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Real Estate 101: The Best Ways to Get Started in Real Estate Investing

December 5, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Real estate investing is one of the best ways to grow your wealth and start taking in a passive income. But for someone who’s new to the real estate world, it can feel pretty overwhelming. How do you start investing in real estate if you have no prior experience?

Well, you have a few options depending on your financial standing and your investment goals.

Ready to learn some real estate 101? Keep reading for the best ways to get started in real estate investing.

Rent Out a Room

When you think of investing in real estate, you might imagine buying a property to rent out or to flip for a profit. But for people who are beginners in the world of real estate, or who don’t have the money to invest in an entire rental property, renting out a single room is a great investment opportunity.

If you’re planning on buying a house of your own, why not make an investment and buy a house that has a spare room to rent out? Another route would be to buy a duplex and live in one side while renting out the other. This is a great option for people with limited resources who are interested in making at least some money off of real estate.

If you take out a mortgage for the home, you can potentially make back your mortgage payments by renting out part of the property.

Invest in Rental Properties

If you are in good financial standing and you’re ready to dive head-first into real estate investing, there’s no better choice than buying a rental property. This option will earn you the most passive income and have a high appreciation rate so you earn more over time.

The most difficult part of investing in a property is finding one that will earn you the most money now and in the long-run. If you’re new to investing, it’s best to work with a real estate investment company that can find you the hottest properties and best deals.

Start Flipping Homes

Looking for a high-risk, high-reward investment opportunity? Do you want to earn a profit right now instead of in ten years? Flipping a house might be your best bet.

This strategy involves buying a home that you think is undervalued, fixing it up to drastically increase the value, and then re-selling it at a much higher price than what you originally paid.

This is a high-risk strategy because you’re banking on the fact that the house will sell for a lot more than what you spent (a) buying the house and (b) fixing the house up. However, if it works out, you’ll have earned a big profit really fast.

This is a good way to get into investing if you’re someone that has money to spend already. It’s not a great strategy for people who need to take out a mortgage for a home, however.

Buy Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

If you’re an investor that wants to add real estate to your portfolio but doesn’t want to make a traditional purchase, you can buy through a real estate investment trust (REIT). Essentially, this means you are buying stocks of real estate so you will only own a fraction of properties.

This is ideal for investors who want to get started in real estate without putting down a lot of money. You can earn profits off of your “stock” and get a better feel for how real estate investing works before jumping into an investment property on your own.

Real Estate 101: Start Investing Today

Now that you’ve got the lowdown on real estate 101, it’s time to take the next step and start investing. The earlier you start investing in real estate, the more you’ll make in the long run. Luckily, we’re here to help you get started.

Here at Premis Realty, we help entrepreneurs find the perfect properties to invest in. Then we’ll find quality tenants and manage the property so you don’t have to. Contact us today to learn more about our investment and property management services!

The Ultimate Guide on How to Find Tenants for Your Rental Property

November 21, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

You’ve recently bought an investment property and you’re excited to start renting it out and earn a passive income. But unfortunately, finding quality tenants is a lot easier said than done.

Even if you live in an area that has a high demand for rental properties, you still need to market your house and get the word out that it’s for rent. Otherwise, it’ll sit vacant and will end up costing you money each passing month instead of providing you some extra income.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to find tenants for your rental property.

Use “For Rent” Signs

It might seem obvious to put up “for rent” signs at your property, but it’s something can be overlooked in the age of digital marketing. However, it’s important to catch the attention of people walking or driving by your home because you never know who might be looking for a place to live.

Not only will they see that your house is available to rent, but they will actually be there in-person and can form an opinion on how it looks. They can also drive around and see what else is in the area to give them a better idea of if it’s a good fit. Then, they can give the renter’s number a call or visit their website to see additional pictures of the interior of the home.

Advertise on Rental Sites

The number one way to attract tenants is to advertise on rental sites like Zillow or Trulia. This is how tenants look for properties, and if yours isn’t listed they will never know it exists.

The more you include on rental sites, the better. Potential tenants want to have as much info as they can before reaching out to get a viewing. Include quality pictures of the inside and outside, and make sure the photos are free of clutter and personal items. It’s best to work with a professional photographer that can really highlight the qualities of your home.

You should also include rent price and what’s included in rent (HOA fees, utilities, etc.), pet policies, square footage, floor plans, and what maintenance will be provided, if any.

Post Properties on Social Media

If you have a social media account, consider posting pictures of your properties online. You can post your property to local real estate or rental pages on Facebook and you might find locals interested in renting the property.

You can also post pictures on your own pages to see if any friends or acquaintances are interested, or may know someone that is interested in renting your property.

Advertise on Craigslist

Posting properties on craigslist is one of the easiest ways to attract tenants. It’s free and easy-to-use, and people looking for properties often check out craigslist before any other renting sites.

When posting an add on craigslist, be sure to include all of the same information that you’d include on other rental sites. This helps people differentiate your listing from scam posts that often flood craigslist.

Work with a Property Management Company

The best way to find quality tenants is to use a property management company because not only will they do all of the above for you, but they have a ton of experience finding tenants and know how to market properties.

A property management company will market your property, conduct home viewings with potential tenants, create tenant applications, screen potential tenants, and write the property lease. That is a lot of work for an investor with no experience to try to do, so there’s no question that hiring a property management company will save you both time and money in the long run.

How to Find Tenants: Quality Matters

When thinking about how to find tenants for your rental property, it’s easy to forget that finding quality tenants is more important than quickly filling a vacancy. Yes, having a vacant property can be costly, but having a bad tenant move in and destroy your property or miss rent payments is a lot worse. By taking the time to attract quality tenants, you will be much better off.

Here at Premis Realty and Investment Services Inc, we have all the tools to attract quality tenants to your rental property. We will handle screening tenants, the entire application process, and will deal with collecting deposits and rent every month. We also have an established reputation in the Pinellas County area and generate hundreds of calls from prospective tenants each month.

There’s no doubt that managing tenants is one of the most difficult parts of renting out a property, and that’s why we’ll handle those duties for you. Contact us today to learn more about our property management services and how we can help make your life as an investor much less stressful.

Florida Real Estate Investment: 3 Things You Should Consider Before Investing

November 14, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Florida is one of the most popular states for people looking to invest in real estate, and for good reason! Florida’s housing market and economy are strong and it’s a beautiful place to live. But when deciding on a Florida real estate investment property, there are some important things to consider.

If you want to make the most out of your Florida investment property, make sure you consider these three factors.

1. Determine Your Investment Goals

The first and most important thing you need to think about is what your ultimate investment goal is. This will drastically change what type of property you’re looking for and which regions you should consider.

Is your goal to buy a Florida property and hold it for the long-term appreciation value so you can sell it for a big profit down the line? Do you want to buy a property with the main goal being to rent it out or use it as an Airbnb property to make profits right away? Are you looking to buy a property that you’ll end up living in after retirement?

These are questions you need to ask yourself before starting your search for a rental property. For example, if you hope to buy a property and rent it out until you retire to Florida, your priority should be looking for a property that you love and want to live in. But if you don’t plan on living in the house or unit, you should mainly be focused on the home’s value and whether other people will want to live there.

2. Compare the Value of Different Regions

Each region in Florida has something unique to offer, and it’s up to you to decide what you value the most. For example, Miami has a unique and vibrant culture unlike anywhere else in the country. People of all ages and backgrounds live there and the city attracts millions of tourists each year making the economy very strong.

The Tampa Bay area is another great region of Florida that you should consider. The city of Tampa is growing in popularity and has a lot to offer when it comes to affordable housing, exquisite restaurants, exciting music venues, and unique neighborhoods.

Just outside the city, you’ll find Pinellas County, which includes popular cities like Clearwater and Dunedin. These cities offer beautiful beach homes and houses just a stone’s throw from the nearest shore. The residents in the Pinellas County area like to say “we live where you vacation”, and it’s true! Investing in an area with a ton of tourist activity is always good for the investor.

There are tons of other regions in Florida to consider, so be sure to do your due diligence and take a closer look at what each city has to offer.

3. Compare Individual Property Value

When investing, you’re going to have to make some tough decisions while narrowing down your search for the perfect rental property. You might find a property that you really love but it costs a fortune and might not appreciate in value as much as a property that you aren’t as interested in.

When looking at individual properties, you need to consider a few different things:

Current asking price
Property taxes
Quality of neighborhood
Market trends
Surrounding businesses
Quality of the property itself

Each of these factors either adds or takes away value from a property. For example, you may find an affordable property in an up-and-coming neighborhood, but it’s in need of some serious renovations that’ll cost you a fortune. You have to weigh those costs against what you think the value of the home will be in the future. Once you determine that value, you can compare to other properties that have caught your eye and decide which one offers you the most short or long-term value.

Make the Most Out of Your Florida Real Estate Investment

If you’re considering a Florida real estate investment property, you’re on the right track. Because of Florida’s massive economy and strong housing market, you’re already setting yourself up for success. But it’s important to determine your investment goals and consider what each region of Florida has to offer before making a decision.

Here at Premis Realty and Investment Services Inc, we strongly believe that Pinellas County has the most to offer real estate investors. With award-winning beaches, top-notch public schools, an always-growing economy, and an influx of new local businesses, Pinellas County is the perfect place to invest in.

If you’re ready to invest in your future, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our investment services!

Increase Your Profits: 9 Factors to Consider When Buying a Rental Property

November 1, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Investing in a rental property can be scary because if you choose to invest in the wrong neighborhood, you could substantially limit your short-term and long-term profits. But with the proper research and knowledge of the area, you can find a great deal on a property that will make you a ton of money going forward.

Taking the extra time and effort to research a property can make a huge difference in your investment, so don’t cut corners here.

With that being said, what factors should you consider when buying rental properties?

Keep reading to find out!

1. Neighborhood

The neighborhood you choose to invest in is the most obvious factor to consider. By looking closely at a neighborhood, you can see what type of tenants you will attract to your rental property. Some neighborhoods are filled with families, some are popular among young professionals, and some are for low-income individuals.

You should also consider what could lead someone to rent a house in the area. For example, if you invest near a university, the majority of interest will come from college students. This can pose some problems as you may have more vacancies over the summer, and you’ll also have more turnover each year.

Your safest bet is to invest in single-family homes in middle-class areas.

2. Job Market

The job market can speak volumes about the local economy and the quality of the rental properties you’re looking at. Higher job demand and growing employment opportunities means more professionals looking to move into the area. This bodes well for you as an investor because it means fewer vacancies and allows you to increase rent prices to meet demand.

Also, if you hear about a popular or large business moving into the area, you can bet on a lot of professionals flooding in as well. Jumping on the opportunity to invest in a property near a popular business can pay off big time.

3. Property Taxes

Property taxes are a huge factor to consider because they will really bite into your monthly profits. However, it’s important to note that high property taxes doesn’t always mean you should avoid that particular property. Some residents with higher property taxes are well worth it and will earn you enough to offset those taxes. But there are also properties that carry a high property tax but don’t offer enough value to be worth it in the end.

The best way to consider property taxes is to just look for properties that you like and that meet your requirements, and then see what you’d be paying monthly towards taxes. Then, weight that cost against the value of the property and you can make an educated decision from there.

4. Crime

One of the first things you should look for when researching a property to invest in is the crime rate in the surrounding area. No one wants to live somewhere with a high level of crime, and the people who do rent in those areas probably won’t stay long. This can really drop the value of your property and also cause longer vacancies which costs you a ton of money.

Be sure to research crime levels in the local area. However, if you notice a neighborhood that used to have high crime levels is decreasing at a fast pace, it might be worth a look. The area could be on the come up, which means you might get a great deal on a property that’s about to shoot up in value.

5. Schools

If you’re looking to invest in a family-sized home, schools should be one of the first factors you consider. Families often look for homes that are zoned for high-quality schools, so this factor alone can really increase demand and reduce vacancies.

You can research online for local school grades to learn more about which ones families will be interested in living near.

6. Local Businesses

The local businesses in an area can speak volumes about the quality of the property you’re interested in. Do you notice a lot of fast-food restaurants, chain businesses, and low-quality supermarkets? That’s never a good sign of an up-and-coming area.

But if you see a lot of small, unique businesses such as nice coffee shops, high-end restaurants, and organic grocery stored

7. Future Development

If the area you’re looking at has a lot of construction going on, or there are new properties being zoned in the area, it can be both a good and bad thing for your investment. On one hand, it shows that there is a lot of growth in the area which means more people will be flooding in. Also, if new businesses are being built, that’s always a good sign for investors in the area.

On the other hand, if new homes are being built, it could mean more competition when it comes to finding quality tenants.

8. Number of Listings in the Area

The number of listings in a neighborhood can tell you a lot about the local demand. If there are no listings, it means that neighborhood is probably in high-demand which bodes well for you as an investor, because you can charge more and have shorter vacancies.

If there are a ton of listings for the neighborhood, it could signal that the neighborhood is in decline and people aren’t looking to move there. However, it could simply mean that it’s the end of a renting cycle so people have recently moved out.

9. Average Rent Price

The money you make off monthly rent payments is a big part of your investment returns, so you need to make sure the average rent price in the area is what you’re looking for. If the average rent price is pretty low, it’s not necessarily a bad thing, however. For example, if you find a property in an up-and-coming area for a cheap price, investing in it and betting on higher demand in the future can really pay off.

On the flip side, neighborhoods with a higher average rent price can seem really appealing, but they also might cost significantly more and carry a higher property tax.

So it’s all about weighing the average rent price against the other factors we mentioned above to find the best value.

Consider These Factors to Find the Most Profitable Rental Property

If you’re interested in investing in real estate, you know that the key to higher profits lies with the rental property you choose to invest in. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence when researching investment properties by considering these factors.

No one understands these rental property factors more than Premis Realty and Investment Services Inc. We have nearly two decades of experience in the Pinellas County area and we’re eager to share our knowledge with you so you can find the most profitable rental properties. Contact us today to learn more about our services!

What Does a Property Management Company Do?

October 24, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Investing in real estate is an exciting endeavor. You’re taking your future into your own hands and you’re ready to earn passive income off of your property.

However, many first-time real estate investors don’t realize how much work goes into owning and renting out a property. In fact, it can quickly become a full-time job which negates the premise of earning a passive income off of your investment.

That’s why property management companies exist. But, what does a property management company do, exactly?

Keep reading to learn the services a property management company will provide you with.

Set Appropriate Rent Price

Setting a rent price for your property might sound like an easy, straightforward task. But in order to maximize your profits without prolonged vacancies, you need to find the rent sweet-spot. This requires a lot of research and local market knowledge.

Setting a rent price goes beyond simply looking at what nearby properties are charging for rent. You need to consider what makes your property more (or less) valuable than the properties around you and set the price with that knowledge.

A property management company has a deep understanding of the local market and what potential tenants are looking for in a rental property. With that knowledge, they can set the perfect rent price to earn you the most money off of your property.

Market Your Property

No matter how amazing your property is, no one will apply to rent if it isn’t being marketed. People can’t want what they don’t know exists.

Property management companies will market your property on popular renting sites to attract tenants. They’ll post attractive pictures and talk up your property so people will be rushing to apply to rent your unit.

Screen Tenants

Attracting tenants through marketing is only half the battle. It doesn’t matter how many tenants you attract if they all have poor credit and renting histories. A property manager will screen tenant applications, run background checks, credit checks, and even meet them in person before deciding who the best tenant will be.

Screening tenants is so important because, with a quality tenant, you minimize the risk of vacancies and evictions. Quality tenants will also take better care of your home and will pay rent on time.

Accounting Services

A property management company will collect rent from your tenants and send you monthly reports with your proceeds.

This is a huge benefit because collecting rent from tenants can be a real headache, and it’s best to let people who have experience dealing with tenants take care of it. Then, you’ll be getting a financial report each month laying out any expenses and showing your profits for each month.

Deals with Repairs and Maintenance

Issues arise with every property and repairs and maintenance need to be done on short notice. Without a property management company, you’ll be left with tenants calling you directly about issues with plumbing, HVAC, electricity, or broken appliances all the time. You’ll have to either fix the issues yourself or call professionals to do the repairs.

With a property management company, you won’t have to hear about any of those issues. Tenants will call them to make repairs. A property manager will also do routine maintenance to prevent expensive issues from happening down the line.

Home Inspections

Home inspections are necessary when a tenant moves out to ensure the property is in good shape. A property management company has years of experience inspecting properties so you know they won’t miss a thing.

They will put together an inspection report and hold any amount of the tenant’s security deposit depending on the damage that’s been done on the property. Then, they will make the appropriate repairs before the next tenant moves in.

What Does a Property Management Company Do? They Make Your Life Easier

Now that we’ve answered the question “what does a property management company do”, it’s clear that they are necessary for real estate investors. This is especially true for investors that want to be hands-off when it comes to the day-to-day tasks.

Here at Premis Realty and Investment Services Inc, we offer all of these services and more, so you can rest assured that your investment properties are taken care of. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.

How to Find the Best Clearwater Property Management Company

October 11, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Once you invest in a real estate property, you’ll quickly realize how important it is to work with a local property management company. Quality property managers can offer a ton of benefits to you and make your life as a real estate investor infinitely easier.

However, not all property management companies are created equal. It’s important to do your due diligence when searching for a company to work with, so you can move forward knowing your rental property is in good hands. But how do you know which is the best property management company?

Keep reading for some tips to help you find the best property management companies in Clearwater, FL.

Ask Around

Do you have any friends or family in the Clearwater area that have invested in real estate?

It’s a great idea to ask for recommendations from your peers or to simply listen to their experiences. They can give you a first-hand account of what it’s like to work with specific companies in the area.

While it’s not always best to base your decision solely on other’s opinions, it can give you a nice jumping-off point in your search for the best property management company.

Look for Experience

Experience is essential in any field of work, but even more so in property management and investment services. This is because your property manager needs to have a deep understanding of the local market and real estate trends. With that knowledge, they will know the value of your rental property and be able to price it accordingly to get you the best ROI.

An experienced property manager has also had to deal with just about everything that could go wrong with a property or with tenants. This gives them the knowledge to be able to handle crisis situations much more efficiently than a brand new company with no experience.

Check Online Reviews

Did you know that 84 percent of people trust online reviews as much or more than personal recommendations?

Online reviews can give investors a better idea of what a company’s strengths and weaknesses are. If a company has an average of one or two stars, it might be best to avoid that business.

When looking at a company’s reviews, it’s a good idea to jot down some of the negative stuff you read so you can talk to the company in person about those concerns. Sometimes, people leave bad reviews even when the company was not at fault. So if you feel good about a company and notice a couple of bad reviews, you should consult with them in person to see if it’s a legitimate concern.

Set Up an Interview

Once you’ve narrowed down your search, it’s time to meet with the property management company in person. After all, you are tasking them with caring for your investment property, so you need to make sure you’re on the same page.

During the interview, make sure they go over their fee structure, the services they offer, and what sets them apart from other local companies. Also, be sure to voice any concerns or worries you may have so you can move forward feeling confident.

If you’re unsure of what to ask during your meeting, check out this blog for some important questions to ask a property management company.

Go with Your Gut

After gathering all of the information you possibly can, it’s time to make your decision.

In the end, as with most decisions in life, it’s best to go with your gut. Oftentimes, you will know which company aligns with your values and needs when you meet them in person.

You will be working with this company for years to come, so it’s important you feel good about the professional relationship and you know they can be counted on to do their best and take care of your properties.

Ready to Find the Best Property Management Companies in Clearwater?

With these tips, you’ll be able to find the top property management companies in Clearwater, FL that’ll make real estate investing and renting a complete breeze.

Here at Premis Realty and Investment Services Inc, we believe we check off all of those qualifications. With nearly 20 years of experience in the Clearwater area, we know the local real estate market more than anyone.

If you’re interested in learning more about or property management or investment services, please contact us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

5 Tips for Buying Your First Investment Property

October 4, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Investing in your first property can feel extremely overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in real estate. There are several factors to consider, and making a poor decision along the way can cost you big time down the line.

But with the proper knowledge and planning in advance, you can rest assured that your investment will be worthwhile.

Ready to take the plunge and buy your first investment property? Read these five tips to help you succeed.

1. Get Your Finances in Order

Buying an investment property is a major financial decision. Not only will you need to put up a hefty downpayment, but you’ll be paying monthly expenses such as mortgage payments and property taxes.

If your finances are in shambles, adding another mortgage payment and spending a large chunk of money on the downpayment will only make things worse for you. You might find it even more difficult to keep up with your monthly bills.

That’s why you need to get your finances in order before investing in a property. If you have debt that you’re already struggling to pay off, it might be best to hold off on adding to that debt. By paying off your credit card debt and other loans first, you’ll feel a lot more confident when investing in a property.

Also, make sure you have the money for a downpayment. If you don’t have it, you can consider going in on the investment with someone else so you can split the downpayment. Otherwise, you’ll have to hold off on purchasing an investment property until you have sufficient funding.

2. Find a Low-Cost, High-Value Property

This is the most important piece of advice for new investors. The value of your investment is determined by (a) how much you purchase the home for and (b) how much that home appreciates in value over time.

If you don’t hit both of those marks, your return on investment (ROI) won’t be as high as you’d hoped.

For example, you might find a cheap home that really catches your eye because of the low price. You purchase the home but find that the value is not increasing because it’s in a poor location or is a real fixer-upper. So, although you found an inexpensive home, the investment isn’t paying off at all.

By finding a relatively low-cost home in an otherwise good area, you can really capitalize on your investment. Look for properties that are surrounded by quality retail stores, highly-rated schools, nice restaurants, and more businesses that’ll attract people to the neighborhood.

It’s important to work with a local real estate investment company that really understands the local market. They will be able to find you the best deals on homes that’ll appreciate in value over time.

3. Beware of High Interest Rates

Oftentimes, interest rates will be higher for investment properties than if you were purchasing a home for yourself to live in. That’s why it’s especially important to be aware of these increased interest rates when considering your mortgage options.

A high interest rate really cuts into the value of your investment, and will greatly decrease the profits you make month-to-month. Take some extra time to look for the best mortgage lenders that will offer you lower interest rates–it’ll really pay off in the end.

4. Calculate Monthly Expenses

Beyond buying the investment property, you’ll also have to consider monthly expenses. These expenses are unavoidable and will cut into your profit every month. It’s important to determine these expenses before purchasing a property to give you a better idea of how much you’ll be making in profit.

For example, you’ll need to pay for property taxes, mortgage payments, maintenance, property inspections, tenant screenings (applications, background checks), and more. By having an estimate of what this will cost each month or each year, you’ll be able to set a rent price that’ll pay for those expenses and still earn you a profit.

5. Work with a Property Management Company

After purchasing an investment property, you’ll want to hire a property management company to handle the day-to-day tasks. These tasks include finding quality tenants, performing home inspections, fixing any issues in the home, collecting rent, and handling any issues with current tenants.

By working with a property management company, you’ll collect passive income each month without having to deal with the daily tasks of being a landlord. Property management companies have local connections with electricians, plumbers, and handymen so you won’t have to worry about tracking any down during a crisis.

Buying an Investment Property Doesn’t Need to Be Hard

There are a lot of things to consider when buying your first investment property, and it may seem a bit overwhelming to someone who hasn’t done it before. But if you work with people who understand property investing and the local real estate market, you’ll feel a lot more at ease.

That’s what we at Premis Realty strive for; we want to make investing in real estate easy and achievable for all entrepreneurs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you invest in Clearwater properties.

4 Real Estate Investment Strategies to Grow Your Wealth

September 27, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Investing in real estate is an exciting endeavor that can lead to significant financial growth. But not only are there different types of real estate properties you can invest in, but there are also a number of strategies you can use when investing.

It’s important to know about the strengths and weaknesses of each strategy that you can pursue. From there, you’ll be able to determine the best course of action depending on your investment and financial goals.

Keep reading for the top four real estate investment strategies that you should consider in order to grow your wealth.

1. Buy and Hold

The buy and hold strategy is the most popular real estate investment opportunity because it offers both short-term and long-term value.

Buy and hold means you invest in a property (single-family home, raw land, condo, etc.) with the intention of holding it for the foreseeable future. The goal is to hold onto the property while its value appreciates over time so you can then sell it and get a large return on your initial investment.

This option also offers short-term value because, for example, if you buy a single-family home, you can rent it out to tenants while you’re holding the property. Oftentimes, renting out the property will give the investor enough money to cover the monthly mortgage payments (if they have any) as well as some extra money to spend on fixing the place up and managing it.

This strategy is pretty much risk-free because the real estate market grows naturally over time due to inflation and growth of the economy. Even taking into account potential future housing market drops, a home’s value will appreciate beyond that.

The only negative to the buy and hold strategy is if you want to rent out your home for short-term income, you’ll need to deal with tenants and maintenance of the home, which can be time-consuming and stressful. That’s why it’s important to hire a property management company that can handle all of those duties without you having to lift a finger.

2. Fix and Flip

If you have money to spend on fixing up an old, worn-down house, the fix and flip strategy might be right for you.

This strategy involves finding a house that is run-down and in need of some serious TLC. But you shouldn’t just find any old house. You want to find one that is in a good area with real estate properties in high-demand. If you find a house that is significantly less expensive than others in the area due to it’s foundational or aesthetic issues, that would be a great option for a fix and flip investment.

This strategy is best for people who have the money to both purchase the home upfront, and fix it right away. Some houses require a ton of care in order to increase in value. But if you find the right house in the perfect area, you can make a ton of money after fixing it up.

If you’re looking to make an investment and get a quick return, this is a solid option. The main setback here is that you have to gamble on the fact that the house will sell for more than what you’re spending to buy and fix it. You also have to hope that it sells quickly.

Another setback of this strategy is it’s not a long-term investment. You’ll get your return relatively quickly, and then you’ll want to invest again to keep getting income.

3. Airbnb Investment Property

Airbnb has become a huge force to be reckoned with and cannot be ignored by real estate investors any longer. Airbnb investment properties allow entrepreneurs to potentially make a ton of money each month if they play their cards right.

First, you’ll want to buy a property somewhere that has a lot of tourism so there won’t be a shortage of people looking to stay at your property. Then, you need to make the property unique and add amenities that are inexpensive but will lead to people willing to spend more to stay with you (snacks, local tips, bikes to use, etc.).

You can literally make hundreds of dollars a night from renting out your property if you do it right and take care of the home.

There are a few setbacks to this strategy, however. If you’re an Airbnb host, you’ll need to be a lot more involved than you would with other types of investment properties. Another setback is there can be stretches of time where your home won’t be booked for a stay, so you won’t make any money. Also, Airbnb takes a chunk of what you make from each booking.

4. Real Estate Investment Trust

A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is when you pool your money with a group of other investors to buy a piece of real estate. This strategy is generally used for large real estate properties, such as strip malls, office buildings, or apartment buildings. Think of this as something similar to buying shares in the stock market.

REITs are very passive and you won’t need to worry about maintenance or finding tenants. You just have to invest in some money and sell your shares when you think they have the most value.

If you’re looking for the most hands-off strategy, this is it. However, it comes at a price as you probably won’t get as much in returns, and it’s hard to determine when the best time to sell your shares will be. You also won’t be able to make executive decisions over the property, giving you a lot less control.

Real Estate Investment Strategies: Get Help from the Pros

If you’re looking for the best long-term real estate opportunity, buying and holding is the way to go. Not only can you make money in the short-term by renting out the home, but the property will appreciate in value over time.

Are you ready to use one of these real estate investment strategies to grow your wealth?

Here at Premis Realty and Investment Services Inc, we will help you find the most valuable properties in the Pinellas County area. We’ll also handle all of the property management duties, so you don’t have to.

What Are the Different Types of Real Estate Investments?

September 19, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Real estate is becoming a more attractive investment opportunity for young entrepreneurs across the country, and for good reason. On average, long-term real estate investments outperform the S&P 500 Index.

But if you’re interested in property investment, where do you even start?

Well, first you need to understand the different types of real estate investments. Keep reading to learn more!

Residential

Residential real estate is the most popular type of investment, especially for beginner investors. This is because it requires very little effort to own and manage a residential property compared to a commercial or industrial property. This is especially true if you work with a property management company that will handle things like tenants, collecting rent, maintenance, repairs, and quickly filling vacancies.

There are a few different types of residential investment options, including:

Single-family homes
Duplexes
Townhomes
Condos
Apartment buildings

For beginner investors, it’s best to start with a single-family home, as you won’t have to worry about managing multiple units or tenants. You can also get a huge return by finding homes for sale with the potential for high long-term appreciation.

Commercial

Commercial real estate refers to properties that are leased to businesses. Commercial investments are vastly different than residential investments and offer a wide range of options.

Commercial investments can vary widely in terms of size, cost, and style. Here are some of the types of commercial investment properties.

Office Buildings (for small or large businesses)
Retail (strip malls, shopping centers)
Mixed-use properties (used for both business and residential)
Industrial (warehouses, car washes, storage facilities)

In general, commercial properties are a lot more expensive than residential properties. You also might have more difficulty filling vacancies than you would with single-family homes. That’s why commercial property investing isn’t recommended for beginner investors. It’s best to hold off on this type of investing until you have plenty of experience and have had time to build your portfolio.

Undeveloped Land

Investing in raw, undeveloped land can be a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. The goal of investing in land is to find an area that is low in value now, but you expect to grow in value over time.

For example, is there an up-and-coming town or city with a ton of free land surrounding it? That might be a good investment. In fact, you might be able to make a fortune off of it.

However, there’s always the chance that you invest in land that doesn’t gain value, and you won’t get any return on it.

This makes investing in undeveloped land a bigger risk than investing in a single-family home. A single-family home will appreciate in value simply due to inflation and the growth of the real estate market. But you can find bare pieces of land that are priced the same now as they were 10 years ago.

With this type of investment, it’s best to only make your move if you feel confident that you’ve found a unique and up-and-coming area.

Types of Real Estate Investments: Start with Residential Investing

While each of these types of real estate investments may have piqued your interest, it’s best to start with residential investing. Not only is it the easiest route, but you’ll be able to gain experience and build your portfolio so you can invest in other types of real estate in the future.

Whether you’re looking to invest in your first property, or you’re a seasoned investor, you need an experienced real estate management team on your side.

Here at Premis Realty and Investment Services Inc, we will help you find the best properties to invest in, and we’ll take care of all of the managerial duties including finding quality tenants, collecting rent, and routine maintenance.

4 Important Questions to Ask a Clearwater Property Management Company

September 13, 2019/in Premis Real Estate Blog

Working with a property management company is an integral part of being a real estate investor. A quality property management company will find you the best investment opportunities, market your property, screen tenants, perform maintenance, collect rent, and much more.

But not all property managers are the same. It’s important to do your due diligence when looking for a Clearwater property management company to take care of your investment property.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most important questions investors need to ask a property manager before signing an agreement.

1. What Are the Services You Offer?

This should be the first question you ask because you’ll find that a lot of property managers don’t offer everything you’ll need them to.

When hiring a property manager, you should look for a few key services, which include:

Maintenance
Rent collection
Tenant screenings
Minimizing vacancies
Investment services
Real estate marketing
Property inspections
Preventing disputes
Accounting

All of these services should be included in your agreement with the property manager. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself needing to hire additional people to perform those tasks.

Note the importance of your property management company offering investment services. This is a key inclusion because without real estate investment knowledge, they won’t understand the local market as much and won’t be able to find you the best deals.

By working with a real estate management company that also offers investment services, they can find you incredible investment opportunities in the area, and then manage those properties for you. The process becomes a lot smoother and you’ll save more money by working with the same company the whole time.

2. How Much Experience Do You Have?

In order to be a high-functioning and effective property manager, you need to have several years of experience under your belt. No amount of market knowledge or studying can prepare someone for property management more than pure experience can.

This is because things can go wrong all the time with properties, and knowing exactly how to handle those issues (who to call, how to deal with upset tenants, etc.) is essential.

That’s why your second question needs to revolve how much experience your property manager has. If they are fairly new, you need to ask what makes them more qualified than a company that has been doing it for many years.

3. What Types of Properties Do You Manage?

Next up is discussing what types of properties they tend to manage. Some property managers may only work with apartment buildings or complexes, others may only work with single-family homes, and some will work with a combination of both.

It’s important to make sure your property manager has extensive experience in managing the specific type of property you own, so you know it’ll be a smooth and easy process without any growing pains.

In addition to the type of properties they manage, also ask about how many properties they manage. If they manage a small number of units, it may be due to inexperience or the loss of clients from poor customer service. If they manage a ton of units, your property may not get the attention it needs.

4. What Is Your Fee Structure?

There are a few different ways property management companies structure their fees, and while they each have their own advantages and disadvantages, you need to know which one works best for you.

The first type of fee structure is based on the rent price. This means you and your property manager will agree to a percentage of a rent price which will go to the management company.

This option is beneficial to investors because it gives property management companies the incentive to charge higher rent, which means more money for the investor.

Another popular fee structure is the flat rate, which means you’ll pay the property manager the same amount, regardless of what the rent charge is. This can be beneficial because it prevents the investor from having to pay the property manager more money if the rent increases.

You should also inquire about what their monthly rate includes. Is it all-inclusive or will you have to pay extra if there is maintenance to be done? Or will you have to pay a vacancy charge if no one is renting the property?

These are important questions to ask because oftentimes property management companies will offer low base rates but they won’t be all-inclusive, meaning you’ll end up spending just as much or more every month with all of the additional charges.

What to Look for When Hiring a Clearwater Property Management Company

By asking the above questions, you now know exactly what to look for when hiring a Clearwater property management company.

No one in the Pinellas County area hits all of those marks better than Premis Realty. Not only do we provide top-of-the-line investment services, but we offer the best property management services in the county.

Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help make your investment dreams into a reality.