TV property expert Chris Gray joins Network Ten’s new renovation show

MEDIA RELEASE

August 2011

TV property expert Chris Gray joins
Network Ten’s new renovation show

Popular TV property expert Chris Gray is delighted to announce his new TV role on Network Ten’s exciting new renovation show, The Renovators, as the Financial Adviser/Judge.

From the team that created Masterchef Australia, The Renovators launched in July and will see six properties in varying degrees of dilapidation renovated into real estate gold, with the winner decided in a massive auction finale. Contestants will also take place in regular design, decorating and construction challenges.

As CEO of Empire Property Portfolio, in real life Chris sources, buys and renovates dozens of properties every year on behalf of investors. On the show, Chris will use his extensive knowledge to help contestants turn their run-down properties into profitable real estate. Once a week on the show, Chris will meet with the renovators at their properties and give advice on the financial and real estate side of their renovations – reading the market, valuations, property prices, under or over capitalising and general profit making.

Chris says, “I’m delighted to be part of Ten’s exciting new program. For the renovators, the challenge is to not only improve the space, but increase the property’s value. I look forward to guiding them in maximising the equity of their properties – and leading one contestant to victory.”

Chris Gray’s top 5 tips to maximise your renovation profits:

1. Choose the right property. Purchase “cosmetically tired” rather than “structurally tired” properties. Structural work is often where problems occur and budgets blow out.

2. Get your property valued first. There’s no point spending big on renovations if you don’t get returns in the final sale. A valuer will be aware of circumstantial factors, such as the highest possible sales price for homes in your street.

3. Don’t hire the cheapest tradesperson. Cheaper tradespeople will do it in their own time and not always to the best standard. Paying a fair price for a tradesperson will often give you better quality in a shorter space of time.

4. Use a project manager. This can be anyone experienced in renovations, from an architect to interior designer. They can help find trustworthy tradespeople, keep costs low and manage different tradespeople for different jobs.

5. Ensure you’re not overcharged. Enlist a quantity surveyor for the bigger jobs to provide a list of labour costs, material costs, and tax deductions you can claim.

For interviews, images and more information contact:

Elizabeth Jackson | The Ideas Suite | (02) 9279 3330 | 0431 848 101 | ejackson@theideassuite.com.au

About Chris Gray:
Chris Gray is the Financial Judge on Network Ten’s The Renovators, appearing weekly to scrutinise the contestants’ progress. He is the CEO of Empire Property Portfolio – a consultancy that searches, negotiates, renovates and manages properties. Chris buys dozens of properties each year and spends millions renovating them. With almost 20 years’ experience in renovating for profit, Chris provides unique insight into market conditions and buyer and seller sentiment. For more information visit www.chrisgray.com.au, www.yourempire.com.au and follow Chris on Twitter: @ChrisGrayEmpire.