Author: Ana Hernandez

Categories
DIY

Rental Property Tax Deductions You Should Be Taking Advantage Of

Image courtesy of Pexels

We all know that paying taxes is an unavoidable expense of doing business, so protect the profit margins on your rental property by taking advantage of any and all tax deductions available to you. All of your expenses considered to be ordinary and necessary to run your business are deductible as per the tax code. As the tax laws are continuously changing, make sure you consult a tax professional before filing your return. 

Here is a list of some of the most impactful tax deductions:

Interest on Loans 

Your rental properties are likely some of the most expensive assets you own. So, unless you own them outright, you’re paying a significant amount of interest for your mortgage. In addition to your mortgage interest, you may also deduct other interest for loans to make improvements or other business-related activities. 

Depreciation 

You’re allowed to deduct ordinary business expenses for the tax year in which they occur on your annual return. However, the tax code does not permit large capital expenditures to be deducted all at once, those large purchases need to be depreciated over an extended period of time. The tax code allows for the purchase price of your rental property to be depreciated over 27.5 yrs.

Repairs and Maintenance 

Any repairs you make to your property are fully deductible for the tax year in which they occur. It’s worth pointing out that repairs are not the same as improvements. For clarification’s sake, a repair is an expense you incur to fix something you already own that is broken and/or is not operating correctly. For example, a burst pipe or a new thermostat for the HVAC system.

Capital Improvements

Any improvements, or other large purchases, you invest in for your property are not deductible for the year in which they occur. As mentioned above, repairs and improvements are distinctly different. The IRS mandates that capital improvements and restorations be depreciated per guidelines according to their natural, expected usable life. These types of expenditures would include a new roof, laundry equipment, and structural renovations. 

Meals & Entertainment 

If you meet someone for coffee or a meal to talk about your business, the cost may be tax-deductible. Just be sure your tax preparer knows about the new restrictions about expenses with clients versus staff.

Education 

Any business-related book or program you buy probably qualifies as a business tax deduction. 

Office Equipment, Services & Supplies 

Don’t forget about these! Any application you buy or subscribe to, paper, toner, etc. may qualify as a tax-deductible business expense. Part of your computer/printer and cell phone (both purchase price and monthly service) expenses may qualify. 

Travel Expenses

You can’t expense your drive into work every morning, but you can deduct work-related travel and maintenance. If you have a dedicated work vehicle, you can deduct the payments, gasoline, insurance, registration fees, and mileage. To make keeping a log easier, download an app, like Everlance, Stride, or TripLog to track your mileage and/or travel expenses, many offer a freemium option until you decide to spring for the full package. You have the option to deduct actual expenses incurred or use the IRS standard mileage rate. For 2019, the standard business mileage rate was $0.58 per mile. 

Pass-Through Deduction 

Congress enacted the pass-through deduction as part of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act in 2018. It is currently set to run through the end of 2025 unless re-enacted by Congress. This generous deduction allows you to deduct 20% of your income or 2.5% of your investment PLUS 25% of employee wages. Pass-through businesses are ones in which the business entity pays no tax, but instead the earnings “pass-through” to the owner(s) who pay the taxes on the personal tax returns. To meet the requirements of the pass-through deduction, you must operate your business through an approved legal entity such as a: sole proprietorship, S-corp, limited liability company (LLC), limited liability partnership (LLP), or partnership.

Home Office 

Small business owners and DIYers often devote space in their home for use as a home office. If you use the space primarily for conducting business, you can deduct associated expenses. The tax code permits you to write off prorated expenses for the mortgage interest, insurance, taxes, maintenance, and utilities.

Overall, be careful about proper documentation to keep your personal and business expenses separate. This can be as easy as using one of your personal credit cards ONLY for business expenses. Otherwise, you may be increasing your chances of an IRS audit.

Operating a DIY rental business is difficult enough without the IRS taking their chunk every year, you need all the breaks you can get. Luckily, by running your rental business, you are authorized to benefit from these and many other tax deductions, but it’s vital to keep accurate records for all business transactions. It’s worth reiterating, tax laws are updated frequently and often without much attention. Always review your deductions with a CPA or tax attorney to make sure you still qualify.

Categories
DIY

What You Need To Ask Your Contractor

How many jobs is you contractor juggling?

House flippers have a knack for seeing the hidden, potential beauty in a property that requires a lot of love. Hiring the right contractor to see that vision through to reality is a skill in and of itself. If you’re the kind of investor that has the ability to see the grand scheme of things but don’t have the time or qualifications to get the work done, you need to diligently screen your contractor.

How Much Experience Do You Have With Remodels?

Though there is some overlap, remodeling is a niche and is distinctly different from working on new construction. It’s hard to tell what setbacks you’re bound to run-up against, so if the crew has multiple skillsets, it will be cheaper for you. For instance, getting the same person to hang drywall, handle some minor electrical and later lay carpeting is less expensive than subcontracting specialists.

Are You Licensed AND Insured?

Any serious contractor will be licensed to work in the area and have proper insurance coverage. Don’t hesitate to ask to see copies of both. This will (hopefully) ensure that the work will be done to meet proper code requirements and that their insurance policy provides enough coverage should you need it. 

How Many People Are In Your Crew?

To be an efficient flipper, you want to get your property ready for sale as quickly as possible. Having the right-sized team, no matter the extent of your remodeling project brings confidence that the job can get done in a timely fashion.

How Many Other Jobs Are You Currently Juggling? 

You don’t want your remodel to take longer than needed — time is money. This will also give you a sense how large the company is and how your project will be managed. Many qualified contractors will be doing several jobs at once, that’s not necessarily a problem, as long as your rehab doesn’t experience unreasonable delays. If the other jobs are at different stages, then there shouldn’t be a crew shortage that would require hiring additional subcontractors that would throw you off your timeline.

Can You Ensure Completion By (insert date)?

If you’re satisfied with the answers to previous questions, get the contractor to commit to a guaranteed timeline for completion. People don’t like to pass on work and will tell “little white lies” to get the contract.Have your agreement drafted by a professional to make sure all of your requirements are correctly detailed. Rehabs rarely run as smoothly as the contractor would have you believe, there will always be unexpected snags which jeopardize your completion date. To help guarantee the agreed-upon timeline, consider including incentives for early completion and, likewise, penalties for any unreasonable delays.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Categories
Wholesaling

The Down ‘n Dirty Of a Wholesaling via the Double-Close

To be a successful property wholesaler, you need to find a property, get control of it, and move it as quickly as possible. One of the biggest challenges a wholesaler faces is handling a buyer or seller that wants to cancel a deal when they find out what the wholesaler is making. That’s why it’s wise to be familiar with the double-close, where the seller and buyer close separate transactions and never meet.

What is a Double-Close?

Often a wholesaler puts a property under contract, as a buyer, but then assigns the contract to another buyer at a higher price. With a double close, the wholesaler actually purchases and takes legal possession of the property, then has a separate closing to sell the property to their buyer. Though the double-close does add an extra step and expense, it doesn’t necessarily delay the whole process; many closings are still completed almost simultaneously. Also, if you’re tired answering the question, “Is what you do even legal?” The double close removes any whisper of impropriety or illegality.

Benefits of Doing a Double Close

Financial Confidentiality: When assigning the purchase contract for a deal, your original seller and end buyer will eventually know your contract price, the final contract price, and can do the math to figure out what you’re making on the deal. Either one of them can feel jilted and try to force you to renegotiate, taking money out of your pocket. Theoretically, you could sue either or both for nonperformance of their contract, but that may take a while, and a judge may not look favorably on the transaction.

Using a double-close avoids all this. 

How To Perform a Double-Close

Since you, as the wholesaler, legally take ownership of the property, there are two closings, hence the name, to complete the deal. The first transaction is between you and the seller, where you are buying the property. In the second closing, you are the seller, so your buyer is purchasing the property from you. The two transactions can even occur in the same office on the same day.

Double-Close Challenges

Let’s be realistic, if it was easy, most wholesale transactions would use a double-close over a contract assignment. So, let’s look at why many wholesalers avoid using a double-close.

Purchase Funds: It’s much easier to get a property under a wholesale contract you plan to assign, then coming up with the funds to actually buy the property yourself. Lack of funds is why many investors are initially attracted to wholesaling to begin with. 

Solution: Use your network to look for sources willing to do Transaction Funding. Transaction Funding is what it says – it’s a very short-term loan to facilitate a transaction. Most of these types of loans are for less than a week. Because the lender can’t make much profit on interest for only a week, expect fees and high-interest rates. If you do the math though, you’ll find the actual cost is reasonable. 

Costs: Two closings result in two sets of closing costs – even if you’re closing on the same day. One for the transaction where you buy the property and one for when you sell it. 

Solution: There’s no way to get rid of costs like title insurance and recording fees, but if you establish a relationship with a closing company/agent, they may be willing to waive or reduce some of their specific fees.

Finding Closing Company: Years ago, the double-close got a bad reputation because wholesalers were doing closings where they used the end-buyer’s money, to fund their purchase from the seller. This is pretty much no longer allowed, hence the need for Transaction Funding. Still, many closing companies/agents won’t do a double-close (with Transaction Funding) or require a minimum amount of days between the two closings. 

Solution: Use your network to find a closing company/agent that understands the double-close and will work with you. 

Many wholesalers were trained to simply assign contracts and view the double-close as illegal, and too complicated, and so not worth the hassle. As we’ve outline though, the double-close may be something to consider. The extra steps and costs may help you close more deals, while also protecting the spread in those deals. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Categories
Wholesaling

Bandit Signs — Lead Magnet or Eyesore

Image by: Collis

You know those ugly signs you see when you’re sitting at stoplights that offer to BUY YOUR HOUSE FOR CA$H — those are called bandit signs. They are a disputed tactic in real estate circles, some people swear by them while others shun them. 

Why They Work

Do you ever think to yourself, “Who keeps putting up these stupid signs?” Or better yet, “Who actually calls these numbers?” You might be surprised by the answers to both questions.

  • Answer #1 – Property wholesalers are responsible. Wholesalers look for motivated sellers to buy their (usually) distressed homes. Then they mark the price up and try to sell them off was quickly as possible without making any repairs.
  • Answer #2 – It should come as no surprise, but motivated property owners. They’re lured by the idea of getting quick cash and getting rid of a property they don’t really want.

So why are they so effective? The signs are purposefully designed to be simple and non-threatening. They target motivated sellers who want or need to get rid of their homes fast. The message is simple and clear. That’s why they look like some guy with a magic marker scribbled his number on some poster board and nailed it to a utility pole or stuck it on someone’s front lawn. And that’s not far from the truth, except for most of them are made from corrugated plastic. By being ugly and straightforward, homeowners are less intimidated to phone an “average Joe” than some real estate agent. 

Legality

They are called bandit signs for a reason — they violate city ordinances in almost every community across the country. They are considered litter, so city crews just throw them away. That’s also why they usually pop up on Fridays after city offices close. Hefty fines can be levied per infraction and increase with the number of violations. Clearly, wholesalers remain unfazed by the threat of fines.

How To Profit From Them (Without Getting Caught)

1) Keeping your message simple and brief. 

2) Not using your company name. 

3) Taking the proper steps to avoid getting fined:

  • Only use prepaid cell phones (burners).
  • Never use your own name.
  • Place your signs on the weekends, most city employeesonly work Monday thru Friday.
  • If possible, use private property to place your signs. Ask the owner first. 

4) Placing them in high traffic areas for maximum exposure.

Wholesaling is YOUR business, only you can determine what strategies to implement to meet your income goals. Bandit signs have been proven to be excellent lead magnets, but they aren’t the only tool at your disposal. If you decide to use them, it’s best to incorporate them into your overall marketing strategy.

Categories
DIY

Keeping It Legal for DIY Landlords

A legal hammer.

ALWAYS have everything in writing. Specific terms should spell out exactly what is expected and legal from all parties involved

Working through the web of renting your properties can be mind boggling when you realize the details involved with signing a tenant. Knowing federal laws and local regulations will help keep you in business and profitable. Working from a template and a detailed checklist is a good way to keep everything legal from Day 1. If properly thought out, it can save you from the high cost of defending yourself in court.

Proper Documentation

ALWAYS have everything in writing. Specific terms should spell out exactly what is expected from all parties involved. Have a lawyer draft your lease agreement to help avoid the pitfalls of cookie cutter online forms. Rental agreements are legally binding contracts, know the rights tenants have and familiarize yourself with the Federal Fair Housing Act.

Advertising, Showings & Applicant Screening

You must study, and pretty much memorize, the Fair Housing Act to avoid discrimination violations. Your advertising, how you handle inquiries, showings and applicant screenings must all conform. Make one mistake and you could wind up in court.

Don’t forget about the Fair Credit Reporting Act and what your required to do if you deny an application or an applicant disappears.

Once you figure out how to legally operate — be consistent! Avoid potential discrimination lawsuits by treating everyone the same and avoid shortcuts — even when you know what the outcome will be.

Deposits and Fees

Check your state and local requirements regarding application fees, pet fees, security deposits, etc. Decide what you’ll charge and again, be consistent to avoid discrimination claims.

Keep In mind a security deposit is just that, a deposit, so it technically still belongs to the tenant, you are just holding it. Don’t go out and spend it. You may want to keep it in a separate account to make it easier to keep track of and explain when needed. Remember, the security deposit is used as a guarantee against possible damages or unpaid bills, but even during an eviction proceeding, it still legally belongs to the tenant.

Required Disclosures

Federal law requires disclosure to a tenant about potential lead-based paint issues. Make sure this disclosure is included in your lease and that you also have the government required lead-based paint pamphlet to hand out.

Your tenants may also have the right to disclosures regarding building ownership, landlord, or management company that acts on behalf of the landlord. Provide them with proper contact information for rent collection, complaints, maintenance issues, etc.

There’s also required disclosures like the Move-In Checklist, specific tenant notifications required in a lease like; Truth-In-Renting Act, Security Deposit Rights, Domestic Violence and Senior Living clauses. All are another reason to engage an attorney to at least review your lease annually.

Property Maintenance

Check your local ordinances for landlord obligations regarding property maintenance. Many cities consider it illegal to collect rent if a property hasn’t passed a city inspection. In addition to issuing tickets, they may also arrest an owner who fails to comply.

Know Your Landlord Rights

When dealing with landlord-tenant issues, there is usually more focus on protecting the tenant. As we all know, there are two sides to every problem, and as a landlord, you have rights, as well. Though not a complete list, here a few biggies:

  • Eviction – Depending on your lease agreement and state & local laws, you have any number of valid reasons for choosing to evict a tenant.  Keep it legal here, abide by all local laws and ordinances to prevent making the situation any worse.
  • Home Entry – You certainly don’t have unlimited access to a tenant’s home, but with proper notification to complete repairs or an emergency the law allows entry as needed.
  • Rent Increases – Many states and cities are passing laws limiting rent increases. Be sure to check and conform as needed. If there are no laws, you can legally raise the rent as much as you want, as often as your lease allows.

Housing is a highly regulated industry and need to be clear on fair housing laws and other local ordinances that affect your business. Pleading ignorance will not keep you out of trouble. Of course, you want your real estate investments to be profitable, but ignoring the laws set in place to protect the landlord-tenant relationship, will only do more harm than good in the end.  Before making any legal missteps, consult your attorney for clarification for any landlord-tenant issue.

Categories
DIY

Why Do I Keep Attracting Bad Tenants?

Cops outside a house.

In the landlord sewing circle, conversations have a way of moving toward bad tenants.

No matter where your properties are located or how high your rental rates are, you’re bound to come across some bad renters — it’s just part of the business. Bad tenants affect more than just your bottom-line, they can wear on your sanity as well. If you feel like you’re attracting more than your fair share of “slumtenants,” maybe you are. Before things get any worse, take an introspective look at your policies and evaluate your business model.

Where Are You Purchasing Properties?

If you own properties in rougher neighborhoods, expect more problems and repairs. Lower demographic areas have lower income levels, higher levels of illegal activity, and many residents have a criminal past. Many will not have the decency to respect you or your property.

How and Where Do You Advertise?

If you’re nailing hand-written flyers to telephone poles, you give the impression that you’re desperate and probably will take anyone just to fill the vacancy. But if you take the time to take hi-def photographs and/or professionally made virtual tour videos to post on your site, you will attract a different type of renter. By including the rental rates in your marketing material and your website, you will instantly narrow the number of potential applicants. By charging higher rates, you’ll weed out much of the riff-raff.

The Application Process Is Your First Impression

Was the potential tenant on time for appointments? If they showed up late without calling or just blew you off with no consideration for your time, they’re probably not going to have much respect to your property either. Were they courteous and neatly dressed? If their appearance is sloppy, imagine what the inside of your rental will look like. 

For starters, charge an appropriate application fee. If prospective renters can’t scrape together the fee, how are they going to come up with the rent? Also, it’s smart to present a lengthy application, people who aren’t serious won’t bother to take the time to fill it out. Was the application written legibly, fully completed, and signed? Texting is ruining people’s penmanship, so that’s not the perfect marker, but if vital information or sections are left blank, you have to ask yourself, “What are they hiding?” These are some early red flags, though it’s not foolproof, it does you give an idea of how they will act as tenants.  

Don’t Skimp On Lease Details 

Sure, you can go online and just print out a lease, but be careful with cookie-cutter contracts. You want to be confident that every one of your required terms is in the lease. You’re better off getting an attorney to draft one for you, the initial cost will more than pay for itself when problems arise, or you find yourself in court. Make sure all tenants are listed and sign the lease. Once presented with the contract, many tenants will try asking for amendments, resist the urge to negotiate the terms of YOUR LEASE. By doing so, potential tenants will feel like they found themselves a “pushover,” you’re setting yourself up for problems in the future. 

Get The Scoop From Past Landlords

Your application has a section for references for a reason, make sure you contact previous landlords. A little extra time now doing basic research will save you the trouble of having to deal with the aftermath of damages or missed rent payments. Be glad to get the bad news early and weed out any subpar tenants. Past behavior is a good indicator of how they will treat you and your property. 

Max Out The Deposit

For the same reason it’s smart to charge appropriate application fees and rents, get as much of a security deposit as the law allows. It will weed out bad tenants that may have trouble coming up with cash on the 1st of every month. 

Don’t Be Lenient With Your Policies

Bad tenants are like sharks, they can sense prey in the water. You have a business to run and bills to pay. It is vital to be firm and consistent with all of your policies. Being passive about tenant screening, rent collection, and other house rules only cause more problems throughout their tenancy.  

You can’t always spot a problem tenant. Someone is bound to sneak through eventually. But with due diligence and proper screening, you should be able to limit your liability. You want to stay on top of your rentals and arrange for periodic inspections so you won’t get surprised when they move out. Finally, don’t rush the process just to fill a vacancy, if there’s any doubt, then there’s no doubt. 

Categories
Wholesaling

Where To Find Leads For Wholesaling Houses

A woman in a suit.

Depending on your budget and goals, wholesaling deals can be found anywhere where you have motivated sellers, even in wealthier neighborhoods. Let’s be honest, though, most opportunities present themselves in more distraught communities where there are more distressed homes and foreclosures. 

Tips For Locating Wholesaling Opportunities

  • Homes facing foreclosure or that already are in foreclosure, bank-owned properties, and property auctions present excellent opportunities for wholesalers. Foreclosures, however, are not limited to low-income areas, the crash of 2008 is a good example where millions of people faced losing their homes. People lost jobs, had medical events, or got divorced, even in affluent neighborhoods. These life-changing events affected anyone who wasn’t prepared with an emergency fund.
  • Characteristic signs of potential opportunities often include boarded up windows and entryways and unkempt landscaping.

If you’re having trouble finding properties to wholesale, look in areas where other, more experienced, wholesalers are buying.

  • Low-income areas and neighborhoods where many of the homes are rented present a good opportunity. They are prime breeding grounds for flippers or landlords who own houses in the area. These people are often looking for new opportunities. Many investors don’t know how to find deals, are too busy or just aren’t interested in hunting them out. That’s good for you. This gives you a chance to put a property under contract and to offer it to a local investor looking to add to their portfolio.
  • Neighborhoods with one or two homes per block are areas you want to avoid, there’s little upside and low probability that you’ll be able to move them. As they say in real estate — location, location, location. As a wholesaler, you want to get your property sold as quickly as possible. A flipper will only buy the property if they’re confident they can sell it after renovations. And a landlord won’t see the point of purchasing a property if there is no potential for renting it out.
  • Hot Tip of the Day: Look for areas with newly built government housing. Not only do these areas typically have fewer vacant properties, they generally have plenty of homes in need of rehab. Finding neighborhoods where people are investing is promising. New home construction is a sign of stability or even growth. 
  • The internet age means it’s possible to find sellers without ever having to leave your couch. Digital “bandit signs” and pay-per-click ads on Google or Facebook are highly effective at honing in on a specific demographic. Using layered options and detailed targeting, you’re able to get your ads in front of an audience that will be more interested in hearing about your offer. 

Running any business has its challenges, it’s your job to be creative and stay abreast of market trends. Finding properties to wholesale isn’t that difficult, but it does take some work. As you gain experience, build your buyer’s list, and hone your negotiating skills, it will get easier. Combining strategies will increase your odds of locating profitable deals.

Categories
Wholesaling

When To Walk Away From A Wholesale Deal

When To Walk Away From A Wholesale Deal.

When wholesaling properties, transactions don’t always run smoothly, sooner or later you’re bound to come across some deals that don’t go your way

The more experience you get as a wholesaler, the more will you be able to manage these imperfect situations. Other times, however, you’ll find that the deal just isn’t going to be worth your time, that’s when it’s time to walk away.

Sometimes you can’t agree on a price, other times circumstances change, that’s why you have to have an ironclad contract with contingencies that will allow you to get out if needed. Having something in writing will protect you when you’re faced with adversity or a worst-case scenario. To be a profitable wholesaler, you need to stick to your plan. Hold firm to your requirements and don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of.

A good buy will ultimately depend on how well you negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract, it’s a give and take. Do not bend on your principles or agree to terms that don’t fit your strategy. On the flip side, this is a negotiation, so avoid being too hard-nosed, as well. If you can’t agree on critical criteria, it’s time to walk away.

When you locate a property, you’re eager to get the property under contract so you can find a buyer and collect your check. As with any other business transaction, when there are multiple people involved, timetables can get messy. Inspection dates and closings get bumped all the time, so you should allow for a reasonable amount of flexibility. One of the keys to successful wholesaling is seller motivation. When deadlines are not being kept or if you feel like the seller is stalling, it’s time to walk away. 

This sounds like a no-brainer, but if you won’t make enough money, then don’t waste your time.

There are a couple of reasons for little or no profit. First, the After Repair Value (ARV) is too low. There’s no point in buying a property if won’t be able to sell it for a profit. Second, there isn’t enough equity. Sellers want to walk away with at least a little cash in their pockets, but if they’re upside down, you’d have to configure a short sale. A short sale brings an extra hassle, but it is possible. However, very often, sellers don’t have the money to bring to closing. So if either of these is true for you, it’s best to walk away.

The world of real estate is forever changing. New laws, new code requirements, new zoning ordinances are changing the face and landscape of real estate. Stay abreast of current changes to avoid getting stuck with a property under contract and not being able to find a buyer for it. If any newly introduced factor will prevent you from being able to turn a profit, it’s time to walk away. 

As you grow your wholesaling business, you’ll learn to spot warnings signs that will trigger your instincts. You’ll have a sense when there isn’t enough upside to make the deal worthwhile. Not all of your transactions are going to be home runs, but do your due diligence and stick your plan. There will always be another property that will fit your parameters. When you see that things are headed south, it’s just best to walk away. 

Categories
DIY

Tips for Novice Landlords

People dream of becoming landlords, how hard can it be to walk to the mailbox every month, and cash rent checks?

Tips for Novice Landlords.

Let’s get it out of the way early — making money as a DIY landlord is NOT going to be as passive you envisioned. Expect to spend many of your evenings and weekends dealing with property and tenants issues.

The whole point of investing in rental housing is to collect monthly rent payments, yet this can be one of the most challenging aspects for a newbie landlord. There will be times when you have to hound tenants for the rent. Be firm about rent payments, you rely on them for running your business. Being lenient with your tenants will open the door to a slew of problems. If they don’t pay, follow your state’s laws, and if needed, start the eviction process.

So you’ve got your first rental ready to go. You’re eager to start renting and making some money. Resist the urge to rent to just anyone because you’re concerned with vacancy. Make sure to stick your plan — be vigilant about screening new tenants. Leasing to a tenant that doesn’t meet your standards will only bring more problems than it’s worth, it’s better to be patient and wait for the right candidate.

Fair housing laws are in place to protect the tenant — they are a big deal. Don’t put yourself in a position where you’ll have to defend yourself in court. If you’re not sure about something, consult an attorney, or better yet, read up and educate yourself, it’s bound to come up again.

You want your rentals to be the best they can be to attract prospective tenants, but remodeling to your (expensive) tastes is not a good business decision. It’s fine to remodel but resist the urge to go overboard. Unless your property is in an area where you can charge appropriate rental rates, it will be difficult to recoup your investment.

The right marketing strategy will make a world of difference. Make sure to use the right avenues to market your vacancies. Newspaper ads are on life support. You need to place your ads where the right clientele will see it.

Place online ads and use dedicated web sites to find great renters. To entice prospective tenants, pay a professional to take brilliant photos and create a virtual tour. This will save you tons of time by not showing your property to people who aren’t that interested or can’t afford it.

First impressions matter, don’t underestimate curb appeal. Always keep your property looking good — inside and out. Prospective tenants will never get to see how beautiful the new kitchens and bathrooms are if they pass on your property because it looks dingy from the outside. 

BONUS: Stay Organized

You may be surprised how much work is involved with your rental property business. The mountain of paperwork alone can be daunting if you’re not prepared. Paying attention to details and staying organized will help you to stay focused and promote success.

Just because you’re starting a “side business” to produce a passive stream doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy —  this is not a hobby. There is a learning curve to honing the skills needed to run your rental property, but things get easier to manage with every new tenant and each additional property.

You will face challenges, you need to treat your new venture as a “normal” business. Plan on making mistakes when you’re starting out, but expect those growing pains to wane as you acquire experience and grow. Stay positive and focus on your goals. 

Categories
DIY

Low Cost / High Return Remodeling Tips

A row of houses.

If you’re not getting the quality of renters you want, it may be time to do some remodeling.

There are plenty of low budget upgrades you can do to add value to your property while adding eye appeal. The perceived value will allow you to get the rental rates you deserve and attract the tenants you’re looking for.

No matter what market you’re in, chances are if you’ve decided it’s time to remodel, you’ve probably got your sights set on the kitchen and bathrooms. Those are the best areas to start but don’t overlook other tasks that will impress and delight a prospective tenant.

In the Kitchen

  • Remodeling a kitchen brings you one of the highest ROI.
  • Upgrade the appliances to energy-efficient, they will last longer, save you money, and tenants are starting to expect them.
  • Cabinets, like appliances, are the face of the space.If they’re worn and dated, you can save a lot of money by refurbishing/refacing them instead of replacing them. 

Bathrooms

  • Again, like kitchens, bathroom remodeling produces a high ROI.
  • You don’t have to go all out here, but sometimes it’s makes more sense to replace instead of refurbishing. The vanity, for example, is easy to replace and will bring a fresh look for not much money. Big-box retailers will have plenty of low cost, quality options. 
  • New faucets and energy-efficient low flow showerheads will give the space a modern, updated feel. 

Painting

  • A fresh coat of paint is arguably the best and easiest way to freshen up your rental. Don’t get too racy here, keep the transformation subtle by sticking to neutral tones. 
  • An inexpensive way to get a good return on your investment by appeasing more potential tenants.

Outdoor Improvements

  • To ensure that they make it past the driveway to see what you’ve done inside, don’t overlook curb appeal.
  • No need to go crazy here either, keep it clean, neat, and low maintenance. 
  • Keep a well-trimmed lawn, replace the mailbox if looks worn or install sensor lighting for safety.
  • Give your front and garage doors or shed a facelift with a clean coat of paint. 

Things To Be Aware Of

  • It can’t be overstated enough, do not over remodel for your market, you’re renting a house, not creating your dream space.  
  • Plan to exceed your budget and time frame. Keep vacancy in the front of your mind. If your projects will make your property unrentable for too long, break it up into smaller jobs that can be done between tenants.
  • You may like being a DIY landlord, but don’t exceed your abilities. There are laws and ordinances that you need to abide by. It’s best to contract work you are unqualified for or feel uncomfortable doing. 
  • Make safety a priority. Before you start doing cosmetic upgrades, make sure the structure, electricals, and plumbing are in good working order and up to code.

Higher Rental Markets

If your property is located in an area that demands higher rental rates, you might be able to get away with a bit more luxury. Understand your particular market and see what comps in the area are offering. Accents like crown molding or upgraded countertops will add perceived value to the space. As always, don’t over-renovate, do as much as you are sure you can recoup in rent. 

As a landlord, you want to keep your expenses manageable while offering a clean and pleasant home to your tenants. As a DYI landlord, you understand your property better than anyone, repair what you can, replace what’s needed, and upgrade when it makes financial sense. 

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