All Forum Posts by: Katie Rother

I actually am working on my second one, I helped a Buyer in 2023 secure one, and now I am working with a Seller who has one, and the buyer is assuming their loan. One was VA and this one is FHA.

Such a good opportunity for people who have a good down payment. Both interest rates were in the 2.5% range!

 I like to look at the Triangle as a whole, there are so many good areas. I do agree some rents versus house prices can be difficult, but being creative is key... Short Term Rentals and Mid Term Rentals, adding ADUs, renovating, are good ways to add some value and get higher rental rates!

Raleigh-Cary, NC, is a rapidly growing area with significant expansion in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and technology sectors. Known for its strong foundation in STEM jobs, the market continues to experience positive economic growth, projected to drive further property appreciation. The presence of major employers and tech companies, coupled with ongoing job creation, positions the Raleigh-Durham area as one of the top locations for job seekers and investors.

According to BiggerPockets, Raleigh-Durham is a fantastic place to invest, especially for those interested in the growing STEM fields. The increasing number of STEM-related jobs keeps housing demand high, making it an ideal location for investors seeking strong appreciation and rental demand. The market's steady growth ensures that homebuyers and rental property investors can capitalize on the area's potential.

Key Economic Indicators:

Average Wage in 2024: $59,586

Five-Year Compound Wage Growth: 3.73%

Total Employment in 2024: 748,600

Five-Year Compound Employment Growth: 3.14%

Unemployment Rate in 2024: 3.8%

GDP Per Capita (2022): $70,178

Affordability Indicators:

Median Home Price in 2024: $447,526

Five-Year Compound Price Growth: 9.35%

Median Rent in 2024: $1,797

Five-Year Compound Rent Growth: 5.91%

Rent-Price Ratio: 0.4%

With steady wage and employment growth and an unemployment rate below the national average, the Raleigh-Durham area is a prime market for real estate investment. Additionally, the area's median home prices and rental rates continue to rise, offering investors excellent opportunities for long-term returns. For those looking to invest in a growing and economically stable market, Raleigh-Durham presents a perfect combination of affordability, appreciation potential, and a high demand for housing.

North Hills Turn-Key Investment Property: Perfect for a Furnished Rental or Multi-Living Setup

Looking for the perfect opportunity for a furnished rental? This 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath end-unit townhome in Ashton Hall is designed to cater to the growing demand for flexible living spaces. Whether you're renting to roommates or tenants needing multiple living areas, this property’s thoughtful layout and prime location—just 6 minutes from North Hills—make it an excellent investment. 

Plus, with its unbeatable locationin Raleigh, this property is positioned to attract a range of renters.

The HOA for this property offers investor-friendly guidelines, requiring only a 6-month minimum lease term. This flexible policy makes it an ideal opportunity for those looking to offer mid-term rentals while maintaining a stable and well-kept community.

Key Features for Roommates or Multi-Living Arrangements:

• Flexible Layout: This home provides multiple living areas across three levels, making it perfect for roommates to have their own space while enjoying shared common areas.
• Furnished Ready: Ideal for a furnished rental setup, offering convenience to tenants looking for move-in-ready accommodations.
• Prime Location: 6 minutes from North Hills, with easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it attractive to young professionals and students.

Main Level:

• Open-Concept Living Area with hardwood floors throughout—perfect for shared living and entertaining.
• Modern Kitchen with seamless flow to the living room, dining area, and cozy nook.
• Back Deck: A peaceful outdoor space with a treehouse-like feel—ideal for shared relaxation or hosting friends.
• Half Bath: Convenient for guests and shared use.

Lower Level:

• Private Bedroom and Bath: Ideal for a roommate looking for privacy or as a separate living area for multi-generational tenants. This space could also function as a home office or guest suite.

Upper Level:

• Owner’s Suite: Spacious retreat with a walk-in closet and full bath—great for the primary tenant or someone who desires a bit more privacy.
• Two Additional Bedrooms: Perfect for roommates or as guest rooms, with a shared bath and plenty of space for personalization.

Additional Features:

• Single-Car Garage for secure parking or storage.
• Tankless Water Heater for energy efficiency.
• Brick Exterior with Hardiplank Accents: Adds charm and curb appeal.
• Large Windows and Plantation Shutters: Bring in natural light while offering privacy.
• Multi-Living Potential: Multiple areas for relaxation, office space, or guest accommodations.

Why This Property Stands Out: This townhome is perfect for those looking to offer a furnished rental catering to roommates or tenants needing separate living areas. The home's flexible layout allows for comfortable shared living without sacrificing personal space. Its prime location and proximity to North Hills make it highly desirable for young professionals, families, or students.

Investors looking for a turnkey rental opportunity in one of Raleigh’s most in-demand areas will find this property an ideal addition to their portfolio.

Newer Roof & HVAC Systems: Recently updated within the last few years, ensuring peace of mind and lower maintenance costs for years to come.

Property Photos

Comparable Analysis 

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Atlanta.

Purchase price: $258,000
Cash invested: $50,000

Purchased this 2 bed 2 bath, 1250 sqft home with a .75 acre lot, this was a good BRRRR property, it has the ability for an ADU/Granny Flat on the right side of the property. We spent a total of just under 50k renovating the property, all new windows, interior including paint, flooring, updated plumbing, electrical, all completely renovated the interior including removal of popcorn ceilings, and all costmetic updates, cabinets, countertops, light fixtures.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Looking for an option to build an ADU, future development in the area and on the land.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

MLS, I represented myself, I am a licensed realtor.

How did you finance this deal?

Conventional Financing

How did you add value to the deal?

Complete renovation

What was the outcome?

We originally planned for this to be a mid-term rental, but when my grandma wanted to move, we offered it to her instead for minimal cash flow. We are looking here for long term equity growth and eventually will build another unit, with separate driveway, as a furnished mid-term rental.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Finding a great contractor and sticking to a schedule, to get it done quickly. Rechecking orders, our window company miscounted the windows and forgot one, so we had a delay in the last window install, by 3-4 weeks.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Yes, myself haha

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Atlanta.

Purchase price: $258,000
Cash invested: $50,000

Purchased this 2 bed 2 bath, 1250 sqft home with a .75 acre lot, this was a good BRRRR property, it has the ability for an ADU/Granny Flat on the right side of the property. We spent a total of just under 50k renovating the property, all new windows, interior including paint, flooring, updated plumbing, electrical, all completely renovated the interior including removal of popcorn ceilings, and all costmetic updates, cabinets, countertops, light fixtures. The only thing original, still is the HVAC, this is from 1986 and I am leaving it until it completely goes out. We originally planned for this to be a mid-term rental, but when my grandma wanted to move, we offered it to her instead for minimal cash flow. We are looking here for long term equity growth and eventually will build another unit, with separate driveway, as a furnished mid-term rental.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Looking for an option to build an ADU, future development in the area and on the land.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

MLS, I represented myself, I am a licensed realtor.

How did you finance this deal?

Conventional Financing

How did you add value to the deal?

Complete renovation

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Finding a great contractor and sticking to a schedule, to get it done quickly. Rechecking orders, our window company miscounted the windows and forgot one, so we had a delay in the last window install, by 3-4 weeks.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Yes, myself haha

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Purchase price: $420,000
Cash invested: $120,000
Sale price: $635,000

Full Gut, Durham Single Family home with Basement in University Park, near Duke University.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

First group project with a Fix & Flip

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Off Market deal, negotiated deal for clients & participated in the design, rehab and investment

How did you finance this deal?

Lending & Cash Renovation

How did you add value to the deal?

Full Gut & Redo of interior & exterior

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Group projects are hard :) Working to collaborate, decide who is doing what, and how to work together can be a struggle with different personality types.

Investment Info:

Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $205,000
Cash invested: $50,000
Sale price: $315,000

Oak Island, North Carolina Beach House Renovation turned Short Term Rental. This property was all in, buying a second home away from home and turning it into one of the most popular short term rentals on the island 2 years in a row, before selling as a successful business in 2020.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

The BEACH!

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Searching the internet for a property that had been sitting and recently had a price drop.

How did you finance this deal?

2nd Home Financing

How did you add value to the deal?

Rehabbed the whole property, electric, plumbing, installed new ducting. Creating a bright, open space for people to enjoy at the beach.

What was the outcome?

Successful Short Term Rental!

Lessons learned? Challenges?

It takes more money and time than you think. You should always take breaks and eat. If something isnt working, take a break and come back to it, sometimes you just need some time away to think about what is making it so complicated and a break gets your mind right to complete that particular task.

Investment Info:

Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

Purchase price: $216,000
Cash invested: $125,000
Sale price: $404,000

1.5 Year live through renovation to include interior, exterior, landscaping and a 500 sqft addition.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Value and size of home compared to new construction homes in the area

How did you finance this deal?

Primary Residence Mortgage

How did you add value to the deal?

We did a lot of the work ourselves, I created the design layout for the property. Created a functional home that was more modern style compared to the 1986 look it had when we purchased it.

What was the outcome?

Successful sale in 2020!

Lessons learned? Challenges?

It always costs more than you think, learn as you go, always do what you think, even with surprises, you dont want to install floors and then find out the windows are leaking.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Myself :)