Special offer

Investment property rule of three

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty CA license 01873017

There is an engineering rule (the project management triangle) that when you design something the best you can hope for is getting any two of the following: cheap, fast, good.  You can apply this same logic to other things - "you can have work, sleep or play - pick two." (I seem to be giving up on the sleep part of this equation right now.)

It seems investment rental properties have their version of this rule: good neighborhood, good building, good rate of return on your investment - pick any two. If an investor only wants to own a building in good shape in a good neighborhood, then the rate of return is not going to be good. Good neighborhood, good rate of return - means the building will be decrepit, and so on.

So why of why can't investors grasp that I will not be able to find that beautiful duplex with 3/2 units and granite countertops in the best part of town - at a price that makes economic sense?

Still trying to sell the idea that a good building with a good rate of return in an OK neighborhood that is progressing upwards is a pretty good deal.

Posted by

 

Gordon Lane is a Woodland resident and Yolo County real estate agent who works in Woodland, Davis and the surrounding communties of Dunnigan, Esparto, Winters and Dixon. His family has lived and farmed in Yolo and Colusa Counties since the 1870s.

Denise Hamlin, Broker/Owner
Cardinal Realty ~ 319-400-0268 - Iowa City, IA
Helping Happy Clients Make Smart Choices

Nicely put Gordon. Totally impressed with your logic and succint way of explaining the problem and the solution in just a few sentences. I think I need to subscribe to your blog - I just might learn something!

Denise

Feb 16, 2010 03:54 PM