New and looking to buy two rental houses

New and looking to buy two rental houses

Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes

New investor here in need of advice... I came across a deal on two rental homes that each value for ~$145k and the asking price is $110k on each. The builder completed the homes in '08 and rented them out instead of selling when the market turned south. Both have been lived in by the same renters since new. There rent is currently $650 because it has not gone up in a decade. The homes are ~1230 sq ft, 3 bed 2 bath with a carport. I live in a rural area outside Chattanooga, TN. The current owner is looking to free up his mortgage on them and focus on building other homes which is why he is selling below market value. 

My questions is... how should I go about raising the rent without losing quality tenants? Thanks in advance for any help!

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Jason SilvenisPro Member
Real Estate Investor · Cleveland, TN · Member since 2015 · 11 posts · 7 votes
7y

@Curtis Bowery

I just had a similar situation at a property I am looking at. I asked the tenant what she wished would change about the property. She listed some minor repairs and some tree removal. I said my plan was to raise the rent on the location to match the market but that one purpose would be to make the changes she requested happen within the year. The increase will be about 25% but she was so excited to hear about my plans. If the deal goes through she wants to stay for the rest of her life.

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    7y

    @Curtis Bowery

    How far off market rent are they right now?  

    First check your local laws to see if there is a max that you can increase rent.  If not, some people will say rip off the band aid and increase to market rent in one fell swoop, others will say do it in annual increments.  I'd do the later, by how much depends on how far they are off current market values.  

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Theresa Harris

    The market is $950-1100 per month. I thought about raising it to $850 for 6-12 months and then $950 after that term... Then re-evaluating market conditions after the second year.

  • Luke CarlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Tennessee Florida · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    7y

    If you’re absolutely sure they’ll rent for somewhere around 1% then just buy them and figure it out later. Seller isn’t likely to get the tenants out for you so you’ll have to deal with it. Read the leases carefully. They’re probably month to month. And I’m not sure why you think theyre quality? If they’re paying half the market rent they’re not quality at all in my book no matter how clean the bathrooms are. 

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    That's a good point @Luke Carl! 

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    7y

    A $200 increase may make them leave, but if they do, you can rent it for market value.  You could talk to them and tell them market value is upto $1100 (and bring them examples), then tell them your plan.

  • Property Manager · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2018 · 179 posts · 92 votes
    7y

    Curtis,

    Like others have said, you can either increase gradually or rip off the bandaid. Depending on what you think the chances of them leaving are, you can always do an inspection to get an idea of how much work will need to be done if/when they move out. This will also tell you how "quality" they are and will get you to make a decision one way or another. 

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    Thanks @Alex Smith! I am going to tour the house this afternoon. It'll be my first deal, so pretty excited. Hopefully it all comes together...

  • Brian LevredgePro Member
    Investor · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 903 votes
    7y

    You also want to make sure they can afford the increase.  Does you no good to increase if they can’t. Verify income and make your decision.

  • Specialist · NW Indiana · Member since 2018 · 24 posts · 9 votes
    7y

    In my experience, when we acquire a property that has had a tenant for an extended period of time at below market rent, they will not want to pay your price.  And if they did, you're the bad guy now.  Odds are they will not be happy and may become a pain.  I would ask them to pay market value.  If they decline,  part ways.  That's okay.  We usually tell them there are plenty of people who'd love to pay market rent for this house.  If your firm, they may stay. 

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    Thanks, @Jarrod Stotmeister! Hopefully it will be a smooth transition

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Jarrod Stotmeister, do you require a deposit from the tenants who already live in your newly acquired properties? What is common practice? 

  • Specialist · NW Indiana · Member since 2018 · 24 posts · 9 votes
    7y

    When acquiring a rented property, always ask for the lease and also find out who has the deposit (if one was placed).  When the tenant leaves, you will be required to return it to the tenant (if all checks out) regardless of whether you received it at closing from seller/property manager.  Does this help?

  • 🎉 Director of Events at BiggerPockets · Denver, CO · Member since 2016 · 430 posts · 438 votes
    7y

    @Curtis Bowery I’m currently looking in Chattanooga as well which will be my first long distance deal.

    Best of luck to you!

    BiggerPockets
  • Rental Property Investor · Corvallis, OR · Member since 2018 · 840 posts · 1k+ votes
    7y

    @Curtis Bowery Unless there is a massive shortage of quality renters in your area, you kind of want your tenants to move on. I mean how can they find their deal again if your market is that strong? Further, maybe make it $50 or so below the market to make them feel good, but explain that you are buying as an investment, not a hobby, and its all about the numbers. People do not enjoy the moving process, so I bet they would stay, but if you are that nervous about this then RE is not for you. You have to run a business and it sounds like the deals are sweet so pick them up asap!

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Alexandra Hughes Pailet, thank you! I hope you find some great deals in the area. If you have any questions about the area, let me know!

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Todd Powell, just made the deal today! Thanks for your input

  • Rental Property Investor · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2017 · 203 posts · 188 votes
    7y

    Congrats!

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Heath M., thanks!

  • Jason SilvenisPro Member
    Real Estate Investor · Cleveland, TN · Member since 2015 · 11 posts · 7 votes
    7y

    @Curtis Bowery

    I just had a similar situation at a property I am looking at. I asked the tenant what she wished would change about the property. She listed some minor repairs and some tree removal. I said my plan was to raise the rent on the location to match the market but that one purpose would be to make the changes she requested happen within the year. The increase will be about 25% but she was so excited to hear about my plans. If the deal goes through she wants to stay for the rest of her life.

  • Member since 2018 · 16 posts · 2 votes
    7y

    @Jason Silvenis, that is a great idea! Thanks for sharing. Love the idea of raising rent while adding value to the tenant.

  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2019 · 4 posts · 1 vote
    7y

    @Jason Silvenis That is such a great example. I wouldn't just up the price and expect your renters to be happy. I think that catering to your potential new clients demonstrates a lot of value. Its almost like if you had to rehab a house with some finishing touches like yard work and repainting to give it a new feel, but you already have tenants that are already paying the rent. Great example!

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