"Lesson learned: aesthetics matter, but cash flow matters more."
Couldn't agree more with this. I've definitely been tempted myself—there was this charming craftsman-style bungalow I almost jumped on purely because it looked straight out of a magazine. But when I ran the DSCR numbers, it barely scraped by. Had to remind myself that pretty doesn't pay the mortgage...though it sure would be nice if it did sometimes!
Couldn't agree more with this. I've definitely been tempted myself—there was this charming craftsman-style bungalow I almost jumped on purely because it looked straight out of a magazine.
I get your point, but I'd argue aesthetics can indirectly boost cash flow. Sure, "pretty doesn't pay the mortgage," but a visually appealing property often attracts higher-quality tenants willing to pay premium rents. I've seen properties with borderline DSCR numbers turn profitable after minor cosmetic upgrades. It's about balancing the numbers with strategic improvements—sometimes a little charm goes a long way toward improving your bottom line.
That's a solid point about aesthetics indirectly boosting cash flow. When I refinanced my place, the appraisal jumped noticeably after just repainting and updating fixtures—nothing major, just small touches. It made me wonder if lenders subconsciously factor in curb appeal too. Numbers matter most, obviously, but maybe a little charm isn't purely emotional...it could genuinely tip the scales in your favor financially.
You're onto something there—appraisers are human too, after all. While lenders technically focus on numbers, a well-maintained property naturally signals lower risk. I've seen clients get pleasantly surprised after minor cosmetic updates. Small tweaks can definitely pay off financially...
You're right that cosmetic updates can sway an appraiser, but honestly, I've seen lenders get pretty strict about the numbers regardless of how nice the place looks. Had a client who went all-in on curb appeal—fresh paint, landscaping, the works—but still got dinged because the rental income wasn't quite there. Sometimes the math just wins out, even if it's frustrating. Not saying don't spruce things up...just maybe temper expectations a bit?
