(This is the fifth of an on-going series about real estate flipping. My introductory post covered the basics and the third described an investor’s proper mindset before planning improvements.)

Every investor aspires to lead the pack, to be ahead of where the market is going before the herd follows. Given present day dysfunction in the credit, commercial and housing markets, this is particularly important for real estate investors, both cash flow and flip. For example, many are exploring lease-purchases and subject-to structures to buy time, wait out problems (e.g. appraised value, credit markets, unqualified buyers/tenants) and hopefully boost profits, or stem losses. If you’re going to make money in real estate, you absolutely must research and plan ahead as the speculative gravy days are over.

With being ahead of the game in mind, here’s an idea for making your investment property shine from a marketing perspective, appeal to a wider buyer/tenant audience and be at the forefront of a burgeoning demographic, seniors aging in place, and a continually expanding one, the disabled. (One quick comment about the latter, many perceive “disabled” as only “physical limitations” but brain injuries suffered from an accident or among war wounds are one of the fastest growing hardships facing residents who must rely on timers and monitors to prevent accidents in the home.)

To be ahead of the market, rejuvenate your investment property with features appealing to older Americans or residents with limited mobility. As the cost of assisted and nursing home care sky-rockets, there’s already crushing demand for this housing. Whether improving a cash flow or flip property, incorporate Universal Design (UD) into your renovation, especially if you’ll be moving walls and re-working electrical/plumbing anyway. Same holds true for the exterior, think about entrance areas where you could replace steps with zero clearance access. UD is nothing more than common sense application of simple features usable by a person of any life stage or condition (e.g. seated or standing, tall or short, young or old). In our region, those ages 65 and older will grow by 77 percent by 2020, according to Livable for a Lifetime.

Before I give a few ideas, I want to rebut the typical objection, “Profitable investors don’t over-spend on improvements.” Absolutely true but you don’t have to rebuild to practice UD and the improvements aren’t necessarily expensive. And to overcome the “ugly” objection, UD components aren’t necessarily even apparent. This my friends is a grab bar that supports 350 pounds. Could you tell at first glance?

Here are some common sense ideas which promote convenience and EASE for all ages:

• place a shelf or bench under a covered entrance (imagine fumbling with keys while holding a bag of groceries in a downpour)
• replace knobs with levers (single lever faucet)
• redesign or eliminate base kitchen cabinets by substituting a rolling cart that fits underneath a counter (within a +30-inch finished opening) or retractable shelving

Each suggestion improves livability and CAN BE achieved smartly, sharply and inexpensively. Who wouldn’t want to rent or buy an investment property with these convenient features so why not offer to improve your odds as an investor? Incorporating these amenities into your investment property doesn’t necessarily require extra money, just additional thought. The benefit is a more appealing home to a broader audience, not to mention helping your community meet an urgent housing need. So go Universal with your investment property to shine above the competition and be ahead of the market.