Here’s a Homeowner Twist: Buy and Then Rent

Renting your home gives you the opportunity to build more equity over a longer period of ownership and to offset the cost of owning through rental income. Some homeowners who assume they will be short-term landlords end up appreciating the investment in real estate and continue into the future, while others wait for a strong market and the right moment to sell.

Deciding to buy a home requires a long-term plan that includes both a financial and a personal strategy for the future. Most financial planners recommend that you own a home for at least five to seven years in order to build equity and recoup your investment in the property.
But what if you’re not sure you will be in the home that long? A job transfer or a change in lifestyle, such as getting married or having a family, can shift your priorities or needs before five or seven years have passed, particularly if you are relatively young and in the midst of building your career.
One way to feel more comfortable buying a home despite your uncertainty is to consider the option of renting out the property instead of selling it.

What to Look for in a Potential Rental Property

If you are particularly uncertain about the future, you should look for a home with potential rental appeal when you are looking for a place to buy. Think about who rents condos, townhouses or single family homes in your area and what features they would appreciate. For example, you can buy near a college, university, law school or medical school in order to have a continuously renewed population of renters as each class graduates and new students arrive.
If you prefer not to rent to college students or grad-school students, you can target your home search to areas where young people live before they are ready to become homeowners. Depending on your area, this could be near public transportation, nightlife or both.
Buyers who prefer a single-family home should try to find a home in a school district that appeals to families, yet also has a good location near transportation, recreational amenities and shops.
Renters often want to share their property to keep costs low, so if you can afford a two- or three-bedroom place with at least two bathrooms, you may find it easier to attract roommates who will split the rent. Families, too, usually want at least two or three bedrooms.
While rental markets adjust along with the rest of the real estate market, you should look into current rents in an area where you want to live to see how they compare to purchase prices. If rents are extremely low, you may find it hard to charge enough rent to cover your mortgage; but if rents are high, you could actually profit from becoming a landlord in the future.

Disadvantages of Owning Rental Property

While your goal initially is to live in your home, you should consider the pros and cons of becoming a landlord in the future.
For example, some of the potential hazards include a gap between tenants, which could be lengthy if there are more rentals than demand in the area. Even if you have tenants, you could have problems with their damaging your property or not paying the rent on time.
As the landlord, you are responsible for repairs and maintenance, even if you live out of the area, so you may want to consider hiring a property management company to help you screen tenants and keep your home in good condition, especially if you plan to sell it someday.
While planning to be a landlord may not be the perfect solution, it could be an option that will make your rent vs. buy decision a little easier.

 http://www.realtor.com/advice/buy-and-then-rent/

Welcome to Wisconsin Real Estate
RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

Please feel free to contact us for any of your residential or commerical real estate needs including an online market if you are a seller, or finding a home if you are a buyer.

Our real estate focus in the  Waukesha County, Milwaukee County, Lake Country, Jefferson County, Dane County, Dodge County and Washington County areas. Several agents in the office also their IRES designation (International Real Estate Specialist) so they can assist you with all your real estate needs in Wisconsin, the USA or anywhere in the WORLD!

When you are seriously looking or just browsing at real estate in Wisconsin, RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, is the BEST resource to help you with all your needs and questions, whether a first time home buyer, relocating to or from the beautiful LAKE COUNTRY area, looking to invest or explore foreclosure opportunities or just thinking ahead to the future. 

The agents at RE/MAX Realty Center, Real Estate in Wisconsin (262-567-2455) are experienced agents with many years of real estate under their belts.  If you are looking for top notch real estate agents in Waukesha County and the entire Milwaukee Metro area look no further! The agents in our office think "outside of the BOX", focus on you and YOUR needs. We offer what most of the other agencies in the area cannot. Creativity, Listing  Package Options and unsurpassed marketing exposure locally, throughout the entire United States and Internationally!  If you want creative options and exceptional marketing and service -- we are the answer.

The RE/MAX Realty Center Office, has experienced agents with expertise in luxury home marketing, lake property experts, foreclosure and short sale specialists, investment and property management brokers and commercial brokers. 

Our agents areas of service include, but are not limited to:
The prospering communities of Waukesha County including Delafield, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Waukesha, Sussex, Wales, New Berlin, Dousman, North Prairie, Mukwonago, Chenequa, Menomonee Falls, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Okauchee, Eagle, Muskego and Merton. 

Great municipalities in Milwaukee County including Milwaukee, South Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, Hales Corners, Greenfield, Glendale, Franklin, Bayside, Brown Deer, Cudahy, Fox Point, Greendale, Shorewood, Oak Creek, St. Francis, West Allis and Whitefish Bay. 

The hometown favorites of Washington County, Jefferson County and Dodge County including Watertown, Hartford, West Bend, Germantown, Jackson, Richfield, Ashippun, Lake Mills, Jefferson, Johnson Creek, Slinger and Erin.

There is no place like "WISCONSIN LAKES"

If lake living is what you desire then Lake Country is the place to be! If you are thinking about buying waterfront property in Wisconsin, a little time invested in learning about waterfront living will pay back sizeable dividends in matching your expectations to realities. 

 Lake Country Living on one of Waukesha Countys great lakes as a full timer or vacationer is a must and there are some great lakes to choose.  Nagawicka Lake, Pine Lake, Oconomowoc Lake, Beaver Lake, Okauchee Lake, Pewaukee Lake, Moose Lake, North Lake, Lake Keesus, Lac La Belle, Upper Nashotah, Lower Nashotah, Upper Genesee, Lowe Genesee, Middle Genesee, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Fowler Lake, Golden Lake, Pretty Lake, Silver Lake, Waterville Lake, and Crooked Lake. Great lakes of the surrounding area also include Lake Michigan, Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lake, Little Cedar Lake, Pike Lake and Lake Ripley.

Your best source for Lake Country Living is RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin

RE/MAX REALTY CENTER, Real Estate in Wisconsin, 262-567-2455 or 262-893-5555,  offer online markets, listing package and FOR SALE BY OWNER (FSBO) options, MLS search access, buyer agency and marketing that will exceed your expectations, all with outstanding service!  

Your home purchase or sale is likely your largest investment, be sure you have an good agent you can trust! Real Estate in Wisconsin is an excellent investment, prices are superb, selection is great and rates are outstanding!!!

Ask us about our preferred vendors -- from lenders to help you finance your new purchase to contractors to help maintain!