The Tobin Hill Flip That Sold for $99k OVER Investor Expectations

Photo by https://www.ismaelphoto.com/

An investor purchased this Tobin Hill home for $200K and planned to sell it for $450k. But, after BY Design staged it, they realized they could get way more for it and listed it for $549k.  

The result? It went under contract in 6 days and sold for full asking price!

Here's the full story...

Tobin Hill has long been one of San Antonio’s most charming and walkable neighborhoods—with its historic architecture, proximity to The Pearl, and nightlife on the St. Mary’s Strip, it’s a favorite for both locals and real estate investors. But even in a hot location, flipping a home for top dollar takes more than just updates. It takes strategy, staging, and market-savvy pricing.

What started as a $200,000 investment became a full transformation—and a full-price sale at $549,000 just days after hitting the market. It’s a perfect example of how investors in Tobin Hill can maximize ROI when design and presentation work hand-in-hand.

The Flip Behind the Sale

In January 2024, investors purchased this 1930s one-story home for $200,000. The renovation was extensive—foundation, roof, plumbing, electrical, new HVAC, designer finishes, and more. It was the type of high-quality flip that Tobin Hill buyers crave.

The listing agent discovered BY Design while touring a staged home at Buckaroo Ranch as a buyer’s agent. She was so impressed, she reached out to us for this listing, knowing the right presentation would help this flip hit the market with momentum.

Timeline of an Investor Success

• Jan 4, 2024 – Investor purchase at $200,000
• June 23, 2025 - BY Design Staged
• June 26, 2025 – Listed at $549,000
• July 2, 2025 – Under contract in just 6 days
• Sept 3, 2025 – Closed at full asking price

That’s the kind of ROI flippers are aiming for—and the kind that’s achievable with the right prep and strategy.

Photo by ismaelphoto.com

Why This Flip Stood Out

In the Tobin Hill market, buyers are looking for a specific vibe: classic charm with modern convenience. Our staging helped turn a beautiful renovation into a desirable lifestyle.

What helped this investment property outperform the competition:

• Visual Impact: Staging matched the home’s high-end finishes without overwhelming the layout, making the open floor plan feel functional and inviting.
  
  
• Buyer Psychology: Staged spaces help buyers emotionally connect—which is critical for flipped homes that might otherwise feel “vacant” or impersonal.
  
  
• Online Performance: Well-staged homes make for better photos and dominate online listings. More clicks = more showings = faster offers.
  
  

Advice for Real Estate Investors in San Antonio

If you’re flipping homes in neighborhoods like Tobin Hill, here’s what this case study shows:

1. Staging isn’t optional—it’s strategic. Empty homes can feel sterile. A well-staged space tells a story and justifies a higher asking price.
   
   
2. Price confidence comes from presentation. The difference between $450K and $549K in this case? Visual appeal, layout clarity, and emotional draw.
   
   
3. The first week is everything. This home went under contract in six days—before competing listings had a chance to draw buyer attention away.
   
   

BY Design: Trusted by San Antonio’s Smartest Flippers

At BY Design, we work with real estate investors and flippers across San Antonio and Austin who are serious about getting results. With a 20,000 sq ft warehouse of furnishings and a design team that understands buyer psychology, we make your investment look like a lifestyle—and sell like one, too.

If you’re flipping in Tobin Hill or any of San Antonio’s urban neighborhoods, let’s talk about how to elevate your next project.

📞 Call 210-722-1633 or get a free staging quote here.
Let’s help you stage smarter—and sell faster.