These days, many people are trying to find ways to capitalize on the economic recession, build some equity in real estate, and also earn money in the process. One primary path to doing this is to purchase rental property and reap the tax advantages. What most people don't consider throughout the decision-making process, though, is that in order to do this, you also have to be willing to be a landlord.
First, let's discuss some of the tax benefits of owning rental property. The first, most basic thing you can do is write off any excess mortgage interest and taxes assessed on your rental property. This is a real benefit for real estate owners, since it saves them upfront costs in the long run. You should also note, though, that you must amortize any mortgage points you pay, which is generally different from what you would do for your primary residence.
Next, you can write off any operating expenses you could feasible incur as well. You can write off, for example, any utilities you have agreed to pay. The same goes for expenses going toward repairs and maintenance of the property, as well as insurance premiums, and homeowner association fees if you own a condominium or a townhome, as just a few examples. While its value is still hopefully increasing, you can also depreciate the cost of your rental property over approximately 30 years.
What's not to love about this arrangement, right? You also have to deal with any tenants to whom you rent out the unit, which is something to keep in mind. There are some good tenants out there. Maintaining the property, paying rent on time, and notifying you whenever anything major occurs that needs repairing are all things these good tenants do. The limits of your patience and determination must be assessed before going forward, though, because many other tenants are not as great. What if your tenant is consistently late on rent or doesn't pay at all? What is something integral to your property is destroyed by them?
Even if the tax advantages of owning a rental property sound amazing, you have to assess what you believe you're capable of handling. If you think you can handle the ups and downs of having tenants and being a landlord, owning rental property might be a good choice for you.
First, let's discuss some of the tax benefits of owning rental property. The first, most basic thing you can do is write off any excess mortgage interest and taxes assessed on your rental property. This is a real benefit for real estate owners, since it saves them upfront costs in the long run. You should also note, though, that you must amortize any mortgage points you pay, which is generally different from what you would do for your primary residence.
Next, you can write off any operating expenses you could feasible incur as well. You can write off, for example, any utilities you have agreed to pay. The same goes for expenses going toward repairs and maintenance of the property, as well as insurance premiums, and homeowner association fees if you own a condominium or a townhome, as just a few examples. While its value is still hopefully increasing, you can also depreciate the cost of your rental property over approximately 30 years.
What's not to love about this arrangement, right? You also have to deal with any tenants to whom you rent out the unit, which is something to keep in mind. There are some good tenants out there. Maintaining the property, paying rent on time, and notifying you whenever anything major occurs that needs repairing are all things these good tenants do. The limits of your patience and determination must be assessed before going forward, though, because many other tenants are not as great. What if your tenant is consistently late on rent or doesn't pay at all? What is something integral to your property is destroyed by them?
Even if the tax advantages of owning a rental property sound amazing, you have to assess what you believe you're capable of handling. If you think you can handle the ups and downs of having tenants and being a landlord, owning rental property might be a good choice for you.
About the Author:
Planning to move or relocate in Colorado? Receive helpful information about Erie real estate or real estate in Superior. Also, find detailed MLS real estate data on specific homes or properties for sale and receive help from real estate agents.
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