When choosing a rental property, don’t forget to buy the neighborhood!

When you set out looking for a rental property, you probably have a good idea what you're looking for. Let's say that you've decided to target families, hoping for a long-term rental/low turnover. You'll narrow down your search by looking for an area with good schools and parks (location! location! location!). You'll look for houses …

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Starting and running your rental business: another insurance mistake to avoid

I have an acquaintance that I'll call "George".  George was relocated and decided to rent out his property rather than sell.   He diligently called his insurance company and purchased renters insurance, signed the paperwork, paid every year, and didn't give it another thought. About now alarm bells should be going off in your head.  Why? …

Running your rental business: A quick tip to avoid an insurance nightmare

  Make sure that your business and personal names match up on your mortgages and rental properties.  If not, you could be denied coverage when you need it, based on a mere technicality. Often this is not easy.  You will likely have to take out mortgages in your name, whereas your property will likely be …

Running your rental business: Should you purchase a home warranty?

In addition to an insurance policy, which typically covers fire, hail, and other major damage, you may want to consider purchasing a home warranty for your rental property.   A home warranty can be purchased from many companies, and will cost about $600 a year.  They will likely charge $75 or so per issue (and may …

Starting your rental business: Should you buy a fixer-upper for your property?

    You may be considering buying a "fixer-upper", dated property, or property in distress to fix-up and use as your rental property.  Before you jump in, there are many things that you need to consider! First, what kind of market are you in?  Are you in a market where hardly any properties are available, …

Starting your rental business: The importance of a home inspection

You know the saying "buyer beware."  This is true, not only when you buy your personal residence, but is equally important when you buy an investment property!   There are several reasons to make a home inspection part of your home buying experience: identifying issues evaluation of the seriousness of issues possibility of negotiating the price …