5 signs youre cash flow negative on your vacation rental property

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Spending money consistently on a cash flow negative rental isn't smart. It might be time to change your strategy.

 

Vacation rentals are a great way to make extra income from your property investments. Short term rental provider, HomeAway https://www.homeaway.com/info/getting-started/income reports that the run-of-the-mill vacation rental property owner nets $11,000 a year.

 

But if you consistently have to spend rental profits on roof repairs, vacancies, regular maintenance, bad tenants etc, you probably have a cash flow negative property on your hand. And there are two approaches to dealing with this problem. You can either wait it out and hope things will somehow change or kickstart an exit strategy to move on.

 

While cash flow doesn't have to be a decisive factor, especially when you have a vacation rental property in an up and coming neighborhood with strong potential appreciation rates. Many times, you might be spending more than you bargained for with your rental. And the faster you discover this, the better.

 

This article outlines five signs of negative cash flow vacation rentals but before we proceed let's see a simple formula for measuring cash flow on an investment property:

 

Cash Flow = Total Income (Application fees, Rent, etc.) - Total Expenses (Monthly mortgage (if applicable); General Maintenance, Electricity, HOA, Property Management, vacancies etc.)

 

As a rule of thumb when buying an investment property, it is wise to set aside an emergency fund to cover at least first six months of expenses. So let's dive right in and see some of the signs to watch for.

 

1. High vacancy/Low occupancy rate in a location: What's the occupancy rate for your neighborhood? An important sign of a cash flow negative property is high vacancy rate in the neighborhood. According to Turnkey VR https://blog.turnkeyvr.com/much-money-can-make-vacation-rental/ specializing in the management of turnkey vacation rental homes, "Occupancy rates for vacation rentals can be all over the map. For instance, a vacation rental home in a big city might create more demand than a rental property at a seasonal location like the beach". Location is key when buying real estate, especially for investment. Hence it's wise to spend time researching a neighborhood before taking the plunge.

 

2. High Maintenance property: Are you doling out high monthly fees for property maintenance? Then you might be dealing with a cash flow negative property. A 30-year-old property might offer a great deal but when you have to spend considerable time and money on maintenance and fixes monthly, you have to ask yourself if it's worth it.

 

3. Declining Rental Property Market: How strong is the rental property market? There is a strong correlation between a thriving property market and low vacancy rates. Many times a declining rental market is a sign of underlying economic issues, most times accompanied by high unemployment rates and slow growth. Sticking around in such a neighborhood would be unwise. Unless you're confident about a significant development in the neighborhood in coming years.

 

4. High Property Taxes: Did property taxes go up? Taxes can get tricky, especially when you're buying as a foreigner. However, when sudden tax changes are eating up your income, then you have a negative cash flow property.

 

5. Problem Tenants: Are problem tenants eating up your profits? You have two options, regarding managing your rental property. You can either hire a property management company, which means more expenses but better management. Or you can just ride it solo. While this offers you the chance to take an active role with your property, dealing with problem tenants (tenants who break things, tenants refusing to pay rent or pay promptly, tenants causing disturbance etc.) is a major headache and can eat into your profits.

 

Hence the importance of having a screening process that's hard to bypass. However, if you deal with problem tenants a lot, it might be time to consider setting an exit strategy in motion.

 

You can take advantage of short-term rental cash flow with sites like HomeAway and AirBnb. While tenant turnover rates can be high in the short term, short term rentals can be profitable, especially in a popular destination such as a ski resort or beach community.

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Top 7 Benefits of Buying Property Abroad

  • 05, August 2023

This article explores seven basic reasons why people nurture the dream of owning foreign property

The ebbs and flows of foreign property rules in many countries have caused an influx of foreign buyers into their real estate markets. The current trend is that many countries are more accepting of foreign property buyers, unlike before. In some countries, like Australia, it is becoming a malaise, where the overpowering of foreign currency is causing an affordability crisis for residents. Hopefully, this would balance out soon. But, the fact still remains that more people are drawn to global property. In many cases, when countries have modified their laws to be more accommodating to foreign buyers, there have been real estate boom. The historical constitutional change of Thailand's foreign property laws in 1979 brought an influx of foreign investors and few months later, Thailand began experiencing its first real estate boom.

Motivations For Buying Property Abroad

It's not just about wanting to fulfill the lust for adventure. Recently, there have been an increased number of British buying foreign properties. Many of them buy for many reasons, let's just examine three:

·         Cost. Will you buy a house in Britain if you can buy two houses for the same price in Brazil? The principal motivation is pricing. The appeal of buying property abroad lies in the fact that you can buy a home conveniently and still have enough money left to have a whale of a time in your chosen country. For most people, cost is the strong motivation for buying overseas.

·         Possibility of an investment. Some property investment hotspots abroad are experiencing influx of foreign buyers. While these areas may not be the first choice for people who want to slash price in half; it is a catch for those who are seeking investment opportunities.

·         Second home. A personal reason for buying property abroad is to own a vacation property. For many affluent individuals, having a place, maybe a seaside location in Turkey to retire from the hustle and bustle, is important. With lower cost of living and interesting destinations, expats can live the good life abroad. These vacation properties also offer sound return on investment.

 

 

 

 

Benefits Of Buying Property Abroad

Broadly speaking, let's take a quick look at the 7 benefits of buying property abroad:

1.      Diversify your portfolio.

Buying property abroad is a great way to diversify your portfolio. Having all your investments, stocks and all, in your country of Birth, is like putting your eggs in one basket. Also, you can invest in a hard asset, real estate, which is proven to be more reliable than stocks.

 

2.      Diversify currency. Having all your investments denominated, in your local currency, is also 'putting your eggs in one basket'. You don't want to be at the mercy of the local economy.

 

3.      Reinvent your life. Apart from building your net worth, owning a home abroad is a way to gain a rich cultural diversity and more momentum, especially during retirement.

 

4.      Own a second home.  Instead of spending your life savings on a second home, buying a second home abroad can be 5 times cheaper. There could also be a chance to make good vacation rental income as your vacation home increases in value.

 

5.      Retire overseas. You can take advantage of the low cost of living abroad to enjoy your retirement.

 

6.      Tax deductible travel. In the US, the cost of traveling to manage your overseas property is tax-deductible.

 

7.      Earn income. A rental income overseas will generate an income that is not determined by your citizenship country's economy. For instance, rental returns in Medellin, Colombia can be up to 10% and the cost of property ownership there is low.

 

Buying property abroad is a smart move. But, anybody who wants to take the plunge must be ready to put in work. Don't just expect to sit and wait for your property to grow in value. An investment in real estate requires active and ongoing management.

 

 

 

 

By Bebuzee Admin Read More
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5 Inexpensive Home Improvement Tips To Improve Your Homes Value

  • 29, August 2023

Depending on your home's value, your market and comps in your neighborhood, you could consider making renovations in your home before listing. In a place like New York, however, where houses are being snapped up fast and prices are over the roof, renovating your house for sale might be a crazy idea. But in suburbs with high inventory, your house needs to measure up.

 

When selling, you wouldn't be looking through the same eyeglasses as a new homeowner. Your calculations and priorities will be much different. The most important thing when you have to consider value is return on investment. What renovations will make my house sell fast and at the same time give good return on investment? Before you embark on gutting your circa 1990 kitchen, the first thing you might need to do is consult an experienced realtor who knows what works best in your particular neighborhood.

 

You might find out that minor cosmetic upgrades will get more buyers through the door. And yea, the door is important. Instead of spending money on pricey renovations like adding a deck or basement revamp, Remodeling magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. Value Report says that replacing your existing front door with a new steel door will net you a 101.8% ROI for a minimal replacement cost of $1,230. Knowing which areas to spend on will help save you a lot of money when making renovations. Let's look at five low-cost ways to increase your home's value.

 

        Inexpensive Home Improvement Tips to Improve Your Home’s Value

 

1. Consider curb appeal. Nothing says 'welcome to this lovely house' to a prospective buyer as a nicely mowed lawn, a few shrubs here and there and a well-swept walkway. The first impression buyers have as they drive to your home is truly important. So, it's necessary you set the stage right. Hiring a good landscaper will be worth the money. Not only will your home appeal to prospective buyers, your neighbor would also love the effort.

 

2. Have a cohesive kitchen. Kitchen plays a big role in home improvement. Many Realtors call it the heart of the home. Indeed it is; since an average American homeowner spends at least 37 minutes daily in the kitchen. Sprucing up your kitchen demands that you create the impression of a clean and updated kitchen. One way to achieve this impression is creating cohesiveness, especially with color. Mix and match kitchens are not the best. If your kitchen appliances don't match, consider ordering new doors, e.g new cabinet doors or face panels for them.

 

3. Work on your bathroom. Next to the kitchen, bathrooms are important to potential home buyers. You can make a difference in your bathroom at a low cost by adding new toilet seat and a pedestal sink. These are also pretty easy for homeowners to install on their own. One thing you may not be able to do on your own but which will add value to your bathroom is replacing an old, discolored, bathroom floor with vinyl tiles. Bright, energy efficient lighting will also improve your bathroom's appeal.

 

4. Update closets. Cramped storage spaces are not attractive to potential buyers. You can step up your storage by adding a do-it-yourself wire and laminate system to bedrooms and pantries.

 

5. Check the mechanics. Having a minor inspection and working on existing faults in your home like faulty outlets, loose wires and water leaks give the impression that someone has really taken care of the home.

 

 

 

By Bebuzee Admin Read More
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The Real Estate Market in January 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

  • 21, January 2025

Understanding the Trends and Influences Shaping the Market

As we step into the New Year, the real estate market in January 2025 presents a fascinating tableau of trends and influences, reflecting broader economic conditions and demographic shifts. This month has already set the tone for what property buyers, sellers, and investors can expect in the coming months.

Market Trends

Housing Prices

January 2025 has seen a modest increase in housing prices across most urban areas, continuing the upward trend from the latter part of 2024. Factors contributing to this rise include ongoing demand for residential properties, coupled with limited supply. Major metropolitan regions like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have experienced notable price hikes, while smaller cities and rural areas have seen more moderate increases.

Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve's recent decision to maintain relatively low interest rates has sustained the affordability of mortgages, encouraging buyer activity. However, whispers of potential rate hikes later in the year have caused some buyers to expedite their purchasing decisions, adding a layer of urgency to the market.

Influences on the Market

Economic Conditions

The national economy has shown signs of steady growth, with low unemployment rates and rising wages contributing to consumer confidence. This economic stability has bolstered the real estate market, as more individuals and families feel financially secure enough to invest in property.

Demographic Shifts

Millennials, now entering their peak home-buying years, continue to drive demand for residential properties. This generational shift is particularly evident in suburban areas, where younger buyers are seeking affordable housing options with access to good schools and amenities. Additionally, the increasing trend of remote work has allowed more people to consider relocating away from expensive urban centers to more affordable regions.

Regional Insights

West Coast

California remains a hotspot for real estate activity, with cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles experiencing significant price surges. The tech industry's ongoing expansion in the Bay Area continues to attract high-income professionals, driving demand for luxury homes and high-end apartments. Meanwhile, more affordable areas in the Central Valley and Inland Empire are witnessing increased interest from buyers looking for cost-effective alternatives.

East Coast

New York City's real estate market has rebounded strongly from the pandemic-induced slump, with both residential and commercial properties showing robust performance. The city's appeal as a cultural and financial hub continues to draw investors and homebuyers alike. In contrast, smaller cities along the Eastern Seaboard, such as Raleigh and Charleston, offer attractive opportunities for those seeking a slower-paced lifestyle without sacrificing urban conveniences.

Midwest

The Midwest's real estate market remains stable, with cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit witnessing steady growth. Affordable housing prices and strong job markets in these areas make them appealing destinations for both young professionals and families. Additionally, the region's focus on revitalizing urban centers has spurred interest in downtown properties and historic neighborhoods.

South

The Southern real estate market continues to thrive, driven by population growth and economic development. Cities such as Austin, Nashville, and Atlanta are experiencing rapid expansion, with new residential and commercial projects springing up to meet demand. The region's warm climate, lower cost of living, and business-friendly environment make it a magnet for both domestic and international buyers.

Challenges and Opportunities

Supply Constraints

One of the significant challenges facing the real estate market in January 2025 is the persistent supply constraints. The construction industry is grappling with labor shortages and rising material costs, which hinder the ability to meet the growing demand for new homes. This imbalance between supply and demand contributes to the upward pressure on housing prices.

Technological Advancements

On the flip side, technological advancements are presenting new opportunities in the real estate sector. The adoption of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies allows potential buyers to take virtual tours of properties from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, blockchain technology is streamlining the transaction process, making it more transparent and efficient.

Sustainability

Sustainability continues to be a crucial consideration for both developers and buyers. The demand for eco-friendly homes with energy-efficient features is on the rise, driven by increasing environmental awareness and the desire to reduce utility costs. Builders are incorporating sustainable practices and materials into new projects, catering to this growing market segment.

Looking Ahead

As we move further into 2025, several factors will shape the real estate market's trajectory. Potential changes in interest rates, evolving economic conditions, and demographic trends will all play a crucial role in determining market dynamics. For buyers, sellers, and investors, staying informed and adaptable will be key to navigating the ever-changing landscape of the real estate market.

In summary, January 2025 sets a promising yet complex stage for the real estate market. With rising prices, robust demand, and technological innovations, the sector is poised for continued growth. However, challenges such as supply constraints and economic uncertainties necessitate careful consideration and strategic planning. As always, those who can anticipate and adapt to these shifts will find the most success in the vibrant world of real estate.

By Bebuzee Team Read More