Investing in residential real estate for investment and rental income can be a lucrative way to make money. But before you dive headlong into the rental property market, there are some essential elements you should take into account.
Location can influence the rent prices you’ll pay. Furthermore, make sure to have enough money saved up for unexpected expenses like maintenance or repairs.
Location
When purchasing homes for rental properties, location is one of the most crucial elements to take into account. Not only does it influence potential tenants but also your home’s value and appreciation potential.
A great location is essential for any real estate investment, particularly for first-time investors. It can draw in tenants that will stay in your property for years, resulting in increased rental income over time.
When selecting a location, there are several things to take into account such as proximity to amenities and transportation. Having easy access to parks, schools, grocery stores and other commercial districts can be an important factor in determining how desirable your home may be.
In addition to these factors, you should take into account the neighborhood’s supply and demand ratio. If there is an oversupply of homes in the area, finding tenants may prove more challenging; on the other hand, if there is an undersupply, finding tenants will be simpler.
When selecting a location, public transportation should also be taken into account. Being close to buses, trains and other modes of transport is an advantage for any real estate investor.
Renters often prioritize homes that provide easy access to parks, schools, shopping centers and other commercial districts. This is especially pertinent for first-time homebuyers with families who require proximity to these amenities.
It is essential to keep in mind that your property’s location can change in the future. Even if a neighborhood isn’t considered “good” right now, it could become one within five years. That is why it is essential to monitor for potential changes in your chosen area so that you can benefit from them before they happen.
If you want to buy homes for rental properties in the Phoenix, AZ area, our team at Mark Brower Properties a top reviewed property management company in Phoenix AZ can help.
Financing
Investment properties require more financing than primary residences, since the risk is higher with investment properties. Lenders tend to charge higher interest rates and require larger down payments in order to cover expenses.
Financing can take many forms, such as traditional mortgages and loans from banks, credit unions and other finance companies. Typically, rental property loans have terms of five, ten, fifteen, 25 or 30 years with down payments ranging from 15% to 25% depending on a borrower’s credit history and personal finances.
These loans can be beneficial to investors who have a successful track record of managing their existing rental properties profitably and want to purchase multiple properties simultaneously, provided they meet the necessary qualifications. Unfortunately, due to increased risk, these loans tend to be more expensive and have higher debt-to-income ratios which may make them unattractive to some borrowers.
Other financing options include home equity lines of credit and hard money loans. Unfortunately, these are usually only available to those with equity in their primary residences or who want to purchase a rental property with less than 20% down payment.
The primary advantage to this type of financing is that there is no credit check required, making it easier for those with less-than-perfect credit scores to qualify for a loan. Furthermore, because these loans aren’t usually guaranteed by traditional financial institutions like banks, their requirements tend to be more lax than those provided by conventional lenders.
Additionally, this option is suitable for those purchasing larger or multi-unit properties and looking to take advantage of tax benefits. These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and tailored for owners-occupied homes with up to four units.
To get the best rates and terms, it’s wise to shop around and compare lenders. Your specific needs such as how many units you plan to buy or how much income each unit generates will help determine which financing option is suitable for both your goals and budget.
Inspections
When purchasing homes for investment or rental purposes, there are various inspections that must be performed to guarantee the property remains in excellent condition. The initial step should be a walkthrough or move-in inspection conducted prior to moving a new tenant in. This can be done using a checklist which you ask them to fill out and sign. Furthermore, taking photos can document any damage that needs fixing.
Another type of inspection is a move-out inspection, which can be conducted by you or your property manager. It’s essential to conduct this check prior to tenants leaving so you can identify any damages caused while they were living there.
Keep records of any damage you find during an inspection to help you claim money from the security deposit if needed. This is particularly essential if it appears that the tenant has caused extensive destruction to your home, since you may not be able to claim everything from the deposit unless you can prove it.
A home inspector can also detect any hidden damage that might not be noticeable to the naked eye. For instance, mold can grow on walls and ceilings without leaving behind visible evidence.
Once a home has been inspected, it should be repaired before being listed as a rental property. Doing this can minimize the potential for future issues and boost the value of your investment.
A home that’s in poor condition can be costly to repair, so a property inspection checklist is invaluable. It focuses on the most critical issues in each area of the house and helps you save money by not spending unnecessary money on repairs that could have been avoided with some extra diligence.
Regular inspections during the lease period are essential to remind tenants of their responsibility to maintain your rental in good condition and foster positive relationships with your tenants. This step can help ensure that both you and your tenant remain contented in the arrangement.
Property Management
If you own multiple rental properties, or even just a few, using a property management company can be beneficial. Not only will this take the stress out of managing them but it could also end up saving you money in the long run.
Property management companies typically charge a monthly fee for their services, typically based on a percentage of the rent charged. They may also charge a leasing fee which goes towards marketing your home to potential tenants; some charge cancellation fees and extra maintenance costs as well. You can learn about our property management pricing at Mark Brower Properties here.
Property managers are an economical way to reduce overhead and maximize profits. They will take care of all the tasks you would typically handle for your own properties, such as finding and screening tenants, collecting rent payments and handling evictions when necessary.
A qualified property manager knows how to market and set the ideal rent rate for each property, which in turn guarantees maximum monthly profit. This requires knowledge of the local real estate market, access to rental rate tools and experience in identifying which cosmetic improvements will draw in potential tenants.
They will quickly identify qualified tenants who pay rent on time and take good care of your home. This is especially crucial if you are a landlord with affordable housing programs that require compliance with specific rules and regulations.
These rules can be complex, so having someone familiar with them on your side is a wise idea to ensure you do not get into any trouble. This is especially pertinent when owning properties eligible for tax credits or other benefits.
When hiring a property management company, the most crucial element is finding one who provides superior service and can deliver results you can be proud of. Ask yourself these questions:
Are they dedicated to offering excellent customer service like Mark Brower Properties?
