One home listed, one giant leap forward.

[Darrell D.]

First let me tell you that I have 5 properties in three states so I'm getting better at what I do. So what do I do, you ask. First, I joined the air force in 1994 and bought my first home in 2002. After losing much of my income to a divorce, my home became my safety net. I rented rooms to supplement my income. This led to the desire to rent homes aND build lon term growth. As I moved around the country, I began to purchase homes under the VA program. I reached the maximum entitlement and I'm unable to purchase again.

Since being station in Virginia, my last assignment,  I noticed the community was highly populated with military personnel.   Additionally the rental market was very competitive.  Keep in mind, I have a 15 year loan with a slightly higher mortgage payment than most.  To be competitive in this area, I had to roll up my sleeves.  In two years my wife and I made these improvements:

- Tiled the floor, refinished the kitchen, paid for granite countertops, installed new lighting,  new ceilings fans,  new hinges,  new door knobs, built a shed, installed new wood on the deck frame, installed new pillars and supporting beams on the front patio, replaced 50 feet of fence, installed a light in attic, repaired and reprogrammed the alarm, replaced almost the entirely both bathrooms, painted,and paid to have 4 windows installed in the bedrooms. 

Today the home is listed for rent and I'm receiving notifications from potential renters about every two hours.  One couple was ready to give a deposit but we wanted to interview more families.  

Therefore a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.  My retirement ceremony is days away, I have a job offer, and my home will be successfully rented.  Additionally I have a home to move into... my old home at my previous assignment.   I'm very thankful so serve and to have given the opportunities work.  I'm also thankful for my family for being patient, putting up with the dust and boxes, and staying by my side during this adventure. 

More pictures to follow...