Affording Your Home Remodel: Saving vs. Borrowing

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Boosting your property’s rental value with strategic upgrades is smart, but affording your home remodel can be challenging. Choosing stylish fixtures and high-end finishes is exciting, but planning how to finance those changes is crucial. If you're weighing the benefits of saving versus taking out a loan, keep reading—this guide breaks it all down for you.

Why is Home Renovation Essential to Increase Property Value?

Before diving into which financing method is best for affording your home remodel, we have to understand why they’re essential to increase your property value. For starters, home upgrades can modernize your home, attracting more renters to your house and keeping your rental income stable. If you’re a landlord, you know that wear and tear is inevitable, and your property can start to look dated and dingy if it doesn’t see an upgrade in a while. As a result, home upgrades keep your rentals looking fresh and increase the comfort of your tenants, boosting their satisfaction and your ratings. 

Smart Saving Tips for Home Renovations 

House Hacking

Generate more income through house hacking by converting unused spaces on your property into rental units. For instance, if you hardly ever use your basement, instead of using it to store more junk, why don’t you clear it out and convert it into a studio apartment for a new tenant? On the other hand, if you have a spare room, you could let it out as a short-term Airbnb which can generate more money than long-term rentals. With the extra income, you could add more funds to your renovation savings. Of course, you’ll have to check with the authorities first before proceeding. 

Use Rental Income

Demonstrate discipline by setting aside a portion of your rental income toward affording your home remodel. If you already have tenants that guarantee you additional monthly income, create a budget that allocates some of those funds to your home remodeling project. You can even set up an automatic debit to keep you in check. Remember, prioritizing an upgrade that increases your property value will pay off in the long run. 

Reducing Expenses When Affording Your Home Remodel

Trim your remodeling budget by cutting unnecessary expenses. Ensure your savings can handle costs without financial strain. Hardwood floors are nice, but replacing all flooring at once may not be necessary. Prioritize essential updates first. Cabinet fittings don’t have to be brand new. Find gently used options at second-hand stores for half the price.

Think outside the box. Paying out of pocket may mean DIY projects that save valuable cash and reduce labor costs. If money is tight but you still want upgrades, explore buying rental property with no money using alternative financing options.

Alternative Financing Options for Investors with Low Credit 

Hard Money Loans

Learning how to work with hard money lenders for beginners can help investors get funding for their renovation projects. As a short-term loan, it’s perfect for cosmetic projects like a home renovation, and it has the added benefit of a quick approval time. If you’re working with a limited timeframe so you don’t miss out on the moving season or tourists’ peak vacation time, hard money loans are your best bet for time-sensitive windows. This type of financing also comes with flexible criteria that can help investors with a low credit score secure funding for affording your home remodel. 

Private Money Lenders

Another option you can secure if you’re low on credit is a private money loan. Similar to hard money loans, private money lenders offer investors flexible terms that allow investors to negotiate and get a better deal than they would with a traditional loan. They’re also faster in comparison, which can be an added plus. However, they’re often less formal than hard money loans so you need extra diligence when dealing with them. 

Home Equity Loans For Affording Your Home Remodel

Use your existing property to fund renovations with a home equity loan. This allows you to borrow against your home's value. If you're open to another mortgage, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) offers flexible borrowing for your renovation needs.HELOCs often have lower interest rates than alternative financing, making them a cost-effective option for many homeowners.

In some cases, the interest you pay may be tax-deductible, providing potential savings on your overall renovation costs. These loans use your home as collateral, making default a serious risk that could lead to foreclosure.

Conclusion

Boost property value with a strategic upgrade to modernize your rental. A fresh, updated space attracts tenants and increases appeal. To pay out of pocket, consider renting a spare room for extra income. This provides steady cash flow to fund renovations. Setting aside a portion of rental income also builds a dedicated renovation fund without adding debt.

For alternative financing, explore hard money loans, private money loans, or home equity. Hard money loans offer fast funding but come with high interest rates. Private money loans rely on individual lenders, often with flexible terms. Home equity loans let you borrow against your property's value, making them ideal for large projects.Each option has pros and cons, so evaluate your financial situation carefully before deciding.