Landlord Checklist:
Make Sure You are Ready to Invest
Investing in buty to rent property is not for everyone. While you don’t need to belong to a high-income group to buy a rental property, it is still crucial that you have a strong hold on your personal finances before investing. Real estate investment does not make you rich overnight, it is an adventure that can take years.
It's only you who will know if real estate can fit into your investment portfolio. Get a firm grip on what real estate investing involves by taking the time to read books, websites, blog and forums. Get to know good rental property.
Have a Plan
One of the biggest reasons that investors lose money – whether in business, stocks, or real estate – is lack of proper planning. Having a plan will help you take from where you are right now to the place you want to be.
Expected Amount of Income
Before buying to rent a rental property, determine the amount of rent reasonable to expect given the quality and location of the property.
Annual Expenses
You will have reoccurring expenses such as insurance, annual property taxes, repair items, routine maintenance and the cost of any property management services.
Also, make sure to keep aside funds for bigger expenses such as replacing the air conditioner, water heater, roof, flooring, fencing or plumbing.
Risks Involved in Buying Rental Property
Rental property can offer a stable source of income, but just like any other purchase, you need to understand what you are getting into before you invest. Before you purchase a rental property, consider these risks:
- Your property could sit idle between renters, minimizing your overall return.
- You could bring upon yourself legal expenses should you need to evict an uncooperative tenant.
- You could bring upon yourself huge repair costs should a bad tenant damages your property.
Hire an experienced property management firm to help you minimize risks, as they have the skills necessary to find good quality tenants.
Financing Your Property
There are many ways you can pay for your first rental property. If you have the cash, you can pay all money and not deal with banks or loans.
However, if you don’t have all the financing money, you can contact Rental Home Financing. Our mortgage lenders give you the flexibility to deposit just the down payment and take out a mortgage that best fits your financial condition to cover the remaining costs.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at 888-375-7977.