Purchase Debate

zhenka profile photo

Hi all, I am new to this forum and hoping to get some advice. I am looking at buying a condo that I want to rent out. It is a low season for rent and I am concerned about my ability to get tenants in there within next 60 days. I know that during high season, I can rent the place for 2700-2900 dollars. But for now, my our of poket expenses will be about 2300 per month. That is if I do 30 yr. fixed. I can get it down to 2000-2100 if i do 5 year arm. any suggestions?

Thank you

Comments(8)

  • myfrogger3rd November, 2003

    If you let us know your area someone here might be familiar with it and give you some better advice. I'm in a college town so leases are strictly 1 year long so we don't deal with no pay during the summer.

  • zhenka3rd November, 2003

    i am in Boston area. i know that units above, to the right, to the left are all rented at 2700 at least, which would bring me a pure profit of 400 a month. great. But I am scared to by in the off season, allthough I can probably pack couple of students in there and break even. I also can't make up my mind abount financing. arm vs. 30 year fixed.

    thanks

  • BAMZ4th November, 2003

    Hi zhenka,

    Are their lower priced properties that you could invest in? If there is a strong possibility that you are going to be stroking the rent for a month or two, it may be better to purchase a lower priced rental.

    Do you have a large cash reserve to fall back on?

    BAMZ

    [addsig]

  • zhenka4th November, 2003

    The good thing is that the owner will let me start looking for tenants as soon as the offer is accepted. since i want to close in 60 days, that gives me 2 months. i have cash to cover vacancy, but i do not want to use it for that purpose of course. I think i will try to rent it out at break even until August 31. In May I will put it on the market for 2700-2900.

  • hibby764th November, 2003

    ask for a 2-3 month vacancy concession at close.

  • zhenka4th November, 2003

    what is vacancy concession?

  • 3qu1ty4th November, 2003

    Talk to your mortgage broker about loans with option payments. Some of these finance vehicles offer several different payment amounts each month typically -- minimum payment, interest only, 30yr and 15yr. During those down months you can make the minimum payments then get back on schedule once the renters are in.

  • classimg4th November, 2003

    We think you should rethink this seasonal property. If vacancy is always an issue and carry costs are looming. It appears to create a negative cash flow. (over 12 months with a minimum 3 month vacancy) If you are willing to accept this level of risk, OK but investors have learned negative cash flow on the flip side with a large monthly payment is hard to swallow each month/year.

    Is this why the seller is motivated?

    Eric & Rosa
    [addsig]

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