There are a few things to keep in mind when you are considering buying a vacation property to use as a second home or to rent out. We know that it can be overwhelming to choose from a large portfolio of Flagstaff rental property, but with a reputable agent, we can give you the necessary information that will help you make the best decision when it comes to purchasing a vacation home, as well as help you make the most of the property once you have finalized the purchase. Check out our ultimate guide to owning a vacation property in Flagstaff below!
Location
First thing is first – you want to choose a home that is in a pristine location! The last thing you want to do is to put your chips all in the basket and find out that your house’s location is not near anything. In this case, people might steer away from renting your property, as they will not be able to drive or walk to attractions, amenities, shops, or restaurants.
Make sure you look at a map and choose the ideal spot for your second home. We think that choosing somewhere YOU and your family will like is a great place to start. Do you love shopping? Well, then choose somewhere with boutique stores and souvenir options. If you like outdoor activities, then we recommend selecting a vacation property that is close to hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and sports. Luckily, Flagstaff features the best of both worlds. It doesn’t matter what your interests are; there is always something to do or see in this pristine area of Arizona.
Consider the Price
The second thing to consider before purchasing rental properties in Flagstaff, AZ is to remember that prices vary, and the total price is key to figuring out what you can afford, where to look to purchase a home, and how the value can fluctuate over time. In certain spots of Flagstaff, you will see that rental prices for properties are higher than others. In this case, you might see that spending more upfront can help get you more in the long run, as you will be able to rent your home for more in a more desirable area. However, the initial investment and long-term prices are good to weigh up, so you can make sure to choose a property, location, and value that is worth it for your finances.
Timing Is Key
Make sure you look at the best time to purchase a home in Flagstaff, AZ. Certain times of year create buyer-friendly markets and others result in seller-friendly markets. It will be best to purchase a home during a buyer-friendly market, when the for-sale prices are lower and you can get more bang for your buck. We recommend using an agent from our company during one of these periods so you can get a great deal in the Flagstaff rental market and make more money over time.
Flexible vs. Reliable Flagstaff Rental Property
The next thing to keep in mind before choosing a property to purchase is the fine line between reliability (stability) and flexibility. When it comes to business decisions, you need to balance both of these so you can make the most money in the long run without taking too many risks. We think that first deciding if you are going to use your property as a second source of income for just renting purposes, or if you are going to use the property as a second home for your vacations is the initial step. After all, if you love Flagstaff and enjoy hiking, skiing, and shopping, then using this second home as your vacation spot can help you save on travel expenses and other holiday fees!
Consider Taxes
Although taxes are going to be at the bottom of your list when it comes to things you want to think of during vacation, they can be a huge deciding factor for your second home/Flagstaff rental property. Buying another property can help you receive tax breaks from mortgage payments, which helps you reduce interest rates while still being able to use this property as a second home. There are a few key tax deductions you should discuss with your agent when it comes to figuring out how you can save money in the long run through reduced fees and taxes. First, you should look at the property tax deduction for your second home. A property tax deduction can help you save between 5K and 10K per return if you file separately. Next, you can file for a personal residence mortgage deduction if you are filing married or separately. Lastly, we highly recommend researching the rental property mortgage interest deduction if you rent the house for more than two weeks per year.
Set Aside Funds Beforehand
The last bit of advice that we have for purchasing a home in Flagstaff – with our help, of course! – is to set aside funds beforehand so you can customize your house, make any necessary changes, decorate the property as you would like, and make any quick fixes as soon as possible. Your vacation home is going to be in your dream spot of Flagstaff, so you’ll want to make the place really feel like your own home. You can rest assured that if you utilize Porter’s management services for your new rental property, all maintenance and repairs are taken care of, so you might just want to hang a few photos, alter the color scheme, or add any items that can work for your picture-perfect dreams.
Best Places to Live in Flagstaff
Now that you are convinced that purchasing a property with our help in Flagstaff is the best move to make a second income and enjoy a second home for your personal use, you might be wondering where to look in the area. The best thing is that when you use our high-end services, we can take care of the hard work of finding neighborhoods and ‘safe’ areas for you and your family — although almost everywhere in Flagstaff is extremely safe! We make sure that you can use our agents’ knowledge to find a safe, secure, and amenity-laden home that works for your unique needs. But if you want to do some research beforehand to choose the right ‘vibe’ for your new rental property in Flagstaff, it can’t hurt! One of the best areas to check out, especially if you are a solo traveler or a young professional looking to invest, is downtown Flagstaff. Not only is this a super popular spot for travelers who are looking for affordable places to rent, but it is a great spot for young people to live and remote work or commute to the office.
Downtown Flagstaff is the cultural hub and the party center of the entire city, featuring tons of things to do, cool gigs to check out, mouthwatering restaurants that offer the best of the best ingredients, high-energy bars to go for drinks, and unique shops to check out. If you are considering buying a rental property here, there are affordable options that make for great vacation options for young professionals, college students looking to walk to nearby universities, and those who want to see the local historic district on foot. We recommend choosing a house near the famous Lowell Observatory or Museum of Northern Art!
A second neighborhood that is great for homeowners and those looking for valuable rental properties in Flagstaff, AZ is Forest Highlands. Forest Highlands, also known as Paradise in the Pines, is a beautiful neighborhood for families and older couples who want to buy a home that offers amazing views of the ponderosa forests, featuring close proximity to golf clubs and downtown Flagstaff.
A third spot that is prime for real estate is Kachina Village. This census-designated area close to Coconino County is a small residential area that is within just a few minutes’ driving distance of Flagstaff, offering more quiet with the nearby National Forest while still providing easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions in a short drive.
Are you looking for a huge mansion near Flagstaff, AZ? We can’t think of anywhere better for luxurious homes and mansions than Pine Canyon, a luxurious estate and golf community that offers the ideal spot for travelers to unwind, de-stress, relax, and play a game of golf with their mates. The homer here are just steps away from the famous Forest Highlands Golf Club, along with highly rated fine dining restaurants, seasonal cafes, and boutique designer stores.
Lastly, we recommend looking at Cheshire if you want a cool and artsy home in a vibrant community that is slowly growing every single year. The low median age here makes this a fun spot for young couples, professionals, and new homeowners to make friends with their neighbors in their second home. Plus, the houses here offer pristine views, tons of amenities, and great educational institutions for young parents who are starting a family.
Why You Should Use Porter for Your Vacation Home
As you can see, buying a vacation home is a great way to make a second income and have the flexibility of a second home where you can spend quality holiday hours with your friends or family. Even if you are not super well-versed in the best bits of Flagstaff yet, we know that you will love this vibrant area that features restaurants, cafes, shops, hiking, outdoor activities, golf courses, ski slopes, and much more!
As soon as you look into the perks of living in this bustling and vibrant city, you will be convinced that Flagstaff is THE best spot for a second home and fun vacation with your friends or family. Although putting money down right away for a house can seem daunting, if you choose wisely, you will get a great return on investment.
That is why you need to work with a professional who can give you great advice and make sure that you make smart decisions for your future. When you work with Porter, we only offer the best of the best. You can also rest assured that we have ants on the ground who are here to help you whenever you may need. No matter what you require, whether it be extra advice for purchasing a home or help renting your property, we are there every step of the way to make sure you have a great experience.
Whether you want to find a new vacation home to use as a second income for more stability, or you want a second house to use for future family holidays, we are here to help. Contact us today at Porter to get started with your vacation home-buying process!
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to owning Flagstaff rental properties. We know that you want to make the most money possible and ensure that your guests have a top-notch time, but before you can get started, make sure you keep these must-dos – and definite do-nots – in the back of your mind. Trust us: This can be the difference between making a huge profit or making your neighbors angry, owing a lot of money, or getting in trouble with the local property laws. Let’s check out the main things to consider before renting a property to guests and how you can safeguard yourself against any issues in the future!
Do: Clean and Disinfect Your Home
One of the main things to do after every guest stays in your property is to clean and disinfect your home. Although it may look clean to the naked eye, or your previous guests were respectful and cleaned off surfaces and put items away where they belong, it is a huge health hazard and safety issue if you do not clean and disinfect your home.
The main things to consider when cleaning your rental properties in Flagstaff, AZ are to ensure that all the surfaces are wiped clean, the appliances are working correctly, sheets are changed, upholstery is licensed, and the floors are vacuumed and mopped. The last thing you want is a new guest to enter your property and see dirt, dust, or food on your floor or kitchen counters!
If you do not want to do the hard work yourself, we don’t blame you; cleaning an entire house is hard work and takes numerous hours! We recommend using a property management company to find a cleaning service for you. You can work with us to use the best of the best in the industry and ensure that your house is clean, smells good, and really gives off a professional vibe when new guests enter your house.
Plus, while our cleaning service company walks around the house and cleans the surfaces and appliances, they can test the appliances, doors, cabinets, and windows to make sure everything is working correctly. This way, you can avoid any guests seeing broken washing machines, dryers, or other items which can make your house look low value.
Don’t: Leave Specific Areas for a Later Cleaning
Even though it can be tempting to put off cleaning to the last minute or avoid cleaning a specific area because you don’t think that it needs it or looks dirty, this can be problematic. We know that things can be forgotten or left behind, and specific cleaning areas are no exception. You might decide to skip the bathrooms and leave them for last, and then figure out that they were forgotten altogether. This leaves a bad taste in the mouth of your new guests and can make your house look unprofessional. We recommend using a professional cleaning company to deep clean every single room after each guest’s stay, so you never have to worry about skipping areas. Even if you don’t have a guest staying in your house, it is best to hire a cleaning crew at least once per month to check on the home, review the appliances, and dust the surfaces.
Do: Set Guest Rules
The second ‘do’ that you should keep in mind is to set clear rules and expectations for every guest that stays in your Flagstaff rental properties. If you want to keep your house low-key and quiet, then make sure you set a ‘no party’ rule in your house. After all, it is YOUR property, so you can decide the laws, rules, and regulations for guests. If they do not like one of your rules, they can stay somewhere else!
We recommend keeping the rules clear, consistent, and easy to understand. Avoid overcomplicated rules or overbearing regulations that can deter guests. However, there are a few rules which are smart for those who want to keep their property in good condition for many years. Make sure you create an understandable house rules sheet, house manual, rental agreement, and damage policy so your guests know the information before renting your house.
Don’t: Not Set a Guest Limit
If you offer a two-bedroom house, make sure you keep the guest limit to the number of sleeping areas and beds. If you do not, people will end up bringing in tons of extra guests, sleeping on the floor, sleeping on the couches, or crowding into beds. This can mean that 8-10 people could be staying in a two-bedroom house, which will increase the likelihood of a dirty home after the fact, broken items, or loud noise complaints from neighbors.
Do: Create a Welcome Sheet or Welcome Book
The next ‘do’ which can help you sell your property and rent out your home to numerous guests over time is to create a welcome book that helps your guests figure out the dos and don’ts of the property, things to do in the local area, and tips and tricks of how to best take care of the property during their stay. Not only does this show extra effort on the part of you, the house owner, but it can help guests who may not be used to the area figure out important details.
Don’t: Forget Important Instructions
Along with creating the instruction book and house manual for your guests, make sure you go over the important tips, tricks, check-in information, check-out procedures, contact information, and other key details to avoid forgetting something that can alter the guest’s stay and comfort level. The worst thing that can happen if a guest arrives in your house is to not leave information such as where the keys are, how to operate appliances, kitchen rules, house instructions, and specific details. You want your guest to know the ins and outs of the parts of the house so they are not confused and can avoid reaching out to you for advice or help.
Do: Get Insurance!
Purchasing insurance coverage for your house can help protect you and your guests against any accidents that can occur during their stay. Even if the guests did nothing wrong, accidents happen. Something may break in the kitchen, weather might damage the porch, windows, or doors, or a guest may drop a glass bowl and break it. No matter what happens, purchasing insurance coverage can help give you peace of mind that you don’t need to pay for broken or damaged items out of your own pocket.
Don’t: Ignore Your Guests
Even if our guests would like to be left alone and given privacy during their stay, providing a welcome manual, giving them a ‘welcome’ text or call, or leaving a letter is a good way to let them know that you are a real person who is renting your house. This gives the guest a better peace of mind and adds personalization to the rental property. Your guests will love the extra gesture!
Bonus Do: Let Porter Handle All the Details!
As you can see, keeping a few dos and don’ts in mind when it comes to renting your property is key to providing you with security and ensuring your guests are well taken care of. Using Porter is a smart way to follow professional guidance and ensure your property is taken care of perfectly!
There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to finding the best Flagstaff rental property management services for your needs. Instead of trying to do it on your own, or choosing a company that isn’t reputable or credible in the industry, we have a few tips for you to consider before you list your property or find a home for you to rent. Luckily for you, Porter can put your mind at ease. We answer all of your questions, so you can feel relaxed and ready to chill out on your vacation with friends or family. Check it out!
Ask for Referrals
The best way for you to find a property manager is to ask your friends, family, or colleagues for referrals. Ask acquaintances who the best rental management company is in Arizona and the Flagstaff area. We guarantee that almost every single person is going to say Porter – and for good reason!
Ask whether the agent your friends used was reputable and professional. Make sure you consider if you have friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances if they are a property manager or know of someone who they trust.
Then, once you find a business that you trust, check the Real Estate Commission to see if the business is credible and respected in the industry. You want to ensure the person you are using for your management services is licensed and has no lawsuits or complaints against them when it comes to selling or listing a property in Flagstaff. Last, conduct an interview to ensure you choose the right company. We guarantee that any professional you choose who works for Porter is well-versed in selling and managing homes.
Take Note of the Introduction and First Impression
At Porter, we pride ourselves on our professionalism. That’s why our agents are always put together, well-spoken, and knowledgeable in the potential clients. This is important, because when you are choosing property management Flagstaff, AZ services, you need to take note of the first impression to see if the agent is knowledgeable about the industry, well-versed in the geographical area, understanding of the property market, and willing to understand your unique needs.
Ask How They Handle Vacancies, Media, and Home Ads
The next step you should consider when choosing the best property management services is to ask the agent and the business how they handle room vacancies, media to broadcast your property, and home advertisements to get a better deal for short and long-term stays. At Porter, we can answer all of the burning questions you may have to put your mind at ease. Where do we advertise vacant homes? What kind of signage do you use to advertise a home for lease, sale, or rent? Does Porter advertise online, on their unique website, in magazines, newspapers, or other locations? What is the average amount of time it takes for you to list a property and fill a vacancy? What kind of vacancies do the property managers currently have? Answering all of these questions can put your mind at ease and make you feel confident in choosing Porter for your needs.
Negotiate Your Contract
One of the final steps that can help you choose the best Flagstaff rental property management business is to negotiate the terms of your specific contract. Every client’s contract will be different based on their unique needs, which can make it hard for you to choose which company can help tick off all of your boxes. But with Porter, we can put your mind at ease by determining information regarding maintenance, services, repairs, rent payment, responsibility, and service fees.
Review the Lease Agreement
The last tip to consider as a property manager, or someone who is considering using a property management business, is to review the tenant lease agreement to see key details regarding finances, scheduling, and personal relationships. Make sure you find the answer regarding the tenant deposit, monthly rent, lease term length, late rent handling, tenant responsibilities, laws regarding breaking the lease, and tenant questions.
Let Porter Do the Hard Work for You
Although finding a property manager is hard, we make it easy for you. At Porter, our professionals offer hands-on services to ensure you are taken care of every step of the way. We only have knowledgeable people in the area who know Flagstaff, properties, and homeowners. Choose Porter as your #1 property management business so you can make the most out of your rental property.
There are some misconceptions when it comes to investing in property. Myths, untruths, and lies can make you nervous about putting your hard-earned money into a property if you don’t see any potential return on investment or long-term upsides. However, when you put your money into Flagstaff investment property, you will definitely reap the rewards! Not only will you have a home that you can use at any time all year round, but you can rent out or lease this property to others who are willing to pay a hefty sum to spend time in one of the most beautiful locations in the entire United States. Let’s check out a few misconceptions and myths about investing in a property and why YOU should consider using us to help you find the ideal property to make ends meet and earn some pocket money.
Only Rich People Can Invest in a Property
There is one main myth that people should avoid paying attention to—namely, that only the wealthy can put their hard-earned money towards investing. In fact, this is not true! Anybody can invest in a property if they choose the right place, location, and company to help them throughout the process. There are millions of property owners and investors in a country, with some even earning average or ‘below average’ incomes.
Many investors can begin their investment journey by leveraging equity or by using their savings to put down their cash toward a property. You can also secure the property at the current price on the market and settle on a future date, which can help you earn money in the meantime and avoid paying a large one-time fee. Make sure that when you are investing in a property you do not spend too much money upfront because this can put you into debt.
It’s Only Good to Buy Properties Within the Downtown Area
When it comes to investing in Flagstaff, AZ real estate, there are numerous options that can work for your needs. It doesn’t have to be a city center home or a large modern apartment right in the heart of the business district for you to make money. In fact, there are numerous areas around Flagstaff, such as in the mountains or in the family neighborhoods, which can be the best choice for your specific needs. Make sure you keep certain factors in mind when choosing a property and location, such as the rental prices, median growth of the area, salary levels, future building plans, and population growth.
Flagstaff Investment Property Doesn’t Hold Value or Money
This is a recent myth which we are happy to report is not true! There is lots of money wrapped up in property these days, which means that it is a great investment for homeowners and those who want to secure an investment for their future. Finding a lucrative property in an area where you can reap the benefits of capital growth is ideal for professionals and families who also want a second home.
Choose Any Property
Some homeowners or businesspeople who want to invest right away might just choose any Flagstaff investment property they can get their hands on to start seeing an influx of weekly money and upfront income. However, this is a cause for disaster in the long term. Make sure that you look at the market conditions, area, and specific Flagstaff neighborhood when it comes to investing. Luckily, any of our properties are modern, luxurious, and spacious, which makes them perfect investment homes for you and your family.
Now Is a Bad Time to Invest
Lastly, the financial market and the banks always try to tell you to wait and that now is not the right time to invest in a property. However, we think that now is the right time for you to put down your money and start saving for your rental home. Not only can you see a huge rise in home prices as the years go on, but you can rest assured your property is going to be desirable to different vacationers and tourists in the Flagstaff area.
Use Porter to Get Started Today
Okay, so this is not a myth! Porter is here to help you every step of the way when it comes to finding your ideal vacation home – or putting money down on a lucrative investment property so you can explore the greater Arizona and Flagstaff areas. We provide exceptional service, hands-on help, modern amenities, luxurious properties, and everything you need during your stay, whether that is a long-term holiday or a short-term weekend. Browse our Flagstaff homes, such as Flagstaff condos, cabin rentals with hot tubs, homes with hot tubs, homes with a pool, large family homes, or modern apartments for your new investment property. We guarantee it will be a smart financial move!