If you’re thinking of purchasing rental property as an investment, it’s important to go into the process well-prepared. The more forethought you use in selecting, purchasing and managing your rental property, the better results your investment can yield. Here are ten important rental property tips help you find your way.
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Be prepared ahead of time
Before you ever start looking for rental property, you should know what kind of property you want, which neighborhoods are desirable for purchasing rental property, how much you are willing to spend, comparable rents in the area, and how much you can reasonably assume to make on the deal. People who don’t have this research done in advance are more likely to make a bad purchase.
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Arrange your financing before purchase
Pre-qualifying with the bank ahead of time will save you a lot of headaches in the long run; it will also be a safeguard against getting over-extended or wasting time looking at properties you can’t afford.
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Shop location, not just price
A “great deal” in a high-crime area, for example, is not really a great deal, because your turnover and maintenance costs will likely be too high (and it might be difficult to sell once you’ve bought it). Look for property in desirable neighborhoods where property values are rising and rent rates are good. Even if you pay a bit more up front, you will reap better benefits in greater stability from your tenants and more profitability.
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Beware of complex structures and ‘fixer-uppers’
Bear in mind that older structures, no matter how beautiful, always require more maintenance, with parts that may be more difficult to replace. These can yield good rent returns in the right areas (especially with renovation) but if you aren’t the type of person who thrives on repair work, look for simpler, newer structures with fewer maintenance concerns.
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Always have inspections done
After you make your offer and before the closing date, pay for a good home inspector to go through the property with a fine-tooth comb. If significant issues arise that reduce the property value, you may want to try re-negotiating. At the very least, you don’t want any surprises once the deal is closed.
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Know the laws that govern landlords and tenants in your state
Before you sign a lease with any tenant, you need to know your rights, as well as your responsibilities. Ignorance will almost certainly work against you at some point. Do your homework now and avoid getting sued or stolen from later.
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Always screen your tenants
Follow up on the application, run a credit check, and call the references. If the tenant is local, drive by their current address and see how they are taking care of the place. Being lazy on this point can cost you dearly after the lease is signed.
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Make sure you are well insured
Rental properties are likely to encounter a lot of wear, tear and damage. Make sure your assets are protected with enough insurance. You should also carry liability insurance to protect yourself against any possible lawsuits from your tenants.
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Keep money in the bank
Don’t be caught off guard by a sudden slew of repair requests. Set aside funds for maintenance.
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Consider hiring a rental management company
If you own a number of properties and don’t want to be a “full-time landlord,” or even if you don’t want the headaches frequently associated with rental properties, it’s worth hiring a good rental management company to handle the busy work for you. For a modest fee, the management company will screen your prospective tenants, collect rent, handle maintenance issues and even process evictions on your behalf.