Sell or hold poorly chosen property

Sell or hold poorly chosen property

Rental Property Investor · Winslow, ME · Member since 2008 · 826 posts · 281 votes

I started out fast. I had a 5 year plan and condensed it to 1. As a result, I made a few mistakes all at once vs. make a mistake, learn, make another, learn from that, etc. Okay, lesson learned, but "compression" is in my genes, if I get into another business, I'll probably do the same thing. (since the first couple of mistakes, the rest of our 43 units are grossing 2.2% to 3.7% of purchase price, adhering nicely to the "2% rule")

Anyway, I wanted to get some feedback from those wiser than I. I have a duplex that I think we should sell. I paid 110k ARC plus I've put a few grand into it since. It's a big beautiful place, formal dining rooms, 9' ceilings, fireplaces, etc. classy part of town.

I'm torn. Do we unload it in the interest of optimizing our portfolio? I know we shouldn't really bank on appreciation, but this is a very classy place and does actually have some potential. 2d unit has 3 additional BRs on third floor not being used. Could be turned into efficiency, or simply 3 BRS added to existing 2BR apartment. but it will take time and money to increase the income and potential.

So my real question should probably be, "what do you do when you make a boo boo? Do you hold on and let rent increases cure the mediocrity of the investment or do you get the horse running without a limp and sell it?" Any suggestions or war stories would be great! Thank you!

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Real Estate Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
15y

You should sell a property that does not meet your ROI requirements based on its current market value and invest the proceeds in another property that meets your requirements. What you paid for it and how nice it is do not really matter.

Whether you should sell the specific property that you refer to is beyond me. When you determine the ROIs of a property, it should be based on your investing style (cash flow vs appreciation) and your best estimate of its prospects.

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  • Real Estate Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2009 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    15y

    You should sell a property that does not meet your ROI requirements based on its current market value and invest the proceeds in another property that meets your requirements. What you paid for it and how nice it is do not really matter.

    Whether you should sell the specific property that you refer to is beyond me. When you determine the ROIs of a property, it should be based on your investing style (cash flow vs appreciation) and your best estimate of its prospects.

  • Rental Property Investor · Winslow, ME · Member since 2008 · 826 posts · 281 votes
    15y

    Thank you. This is what I thought. I do still have the emotional aspect of "ooh, I want to be the guy who owns this..." but I'm "seasoned enough" as it were to recognize that quality and look ahead a little!

  • Real Estate Investor · College Station, TX · Member since 2011 · 105 posts · 18 votes
    15y

    I would take a hard look at location before selling it. Maybe it isn't returning the profit that the others are but maybe its in a better location resulting in greater long term appreciation. If you made a bad buy and you can go down the street and make your numbers better then sell it.

    I personally have properties that gross anywhere from 1.1%-3% of purchase price. The 3% does great for current income but it may never go up in value. The 1.1% is in an EXCELLENT location for long-term appreciation and it was completely remodeled just before buying. Totally different properties that are both good investments. I personally like the diversification of different types of property.

  • Real Estate Investor · 30906, GA · Member since 2010 · 161 posts · 36 votes
    15y

    Sell it. Sometimes you have to take a hit. I know I have in the past. Don't let it dig a hole into your investment portfolio stash.

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