To many, being an investment property owner is the best way to financial freedom. Owning real estate can certainly create and build wealth. However, owning investment property is not something that comes without work. Finding the best property, negotiating the contract, and then finding tenants and managing the property are all obvious tasks, but the most important things... are Time and Money. Managing these are the hardest jobs in investment property!
Before you get started – there are a two things you should know:
Time is of the Essence:
Do you plan to own the property for a long time, or turn it around quickly? These are important questions when trying to figure out what upgrades and improvements should be done. Also, you can expect that if you do own the property for 5-10 years, or longer, that there will be a new roof that needs to be put on, or a furnace that needs to be replaced. Your investment will need continual investing to keep it in top condition—but if you are only planning on hanging on to it for a year or two, you won’t want to sink money into unneeded expenses that you won’t be able to recoup.
Time is also important as you time the purchase and sale of the property, and balancing that against your needs, situation and the property you are looking for. Timing your sale or purchase is tricky, and that is where having a commercial real estate company on your site can make or break the investment. You don’t want to pay too much when you buy, nor do you want to wait too long when you are ready to sell. Timing can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
Money. Money. Money.
Having money on hand and a great credit situation is imperative for investment property owners. Besides having the cash to buy the property, having the monies available to make repairs and manage emergencies is important.
Work with you financial advisor to determine the property amount of cash vs. loans that you will need to get the right mix for your expenses as well as what you will need to make your payments and still have what you need “just in case.”
You also should make sure you can save enough for retirement and other long-term goals before making the investment. Property ownership is not a sure bet, so it is important to not put all your eggs in one basket!
Property Manager
Kuester Property Management
Charlotte, North Carolina
Showing posts with label investment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label investment. Show all posts
So You Say You Are Thinking Of Investing in Real Estate?
Property is almost always a great long-term investment. It can also be a practical short term investment as well. Just depends on when you buy, when you sell, and how much both transactions amount to…For the last year, prices on property has been dropping in many areas. That is bad news if you're looking to sell, but it puts the ball in your court if you're interested in buying. The market is changing, and everyone expects a rebound. Right now is a time to jump into the pool and make an investment if you have the cash available. Buying rental property in a down market can be a lucrative investment but there are some factors you should consider before you jump in.
We’ve quizzed our experts, and have these great four tips for you when looking for a rental property.
• Where do people want to live? Where do they want to shop? Where do they want to eat? Find out where tenants want to be…and buy there. Not only where do they want to be now, but look in areas that are going to be good in a few years. If you want a sure-fire bet, ask your real-estate agent to show you properties with solid rental track records.
• Don’t over extend yourself. Make sure your rental income will provide for your expenses. Don’t hedge too tight to the line. You don’t want to be worried on a month to month basis that you will have a shortfall. Plan for emergencies, for the occasional month you don’t have a tenant, for unexpected repairs, and definitely plan to have a small and tidy profit after you pay off your loans or mortgage.
• Find reliable and stable tenants. Screen the people who are renting your property. Don’t skimp out on background checks, credit checks, or references. Don’t take a leap of faith. These tenants are occupying YOUR investment. Make sure you have people who will provide for your income and not damage the property. Never rent to anyone without having them fill out an application that includes references - then be sure to check those references! Verify their employment record and, if they've leased or rented before, talk to former landlords to see if they've had problems in the past. A credit check is also a good idea - if they are already having financial problems, you don't want to be the next one on the list.
• Always have a standard rental contract drawn up that outlines the rules and regulations of the property, the rent and when it is due, any deposits required and rules regarding landlord access to the unit, etc. Be clear about what repairs and maintenance are and are not your responsibility as the landlord and the rules covering changes such as painting the rooms, etc.
• If you can’t manage the property, invest in an agency that can. Don’t have the time to manage the real estate? Then find an agency that can do it and can do it effectively.
• Make investments in your property that will reap further income. Landscaping, painting, new appliances, new carpet or floors – these will all add to the value of any real estate in the long-term, as well as make your property look more attractive to short term tenants.
• Know the laws and regulations in your state or local municipality. If you don’t know them – learn them. Or hire a agency to manage the property that does!
Those are some simple pointers, and there is a lot more fine points and common sense that we can provide you with when thinking about making the leap.
Kuester Property Management
We’ve quizzed our experts, and have these great four tips for you when looking for a rental property.
• Where do people want to live? Where do they want to shop? Where do they want to eat? Find out where tenants want to be…and buy there. Not only where do they want to be now, but look in areas that are going to be good in a few years. If you want a sure-fire bet, ask your real-estate agent to show you properties with solid rental track records.
• Don’t over extend yourself. Make sure your rental income will provide for your expenses. Don’t hedge too tight to the line. You don’t want to be worried on a month to month basis that you will have a shortfall. Plan for emergencies, for the occasional month you don’t have a tenant, for unexpected repairs, and definitely plan to have a small and tidy profit after you pay off your loans or mortgage.
• Find reliable and stable tenants. Screen the people who are renting your property. Don’t skimp out on background checks, credit checks, or references. Don’t take a leap of faith. These tenants are occupying YOUR investment. Make sure you have people who will provide for your income and not damage the property. Never rent to anyone without having them fill out an application that includes references - then be sure to check those references! Verify their employment record and, if they've leased or rented before, talk to former landlords to see if they've had problems in the past. A credit check is also a good idea - if they are already having financial problems, you don't want to be the next one on the list.
• Always have a standard rental contract drawn up that outlines the rules and regulations of the property, the rent and when it is due, any deposits required and rules regarding landlord access to the unit, etc. Be clear about what repairs and maintenance are and are not your responsibility as the landlord and the rules covering changes such as painting the rooms, etc.
• If you can’t manage the property, invest in an agency that can. Don’t have the time to manage the real estate? Then find an agency that can do it and can do it effectively.
• Make investments in your property that will reap further income. Landscaping, painting, new appliances, new carpet or floors – these will all add to the value of any real estate in the long-term, as well as make your property look more attractive to short term tenants.
• Know the laws and regulations in your state or local municipality. If you don’t know them – learn them. Or hire a agency to manage the property that does!
Those are some simple pointers, and there is a lot more fine points and common sense that we can provide you with when thinking about making the leap.
Kuester Property Management
Benefits for Buying Commercial Real Estate
Buying commercial real estate can an exciting and profitable business. By investing in commercial properties in the Carolinas you give yourself a long-term revenue stream. Here are just a few benefits of commercial real estate!
1.) Multiple revenue streams: The great thing about commercial real estate is that you can have multiple revenue streams. The property itself can gain value and be resold, you can rent or lease to get a monthly income, and you can use the space yourself as an office out of which you can run your business.
2.) Diversification: It is important to keep your investment portfolio diversified. Investing in Commercial real estate is a great way to add additional properties to your investment portfolio, and having commercial investments adds some variety and options for your portfolio. Commercial real estate properties can be range from apartment properties to office buildings.
3.) Properties are currently available at a great price: There is plenty of commercial real estate available in almost every part of the Carolinas, and the poor market conditions have left some great deals in its wake. Take your time when choosing the right property and you can certainly find prices poised to rise.
There are many benefits to getting into commercial real estate, but like with any type of investing, it is very important to gain as much knowledge as you can before making those tough decisions about what to invest in.
1.) Multiple revenue streams: The great thing about commercial real estate is that you can have multiple revenue streams. The property itself can gain value and be resold, you can rent or lease to get a monthly income, and you can use the space yourself as an office out of which you can run your business.
2.) Diversification: It is important to keep your investment portfolio diversified. Investing in Commercial real estate is a great way to add additional properties to your investment portfolio, and having commercial investments adds some variety and options for your portfolio. Commercial real estate properties can be range from apartment properties to office buildings.
3.) Properties are currently available at a great price: There is plenty of commercial real estate available in almost every part of the Carolinas, and the poor market conditions have left some great deals in its wake. Take your time when choosing the right property and you can certainly find prices poised to rise.
There are many benefits to getting into commercial real estate, but like with any type of investing, it is very important to gain as much knowledge as you can before making those tough decisions about what to invest in.
Commercial Property: Keeping an Eye on the Competition
When you are considering the purchase of a commercial property, one of the best things that you can do ahead of time is research the competition.
How long do the other buildings have unoccupied space?
Are there several available properties near the one you are considering?
What is the average length of lease of the building you are considering purchasing?
What is the average length of lease of the similar buildings in the area.
Take the time to walk the grounds of similar buildings. Can you see what they are doing well? Do they have well maintained landscaping, walkways and parking lots? What makes these buildings attractive to tenants? What could they do better? Can you talk to any of the business tenants of neighboring building?
Investing in commercial property is a big decision and goes way beyond just finding a place and putting a "for lease" sign up! Before you buy, investigate the market, do your homework, and make sure to put considerable time in "knowing your competition." Learning from the people who are doing it well, will make you more successful!
Property Manager
www.Kuester.com
How long do the other buildings have unoccupied space?
Are there several available properties near the one you are considering?
What is the average length of lease of the building you are considering purchasing?
What is the average length of lease of the similar buildings in the area.
Take the time to walk the grounds of similar buildings. Can you see what they are doing well? Do they have well maintained landscaping, walkways and parking lots? What makes these buildings attractive to tenants? What could they do better? Can you talk to any of the business tenants of neighboring building?
Investing in commercial property is a big decision and goes way beyond just finding a place and putting a "for lease" sign up! Before you buy, investigate the market, do your homework, and make sure to put considerable time in "knowing your competition." Learning from the people who are doing it well, will make you more successful!
Property Manager
www.Kuester.com
Commercial Property will hit bottom in 2010--and be a new investors dream!
If you are the owner of a commercial properties, hold on for a rough year. 2010 will likely be the rock-bottom for the commercial real-estate market.
The silver-lining is that new investors will benefit if they are able to step in and buy up the properties. Sellers of these commercial properties have been hesitant to lower prices, however they will need to to get the property sold and avoid foreclosure. Both scenarios work in favor of the buyer, who, if they are able to secure a bank loan, or have the cash on-hand will find remarkable deals towards the year's end and into 2011.
The silver-lining is that new investors will benefit if they are able to step in and buy up the properties. Sellers of these commercial properties have been hesitant to lower prices, however they will need to to get the property sold and avoid foreclosure. Both scenarios work in favor of the buyer, who, if they are able to secure a bank loan, or have the cash on-hand will find remarkable deals towards the year's end and into 2011.
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