You probably know someone who invests in real estate, or have at least seen an episode of Law & Order where they interview someone who has. While you might have a general idea of what they’re talking about, you may also be wondering how it all works – and whether you should be doing it, too. We’ve compiled a few tips and tricks for you to consider as you decide if you should get in on the real estate investing business.
Know the basics
There are different kind of real estate investments, each with their own sets of pros and cons. We’ll cover a few of them here, but before you take any other steps, you need to know what you’re getting into. A real estate investment is any property you own for the purpose of either making money (like a house you rent out) or another investment purpose (like leasing a building you own to a company).
Research your choices
There are a lot of real estate options for you to invest in. Below are some of the most common types of investments and what they mean for you:
Rental properties
Many people who have to move but can’t sell their former house utilize this option. You are able to rent your home to other people and recoup the mortgage expenses. Keep in mind that this can be a risk if you get some unruly renters, but vetting your rental applicants will help you minimize these issues.
House flipping
If you have ever watched a DIY home renovation show, you have seen someone buy an old house for a good deal, fix it up, and sell it for a profit. Flipping a house can take a little longer to turn a profit, but if you have the resources and a finger on the pulse of the real estate market, it can be a great investment.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
This option is growing more popular and is best compared to investing in mutual funds. As the investor, you work with a corporation or trust, which uses your money (and the money of other investors) to buy and operate income properties. Setting this up can take some knowledge of the finance industry, so consult with your accountant if you have questions.
While these options are certainly not the only ones available, they are popular with a lot of investors who are still learning the ropes.
Consider other factors
Before you invest in any type of real estate, you also need to keep some important factors at the front of your mind.
Location (location, location)
The first rule for any type of real estate venture, picking a good location for your investment will go a long way in helping you turn a profit. Look for things like proximity to public transportation, major highways, restaurants, and shopping centers. If you are renting a house you moved from or a room inside your house, you can’t exactly transport your home to be closer to the interstate. But you can still highlight the best things about the area that made you want to live there in the first place.
Have a goal
What are you hoping to accomplish through your investment? Is this investment long-term or just until you sell your home? Are you trying to break even or do you want to make some money? Knowing what your goals are will help you take the right steps.
Know the market
You don’t have to be a real estate agent to invest in real estate. But keeping up with the market and its ups and downs is a must if you want to invest successfully. Make it a priority to research the real estate market as well as to stay updated on current and expected conditions.
Talk to the experts
If you really want to know how to invest in real estate the right way, you need to find the right people. This may be a realtor, accountant, attorney, or a combination of the three, but even just an initial consulting appointment can go a long way in helping you make smart decisions.
Make a plan
We already went over why you need a goal to work towards. Now you need a way to accomplish it. You need to create a budget, work up a cost-benefit analysis, and factor in all parts of your investment. For instance, if you decide to flip a house, you need to know how much you can spend and what you expect to get when you sell it.
Prepare for obstacles
In a perfect world, the real estate market would remain steady all the time. But, as with every financial market, it ebbs and flows. That means that when you bought that house to flip a year ago, your expected profit could be different now than what you projected then. Being flexible and adaptable will be your best tools to overcoming unexpected issues.
Manage your credit
Your credit score and history will go a long way in helping you make a profit on your investments. Be sure to keep up with your credit score on a regular basis, and take steps to ensure that your score does not fall.
If you’re new to the idea, real estate investment may seem overwhelming. But having a plan in place and knowing your options means you can begin your new investing adventure with confidence. Decide which choice is right for you and get your investments underway.
