are. More houses can be sold to the lower income buyer, many can be rented, and for a long term, since the renters have a vested interest in their community and generally don’t move away from friends, family, and their neighborhood community. Lower income neighborhoods can thrive and survive with an influx of investor money. I have been on both sides of this predicament. I flip houses in a small mixed-income town. There are very expensive homes and one-bed- room homes with no heat or air and no running water. Many peo- ple have thanked me for improving
the property values and making the town more desirable for buyers from the larger neighboring town (much of which has been gentrified and become unaffordable for the middle-class homeowner). Some blame me while others thank me for increasing property values, property taxes, and bringing in outsiders. And while I have restored several historic homes in this town, it’s applauded by some and disliked by others. My mom used to say everyone has an opinion, that’s why they make 31 flavors. I suppose the question of gentrification vs. revitalization requires consideration prior to
investing in one or the other. The entire community needs to be eval- uated. How will the investor impact the quality of life of the individuals living in the community? Is there a way to invest and improve a neigh- borhood without people losing their connection to the community? Can you sleep at night with the investment decisions you make? •
Marla Roberds founded her real estate career and business, Kissing Tree Properties, in 2017, as an investor doing restoration and remodeling. She advises homeowners on their remodels and has flipped many projects of her own.
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