They got rid of the oleander in the front. (Something I think jp can relate too iirc). Cleaning up the yard was probably at least $1k, maybe more
Are you sure those were oleanders? The leaves don’t look right, too dark green as opposed to dark olive color. The leaves also don’t look like they are long-slender.
I don’t know about the front yard after.. The ‘rock garden’ approach may not sell that well out here. I know it turns me off a bit. I noticed that both sellers (pre and post flipper) are making it a point to state “Seller/has never lived in the home. Buyer to verify all before close of escrow and satisfy self.” or “the seller has never occupied the property”.. possibly to exempt themselves from disclosure?? I don’t know how that would work, but it wouldn’t make me feel very warm and fuzzy.