Renting out property has been a tried-and-true strategy for building wealth over generations. Not to mention a wise–and passive!–diversification of income-producing assets. Investors who are savvy should carefully evaluate the rental properties they consider to make sure that they will provide value in the long run.
You can easily fall for the seductive whispers about undervalued houses that are ready to be flipped. Those who are interested in investing in real-estate will be attracted by the promise of passive income. You can end up in a situation where you are unable to pay for your home if you don’t have the right financial planning.
Start Your Property Search
Research is the first step to making a smart investment, especially if you are unfamiliar with real estate terms. You should always have some background knowledge before you start.
Three simple steps will help you find the perfect rental property:
First, learn the local market
Spend some time learning about the neighborhoods where you intend to invest, especially if you are an investor from out of town. Local pride and identity are often found in neighborhoods. If you have a strict schedule and an agenda, your neighbors may not be happy. We’ve put together a list of neighborhoods in North Texas’ Dallas-Fort Worth region.
You can learn about the local market either by doing your own research, talking to a friend that lives in your area, or consulting a property manager who has an insider’s view on where you should invest.
#2: Gauge Your Price Range
It’s possible you’ve heard, “Buy the least expensive house in the best neighborhood that you can afford.” This advice may not be wrong, but it is certainly outdated. What you can afford is more a matter of personal choice than anything else. You are the only one who knows how much debt you can take on or what risk you will accept. There are several methods that have been proven to be effective in calculating an investment amount.
Find out what type of investment you are.
You can invest in real estate in many different ways, including single-family homes, multifamily properties and commercial property. There are many other factors to consider besides the type of property. What is the best way to make money from your new property? Will you lease it for a long time, rent it out on vacation, or flip it within a year at a profit? For a passive income, you can buy real estate or land. Before investing a penny, you should determine what type of investment is right for you.
Compare Rental Properties
It’s now time to get started. Once you have an idea of the local market and what you are looking for in terms of investments, you can start shopping. You’re now ready to start looking for property.
Investors often begin by comparing properties over time in different areas. It’s important to act when you see trends or a great deal that is backed by market research.
Keep in mind, that each real estate market has its own unique characteristics. Look for trends that could affect the local market in the coming months or years. Do you know if there are any new companies or jobs moving to the area? Use your local knowledge for your benefit.
There are certainly faster and easier methods to develop investment expertise. It can be exhausting to search for the perfect property on your own. Most investors prefer to consult with a property management, who can provide expert insight on local markets and distant ones if they are investing remotely.
Cost Approach vs. Cost Approach
You can choose between two different approaches to your real estate investments: the income-based approach or the cost-based approach.
Income-focused buyers are only interested in the opportunity and end result of a property. The cost-focused investor, on the other hand, is more aware of today’s realities by focusing on what monetary risks are prudent to assume.
Real estate investors who are successful don’t fall on either side. They take into account both and calculate the rental they can earn.
Calculate the return on your rental investment
Calculating the capitalization rate , or cap rate is another way to determine if an investment is sound. The cap rate is used to determine the expected rate of return compared with alternative investments.
Calculate net operating income first to calculate the cap rate. This is the annual rental income expected minus the costs of taxes and maintenance. Be conservative when estimating expected rental income. There will likely be periods between tenants where there is no tenant. Divide the net operating income (or profit) by the current value of the property.
You can use this calculator to estimate the return on investment of your rental property.
There are many things to consider, whether you’re an experienced real estate investor or a novice.
Partnering with a property management company is a great idea, especially for those who are just starting out. You’ll benefit from expert advice, efficient management and streamlined maintenance with minimal effort. This will help you avoid costly renovations and money pits. These are just a few of the many ways that a manager can benefit your business.
It doesn’t matter which type of property or local market you are looking to invest in, the key to success is patience, research and selecting the right partners.
