There are typically two types of real estate investors. Let's call the first type a "true investor" and the second type the "expert investor". The true investor will typically have several completed transactions and no matter how many deals they have completed, they are still listening, learning and trying to gain knowledge. Your expert investor has yet to purchase an investment property. They don't understand the difficulties of making a real estate investment yet attempt to overwhelm others with their vast knowledge attained at last weekends' seminar. When what they need to do is listen and learn.
Being a successful real estate investor hinges on finding good real estate investment deals. It does not hinge on being a property management expert, a repair person or closing attorney. Successful investors use professionals.
A successful investor must understand leverage. The less money you need to put down on each property means the more properties you can buy. It also increases your return on investment for the property. The smaller your initial investment, the higher percentage your return on that investment is.
With this in mind, here are some basics of real estate investing.
TV makes it look easy: The home flipping programs lead you to believe that there are home owners just standing in line to give you the equity out of their homes. This is absolutely untrue. The programs downplay all the work involved and accentuate the money made by investors. They don't show what goes into finding that property, the networking required to take on the project, the management skills and market knowledge needed to understand the numbers. Investing can be lucrative, but it is hard work.
Test the waters: So today is the day for you to find that perfect flip or rental property with a hefty price tag that is going to make you millions. That is like stepping onto the course with Tiger Woods and expecting to win. In real estate where one mistake can turn a deal sour, you need to walk before you can run. By starting out small you can reduce your costs and overall risk. What does that mean? If you're looking for a rental property, look for one that is already rented. It will make it easier to calculate your cash flow. If you're buying a rehab project, carrying costs can be substantial. Buy the home as your residence to lessen the effects of the carrying costs. Or make sure to build plenty of carrying costs into your calculations.
Use Professionals: The worlds leading corporations have a board of directors made up with professionals that are experts in their fields. You should too. Good Realtors have networks of quality professionals already in place. Finding that good Realtor is where your search should start. Don't hire any agent that crosses your path. Find a full time agent that works with investors, there are many that don't. You should be wary of any that say they can help you before first evaluating your situation and goals. You don't want the Realtor who takes anyone that comes along. You want the one that first hears you out and evaluates your goals. Then based on your goals and the market conditions your Realtor can give an honest opinion of where you stand. You want to make sure that Realtor is someone you feel you can trust even if they don't always agree with you.
Once you find your Realtor don't go after their commission: A good Realtor with a solid network can make you a lot of money and is worth every penny of their commission. A good realtor will have many clients and you don't want to be in second place due to commission issues. When they take you on they are making a commitment to you. Expect to make a commitment to them in return.
It is not a get rich quick scheme: Successful investors realize that long term wealth lies in income producing properties. Purchase properties in markets that you feel will appreciate. Then hire a property management company. Hold the property and check its value on a yearly basis. Over time the property should appreciate in value and earn big returns.
Don't be afraid to move on a good deal: When you see an opportunity, seize it. Once under contract, there are many ways to terminate the agreement and get your earnest money back. That gives you additional time to further evaluate a property. Waiting and missing out on a good property could cost you big if another investor steps in and gets the property.
Lastly, successful real estate investors are successful because they find deals they can make money on. Plan for the worst and if you can still make something it is a good deal.
Bruce Swedal is a Highlands Ranch Realtor providing professional real estate services to the Denver real estate market. Visit for your FREE online Denver Home Search. For a great online real estate investment resource go to ColoradoFixerUppers.com
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