You’re in for a real treat today!

I’ll be giving you 5 ways you can use to maximize the returns on your next investment property.

If haven’t read my blog, How To Make Money on an Investment Property? I highly suggest you do. After reading it you’ll know how to accurately calculate your 1st year return on investment. In that blog, I also breakdown my “FOUR PILLARS” which include: Cash flow, Principal Pay down, Market Appreciation, and Forced Appreciation.

If you understand the “FOUR PILLARS” then you’ll know just how helpful these tips I’m giving you are for maximizing your return on investment.

You may be an investor in the market for your first property, or you may have several properties already. Regardless, I think if you can use at least 1 of the 5 tips I’m giving you it will help turn your return on investment from good to great.

Let’s get right into it!

1. Buy under market value

A surefire way to make an instant return on any property is by buying it under market value. You’re probably thinking that’s a no-brainer, right? But who’s selling their property under market value in today’s market? They exist, and there are several ways to go about generating leads. Each will require a commitment, but if you develop a process and stay persistent, it will pay off for you.

Finding the one, or multiple, processes that work best for you will take some time. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

When you’ve found a strategy that’s generating you consistent leads here are some negotiation tactics to consider implementing in your offer(s):

2. Curb appeal

First impressions pull on prospective buyers' and renters' emotional heartstrings that leave a lasting impact. Dollar for dollar, investing in the exterior appearance of your home is one of the best uses of your renovation budget.

By doing all of the above you’re sure to stand out from the competition in the neighborhood. You’ll be increasing your property’s value and appeal to prospective buyers and renters looking for a place to call their home.

3. Be Your Own Property Manager

By being your own Property Manager, rather than hiring a Property Management company, you can save anywhere from 5% to 10% on your monthly rental income. If you are investing in single-family homes with 1 or 2 units, and can develop a system for screening quality candidates, you may be better off saving yourself that 5% to 10% every month by self-managing.

There are plenty of resources out there to learn how to properly self-manage your rental properties. Consider that the following Property Manager’s responsibilities would become your responsibilities:

If you decide you can handle these responsibilities, it will certainly be worth the tradeoff of having more monthly cash flow. Who is going to appreciate a higher monthly cash flow more than you?

4. Add a second suite

If your property has an unfinished basement that is not being utilized, now may be the time to convert that space into a second unit. You’ll nearly double the monthly earning potential of that property, and benefit from forced appreciation. By adding a second unit you now have:

The point is it will appeal to a wide audience of renters, investors, and buyers. For a crash course in creating a legal second suite, be sure to read my blog “Legalizing a second suite in Ontario; a step by step process.”

5. Increase rents and minimize vacancy rates

Assess your local market to gauge the current demand and rental prices of comparable units/properties. If you find that you’re charging under market rent it may be time to increase the monthly rent. If it means an extra $50 to $100 per unit that could mean an extra 5% to 10% on your monthly cash flow.

If you are planning to make major improvements, first see how similar properties in your area stack up. Make sure you’ll be getting a worthwhile return on that investment before spending tens of thousands on a renovation.

Don’t reach for the stars and ask for a monthly rent that exceeds that of the competition. In Southern Ontario you will regularly see vacancy rates under 2%, so if you’re not drawing interested renters then price may be a reason.

Having some income coming in to cover your carrying costs is far better than the alternative. If you find your pricing is comparable to other units in the area, you may just need to work on your marketing processes. Your advertising is an important component in generating new renters. Below are several ways you can improve:

These are just a few ways to improve on lead generation, but the list of possibilities is endless.

…And there you have it, 5 ways to help you maximize your return on investment.

Whether you’re a real estate investor in the market for another property, or you already have a property, hopefully, at least one of these tips has ignited a burning desire to make more on your money!

If you’re interested in ways to keep money in your pocket be sure to check out 5 Ways to Reduce Your Renovation Costs.