Top Tips When Buying Investment Property in Memphis 

Feb 28, 2024

Are you looking for your next destination for investing in real estate? Look no further than Memphis, Tennessee. 

The city has been performing well in recent years and offers potential investors the chance to enjoy all the benefits of real estate. In this article, our experienced property professionals discuss why you should invest in Memphis and also tips to consider before investing in property. 

Why Invest in Memphis

One of the many reasons to invest in Memphis is its schools. The Memphis Shelby County system is known for its comprehensive education across all levels. In addition, the University of Memphis and Rhodes College offer higher education and bring in students who study everything from computer science to kinesiology. 

And of course, you can’t talk about Memphis without mentioning the thriving culture, art, and music scenes. The history of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and bluegrass music in the area brings in talent from all over and means there’s always a concert to attend.

If you’ve been doing your research on rental options in various markets, you might find the prices in other major cities in the country pretty disheartening. Memphis offers potential and first-time investors (who might not have deep pockets) the possibility of investing in real estate. The area has several affordable neighborhoods that interested investors can consider. 

Locals can attest to the low cost of living. Choosing to live in Memphis means that you pay less for transportation, healthcare, groceries, and utilities compared to the U.S. average. 

Shot of the iconic Blue Street in Memphis, TN at night

5 Tips Before You Purchase a Memphis Rental Property 

#1: Carefully Consider the Location 

You’ve likely heard about the critical importance of location when purchasing property. It’s often the top priority over other factors. This is because real estate is a fixed asset. Unlike other investment vehicles that can be moved to capitalize on certain advantages, property is inherently tied to its surroundings and nearby factors.

To gain a better understanding of this concept, imagine yourself as a tenant. Consider what aspects of the location would influence your decision to choose one housing option over another.

When selecting your next investment property, it should be located near the amenities and features that make it appealing to tenants. Of course, not every property will be close to every possible amenity, but you’ll want to choose a property that’s potentially near good schools, parks, shopping areas, and public transportation or main roads.

#2: Do Your Research 

There is no substitute for experience in the property market. You can learn a lot by failing and making mistakes, however, in real estate, mistakes can be expensive. Property is a very capital-intensive asset, so the less risks you can take, the better. 

Intensive research into every element and variable in your prospective neighborhood will serve to give you much-needed advice that previous investors never had. There is expert advice available through market updates and research done by leading players in the industry.  By learning from the mistakes of others, you can give yourself the edge that you need to make high returns. 

a blond landlord in a grey sweater researches rental market updates on their laptop while having a cup of coffee

You can also turn to the advice of real estate professionals, like the team at Specialized Property Management Memphis. We’ve been in the business for years, so we know what it takes to maximize your return on investment. 

#3: Inspect the Condition of the Property 

If you have some experience in the property industry, you likely already know the importance that tenants place on the aesthetics of a property. Potential landlords should choose a well-maintained property that is in good condition. 

Although the look of a property is important, we recommend that you go a step deeper. The condition of the sub-structure is a critical aspect that many potential buyers may not have the expertise to evaluate. We recommend contacting a qualified and experienced home inspector who can thoroughly examine every aspect of the property and provide you with a detailed report.

This report can be a valuable tool in your negotiations. If any issues are identified, you can use this information to negotiate a reduction in the asking price. 

#4: Decide Who Will Take Care of the Management

Landlords often focus heavily on selecting the best property in the market, but sometimes overlook what comes next: management. Property management is a complex task that includes marketing campaigns, tenant selection, rent collection, financial reporting, and property maintenance. 

It can be overwhelming for even the most dedicated individuals. For your rental property in Memphis, consider outsourcing to the top experts in the area.

Three people standing in front of a house, two of them are shaking hands

Specialized Property Management Memphis stands out as the premier property management service in Memphis and its surrounding areas, with three decades of experience. Our brand has grown over the years, and our clients can vouch for the professionalism we bring to every service we provide.

What sets Specialized Property Management Memphis apart is the caliber of professionals we employ. We hire only the best, ensuring our clients are served by experienced, licensed, and diligent property experts who strive to achieve 100% satisfaction with our services.

#5: Get Your Finances in Order

Real estate has a high initial cost of investment. Even the most affordable options in up-and-coming neighborhoods will still cost a significant amount of money upfront. You need to work out your finances before investing in a rental property. 

An essential consideration is the balance between debt and equity. Many property owners rely heavily on financing from financial institutions, with most mortgage lenders requiring a down payment of approximately 15 to 20 percent. Opting for a larger down payment can influence the terms of your loan.

Additionally, it’s important to plan for the other financial obligations that come with owning and operating a rental property. You’ll need to ensure you have enough to cover marketing, screening, and any necessary renovations to the property.  

Conclusion 

Investing in rental property can be one of the best decisions that you make in your investment journey. Real estate is a proven asset that has given savvy landlords steady returns over the years. Memphis should be your destination for real estate investment, since it’s seeing significant population and economic growth. 

If you find yourself challenged by the responsibilities that come with property management, you may want to consider outsourcing those responsibilities to an experienced property management company. At Specialized Property Management Memphis, we have the expertise you need to maximize the returns from your property. 

Get in touch to learn more about our specialized and customized solutions that match your property needs. 

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