Investing In Rental Property

It's all about the location in real estate. We tend to think of buyers as being concerned with where they buy property. But renters are also very picky about their location.

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Families with children, for example, are more likely to search for a rental property in their preferred area (78%) or the school district (67%). Nearby work is a preferred feature for forty percent of renters, while 30 percent list it as a requirement.

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​You may pay more to purchase an investment property in high-demand areas, but the rents you charge will be higher.

Market factors are important when deciding on a location. While you want to purchase in the areas people want to live in, many other areas could fit this description.

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Investigate the relationship between the home prices in your area and the prevailing rents. As if you were a potential tenant, look at the listings and contact landlords. Ask about rents and features of the home.

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​You should keep a spreadsheet listing these factors for each neighborhood. Keep it updated before you invest. Markets change. This will help you to know when it is time to raise the rent.

Why are people drawn to certain areas? A major employer in the area can leave the area or lay off workers if it's tied with employment. As you would diversify your stock portfolio, it is better to choose neighborhoods that offer a range of employment opportunities and other desirable features, like schools and restaurants.

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You should also investigate possible zoning changes. For example, new zoning rules may allow for conversions of older homes to commercial spaces. This could change the neighborhood's character and reduce rental demand.

You can leverage your mortgage financing to invest in rental properties. For example, instead of spending $150,000 to purchase a single property in cash, you might decide to finance three with $50,000 down payments.

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Before you make this decision, be sure to carefully analyze your financial situation. You'll lose more money on each rental because you have to make a mortgage payment. Would you still be able to pay your mortgage payments if one of your tenants suddenly moves out or has difficulty paying rent?

Although price should not always be the primary consideration, any experienced investor will tell you that a successful purchase starts with a purchase below the current market value. You can learn how to value apartments or homes like a professional realtor, and then you should set your price goal and stick with it. Be sure to include the costs of making it rentable, such as renovations or repairs, if it is a foreclosed home.

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Buy below the current market value of the property and at a deep discount. This ensures a profit on the first day and increases rental cash flow.

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​Consider the history of property appreciation in the neighborhood, along with its price. Some areas do better than others. It is worth paying more to buy a home in an area that has seen its value increase faster. You will eventually sell the property and get a big check at closing.

As accurately as possible, calculate your total costs. The current property taxes will be known. However, you should also check the past history for tax increases in your area before deciding. In addition, you should make a realistic estimate of the cost of repairs and maintenance costs, as well as major equipment replacements, such as a furnace or air conditioning.

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Also, set a marketing budget. As a landlord, it is important to fill vacant units quickly. Rental advertising is the best method to do this. You must also estimate credit and vacancy costs in order to fill vacant units. Living in a rental can cause wear and tear. How much will it cost to repair or renovate before the next tenant moves in?

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​How often do you anticipate vacant positions? Every year, you might experience turnover if you live close to a college or university that rents out its buildings. You should also consider the financial hardships that can occur. These can happen to anyone and could result in missed or late rent payments.

It takes a lot of diligence to be a successful landlord. But, if you do it correctly, you will enjoy handsome returns over many years and a lucrative sale when you are ready to liquidate or transfer to a property of higher value. Happy landlording!