Safety Upgrades That Save You Money on Renters Insurance

When renting an apartment, townhouse, condo or home, you might not realize how vital it is to have renters insurance. Sure, your landlord has insurance, but that policy likely only covers the structure of the building. This means that if anything happens to your belongings inside your rented space, you’ll have to pay to replace everything on your own.

Renters insurance is affordable and will protect your belongings from perils such as fire, wind or theft. It’s important to shop around for your renters insurance policy to ensure that you’re getting the best deal — and that doesn’t just mean the lowest price. You have to make sure you have the coverage you need, as well as a low price.

It’s equally important to ask about discounts. Different providers offer varying discounts, but all offer price reductions for safety features. When you’ve taken steps to reduce the risk of a disaster occurring in your pad, you’re a safer bet for insurance companies.

Two main types of safety features can help you earn these coveted discounts.

Warm up to fire protection

There were 1.24 million fires in 2013, resulting in $11.5 billion in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. A home structure fire occurred every 85 seconds.

To better protect your rental from fires and receive discounts, consider implementing the following additions to your home:

• Smoke detectors. If your landlord hasn’t already installed smoke detectors, talk to him about doing so. Smoke detectors will not only alert you to a fire quicker, allowing you to put it out and minimize property damage, but they also alert everyone in the space to get to a safe exterior location, which reduces injuries, deaths and liability claims as a result.
• Fire extinguishers. If you have a fire extinguisher that’s working like a well-oiled machine, you’ll be able to nip a fire in the bud and keep it from spreading to your other possessions.
• Sprinkler system. A sprinkler system can be activated and put out a fire even when you’re not home.

These safety features are small additions that can save you significantly, both in terms of protecting your valuables and lowering the price of your policies.

If your rented space is already equipped with them, ask your insurance provider about discounts. If it isn’t, talk to your landlord about making the investment of installing such safety measures in your abode. Having those safety features could save her on her property insurance as well.

Deter thieves

The most recent statistics from the FBI reported nearly 2,159,878 burglaries, resulting in roughly $4.6 billion in property loss. A burglary doesn’t necessarily mean forced entry, but it’s best to take steps to protect yourself and your family from potential break-ins. The best ways to accomplish this are:

• Deadbolts. Deadbolts add an extra line of defense in the event that a burglar can pick the locks on your doors. Safe neighborhoods still have occurrences of crime, and if you live in an apartment complex, the high volume of foot traffic increases the chances of a break-in. Adding deadbolts to front, back, or side doors will make it easier for you and your insurance carrier to have peace of mind.
• Security systems. A security system can include a burglar alarm, video cameras and other forms of surveillance. Having around-the-clock security can alert tenants and authorities to harm, and prevent the loss of property. If this option interests you, just make sure to set it each time you leave your home — a security system can’t help you if it’s not turned on.
• Choose a safe neighborhood. When looking for a place to live, call your local police station to find out which parts of town have the lowest crime rates. It’s simple — living in a safer part of town decreases the chances of your home being burglarized.

Get the benefit

Because all of these options make your home safer, insurance companies can provide discounts to acknowledge the efforts you’ve made.

However, before investing in all of these safety measures for your rented home, talk to your landlord and insurance carrier. Check that you are able to add them, and that your premium will decrease before you spend the money to install a security system.

This article originally appeared on Zillow.com.

America’s Most and Least Expensive College Towns

For a great place to live, should you go back to school? American college towns are uniquely appealing places to live, and we don’t just mean for the kids. What can you expect from a true university town? Vibrant nightlife. Tons of cultural events. A young, fun, and (usually) progressive vibe. And, thanks to the colleges themselves, plenty of job opportunities. What’s not to love?

Because of all this, buying in a college town could make sense for you as an adult. (We’ve already told you why buying a condo for your college kid could be a smart move.) But where? After all, the college town most people know best is the one where, well, they went to college. So how to rank the rest? By taking a big collegiate dive into the exclusive realtor.com® data, of course!

Our data team ranked more than 300 college towns by median home price to come up with the top 10 most expensive and 10 least expensive. (Our “college town” criteria: areas where student residents number more than 5,000 and make up more than 20% of the town’s total population.)

1. Berkeley, CA

Just across the bay from San Francisco, Berkeley is home to the first and most renowned campus of the University of California system—as well as Berkeley City College and a variety of theological institutions. Berkeley itself ranks as the most liberal city in California today. Like the rest of the Bay Area, Berkeley’s housing market has soared due to the tech boom. Its current median home price is $849,000.

2. Santa Cruz, CA

Santa Cruz is a classic California beach town, and home to another excellent University of California school. UC-Santa Cruz, just 3 miles from the (beautiful) beach, is also the city’s biggest employer, providing nearly 8,000 jobs. Santa Cruz continues to find itself among the most expensive U.S. real estate markets with a median of nearly $814,000.

3. Boulder, CO

With a gorgeous mountain setting and an outdoorsy lifestyle, Boulder consistently ranks on lists of the best U.S. cities to live. CU-Boulder, the flagship of the University of Colorado system, and local companies IBM Corp. and Ball Corp. provide steady jobs to the locals. One of the hottest housing markets in the country due to limited inventory, Boulder has buyers lining up for homes at a median of $789,000.

4. San Luis Obispo, CA

A charming town on California’s Central Coast and a hub of its wine country, San Luis Obispo is also home to California Polytechnic State University. Cal Poly owns almost 10,000 acres of land and, along with its supporting facilities, provides more than 4,300 jobs. However, the limited supply of homes has pushed up the median price to $690,000.

5. Cambridge, MA

A twin city to Boston, Cambridge boasts two of the best colleges on the planet: Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Universities  provide nearly 20,000 jobs to the city, and the well-diversified economy led by high-tech research institutions offers even more opportunities—unemployment in Cambridge is only 3.5%. The upscale market has a median home price of more than $685,000.

6. Claremont, CA

Claremont, sometimes called “the City of Trees and PhDs,” is home to a loose network of five undergraduate liberal arts colleges, two graduate institutions, and Claremont University Consortium. With a median household income of $87,324, more than 40% higher than the state average, the city sees no shortage of well-paid professionals looking to settle down, driving the median home price to $675,000.

7. Princeton, NJ

Princeton’s namesake university currently sits atop the Best U.S. Universities list and joins with established companies and institutions in the area to create steady, high-salaried jobs. The city’s median household income is $109,865, and the median home price is $650,000.

8. Davis, CA

With outstanding programs in agricultural and biological sciences, University of California–Davis also has deep connections with the agribusinesses of nearby Napa Valley, creating a strong interconnected economy. As the university attracts more and more students, the median home price in Davis has shot up to $579,000.

9. Chapel Hill, NC

This picturesque town is home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, celebrated as the “public Ivy.” The university and its health care system contribute to a booming economy in Chapel Hill. In addition, UNC and nearby Duke University and North Carolina State University form the “Research Triangle,” home to many high-tech companies and enterprises. With a median home price of $450,000, Chapel Hill has become one of the state’s most expensive markets.

10. Flagstaff, AZ

Flagstaff, the gateway to the Grand Canyon, is also home to Northern Arizona University. NAU has something for everyone: accredited undergraduate research, an art museum, and Division I athletics. Flagstaff’s convenient and picturesque location has driven the median housing price to $431,750, almost double the state median.

For the least expensive U.S. college towns, visit the source: Realtor.com

Let the Bubbles Float Your Troubles Away

Let the Bubbles Float Your Troubles Away

Property Managers Prepare for More Renters and Fewer Vacancies

In today’s housing market there are some unmistakable trends that I’ve commented on in recent articles. The number of owner-occupied dwellings is dropping while rental vacancies are vanishing. Put another way, recent data from varying sources—including the Census Bureau—verifies that vacancy rates have fallen to a 30-year low. Residents are finding fewer choices available to rent than at any time since 1985.

At the end of the 2nd quarter of 2015, the vacancy rate plunged to 6.8% while the year-over-year growth in the number of new households jumped from 115 million to over 117 million. No wonder rental housing availabilities are dropping! Some developers call it “The Perfect Storm.” In the aftermath of The Great Recession that began back in 2008, fewer and fewer adults can afford to own a home. Lending qualifications have tightened as well.

At the same time, employment numbers took a huge hit. The number of unemployed soared while companies cut back on spending and operating costs. Employment numbers have improved during the last two years, yet the actual wages paid have hardly increased.

Wages and benefits paid by U.S. employers this past spring rose at the slowest pace since the second quarter of 1982, the Labor Department revealed. The employment cost index, which tracks salaries, wages, and benefits gained 0.2% in Q2, compared with a 0.7% gain in Q1.

These factors contributed to a slowdown in new construction of multifamily complexes and apartments. While new buildings have begun to be built there’s a lag time before they’re ready to rent. The construction lag helps fuel demand and, subsequently, rental rates will continue to rise for at least the next five years as the Millennial Generation continues to delay entering the homeownership market.

“Millennials” as they are often dubbed, mainly refers to the generation of people born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s. Perhaps the most commonly used birth range for this group is 1982-2004. The Millennials are also known as Generation Y, because it comes after Generation X—those born between the early 1960s and the 1980s. The population of Generation Y is believed to be over 80 million in the U.S. alone.

This huge demographic group has been slower to leave home than their parents’ or grandparents’ generations. The economic fiascos of the past 15 years have made it more daunting for Millennials to strike out on their own. According to a Pew Research Center analysis, a young adult in the 18-to-34-year-old age range is more likely to live with his or her parents now than in 2008. Reasons include student debt and increasing housing costs.

This reality has powerful ramifications for the overall economy and for the housing industry specifically. As a result, property managers all across America are becoming active in the possible solutions.

Working in close cooperation with local and regional housing authorities, property managers are networking to come up with viable ideas. Some are forming ad hoc task forces to make things happen. As a critically important election year approaches, property managers are also letting political candidates know that landlords, property owners, and residents are deeply concerned. Historically low vacancy rates coupled with a rising number of motivated applicants leads to shortages and rental rate inflation. Consider taking an active role in offering ideas that will benefit all involved.

This article originally appeared on PropertyManager.com.

Why Real Estate Could Be a Better Investment Than Stocks

By Kristin McFarlandAug. 20, 2015 | 9:45 a.m. EDT

Once you’re on track with your financial goals – such as retirement contributions or repaying student loan debt – you may find yourself exploring real estate investments in lieu of the stock market. Buying real estate as an investment can be lucrative, but it’s also cash-intensive and carries risks.

As you weigh your options, consider the following points in your analysis.

Risk versus expected returns. Whether putting cash into the market or purchasing real estate, you need to assess the risk versus the expected returns. Traditional equity investments are much easier to analyze in this way. You have historical data, and although past performance is not indicative of future results, you have a bit more control over how much risk you’re exposed to when deciding what amount to invest, the asset allocation and so on. Investing in single stocks versus an index fund is a calculated risk some are willing to take in search of higher expected returns.

The risks when buying real estate can be much harder to quantify. While there is data available, such as comparable home prices in the area and average rents, unpredictable changes in the market can be costly. When investing in the equity market, your risk of loss is limited to your initial investment. This isn’t the case with real estate – you could wind up owing the bank more than the value of your property if the market experiences a downturn, or even due to changes that negatively impact a neighborhood.

For landlords, vacancy and repairs can eat into profits. Once you calculate your expected mortgage, operating costs, taxes and maintenance, how much can you expect to earn in net rental income? The answer for every investor will be different, but for some, the anticipated return will not be worth the risk and effort involved in owning real estate.

Required capital. Virtually anyone can invest in traditional equity assets. Some shares can be very inexpensive and you can often determine the volume as well. The same cannot be said for real estate. To purchase a property, you need to either come up with a down payment yourself, or enlist partners to invest with you. Typically, you need to put down 20 percent for a traditional mortgage, and although various programs can help you to put down a smaller percentage, there are fewer options for investment properties.

The initial cash outlay is what deters many would-be real estate investors, as you could easily spend upwards of $100,000 on a down payment and initial repairs. Furthermore, real estate requires additional capital to maintain the property, often not at the owner’s behest. With stocks, you can make a one-time investment or purchase additional shares later, at your discretion.

Taxes. Another aspect to consider when deciding to invest in real estate or the stock market is taxes. If you own property, you will be required to pay property taxes every quarter, based on the assessed value as determined by the city or country. This is included in your mortgage payment. Whether you want to flip the property or hold onto it as a landlord, you will also have to pay tax on the sale or rental proceeds.

There are certain tax benefits unique to owning real estate as a landlord, however. The interest expense on your mortgage is tax deductible, along with operating expenses, property taxes, insurance and depreciation. Exactly how much you can deduct will likely depend on the rental income. In most situations, under the passive activity loss rules, you cannot write off deductions that are more than the rental income, which would generate a loss. Working with a CPA can be very helpful, particularly when investment properties or multiple residences are involved.

Stocks have tax consequences as well; first, you are required to pay a capital gains tax on any profits you made from selling stock. Furthermore, even without a sale, you are also required to pay a tax on any dividends you receive.

Inflation. Real estate can be a potential hedge against inflation as historically, rental rates and home prices rise with inflation. This provides a potential inflation hedge for both your rental income and sale of the property. Since your mortgage payments will not increase with inflation, it offers a benefit over time.

Traditional equity investments are not as directly linked to inflationary measures. Although prices do tend to rise over time, the market cannot offer the same potential inflation protection as real estate.

Time. Another factor to consider when choosing to invest in real estate or the stock market is to factor in your time as a cost during the analysis. While you do need to do some research when deciding which funds to buy, you can purchase traditional equity investments in a matter of moments. There is a lot more time required in buying and maintaining a property, as well as managing any improvements.As a landlord, you will be on call for the tenants as problems arise. Hiring a property manager is an option, but depending on the size of your property, could eliminate your profit margin.

With the right property, neighborhood location and cash reserves, investing in real estate can be a great option. Many investors are drawn to the ongoing “coupon” payment of rental income, and as a long-term strategy, the ultimate sale of the property can fund a large portion of their retirement. If you’re considering whether you should invest in the equity market or buy an investment property, carefully weigh these factors and determine whether your expected income is worth the risk it carries, especially in light of other investment options.

Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Fuquay, Morrisville, Holly Springs, Durham, Chapel Hill, Garner, Wake Forest. Residential rentals Wake County, RTP, RDU.  http://www.RobertsRentals.net. Triangle area rental homes and property management.  Bev Roberts Rentals

If You Want To Fly, Let Us Handle The Leasing Issues That Weigh You Down!

If You Want To Fly, Let Us Handle The Leasing Issues That Weigh You Down!

Fishing for a new tenant? Bait with us!

Fishing for a new tenant? Bait with us!

Flow Around Leasing Obstacles Just Like Water Flows Around Rocks

Flow Around Leasing Obstacles Just Like Water Flows Around Rocks

First time US buyers rent an average of six years before buying a home

Americans are renting more than twice as long before buying their first home as they did in the 1970s, new research has found.

Aspiring home buyers are now renting for six years compared to an average of 2.6 years compared to 40 years ago, according to an analysis from real estate firm Zillow.

The analysis report also shows that first time buyers are older and less likely to be married than they were in the past and overall Americans are buying increasingly expensive first homes and spending more relative to their incomes than any time in the past 40 years.

In the 1970s, first time buyers bought homes that cost about 1.7 times their annual income. Now they’re buying homes that cost 2.6 times their annual income. The firm says that part of this can be attributed to the housing markets where people are moving which are more expensive cities on the coasts, where there are growing job markets.

The average first time buyer is about 33 with a median income of $54,340, which is about the same as what first time buyers made in the 1970s, when adjusted for inflation.

In the late 1980s, some 52% of first time buyers were married but today that has fallen to 40% married, the research also shows.

‘Millennials are delaying all kinds of major life decisions, like getting married and having kids, so it makes sense that they would also delay buying a home,’ said Zillow chief economist Svenja Gudell.

‘We know millennials value home ownership and want to buy. The next challenge will be figuring out how they can save for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage, especially while the rental market is so unaffordable all over the country. The last hurdle will be finding a home they like amidst very tight inventory, especially among starter homes,’ added Gudell.

This article originally appeared on PropertyWire.

7 Ways Rental Properties Can Build Your Wealth

If you can find a property where the rental income covers the monthly costs, then you have a winning scenario.

Have you ever dreamt about buying a few units in the condo building downtown and converting them to rentals? Or that cute home near the college campus — just for investment and a side rental profit?

While rental properties do have pesky monthly costs and the sometimes-dreaded responsibilities of acting as a landlord, buying a rental property where rental income covers your monthly mortgage payments is a winning scenario. Here are seven key ways a property can exponentially boost its value — and your net worth!

1. Rental properties create cash flow

Cash flow is one of the cornerstone principles of all real estate wealth building, and rental properties create the opportunity for cash flow. A house or a building with multiple units can generate money each month that pays more than your carrying costs, mortgage, and expenses.

2. Positive cash flow pays off your mortgage early

Positive cash flow is created when rent from your tenants exceeds your property’s expenses. Put simply, it’s the money left over each month after all your property bills are paid. Having positive cash flow allows you to pay off mortgages early.

Expert tip: Work to reinvest any positive cash flow to pay down your mortgage balance as soon as possible. The sooner you can pay off your mortgage, the sooner you’ll have checks coming to you, not the bank.

3. Other people’s money pays off your mortgage

Someone else pays off your entire mortgage for you. As you use the rent money from your tenants’ payments toward your mortgage, you are actually paying down your loan amount. Keep that property rented for at least 15 to 20 years and you can own that house free and clear without a penny more out of your pocket. It’s a simple, but brilliant, concept.

4. Improving the property increases its value

Making the right improvements can increase your property’s value and protect you against downward swings in the market. Look to invest in properties where you can add equity and value by making smart, cost-effective improvements.

5. Market appreciation boosts your equity

Market inflation and simple supply-and-demand economics also increase home prices over time. The combination of appreciation from improvements and long-term market appreciation is a huge bonus for rental properties. It’s a profit, equity, and wealth builder.

6. Tax advantages keep more money in your pocket

Another aspect of wealth building, from an accounting standpoint: It’s “on paper.” There are tax benefits to owning rental properties, which include depreciation, rental expenses, and mortgage interest deductions you can take each year.

7. Increasing rents increases the value of your property

When you improve your property, you can increase your rents, which in turn increases the value of the property again. It’s a wonderful cycle. If you buy a run-down property that was poorly managed and you improve it, you not only stand to significantly boost its value and your equity, but you’ll also boost its rentability. You will be turning an underperforming rental property into a gem that attracts quality tenants and higher rents!

This article originally appeared on Trulia.