How To Make Money Renting

Although the residential real estate market has hit the skids, it is not as gloomy as it appears.  The market may be down, but it is not out.  And it never will be as people will always need a place to live.  You just have to be prepared for a long term investment in real estate and not panic.
If you own property or want to make money in the market today, the way to go is to rent out property.  We have always been a nation of renters.  Over the past 50 years, however, we gradually moved towards home ownership.  There are still many people, however, who rent and some people who prefer to rent.  Home ownership is a responsibility that not everyone wants to take on.
You can make money in the real estate market today by renting out property to individuals.  You can rent out your own home instead of selling it if you are planning on moving, or even purchasing property to rent to people.  If you are looking for a rental investment to buy, there has never been a better time.  Housing prices are lower than ever as are mortgage rates.  You can purchase a home or a condominium to rent to others and also be a long term investment for you.
Be careful if you purchase a condominium unit with the intent of renting that there is nothing in the bylaws that prohibits renters.  You should also make sure that you do your own market study of the area.  How much are other homes or condominiums being rented for each month?  You need to find out whether the rent will cover not only the mortgage payment, but also the taxes and insurance.
Do your homework carefully before purchasing property to rent to others. This can be an ideal way to make money in real estate today, but you have to make sure that you understand the market as well as the tenant laws.  Tenant laws usually favor the tenant, so make sure that you screen any applicants carefully. You should also take a good security deposit, especially if you are renting a single family home out.  The security deposit should be returned when the house is vacated and in the order as agreed to in the lease.
If you buy property now, you can take advantage of the low housing prices as well as low lending rates.  You can then hold onto the property for several years while renting it to tenants who will, essentially, pay your mortgage.  When the real estate market moves towards a sellers market, which it eventually will, you can have the property appraised.  Chances are that it will be worth a lot more than for what you pay now and by selling, you will get a sizeable return.
Making money in the real estate market today is not difficult if you are patient and willing to look for the long term investment.  Always look to the best locations in which to invest in property as they will tend to gain in value quicker than any other locations. 

·         Lisa Jones is a seasoned realtor affiliated with RE/MAX Bryan-College Station. She offers a one-stop source for real estate services and information about Bryan-College Station Real Estate. Visit her homepage for a complete list of real properties college station, and you just might find the home you have been dreaming to have.