Time to Sell Your Single-Family Investment Property

A recent report from RealtyTrac, a provider of housing data, surveyed single-family homes in particular markets across the country in December of last year. Comparing the results from its most recent survey to those from three years ago, RealtyTrac suggested it might be time for investors of single-family homes to sell their investments. The results concluded that some investors could stand to make as much as 38% - 43% return on their initial investment if a home was purchased by the middle of 2012.

However, many investors, institutions, and economic advisors suggest that if investors hold on to their properties for much longer, they may not see as much growth as they had in the past three years. While double-digit increases in appreciated value were the norm, experts predict that 2015 will have a leveling off of home appreciation.

While this leveling off may have a less than favorable effect on institutional-type investors, current and upcoming home buyers - as well as small- to mid-sized investors - may reap some of the benefits. As profit margins hit their peak in the early part of 2015, investors may look to sell these investment vehicles to maximize their profit on both rental income and appreciated value.

When there are more homes on the market, buyers tend to have more favorable terms when it comes to negotiations. Currently, areas of Florida are seeing less than 5 month housing supply, and it some areas around a 4 month housing supply. Generally, a 6 month housing supply indicates a stable real estate market. Anything below that threshold indicates a seller's market.

Experts predict that the most likely buyers for investment properties will be smaller, local investors who will still use the property as a rent producing asset. These smaller investors are benefiting from the easing of financing qualifications that allows them to leverage some of their investment. Previously, institutional-type investors did not need financing as they could use cash to make their purchase and improvements of the property.

Moreover, local investors will have a significant advantage over large investors in that they are more grounded in the day-to-day operations of the rental. Leasing, maintenance, and turn-over issues are all solved better when done on the local level.

3 Skills to Separate a Good Agent from a Great One

There are over half a million real estate agents throughout the country. Odds are likely that at least half of those real estate agents are good at their job. So when selecting a real estate agent, by simply flipping a coin you will likely find a good real estate agent. But thankfully, you are not just looking for a good real estate agent. You are looking for a great real estate agent.

But how do you distinguish between a good real estate agent and a great real estate agent? Here are three important factors.

As a professional real estate agent with Real Living, I participate in the the Premier Service program. This program is an exclusive promise made by all agents with Real Living Real Estate that guarantees delivery of a measurably superior and highly satisfying service experience for our clients. When selecting a real estate agent for you next project, make sure the agent you select can expertly identify these three skill sets.

Trusted Advisor
I will listen to your goals, help you reach those goals, always be responsive, share feedback promptly, recommend the right resources for your needs and wants, and use my professional skills to ensure you get the best deal for you.

Skilled Negotiator
I promise to help you explore all options, evaluate and review all offers and any counteroffers, and steadfastly represent your best interests throughout the entire transaction while always respecting your confidentiality.

Expert Facilitator
For sellers, I will develop and implement a marketing plan utilizing all channels that are appropriate for selling your property and work to ensure that the sale is finalized smoothly and efficiently to your satisfaction. For buyers, I promise to handle all the details of the purchase including recommending and scheduling the right vendors for your home, and to ensure that the sale we put together, stays together.

Once your real estate agent has proven that he or she can provide you with these three important skills, then you are all but guaranteed to have a successful and enjoyable experience in your next real estate transaction.