Looking to maximize your rental income without spending a lot of money out-of-pocket?

Looking to maximize your rental income without spending a lot of money out-of-pocket? Tenants don’t want to cook in a dark, cramped, outdated space. Increase the wow-factor of your property by updating your kitchen. Stainless steel appliances are nice, but if you’re remodeling on a budget, read on for some easy, low-budget ways to improve your kitchen. Plus, if you decide to sell in the next 5-10 years, a mid-range kitchen remodel  can give you up to a 70% return on your investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2015 Cost vs. Value Report

Paint Cabinets White

Are your kitchen cabinets a little beat up? Do you have wood cabinets that look dated and make the room gloomy? You can easily upgrade your kitchen by painting your cabinets white. White cabinets work with all types of design styles, so whether your tenant’s style leans more toward rustic or modern, they’ll be able to make their belongings fit nicely. White cabinets also give you a neutral palette to try out an array of stylish backsplashes or even a bold color for a statement wall.

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Via Modernize.com

 

Add Interesting Lighting

Lighting is an inexpensive way to add some real style to your kitchen. Pendant lamps or even a chandelier are great tools for integrating your cooking and eating space–whether it’s a breakfast nook or an adjacent dining room. You can also play with scale to make a cavernous space feel more intimate or a small space more cozy and welcoming.

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Via Modernize.com

If you have a kitchen that tends to get very hot, consider adding a light fixture with a ceiling fan. Your tenants will appreciate it in the warm summer months.

 

Maximize Storage Space

Even if you have a small kitchen, you’ll be able to meet the needs of your tenants with some smart storage solutions.,. Install multiple shelf units within cabinets to double and sometimes triple the storage space. In the area under the sink–always tight because of plumbing–install some handy door racks inside the cabinet to keep supplies organized. You can also make the most of those faux drawers (typically found below the sink) by converting them to tilting drawers that hold sponges and other small cleaning supplies. If you’re working with limited space for dishes, utensils, spices or small cooking accessories, look underneath the cabinets. There are ample options for installing racks with hooks to hang coffee mugs or utensils; magnetic strips for cutlery sets, dish drying racks and even spice shelves. The space underneath cabinets can provide an incredible amount of unexpected storage space, and in a neat and tidy manner.

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Via Modernize.com

 

Utilize a Non-Traditional Island

If you have the space, consider adding an island to your kitchen. The island will provide valuable counter space for preparing meals and can serve as a dining room table for small family dinners or as a serving buffet during parties. Depending on the type of island you select, you may also be able to get some extra storage space out of it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money of a factory produced island (that may or may not match your cabinets). Instead, consider non-traditional islands like a repurposed dresser or bookshelves. Here are some great DIY inspirations for kitchen islands. Whatever you end up using, just make sure to fasten the island to the floor to keep the surface stable.

 

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Source : Bryn Huntpalmer, Editor of Modernize.com Via Modernize.com


 

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Red Rock Management & Real Estate Investment
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Is property management affordable for single-family rental owners?

Not only is property management affordable, using a property manager can actually increase your property’s overall profitability. Most property managers charge a small percentage of your monthly rent in exchange for comprehensive services that range from finding and screening tenants, to handling emergency maintenance, to keeping the books and preparing year-end taxes.

Source – All Property Management

 


 

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Now’s the Time to Buy for Some

Now’s the Time to Buy for Some
For some, now is a great time to buy real estate, especially Las Vegas real estate. Home
values are poised perfectly for an upswing in appreciation. There is a demographic of people
who can really score in this market. According to Yahoo:
“Dual-income customers should definitely buy a home now,” says George Kaiser, vice president
of banking operations for Northbrook Bank and Trust and West America Mortgage Co., its
sister company. “People with assets in reserve and a credit score of at least 680 should buy
as well. Anyone with a credit score less than that will have to verify their income.”

For others it is also a great time to get involved. For some it’s not. If you need help
determining whether or not the Las Vegas real estate market is right for you now get in
contact with your Las Vegas Realtor at www.RedRockManagementlv.com.


 

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Red Rock Management
www.RedRockManagementLV.com
Info@RedRockManagementLV.com
FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT QUOTE – CALL 702-622-8668

 

 

Is Your Home Insurance High Enough?

Is Your Home Insurance High Enough?
The news commonly reminds us of unexpected disaster and loss of home. This Wall Street
Journal article suggests we get our insurance in order. Many of our homes may not be insured
properly for possible issues. We don’t intend to scare home owners but want to point out
that there are ways to verify if the home is properly insured or not.

Las Vegas is known for its storms during the monsoon season. A community can be flooded
quickly. There is a resource home owners can use to determine whether they live in a flood
plain or not. It is a web site with all of the flood zones outlined. Las Vegas Realtors can
provide you with that resource.


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Local Real Estate Markets May Get Involved in Housing

Local Real Estate Markets May Get Involved in Housing, Literally Buying and Selling Homes
An article in CNN this morning was very intriguing and will likely spark some political
skirmish. As mentioned in the article:

“Under the House plan, the Department of Housing and Urban Development would dole out the
loans and grants based on the number of foreclosures and home prices in an area. Cities
could use the money to buy foreclosed homes, renovate the homes to make them compliant with
housing codes, and resell or rent them.”
The goal is to help keep neighborhoods and the city as a whole in good shape since there are
so many vacant homes on the market. They tend to be run down.

In Las Vegas we’re seeing a significant number of homes that are vacant. There has been
issues with dilapitated homes and associated values. Some Las Vegas real estate agents are
wrapped up in these properties and are able to get good deals on them. However, if buyers
aren’t available it takes some technique to sell these properties. We’ll keep an eye out to
see if the bill passes.


 

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Red Rock Management
www.RedRockManagementLV.com
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FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT QUOTE – CALL 702-622-8668

Home Buyers Attracted to Lower Home Prices, Not Incentives

Home Buyers Attracted to Lower Home Prices, Not Incentives
The Realtor® Magazine published an article in March about real estate purchaser preference.
They claim that although incentives are attractive, lower home prices draw more interest.

Many Las Vegas real estate agents don’t oppose incentives and have found success with them.
However, one major factor that affects buyer interest is that fact that buyers who work with
Realtors® typically use the MLS home search. There is no search criteria for “incentives” or
similar terms. Potential buyers have to stumble upon incentives as they peruse and the odds
of being found are lower. However, most buyers do use price as a criteria and if a seller’s
house priced better than its competition it will draw more views. The important thing in a
tough selling market is to get as much attention as possible.

According to the article:
“The single thing that’ll drive buyers and salespeople to a property is that it must be
priced at today’s market value. If that happens, you’ll get buyers at the property, and
you’ll get practitioners there, too, because they believe buyers will buy.”

 


 

 

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Red Rock Management
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FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT QUOTE – CALL 702-622-8668

 

 

Home Refinancing Attempts Increase

Home Refinancing Attempts Increase…

Recent interest rates cuts have motivated many to attempt to refinance their property.
However, many may be unable to do it successfully. Mortgage lenders are looking for
considerable qualifications. The house must have equity, the borrower must have good credit
and work history, and the house needs to appraise well in the real estate market they live
in.

Many have tried to lock in better rates and a better term for their home but are unable to
because of the previous loan they acquired. To find out if you qualify contact your lender
or your real estate agent who can refer you.

 

 


 

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Red Rock Management
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FREE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT QUOTE – CALL 702-622-8668

Consider This When Investing

Consider This When Investing in Real Estate

 

The real estate market is improving in many parts of the country. So if you’re thinking about investing in real estate, now might be the time to get your feet wet.

Real estate investing can be quite profitable. Some investors make a comfortable living buying and flipping properties — putting tens of thousands of dollars in their pockets in only a few weeks. Meanwhile, other investors take a different approach and move into a home they’re fixing up with plans to sell for a profit in two or three years.

No matter the approach you take, investing in real estate generates cash that can go toward the purchase of your new residence, or you can use this money to build your savings account or prepare for retirement. It doesn’t take special skills to start investing in real estate, but there are several factors to consider before making your first purchase.

1. What are your plans for the property?

Determine your plans for the property before investing in real estate. Will you live in the home, fix up the property and sell a few years later? Will you get tenants and make the home a rental property? Then again, maybe you’re more interested in buying and flipping real estate for a quick profit.

There are different ways to proceed with investing your money, time and energy into a property. Weigh the pros and cons of different types of real estate investments and choose the one that best fits your situation.

2. Which mortgage option is right for you?

Real estate investors can choose from different types of mortgages depending on their plans for a property. For example, an adjustable-­rate mortgage might work if you’re buying and flipping real estate, or if you plan on living in an investment property short-­term.

Adjustable-­rate mortgages have an initial fixed­-rate period up to five years followed by annual rate adjustments. A rate adjustment means the mortgage interest rate increases or decreases based on the market.

Typically, adjustable-rate mortgages start out with a rate lower than most fixed­-rate mortgages. If you’re keeping an investment property for a short span of time, there’s the option of getting an adjustable-­rate mortgage and selling the property before your first rate adjustment.

On the other hand, if you’re keeping an investment property long-­term, consider a fixed-­rate mortgage so your interest rate and monthly payment will remain the same for the duration of the term.

3. How much cash do you need to fix up the place?

Investing in real estate can require sizable cash, especially since properties you purchase might need renovations or improvements. If you’re buying a foreclosure that will be your primary residence and a future investment property, you might qualify for the FHA 203(k) loan.

This loan provides funds to purchase the property, plus funds to improve the condition of the property. On the other hand, if you’re buying and flipping a property, the bank can help with investment property loans.

Make sure you schedule a home inspection before buying real estate so you’ll know what to expect cost-­wise with fixing up the property.

4. Is the property is an ideal location?

You can have a lovely property, but if it’s located in an undesirable part of town, it might take longer to find a buyer or tenant. Location matters in real estate. Some people only look for properties in good school districts, and others prefer buying or renting homes near an interstate or major highway for easier access to work.

When looking for properties to buy, pay attention to school ratings, nearby amenities, and consider whether the property’s in a safe, quiet neighborhood.

Real estate investing can be profitable, but you shouldn’t jump into investing without doing your homework. Buying and financing properties is easier when you know what to expect, and when you can build a relationship with a knowledgeable mortgage officer and realtor.

Source: Evan Potter – Total Mortgage


 

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Red Rock Management
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Investment Properties In Todays Market

 

This Holiday season, think about decking the halls of a new investment property!  As the economy continues to improve, many people will feel more confident about their finances and prospects for the future.  Real Estate can be a good addition to your investment portfolios as you build wealth for the future.

Investors need to think about all aspects of real estate investment, including rental income, expenses, home price, appreciation and taxes.  At Red Rock Management we have written about the top markets for rental cash flow and trends in single family rental investment by the largest institutuions.


 

 

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Red Rock Management
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Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Foreclosure

 

 

Foreclosure filings were reported on more than 1 million U.S. properties during the first half of 2012, which means there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to invest in the foreclosure market.

Be aware, though, that purchasing a foreclosure can be complicated; costly mistakes sit in wait for would-be buyers who have not done their homework.

Zillow polled some real estate agents to learn about the most common mistakes they see when it comes to buying foreclosure properties.  Here are their tips to help you avoid costly blunders:

1. Don’t limit yourselfIt’s OK to go into your property search with the intent to purchase a foreclosure, but don’t wear blinders and assume those are the only homes you should check out. Yes, there are some competitively priced foreclosures on the market, but the same can be said of traditional listings.

Foreclosures often come with baggage – liens against the property, repairs that need to be made, and so forth. A traditional seller might be more flexible about taking care of repairs or negotiating price. Additionally, if you limit your search to foreclosed properties, you may not end up in your desired neighborhood or with the style of home you’ve always dreamed of.

Don’t rule anything out. Keep an open mind so you end up with the best house for your money.

2. Don’t go it aloneFind a real estate agent versed in the complexities of the foreclosure market. Whether you’re looking at a pre-foreclosure, short sale or bank-owned properties, you’re going to need the guidance of a professional who has a background in buying and selling these types of properties in your local market.

Similarly, you must remember that real estate agents are not lawyers. Foreclosure laws and regulations are tricky, and they vary from state to state. Don’t rely on your real estate agent for legal advice; be prepared to consult with a local real estate attorney who understands how these purchases work.

3. Know your stuffKnow how much you can spend. Know the neighborhood where you want to buy. Know the process. Securing early financing is important because it will ensure that you are qualified to purchase the property. Being pre-approved will give you greater bargaining power when the time comes to make an offer.

Target a specific neighborhood or two to avoid becoming overwhelmed by listings. Ask your agent to notify you of listings within these neighborhoods that meet your other criteria, such as size and cost. Check comparable recent sales to get a good feel for the market.

Even though you’re working with a qualified agent and lender, you need to do some work upfront to become familiar with the basics of the foreclosure process.  Learning the lingo will give you credibility, which will help others realize you’re serious about this buying endeavor. Basic know-how may give you the added bargaining power you need to negotiate a better price.

4. Don’t skip the inspectionSure, the house looks good, but what’s going on inside the walls and under the floor boards?

A 2011 survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that 72 percent of U.S. homeowners agree the home inspection they had when they purchased their current residence helped them avoid potential problems; 64 percent of respondents reported that their home inspection saved them money.

The American Society of Home Inspectors website (www.ashi.org) includes a searchable database of certified inspectors.

Tag along while the inspector is looking at the property. Ask questions. Take notes. Most inspectors charge $300 to $500 for their services; it’s up to you to figure out how much it’s going to cost to rectify deficiencies.

5. Look beyond todayBecause a foreclosed home may decline further in value, it’s smart to approach the transaction with a long-term perspective. Sure, you may be hoping to flip the property and quickly resell, but what if you can’t? Are you prepared for the long haul? What will the property cost if you hold onto it for five or 10 years? Pencil out the numbers, or you may suffer long-term financial repercussions.

Source – Zillow Foreclosure center


 

 

Red Rock Management
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