Chicago real estate investments can be a lucrative way to build your wealth and secure your financial future. However, there are times when an investment property may no longer be the right choice for you. Unfortunately, many homeowners get in over their head when it comes to renovations, expansions, and property management. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the five signs that it’s time to throw in the towel on your Chicago real estate investment.
1. Negative Cash Flow
Negative cash flow is a clear indication that your investment property is not performing as well as it should. Quite frankly, if you own a rental property and have to pay monthly to support the property, it is a bad investment. It means that the expenses associated with the property, such as mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance costs, are greater than the income it generates. Negative cash flow can be a sign that it’s time to sell the property and move on to other investments that will provide a better return on investment. We would suggest looking into selling the asset and reinvesting the funds with a positive cash on cash return.
2. High Vacancy Rates
Vacancy rates are another crucial factor to consider when assessing the performance of your investment property. Many homeowners with limited experience and access to the tools necessary experience prolonged vacancy, thus hurting returns greatly. If you have a high vacancy rate, it means that your property is not attracting tenants, and you are losing out on rental income. A high vacancy rate can be a sign that you need to re-evaluate your rental strategy or make improvements to the property to make it more appealing to potential tenants. However, if you have tried everything and the vacancy rate remains high, it may be time to sell the property and move on. Alternatively, hiring a professional management company could help relieve the burden and increase returns. Any questions please give us a call. First and foremost, we’re hear to help.
3. Declining Property Values
Real estate values are subject to market fluctuations, and it’s not uncommon for property values to rise and fall over time. However, if you notice that property values in your area have been declining consistently, it could be a sign that it’s time to sell. For example, I was looking into purchasing an apartment building in Dekalb Illinois, on the campus of Northern Illinois University where I went to school Some 20+ years ago. I’m not terribly familiar with the market, but spotted a building that seemed to fit our objectives and a relative good value. However, after further research we concluded this is not a market we want to invest in as we foresee declining and stagnant pricing in the future. The reason for this is declining population in the area, most notably a declining student population over the last 10 years. This means that rent growth and appreciation is unlikely, thus not an investment we are going to move forward with. A declining market can make it difficult to sell your investment property for a profit, and you may end up losing money in the long run if you hold onto the property for longer than you should. In some cases, you may be better off selling right away, as opposed to waiting around for things to get worse.
4. Major Repairs Needed
Owning an investment property comes with a host of maintenance and repair costs. While minor repairs are a part of the regular upkeep of any property, major repairs can be a significant financial burden. If your property requires major repairs that are beyond your budget, it may be time to sell the property before the situation gets worse. Delaying necessary repairs can lead to more significant problems down the line, and it may end up costing you more when all is said and done.
5. Personal Circumstances
Finally, personal circumstances can also play a role in your decision to sell your investment property in Chicago. Life changes such as a job relocation, divorce, or the need for immediate cash can make it necessary to sell your property quickly. In such cases, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of holding onto the property versus selling it quickly to meet your financial obligations.
Owning an investment property can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to know when it’s time to move on. If you notice any of the five signs mentioned above, it may be time to sell your Chicago real estate investment and invest your money elsewhere. Remember, the ultimate goal of any investment is to generate a return on investment, and if your property is not doing that, it’s time to consider other options. If you are looking for a way to quickly sell your bad investment property in Chicago, reach out to our team to find out how we can help you! (847) 347-6288