls of glass around a beautiful and completely private pool and spa with views of the mountains. The modern Zen/South Asian inspired home was designed to create luxury, comfort and be a retreat for both Gary and his guests.

The 4 bedroom and 3 bathroom home features travertine floors; honed absolute black granite counters throughout, custom cherry wood cabinetry designed to reflect Japanese Tansu chests; both wood and stainless steel cabinetry in the kitchen; rich red and gold tones of Asia; natural wood moldings, and a cohesive interrelationship between the interior and exterior spaces. The residence has a mix of modern and antique furniture and art, which Gary found throughout his travels in Asia. All the gardens were also designed by Gary, using lush landscape materials to create a blending of abstract shapes and colors.
See rental information on Gary Jerabeck’s property »

Our Firm’s goal is to develop architecture to its ultimate aesthetic, functional and investment value while reflecting each client’s unique needs and aspirations.

Update on some of our current projects »

We were recently awarded a commission to design and renovate a wonderful classic family home in the Asbury Terrace neighborhood of SF. This is an extensive project including the excavating and development of the lower level.