getting started in a market that has tons of brand new sfh construction

getting started in a market that has tons of brand new sfh construction

Louisville, KY · Member since 2017 · 18 posts · 5 votes

I live in East Louisville, KY (40245) and within 5-6 miles of my current house there are at least 4 brand new (started in 2020-present) single family home communities that have been constructed by builders like Fischer Homes, Ball Homes, Pulte, etc. They will probably continue building new homes for another year or two in these neighborhoods. Curious how all of this continual new construction affects the rental market in this area if at all? 

I bought one of these sfh as my first house back in 2020 with a 2.5% 30yr conventional mortgage. On paper, I have ~$50k in equity in this house but don't plan to pull any out and given the rate I plan to hold indefinitely. With all of that said, I want to buy my first SFH investment property this year. I'm considering a couple of different options, would love to hear thoughts if anyone else has been in a similar situation in their market.

Option 1: stay in my current house and buy a sfh outside of this ~10 mile radius where new construction isn't as heavily saturated but still growing in population.

Option 2: turn my current house into a STR to try to take advantage of the golf course tournament travelers, etc. OR LTR and cash flow >$200/mo. AND design (buy) another new construction home in a higher priced neighborhood, taking advantage of the 5-10% down primary mortgage, rate buy-down and paid upgrades (granite, flooring upgrades, etc) offers from the seller. Then potentially rinse and repeat after 2 more years... refinance somewhere along the way if rates come down again...

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Real Estate Agent · Louisville, KY · Member since 2018 · 18 posts · 15 votes
3y

@Tyler Neison I've looked into new construction STR options out in East Louisville (Valhalla/Polo Fields areas) & struggle to make the numbers make sense (due to lack of demand) vs MTR/LTR. With option 2, the low DP, primary rates, and potential to eliminate capital gains by living there 2 years (if you for some reason choose to sell) are all big advantages.

Though, you can likely get stronger cash flow, appreciation, and STR potential by buying closer into town, especially with a little bit of value-add.

Happy to chat more and see if there is any way I can help!

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  • Realtor · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2023 · 245 posts · 231 votes
    3y

    Option 2 is the route I’d personally take. On top of the investment properties we seek out (which are typically lower in price point under $350K), we purchase and live in new construction homes that we then turn into LTR or MTR, depending on what comps look like at the time. We do this every 1-2 years and that helps to build our portfolio further and beats paying 20% every time. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Louisville, KY · Member since 2018 · 18 posts · 15 votes
    3y

    @Tyler Neison I've looked into new construction STR options out in East Louisville (Valhalla/Polo Fields areas) & struggle to make the numbers make sense (due to lack of demand) vs MTR/LTR. With option 2, the low DP, primary rates, and potential to eliminate capital gains by living there 2 years (if you for some reason choose to sell) are all big advantages.

    Though, you can likely get stronger cash flow, appreciation, and STR potential by buying closer into town, especially with a little bit of value-add.

    Happy to chat more and see if there is any way I can help!

  • Lender · Member since 2020 · 331 posts · 209 votes
    3y

    If I could do it all over again, I’d do more of what you’re proposing in option 2! Take advantage of the low down payments for owner occupied properties. Although it all depends on your long terms goals and where you want to be 5-10 years from now!

  • Louisville, KY · Member since 2017 · 18 posts · 5 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Stephanie Walker:

    Option 2 is the route I’d personally take. On top of the investment properties we seek out (which are typically lower in price point under $350K), we purchase and live in new construction homes that we then turn into LTR or MTR, depending on what comps look like at the time. We do this every 1-2 years and that helps to build our portfolio further and beats paying 20% every time. 

    Sounds like #2 is the overall recommendation. I know I'll need to consult with a CPA for specifics, but in general, any depreciation and expenses related to running this property once I turn it into a LTR can only offset the income the property generates by itself and can't bring down the income from my main job (not related to RE)? To offset my actual job income it would need to be a STR or I'd need to qualify as a RE professional?

    Thanks!

  • James WilcoxBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 603 votes
    3y

    I agree with the above. Yay part of the conversation lol. You might also look into getting a HELOC on your primary so you have access to some cash capital but keep your lower rate mortgage. HELOC comes at little to no cost.

    REI James w/ eXp Realty54 Reviews
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