Investors have a plethora of choices when investing in real estate. If you are looking to diversify your investment portfolio, you should consider income-producing real estate, such as multifamily apartment buildings. Over the years, my colleagues in the real estate industry and I have touted multifamily real estate investing as the best way to invest and grow money. Some of the benefits of multifamily investments are stable cash flow and tax benefits.
Investing in multifamily real estate is a very lucrative opportunity, particularly as the demand for rental properties is continuing to grow around the country. This sector continues to pique the interest of many big investors.
However, before venturing into multifamily, it is better to do some research regarding property prices, rental prices, tenant profiles, etc. If you want to be a successful multifamily investor, these tips are for you.
1. Choose Your Location Carefully
Investing in multifamily real estate is all about location. It is the real estate mantra. Tenants typically prefer to rent in areas that have easy accessibility to schools and hospitals. Moreover, they prefer areas that are safe and secure with easy commutes.
When investing in multifamily real estate, you should pay close attention to high-yield and high-growth areas where properties are usually in high demand.
Also, keep in mind that the location is more than merely local amenities, because the overall crime rates in the neighborhood, condition of surrounding properties and an appropriate mix of properties is important as well. It is vital to remember the location of your prospective property will usually dictate the types of tenants who will be attracted to your property, the rental rates and the value of the property.
2. Set A Budget
If you’re thinking of purchasing a multifamily property for investment purposes, you have to fully know and consider your budget. An operating budget for your multifamily investment can help you in tracking performance and profits. It will also show you where you can cut costs, identify any potential problem areas, help you plan for specific capital improvements and offer you a good reference point for any future reviews.
Keep in mind that multifamily properties are usually more expensive than smaller units, and most require improvement and renovation before they can be rented out and generate profit. There can also be unexpected expenses, such as a leaky roof or burst water main. You should always account for these things when you are preparing your budget.
3. Start Small
When most people think of multifamily investors, they often imagine a person with a huge real estate investment portfolio packed with 70-unit buildings. However, you should consider small residential properties, as they are often overlooked in the multifamily rental market. The best advice I have for investors, especially those who are just starting, is to start with a small multifamily unit, such as a duplex or quadruplex. By starting with a small multifamily property, you can make things much easier for yourself right from the start.
Starting small is one of the best ways to learn the ropes, particularly if you are new to something, and multifamily investment is no different. A small complex would help you get an entry in multifamily real estate and better understand the various dynamics of this real estate market. With time and some experience, you will be able to venture into bigger properties.
4. Work With Qualified Real Estate Professionals
If you are investing in multifamily properties, you have to assemble a suitable team of industry professionals, such as property managers and brokers, to maximize your investment. This is because being a landlord is usually a team effort, particularly when you have several tenants to manage.
A professional property manager can help make you some extra rental income by making sure that all the day-to-day operations run smoothly and seamlessly in a cost-effective manner. Your team should have professionals who will help keep your multifamily property in top-notch condition, secure reliable renters, solve legal problems and help balance books. Also, you should consider working closely with a competent real estate agent who specializes in multifamily deals.
5. Determine The Best Rental Rate For Your Property
Setting the right rent for your property can often be a bit of a Goldilocks paradox. If you charge too little, you will risk leaving money on the table. If you overcharge, you may risk having too few inquiries. Keep in mind that setting a suitable rent price is beneficial in a variety of ways.
When determining the right rental rate, you should pay attention to your competition and try focusing on multifamily rentals in an area that is similar to yours.
6. Expect The Unexpected
Often, unexpected expenses and events will creep up. If you have a large property, you are more likely to encounter things such as unplanned property maintenance and repair, longer-than-expected vacancies or expenses incurred by irresponsible tenants. A good rule of thumb here is to take 10% off of the top of your expected rents in order to prepare for unexpected vacancies, market declines and other factors. It is important to have sufficient cash on hand for covering these events.
7. Make Improvements
Ever wondered why some rental properties are rented within a few days, while others sit vacant for several weeks on end? Usually, it all boils down to how appealing and desirable a property is to renters. The key to making good money in multifamily is to keep your property in top-notch condition. If something is broken, you should fix it right away and continue making upgrades, as it is one of the best ways to keep tenants for a long period.
Final Thoughts
Having a successful multifamily real estate investment often requires a lot of effort, time, experience and knowledge. These tips will help you get off to the right start in the competitive multifamily rental market.