With vision and a builder’s mindset, Gerry N., principal of an architecture studio and property development company, brings new-home quality to full-gut remodels. Dominion Financial helped bring it all to life.
When Gerry entered the world of fix and flip three years ago, he wasn’t thinking like a seller. He was thinking like a buyer.
“What would make me stop scrolling and really pay attention?” he asked. “What would make someone feel something when they walked in: not just see a finished home, but remember it?”
That mindset has shaped his entire philosophy: stand out or be overlooked. It’s what drew him to Smyrna Heights, Georgia: a property with good bones, undeniable character, and a location on the rise. Just minutes from The Battery and zoned for top-rated schools, the area checked every box for long-term value.
But for Gerry, location was only half the equation. The other half was about creating something buyers don’t see every day: a true experience.
From Studs to Showpiece
The project was a full gut (cosmetic down to the studs), but Gerry approached it with a new-construction mindset. Vaulted 15-foot ceilings, skylights, and elongated custom windows flood the living space with natural light. A six-foot wide hallway with floor-level lighting adds drama and function.
And the kitchen? A genuine statement piece.
Wrapped in limestone and British Columbia cedar, it features quartz countertops, Thor appliances, and a walk-in pantry with a secondary sink, microwave, wine fridge space, and storage built for real life.
Every corner of the home blends form and function:
- Designer bathrooms with floating vanities and soaking tubs
- Smart switches, a smart water heater, and a full security system
- A 300 sq ft deck with a modern pergola and Japanese Pom Pom garden
- Upgraded roof, siding, insulation (R-13/R-30), HVAC, and gutters
“Why shouldn’t a remodeled home feel brand new?” Gerry said. “Many flippers focus purely on resale: quick finishes and minimal spend. I’ve learned that when you invest just a bit more into thoughtful design, the return is often higher and the home sells faster. It’s the difference between being one of many and being one-of-one.”
That philosophy led Gerry to go one step further than most investors: he offers a two-year builder warranty on all his homes. Why? “If you’re taking a home down to the studs and truly believe in the quality of your work, why wouldn’t you stand behind it?” Gerry said. “Offering a warranty gives buyers added confidence. They’re not just purchasing a beautiful home; they’re investing in something built to last. It also helps justify the price because it reflects the level of care and construction behind the walls, not just the finishes.”
A Team Built on Expertise
Gerry knows his strengths and his limits. That’s why he emphasizes building a team of experts around each project. “If you don’t know design, bring on a designer,” he said. “Trust the people who are great at what they do, and build around your vision.”
That approach has made his homes not only beautiful but highly marketable. In a neighborhood where many flips feel copy-paste, Gerry’s properties stand out (and sell!)
This same philosophy applies to financing. “I have no desire to work with another lender,” Gerry said. “Dominion Financial just gets it. When everyone on your team is an expert, especially your lender, you’re able to build with real confidence.”
That mutual respect goes both ways.
“Gerry is exactly the kind of investor we love working with; visionary, detail-oriented, and bold,” said Colin Faux, Loan Officer at Dominion Financial. “We see ourselves as a true part of the team, not just a funding source.”
Financing That Moves With You
To bring his vision for this Smyrna Heights property to life, Gerry needed a lender that understood both speed and nuance. With 90% purchase financing, 100% rehab coverage, and a 25-day close, Dominion Financial delivered.
That level of precision wasn’t by chance; it was built into the process from day one.
“Working with investors like Gerry, clarity and speed aren’t optional, they’re essential,” said Faux. “Our goal was to keep everything straightforward, responsive, and aligned from day one.”
Gerry felt that support immediately.
“Depending on what you need assistance with, there’s someone at Dominion who specializes in it,” he said. “From day one, I had a full contact list: underwriting, draws, support, everything was transparent.”
And the non-Dutch interest structure? “It’s been a game-changer financially. I genuinely don’t see a reason to look elsewhere.”
The Result
Now on the market, this fully reimagined Smyrna Heights home isn’t just another flip; it’s a bold design statement in one of the city’s most desirable enclaves.
And for Dominion Financial, it’s another reminder of why we do what we do: to empower real estate investors who see potential and dare to build it.
Inspired by Gerry’s story? Start your next project with a lender who builds alongside you.
