You have finally achieved your goal. Not only do you own your home, but have bought a second one for an investment. This is a great step in achieving financial security and comfort in later years, perhaps allowing you to take an early retirement. There are many things to learn about when you become a home investment owner. There is the area affecting the rental itself, learning the best way to attract tenants, the rights and responsibilities of yourself and the tenant, charges that can be made in addition to rent, and how to make sure tenants are suitable. This is something that can be professionally handled for you for a small outlay. Firstly get the premises fully insured against damage by tenants or natural disasters. Once you have done that make the arrangements to have property management take care of all rental issues on your behalf. This is a wise choice. Then visit an accountant who is acquainted with home investment issues and become aware of how taxation can be of benefit to you as an investor. They can show you where claims can be made and how best to manage your investment. Yearly depreciation deductions will depend on whether you are intending to have a long or short-term investment plan. Whereas immediate tax write offs can be made in instances of natural disasters, normal depreciation can be set up in either of two ways. This is where the advice of a good accountant is invaluable for making the best of your real estate. If you want to reap higher benefits in the early years of your investment then you will need to choose the Diminishing Value method. This plan allows you higher deductions at the start and gradually lowers your deductions towards the end of your plan. If on the other hand you choose the Prime Value method, the amount of depreciation is more gradually spread out over time, with less difference between start and finish amounts. Of course these figures will depend on the purchase price of the home and its age as well. What you choose will depend on your own situation, but if you are not sure your accountant will advise you of the best way to handle it. Success is not a matter of luck; it is attained through thorough planning and great decision-making. So with property management and a good accountant relax and enjoy life knowing your investment is in good hands.
