Factors To Consider When Buying Chicago Condo Rentals As An Investment

By Pamela Wilson


Real estate has for long been used as a secure form of investment by those looking to hedge their funds against uncertainty. The boom is also attributed to the fact that most banks are quick to finance individuals looking to own homes. This article takes an exploratory look at the condominium market. It expounds on the options that an investor has when it comes to making money out of Chicago condo rentals.

Owning a condo and leasing it out sounds like a prudent way to make money. However, the truth is that not every investment pays off, as some often prove to be white elephants. To avoid disappointment, it is important to carry out due diligence by analyzing the financial bit of it prior to buying property.

For starters, you must consider the annual rent that your unit will bring versus taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. Many of these costs are what you should deduct from your annual revenue so as to gauge your real revenue. Other costs that you might want to factor in include the cost of advertising and legal aid for evictions. Remember tenants have their own rights.

If finances are not a problem and you simply intend to buy your property in cash, you should enjoy a smooth sailing during ownership. On the contrary, one who opts to buy using a mortgage is bound to encounter many challenges thereafter. For one, there is the interest charged on the mortgage to bear in mind. Nevertheless, most financial institutions offer standardized rates when calculating their interest.

A mortgage is poised to be a headache to work with as you will have to use your rental income to service it over a length of time. If the projected cash flow from your condo appears too little, you might want to hold off on purchasing it. Remember interest always rises with an increase in repayment time.

A good way to cushion yourself against getting a bad yield would be to finance your mortgage upfront by between 25 to 50 percent and let the bank do the rest. This lowers the liability on your side and gives you ample room to make repayments within the expected servicing period. The rule of thumb is that any investment that has a positive cash flow is a good investment.

Before you finance your investment, you might want to find out if there will be any hidden fees during your period of ownership. Unforeseen charges usually come from assessment and association fees. Assessment charges usually cover shared areas within the condo compound. This includes garage maintenance, building improvements in the exterior section, landscaping, parking lot, hallways and the main lobby.

Location is the final aspect to bear in mind. Simply put, choice of location should be guided by demand. There are lots of potential clients in Chicago. Many companies and colleges are located in the area, contributing to an increased demand for rental units. Research is the sole thing to focus on before purchasing.




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