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Things to Keep in Mind for First-time Single-Family Rental Investors | Indianapolis Property Management

System - Friday, August 6, 2021

Things to Keep in Mind for First-time Single-Family Rental Investors | Indianapolis Property Management - article banner

If you’re thinking about a single-family home in Indianapolis as a real estate investment, you’re making a good choice. Your property will likely earn higher rents, attract stable tenants, and appreciate quickly in value. While the real estate market throughout the area is strong and thriving, you have to be prepared for things like vacancy loss, tenant risk, and the local and federal rental laws.

Smart investors know that when you buy and hold real estate, you have remarkable opportunities to earn consistent cash flow and build a steady and impressive strategy for long-term ROI. You can also encounter some liability if you’re not careful.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare to invest in a single-family rental home for the first time. Understand Your Investment Goals

When you’re investing in real estate, you need to know what you’re looking for and how the acquisition will fit your investment goals. Don’t get emotionally involved with the homes you’ve viewing and remember you aren’t choosing a property for yourself.

Think like a tenant and remember that this is a business decision. Look for a well-maintained home in a desirable neighborhood that will be easy to rent.

Understand the Indianapolis Real Estate Market

The market is pretty crazy right now, and you need to be prepared to act quickly but intentionally. You’re competing against a lot of experienced investors, many of them cash buyers. There are also institutional investors out there sweeping up single-family homes throughout the Indianapolis market.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but don’t be. If you’re strategic about exactly what you’re looking for and you’ve surrounded yourself with some good real estate and property management partners, your opportunity will present itself. Success requires preparation.

Buy the Right Indianapolis Investment Property

Many first-time investors make the mistake of buying a cheap property that needs a lot of work. This is not a great strategy when you’re starting out as an investor. The work that’s needed means there will be a delay in getting that property listed on the market.

While the prices are certain to be lower than other homes on the market, and that’s attractive, the amount you’ll have to spend to get that property into rent-ready condition may be more than you expect. Not only will you have to invest in repairs and rehab, you’ll also wait longer to begin earning rental income.

Gather Reliable Information on Rental Value

New investors are often unsure about how to establish a reliable rental value for their property. It’s a good idea to consult an Indianapolis property management company before you invest. You’ll get a good idea about what rental values are in the area you’re targeting, and you can project what you’ll earn before you buy.

A good property manager will have access to the data you need. Try to stay competitive; vacancy is more expensive than anything else in real estate. Never overprice your property.

Work with an Indianapolis Property Manager

You’ll need a good real estate agent, a smart mortgage broker, and a good property manager. Don’t try to navigate this market alone. With your property manager, you’ll get an idea of how quickly a potential rental property will be leased and what kind of rent you can expect to earn. You’ll also know whether any work will be required and if vacancy will be a risk.

Look for a management company that has good relationships with local vendors and has a reputation for helping owners earn more and spend less on their investment.

TenantsWe would be happy to support you. Contact us at Red Door Property Management when you’re ready to invest in an Indianapolis rental home.