Lake Forest is part of Orange County, California, and is best known for its thriving residential areas. This is particularly attractive to individuals who are considering either or buying or leasing multifamily properties in the area, because residential real estate is an important part of the economy there.
Multifamily properties, as the name suggests, are buildings which provide homes to more than one family at a time. Unlike the standard single family house, these homes have several units wrapped up in one building. There’s no specific size require to be a multifamily property; some are big, while others are small.
Multifamily houses are a good investment for buyers because they bring in income from more than one tenant at a time. While the cost to initially buy one of these properties starts out quite high, you can pay it off using the income generated by renting it out.
Lake Forest Multifamily Property for Sale & Lease
The city of Lake Forest is home to two lakes, both man-made, which is where the city got its name. The lakes provide an attractive feature to visitors and new residents. Choosing to live near the lakes could mean a higher price tag, but it also gives residents easy access to the local Beach and Tennis Club, as well as the local Sun and Sail Club.
Multifamily properties aren’t just duplexes and townhouses, they can also be apartment buildings, large and small. Buying an apartment building vs. buying a house which has been separated into flats, is a very different situation. If you are thinking about buying a large property, you’re in for quite a bit of work. Be prepared to hire somebody to help you manage the building, at least while you get everything organized and setup for new residents to move in. From padding the elevators during moves to protecting them from damage, to mowing the lawns and landscaping gardens and trees, the larger the property, the more effort you will need to put into it.
Lake Forest Multifamily Property for Sale
Buying a multifamily property does carry some risks, and it’s important that you do your homework regarding the finances required to buy and be successful in this industry. Many buyers don’t realize the cost of property tax which is associated with such a big plot. Many real estate owners rent out the units in their commercial properties, and have a separate individual home for which they will also need to pay property taxes.
To get the best rates, and avoid being surprised during tax season, consider hiring a local Lake Forest realtor to help with the process of finding and financing your next investment. Realtors from this area know the most about the local areas and the buying process.
Lake Forest Multifamily Property for Lease
Leasing from a multifamily property owner, rather than buying a house of your own can save you in the cost of property taxes, water and sewer hookup, garbage removal, repairs, insurance, landscaping, and even advertising for to bring in tenants. There are many more miscellaneous costs associated with owning a house or running a multifamily commercial style property. Leasing helps you avoid these, even if it doesn’t take you completely away from costly living.
Leasing offers freedom from ownership costs, but it also requires you to continue paying into a home that you will never own. There are also risks that the owner could raise the rent, or sell the space to another owner, who might not be as diligent in maintaining the property to your standards.
To recap, leasing multifamily property gives you the freedom of choosing your own term, and the option for renewal. It also means paying monthly into a property which will never be yours to own. Buying a multifamily building in Lake Forest opens the doors to investment opportunities, and the ownership of a property which you can then use primarily for income, or as a residence of your own.
Before you decide on either state of ownership, you will need to contact a realtor who understands the Orange County real estate market, and talk about your options. View a few of the spaces for lease, and some that are up for sale. If you have the financial ability to own a property, there is always the option for resale when the market rises. Visit some locations around the city that have seen success, and talk to residents to find out what they like so much about their living space. You may not be able to exactly replicate your property, but you can incorporate some of these features to better your space, and help residents feel more at home.
In the end, you must decide for yourself whether leasing or buying multifamily property in Lake Forest is in your best interests.