Have you been thinking about purchasing a home to use as rental property? It could be a great opportunity to increase your portfolio and potentially make some extra cash. Like any investment, make sure you understand what you're getting into. Here are some questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge into the rental property world.
How will the property be used?
Are you looking to have one steady tenant or are you interested in vacation rentals? You'll need to ensure that the property you purchase is zoned or allows that type of rental.
Where will the property be located?
Do you remember all the time you spent looking for the perfect location when it came to your own home? You'll need to show the same amount of care and detail for your rental home. Look at trends in home prices, crime rates, nearby schools, etc. Any potential long-term renter will want to know this information.
Before buying, check online to see how many rental properties are available in the area. If there are several that are occupied, that's a good sign. However, if most rentals appear to be vacant, consider checking out a different location. You should also research to find what the average rent is in the area to make sure it will cover your mortgage.
How could your taxes be affected?
Be prepared for your taxes to change once you start purchasing investment properties. This may mean an increase in your property taxes. You'll also have to deal with multiple properties and their rising and falling property values. On the plus side, there are several write-offs associated with investment properties. Click here to learn more about property taxes in the state of Utah.
How will you handle difficult tenants?
Being a landlord can be tough. You’ll need to be prepared to hold tenants accountable if they are late on rent or cause damage. Make your expectations clear from the beginning. Allowing someone to get away with something just once could enable them to develop bad habits. When searching for tenants, come up with a list of qualifications (such as a specific salary) and stick to it.
Cyprus offers a wide range of purchase-mortgage options to assist its members in buying a home. Our programs cover every option from the first-time buyer to a seasoned real estate investor. Learn more about our purchase-mortgage options by clicking here.
