Tips to Being a Successful Landlord

The ultimate goal of investing in rental property is turn a profit. To make sure that you achieve that goal it is essential that you follow several critical guidelines.

First, always make sure that you check references. This can be a burdensome step that many landlords overlook if they feel as though they have a good instinct about the tenant when they meet with them. Not checking references; however, can lead to a number of problems. You can uncover a wealth of information about potential problems before you rent to a prospective tenant.

Always make sure that you have everything in writing. This is to protect not only your rights but also the rights of your tenants as well. Everything from the code of conduct you expect tenants to abide by while renting your property to the rental application itself should be in writing.

You will find that you have better success with your rental property if you take the time to ensure that it is both secure and clean. The grounds of the property should be free of clear and trimmed regularly. Not only will the property be more visually appealing but these actions will also assist you with property liability. You will also want to take additional security measures. Extra security may be able to lower your insurance premiums as well as provide an incentive to quality tenants to rent your property when they know it is secure.

If you make the decision to hire a property manager, take the time to interview prospective candidates very carefully. Property managers can be quite helpful if you do not have the time to tend to all of the details yourself. The wrong property manager; however, can cause you tremendous problems. This means that you will need to hire a thoroughly responsible and professional individual to handle the job.

Always make sure that you obtain adequate insurance. Not only should you have property insurance but you should also have liability insurance. One incident is all it takes to wipe out your investment. Check with your state to determine if any additional insurance coverage is required.

Regardless of the condition the property was in when you purchased it, there will come a time when repairs are needed. This is part and parcel of owning rental property. If you take too long to make repairs, not only will your property suffer and repairs will ultimately cost more to take care of but you will also likely lose quality tenants as well. By making sure that you handle repairs promptly you will be able to maintain the life of your property as well as retain good tenants.

Always make sure that you follow all applicable regulations in the renting of your investment property. The Fair Housing Administration Act provides precise regulations in order to prevent discrimination. If you violate those regulations you could find yourself facing a lawsuit that is costly in terms of time as well as money. The best course of action is to take the time to do your homework and consult an attorney experienced in real estate matters for guidance regarding the FHA as well as ensuring that you have the proper forms.

Finally, make sure that you do not violate the privacy of your tenants. Check with your state’s regulations to find out whether you must provide any type of notice to your tenant before you enter the dwelling.

Following these guidelines will help you to retain quality tenants and avoid any potential legal problems.

Visa program bo…

Visa program boosts commercial, helps international

MIAMI – Feb. 15, 2013 – One U.S. visa, the EB5, does more than grant entry to a foreign national. Because it applies only to potential residents who can afford a $500,000 business investment, it’s also attractive to developers who can offer a deal: Invest at least a half million in my business, and I promise to add at least 10 jobs in the first two years so you can get a permanent green card.

For developers, the EB5 program can raise large amounts of non-U.S. cash to fund local projects. As a result, EB5 programs actively seek investors through overseas outreach programs. Businesses or governments must set up an official EB5 program to accept money from EB5 immigrants; but once established, they can go shopping for investors.

“Frankly, it’s cheap capital,” securities lawyer David Schubauer tells The Miami Herald. Schubauer says most investors want to see at least an 8 percent return on their investment. But EB5 investors have an eye on the green card more than the financial risk, and a 1 or 2 percent return is usually enough.

In some countries, notably China, the EB5 rules have created a new business model. Some sellers make it sound as if U.S. visas are for sale at the going rate of $500,000.

Cities are now starting to see the EB5 visa program as a way to raise capital, and Miami could roll out its own EB5 program this year after certified to do so by the federal government. Once certified as a “regional center,” the city could get projects approved and start to attract foreign capital.

Going forward, the EB5 program could be harmed by its success, however. Each visa program allows a specific number of foreign nationals in the U.S. each year, and the EB5 program is capped at 10,000 – a number it has never hit. But a number of immigration experts predict that will happen in 2013.

Source: Miami Herald, Feb. 15, 2013, Douglas Hanks
© 2013 Florida Realtors®

NAR 2012 conference & trade expo

International realtors from all over the world. Great conference, (committee) meetings, workshop, trade show and lots of networking and parties. And an international flag ceremony with representatives from 43 countries, including The Netherlands (Theo and me).

See you in Orlando, Florida in November

What to expect when you’re inspecting

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Oct. 11, 2012 – Many homebuyers don’t understand how a home inspection works. Buyers should first understand an inspection isn’t adversarial. Everyone involved in the purchase – the buyer, the buyer’s agent and the listing agent – have the same goal, which is to move forward with a clean sales transaction.

Inspection tips

• The buyer, who hires and pays the inspector, should make sure the inspector is licensed. He or she should also read the seller’s disclosures and note any questions they have for the inspector.

• If possible, buyers should follow the inspector everywhere, including the roof and into the basement or crawlspace. However, buyers should understand that an inspector’s job is to note problems. He may not have all the answers, such as information about the cost of potential improvements.

• While the home listing agent advocates for the seller, the buyer’s Realtor should also take part in the inspection to help advise the buyer how to proceed if the inspector uncovers serious flaws.

• After the inspection, the buyer and his Realtor should examine the detailed inspection report and discuss the next step.

• Experts generally recommend that buyers not bring along a relative or friend who is a contractor. Since they’re not licensed property inspectors, contractors could raise unnecessary red flags that hamper the transaction.

Full inspection versus four-point inspection

For some older properties, mortgage lenders or insurers require a four-point inspection, which sounds as if it’s top of the line compared to, say, a one-point inspection that doesn’t actually exist. However, “four point” refers to the number of housing elements checked, not the quality of the inspection.

Since the cost of the four-point inspection is generally lower than a full inspection, some buyers cut corners to save money. However, they should understand what a four-point inspection does not cover.

In general, the elements covered in a four-point inspection are the ones that could cost a lot to repair should something go wrong shortly after a home purchase. They include: roofing, electrical work, heating-air conditioning systems and plumbing.

Other elements that can need repair in the early years of homeownership – such as appliances, hot water heaters, etc. – are not included in a four-point inspection.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®

NAR: International real estate sales continue to climb in U.S. market

NAR: International sales continue to climb in U.S. market WASHINGTON (June 11, 2012) – Due to low prices and the relative weakness of the dollar, international buyers continue to identify the U.S. as a desirable place to own property and make a profitable investment.

According to the National Association of Realtors® 2012 Profile of International Home Buying Activity, total residential international sales in the U.S. for the past year ending March 2012 equaled $82.5 billion, up from $66.4 billion in 2011. Total international sales were evenly split between non-resident foreigners and recent immigrants.

The survey asked Realtors® to report their international business activity within the U.S. for the 12 months ending March 2012.

“Today’s advantageous market conditions have drawn more and more foreign buyers to the U.S. in recent years, signaling how desirable and profitable owning property in this country can be,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc. in Miami and 2002 president of Florida Realtors®. “Low housing prices, a good inventory condition and increased buying power with today’s exchange rates help attract international clients.

“Foreign buyers also have the advantage of working with a Realtor. Realtors who specialize in serving international clientele have a truly global perspective; they know what hurdles foreign buyers face when purchasing property in the U.S., and have the expertise and knowledge that comes from working with clients from different cultures and real estate practices.”

International buyers bought homes throughout the country, but four states accounted for 51 percent of the purchases – Florida, California, Texas and Arizona. Florida has been the fastest growing destination of choice, accounting for 26 percent of foreign purchases. California was second with 11 percent and Texas and Arizona accounted for seven percent.

Proximity to the home country, the presence of relatives and friends, the convenience of air transportation, and climate and location are all important considerations to prospective foreign buyers. Locations on the East Coast generally attract European buyers, while Asian buyers tend to purchase on the West Coast, particularly California.

Florida attracts a diverse set of international buyers including South Americans, Europeans and Canadians.

Meanwhile, Texas remains popular among Mexican buyers. Within markets in an individual state, it is not unusual to find concentrations of people grouped by nationality.

“Foreign buyers recognize that owning a home in the U.S. has many benefits, both financial and social,” said Veissi. “Many purchase property as an investment, vacation home or to diversify their portfolio. In addition, many recent immigrants view homeownership as an important accomplishment. They believe that being a homeowner is one of many ways they become established in the U.S. and attain stability, security and a sense of community.”

International buyers came from all over the globe, but Canada, China (The People’s Republic of China including Hong Kong), Mexico, India and the United Kingdom accounted for 55 percent of all international transactions, according to the survey. Canada and China remain the fastest-growing home countries. Canada accounted for 24 percent of international sales while China accounted for 11 percent, up from nine percent in 2011. Mexico was third with eight percent of sales and India and the U.K. both accounted for six percent.

Forty-five percent of international purchases were under $250,000. In addition, there appears to be a gradual increasing trend toward purchases in the $250,000 to $500,000 price range. In 2012, this range accounted for 30 percent of purchases, up from 28 percent in 2011. The average price paid by an international buyer was $400,000 compared to the overall U.S. average of $212,000.

Several reasons account for why the average international home price is higher than the average overall price. The international client is typically wealthier than the domestic buyer and is looking for a property in a specialized niche, for example, a larger property suitable for multi-generational living or a property that establishes the individual’s presence and standing in the community.

Many homes purchased by foreign buyers are used as a primary residence. Vacation and rental use are also major reasons for a purchase. More than half – 66 percent – of survey respondents reported international buyers purchased detached single-family homes. About half of international buyers, 52 percent, preferred to buy in a suburban area and about a quarter, 23 percent, bought in a central city/urban area.

Sixty-two percent of international purchases were all cash, which has increased since 2007. International buyers still experience many financing challenges when purchasing a home in the U.S.

In fact, among transactions that failed, Realtors reported that in 26 percent of the cases financing issues were the problem. The difficulties facing foreign buyers in trying to obtain a mortgage include lack of U.S.-based credit history and hurdles in meeting mortgage requirements. Other reasons for not purchasing properties were cost/taxes/insurance and immigration laws.

Twenty-seven percent of Realtors reported having worked with international clients this year. Fifty-two percent of Realtors reported that international transactions accounted for one to 10 percent of their total transactions, while 27 percent reported that they made up more than 10 percent of total transactions. Realtor specialization on the buyer’s side of the market – such as foreign language capabilities, cultural affinity or orientation with the prospective purchaser and experience in explaining the U.S. real estate – appear to be important in working with foreign buyers.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®

Warren Buffett says stocks, homes are fairly cheap now

Billionaire Warren Buffett said Monday that stocks remain relatively cheap compared to other investments as the economy continues to improve. He also said the company he heads is prepared to replace him whenever the need arises.
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Houses are another attractive investment at current prices, Buffett said. He conceded in his letter released Saturday that he was wrong to predict the housing market would recover by now. He said Monday he believes conditions will improve in 2012.
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