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Setting the right rent can be one of the most difficult areas for many people who are investing in rental property. If your property rents out in no time, it could be an indication that you are not charging enough rent. On the other hand, if your property seems to take a long time to rent out, it could be a clear indication that your rent is too high. So, how do you go about setting a rental rate that is in line with the current market?
One of the best places to start is the newspaper. It is imperative that you do some local research to find out what kinds of prices are driving the local market. Location is the most important factor in determining rental rates. For example, a three bedroom, one bath home in one part of town may rent for a $750 a month while another property on the opposite side of town may only be able to draw $500 per month. Most prospective tenants look for convenience when searching for a rental property. They are either looking for a location that is near their work or close to their children’s schools. Neighborhoods that are considered to be trendy or hip can also be a driving factor, as many people like the idea of living in certain neighborhoods.
Of course, the budget of the renter will also play a role in determining how much they are willing to pay and can pay in rent. Due to the fact that most renters have needs that must be filled, especially in terms of space, it is quite common for square footage to also play a role in determining rental rates. This means that larger homes and units will typically be able to rent for rates that are higher than smaller homes and units.
When setting rental rates; however, it is also important to keep in mind that there is a certain point when rental rates can reach a cap. When interest rates are low, if rental rates rise too high, renters will quickly make the connection that it just does not make sense to rent any longer when it could be less expensive to buy a home.
Another way to make sure that you stay updated on rental rates in your local area is to join a local association for landlords. This is a great way to make sure that you keep your finger on the pulse of the local rental market. Emerging trends in the area will affect not only you but also other landlords as well. For example, if your particular area is in an economic slump or even an economic boom then this could have an effect on local rental rates. Make sure you keep track of whether there have been job losses or the creation of new jobs in your local area.
It is also important to keep in mind that basic amenities can also play a role in determining how much rent you can charge for your unit or apartment. Some of the basics expected by most prospective tenants include off-street parking, washer and dryer hookups, dishwashers, etc. If these basic amenities are not available, you may find that you need to either offer something else that would attract prospective tenants or lower your rental rate.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Guide to Protecting yourself and your Rental Property
Owning rental investment property can be a satisfying and lucrative operation; however, there are also several areas which need to be carefully heeded in order to make sure that you are not sued and do not become liable for any issues which may arise in connection with your property. Learning how to protect yourself is the first step in ensuring that your investment does not actually become a liability.
First, you must always make sure that you have adequate casualty and property insurance as well as liability insurance. These three items are not the same and it should always be remembered that property insurance will not typically protect you in the event someone becomes injured on your property.
Property and casualty insurance will cover you in the event your property suffers from losses resulting from storm, fire or some other catastrophic loss. Liability insurance is intended to protect you if you should be found to be responsible for someone else’s losses. You may also wish to consider carrying flood insurance if your property is in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Umbrella insurance, which will provide you with additional liability insurance beyond a general liability insurance policy, is another worthy option you may consider.
You may ask yourself under what circumstances you may need liability insurance. There are many instances in which liability insurance could be helpful. For example, liability insurance could protect you in the event a tenant or an employee becomes injured on your property. Liability insurance can also protect you in the event you are sued for discrimination by tenants.
In the event you hire someone to work on your property, it is a good idea to ensure that all repairmen as well as contractors are able to provide their own certificates of insurance indicating they carry both workers’ compensation as well as liability coverage.
You should also make sure you review your insurance coverage with your insurance agent on a regular basis. Many people make the good intention of taking out adequate insurance coverage; however, they fail to review their policies and when disaster does strike sometime later they are surprised to discover that they did not have sufficient coverage after all.
It is also a good idea to make sure that you have formed good working relationships with critical professionals such as an attorney and a good tax accountant. There are many areas of renting property which are regulated by law. If you are not aware of your obligations under these housing laws, you could find yourself facing legal troubles. Therefore, it is certainly a good idea to consult an attorney to make sure you may not be breaking any fair housing laws. It can be entirely too easy to find yourself in trouble because you unknowingly violated one of these laws. Additionally, make sure you meet with a professional tax accountant at least once per year to discuss your tax obligations regarding your property and revenue.
It is also a good idea to check with your local government to determine whether you are required to have a business license in order to operate a rental property in the local area. While this was rather uncommon at one time, today more and more municipalities are enacting regulations which require a business license for each rental property.
Also, keep in mind that your property insurance policy will not cover the belongings of your renter in the event of damage. It is usually a good idea to make sure you let your tenants know this by putting it in writing. Many landlords not only encourage their tenants to obtain renter’s insurance but also require it.
Finally, take proactive steps to reduce your liability by making sure that your property is safe. Liability insurance is certainly beneficial but the best way to ensure that you steer clear of trouble is to keep your property well maintained.
First, you must always make sure that you have adequate casualty and property insurance as well as liability insurance. These three items are not the same and it should always be remembered that property insurance will not typically protect you in the event someone becomes injured on your property.
Property and casualty insurance will cover you in the event your property suffers from losses resulting from storm, fire or some other catastrophic loss. Liability insurance is intended to protect you if you should be found to be responsible for someone else’s losses. You may also wish to consider carrying flood insurance if your property is in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program. Umbrella insurance, which will provide you with additional liability insurance beyond a general liability insurance policy, is another worthy option you may consider.
You may ask yourself under what circumstances you may need liability insurance. There are many instances in which liability insurance could be helpful. For example, liability insurance could protect you in the event a tenant or an employee becomes injured on your property. Liability insurance can also protect you in the event you are sued for discrimination by tenants.
In the event you hire someone to work on your property, it is a good idea to ensure that all repairmen as well as contractors are able to provide their own certificates of insurance indicating they carry both workers’ compensation as well as liability coverage.
You should also make sure you review your insurance coverage with your insurance agent on a regular basis. Many people make the good intention of taking out adequate insurance coverage; however, they fail to review their policies and when disaster does strike sometime later they are surprised to discover that they did not have sufficient coverage after all.
It is also a good idea to make sure that you have formed good working relationships with critical professionals such as an attorney and a good tax accountant. There are many areas of renting property which are regulated by law. If you are not aware of your obligations under these housing laws, you could find yourself facing legal troubles. Therefore, it is certainly a good idea to consult an attorney to make sure you may not be breaking any fair housing laws. It can be entirely too easy to find yourself in trouble because you unknowingly violated one of these laws. Additionally, make sure you meet with a professional tax accountant at least once per year to discuss your tax obligations regarding your property and revenue.
It is also a good idea to check with your local government to determine whether you are required to have a business license in order to operate a rental property in the local area. While this was rather uncommon at one time, today more and more municipalities are enacting regulations which require a business license for each rental property.
Also, keep in mind that your property insurance policy will not cover the belongings of your renter in the event of damage. It is usually a good idea to make sure you let your tenants know this by putting it in writing. Many landlords not only encourage their tenants to obtain renter’s insurance but also require it.
Finally, take proactive steps to reduce your liability by making sure that your property is safe. Liability insurance is certainly beneficial but the best way to ensure that you steer clear of trouble is to keep your property well maintained.
Guide to Inexpensive Rental Property Repairs that Won’t Take a Bite out of your Budget
There are some decided differences between fixing up your own home and a property you plan to rent out. One of those differences is often your budget for repairs. If you want to make a profit on your investment property, repairs must be kept to a minimum. Since repairs are also a necessity to attracting and maintaining quality renters, it is also important to learn how to make repairs on a limited budget. The good news is that there are some repairs and improvements which can be made to your property without spending a lot of money.
First, make a point to go through the house and replace all of the older and outdated switch plates. New switch plates need not be an expensive investment. In fact, most switch plates can be replaced for just a couple of dollars each, at the most. You can easily replace all of the switch plates in a property for around $20. In some areas, you may wish to go ahead and ante up for switch plates which are slightly nicer, such as in the living room and foyer. You will pay a couple of dollars more for brass plates; however, even at around $5 each, that is still not much money to pay for an improvement that can really make your rental property stand out.
Doors are another area where you can make a big difference in your rental property without spending a ton of money. Doors are one of the first things that a prospective renter will notice so it can really be a worthy investment to make when you are trying to attract good renters. While you are changing out the doors, be sure to also consider changing out the handles as well. Older door handles can really make a place look drab. For just a few dollars, you can easily replace those old handles with brass finished models. ‘S’ handles are popular for bedroom doors and bathroom doors and only run a few dollars more.
The trim is another area where you can make a big impact for not much money. Take a good look at the trim in your rental property. If it appears worn and cracked, it could be time to replace it. You do not necessarily need to spring for crown molding throughout the entire property; however, adding it to the entryway or the living room can create a great first impression.
Another area where you might wish to focus some attention is the entryway or foyer. Keep in mind that once prospective renters step through the front door this is the first area they are going to see, so you want to make sure you make a good first impression. Tiling it can be a great way to do that. For a small foyer area measuring around 8x8 you can easily tile it for about $100.
Kitchens are one of the most important areas for most people when they view a property for rent, especially women. While it may not be practical to replace all of the cabinets, it can certainly help to paint them. Consider repainting them using a semi-gloss white paint and do not forget to replace the knobs when you are finished. Even less expensive plastic knobs can breathe new life into older kitchen cabinets.
First, make a point to go through the house and replace all of the older and outdated switch plates. New switch plates need not be an expensive investment. In fact, most switch plates can be replaced for just a couple of dollars each, at the most. You can easily replace all of the switch plates in a property for around $20. In some areas, you may wish to go ahead and ante up for switch plates which are slightly nicer, such as in the living room and foyer. You will pay a couple of dollars more for brass plates; however, even at around $5 each, that is still not much money to pay for an improvement that can really make your rental property stand out.
Doors are another area where you can make a big difference in your rental property without spending a ton of money. Doors are one of the first things that a prospective renter will notice so it can really be a worthy investment to make when you are trying to attract good renters. While you are changing out the doors, be sure to also consider changing out the handles as well. Older door handles can really make a place look drab. For just a few dollars, you can easily replace those old handles with brass finished models. ‘S’ handles are popular for bedroom doors and bathroom doors and only run a few dollars more.
The trim is another area where you can make a big impact for not much money. Take a good look at the trim in your rental property. If it appears worn and cracked, it could be time to replace it. You do not necessarily need to spring for crown molding throughout the entire property; however, adding it to the entryway or the living room can create a great first impression.
Another area where you might wish to focus some attention is the entryway or foyer. Keep in mind that once prospective renters step through the front door this is the first area they are going to see, so you want to make sure you make a good first impression. Tiling it can be a great way to do that. For a small foyer area measuring around 8x8 you can easily tile it for about $100.
Kitchens are one of the most important areas for most people when they view a property for rent, especially women. While it may not be practical to replace all of the cabinets, it can certainly help to paint them. Consider repainting them using a semi-gloss white paint and do not forget to replace the knobs when you are finished. Even less expensive plastic knobs can breathe new life into older kitchen cabinets.
Guide to Finding the Right Investment Rental Property
Finding the right rental property is certainly one of the keys to succeeding with investment rental property. Below is a guide to help you get started in finding the right property that will help you to generate additional income.
First, consider whether you want to look for rental property on your own or whether you wish to use a broker to assist you in the process. There are certainly many advantages to working with a reputable broker when you are looking for investment property. In many cases, brokers may know of properties which have just come on the market and which may not have been noticed by others yet. A broker is also usually well versed about the local neighborhood, which can be important if you are not from that area.
Before you actually begin looking at prospective properties, make sure that you have gone through your finances and have them in order. Ideally, you should check your credit report several months before you plan to make a purchase in order to be certain that there are not any inaccuracies which could prevent you from obtaining a mortgage for the purchase of your investment property. Be sure to check with all three credit reporting bureaus, not just one, to get a clear picture of your credit standing. Assuring that your credit is in order can also help you to obtain a more favorable interest rate.
It is also important to do your research about the local market so that you do not overpay for the property you ultimately purchase. When you do purchase a piece of investment property, you need to make sure that the deal you strike allows sufficient room for a profit margin just in case there are times when you do not have a full occupancy.
Carefully consider both the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a property that could be labeled as a fixer-upper. While you very well may be able to purchase the property for less money than other properties, you may very well find that you have purchased a money pit. In the event that a lot of major repairs and renovations are required, this can equate to a large investment of both time and money. In this case, it would be better to pay more for a property that requires less attention.
Before you purchase any property, take the time to have it inspected. Even if you have inspected the property on your own, you should still have a professional go over the property to be certain that the electrical wiring meets code, there is no lead in the paint and that overall, the property is safe. An inspection can sometimes turn up problems which you might not notice but which could ultimately cost thousands of dollars to correct. You will typically be required to pay for the inspection; however, it is a wise investment that could save you quite a bit of time and money.
Take the time as well to research the local real estate market and the neighborhood. Check with the local police department to find out whether the area is safe and if you will need to provide any additional security. Drop by city hall to determine whether there are any plans for the local area that could potentially lower the value of the property. Research the real estate market in the area to find out the condition of prices. If prices have gone down recently, this could be an indication that rents will also be low. On the other hand, if home prices in the area are high, this could indicate the area is in demand that you may be able to charger higher rents.
Finally, do not make the mistake of ‘settling’ for a property simply because you are in a rush to invest in rental property. This could result in an investment that will require you to spend more time and/or money than you originally planned and detract from your profit margin.
First, consider whether you want to look for rental property on your own or whether you wish to use a broker to assist you in the process. There are certainly many advantages to working with a reputable broker when you are looking for investment property. In many cases, brokers may know of properties which have just come on the market and which may not have been noticed by others yet. A broker is also usually well versed about the local neighborhood, which can be important if you are not from that area.
Before you actually begin looking at prospective properties, make sure that you have gone through your finances and have them in order. Ideally, you should check your credit report several months before you plan to make a purchase in order to be certain that there are not any inaccuracies which could prevent you from obtaining a mortgage for the purchase of your investment property. Be sure to check with all three credit reporting bureaus, not just one, to get a clear picture of your credit standing. Assuring that your credit is in order can also help you to obtain a more favorable interest rate.
It is also important to do your research about the local market so that you do not overpay for the property you ultimately purchase. When you do purchase a piece of investment property, you need to make sure that the deal you strike allows sufficient room for a profit margin just in case there are times when you do not have a full occupancy.
Carefully consider both the advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a property that could be labeled as a fixer-upper. While you very well may be able to purchase the property for less money than other properties, you may very well find that you have purchased a money pit. In the event that a lot of major repairs and renovations are required, this can equate to a large investment of both time and money. In this case, it would be better to pay more for a property that requires less attention.
Before you purchase any property, take the time to have it inspected. Even if you have inspected the property on your own, you should still have a professional go over the property to be certain that the electrical wiring meets code, there is no lead in the paint and that overall, the property is safe. An inspection can sometimes turn up problems which you might not notice but which could ultimately cost thousands of dollars to correct. You will typically be required to pay for the inspection; however, it is a wise investment that could save you quite a bit of time and money.
Take the time as well to research the local real estate market and the neighborhood. Check with the local police department to find out whether the area is safe and if you will need to provide any additional security. Drop by city hall to determine whether there are any plans for the local area that could potentially lower the value of the property. Research the real estate market in the area to find out the condition of prices. If prices have gone down recently, this could be an indication that rents will also be low. On the other hand, if home prices in the area are high, this could indicate the area is in demand that you may be able to charger higher rents.
Finally, do not make the mistake of ‘settling’ for a property simply because you are in a rush to invest in rental property. This could result in an investment that will require you to spend more time and/or money than you originally planned and detract from your profit margin.
Monday, April 20, 2009
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