You know that feeling when you stumble across a show that makes you want to quit your job and flip houses? That’s exactly what happens when you watch Michael Cordray work his magic on “Restoring Galveston.” This guy didn’t just wake up one day with millions in the bank – he built his empire brick by brick, literally. Unlike other celebrities like Bart Millard, who found wealth through music, Michael carved his path through real estate and television.
Let’s break down how this Texas native went from corporate drone to renovation king, and explore Michael Cordray Net Worth in 2025.
Who Is Michael Cordray?
Michael Cordray isn’t your typical TV personality. Born on March 18, 1982, in Galveston, Texas, this 43-year-old turned his hometown into his personal renovation playground. You’ve probably seen him on the Magnolia Network show “Restoring Galveston” alongside his wife Ashley, where they take historic homes from “condemned” to “come-on-over-for-dinner” gorgeous.
Here’s what makes Michael different from other renovation stars: he’s not just flipping random houses for quick cash. This guy’s got a mission – saving Galveston’s architectural soul one historic property at a time through his company, Save 1900. Michael attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration before discovering his true passion for historic home restoration.
Career Journey and Early Life
Michael’s story isn’t your typical overnight success tale. This guy paid his dues in the corporate world before discovering his true calling. After graduating from Texas A&M University in 2006, he landed a job at Kirby Inland Marine, where he met his future wife and business partner, Ashley.
The turning point? 2015. While still working their corporate jobs, Michael and Ashley started renovating a single house as a passion project. Ashley convinced Michael to leap, and they founded Save 1900, named after the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane that destroyed much of the city’s historic architecture.
Smart move, considering they’ve now renovated and flipped over 30 historic properties in Galveston. Their parents played significant roles in their success – Michael’s parents are Emil Cordray (father, deceased in 2007) and Helen Cordray (mother), while Ashley’s parents are Cindy and Charles Youngblood. While other entertainment personalities like Ashanti built their wealth through music and acting, the Cordrays chose the challenging but rewarding path of historic preservation and real estate development.
Michael Cordray Net Worth
Here’s the million-dollar question that everyone’s asking about Michael Cordray Net Worth. The renovation star has built an impressive financial portfolio estimated between $3 million and $5 million as of 2025, with some sources pushing that number even higher due to his diverse income streams.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Michael Cordray Net Worth represents the combined wealth of Michael and Ashley, making them one of renovation TV’s power couples. Michael individually holds an estimated net worth of $3 million, while Ashley brings her own $2.5 million to the table. When analyzing Michael Cordray Net Worth over the past five years, we can see steady growth from $2 million in 2020 to potentially $10 million in 2025, according to varied estimates.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $2-3 million |
| 2021 | $2.5-3.5 million |
| 2022 | $3-4 million |
| 2023 | $3.5-4.5 million |
| 2024 | $4-5 million |
| 2025 | $3-10 million (varied estimates) |
The wide range in 2025 reflects different valuation methods. Some analysts factor in TV earnings, real estate portfolio value, and business ventures differently when calculating Michael Cordray Net Worth.
Income Sources and Business Ventures
Michael Cordray Net Worth doesn’t come from just one golden goose. He’s built a diversified empire that would make any financial advisor proud across multiple revenue streams.
Television earnings form a major component of their wealth. “Restoring Galveston” (formerly “Big Texas Fix”) premiered in 2019 and has been a consistent money-maker. The show carries a 4.7 average rating on IMDB from 43 reviews, proving that audiences love watching the Cordrays work their magic. Reality TV can be incredibly lucrative for successful hosts, especially on networks like Magnolia.
The core of Michael’s wealth comes from his real estate ventures through Save 1900. The company specializes in buying distressed historic properties, completing renovations while maintaining architectural integrity, reselling for profit, and converting properties to Airbnb rentals.
Michael and Ashley have expanded beyond just flipping houses into multiple business ventures. Save 1900 Realty handles traditional real estate sales, Save 1900 Properties manages Airbnb and rental properties, and they even opened Cordray Drugstore, an ice cream business, in 2022.
Awards and Achievements
Michael’s impact goes beyond his bank account. The guy’s been recognized with multiple historic preservation awards, including the GHF Sally B Wallace Historic Preservation Award in 2016 and 2017, plus Galveston Landmark Commission Preservation Awards in 2018 and 2019.
These aren’t just pretty certificates – they’re proof that Michael’s work has real cultural and historical value. His company has successfully restored and revitalized numerous historic homes, contributing to Galveston’s architectural heritage preservation.
Personal Life and Family
Michael’s personal life reads like a renovation success story, too. He married Ashley on April 4, 2014, when he was 32 years old. Together, they’re raising three daughters: Elle Lane Cordray (born November 25, 2019), Emma Cordray (born May 24, 2021), and Emory James Cordray (born March 18, 2023), who shares dad’s birthday.
The family lives in Galveston, where they continue building their renovation empire while maintaining their connection to the community they’re helping preserve. Their family home is the historic Gustave Mayhoff Cottage, which they renovated from 2020 to 2022.
Michael’s Unique Approach
Here’s what makes Michael Cordray’s approach different from other renovation celebrities and contributes to his impressive net worth growth.
Authenticity over flash defines his work style. While some TV renovators focus on trendy makeovers, Michael prioritizes historical accuracy and architectural integrity. His projects emphasize authenticity in restoration while incorporating modern comforts, creating lasting value that appreciates over time.
Community impact drives every decision. Every project contributes to Galveston’s architectural heritage preservation, making his work culturally significant beyond profit margins. He’s promoting sustainable and preservation-focused real estate development that benefits the entire community.
His sustainable business model sets him apart from quick-flip competitors. Instead of just flipping for quick cash, Michael’s created multiple revenue streams that reinforce each other, from TV earnings to real estate sales to vacation rentals.
Real Estate Portfolio
Michael and Ashley currently own and operate several properties in Galveston, representing a significant portion of Michael Cordray Net Worth. In 2022, they purchased The Mansard House, a hotel built in 1912 and designed by Louise Dowling Smith, expanding their business into hospitality.
Their real estate holdings appreciate as Galveston’s historic district continues gaining popularity among tourists and preservationists. They have restored and owned at least eight homes featured in their show, creating a portfolio that generates both rental income and appreciation value.
Future Financial Prospects
With “Restoring Galveston” continuing to attract viewers and Galveston’s real estate market showing strong growth, the trajectory for Michael Cordray Net Worth looks promising. His diversified approach, combining TV fame, real estate expertise, and business ventures, creates multiple income streams that should weather economic fluctuations better than single-source wealth.
The key to Michael’s continued success? He’s not just riding the renovation TV wave – he’s building lasting value in his community while entertaining audiences nationwide. His focus on quality and authenticity creates lasting value and reputation in niche markets.
Final Thoughts
Michael Cordray Net Worth estimated at $3-5 million in 2025, represents more than just successful house flipping. It’s the result of strategic business building, authentic passion for historic preservation, and smart diversification across multiple revenue streams.
From corporate cubicle to renovation celebrity, Michael proves that combining genuine passion with solid business sense can create both financial success and meaningful impact. His story offers inspiration for anyone looking to turn their passion into profit – just don’t expect it to happen overnight.
Whether you’re a renovation enthusiast, entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a success story, Michael Cordray’s journey from maritime administration graduate to millionaire TV star shows that the American dream is alive and well – especially if you’re willing to get your hands dirty restoring it, one historic home at a time. His success story stands alongside other self-made celebrities like Lee Majors, proving that wealth can come from diverse paths when you combine passion with smart business decisions.
