Published on: 24 April 2018
Last Updated on: 09 October 2020
With the recent changes in regards to the amount of tax that landlords pay, it has led to many people questioning whether property investment is still profitable. There is not a simple yes or no answer to that question, as all situations are different. For example, buying a single second property with a high mortgage rate is unlikely to be a big earner. And you need to think about whether property values are going to drop, as you could actually end up worse off.
However, there are plenty of property investment strategies that do still work and that people are making good money out of. One such strategy is buying houses at auctions for below the market value and then refurbishing them and selling them on at a profit. Now if you have never been to a property auction before then you will need to learn the set up in terms of house bidding. But experienced property investors use auctions as a huge opportunity to make money.
Refurbishing :
Some investors have a strategy of ‘flipping’ a property whereby they buy the property at a low price and then they do some pretty basic repairs to make the property a more attractive option for people looking to buy a house. They work with tradesmen that they have good working relationships with and therefore can get a lot of the work done at cheaper rates than your average house buyer would be able to.
The refurbishment might involve just putting a cheap carpet down and giving the rooms a fresh coat of paint. The work doesn’t have to cost much when investors know what they are doing and how to make a property look more attractive as a potential home.
HMOs (House in Multiple Occupation)
Another popular strategy for property investors is buying a large property that they can turn into an HMO (house in multiple occupations). Here they will find a larger property on the market and assess whether it is suitable for turning into a shared property, incorporating the necessary construction work to adapt the property to create numerous living spaces.
There is quite a lot of work involved in this type of property strategy and it isn’t something you would easily take on as your first property investment project. You need to know the legalities involved and you need to be able to identify an area that is going to be suitable for this kind of venture. Understanding the area and the demand for rental property is a key dependency on this being a successful investment strategy.
Before you think about moving into property investment, it is definitely worth doing a whole lot of research before you put any money into it. There are so many people out there that rushed into property investment, thinking that they could easily buy a house cheaper than market value and do it up before quickly selling on. Then the housing market crashed and they ended up being left with a house that they could not sell or had to sell at a loss. So do your research about the market, about the area of the property that you are looking at, learn about all of the legal requirements that play into the investment opportunity. Factor in the financials like interest rates and tax.
You also want to be doing some groundwork in regards to finding tradesmen that will be a key part of making money through property refurbishments. When you have done all of that, you can think about whether or not you are in the position to make money through property investment.
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Finding and selecting quality tenants is crucial for property managers. The success of your investment relies heavily on who you have living in your units. Proper tenant screening and selection help minimize risks and maximize returns.
In this article, we’ll explore key elements of the tenant selection process. We’ll go over how to screen applicants, spot red flags, check references, evaluate credit, and choose ideal tenants. Let’s get started!
Overview Of Tenant Screening Goals
Thorough tenant screening serves several important goals:
Identify responsible tenants who pay rent on time
Avoid problem tenants who could disturb others or damage property
Verify applicants are who they claim to be
Evaluate the ability to afford rent based on income and debts
Check backgrounds for any reasons of concern
Select tenants who will follow rules and fulfill lease terms
Screening is your chance to assess applicants’ qualifications and compatibility before approving them. Use it to gain a 360-degree view informing your leasing decision.
The Role Of Property Management Companies In Los Angeles Real Estate
Finding and retaining good tenants is crucial for property owners and managers everywhere, but tactics can vary by location. For instance, property management companies in Los Angeles have insight into tenant preferences and screening practices effective for the area. Factors like rental price averages, employment demographics, and housing regulations specific to LA impact local tenant selection approaches there versus other cities. While core principles remain constant, optimizing your tenant vetting process may involve fine-tuning your metro area.
Components Of The Tenant Screening Process
Comprehensive screening includes several key steps:
Detailed Rental Application
Have applicants complete a comprehensive rental application covering things like:
Full legal name and contact details
Social Security Number for credit/background checks
Current and past home addresses
Employer name, income, position, time employed
Personal/professional references with contact info
Bank account details for payment processing
Vehicle information like make, model, year
Emergency contact person details
Any relevant remarks about qualifications, special requests, etc.
Thorough applications provide a foundation of info to verify and evaluate applicants.
Identity Verification
Check IDs like driver’s licenses to confirm applicants are who they claim to be. Comparing names, photos, and addresses helps avoid fraud.
Income Verification
Verify income levels match what’s stated on the application. Request recent paystubs, tax returns, and bank statements as evidence. Income should adequately cover rent and other costs.
Employment Verification
Speak with the stated employer's HR department to confirm the position, dates employed, and salary. Beware if details seem shaky.
Rental History Checks
Contact previous landlords to check payment history, lease violations, damages, complaints, evictions, etc. Look for consistent on-time payments. Beware of frequent moves, evictions, or unpaid rent.
Credit Checks
Run a thorough credit check to verify your credit score, current debts, and any negative marks. Watch for unmanageable debts, court judgments, and bankruptcies.
Background Screening
Perform criminal and eviction record screening through approved channels to uncover any serious offenses or causes for concern.
Personal Reference Checks
Contact 1-2 references provided to assess the applicant’s reliability and character from people who know them.
Pet Screening
If applicants have pets, request veterinary records to confirm they are licensed and vaccinated. Also, verify breeds allowed per property rules.
Be sure to follow fair housing laws throughout the screening process and avoid discrimination. Focus objectively on qualifications and ability to meet lease terms.
Consulting Tenancy Databases
Various rental industry databases help identify past tenancy issues reported by other landlords and property managers:
Eviction Records
Damage/Complaint Reports
Rent Payment History
Lease Violations
Prior Evictions/Collections
While costly, these databases provide an added layer of rental background insight from an impartial nationwide source. They can reveal serious red flags not evident elsewhere.
Balancing Tenant Screening Elements
Each screening component provides important pieces of the full picture. But avoid putting too much weight on any single factor. For instance, a low credit score doesn’t necessarily mean the person won’t pay rent reliably if other factors check out. And someone with an old petty misdemeanor isn’t necessarily high-risk if they have great landlord references.
Consider the full scope - credit, background, income, rental history, interview impressions and references for a balanced decision. Don't let one element override others without due consideration.
Strategies For Choosing The Best Tenant
Picking the ideal tenant involves balancing several factors. The ability to afford rent is of course essential. Tenants need a stable income adequate to cover the rent plus other costs. However, also consider their income growth potential, not just current earnings.
Look at their track record too. Do they have a solid history of paying on time, maintaining units well, following rules, and keeping good relationships with past landlords and neighbors? Consistency in meeting obligations predicts future behavior.
Also assess their responsible character based on the full application, background checks, interview, and references. Do they seem conscientious, honest, and reasonable? Shared values matter for a good fit.
While an imperfect credit score does not preclude someone, evaluate if they are actively managing income and debts responsibly regardless of past issues.
Furthermore, consider lifestyle compatibility with the property and community. Will their habits mesh well? Similar priorities and standards make for an easier relationship.
Avoid fixating on any single factor when choosing tenants. Seek those who balance financial ability, compatibility and character. This leads to positive partnerships that serve both parties' needs. Taking a big-picture view helps identify tenants who will be assets to your property and business.
Setting New Tenants Up For Success
Once selected, help tenants start strong by:
Providing a detailed move-in checklist covering rules, contacts, procedures
Clearly explaining policies before signing the lease to set expectations
Assisting with utilities connections and community amenities access
Offering a tenant portal or app for easy maintenance requests
Following up after move-in to ensure satisfaction
Proactive support fosters longer and happier tenancies benefitting all parties. Ongoing communication, responsiveness and periodic check-ins help too.
Dealing With Rejection Decisions Carefully
Rejecting applicants can be uncomfortable. But follows key principles:
Be objective - based solely on qualifications, not personal factors
Stick to facts - explain specifically how criteria were unmet
Follow Fair Housing laws - no discrimination based on protected classes
Maintain privacy - don’t discuss decisions publicly
Respond promptly - let them know quickly so they can make other plans
Rejection is just part of the screening process. Handling it properly avoids fair housing violations while preserving your business reputation.
FAQs
What Are The Standard Tenant Screening Fees?
Typical screening fees range from $30-$75 per applicant to cover criminal/eviction checks, credit reports, reference checks and processing time. Some landlords charge slightly more for deeper screening.
When Should I Require A Security Deposit?
Requesting a security deposit equal to 1+ month's rent is common at lease signing to cover any damages and provide financial security. Make sure deposits comply with state laws.
What Screening Practices Could Expose Me To Fair Housing Violations?
Avoid discrimination based on protected characteristics like race, gender, religion, disabilities, national origin, or family status. Focus objectively on qualifications alone.
If A Tenant Stops Paying Rent Suddenly, What Are My Options?
You can issue pay or quit notices as a formal demand for payment. If they fail to pay after proper legal notice, you may proceed with formal eviction filings to reclaim possession.
Key Takeaways
Tenant selection has a huge impact on your investment's success. Screen diligently by:
Reviewing detailed rental applications
Running background checks
Verifying incomes and employment
Checking references thoroughly
Interviewing thoughtfully
Consulting industry databases
Balancing all factors objectively
This identifies responsible tenants who pay reliably, follow rules, and maintain properties well. Avoiding just a few problem tenancies through careful selection preserves your income and asset values in the long run. Finding ideal tenants is crucial, but takes diligence. A consistent screening process protects your investment and leads to longer, more positive tenancies for all. Invest time upfront to avoid major headaches later on. Your perfect tenant match is out there!
The solid screening takes time but adds tremendous value. Your ideal tenant match is out there!
Read Also:
10 Rights You Have As A Tenant That Your Landlord Won’t Tell You About
Investing In Property Is Investing In Your Future
If you can’t buy something you really need, you can find other ways to purchase it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new car or house, you are going to buy it somehow. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to do this today. You can get out a loan. That way you will have the money necessary to buy something. You will pay back the bank little by little. You can pay it annually or monthly. It depends on the contract.
To buy a house you want, you can get a mortgage and own the house of your dreams. But you will have to repay the money eventually. If you don’t do that, the bank will take away your home. It means you will be left out on the street. So, you can’t allow that to happen. You have to think about how to stop that from happening. There aren’t many options available really. You have to act fast. You could learn more about foreclosure.
What is foreclosure?
When you take out a mortgage, you will have to pay back the money. You’ll have to sign a document which says so. So, you are legally bound. You can’t afford to lose your job. No job means, no money. If you’re unable to pay the mortgage, the lender will take away your property. You and your family will get evicted. That’s called foreclosure. So, you have to pay close attention to your payments. The rules on this subject are different in each state.
What are your options?
If you don’t want to be homeless, you have to think of ways how to stop this process. The first thing you could do is try to persuade your lender to give you more time. If there’s any specific reason why you’re late, you should tell them. They may forgive you. But if you’re often late with your payments, they won’t be that easy to persuade. You could try filing for bankruptcy. If you go bankrupt, your assets will be frozen. Your debt will be frozen too. So, you may be saved for a while.
What is your best option?
You could try the things mentioned above. But they won’t do the trick. No one can be sure that the lenders will give you more time to gather the money. The bankruptcy procedure may lead you to bigger problems. So, you have to find another way to stop the foreclosure. You may not have heard about real estate investors. If you really want to save your family from all the humiliation, you’ve got to find out more about them. They are known for purchasing homes in foreclosure.
How can investors save you from foreclosure?
They are the best option you have. You can easily sell your home to them. But you have to do it quickly. You shouldn’t waste any time. The moment you sell your house, the mortgage debt will be gone. You should consider it paid off. So, you are in no danger. You won’t have to worry about being homeless. With the money you will receive, you can find another place to live. You will be able to find another dream home for you and your family.
If you can’t find an investor who is willing to save you, you will lose your home. You will be left with nothing. Your family will never forgive you. Investment companies are known for their fast procedures. They can close a deal in a week. So, that is why they can save your house from foreclosure. You can sell your house to them in a few days. It can’t be faster than that. Once the deal is done, you are free. You could read some other things you could try here.
You may be wondering about how they are able to do this so quickly. The thing about investors is that they don’t cooperate with banks. They avoid them at all costs. This is so because they just slow down the process. There are a lot of things that wait for their approval. So, the investors have managed to do this thing without them. It’s so much easier.
Read Also:
What To Do If You Facing Foreclosure?
What You Need To Know Before Buying Property With A Tax Lien
When Is The HAMP Program Beneficial To You?
House flipping is an investment strategy involving the purchase, enhancement, and profitable sale of homes. It requires funding, dedication, and an understanding of market trends, along with careful planning and budgeting.
Here, we offer a few beginner tips for flipping success.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Flipping?
House flipping is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor, but you can minimize the risk by working with the pros at Carmody Construction and weighing the pros and cons.
Profit potential. With planning and proper implementation, house flips can bring high profits quickly.
A more robust real estate portfolio. Flipping success can expand your portfolio, giving you a better reputation among potential clients and lenders.
They are boosting the local economy. Flippers help with neighborhood economic revitalization by enhancing homes and increasing property values.
Personal fulfillment. House flipping offers opportunities for creative expression, which can be rewarding for owners and buyers.
Sharper skills. Becoming a house flipper will help you sharpen skills that can be used in other areas, including team management and negotiation.
And now, the disadvantages:
High risk. House flipping is a significant financial risk. For instance, a sudden market downturn or high renovation costs can lead to sizable financial losses.
Tax consequences. Flipped houses are subject to capital gains taxes, and it’s essential to weigh profit potential against tax liabilities.
Time spent. Flips require dedication—finding, financing, renovating, and selling homes takes time.
Surprise repair costs. Older homes often have hidden problems, which can increase an initial investment and cut into profits.
Market volatility. Changing market trends may affect flip profitability.
Read on to learn the basic steps in a successful house flip.
Budgeting And Planning
The process starts with a plan that outlines goals, identifies risks, and estimates a budget for acquisition, enhancement, and sale. A detailed budget should consider expenses such as financing costs, property purchases, renovation, market changes, and promotions, and it will reduce the risk of unexpected losses.
Finding Financing
Flippers have various financing options, from personal savings to loans, and choices directly affect profits. While paying cash will help you avoid high interest, it’s not always possible. Cash-out refinancing, HELOCs (home equity lines of credit), and hard money lending are all viable alternatives.
Learning About The Market
When flipping houses, analysis of market trends, property prices, and housing demand will give you valuable insights. By learning about the community in which you’re planning the flip, you’ll find an appropriate property, target the right market segment, and turn a profit.
Finding And Choosing A Property
As you search for a potential flip, consider factors like location, condition, and market demand. Choose a home with a focus on its appreciation potential, renovation costs, and curb appeal. Above all, align your choices with your budget.
Making An Offer
Successful negotiation requires proposing a below-market price and backing the offer with sound reasoning. The lower the purchase price, the higher the profit. Be firm, fair, and willing to walk away when negotiating with sellers.
Renovation
Flipping a house requires renovations because most buyers want livable, ready-made homes. Before selling, make necessary upgrades and repairs to increase the property’s value. Set a timeline, maintain oversight, and consider working with contractors on the most challenging jobs.
Selling For A Profit
When selling a home, focus on the renovations you’ve done. Use home staging, competitive pricing, digital listings, and professional photography to present your flip in the best light. These tactics and working with a local real estate agent will simplify the process.
Our Thoughts
House flipping is a profitable effort when planned carefully. Despite what we see on TV, instant success is rare—and mistakes are inevitable. When flippers find the best financing, work with the right partners, and follow these tips, they’re more likely to succeed.
Starting A Career With House Flipping
We know that investing is an effective option of side hustle. Around 61% of Americans actively invest. A recent Gallup survey finds that real estate is another popular long-term investment option for Americans.
That’s why house flipping is a credible career option, too.
However, you need accurate market intel to be a successful house flipper. Moreover, the real estate market in the US could be more predictable. So, you need to make flipping decisions wisely.
A common trend in house flipping is making decisions based on the location.
Steps To A Successful House-Flipping Career
House flipping can be a lucrative career once you’re greasy with the market.
So, let’s check out the steps to set up your house-flipping career:
Research your market well and find plausible locations to start house flipping
Set the right budget
Seek small-scale investments for your first house-slipping project
Pro Tip: Don’t consider going to other cities to invest in house flipping. Firstly, that will be a costly affair. Secondly, it might turn out to be risky. Try that only when you have abundant experience.
Prefer local search
You only have the best knowledge about the real estate status quo of your residual address. So, forego plans to house flip in faraway cities.
Most beginners start by exploring properties in their residence cities for house flipping.
How Does That Benefit Your Career As A House Flipper?
That’s easy.
You know the best rates at which homes are sold in your locality. Moreover, you can predict which properties will attract the best deals.
In real estate, the quality of a property is not everything. What matters more is the peripheral community. And nobody can judge the pros and cons of your surrounding community.
Some extravagant factors in the community might appeal to prospective factors. At the same time, you might also know any eccentricities in the community.
Is your locality in the vicinity of a popular entertainment source? Does it have other amenities?
Or it's a tourism hotspot!
Focusing on such factors and finding a reason to invest in local properties is better.
Role Of Real Estate Agents In Your Career
I found a home, but you must go overboard with your budget to claim it.
Dont.
Instead, work with a real estate agent. Most agents have access to real estate MLS systems.
It is a database that lists all available real estate in your locale. It also marks the prospective future listings.
End Statement
House flipping can be a rewarding career. However, it requires tactical moves with hard work. Often, conditions may not be suitable for you.
But don’t wait for the tailwind. Work hard and find an ideal property even under adverse circumstances.
Read Also:
10 Best Ways To Find Cheap Homes To Flip
How To Secure Your Dream Home With A VA Loan
Maximizing Your Home Sale: Essential Tips And Home Inspection
