10/02/2014
Real Estate Investing
Remember that there is not just one approach to real estate investing. The beauty of real estate is that you can pretty much make decisions based upon your specific situation and goals. You may decide that you want to buy a property as a long term investment, or you may determine that short term investments are better suited to you. There are endless possibilities, and you are never stuck with a single option. Some investors have a mix of short term and long term investments.
When looking for an investment property, you should be much more concerned about the location than you are about the amenities offered by the property. Realize from the beginning that you can add amenities, but unless you want to move a building – you cannot change the location.
Do extra research before you make a long-term investment. If you are considering a long-term investment property purchase, like an apartment building, you need to become very familiar with the rental market in the area where you plan to buy. Ask around to determine how long units are sitting vacant, the average lease length and the average rent payment for a unit equivalent to what you plan to purchase.
Understand what impact the economy has on your investment. When determining the area in which you are going to buy, consider the economy of the area carefully. For example, if you know that a major company will be relocating into or out of the area, it is probably a good idea to wait and see before purchasing a property there. Also, if you know that a shopping center is going to be built within walking distance, there is a good chance that your property will become quite popular.
Don’t over pay for a property. When becoming an investor, you should always remember that when investing in real estate you make money when you buy – not sell – a property. Determine in advance how much you want to make, and be cautious not to over pay for a property. A good goal is to spend no more than five times the amount of rent you plan to collect during your first year as an owner. Be sure to factor in a 25% vacancy rate, because it is likely that this will make up for the time that you spend renting out the units.
Learn the difference between a repair and an improvement on an investment property. For example, if you patch a leaking roof, the cost is completely deductible on your taxes because it is a repair. On the other hand, if you replace that same roof the costs are not totally deductible because it is considered an improvement. Knowing the difference could save you some money in the first few years that you own a property. Remember that the longer you hold a property, the more you will need to invest in repairs and improvements.
Make sure that you are working with an experienced real estate agent. One common problem that first time investors run into is that while agents tend to be very knowledgeable about the local market, they tend to be less aware of the intricacies of financing. So, always talk to your financing company before you sign a single paper regarding the purchase of a property. This will help you to avoid unexpected pitfalls.
Be on the look out for scams. Although it is not extremely common, some first time investors have purchased properties with inflated value due to falsified or inadequate record-keeping. When purchasing an investment property, you must insist on seeing the seller’s books. And, you should definitely ask the seller to verify anything that catches your attention. Otherwise, you are likely to end up paying far more than the actual value of the property at the time of purchase.
Inspect for water damage. When viewing potential investment properties, always look for any sign of dampness in the basement and around the door and window frames. If the glazing putty has mold growing on it, don’t worry because it can be cleaned or replaced. However, if you notice peeling or cracked paint there is a good chance that the property has water damage. This is not to say that you shouldn’t purchase the property, but you need to carefully investigate any property that shows signs of significant water damage.
Always insist on a complete property inspection. Often times, a buyer will not become aware of pre-existing problems with the investment property they are buying until after the inspection. It is a good idea to include a clause in your purchase agreement that allows you to back out should serious problems surface during the inspection.