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Saturday, August 1, 2015

4 Essential Real Estate Investment Tips For Investing in a Rental Property



Choose the Right Rental Property
Residential rental property is a type of rented real property, such as a house or apartment complex. It shall derive more than 80 percent of its revenue from dwelling units. Generally, residential rental property uses 27.5 year modified accelerated cost recovery system (MACRS) schedule for its depreciation. Revenue from residential rental property is a passive income. Rental properties may be either residential  or commercial. Only residential rental property that has been placed in service after 1986 is eligible for MACRS treatment.

Investors who intend to build or diversify their investment portfolios often choose to buy a real estate property because of its perceived inherent stability of this mode of investment. While it is true that investors may stand to earn a lot more by investing in the stocks of some blue chip company, the risks associated are usually greater too.


On the other hand, a house generally appreciates in value as the years go by. So those who want to play safe when making their investment decisions usually decide to go in for a piece of real estate. The key is to choose rental property that is most likely to bring you an impressive return.


Like stocks, shares, and bonds, the investor needs to be extremely careful when buying a property for real estate investment. Not all properties make sound investments and bring on a cash flow readily. If you have made your mind to invest in a rental property you must go thorough a thorough research, calculate the risks and make a cautious move. Three absolutely essential tips are here as precautionary measures to be taken while investing for a rental property.


1. Choose Single-Family Homes Over Condos

Some research studies have shown that single-family homes tend to be more suitable as real estate investment options than condos. This is primarily because of the kind of renters that the former tends to attract. More than 60 percent of all single-family home tenants have children and so move less often than unmarried individuals in their 20s and 30s and childless couples in the same age bracket. In fact, tenants of single-family home tenants are about 20 percent more likely to live in a house for five years or more.

2. Choose Rental Property with Locational Advantages

When you choose rental property for a real estate investment, consider buying one that will attract tenants in droves and also definitely appreciate in value through the years. One way to ensure this is to buy a property that has obvious locational advantages. While judging in the light of this criteria, keep in mind that proximity to a school district and a major interstate and the presence of recreational opportunities in the vicinity will make your property always be in high demand amongst tenants with varied needs.

These locational advantages will ensure that the worth of your property won’t decline in future and you can sell it easily to a family with school-going kids, a couple in their sunset years who want to settle in a quiet and safe community with lots of recreational opportunities nearby, or a couple who wants to stay in a locality from where it is easy to commute to their respective places of work.


3. Choose Rental Property That’s Built Right

When looking for a property to buy or to add to your investment portfolio, always go in for a house that has a stable structure and a strong foundation. A sturdily-built house will save you hundreds and thousands of dollars in repair, replacement, and maintenance costs in the long run than a derelict and run-down house that might be a few thousand dollars cheaper now. A sturdily-built house will also attract tenants readily, put yourself in the shoes of your potential tenants and you will get the picture.

Research On The Targeted Property


4.Have The Rental Property Inspected Closely
One of the best ways to avoid unexpected expenses is to have the property inspected by a professional before you buy it. If the property encumbrances repairs or renovations, the burden of fix comes over you and no tenant will  overlook such frustrations. Therefore, it would be wise to inspect every element involved in the sale from house age & condition to legal documents annexed to the property.