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Thursday, November 5, 2009

Getting Started In Residential Property Investment

By Layla Vanderbilt

A residential investment property is a real estate property which is not occupied by the owner. Acting as a landlord, the owner rents out the property to tenants, or contracts tenant management to a property management company. There are a number of different types of residential investment property, and many people are introduced to the world of real estate investing through such properties, gradually acquiring skills which allow them to invest in bigger projects and to explore other types of real estate investment options.

While it is good to have luck on your side, you need more than luck to make this work. The more information you have when making an investment, they better off you will be. You must research the residential property investment that you are considering. Your money is valuable and you will want to protect yours with a well-thought out strategy.

Managing a residential investment property can be a lot of work. In addition to finding and keeping reliable tenants, a landlord must also be involved in the maintenance of the property, responding to tenant complaints and providing routine maintenance which keeps the property in good shape. Landlords must also be concerned with servicing a mortgage, keeping property taxes current, and obtaining the appropriate insurance for their property. The amount of income which can be generated from such a property varies, depending on whether or not it is mortgaged, the size and condition of the units, the area, and the landlord's abilities. Expenses associated with residential investment properties are considered write-offs for tax purposes, just like the expenses associated with running any business. For example, when a landlord pays to have a house painted, hires a plumber to fix a backed up shower, or pays for the installation of landscaping at an apartment complex, these expenses are all write-offs Purchasing residential investment property is a major commitment and it can be tricky to make good investment decisions.

Landlords need to consider issues such as potential depreciation, development around the property, and socioeconomic shifts. A house may be in a very desirable area when a landlord buys it, but the community could change and the home could end up in a depressed neighborhood where it will be difficult to make a profit from the property, let alone meet the costs of the mortgage. This type of investment is also a lot of work; while tenants often bemoan their lazy landlords, landlords with a number of properties are often constantly on the go to deal with ongoing problems, routine maintenance, tenant turnover, and the myriad issues associated with property ownership.

A property that you buy with the purpose of generating financial returns is called an investment property. This property could be land, a single apartment or house, a block of flats, a commercial or industrial building. Investment properties generate profits through rental income, capital growth or both. Investment properties are generally not used for residential purposes.

What is more important in you circumstances: Capital growth or income? Are you hoping to achieve both? When you are purchasing or marketing properties, you will have your own goals and methods. However, some investors do fall for the hype presented by real estate agents and buy into what seems like a good deal. The best thing a new investor can do is figure out their goals and focus on a strategy to obtain them. Here are the four basic options for property investors:

1. You can ?Flip Property? - make repairs and profit from the sale. 2. Buy ?Income Generating Property? ? Single family and multitenant units. 3. Buy Undeveloped Land ? to profit from the subdivision are sale of lots. 4. Invest in Property Development Company ? let a Pro do all the work!

After you have figured out a strategy that works with your circumstances and one which will help you achieve your goals, you will need to think about these things: you need to consult with professionals in this field. Consult with a lawyer for legal advice, see a banker to get some pointers in the area of finance, talk to your accountant so you don't make errors in the area of taxes and you will want to work with a real estate agent so you can find the best investments. Get advice from professionals who are specialists in their area. Watch out for media and false, misleading information. Use only the best sources for your property market information. - 23212

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