American Consumer Credit Counseling explains the advantages and disadvantages of owning income property in MA
Boston, MA – February 28, 2019
Owning an income property is one-way consumers can invest their money. Income properties include residential property, such as multi-family or single family units, or commercial property for businesses. Because some risks and responsibilities come with owning income property, national nonprofit American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) explains the pros and cons to consumers.
“There are several advantages and disadvantages to purchasing an income property,” said Steve Trumble, President, and CEO of American Consumer Credit Counseling. “Investing money in an income property can be enticing, particularly since it can generate a steady income for consumers even as they build equity in the property. Although the property can create income, it is important to be aware of all of the responsibilities that come with maintaining and renting your income property.”
According to the United State Census Bureau, the median residential rent in Massachusetts was $1,208 in 2017, up from $1,197 in 2016. Massachusetts’ median residential rent is about 16 percent higher than the national median of $1,012. Data USA found that 62 percent of people in Massachusetts are homeowners, and in Boston only 35 percent are homeowners.
ACCC explains the advantages and disadvantages of owning income property.
Advantages:
- Tax benefit – The IRS allows owners of income property to claim tax deductions.
- Source of income – Having an income property provides another source of revenue to help cover the costs of maintaining the property, and in some cases, enough revenue to produce a profit.
- Mortgage payments – By renting the property, tenants’ monthly rent will help cover, if not in full, the cost of monthly mortgage payments.
- Low risk investment – Even if the economy is bad, there is always a need for housing.
- An abundance of renters – There is no shortage of renters, especially in the current market where more consumers are choosing to rent in Boston than own.
Disadvantages:
- Landlord responsibilities – Being a landlord is a 24/7 responsibility. If something breaks, there’s a flood or a complaint; it is the landlord’s responsibility to take care of it.
- Renter risk – It is never guaranteed that a renter will pay on time or at all. Some tenants may also cause more damage to the property than others, which can be costly.
- Rental Market Volatility – The owner’s income from the property can be based on the current real estate market. When the economy is slow, some landlords may have to lower the rent to make their property more attractive.
- Harder to sell – An income property that is occupied by tenants will take longer to sell. The amount a buyer is willing to pay may also decrease if there is wear and tear on the property from tenants.
- Potential lawsuits – Owning an income property leaves landlords vulnerable to being sued.
ACCC is a 501(c)3 organization that provides free credit counseling, bankruptcy counseling, and housing counseling to consumers nationwide in need of financial literacy education and money management. For more information, contact ACCC:
- For credit counseling and student loan counseling, call 800-769-3571
- For bankruptcy counseling, call 866-826-6924
- For housing counseling, call 866-826-7180
- Or visit us online at http://www.ConsumerCredit.com
About American Consumer Credit Counseling
American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) is a nonprofit credit counseling 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to empowering consumers to achieve financial management through credit counseling, debt management, bankruptcy counseling, housing counseling, student loan counseling and financial education concerning debt solutions. To help consumers reach their goal of debt relief, ACCC provides a range of free consumer personal finance resources on a variety of topics including budgeting, credit and debt management, student loan assistance, youth and money, homeownership, identity theft, senior living, and retirement. Consumers can use ACCC’s worksheets, videos, calculators, and blog articles to make the best possible decisions regarding their financial future. ACCC holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is a member of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®). For more information or to access free financial education resources, log on to ConsumerCredit.com or visit https://www.consumercredit.com/debt-resources-tools/
