Skip to main content

Are Investment Rentals Right For You?

When thinking about investments and retirement goals, many people think about owning rental properties. After all, they pay for themselves, right? They can be excellent additions to a savings and investment portfolio, but there are also risks. Here are the things to consider.

First off, the good news

If you are considering purchasing a rental property, just about all of your expenses are tax deductible (unless you rent to family members). Your mortgage loan interest, property taxes, and maintenance expenses are all allowable deductions. Your accountant may find other deductions for you as well, such as a 27-year depreciation rule.

Now for the risks

Many areas are too expensive for rental investments. You will want to know that your monthly cash flow from the property meets or exceeds your expenses. In pricey locations, you may wind up upside-down and spending more each month than you are taking in. Believe it or not, prior to the Great Recession, many investors did not worry about rental income meeting expenses because they had so much ongoing appreciation in property value. We know how that worked out.
Speaking of appreciation, the best rental properties are in areas with steady appreciation in value. It is tempting to purchase costly investment properties in high-end neighborhoods, but you may get better long term increases in value in other neighborhoods as well. This is important because you will eventually want to sell your property and make a profit.
Ongoing maintenance is necessary, of course, but may cut into your spare time. You may also get those yucky middle-of-the-night backed up plumbing calls. Do you really want to handle this? The solution is to hire a management company, which will add to your (tax deductible) expenses but may provide you with a lot of peace of mind.
Then there are landlord-tenant laws to contend with. Be familiar with your locality’s laws before even considering purchasing. Is there rent control? If your tenant stops paying, what are the rules for eviction? How much notice do you have to give before entering a property? Just about every city has posted laws online. You may wish to consult a real estate attorney if you have detailed questions.
It is tempting to focus on your monthly return. Keep in mind that vacancies and maintenance expenses are inevitable and make sure your budget takes those costs into consideration.
Finally, can you afford another monthly bill and twice-yearly property taxes? If your finances are already stretched, another payment or two might be really unpleasant, even if you are achieving a cash return.
If you have considered everything and still would like investment properties, have fun becoming a budding real estate mogul!
Ali Palacios, ABR, MCNE, TAHS
Realtor
Today's Home Realty
ali.palacios@todayshomerealty.com
Mobile - 832-418-0670
www.ilovehappyclients.com

9119 Hwy 6 S #230-116, Missouri City, TX 77459
Source: http://www.bestrealestateblog.com/investment-rentals-right?m=JnojPGPgYwNqRUqKIeuc

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

‘Tis the Season: 5 Reasons Why Winter is a Great Time to Buy or Sell a Home

‘Tis the Season: 5 Reasons Why Winter is a Great Time to Buy or Sell a Home It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t try to buy or sell a home during the fall and winter months.  This is generally considered the “offseason” in real estate. Many sellers mistakenly believe that the cold weather will keep buyers away and that no one is looking over the holidays. Unfortunately, many real estate professionals perpetuate this myth by advising their clients to “wait until the spring” to list their home.  The truth is, homes are bought and sold year round. And while the market is typically quieter during the fall and winter, savvy buyers and sellers know how to use this slow down to their advantage. In fact, depending on your circumstances, now may be the  ideal  time for you to purchase or list a home. If you’re in the market to buy or sell, there’s no need to wait for the spring. Read on to discover the top five reasons that it can pay to buy or sell a home durin
Post a Comment
Read more

How To Handle The Biggest Real Estate Deal Killers (Well-Intentioned Parents)

Your parents want the best for you. And buying a home is one of the major investments you will make in your lifetime. So, of course, your folks want to be by your side and offer you the benefit of their wisdom and counsel. Unfortunately, a lot of their best advice can be misguided, and can cause your good home choice to slip away. Most parents will want to see you get your home for the least amount of money and may even advise you to make a low offer. That may be what they did when they last bought a house. It will not work in a seller’s market, and may not even work in a buyer’s market. Make your offer based on the comparable neighborhood sales, the condition, and your Realtor’s advice. If you are getting a loan, remember that the price you pay is amortized over 30 years as well. Mom and Dad may advise different “deal points” than are standard in your locality. Recall that each state and area have different customs, disclosures and laws. What may be common in M&D’s area may
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Adjectives You Should Look For In Your Real Estate Agent

Who you choose to represent you when you buy or sell your home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your move. Your real estate agent can make the process easy, quick, and painless – or long, expensive, and painful. Here are 5 adjectives you should for in your real estate agent if you want to get the most out of your sale or purchase: 1. Tenacious Real estate is a tough world. There are seemingly endless challenges to navigate: the house you love was snatched up by someone else, someone put a bid in on your home and then pulled out at the last minute, there’s issues with the neighbors or zoning or construction. That’s why you need a real estate agent who is tenacious, never gives up, and doesn’t stop until you have successfully bought or sold your home. If you work with a real estate agent who gives up when things don’t go as planned, you’re never going to buy or sell your home. The best real estate agents are the ones who not only have plan B, but plan C, D, a
Post a Comment
Read more