Buying Investment Properties
Tips for Buying an Investment Property
Make Sure It’s For You
Do you know your way around a toolbox? How are you at repairing drywall? Or unclogging a toilet? Sure, you could call somebody to do it for you, but that will eat into your profits. Property owners who have one or two homes often do their own repairs to save money. If you’re not the handy type and you don’t have lots of spare cash, being a landlord may not be right for you.
Make a Sizable Down Payment
Since mortgage insurance won’t cover investment properties, you’ll need to put at least 20 percent down to secure traditional financing. If you can put down 25 percent, you may qualify for an even better interest rate.
Condition of the Property
There’s nothing wrong with buying a fixer-upper, but you need to be realistic about the time and money it’ll take to make an ugly duckling shine again. After receiving a thorough inspection by a qualified professional, ask yourself how many of the repairs you can do on your own, and how many would require outside contractors. Get estimates for any major jobs that you would have to pay someone else to do. Calculate how long the repairs should take. If the house needs to be vacant for months while renovations take place, it may not be worth it. After all, there’s nothing more discouraging to landlords than an empty house that isn’t bringing in any income.
Neighborhood
The location of a house is just as important as the house itself. You need to choose an area wisely, making sure it’s a place where tenants will want to live. The most important factor to consider is safety, making sure the neighborhood’s crime rates are not too high. Curb appeal is also a major factor, as tenants will be more eager to live on a street with well-manicured lawns and nicely painted homes.
Things To Consider
What will you do with this property?
Do you want to find property to put on the rental market, or will you be fixing the home up so you can resell it? The amount of time that you plan on keeping your investment property can help you determine which loan program will suit your plans for your investment property.
Use the equity in your existing home for a down payment?
Investment properties may have extra stringent requirements from lenders, including a larger down payment. We can help you explore all of your options to get the down payment you need, such as equity in your current home or other assets like money in a brokerage or retirement account.
What can you deduct?
Tax deductions may be as much a reason to buy an investment property as positive cash flow. Did you know that you may be able to deduct appliances, mortgage insurance, or even mortgage points? Our team of advisors may be able answer your questions about the advantages of real estate investment.
Note: We are not licensed tax professionals. Please consult your tax or financial advisor for specific tax and financial information.
1.
Get Pre-Approved
This is the time to get in the know. A pre-approval will give you an advantage when you find your perfect home. We can tell you what you need to get pre-approved, so you know the exact loan amount you qualify for, what your monthly payment will look like, and how much taxes and insurance will be. With a pre-approval, the loan process will be smoother and your offer will be stronger.
2.
Loan Application
Your application will provide a complete picture to loan investors of your assets, debts and what you are buying. It will take into account documents such as pay stubs, proof of income, tax returns, employment history, and information on all debts, assets, and sources for down payments. Don’t worry, we will request these documents as applicable for your loan application so that you can be fully prepared.
3.
Select Your Loan Program
Fixed rate? Adjustable? FHA? There are multiple loan options that may fit your unique needs, and we can help you choose. Are you looking for the consistent rates and payments that a fixed rate loan can provide? Do you want the short-term benefits of lower rates that an adjustable rate loan can bring? Our extensive portfolio of loan options means you have more options available to get just what you need.
4.
Processing and Underwriting
Your loan has specific investor guidelines that must be met, and an underwriter will review your documents to be sure that you meet them. While an underwriter reviews your file, an appraisal will be ordered on the home. Additional information may be requested, so don’t panic if you have to turn in more documents. That’s just the underwriter working hard to get your final approval.
5.
Loan Approval
Before your loan is approved, you will receive pre-approval and a list of closing conditions that need to be met. These conditions can include verification that your employer is current and proof that homeowner’s insurance has been obtained. Once closing conditions have been satisfied, the underwriter issues a clear to close. Congratulations, your loan has been approved!
6.
Close the Loan
With an approved loan, you are on the home-stretch towards closing. The lender will send closing documents to a title company that draws up paperwork and arranges for signing of documents. Once the documents have been signed and funding conditions have been met, the title is recorded and the process is complete. You are a proud owner of your new home, and the keys are yours!
