Real Estate

What to Look for When Buying Investment Property

Published

6 months ago

December 11, 2022

sylvia J

What to Look for When Buying Investment Property

Roughly 63 percent of Americans have a real estate investment compared to about 52 percent who have invested in the stock market.

It’s easy to see why more people prefer investing in real estate. It’s an ideal way to earn passive income and grow your wealth. All without experiencing significant volatility, as is the case with the stock market.

So, if you’re looking to become a real estate investor, you’ve made a smart decision. However, there’s a lot that goes into buying investment property that will help you achieve your goals.

In this article, we’re sharing a couple of important factors to consider before splurging the cash on an investment property.

Read on!

Location

Everywhere you look, there are residential, commercial, or industrial buildings that are occupied. This, though, doesn’t mean you should go ahead and buy an investment property in just about any location.

The location of your property will have a direct impact on two crucial things: purchase price and rate of return on investment.

In major cities or high-end neighborhoods, for instance, it’s a no-brainer that you will need a lot of money to purchase a property. On the other hand, in suburban and rural areas the cost of buying property will be much lower.

As such, when choosing a location for your real estate investment, consider your capital capacity. Find a location where property prices are within your finance range or budget.

In addition to that, evaluate the potential ROI a location offers before making the move. If you’re planning to buy a rental property, for example, you want it to have tenants throughout the year. That’ll only be possible if you choose a location with a vibrant rental market.

Financing Your Investment

Investing in physical real estate is capital-intensive. The median price of a home in 2020 is about $400,000, so you’ll need to raise around that amount to purchase one rental unit.

How’re you planning to finance your investment property?

You’ll rarely find real estate investors making cash purchases. That’s because there are a couple of financing options available.

The go-to option for most investors is a mortgage. Banks, credit unions, and other formal financial institutions offer both residential and commercial mortgages depending on the intended use of the property.

Another option is a hard money loan. These loans are secured against the property just like a conventional mortgage, but they’re issued by private lenders (lenders that are not formal financial institutions).

You can also get other types of credit depending on your personal financial situation. If you’ve got plenty of equity in your primary residence, for example, you can take out a home equity loan or line of credit and use the funds to finance your investment property. Or, if you’re a stock market investor, it’s possible to secure a loan secured against your shareholding in the companies you’ve invested in.

Regardless of the financial method that’s most ideal for you, be sure to get pre-approval before you start looking for a property to purchase. This will enable you to know how much financing the lender is willing to give you so that you can set your budget accordingly.

Appreciation Potential

The beauty of investing in real estate property is you can grow your wealth in two ways: rental income and property appreciation.

Typically, real estate appreciates over a period of several years. However, properties don’t appreciate at the same rate. There are several factors that will affect the appreciation rate of a property, primarily the location, economic conditions like interest rates, and property features like size.

Don’t invest in real estate without assessing its appreciation potential. You should have a good estimate of how much the property will appreciate every year. Nationally, the average rate of appreciation for homes is 3-5%, so anything below that should be a red flag.

While you have little control over factors like economic performance, make the most of what you can control. For instance, data shows that single-family homes appreciate significantly faster than condos. As a savvy real estate investor, you should be more inclined toward buying single-family homes.

Maintenance Costs

Rental property requires ongoing maintenance. An exiting tenant will leave the property in a worse off condition than they found it, and it’s your responsibility to rehabilitate the unit and restore it to as good a condition as can be. These costs can eat into your revenues and affect your return on investment.

This is why it’s essential to consider the property maintenance costs before making a purchase. If it’s a property that’s been in use for some time, ask the seller to provide maintenance records. This will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of maintenance costs.

Generally, avoid buying aging property. Even if it’s available at a great price, you could be getting an asset that will suck your pockets dry because of endless repairs and maintenance.

Property Management Options

When you own invest property, you can either self-manage or outsource the job to a property management company. The property management options available to you will have an impact on your investment decision-making.

If you prefer hiring a property manager, then the property needs to be in a location where property management services are readily available. Here are more details on the kind of services a property manager can offer you.

If you want to manage it yourself, then the property has to be located in an area that’s easily accessible to you.

Therefore, don’t rush into buying an investment property without keeping the ease of managing the property in mind.

Buying Investment Property the Right Way

Buying investment property is a good move, but it’s also a big financial commitment. You don’t want to purchase a property that will turn out to be a bad investment. With this guide, you now know some of the most important factors to consider and improve your chances of buying the best property.

Keep reading our blog for more helpful tips on various subjects, from business to crypto.

Real Estate

What are the Advantages of HOAs?

Published

3 weeks ago

May 11, 2023

sylvia J

Homeowners associations or HOAs are a vital part of property ownership. They provide assistance to property owners and tenants, particularly with respect to maintenance and repair. Without a proper HOA, the quality of living spaces can deteriorate quickly and pose a real threat to the safety, health, and well-being of residents.

HOAs also play an important role in maintaining the aesthetic appeal of communities, including the landscaping and aesthetics of properties. They also set up detailed rules for property improvement, which is a main concern for community development. HOAs regulate the overall appearance of properties as well as common areas like parks, roads, or recreational areas. Most HOAs outsource HOA management services for proper functioning and regulations.

Let us now see the main advantages of HOAs.

Set and enforce community rules

HOA rules are set and enforced by the community’s elected body. They are set to help the community flourish. Some associations have HOA documents that contain their rules and regulations, which include fines and guidelines. These rules are meant to prevent disputes and problems in the community.

Protect property values

HOAs are responsible for protecting the value of properties in the community. They determine what can be built on properties and how it should be built. The conditions for land use are set by the association’s governing body.

Provide services, amenities, and facilities

The responsibilities of HOAs include the provision of services and amenities to the property owners. These include recreational, health, and community services, such as a swimming pool, gym, playgrounds, and sports facilities. They also have security systems, in case of break-ins.

Offer self-governance

HOA boards and committees are responsible for carrying out and collecting fees from property owners. They may also offer other programs and services, depending on the HOA group. In addition, they also ensure that an HOA has a good cash flow. This is done by setting up a budget, which revolves around the collection of HOA fees and fines.

Improve property value

HOAs help improve the property value of a neighborhood. This is because they take care of all maintenance matters related to a property’s exterior appearance. For example, they help maintain the landscaping and appearance of homes at least once or twice per year. It also helps with keeping common spaces clean and maintained in a pristine condition throughout the year.

Real Estate

Home Buying Process From Start To Finish

Published

2 months ago

March 24, 2023

sylvia J

Home Buying Process From Start To Finish

Buying a home for the first time can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. There are many factors to consider, from finding the right home to securing financing and navigating the legal process. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and advice for first-time homebuyers to help make the process smoother and more successful.

Determine your budget

Before you start looking at homes, it’s important to determine how much you can afford to spend. This will depend on a number of factors, including your income, expenses, and credit score. You may want to consider getting pre-approved for a mortgage to help you determine your budget and show sellers that you’re serious about buying a home.

Define your needs and wants

Once you know your budget, it’s time to start looking at homes. But before you start visiting properties, it’s important to define your needs and wants. What are your must-haves in a home, and what are your nice-to-haves? Do you need a certain number of bedrooms or bathrooms, or a certain size yard? Make a list and prioritize your needs and wants to help guide your home search.

Work with a real estate agent

A good real estate agent can be a valuable resource for first-time homebuyers. They can help you find properties that meet your needs and budget, negotiate the sale price, and guide you through the legal process. Make sure to choose an agent who has experience working with first-time homebuyers and who you feel comfortable working with.

Be prepared to compromise

It’s unlikely that you’ll find a home that meets all of your needs and wants within your budget. You may need to compromise on certain features, such as location or size, in order to find a home that fits your budget. Keep an open mind and be willing to adjust your expectations to find a home that you love.

Get a home inspection

Once you’ve found a home that you’re interested in, it’s important to get a home inspection. A home inspection can uncover any potential issues with the property, such as structural problems or water damage. This can help you make an informed decision about whether to move forward with the purchase or negotiate repairs with the seller.

Understand the legal process

Buying a home involves a lot of legal paperwork and processes. It’s important to understand these processes and work with a lawyer or real estate agent who can guide you through them. You’ll need to sign a purchase agreement, obtain a mortgage, and pay for closing costs, among other things. Make sure to read and understand all legal documents before signing them.

Factor in additional costs

In addition to the purchase price of the home, there are many additional costs associated with buying a home. These may include closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and maintenance and repair costs. Make sure to factor in these costs when determining your budget and make sure that you can afford them.

Don’t rush the process

Buying a home is a big decision, and it’s important to take your time and not rush the process. Don’t feel pressured to make an offer on a home that you’re not completely comfortable with, and don’t let your emotions cloud your judgment. Take the time to carefully consider each property and make an informed decision.

Plan for the future

Finally, when buying a home for the first time, it’s important to plan for the future. Are you planning on starting a family or changing jobs in the near future? Will you need a larger home or a different location in a few years? Make sure to consider these factors when choosing a home and make sure that it will meet your needs for the foreseeable future.

Conclusion

Buying a home for the first time can be a daunting process, but with the right preparation and guidance, it can also be a rewarding one. By determining your budget, defining your needs and wants, working with a real estate agent, and understanding the legal process, you can make the process smoother and more successful. Remember to take your time, factor in additional costs, and plan for the future to make sure that you find a home that you love and can afford for years to come.

Real Estate

9 Advantages of Hiring Property a Management Company in Oakland California (2023)

Published

3 months ago

March 17, 2023

sylvia J

9 Advantages of Hiring Property a Management Company in Oakland California

Oakland, California, is widely recognized by residents and tourists for its diverse set of attractions. Numerous factors contribute to the city’s appeal, including its advantageous location, abundant employment opportunities, agreeable climate, reasonable lodging prices, and potential for profitable rental investments. Compared to other California cities, Oakland provides a high level of convenience, which is why it has become a preferred destination for individuals of various ages and lifestyles.

If you plan to relocate or invest in Oakland, you may have some initial hurdles, as navigating a new location can be difficult. However, once you overcome these hurdles, your hard work can be extremely rewarding, allowing you to reap the benefits of your efforts. You can seek assistance from a property management company to simplify the complexities. They can help you with your relocation or get you acquainted with the new area so that you can become familiar with the different neighborhoods. By utilizing their services, you can enjoy numerous benefits that will make your stay in Oakland much more satisfying than you initially expected. Still unsure of how this is possible? Here are some benefits of hiring a property management company in Oakland that you should be aware of.

Did You Know?

There are around 37,600 property managers all over California.

9 Advantages of Hiring a Property Management Company in Oakland

Save Time for Property Search

The task of searching for a new home can be daunting, particularly when you’re exploring options in an unfamiliar city. However, companies dealing with property management in Oakland California have extensive knowledge about various property types, associated expenses, local amenities, and more. Engaging their services can provide crucial information to help you identify the most suitable home and save valuable time in your search.

Reduce Expenses for Repair and Maintenance

Once you find the home you’re looking for, you may have to spend on finding services that will help you with repairs, landscaping, and other relevant changes. This can prove expensive as you may not be aware of suitable places to approach for these requirements. Hiring a property management company will help you save on these expenses. They usually know the best service people who can assist you with repair and maintenance and give you high-quality results without overspending.

Did You Know?

About 80% of property managers help with maintenance and repairs.

Generate Additional Income With Ease

If you plan to rent out a portion of your property to generate extra income or as an investment opportunity, property management companies can assist you with advertising the vacancy, vetting potential tenants, drafting lease agreements, and managing rent collection. Enlisting the services of a property management firm can help you optimize your rental income without incurring additional costs or worrying about the details of the rental process and tenant management.

Did You Know?

At least 70% of property managers help with inspections, leases, and advertising for the property.

Resolve Legal Disputes With Confidence

There may be times when an unprecedented legal issue presents itself due to a faulty tenant or property concern you didn’t know about. Irrespective of the reason, it can be challenging to deal with such disputes without legal guidance. Companies handling homeowners property management services are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and legal team that caters to different property legal issues. Hiring them can help property owners combat these problems conveniently by taking the appropriate steps to resolve each grievance.

Get Assistance With Accounting

As a property owner, you must cover various expenses to maintain your home, address tenant needs, and more. Property management firms can assist you in monitoring your expenses relative to your income and identifying cost-effective strategies for managing your property, which can help you mitigate the financial burden associated with property ownership.

Assistance With Rental Pricing

Due to constant market changes and price fluctuations, it can be challenging to adequately determine the monthly rent you want to charge a tenant. Property management companies can assist you with pricing and help you come to a reasonable amount that will allow you to earn sufficiently while attracting tenants consistently.

Assistance With Real Estate Investment

If you’re looking to invest in a property that you don’t want to use as a place of personal stay, property management companies can help you find the best ones that will allow you to invest efficiently. They can assist you with market guidance and price fluctuations and facilitate investments that will help you gain long-term returns for a stable passive income source.

Timely Digital Assistance

When moving into a new property, you may encounter issues that require prompt attention. Property management companies can address your concerns promptly through digital channels to help you resolve minor problems. They’ll communicate with you to understand the issues and provide on-site assistance as soon as they clearly understand your needs.

Improve Landlord-Tenant Relationships

Investing in a rental property is critical to maintaining healthy relationships with tenants for its success and high returns. Property management companies help facilitate a smooth flow of communication, set reasonable rental terms, and manage the grievances of both parties to create a friendly atmosphere between you and the tenant.

Endnote

Property management companies offer streamlined services to property owners and real estate investors, simplifying the intricacies of property management. In Oakland, these service providers undertake various activities such as relocation assistance, rent collection, maintenance, legal compliance, and more. For individuals relocating to the city or seeking to invest in local property, engaging the services of a property management firm can significantly streamline various processes and deliver optimal outcomes for all involved parties.