No Result
View All Result
SUBMIT YOUR ARTICLES
  • Login
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
TheAdviserMagazine.com
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal
No Result
View All Result
TheAdviserMagazine.com
No Result
View All Result
Home Market Research Markets

How This Investor is Improving Their Hometown One Rehab at a Time

by TheAdviserMagazine
12 hours ago
in Markets
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
How This Investor is Improving Their Hometown One Rehab at a Time
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on LInkedIn


In This Article

Sue McCormick is five years into a plan she long postponed while raising two kids as a single mom. “We are working on our 20th project as we speak,” she said. “We’ll finish our 20th project in a couple of weeks, and then we have two more in the pipeline.” 

The Dayton native invests where she grew up for affordability, and because rebuilding old blocks brings her much joy.

How She Got Started, and Why Dayton

McCormick had always wanted to invest, but waited until life allowed it. Podcasts were the on-ramp that built confidence and a roadmap. She targeted Dayton once she realized that homes in her hometown were more affordable. The community mission matters, too: She loves going into those communities and rehabbing properties to enhance those areas.

Strategy and a Live Example

McCormick’s strategy is simple: fix and sell. 

“Our investment strategy right now is still rehabbing homes to sell,” she said. “We get homes primarily from auctions, sites like yours [Auction.com] especially.” 

Eight of the 20 properties McCormick has purchased in the last five years have been through Auction.com, the most recent one in June 2025. She targets about six to eight weeks for a rehab. 

A current project was purchased at a tax auction for $80,000, with about $70,000 into rehab so far. She plans to list it for about $269,000.

Why Auctions Beat the MLS (for Her)

McCormick said she sees better pricing at auction than on the MLS, and she’s upfront about the trade-off: Interior conditions are often unknown. 

“I’m not necessarily afraid of going into a house that I haven’t seen pictures of,” she said. That risk tolerance is offset by potential discounts.

Managing From 500 Miles Away

Ohio’s online foreclosure auctions make a long-distance strategy workable. As a long-distance investor, McCormick can get in the game without having to physically fly to Ohio for every auction. She has even bid on her cell phone while traveling or on vacation. 

Division of labor helps. She primarily sources the deals while her daughter goes to Dayton to check on the progress, with FaceTime check-ins with the contractor in between.

The Contractor Who Stayed—and Stayed

McCormick’s Dayton network spans friends who tackle small errands to a contractor who became family. Early on, a subcontractor lingered after hours while she toured a stranger through a house, staying mainly to ensure she was safe. 

“From that moment on, I had a connection with this contractor,” she said. “He has been with us for five years.” And the lesson stuck with her: “Contractors can make or break you… So having a contractor that I can trust is a major win.”

You might also like

Due Diligence, Costs, and Early Lessons

McCormick urges newcomers to study the process, observe in person, and build a conservative budget. 

Research is very important, she said, while also running comps, trying to see inside if the property is vacant, and talking to neighbors as top things to achieve. When estimating costs on auction buys, she plans for worst-case scenarios, such as new plumbing, updating the electrical system, and replacing the roof. 

One caution McCormick pointed out was that underestimating can really kill a deal. Her first auction win had undiscovered kitchen-fire damage. They didn’t make a lot of money, but it delivered the confidence to keep going.

Title vigilance is another takeaway. After experiencing deed fraud on a property, she now recommends enrolling in a county alert that flags deed changes.

Neighborhood Ripple Effects

Rehabs have turned out to be a motivator for neighbors, not just a balance sheet win. “The neighbors are affected. They feel better,” McCormick said. 

As projects progress, she’s watched more homeowners come outside to work on their own places, or even ask her crew for help. 

“A rehab project can not only enhance the community, but motivate the community in some ways,” McCormick added.

Advice to Start Today

Education first. McCormick suggests listening to podcasts and reading books. She also said that she found Auction.com through the BiggerPockets podcast, and at one time was listening to two to three BiggerPockets episodes a day. 

If auctions are your path, she also said to attend some, even if you have to do it for a year before you’re comfortable. Then build your local network the way she did—by showing up at auctions, hardware stores, and online community groups—so you’re not alone when issues arise.

McCormick’s story fits a busy investor’s reality: Pick a market you understand, buy with a margin of safety, and rely on people you trust.



Source link

Tags: hometownImprovinginvestorRehabTIME
ShareTweetShare
Previous Post

Higher ed groups sue over Trump administration’s $100K H-1B visa fee

Next Post

How a 2020 dinner in Davos set the stage for a ‘MAGA’ World Cup

Related Posts

edit post
10 Government Services Unaffected by the Shutdown (Including Social Security and Medicare)

10 Government Services Unaffected by the Shutdown (Including Social Security and Medicare)

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 6, 2025
0

eurobanks / Shutterstock.comLawmakers in Washington, D.C. failed to reach an agreement to keep the federal government open, and a shutdown...

edit post
Constellation Brands (STZ) Q2 2026 earnings decline on lower sales

Constellation Brands (STZ) Q2 2026 earnings decline on lower sales

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 6, 2025
0

Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) on Monday announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, reporting a decline...

edit post
Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital launches retail app to rival Robinhood

Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital launches retail app to rival Robinhood

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 6, 2025
0

Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty ImagesGalaxy Digital shares jumped 7% Monday after the digital assets investment firm led by...

edit post
‘Couldn’t pronounce Nvidia’ until 8 months ago

‘Couldn’t pronounce Nvidia’ until 8 months ago

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 6, 2025
0

Legendary investor Peter Lynch built a reputation for routinely beating the market while overseeing Fidelity Magellan Fund in the 1980s....

edit post
Domino’s (DPZ) eyes sustained momentum as Q3 FY25 earnings approach

Domino’s (DPZ) eyes sustained momentum as Q3 FY25 earnings approach

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 6, 2025
0

Domino’s Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ) is set to report its third-quarter results next week. While the fast-food chain delivered mixed...

edit post
More Workers Push Back as Return-to-Office Mandates Intensify

More Workers Push Back as Return-to-Office Mandates Intensify

by TheAdviserMagazine
October 6, 2025
0

YURII MASLAK / Shutterstock.comThe FlexJobs 2025 State of the Workforce Report is here, and it highlights a sharp rise in...

Next Post
edit post
How a 2020 dinner in Davos set the stage for a ‘MAGA’ World Cup

How a 2020 dinner in Davos set the stage for a 'MAGA' World Cup

edit post
Introducing Fortune’s first-ever Most Influential Women Asia ranking

Introducing Fortune's first-ever Most Influential Women Asia ranking

  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
edit post
What Happens If a Spouse Dies Without a Will in North Carolina?

What Happens If a Spouse Dies Without a Will in North Carolina?

September 14, 2025
edit post
Does a Will Need to Be Notarized in North Carolina?

Does a Will Need to Be Notarized in North Carolina?

September 8, 2025
edit post
California May Reimplement Mask Mandates

California May Reimplement Mask Mandates

September 5, 2025
edit post
DACA recipients no longer eligible for Marketplace health insurance and subsidies

DACA recipients no longer eligible for Marketplace health insurance and subsidies

September 11, 2025
edit post
‘Quiet luxury’ is coming for the housing market, The Corcoran Group CEO says. It’s not just the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami anymore

‘Quiet luxury’ is coming for the housing market, The Corcoran Group CEO says. It’s not just the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami anymore

September 9, 2025
edit post
Tips to Apply for Mental Health SSDI Without Therapy

Tips to Apply for Mental Health SSDI Without Therapy

September 19, 2025
edit post
Entrepreneur says Goldman Sachs once gave him 39 separate interviews to land the job—and the decisive conversation was less than a minute

Entrepreneur says Goldman Sachs once gave him 39 separate interviews to land the job—and the decisive conversation was less than a minute

0
edit post
Talen Energy secures .2bn in financing for two power plant acquisitions

Talen Energy secures $1.2bn in financing for two power plant acquisitions

0
edit post
Domino’s (DPZ) eyes sustained momentum as Q3 FY25 earnings approach

Domino’s (DPZ) eyes sustained momentum as Q3 FY25 earnings approach

0
edit post
Previous winners of the Nobel Peace Prize

Previous winners of the Nobel Peace Prize

0
edit post
Higher ed groups sue over Trump administration’s 0K H-1B visa fee

Higher ed groups sue over Trump administration’s $100K H-1B visa fee

0
edit post
Military pay date may pressure Trump and Congress if shutdown drags on

Military pay date may pressure Trump and Congress if shutdown drags on

0
edit post
Entrepreneur says Goldman Sachs once gave him 39 separate interviews to land the job—and the decisive conversation was less than a minute

Entrepreneur says Goldman Sachs once gave him 39 separate interviews to land the job—and the decisive conversation was less than a minute

October 7, 2025
edit post
Talen Energy secures .2bn in financing for two power plant acquisitions

Talen Energy secures $1.2bn in financing for two power plant acquisitions

October 7, 2025
edit post
Ondo’s Latest Power Move: Acquiring US Broker Oasis Pro

Ondo’s Latest Power Move: Acquiring US Broker Oasis Pro

October 7, 2025
edit post
Previous winners of the Nobel Peace Prize

Previous winners of the Nobel Peace Prize

October 7, 2025
edit post
Indian IT sector: Tech sector rally: Tactical moves or fundamental shift? Insights from Sandip Agarwal

Indian IT sector: Tech sector rally: Tactical moves or fundamental shift? Insights from Sandip Agarwal

October 7, 2025
edit post
7 Big Questions Everyone’s Asking

7 Big Questions Everyone’s Asking

October 7, 2025
The Adviser Magazine

The first and only national digital and print magazine that connects individuals, families, and businesses to Fee-Only financial advisers, accountants, attorneys and college guidance counselors.

CATEGORIES

  • 401k Plans
  • Business
  • College
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Economy
  • Estate Plans
  • Financial Planning
  • Investing
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Legal
  • Market Analysis
  • Markets
  • Medicare
  • Money
  • Personal Finance
  • Social Security
  • Startups
  • Stock Market
  • Trading

LATEST UPDATES

  • Entrepreneur says Goldman Sachs once gave him 39 separate interviews to land the job—and the decisive conversation was less than a minute
  • Talen Energy secures $1.2bn in financing for two power plant acquisitions
  • Ondo’s Latest Power Move: Acquiring US Broker Oasis Pro
  • Our Great Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use, Legal Notices & Disclosures
  • Contact us
  • About Us

© Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
See articles for original source and related links to external sites.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Financial Planning
    • Financial Planning
    • Personal Finance
  • Market Research
    • Business
    • Investing
    • Money
    • Economy
    • Markets
    • Stocks
    • Trading
  • 401k Plans
  • College
  • IRS & Taxes
  • Estate Plans
  • Social Security
  • Medicare
  • Legal

© Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved
See articles for original source and related links to external sites.