House with a for rent sign

Investing in a rental property can be complicated, but can it also be gratifying, and profitable. There are many factors to consider, so research is vital before making any concrete decisions about whether to rent out your house. Zenith Properties NW can help you navigate the process of renting out a home you own from start to finish. Keep reading to learn the factors that determine whether your home could be a promising rental!

Rental Property Income Potential

Income potential is defined as the range of income a property has the potential to generate for the owner. It’s probably the most important element in determining whether or not renting out your home makes good financial sense. There are many variables that factor into a property’s income potential. It’s important to consider all of them to accurately calculate the home’s PIP. Here are some of the most important factors:

The Neighborhood

The only thing more important than your rental property itself is the area and community that surrounds it. The neighborhood where your rental property is located is one of the biggest factors in the potential rental price and the type of tenants you can attract. For long-term tenants, the ideal area has low crime rates, quality nearby schools, employment opportunities and many other amenities. And different tenants have different priorities in mind.

A student is more likely to want a short-term, furnished rental while caring less about the quality of the property. Families, on the other hand, are usually looking for a place they can stay in for an extended period of time.

Future Growth & Development

The future development near your property is another big factor in the desirability of your rental. If there are one or more large construction projects going on nearby, that’s a good sign that the area is experiencing healthy growth. Increased commercial development nearby can mean more amenities and/or jobs which can increase property values nearby. You may think that increased residential development means downward pressure on housing prices in the area. However, the cost of building housing today is substantially higher than 10 or 20 years ago. The further back you purchased your home, the greater the difference, i.e. potential profit, between your mortgage payment and prevailing rents in the area.

Nearby Amenities

Your future tenants will want a home that’s near the kinds of amenities that appeal to them. It helps here to know your neighborhood and everything that it has to offer. You likely already know where the essentials like gas stations or grocery stores are, but to know the base of potential tenants you should familiarize yourself with the various types of amenities nearby.

Students may want to know about the closest libraries, families, the nearest parks, and everyone will likely appreciate living near some quality dining options. Where is the nearest coffeehouse? What about state parks or recreation areas?

Weather/Natural Disasters

It’s also good to understand the potential natural disasters that could strike the region where your property is located. This can be earthquakes, tornados or hurricanes – all “Acts of God” that (along with flooding) likely won’t be covered by your homeowner’s insurance.

Experts in Rental Property Management

It can be intimidating renting out a home for the first time but it doesn’t have to be! If you have the insights of an experienced property manager guiding you, you can move forward with confidence. Zenith Properties NW is Clark County’s premier property management company. We’re staffed by professionals with years of experience helping homeowners like you turn their property into housing that’s needed in the community while providing a steady stream of income for you.

We’ve served the Clark County area for over thirty years. If you’re ready to explore renting out a home you own, contact us today to get started!

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