Flipping Homes to Pay for College: Here’s How to Go About It

Article Courtesy of Claire Wentz from https://caringfromafar.com

Going back to school for upskilling is always a great option, especially in today’s job market which is more competitive than ever before. However, financing your education can be difficult due to high tuition costs and subsequent college-based expenses. One creative solution to help fund your education is flipping houses. Today, REALTOR® Jenny Hershberger Bushman will explore a host of helpful steps to help you flip homes for a profit and put yourself through college.

Finding the Right Profitable Property

While numerous factors have an impact on profitability, location should not be overlooked. Search for desirable neighborhoods that have a growing real estate market and a track record of attracting buyers. Additionally, consider the following factors: proximity to school, availability of public transport and neighborhood amenities.

To turn a profit, you’ll need to sell the home at a much higher price than you bought and renovated it for. Avoid properties that present major structural problems and issues with plumbing, and HVAC systems as these will be expensive to renovate and take longer to sell.

Given that estimating growth and prices can be hard, consider working with an experienced real estate agent who can not only help you find the right property but guide you on the best practices related to financing and manage all closing-related responsibilities.

Upgrading the Kitchen Before Selling

Your home’s kitchen will be one of the key spaces that will make or break deals. Hence, before putting the property on the market, consider doing some smart and profitable upgrades to the space.

According to Realtor.com, some kitchen upgrades can fetch an ROI as high as 70%. Here are some of the best upgrades to consider:

• Install a range hood that improves indoor air quality by removing smoke, odors, and grease from the home.

• Consider upgrading old kitchen appliances such as the dishwasher, toaster, microwave, etc. Adding new appliances is one of the best ways to boost your property value, according to Military Home Search.

• If your kitchen lacks storage space, adding cabinets is the best option for wooing buyers and making the space functional.

Cleaning Your Property Before Promoting

Once you’ve completed the necessary upgrades, it’s time to turn your focus toward marketing the property to buyers. But, before uploading images and videos of the home online, spend ample time cleaning the home to make it look spotless and inviting.

While you can hire cleaners, this will only increase costs further. The best cost-effective option is to use a corded stick vacuum. This lightweight and versatile tool will cover most of your cleaning needs, allowing you to effortlessly clean hard-to-reach areas and clean the home of any debris, dust, and other unwanted items.

Marketing Your Property

When it comes to marketing your property to buyers, it’s best to utilize a variety of promotional mediums such as:

• Online Listings: Create profiles on all well-known real estate websites and upload high-definition photos and videos. This will create a strong first impression with buyers and generate interest.

• Social Media Promotion: Promote your listing on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms This will help you reach a large audience and receive a higher number of bids.

• For Sale Sign: This traditional method is a great way to promote word-of-mouth marketing regarding your property in and around the neighborhood.

Consider Going Back to School

Another way to help pay for college while also giving yourself a technological edge in today’s ultra-competitive job market is by going back to school for a degree in information technology. If you’re open to online learning platforms, this page deserves a look. By taking advantage of the flexibility afforded by this option, you can study at your own pace without having to take time away from your other obligations. This will also open lots of doors for your future, since IT is always in high demand.

Creating Business Cards

When interacting with buyers, every small detail counts, and making a good impression is key to having good negotiations and a smooth closing. Business cards provide a tangible and professional way to leave a lasting impression and make it simple for interested buyers to contact you.

Rather than using generic designs, choose to personalize your card with colors and fonts that best represent you. There are plenty of online tools to help you create these cards, and you can use this guide to learn how to make a business card.

When done right, flipping houses can be a great way to fund your education. In addition to finding the right property, remember to market it well through various mediums, keep it clean before showings, and make a lasting impression on buyers with memorable business cards. You should also consider giving yourself a technological edge by pursuing an IT degree.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, realtor Jenny Hershberger Bushman is here to help! Reach out today to get started.

Hike Drinking Horse Mountain Trail in Bozeman, MT

Drinking Horse Mountain Trail in Bozeman, MT. USA. Photo by Jenny Hershberger.

Trying to decide which of the many wonderful #trails in #BozemanMT to #hike next? #DrinkingHorseMountainTrail is one my personal favorites. If you haven’t been yet, visit #BeyondRoadSigns to learn more.

Yellowstone Harvest Festival

The Yellowstone Harvest Festival in Livingston, MT is September 9th and 10th. For details and the entertainment schedule go to . . . https://yellowstoneharvestfest.com

Play that Funky Music Big Sky

Image source: https://bigskyarts.org/events/live-at-the-waypoint-mint

Free and funk music in Big Sky, September 2nd. For more information visit https://bigskyarts.org/events/live-at-the-waypoint-mint,

Chokecherry Festival in Lewistown

Have you been? Every year Lewistown, MT celebrates the famed fruit: chokecherry. This year the festival will be held on Saturday, September 9th. For more information visit https://lewistownchokecherry.com.

RE/MAX Agent in SW Montana

Live Music in Missoula

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? How about River City Roots Festival in downtown Missoula, MT. It’s this coming Friday and Saturday. For details go to https://www.rivercityrootsfestival.com.

Home for Sale in Ennis, MT

Contact Jenny today for more information, jhersh@remax.net / 406-570-5869.

Music Festival in Dillon, MT

The first annual Prairie Palooza, music festival, in Dillon, MT is this coming August 25-27, 2023. It will be located at The Horse Prairie Stage Stop, Dillon’s historic stagecoach destination. This is known as the last stop on the line before adventurers attempted to cross the mountains. For details about the festival and to find out who is playing visit https://www.prairiepalooza.com.

A Relocation Guide for Those Moving From a Big City to a Small Town

Image Source: Pixels (https://www.pexels.com/photo/happy-couple-unpacking-boxes-in-new-home-4247768/)

Moving from a major city to a small town can be a welcoming change for those who want to get away from the fast-paced lifestyle and experience living in smaller, close-knit communities. However, relocation is seldom straightforward, and the only way to ensure a smooth moving experience is to plan in advance and make informed decisions. In this article by Claire Wentz we’ll explore the best strategies one can employ for a successful relocation experience from a major city to a small town.

Research the Real Estate Market

The real estate market in small cities is different from that in major cities. Home prices remain relatively stable. However, new development or other economic factors can have a major impact on prices at any time.

Hence, before investing money into a new property, take the time to research the local real estate market and find forecasts for the next 5-10 years. This will include researching current property values, rental rates, and occupancy rates, reading the news for any new developments planned in the area, and more.

Next, check out online listings to get an idea about the size and prices of homes in your shortlisted neighborhoods. You can also reach out to a local real estate agent and provide them with a list of your requirements for finding a great property. You can also set up a consulting session with them to understand the local market and make an informed purchase decision.

Hire Packers and Movers

Regardless of whether you’re planning to move short or long distances, trying to manage the moving process alone will only make the task that much harder. In addition to packing all belongings, you’ll need to rent a truck, drive it, and then unpack all your items. Completing this process single-handedly can take days or even weeks to complete.

The better option is to hire professional movers who’ll manage all these tasks for you and have you set up in your new home in no time, according to Matco. In addition to online research, seek recommendations from family, friends, and colleagues. Additionally, reach out to moving companies in your locality and request quotes, which you can then compare based on cost, services, and timeline.

Consider Starting a Business

The economy of small cities is often driven by local businesses; hence planning to start a business after moving can be a good idea to consider. According to Info Entrepreneurs, one of the keys to success will be to recognize a need in the local market and create a sound business plan that includes details regarding:

• Your product offerings

• Funding requirements and avenues

• Short and long-term goals

• Mission and vision statements

Additionally, Seacoast Bank notes that networking with existing local businesses and officials will help to develop a solid foundation for your business. Not only will you gain insights regarding your customers, but you will also form relationships that can then be converted into business partnerships.

Earn an Online Degree for Career Advancement

Whether you’re planning to start a business or searching for other avenues to advance your career post-move, earning an online degree in business is a great way to accelerate the process.

A business degree can equip you with skills in accounting, business management, entrepreneurship, research, and communication. All of these are important in today’s job market and will help you to grow and achieve your career goals. Additionally, online degrees are significantly cheaper than traditional degrees and provide the benefit of a flexible schedule.

While there are tons of degrees to choose from, you may consider this option as it is one of the best. Additionally, before enlisting for any courses, research accredited online programs that align with your career goals and provide the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in your desired field.

Moving from a big city to a small town will no doubt be a major change. However, this process can be made easier by taking the help of professionals such as movers and real estate agents. Additionally, planning in advance and conducting research will help you make sound decisions and purchase an affordable, long-term home in a great community.

Realtor Jenny Hershberger Bushman of RE/MAX Legacy gives clientele a custom package, giving one's property an edge above the competition. Team up with Jenny today! 406-570-5869