Investing in real estate research and planning, real estate investments generate passive income, appreciate over time, and provide a stable asset to pass down or sell during retirement. While no investment is without risk, real estate tends to be less volatile than stocks and be a smart move for securing your financial future if done strategically.
Real estate can hedge against inflation
As the costs of goods and services rise over time, rental rates and property values tend to increase as well. Therefore, this means the income generated by rental properties often rises during inflationary periods. In addition, as the property appreciates, the underlying real estate asset becomes more valuable over time. Though appreciation varies based on market conditions, historically real estate values have tracked higher than the overall rate of inflation.
Leverage allows for greater returns
The Arkansas Real Estate MLS investors utilize leverage by financing a portion of the purchase price with a mortgage loan. It allows them to buy a more expensive property while putting up just a percentage as a down payment. If the property appreciates substantially, the investor earns returns on the full purchase price, not just their down payment. This effect massively amplifies returns compared to purchasing real estate outright in cash.
Positive cash flow is achievable
The properties with rental income that exceeds monthly expenses like mortgage payments, repairs, property taxes, and other costs, real estate investors generate steady cash flow. This extra income hen be used to pay living expenses or reinvested into additional properties. Even better, rental income and property expenses tend to move in opposite directions as rents rise with inflation while fixed costs like mortgages remain stable.
Tax advantages are abundant
Real estate investors deduct expenses like mortgage interest, repairs, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and depreciation against rental income each year. These paper losses be used to offset taxable income from other sources. In addition, profits from selling a rental property may qualify for lower long-term capital gains tax rates. Investors must follow IRS rules and actively manage properties to unlock these perks.
Equity builds through mortgage pay down
As rental income pays down the mortgage each month, the investor builds equity in the property over time. This equity be tapped in the future via a cash-out refinance or harvested at once upon selling. Having a large equity stake minimizes risk even if market values decline. Equity also be reused to acquire more properties and continue growing a real estate portfolio.
Properties can be deducted from depreciation
Real estate investors may deduct depreciation each year on residential rental buildings, which allows them to reduce taxable income even while the property is likely appreciating in market value. The depreciation deduction is meant to account for wear and tear on the building. This non-cash expense produces a valuable paper loss to shelter tax liabilities.
Appreciation boosts returns long-term
While difficult to predict over short time horizons, historically real estate values move higher over decades. This appreciation dramatically boosts investor returns when properties remain for many years. In addition, any profits from selling a property held for at least one year may qualify for favourable capital gains tax treatment. So time and long holding periods work in the investor’s favour.