Tips for Investing in Multi – Family Properties

The 50% Rule

HI! My name is Michael Zubretsky. I am the owner of Venture One Realty and have some useful tips for you if you are thinking about investing in Real Estate. The 50% Rule is a guideline that many investors use when evaluating a potential purchase of an Investment property.

It is a rule of thumb so that you can quickly analyze a properties ability to cash flow and to determine if it is worth pursuing or getting additional information to make an offer.

The speed of this quick analysis is what is important, especially in a competitive market where  multi-families sell quickly.

50% Rule = Speed to Analyze Cash Flow

Simply stated – The 50% Rule says that your goal will be to keep at least 50% of the rents you collect on average after subtracting the expenses.

These expenses include – Property Tax, Insurance, Utilities, Repairs, Maintenance, Management Fees.

Show on Screen – Property Tax, Insurance, Utilities, Repairs, Maintenance, Management Fees.

The expenses include everything except for your Mortgage Payment

As an example – If the rents on a two family are $1,000 per month for each unit, a total of $2,000 per month or $24,000 annually then expenses should not exceed $1,000 per month or $12,000 annually.

The remaining $1,000 per month would be used for your mortgage payment and hopefully some positive cash flow.

If Rents = $24,000 x  50%  Then  Expenses Should Be  <   $12,000 Per Year

The 50% Rule is not foolproof, it is based on a general assumption that needs to be verified during the due diligence period.

And of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.

For instance – If you notice that the costs are higher than 50% of the rents, it could mean that the rents are below market value or that some major repairs have just been completed, This property may still be a great investment.

However – If you notice that the costs are lower than 50% of the Rents, it could mean that there is some neglected maintenance or possibly a miscalculation of the costs which need to be further verified.

Remember, The 50% Rule is to be used as a screening tool for your real estate deals as part of your due diligence.

Good Luck with your investing!

 Ending Scene 5  – For Venture One

If you have any questions on Multi-Family Investing, please feel free to give me a call and remember –

Venture One Realty is a full service 1% Listing Agency, where you can save thousands of dollars on your next real estate transaction.

Give us a call today!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have so that I may help you in the purchase of  a home.

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