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How to Avoid Over-Improving Your Sylvan Park Rental Property

Woman priming a cabinet door for fresh paint.One of the typical errors made by new rental property investors in Sylvan Park is over-improving their rental homes. It’s normal to want your rental to be in great condition to draw quality tenants, but excessive improvements can shrink or erase your profits. This warning is intended to make you aware of the risks and help you make better investment choices.

Our advice is to plan strategically and address any profitability obstacles before purchasing the property. When your end goal is clear from the outset, you are less likely to encounter financial issues due to over-improving.

Plan for the long-term

Experts generally advise starting with a plan for your investment’s end—your exit strategy. When purchasing an investment property, you should be confident that you can refinance or sell it for a profit at the right time. Otherwise, what is the purpose of buying it in the first place?

Consult with several lenders to learn about mortgage products, costs, and whether your goals align with your finances. A competent lender can outline potential obstacles and determine if your strategy is sound.

Calculate property value after repair

To avoid over-improving your Sylvan Park rental property, knowing its After-Repaired Value (ARV) is crucial. ARV is the expected value of the property after undergoing repairs or renovations. To make sure your investment is profitable, it’s essential to know the property’s value after improvements.

Determine your ARV with the help of reliable comparable properties. Next, discuss with real estate agents, fellow investors, and your contractor. Gathering more information will boost your confidence that your improvements are adequate—but not overdone.

Getting the balance right can be challenging, especially for new investors. Yet, you can rely on comparables, similar properties sold or rented recently in the area, to direct your improvement decisions. Understanding the local rental market enables you to enhance your property to charge market-competitive rents.

Don’t go overboard with improvements

Making your property nicer than others in the area is one of the worst things you can do. If neighborhood houses generally have tile floors and composite countertops, don’t opt for hardwood and granite.

Ensure your upgrades are of good quality, but know that luxury materials and high-end products are often wasteful. Instead, choose mid-grade materials that are of decent quality without being the most expensive. Even in a high-end neighborhood, aim for mid-grade materials and tasteful, not extravagant, improvements.

Prioritize profitability over personal preference

Finally, steer clear of over-improving your rental by keeping emotional attachment in check. Consider it as an investment rather than a personal residence. Becoming emotionally involved in your rental can result in renovations you like but won’t significantly enhance profitability. Wanting to take pride in your rental properties is normal, but it should come from having a profitable, well-run investment, not from how much you spent on upgrades.

Seeking expert advice to boost your rental property profits? Real Property Management Concordia can help. We’re a team of experienced property managers in Sylvan Park and nearby. Contact us online or call us at 623-217-0413 to learn more.

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