Even though the 2021 holiday season is still barely behind us, spring will be here soon – and that means that tax time is just around the corner. As the owner of residential rental property, you could be eligible for some nice income tax deductions. With the various changes that have taken place since the [...]
If you’re planning to add to your portfolio of Central Florida residential real estate investments in 2022, it is a good idea to first consider the anticipated outlook and trends for the area. That way, you will know better what to anticipate. According to the national real estate brokerage, Redfin, the housing market in Orlando, [...]
If you own residential rental property, then you likely already know that you must wear many “hats.” For instance, you need to advertise vacancies, screen potential tenants, and collect rent (and security deposits). There is also the day-to-day maintenance items, such as making sure that the property is habitable (which can include things like no [...]
Even with the most careful tenant residing in your rental property, at some point items, fixtures, and appliances will have to be repaired or replaced. Sometimes, it can be an easy fix. But in other cases, the cost can add up. So, who’s responsibility is it to pay for these things? The answer is it [...]
Finding the right tenants for your rental properties can be difficult. But having an online marketing strategy in place can help to speed up the process, as well as locate potential renters who may be a good fit for your home(s) or unit(s). The good news is that there are some easy and convenient methods [...]
And when it doesn’t have to be returned at all! As an owner of residential rental property in Florida, it’s likely that you charge a security deposit before allowing a tenant to move in. If the tenant(s) abides by the lease, pays their rent on time, and keeps the home or unit in good shape, [...]
Many residential investment property owners allow their tenants to have pets in the home. But while doing so can open up the window of potential renters – as well as provide an opportunity to charge a higher amount of monthly rent - there are also some risks that could come along with doing so. These [...]
Owning rental property can allow you to generate a nice, regular passive income. But if you have to chase after your tenants every month in order to collect the rent, it can put undue pressure on your time and frustration level. The good news is that there are ways to automate the rent collection process [...]
It has often been said that it’s the little things that can make a big difference. This is true in both personal and business relationships – including between you and your tenants if you own residential rental property. The reality is that there can be a lot of competition in terms of where your tenants [...]
Anyone who has ever owned residential rental property has likely either had the “tenant from hell,” or knows somebody who has. Bad tenants can do a lot of damage to your property, which oftentimes requires expensive repairs and/or replacement of broken items. When advertising for a vacancy, it would be great to state a list [...]
Know the Difference Between Being Prequalified and Preapproved for a Loan Regardless of whether you’re buying a primary residence or an investment property, chances are that you’ll need to borrow at least some of the purchase price in order to get the deal done. With today’s low interest rates, this “cheap” money can help to [...]
Depending on how many rental properties you own, you may treat your real estate investing as either a personal “side gig” or as a full-fledged business. But in any case, the way in which you own your rentals could protect you financially, or on the other hand, put you at substantial risk if certain incidents [...]
If you’re thinking about expanding (or starting) a rental property business, now (in 2021) could be a great time to purchase – especially given that current interest rates are still at historically low levels. But what if you have an ample amount of cash available? Does it make sense to do an all-cash transaction and [...]
For centuries, owning investment real estate has been the key to unlocking regular passive income, along with increasing net worth through equity. But, while the concept of being a landlord is simple, it is far from easy. That’s why it is important to follow some proven tips that can help you to increase your odds [...]
If you’ve spent any amount of time in the Sunshine State, you are likely well aware that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through the end of November, with the peak being mid-August to early October. For those who own investment property in Florida, this time of year can be particularly daunting, as [...]
Even if owning a home is more affordable for them With mortgage rates continuing to languish at historical lows, millions of renters across the U.S. may be taking a closer look at their housing options – especially as it relates to their monthly payments and the build-up of equity. In fact, according to a recent [...]
If you own one or more residential rental properties, you may have considered selling – particularly in the hot real estate market we have seen over the past year or so. But even if you have a substantial amount of equity in your property(ies), it is still necessary to determine the various expenses you could [...]
Depending on where your investment properties are located, it is possible that you may have to deal with a homeowners’ association, or HOA. There are many “planned” residential communities – with single-family and/or multi-family units – that maintain a homeowners’ association in order to keep a clean and cohesive atmosphere throughout the neighborhood. These associations [...]
With mortgage rates still at near record lows, many experts are predicting that they will remain at these levels throughout the remainder of 2021 and beyond. So, with the opportunity to borrow being in the neighborhood of 3%, does it make sense to refinance your investment property(ies), or to instead hang on to loans with [...]
Just as many restaurants and other businesses in the U.S. have started to open back up, the “new” COVID-19 Delta variant is picking up steam – leaving many to wonder when or if the pandemic will ever end. With new lockdowns in Asia and Australia, it is likely just a matter of time before the [...]
For many people, the bulk of the money that they’ve saved is in an employer-sponsored retirement plan (such as a 401k) and/or IRA account. So, in order to access these funds to purchase certain “tangible” assets like real estate, you could face some significant penalties – on top of losing the tax-advantaged status of the [...]
If you’ve ever had trouble sleeping or you’re a night owl, it is possible that at some point you have run across ads for real estate investment courses that will teach you “how to make millions with rental properties.” The way these oftentimes work is by luring in unsuspecting people who are seeking more information [...]
If you’ve ever watched the late-night informercials that talk about buying and profiting from real estate “in your underwear,” it might seem this type of investing is easy and allows you to just sit back and watch the profits flow in. But while investment property can certainly be a great way to receive regular cash [...]
Which is the better investment? If you’re planning to expand (or start) your real estate investment portfolio, you may be considering whether it makes sense to purchase single family or multi-family units. Both options can provide you with some nice benefits. But not all types of property are right for all residential real estate investors. [...]
Owning investment real estate can require a significant amount of up-front – and ongoing – investment, including a monthly mortgage payment, as well as maintenance and insurance costs. So, the last thing you want is for a tenant to damage or destroy anything in or associated with the property that will cost you both time [...]
The residential rental property business is highly competitive – especially in areas like sunny Central Florida, where people come from far and wide to vacation and oftentimes end up coming back and staying for months or even years. In many cases, it is wise to rent a home before making a long-term commitment to purchase. [...]
Florida can be a great place to own rental property. With the year-round warm weather – along with the myriad of things to do, such as going to the beach and visiting the theme parks – the Sunshine State oftentimes “lures” visitors in and turns tourists into part- or full-time residents. Before purchasing a home, [...]
As inflation pushes the price of goods and services up, it can become more difficult to keep your purchasing power on pace if the amount of income you generate stays the same. For some people, annual raises from an employer can help. But what about investment property owners? In this case, it may be necessary [...]
With so much competition for rental property, you may be considering ways to make yours stand out, as well as offering more “perks” that can allow you to charge a higher amount of monthly rent. One way to do that is to provide added amenities – which can include furniture. A furnished house or apartment [...]
With homes selling so quickly these days – and often above the asking price – you may be considering whether or not to put a For Sale sign on your rental property(ies). But before you do, make sure that you consider the pros and cons. One of the biggest items to think about is how [...]
Over the course of time, it’s pretty much a given that items in a home will require repairs or replacement. Appliances and HVAC systems typically have a certain life span. The shingles on the roof may break or blow away – especially in areas like Florida where hurricanes regularly occur. Likewise, kitchen cabinets, sinks, and [...]
The Coronavirus pandemic has brought about numerous changes. One of these is record low mortgage rates – and because of that, the U.S. housing market has been on the rise. In fact, as of mid-August (2020), sales of existing homes jumped by roughly 30%, following a three-month slump, and leading to a seller’s market. Housing [...]
Florida is a great place to own rental property. For those who are on either of the coasts, both short and long-term rentals can be quite lucrative with snowbirds and families seeking a warm climate and the sound of the ocean waves. The central part of the state is also a filled with opportunity for [...]
With the 2020 hurricane season squarely upon us, most homeowners and tenants alike are concerned about making preparations and staying safe. One of the most common methods for keeping windows and doors in-tact is the installation of hurricane shutters. These shutters – which are typically affixed to the outside of a structure – are used [...]
With the recent spike in Coronavirus cases, expanding your rental real estate business may not be the first thing on your mind these days. But for investors who are in a position to do so, there could be some added perks based on the provisions of the CARES Act legislation. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and [...]
One of a rental property owners worst fears is incurring damage and/or vandalism on an investment when a home or unit is unoccupied. There are any number of risks that could be incurred on a vacant property – such as burglary, storm damage, or fire – and sometimes these can go undetected for a much [...]
While many residential real estate investors place a key focus on generating income, it is just as important – if not more – to increase the value of your property(ies). One reason for this is so that you can ultimately increase the amount of rent that you charge. But there can other nice benefits, too, [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work and live, possibly far into the distant future – and because of that, both homes and businesses will need to either adapt or face an uncertain road ahead. With that in mind, how can residential rental property investors appeal to potential new tenants, and keep current [...]