#29: Matt Kelly on Turning Fixer-Uppers into Dream Homes Without Lifting a Hammer
July 22, 2025
What if you could buy your dream home, even if it needs major renovations, without doing any of the work yourself?
In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Matt Kelly, Associate Broker at Blanchard and Calhoun, to share a remarkable story of trust, timing, and transformation. At the height of a volatile real estate market, Tyler and Alyssa Gordon made a bold leap, agreeing to purchase a fixer-upper. Matt Kelly orchestrated the deal, partnering with a developer to flip the property and deliver the Gordons’ dream home. This inspiring episode shows how faith, relationships, and creative thinking can open new paths to homeownership, even in uncertain times.
Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook
What if you could buy your dream home, even if it needs major renovations, without doing any of the work yourself?
In this episode of The Pursuit of Home, host Scott Harris sits down with Matt Kelly, Associate Broker at Blanchard and Calhoun, to share a remarkable story of trust, timing, and transformation. At the height of a volatile real estate market, Tyler and Alyssa Gordon made a bold leap, agreeing to purchase a fixer-upper. Matt Kelly orchestrated the deal, partnering with a developer to flip the property and deliver the Gordons’ dream home. This inspiring episode shows how faith, relationships, and creative thinking can open new paths to homeownership, even in uncertain times.
Here is what you will learn:
- How to leverage realtor relationships to unlock off-market opportunities
- Why trust networks and reputation can create unique real estate opportunities
- How detailed renovation specifications ensure your vision becomes a reality
- How to navigate complex FHA guidelines while working with investors and developers
- Why focusing on essential requirements over size can lead to finding the perfect home
- How to balance faith and practicality during stressful real estate transactions
- The importance of building strong relationships with real estate professionals
- Why smaller homes on larger properties can offer better value and lifestyle benefits
Matt Kelly is an Associate Broker at Blanchard Calhoun Real Estate Company in Greater Augusta, Georgia. He is known for his innovative approach to real estate solutions. With multiple years of residential and multi-family real estate experience, he strives to deliver positive energy and bring people together. His goal is to simply have an impact and to do that in a way that involves bringing people together to achieve great things! He specializes in creating unique client buying opportunities through his network of investors and builders.
Scott’s book, The Pursuit of Home, is now available for pre-order! Get your copy here: https://bit.ly/thepursuitofhomebook
Episode Timeline
- 00:00 Intro: Finding Your Dream Home Through Creative Real Estate Solutions
- 02:33 Building Trust: The Foundation of Successful Real Estate Deals
- 05:18 The Power of Organization: Matt's Big Board System
- 07:40 Crafting the Perfect Property Specifications
- 13:12 Understanding the 90-Day FHA Rule in Property Flips
- 15:20 The Role of Faith and Trust in Real Estate Transactions
- 18:43 Making a House a Home: Beyond Square Footage
- 21:26] Key Takeaways: Faith, Vision, and Partnership in Real Estate Success
Episode Resources:
Matt Kelly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelly-b5bb5921a/
Learn more about Blanchard Calhoun Real Estate Company here: https://blanchardandcalhoun.com/
Learn more about Magnetic here: https://magneticre.com/