How You Can Proactively Increase Property Investment Values - By: Kaye Dennan

Financing for investment properties is much harder to obtain since the global crisis and some investors in the next year or two will be faced with refinancing. To help overcome problems with refinancing let's look at how you can increase property values.

Getting in the know.

If you are an investor with a property refinance coming up, then do your research and find out all you can regarding what the current view is of banks regarding refinancing, especially your bank. Ask around and check out their attitude wherever and whenever you can. Find out if they are being reasonable with property valuations, if they are offering good loans to their existing clients and their general attitude to property investing.

Is it time for you to change banks? Check out all the details before you make decisions.

Be proactive to get the best property values.

WHY?

Well if you are refinancing the bank should revalue your property and if you have made improvements to the property they should fully inspect the property. Here is where you can be proactive and make a difference:

1. Go across the road from your property, take a good long hard look and ask yourself what the property looks like. Does it look appealing? What could you do for minimal dollars to make your property look a lot more attractive and a lot more valuable from the roadside view?

2. Does the inside need a freshen up? Often a quick coat of paint throughout the property can make it look so much better. Neutral colors are best.

3. Would some new carpet or other floor coverings lift the value?

4. Can you freshen up the bathrooms for very little outlay but make a big difference? There is now paint that sticks to tiles - great when the tiles are outdated.

5. Check the curtains - should they be replaced? You may even be able to get some from a secondhand shop these days that are in good shape and a good price.

6. Do the paths and driveways need to be steam cleaned or even replaced?

7. Does the back yard need a tidy up?

8. Is there a fence or retaining wall that needs replacing, especially at the front of the property?

If your lender is serious about their property valuations they should at least drive past and see if you have done any alterations or improvements to the property. They may even do a property inspection. Research and find all this out beforehand if you can. In fact if there are any improvements to the property, make sure they go inside.

Most of these items do not cost a lot but can make a great deal of difference to the look of a property. With the interest rates so low you could probably afford to put them on a credit card and pay them off because the benefit could be well worth the effort.

Don't leave your future to chance, be proactive and get that investment property looking its absolute best. It is property investment strategies like these that you need to always be aware of when building a property investment portfolio.

Copyright (c) 2010 Kaye Dennan

About the Author

For many more tips and hints on property investing visit http://propertyinvestmentknowhow.com where you will be able to find money saving tips and information on the current market trends. You will also be able to buy the new property investing ebook in a few days when it is listed. Keep a look out for it.

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