It is a well-known axiom that location is one of the most important elements in the value of a property.

Let's take that one step further. A good investment buy would be a sound property in a "so-so" area that will increase in value in the future.

Buying into an area that is strongly on the comeback is one way to shorten the odds for success. Trend is everything.

The trick is not to get in so early that you are one of the earliest pioneers, but early enough that there is still plenty of appreciation left.

Being a pioneer is fine if you are a gambler with a lot of patience. It is safer to buy into an area after the restoration trend is unmistakably established.

A neighbourhood that is a good candidate for restoration must have an intrinsic location advantage, such as being in a school district that has high test scores or in a good walk-to-work location.

It must also have good basic homes.

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