In September of 2011, Florida was in a catastrophic housing recession causing several homeowners to foreclose. With all the families moving out with no money to spend, houses were left empty at low prices waiting for a profit. March 2012, 14 at the time, Willow Tufano took up this opportunity and begins selling some of her belongings on Craigslist. After months of saving, Willow buys her first home for $12,000. She is not made of money, she simply took advantage of Florida’s weak market.
By October of that year Willow bought a two bedroom, one bath home for $17,500 to add to her investment portfolio. After she renovates her homes she rents them out to collect profit. She mentions in interviews that it is difficult for renters to take her seriously due to her age. She speaks of renters refusing to pay her and leaving with no warning in the middle of the night.
Willow has created quite a stir in the real estate market because she is so young and willing to take risks in an unpredictable business. The vulnerability of the market opened the door to Willow being successful at just 14.
Watch Willow on Ellen: https://youtu.be/GTTczC27fko
This is great! My parents did something very similar by buying an investment house just a few years ago. But they were so incredibly busy renovating it I can’t imagine how difficult this was for someone so young, but at the same time that makes it that much more impressive! Great post!
Buying and flipping houses is very difficult and time-consuming. I can’t believe that a 14 year old was able to do all this. Good for Willow! She saw an opportunity (one most adults would run from), and was able to profit from it. Thanks for sharing this inspiring story!
I think the fact that a 14 year old kid decided to buy a house is crazy. She sounds extremely mature for her age. Just thinking back to when i was 14, i had no interest what so ever in buying a house. Even if the houses around me were selling for $12,000. Cool story.
What a story! I can’t believe how young she is and how willing she was to take on such a challenge. The housing market is a tricky place to invest and she has been successful. It’s so interesting how she is an entrepreneur too. I don’t think many people look at individuals who flip houses and say, “Wow! Great entrepreneurial venture.” Yet, Willow was innovative and invested her funds wisely to reap great reward. Great post!