Whether you own rental property or not it’s current State of the Union may effect your personal financial situation and if not now, perhaps down the road so, keeping abreast of the rental market is as important as watching your 401-K. If you own rental property your probably glad you do as rents have increased 6.5% so far in 2014. 78% of leases in 2013-14 were renewed and 75% of those saw increases. If your one of the 25% of renters who renewed without an increase, good for you ! There certainly isn’t anything wrong with renting or more importantly living within your means…after all, living above ones means started this mess in the first place. Home ownership is currently at it’s lowest level (64.8%) since 1995, the same year that the Community Reinvestment Act made regulatory changes that required lending institutions to make loans that might otherwise not have been made thus, by 2004 home ownership was at it’s peak.
With home ownership declining the rental market has seen record increases, in fact Portland is #5 Nationwide with a 2.2% vacancy rate thus, it’s no wonder that 60% of the Foreclosed homes State wide became rentals in 2013. Unlike just a few short years ago, it may be possible for those who are having difficulties meeting their note payments to rent out their homes and stay above water. For those of you who may be considering rental property as a part of your overall portfolio I would be glad to answer any questions you may have. The market for multifamily properties, particularly commercial (5 units +) is fierce so, it does take some patience. Regardless of whether the Real Estate market is on an upward spiral or decline there is typically something that can help you either increase your position or maintain what you have if you have the right information & guidance along the way.
