Back when these were built they likely just had a plaster wall separating the units, but in a modern town-home the wall separating the units would be required to be a fire-wall 5/8" drywall on each side.

You can still acquire a three-bedroom property here for under $200,000.That combination — double-digit appreciation and sub-$200K entry — is increasingly rare in any market.

I really want to combine both professions.

would you guys replace them with LVP or sand&stain them to make them look more modern? 

Home & MortgageStatus: New Construction (2026) located in the Legacy / West Plano area Home Price: $462k; Sale-List Ratio: 93.9% Description: 3/2.5, SFH, ($310/Sq ft, but came with an appliance package (W/D/Refrigerator) and blinds that should effectively lower the price/sq ft)Interest rate: 3.875% 7/6 ARMHold period: 7 years Down payment: 20%; Net closing costs: Approx. 10k Total OOP costs (including minor upgrades (EV outlet and modern ceiling fan) and $1k to future tenant's agent): $105k ExpensesMonthly Carry Cost ($): P&I: 1,738 Taxes: 647 (1.68%) HOA: 133 (covers landscaping)Insurance: 70 (H0-5 policy, 1% deductible, 3% deductible for wind or hail)Total: 2,591 Given maintenance and vacancy is likely to be low during the hold period, I made them 0.5% ($192) of sale price and 4% of rent ($106), respectively.Total expenses: $2,899RevenueConservative rent (at first analysis): $2,650Likely rent : $2,900 (a slightly bigger (50 sq ft bigger) home in the community recently rented for $2,900 and it didn't include appliances.

It's in an HOA so there are limitations to the exterior.Initial ideas I had:- update fans to modern design- update wall outlets to usb near beds/kitchen etc.- paint patch walls through outAll suggestions are welcome.

The American Dream of homeownership is currently hitting a mathematical wall. In just four years, the pool of qualified buyers for a median-priced home in the U.S. has cratered by 18.6%, falling from 6.20 million in 2...

The Instagrammable CabinThese properties usually have something visually unique:• A-frame architecture• Vaulted ceilings with wood beams• Floor-to-ceiling windows• Modern cabins with clean design, renovated interiors• Intentional lighting and decor• Strong outdoor spaces with hot tub, firepit + These homes create a feeling in the photos.And that feeling drives bookings.The “Experience Economy” Is RealA lot of STR guests today aren’t just booking a place to sleep.They’re booking:• Birthday weekends• Bachelorette trips• Couples getaways• Friend group retreats for lake or skiing excursionsPeople want somewhere that feels special.And they want somewhere that looks great in photos.That’s why you’ll often see guests posting photos from:• Hot tubs• Fire pits• Scenic living rooms• Outdoor decks, pickleball court, poolThe property becomes part of the experience.What This Means for InvestorsWhen I help investors analyze STR deals, we obviously look at the numbers.But I also ask a different question:Will this property stand out on Airbnb?

In the Chicago market especially, you're competing with homes that have modern kitchens and main-floor laundry.

Needs to be more inspiring and modern.