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Best Rentals for First Time Gerald Property Investors

Gerald Real Estate Agent Showing Property Investors a Refurbished HomeIf you are a first-time property investor in Gerald, it can be hard to know what type of rental property is a good fit. There are many different property types, each with particular challenges and opportunities. For a newbie, experts typically recommend buying a single-family dwelling. But would it be a good idea to focus on foreclosures, older homes, or new construction? With so many options to select from, it’s important to learn about each one before embarking on your real estate investing journey.

Experts often recommend that single-family homes are preferable for a first-time property investor. They tend to attract tenants that are more financially stable and want to stay in the home longer. That factor of stability is important when you are first starting. But in addition to other things, you also need to find a rental property that you can afford. That desire for a great bargain often leads new investors to consider buying a foreclosed home.

A foreclosed home is a property that has been reclaimed by the bank that holds the mortgage. Buying a property from a bank, as opposed to a private owner, has a few advantages. Banks are often willing to negotiate much more on the price for buyers who can close right away. Another benefit is that you don’t have to overthink if the property has a clean title or not. The bank will clear any liens or back taxes owed for you. While the bidding and buying process will be different for a foreclosure, you can still qualify for a range of mortgage options that include both VA and FHA loans.

As expected, buying foreclosed properties always have a few drawbacks as well. One of the biggest problems for buyers is that foreclosed properties tend to be sold as-is. The property may have been sitting empty for some time, allowing maintenance problems to develop or worsen. Other than that, the previous owners may have stripped or damaged the house on their way out. It is not uncommon for owners to leave the property in very bad shape, knowing the buyer will bear the cost of renovations. It would not be suitable if you buy a foreclosed property unless you have enough cash on hand to fix it up.

If you’re looking at older homes, you may encounter similar issues. Yet, many older homes have been updated and maintained, and these will also not be the best bargains. However, it is important to avoid fixer-uppers unless you have cash for a contractor or the skills to do the work yourself. The lower-priced properties will often come with maintenance or repair issues, which can range from simple cosmetic elements to serious damage. Still, older homes do have many advantages. Buying a home in an established neighborhood can help you more easily calculate a competitive rental rate and even attract tenants eyeing for a particular location or community.

Moreover, buying a brand new house to establish as a rental is becoming more and more common for many reasons. Several tenants may be willing to pay more to rent a house that no one else has lived in before. Furthermore, you can often have more say in the design and style of the property. Newer homes will require much less maintenance and repair and may have a lot of potentials to increase in value fairly quickly. On the other side, counting on appreciation is always a gamble. That is specifically correct for new construction, where property values can be more difficult to determine. In some specific places, you might need to hold onto the home longer to make any significant returns, and new construction is regularly located farther away from amenities, urban centers, and public transportation. It may discourage some tenants from renting the home.

With both pros and cons for each type of investment property, the one you ultimately choose is a matter of personal preference. The older homes and new construction are both relatively easy to finance, with plenty of different mortgage options you can choose. There are several financial resources available to investors for both property types. But it is important to note that budgeting for every kind of home will be different due to the unique properties of each one. That is why, as a first-time property investor, it is important to know as much as you can about each specific characteristic of the property before moving forward with your investment.

When you purchase your new rental property, you’ll need someone to manage it. The Gerald property managers at Real Property Management Three Bridges can handle everything from move-in to move-out. Contact us online or call us at 636-542-8852 for more information.

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