Lifestyle

3 Myths About Owning An Apartment Complex

Published

3 years ago

July 11, 2021

Investing in apartment complexes can result in outstanding returns. Some surveys have found that owning a commercial investment property can net a 9.75% return per year!

Several myths about owning commercial real estate tend to discourage investors from taking the plunge, however. Consider the misconceptions below before you decide on owning an apartment complex.

And remember, you can rely on an experienced property management company to help you manage your investment and make your life a lot easier.

It Costs Too Much

It’s inarguable that most apartment complexes cost anywhere from $500,000 to multiple millions. But if you think that means you must be independently wealthy before you can invest, that’s not the case.

There are many excellent financing options that can enable you to buy apartment buildings and other commercial real estate. You will have to furnish a down payment in the range between 5% and 20% of the price of the building, but you can usually finance the rest at a low interest rate.

Your personal credit may be a factor in whether you receive the loan, but it’s more important for you to show that the property will generate enough cash flow to cover your mortgage and expenses. Also, you should have a sufficient amount of remaining funds for repairs and your profit.

The FHA offers several fantastic financing options with low down payments and interest rates for apartment complexes, so make sure to ask your loan officer about that financing option. But remember, you should have plenty of cash reserves in the bank when you buy an apartment complex so you’re ready for any unexpected expenses that come up.

Strong Housing Market Damages Apartment Demand

We are seeing strong demand for single-family homes in the US in 2021. So apartment demand must be plunging, right?

If this were true, apartment demand would have dropped during the real estate boom that peaked in 2005 and 2006. But demand for apartments rose alongside housing demand during this period. Why is that?

Evidence suggests that when the housing market is strong, demand rises for all kinds of living spaces, from houses to condos to apartments. There are many reasons for that, but most of it boils down to the health of the economy in general.

The same factors that lead to a strong housing market create demand for apartments to rise as well. So if you own an apartment complex and you see houses selling like hotcakes in your city, you can expect increased demand for your apartments. You might even be able to raise rents!

You Can Do Your Own Repairs

One way to save money when you own investment properties is to do the repairs yourself. This can be a great strategy if you know how to handle common maintenance issues, such as fixing the plumbing, minor electrical problems, etc.

But when you own an apartment complex, you may find yourself having to spend far too much of your time repairing the building than on other parts of your business. Even if you have the skill to do the repairs, your time has value.

There are other tasks that you may want to focus on to grow your business. This is why many apartment complex owners hire a property management company to handle the day-to-day needs of running an apartment building.

Your property managers can do everything from screening tenants to collecting rent to repairing the toilets. That frees you up to devote your energies to other parts of your business, and you’ll have more time to see your kids too!

Owning an apartment complex can generate outstanding cash flow for you, but it’s necessary to understand all the ramifications of ownership. If you keep the above myths in mind, you’ll have a better chance of owning a profitable building.

Lifestyle

From Wealth to Fields: A Billionaire’s Commitment to Small Farmers

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2024

Michelle Langton

In recent years, billionaire Stefan Soloviev has transitioned from the world of New York real estate to the fertile farmlands of the American West.

His journey from urban wealth to rural development showcases a unique dedication to revitalizing small farming communities and transforming the agricultural landscape.

A New Vision for Agriculture

Stefan Soloviev, son of the late real estate tycoon Sheldon Solow, has amassed a considerable amount of farmland across Colorado, Kansas, and New Mexico. Soloviev’s agricultural enterprise, Crossroads Agriculture, spans over 400,000 acres, making him one of the largest landowners in the United States.

This substantial investment is not merely a financial venture; it represents a commitment to supporting and empowering small farmers in these regions.

Soloviev’s approach to farming is characterized by his desire to move away from competitive practices that often leave small farmers struggling. Instead, he emphasizes collaboration and sustainability.

By leveraging his resources, Soloviev aims to create a farming environment where smallholders can thrive alongside larger operations. This philosophy is particularly evident in his strategic acquisition of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad, a critical transportation link for agricultural products in the region.

Revitalizing Rural Communities

Soloviev’s impact extends beyond farmland acquisition. His purchase of the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad at a bankruptcy auction for $10.7 million highlights his broader vision for the agricultural sector.

This railroad, previously owned by Iowa Pacific Holdings, connects the San Luis Valley to the national rail network, facilitating the efficient transport of goods and boosting local economies.

The acquisition is seen as a positive development for the San Luis Valley, with Soloviev’s Colorado Pacific Railroad expected to be more community-focused and supportive of local initiatives compared to the previous owners. This includes potential cooperation with local recreational projects, such as the proposed Heart of the Valley Trail, which aims to integrate rail and trail use for community benefit.

Soloviev’s dedication to the region is also reflected in his willingness to work with local stakeholders to address community needs. His approach contrasts with more traditional, profit-driven business models and underscores his commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive agricultural ecosystem.

Building a Sustainable Future

Soloviev’s investment in the Colorado Pacific Railroad and the broader agricultural infrastructure is part of a long-term vision to create a more resilient and sustainable farming community. By improving transportation networks and providing support to small farmers, he hopes to mitigate some of the challenges these farmers face, such as market access and transportation costs.

Moreover, Soloviev’s initiatives are seen as a way to preserve and enhance the rural way of life, which is increasingly threatened by industrial farming and urban encroachment. His efforts to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the complexities of modern agriculture.

In conclusion, Stefan Soloviev’s transition from urban real estate mogul to a champion of small farmers is a testament to his innovative and community-oriented approach.

His significant investments in farmland and infrastructure, coupled with a commitment to sustainability and local engagement, are paving the way for a brighter future for small farmers in Colorado and beyond. Through his efforts, Soloviev is not only transforming

the agricultural landscape but also setting a precedent for how wealth and resources can be used to foster positive change in rural communities.