First REI property, but recent events has me a bit spooked

First REI property, but recent events has me a bit spooked

Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 20 posts · 29 votes

Hey BP! Very grateful for the wealth of information available for me on these forums and linked information scattered around. Happy to finally be diving in after a month of studious research and equipping myself with the right knowledge. My wife and I found a property this past week and we are under contract but still in the option period. The recent coronavirus events, jump in mortgage rates, and potential economic uncertainty has me spooked so we are carefully considering whether to continue through. Would love a second opinion on the deal and maybe some insight from those who have been through similar events in the past and have more experience.

The Deal

Investment Info: $160k home in college town about 3 mi from campus
What made me interested in this deal: my wife and I are specifically targeting buy and hold SFH
How did you finance this deal?: conventional 30yr loan
Other notes:
-
Our COC estimates are about 12.5% with us managing the property (vacancy and maintenance factored in)
- Has older water heater, HVAC, and AC unit that have been regularly serviced, but are higher on age

Questions
- Should I be worried about an economic downturn on a buy and hold property next to a college campus and generally economically stable area?
- 
I've been quoted at 5.25% rate on the mortgage, but also given an option to float it until close in the hopes that it drops after the rush to refinance gets completed and maybe the coronavirus situation stabilizes (big if). Should I float or just lock?
- If the numbers make sense, am I overthinking it as there's no way to time these things?

Thanks in advance for any replies!

1Reply
20 views

Most Popular Reply

Rod HanksBusiness Member
Insurance Agent · Dallas, TX · Member since 2013 · 743 posts · 462 votes
6y

@Christian Buechel

If the numbers makes sense pull the trigger.

Rod Hanks Insurance4.9153 Reviews
See this reply in the discussion

7 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Rental Property Investor · Brooke Park Drive · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    America isn’t going anywhere. We might have a rough economy for 2-3 quarters but people will still need a place to live.

  • Rental Property Investor · Corpus Christi, TX · Member since 2019 · 306 posts · 176 votes
    6y

    @Christian Buechel

    With that kind of COC return for SFH, I would do it if it were my market. Keep some money in reserves for those big items you mentioned above.

    What do your numbers look like?

    That interest rate is pretty high for rates right now. I just locked 3.625% on a 30yr fixed for my new SFH investment property. If you're in the top tier for credit, your rate should be better. Shoot me a message of you want my mortgage broker contact info.

  • Rod HanksBusiness Member
    Insurance Agent · Dallas, TX · Member since 2013 · 743 posts · 462 votes
    6y

    @Christian Buechel

    If the numbers makes sense pull the trigger.

    Rod Hanks Insurance4.9153 Reviews
  • Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 20 posts · 29 votes
    6y

    @Clint G.

    Thanks for the insight!

    Here are some numbers:

    Rents at $1500 with ~$125 property taxes, $75 insurance, and factored in 7% vacancy and 7% maintenance over the year. Comes out to a roughly 12.5% COC return.

    Yeah I just refinanced my primary residence about 2 weeks ago locked in at 3.25%, but the state I’m getting this investment property in has higher rates from what I’ve been told and the investment property makes them go higher too. I have a 740+ credit score so it’s not that I don’t think. I’ll shoot you a message on the broker side! We’ve been working with a local bank broker since my usual one is out this week haha.

  • Real Estate Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2020 · 51 posts · 44 votes
    6y

    @Christian Buechel couple things I would consider if I were in your shoes. CapEx, you stated some equipment is old (hot water heater etc.) a percentage of that rent should be applied towards the replacement I'd those items on top of regular maintenance, in my opinion. Additionally, I would figure in management even if you manage it yourself, what happens if down the road you decide to have a property manager manage the property?

    Adding in CapEx and management, does it still cash flow? Is it still a good deal? Just some food for thought! Good luck on your deal!

  • Adam TafelBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · St. Paul, MN · Member since 2017 · 572 posts · 394 votes
    6y

    @Account Closed - I feel your anxiety! If I were under contract on my first investment during this uncertain time I'd be second-guessing for sure. It sounds like you've done your due diligence when it comes to your numbers, and I think it's unlikely that the rental market will suffer a catastrophic correction this year. Having said that, go with your gut. No one will fault you for pulling out to see how things settle this spring. You've waited until now to buy an investment, unless this is the deal of the century you'll be able to find another. Your agent will hate me for saying this, but it's true! Best of luck. 

    Upside Property Sales 4.9108 Reviews
  • Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2020 · 20 posts · 29 votes
    6y

    @Adam Tafel

    Appreciate the thoughtful response. We’re going to run the numbers again with some of the insights from those above and factor in scenarios like students not returning in August or dips in rental prices before making our decision.

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.