First flip / Dallas, TX / Need advise

[Rohit Dhing]

Hello, fellow RE family.

I just completed my first flip in Sachse, TX (a suburb of Dallas) and only have a few final touches remaining, with the decision on SOD being a high priority. Just like any flip story, my first flip expenses almost doubled (different story for another day 😊), so we are being cautious with any additional expenses. I'm attaching pictures of the front and back lawn (it's pretty much all mud). We have decided to go with the renting route, but we feel the mud needs to be replaced with something more appealing. Renters or home buyers aren't going to like seeing mud for their new home.

The amount of sod needed is approximately 10-11 pallets for the front and back, which will cost close to $4K-$5K, and that's steep. I am looking for ideas from experienced BRRRR folks on how they would handle such a situation with a tight budget, especially with fall approaching and SOD going dormant. Here are some ideas/thoughts:

- Leave it as is (I don't think any potential renters/home buyers would like to see mud).

- Put down SOD in the front only and do the back later. This will save a little until rental income gives us additional funds to use for the back. Or even leave the back just mud (not sure). Another challenge is the large trees in the front. I know there is palisade grass for shade, but these are more expensive.

- One idea suggested is to put pebbles or small landscape stones. I am not a fan as it would not give a homey feel or look.

Anyway, I would love to hear cost-effective ideas for either the long term, short term, or both.

Thanks for your time.