Investing in real estate can be a lucrative and rewarding venture, but it's important for property owners to understand the risks that come with owning an investment property.

Keep reading for a review of different types of investment property risks and what property owners need to understand about each one.

Market risk is the risk of a decline in property values due to changes in the real estate market. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a downturn in the economy, an oversupply of properties, or a decrease in demand for housing.

What property owners need to understand: Property owners need to monitor the real estate market closely and be aware of any changes that could affect property values. They should be prepared for the possibility of a decline in property values and have a plan in place to mitigate the impact, especially if their investment strategy is to sell property that has appreciated.

Property-specific risk is the risk of damage or loss to the property due to natural disasters, accidents, or other unforeseen events. This can include things like fires, floods, and earthquakes.

What property owners need to understand: Property owners should ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage to protect against property-specific risks. They should also take steps to prevent damage to the property, such as installing smoke detectors and maintaining the property's infrastructure.

When deciding where to purchase property or your strategy for generating revenue (renting vs appreciation), you should keep in mind that each class of property will attract its own type of renter. This may or may not make it a worthwhile investment to you, depending on your risk tolerance or how involved you want to be with tenant management.

Legal risk is the risk of legal action being taken against the property owner, such as a lawsuit filed by a tenant or a violation of zoning laws.

What property owners need to understand: Property owners should be familiar with local landlord-tenant laws and any regulations governing the ownership and management of investment properties. They should also have a plan in place to address legal issues should they arise, such as hiring an attorney or working with a property management company with legal expertise.

Financial risk is the risk of financial loss associated with owning an investment property. This can include things like unexpected maintenance expenses, a decrease in rental income, or a failure to attract tenants.

What property owners need to understand: Property owners should have a comprehensive financial plan in place to manage their investment property. This should include budgeting for unexpected expenses, setting realistic rental prices, and marketing the property effectively to attract tenants.

Investment property owners need to understand the different types of risks associated with owning a property, as well as how to manage those risks. Some types of investment property come with more inherent risk than others.

By being proactive and prepared, property owners can minimize the impact of potential risks and ensure the long-term success of their investment.

We help Utah investment property owners prepare for and manage risk.

Let us show you how partnering with our experienced team can save you time, energy, and potential headaches.