Friday 30 October 2009

Buying Income Properties: What Are Your Options?

By Mark Knowles

If you are buying investment homes you may wonder what your options are. There are a few different kinds of investment houses and each of these have different risks, challenges and benefits. By knowing a bit more about them, you stand a better chance of finding homes that suit your needs and budget.

The first kind of investment houses that many beginning investors look at is a flip. A flip is a regular home that is usually in need of updating and repair. It is purchased, renovated by the purchaser or their contractor, and then resold. This is done in an attempt to realize a profit. By adding cosmetic updates and increasing the worth of the home it is possible to make a profit by flipping.

You can find flips by using the MLS, an online multiple listings service that realtors use. It lists the properties and their specifications and will also sometimes show you images of the properties as well. It is a good rule of thumb to look for the worst house in the best neighborhood you can afford, and begin working from there. Consider looking at bank foreclosure lists and real estate listings in newspapers. Properties that are for sale by owners can also be a great source of properties to flip. Just remember to budget for the cost of the home and the renovations, as well as real estate commissions on the resale.

Time lines are important with investment properties. If you want a longer term option with continued income, consider renting. This is because renters will provide income on a continued basis and can be good for people who need extra income right away. A project like a flip is not as long term, but it can take over a year in some cases for all renovations to be completed. A vacant lot may be the longest return since it may take time for the land to sell. Rental properties are excellent because they offer immediate income if the real estate is already tenanted.

Vacant land or land that may have derelict buildings on it is another potential type of investment homes. You can find these kinds of properties online. You may not find as many of them on the MLS however. If you are looking at investing in a large city, you may want to check out that city's website. There will often be properties you can select in the industrial park and you can also see what incentives there are for investors. As well, you can become familiar with any bylaws that may affect the use of your investment properties.

Before you purchase any kind of investment real estate you should consider retaining a lawyer who is familiar with real estate law. They can help you navigate through the piles of paperwork and regulations that surround the income you get from investment properties and look over any conditions of sale for problems or gray areas.

You may also want to hire a book keeper or accountant who can give you financial advice. There can be regulations surrounding the income gained from investment properties. A good accountant can also advise you on whether or not a particular investment is going to offer a good return

Buying investment real estate can be an excellent way to make a profit but it needs to be done carefully so that you do get a return on your investment. Using some common sense and doing your research can help make that goal a reality.

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