real estate investing Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Real Estate News and Commentary

October 20, 2008November 23, 2021

People need a place to live: Rental properties are surging

by Dan Krell
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People need a place to live. This is the mantra of many savvy real estate investors who are looking for fantastic buys on homes to use as rental properties. Real estate investors know that rental properties are looking better because markets are cyclical. Investors following the real estate market know that many people wanting to purchase a home prefer to rent during uncertain financial times.

The “MRIS Trends in Housing; Mid-Year 2008” (Metro Regional Information Systems Inc, MRIS.com) appears to confirm what real estate investors know. The report states that potential home buyers prefer to rent while timing “their entry into the market.” Interestingly, vacancies for traditional apartment complexes rose to 3.6% (from 2.9%) in the last year, indicating that renters are choosing to rent single family homes and condos rather than a traditional apartment. The report points to home sellers converting their “homes for sale” to “homes for rent” for the increase in apartment vacancies.

The MRIS report also states that rents increased 3.1% in the last year. Unlike the rental market of several years ago, where renters were negotiating leases way below list price, real estate investors are expecting to rent housing at a premium.

How much should you pay for a rental property? Savvy real estate investors typically do not want to pay any more than 70% of retail value for their rental properties; however many set their price tolerance lower. Consulting with a Realtor can assist your analysis in how much to offer for any home.

Let’s face it, if you intend to buy at bargain prices, you will probably be purchasing the home “as-is.” Seasoned investors will account for the cost repairs to bring the home up to code in their purchase price. Consulting with a licensed contractor can assist you in determining what repairs and updates are necessary.

Buying a home at the right price is only part of the equation. When considering a rental property, investors look for a home in a prime location. For example, having a rental near a metro stop can sometimes rent faster and for more money than an equivalent rental in a secluded neighborhood.

Some investors might say that the goal of buying a rental property is to have the home “pay for itself.” This means that the rent you collect should cover the home’s mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance and other expenses. Consulting with a Realtor and a rental management company can assist your neighborhood rent analysis.

Make no mistake, real estate investing is risky. Success as a real estate investor is not assured. From dealing with bad tenants to carrying a vacant rental property, every investor has a horror story.

Whether you are a seasoned or novice investor, you should always do your home work and consult professionals (such as your attorney, accountant, Realtor, financial advisor) to assist you in deciding if buying a rental property is right for you. Additionally your professional network can assist in determining your risk level as well as assisting you in creating your real estate investment plan. If you decide to become a real estate investor, maintaining communication with your professional network can help you anticipate and possibly overcome any bumps in the road toward your goals.

This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. This article was originally published in the Montgomery County Sentinel the week of October 6, 2008. Copyright © 2008 Dan Krell.

October 14, 2006December 13, 2022

Landlord tips for the investor

The real estate market in the Metro DC area has broken sales records for the last few years. Each year sales numbers and average home prices surpass the previous year by a wide margin. Besides the many home buyers who are buying homes for their own families to inhabit, there are the devout few who are always on the lookout for a bargain home to turn into a rental property. They are looking for landlord tips.

With home sale prices rising seemingly as fast as a jet taking off the runway at Reagan National Airport, it may be a wonder how, or more appropriately why, investors buying homes for rental properties.

Serious investors are a remarkable breed. They come from all walks of life and socioeconomic backgrounds. Although they have a diverse background, their one commonality is accumulating wealth. The goal for the average investor is to accumulate real estate and sit on it as the value appreciates. The payoff for the investor is when they sell off their assets and retire.

This over simplified and brief article is an overview of some difficulties that most real estate investors encounter. Some of the difficulties that many real estate investors encounter are tenants, maintenance of the property, and cash flow.

Finding good tenants to rent your properties is essential for success. A good tenant is described as one who pays in a timely manner and who will treat your home as if it was theirs. To find tenants, you can advertise in the local papers for tenants, subscribe to placement companies, or hire a professional management company to do all the work for you. The best tenants usually come by referral.

Some landlord tips include (but not limited to) making sure the prospective tenants have good references is essential. One way to do that is to ask them for a recent copy of their credit report, which would report any past delinquencies. Rental companies usually report delinquencies and non-payments to credit reporting companies like Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. If they do not have a credit report, some investors accept references from past landlords.

Once your rental property is leased, it is important to keep it maintained. Good tenants will usually do the basic maintenance for you. If things go wrong, however, it will be up to you fix the problem. It never fails, the emergency calls will come in the middle of the night or while you’re on vacation. You will need to respond to the emergencies fairly quickly as you build your relationship with your tenants.

The most important issue with a rental property is cash flow. Cash flow is the perpetual incoming of cash so the mortgages and other real estate related expenses can be paid. Cash flow can be positive or negative. The goal with cash flow is to at least come out even, as most investors bank on the appreciation of the property itself for wealth building.

To help overcome the pitfalls of owning investment properties, some investors hire professional management companies. These companies can help find quality tenants, collect rents, and maintain the property. As the art of being a landlord is becoming legally complex, the management company and a good attorney can help you through the difficulties. Landlord tips come at a premium, and usually through experience.

Anyone that is serious about beginning a career as a real estate investor should attend classes and find out more about the field to make an informed decision. As a real estate investor, you will find that there are many complex issues that require experience and support. However, once mastered, it can be very rewarding.