{"id":524,"date":"2016-10-13T12:06:50","date_gmt":"2016-10-13T12:06:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mikeclover.com\/blog\/?p=524"},"modified":"2019-03-28T10:22:30","modified_gmt":"2019-03-28T10:22:30","slug":"how-a-home-can-make-you-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mikeclover.com\/blog\/2016\/10\/13\/how-a-home-can-make-you-money\/","title":{"rendered":"How A Home Can Make You Money"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Real<\/a><\/p>\n

As home investors all know, \u201cYou make your money at the time of purchase.\u201d How? By being a wise buyer.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s true that you\u2019re buying a home to live in, not to re-sell, you still need to keep that wisdom in mind. So consider another old investor adage: \u201cBuy the worst home in the best neighborhood.\u201d<\/u><\/p>\n

No, I don\u2019t mean you should buy a ramshackle, run-down home that will cost you thousands before the first year is up. By \u201cworst\u201d I mean you should consider homes that need a bit of cosmetic care, or perhaps a thorough scrubbing.<\/p>\n

Carefully consider these points:<\/p>\n

Begin by choosing that \u201cbest neighborhood.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cBest\u201d can be defined as a neighborhood that is, in general, well-kept. Look for pride of ownership in the neighboring homes. Notice the number of for sale signs. If they\u2019re there in abundance, it might be safe to assume there\u2019s a reason why so many people want out.<\/p>\n

Unless you\u2019re choosing a seniors\u2019 only development, \u201cbest\u201d can also be defined by the school district. Learn the boundaries, then go on line to research the schools and their ratings. Even if you have no children or your children are grown, you should think ahead to the day when you want to sell.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve chosen a neighborhood \u2013 or two or three \u2013 begin working with an agent who knows the territory and will work hard on your behalf. Remember that loyalty to just one agent will get the best results.<\/p>\n

As you begin your search\u2026<\/p>\n

Look Beyond Curb Appeal:<\/strong> Smart home sellers know that curb appeal sells homes \u2013 but not all home sellers are smart and not all have the time, energy, and money to create a beautiful exterior. One can always find Fusion Exteriors here<\/a>, though. So take a second look at the homes other buyers are passing by because the lawn isn\u2019t mowed or the window trim needs a new coat of paint. Look past the overgrown shrubbery to see the house itself, the size of the lot, and the possibilities for landscaping.<\/p>\n

Interior condition:<\/strong> Beautifully staged homes sell faster and for more money. That\u2019s a fact few can deny. And yet, you may walk into a house that\u2019s completely cluttered, with unmade beds, dishes in the sink, and windows you can scarcely see through.<\/p>\n

Many buyers will take this as a sign that the whole house is in disrepair and simply pass it by. Or, they pass it by because they want a house that\u2019s move-in ready. But do look twice, because you might be looking at a rare bargain.<\/p>\n

Be alert for signs of structural damage as evidenced by:<\/p>\n