Depreciation Can Let You Pocket Tax-Free Cash

Foreclosures are up, mortgage approvals are down. Since the housing market tanked, home ownership is giving way to home renting.

The number of renters swelled by 3.9 million from 2004 to 2010, according to Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies. About 38 million households are now renters.

http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article/586594/201109301732/Tax-Benefits-Of-Rental-Property.htm

How To Be A Landlord

Reminding ourselves on how to be a landlord is like asking a fish on how to swim. Becoming a landlordis an easy task, what keeps is hard is how landlords improperly use their authority to their tenants. Before you became a landlord here are the things you need to know:

How To Be A Landlord - The Basics

Have something that the people will rent. A landlord won't become a landlord if he/she is not in control of something. Buying a property and renting it to someone is the start of your landlord career. Buy a property that has a high market rate, strategically located near offices, schools, or town centers, and has a lowest selling price.  This technique will help you afford your monthly mortgage payment, cover costs for maintenance, renovation or repair, and earn profit.

Get your property an insurance and fortify your lease. Consult a professional about the necessary insurance for your property. The landlord must have insurance for the property in case a fire, flood, or natural disaster hit the property.

Strengthen the right of  the price of your lease by seeking advise from a lawyer. While you're at it impose rules and regulations in your rented space and have it fortified by the lawyer too.

Attract Tenants and Select The Best One. Advertise your property, let them know of your price, additional offers, and the features of the property you are going to rent. Once you've gained their attention, screen these tenants and look for a fit candidate who has the right to stay in your place. As a landlord, you should be looking for a tenant that has the capability to pay, can pay on time, and is neighbor friendly.

When you have chosen the proper candidate, carefully remind your tenant about your property's rules and regulations, the lease and how the payments should be made. If the tenant agrees have him/her sign your contract. Give her his copy and file yours along with his monthly paying record.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=ghOBzPraZwY

How to be a landlord that is adored by many?

A common misconception of being a landlord is that you are obnoxious, greedy, very annoying, and fat(well..usually). Let's try to be a good landlord by following these steps:

1.      Greet your tenants when you see them. Do not just ignore them if they pass by you. This gives you an impression that you are approachable and kind.

2.      Kindly ask for the monthly rent. Reminding the tenants of their monthly rent a day or a week before may look rude. You are like telling to them that they cannot pay on time. Ask for it on the exact day first thing in the morning. Accept apologies if they can't pay on time then ask for a specific date that they will pay. Impose a 2-3 day grace period then charge a fine to those that exceeds the grace period. A reasonable fine is 5% of the tenant's rent.

3.      Do not forget to smile always. It keeps a happy heart and a gentle atmosphere to you as a landlord.

http://www.buyingrentalproperty.org/how-to-be-a-landlord/

Tips to Buy a Short Sale

Many real estate investors find that buying foreclosures or REO properties can be challenging. With foreclosures, the public sale is published and readily known to all interested real estate investors, but there is limited information and rarely an adequate opportunity to conduct proper due diligence. Foreclosure properties can be full of surprises!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Buying-a-Short-Sale---Tips&id=6539307

Execute Your Rental Property Strategies

Real estate investment is one investment opportunity for investors. Real estates can either be rented or profitably sold. If you plan to purchase real estate with the purpose of leasing it, good rental property strategies should be well executed. Rental property investing has a lot of benefits since it usually appreciates over time.

Here are some ways on how to invest in rental real estate.

http://waynelambert16.articlealley.com/execute-your-rental-property-strategies-2356238.html

House price whirlwind is spinning out of control

THE bond on a Moranbah house could buy you a brand new car.

With skyrocketing rents throughout the Bowen Basin in the midst of the resource boom, housing prices are spiralling out of control.

http://www.cqnews.com.au/story/2011/09/28/house-price-whirlwind-is-spinning-out-of-control/

Rental Property Insurance for Mold and Asbestos

One rental property insurance coverage that’s becoming much more difficult to obtain is a type of environmental insurance that specifically covers mold, fungus, and related issues. The number and magnitude of mold claims by tenants of both residential and commercial type properties have become a real challenge to the insurance industry, with some highly publicized lawsuits claiming huge property damage and severe  personal injury claims. Although certain insurance companies still offer limited coverage for mold and related causes, specifically inquire as to the exact protection included in your policy. Some policies don’t cover actual damages for property and personal injury but do offer a legal defense.

The best  way to avoid claims of property damage and personal injury from mold is to properly maintain your property and only turn over possession  to the rental unit or suite in good condition that’s documented in writing. The challenge with most mold claims is that water intrusion and the subsequent  concerns about mold typically occur within the tenant’s space in areas where the owner has no access or control. Or the tenant can even be the cause of the source of moisture through negligence or inadequate cleaning.

Thus, the rental property owner must rely on the tenant to minimize the likelihood of mold as well as report any concerns immediately. Many owners now use a lease addendum advising tenants  of their responsibilities in this area. Rental property owners should respond to all tenant concerns  promptly and professionally while routinely inspecting accessible areas.

Buy Rental Property With No Money Down

The popularity of buying rental property with no money down peaked in the early-1980s when most real estate loans were  assumable  — the buyer of the property essentially took over or assumed the payments on the current loan from the seller. Properties weren’t appreciating that quickly in that time frame, so many owners didn’t have significant equity in their homes and were willing to take small down payments or carry seller financing as part of the transaction. The advent of the due on sale clause in many mortgages virtually eliminated the  ability of buyers  to assume the sellers current loan.

http://www.buyingrentalproperty.org/buy-rental-property-with-no-money-down/