by Barker Realty, Inc. | Jan 24, 2023 | Featured Article, Local Property Management, Property Selection, Raleigh Investment Property, Raleigh Property Management
Raleigh, NC has experienced exponential growth in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. With plenty of job prospects, higher education options, and real estate investment opportunities, Raleigh is a hot spot for young professionals. Here’s why people are flocking to Raleigh–and why investing in rental property here is a great idea.
Abundant Career Opportunities
Raleigh is a thriving hub for technology, biotechnology, and healthcare, home to some of the largest employers in the Southeast. Startups and small businesses alike can benefit from the abundance of well-funded clients and investors in the area. As for large corporations, they enjoy the luxury of a big-city headquarters without the pricing of, say, New York or San Francisco. In 2016, Raleigh was featured in Forbes as the third best U.S. city for young professionals, and the city continues to top lists of best technical and biomedical jobs.
Convenient Centralized Location
Raleigh in the middle of the state and in the middle of the east coast, making it an ideal central hub for businesses and travelers. Raleigh is 15 minutes from Cary, 20 minutes from Durham, and 40 minutes to Chapel Hill, all thriving cities in their own right. It’s also surrounded by the suburbs of Apex, Garner, Knightdale, Morrisville, and Holly Springs, all of which offer even more potential clients (and renters).
World-Class Healthcare
The Triangle is home to some of the best and brightest healthcare resources in the U.S., like Duke University Medical Center and UNC Medical Center. People across the nation, and even the world, travel to Raleigh to receive care here. Senior people like Raleigh for its temperate climate and its access to health facilities, which is why many choose to retire (and rent) here.
Higher Education Options
Raleigh is home to some of the best schools in the state and, indeed, the country. NC State University, Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest University are just some of the biggest names you’ll see in the form of bumper stickers, T-shirts, and flags. Young people are consistently moving here to attend school, and often decide to stay once they graduate. That’s why you’ll never have a shortage of potential tenants here–our great schools are never going away.
Find Your Perfect Raleigh Investment Property Today
There are so many reasons to buy apartments and condos in Raleigh NC, we just couldn’t fit them all into one blog. If you’d like to read even more reasons to invest in Raleigh property, click here. And if you need help finding or managing Raleigh investment property, contact our agents at Barker Realty. With over 35 years of experience, we have the experience and industry know-how to find you exactly what you’re looking for. To schedule an appointment, click here.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Jan 10, 2023 | Raleigh Property Management, Tips for Property Investors
In our previous post, we discussed the four biggest reasons people move to Raleigh: its abundant job opportunities; access to world-class healthcare; its nationally-ranked higher education options; and its unique central location. But there’s another big reason why people come to Raleigh—it’s fun! Raleigh’s thriving arts, sports, and foodie culture make it chock full of things to do. Below are a few reasons to invest in Raleigh NC property.
Arts, Culture, & Nightlife
Raleigh’s many colleges, and its status as one of the best cities for young professionals, attract young people from all over the country. As a result, Raleigh’s population is extremely young and vibrant. Every weekend sees people flocking to Raleigh’s numerous music venues, theatres, museums, restaurants, and bars. And if the usual nighttime scenes ever get boring, there’s always a concert, festival, or parade happening in Downtown Raleigh.
Basketball & Football
With three major universities located just minutes away, Raleigh’s sports rivalries are fierce, loud, and historic. The NCCA and ACC tournaments are practically city holidays in the Triangle, with every street, hotel, and barstool filling up with excited fans. When basketball season is through, you can watch NC State, UNC, and Duke go at each other again on the football field.
Warm Weather & Greenery
Nestled in the middle of the Piedmont, Raleigh is situated on mostly-flat land that gently slopes eastward towards the coastal plain. The climate is somewhat beachy, too: breezy and mild, with short, warm winters. Snow is a rare occurrence, and it’s rare for the temperature to drop below freezing. Raleigh’s balmy climate make it a favorite choice for retirees and, well, everyone. (The pollen, on the other hand, is another issue.)
Crime & Government
According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports, Raleigh’s reported crime incidents are usually lower than the state and national average. Its neighboring city, Cary, ranks consistently as one of the top 3 safest cities in America.
On a somewhat-related note, Raleigh is also a great place to live if you would like to become more politically involved. As the capital and seat of government for a noted “swing” state, Raleigh is a theatre where national conversations are always playing out.
Need a Raleigh Property Management Company? Call Barker Realty
If you need help finding an investment property management company in Raleigh, contact our agents at Barker Realty. With over 35 years of experience in buying, selling, and managing investment property, we have the experience and industry know-how to help you find a great investment. To schedule an appointment, click here.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Dec 6, 2022 | Property Selection, Raleigh Investment Property, Taxes & Financing, Tips for Property Investors
Owning property is a great investment, as it requires little daily effort once you’ve made the initial commitments. If you’re ready to break into the Raleigh real estate market, here are some real estate investment tips that will help you launch your investing career.
Remember that real estate property appreciates
Unlike some purchases, like cars, your real estate property investment will not necessarily depreciate after your purchase. In fact, some property owners find that the value of their investment far exceeds what they paid. For example, if you buy a single-family home or apartment building for a low price, manage it through a real estate management company, and sell it after it appreciates, you can get an excellent return on your investment with minimal trouble or hassle.
Don’t be afraid to start small
Perhaps you cannot currently afford to invest in a large apartment building–or you can, but are nervous about making such a big commitment. Not a problem! Even if you purchase a small house and rent out the property to tenants, you are still considered an investor. You can gain experience with your smaller purchase, and then work your way up to a bigger investment over time.
Work with a professional real estate manager
Rental property doesn’t come with the uncertainty that many investors suffer when putting their money into the stock market–but it does come with some risk. In order to ensure the best success possible, work closely with a real estate management company to understand the cost of maintaining a certain property; taxes and insurance requirements, and all the other details.
Build up a budget
While real estate can yield substantial returns in the long run, you should expect a minimal return for the first two years. For that reason, you may want to consider paying for your property in cash, so that you do not accumulate interest or risk foreclosure. You can also, of course, take out a small loan, if you are confident that you can pay the mortgage without monthly rent coming in. Barker Realty’s experienced sales brokers can help you explore the best financing option for you.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Jun 4, 2019 | Property Management Company, Property Selection, Raleigh Property Management, Safety & Security, Tips for Landlords
As a landlord, one of your top priorities should be keeping your investment property secure. Firstly, so that your tenants feel safe and protected; and secondly, because a property that is constantly being robbed or vandalized might scare away potential tenants in the future.
While many safety measures are up to the tenants themselves (locking the doors, etc.), here are a few steps you can take as a property owner to protect your investment.
Install Solid Doors
Flimsy, cheap doors, or doors with a lot of windows, can easily be kicked or smashed in by unwanted guests. To make sure your property is as secure as possible, it’s a good idea to install thick wooden or metal doors at each entryway. Even though the tenant’s rental insurance will usually cover damages from a break-in, the money you spend on extra security will still be worth the hassle and worry.
Install Lighting and Cameras
Lighting up an outdoor area is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to deter intruders. It also helps your tenants feel safer on the property, and reduces the risk of tenants injuring themselves in the dark. Motion sensor lights are excellent deterrents which don’t use a lot of electricity. Adding surveillance cameras is also a good way to deter criminal activity.
Document All of Your Valuables
If you include furnishings with your investment property, then it is a good idea to have a detailed record of all the items in the building. If your property is broken into and something is stolen, this will make it easier to replace and claim it through your insurance. Document the manufacturer, model name, serial number, and color of each item, whenever possible. This also includes appliances.
Need More Property Management Tips?
If you need more tips and ideas on taking care of your investment property, or would like to invest in Raleigh property, call Barker Realty. With over 30 years of experience in the real estate investment industry, there are very few questions we can’t answer! To speak with one of our helpful associates, just give us a call.
by Barker Realty, Inc. | Mar 5, 2019 | Local Property Management, Property Management Company, Raleigh Investment Property, Raleigh Property Management
When you are searching for a Raleigh NC property management company to take care of your investment property, here are a few essential qualities to look for.
Responsiveness
If a major issue arises in your investment property, such as a water main break or serious storm damage, you will want a company that is available 24/7 and able to communicate in a quick and timely manner. Look for a property management company that always gets back to you promptly.
Experience
When you are researching your property management options, be sure to inquire as to the number of clients the company has served and how many years it has been in business. A property management company that has experience managing multiple, diverse properties over a long period of time will be much more capable than a company which has only managed one or two.
Accounting Services
One of the best advantages of hiring an investment property management company is that it can manage rental fees, contractor payments, and miscellaneous financial elements for you. For this reason, when you meet with a potential company, be sure to inquire as to the financial or accounting services it offers.
Partner with a Raleigh NC Property Management Company Today
Barker Realty, Inc. is a full-service real estate brokerage firm with more than thirty years of experience in Raleigh NC property management. Whether you are interested in buying, selling, or investing, let us put our vast resources behind you and your real estate goals. To set up an appointment with one of our skilled property managers, click here.
