Finance related articles, information and resources.
In: Investing
15 Oct 2009So you have decided to increase your personal wealth, and you looking at real estate a means to get there…good for you! Sometimes people get over whelmed by the amount of information that is out there on the subject. Dont let this get to you. If you invest well, you will be rewarded with returns for years.
How does one start with the business of real estate investing? Let’s look at plans to get started buying and selling real estate property:
Everywhere you turn these days someone is a member of a Real Estate group. Find where they meet and be willing to ask the most basic of questions.
Most of these clubs are very open with new members or any one interested in investing. So show up and mingle. Most investors love to share war stories or exchange information on purchases they have mad or services they have used.
Now dont buy anything just yet. You need to map out your “battle plan”. What type of real estate are you interested in? What are you willing to do with it? And what is your exit strategy with it?
So know you need to decide on the type of investment property you want to invest in. do you like the idea of duplexes? Single family homes? Small apartments? Remember this, if you start out with one type and become familiar with it, then you will learn exactly what you need to do to make the profit from it. Being a specialist in this manner can lead to faster profits.
Building your team is the hardest part of the whole process. You need to find good quality craftsmen who wont break your budget. Contractors, sub-contractors, plumbers, electrical guys…all of these are important. GREAT ones who do good work are harder to find then a good real estate deal. When you find one…hold on to them.
Lets say you choose a “fixer” for your first project. Be ready to put on your team a contractor, an electrician, heating and AC guy…and of course a plumber. Now a word to the wise. IF you can find one…a GREAT handyman will be able to do all the above mentioned and normally at a far cheaper cost.
Find a good agent. This is harder than you might think. You see most agents dont work well with investors. Why? Investors want the agent to do tons of work the normal buyer doesnt. Offers counter offers…spread sheets to show profits and losses…not to mention all the surrounding research on the sales in the area in the last 6-12 months. A good agent will do this. A good agent understands that they may sell you more than one house in a years time…and that means repeat business for the agent.
Exit Strategy. How to unload your investment. Think about how youre going to sell it. Are you listing it yourself?? Or using the great agent you found. How long will you stick with a price before you lower it? These are things to make sure you have set up in your plan already.
Are mistakes going to happen? Yes. They happen to every real estate investor…the trick is to learn how to spot them. The longer you hold on to a property the lower your profit.
Be efficient, and resourceful. Keep your eye on your bottom line and you will grow a nice little investment business.
Doc Schmyz has worked with investors all over the US and Mexico. His free website shares Real estate investing information for all over the US. Find real estate information by state
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