New Forex Trading Strategy

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Buying Income Houses: What Are Your Options?

By Mark Knowles

Buying investment homes can be a great way to earn a profit but you will need to find viable properties to choose from before you can invest in them. There are three main kinds of investment properties to choose from and you may need to use different search methods to locate them.

The kind of investment homes you look at can be influenced by a number of different things. People who love doing renovations and home improvements may be interested in a flip: a home which is purchased at a low price, renovated and then resold at a higher price. There are also rental properties, and vacant land that can be resold or developed.

A flip is often the first thing that entry level investors consider when they think of investment income. Most people dream of finding a diamond in the rough, real estate which are broken down but has good bones. They love the thought of putting in time and elbow grease in order to create a dream home and realize an excellent profit. But you should be aware that that may not be the result you get. A home can often harbor unseen damage and renovations may go over budget and take longer than expected. If you cannot afford to float two mortgages indefinitely, you may not want to flip a property.

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 can be a good investment, but only if it is in an area that people want to develop. You should do your research before you decide to purchase a piece of vacant land. Decide whether you want to build a residence on the houses and resell or rent it. Your other option is to purchase land for commercial development. In that case, you will want to make sure that it is located near where other industrial developments are taking place as this will be more appealing to many company owners. Also check the laws and regulations in the area you are looking at buying. You would hate to find that there has been a by-law passed that prevents you from developing or selling your land back, leaving you with nothing to show for your cash.

You should find good legal advice before purchasing any investment real estate. This is a definite must if you are considering renting or letting out the houses you have invested in. They can tell you what your responsibilities are as a landlord and what you must provide to your tenants. They can also give you advice about setting up a company to own the rental houses if you are interested in purchasing more than one investment property.

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

Purchasing investment properties is not hard. There are plenty of properties out there to choose from. By taking the time to do your homework and research thoroughly, there is less chance that you will get stung down the road. Choose wisely and well, and you can begin to enjoy the added income that investment properties can bring you. - 23305

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