All Forum Posts by: Ty Coutts

Hello, Elijah Householder, I believe I can answer your question.

Using rental income from a room in the house to qualify for a mortgage can be challenging, especially if this is your first home purchase. Here are the key points:

Lender Policies: Most lenders require proof of stable rental income, typically shown through previous tax returns or a history of rental payments. Since you're purchasing your first home, you likely don't have this rental history.

Lease Agreement: While a signed lease agreement is a positive step, it might not be sufficient on its own for a lender to consider the rental income in your mortgage application. Lenders usually look for established rental income history rather than future projections.

Alternative Documentation: Some lenders may consider future rental income if you have a solid lease agreement and other supporting documentation, such as a detailed rental market analysis. However, this is less common and highly lender-dependent.

Using income from an unpermitted ADU is typically not allowed by lenders for qualifying purposes. However, here are some considerations:

Permitting: Unpermitted structures are often a red flag for lenders because they may not meet local building codes or safety standards. The income from such units is generally not considered reliable.

Occupying the ADU: While you could theoretically occupy the unpermitted ADU and rent out the main house, lenders still might not recognize this arrangement for qualifying purposes due to the unpermitted status of the ADU.

Permitting the ADU: If possible, consider working to get the ADU permitted. This process can be time-consuming and potentially costly but may significantly enhance your ability to use the rental income for mortgage qualification in the future.

Hi, Nicholas Nocella, I would love to chat and relay ideas off of one another as you sound knowledgeable in both real estate and sales. I think what you're doing with your plan for your future is very smart and hope to contribute to your goals. Please contact me below, I hope to hear from you soon.

https://app.wavecnct.com/profile/ty.coutts.2mod

Hello, John Mason, yes, a second home can be operated by a management firm that has control over occupancy. Many property owners choose to hire management firms to handle the logistics of renting out their properties, especially if they do not live nearby or prefer not to manage the rental process themselves.

Here's how it can work:

Hire a Property Management Firm: You can contract a reputable property management firm that specializes in managing rental properties. They will handle all aspects of renting out your second home.

Long-Term Rentals (LTR): The management firm can find long-term tenants for your property, screen potential renters, handle lease agreements, and manage any issues that arise during the tenancy.

Seasonal or Short-Term Rentals: If you prefer to rent out your property on a seasonal or short-term basis, the management firm can handle marketing, bookings, check-ins, check-outs, and cleaning between guests. They can also manage the listing on various vacation rental platforms.

Control Over Occupancy: The management firm will operate within the guidelines you set regarding the rental periods and occupancy. You can specify blackout dates when the property is not available for rent if you wish to use it personally during certain times of the year.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: The management firm will ensure that the property complies with local laws and regulations concerning rental properties, including obtaining any necessary permits and adhering to zoning laws.

Maintenance and Repairs: Property management firms often take care of routine maintenance and emergency repairs, ensuring the property is well-maintained and ready for tenants or guests.

This arrangement allows you to enjoy your second home for part of the year and generate rental income when you're not using it, with minimal effort on your part.

It may be helpful to fill out the app, but give me a call anytime today, and I will answer any questions you have, or DM me your number and I will call you when I can. 

Hi Tim,

Here’s how you can make the most out of CoStar Premium to track future development planning:

Market Reports: Utilize CoStar’s comprehensive market reports which cover various aspects of real estate markets including upcoming projects, new developments, and market trends. These reports can give you an edge by highlighting areas with significant planned developments.

Property Analytics: CoStar provides detailed analytics on properties and their surrounding areas. Look for properties with recent transactions or those under construction to identify potential hot spots for future development.

Search Filters: Use the advanced search filters to find properties and development projects. You can filter by type, size, location, and development stage to pinpoint areas with upcoming projects.

News and Research: CoStar offers a news section with articles on recent and upcoming developments. Regularly check this section to stay updated on new projects and market insights.

Maps and Overlays: The mapping feature in CoStar allows you to visualize current and planned developments. Use overlays to view zoning changes, permits, and demographic trends that could signal future growth areas.

Alerts and Notifications: Set up alerts and notifications for new listings or changes in specific areas of interest. This ensures you get real-time updates on any new developments or planning activities.

Network and Collaboration: CoStar enables networking with other real estate professionals. Use this feature to connect with developers, agents, and investors who might have insider knowledge about upcoming projects.

Data Export: Export data and reports to conduct further analysis or share with your team. This can help you make informed decisions based on the latest market intelligence.

Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance or want to discuss more ways to utilize CoStar Premium effectively. Hope this helps!

Hi Ashwin,

It sounds promising that these are brand new homes, which can be very appealing to renters. Here’s how you can evaluate the investment potential in this area and ensure it aligns with your goals:

Local Market Research: Since these are new homes and there isn’t much inventory for 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom properties, you could benefit from a high demand and low supply situation. However, it’s essential to research the rental market trends in the area thoroughly. Websites like Zillow, Rent.com, and Realtor.com can provide insights into current rental rates for similar properties. Also, consider reaching out to local property management companies for their input on rental demand and market conditions.

Comparative Market Analysis (CMA): Your agent's assertion about good rental comps should be backed by a Comparative Market Analysis. Ask your agent to provide a detailed CMA that includes recent rental prices for similar properties in the area. This will give you a clearer picture of what you can expect in terms of rental income.

Neighborhood Appeal: Evaluate the neighborhood's appeal by considering factors such as proximity to schools, parks, shopping centers, and public transportation. Additionally, check crime rates and the overall safety of the area, as these are crucial factors that tenants consider when choosing a rental home.

Financial Analysis: Perform a detailed financial analysis to ensure the investment is viable. Calculate your expected rental income and subtract operating expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management fees. Ensure that the net operating income (NOI) meets your investment goals.

Future Developments: Investigate any future developments or infrastructure projects planned for the area, as these can significantly impact property values and rental demand.

Financing: If you are planning on taking out a loan to purchase a property in this area it is imperative to make sure you are getting terms that align with your investment objectives. We can discuss your financing options to ensure you’re getting the best terms for your investment. I can help you explore various loan products that suit your needs and maximize your returns.

Please feel free to reach out to set up a time to discuss this further.

Hi Stacy,

I understand your concerns about the complexities of splitting rental income and expenses. Here’s how you can simplify the process and achieve your goals, while also exploring financing options that could benefit both Cousin A and Cousin B.

Tenants in Common Agreement: While Cousin A and Cousin B will technically need to report rental income and expenses according to their ownership shares, a well-structured Tenants in Common (TIC) agreement can outline how they handle income and expenses. This agreement can specify that Cousin B manages all rental activities and reports the rental income and expenses.

Property Management Agreement: Cousin A can hire Cousin B as the property manager for the rental portion of the house. This way, Cousin B handles all the rental operations, and the agreement can state that Cousin B receives the rental income and pays for all related expenses. This could streamline the process and align with their goal of Cousin A cashing out equity.

Consulting a Tax Professional: It’s crucial to consult with a tax professional to ensure this arrangement complies with IRS regulations. They can help structure the agreement to reflect the intended income and expense allocations correctly.

Financing Options: As a mortgage broker, I can assist in exploring financing options that suit both cousins. For Cousin A, this could involve cash-out refinancing to access the equity they need. For Cousin B, we can look into mortgage options that facilitate the purchase of the 50% interest in the property. Again, feel free to reach out if you need anything else!

Hi Manuel,

It sounds like you have a solid plan in place for addressing the renovation and humming sound issues. Given your situation, you might want to explore refinancing options or a home equity loan to cover the renovation costs. Let me know if you want to discuss! Please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Hi Victoria,

Yes, running a credit report on the buyer is highly recommended. This helps you assess the buyer's creditworthiness and ability to make timely payments. There are definitely some key points to consider with this though such as Income Verification, References, Terms and Conditions that I would recommend having. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you would like to discuss or need further assistance!

Perfect! I think that my service would help you with this situation if you are interested. Please give me a call if so.