Real Estate Investing for Beginners - Part 1 Introduction
Part 1 of A multi-part series
Jennifer Mackay/Jessie Cochran
I'll wager you've said to yourself at one point or another: "How do I get into Real Estate Investing." or "I wish I could invest in real estate, but it's too expensive." Well, let me assure you we all have to start somewhere. Even the most successful, experienced investor had to start from the beginning. You are not alone!
A few ground rules...
First let's agree that unlike stocks or bonds investing, real estate investing is not considered a 'Liquid' investment. What this means is, you can not sell real estate as quickly as you can sell stocks or bonds. Stocks or bonds can typically be traded very quickly through a stocks brokerage firm.
Real estate however, requires skill, patience, a marketable product and technique to liquidate. Even when using a professional real estate agent, it may take awhile to sell real estate investment property.
Realizing this at the beginning of your investment strategy will save you grief and money during the life of your real estate investments. Knowing you can not simply 'Flip' (the process by which you can buy and sell real estate property very quickly) every real estate investment opportunity that comes along will assist you in making sound real estate investment decisions.
Commercial Real Estate Investing
Due to the complexity of commercial real estate investing and the calculations used in commercial real estate investment strategies, this article will focus primarily on residential real estate investment strategies. At times, we may discuss items relating to commercial real estate, but only when needed for clarification.
Investment Financing
Before you begin to look for a real estate investment , it is advisable to research how much you can afford. One way to accomplish this is to find and work with a qualified professional real estate agent who knows the area in which you are interested in purchasing. Real estate agents often work with and can suggest a lending company or mortgage professional.
In addition you can work directly with a lender or mortgage professional.
Working with a real estate agent provides you with several benefits, not the least of which is they are typically well informed of news and growth markets in the area you are interested in investing.
Investment Strategy
Long term or Short term Investing: Let's describe long term investing as real estate purchases that are maintained for more than 5 years. Short term investments we will consider purchases maintained less than 5 years. The length of time for either of these strategies can vary greatly depending on market conditions and income/expense ratios from the investments and other factors.
Along with your investment strategy of long or short term investments, an advisable consideration is what do you expect from a Return On Investment (ROI) perspective. ROI can best be described as how much money you expect to make on your real estate purchase and in what time frame.
Summary
Intelligent investing is about balancing risk and reward.
Real estate investing requires education, and for new investors it is advisable to work with an experienced real estate professional. Let's not forget lots and lots of homework and research.
If you take your time, work with a knowledgable real estate professional, there is no reason why you would not be able to realize the financial gains others have realized in real estate investing.
© Copyright 2008 Jennifer MacKay. All Rights Reserved.
End of Part 1
Panama City Florida real estate investing - Part 2
Jennifer Mackay REALTOR®
Keller Williams Success Realty
2110 W. 23rd Street, Suite A. Panama City Fl 32405
Direct: (850) 774-6582
Office: (850) 392-1700
Fax: (850) 522-3697
Keller Williams Success Realty
2110 W. 23rd Street, Suite A. Panama City Fl 32405
Direct: (850) 774-6582
Office: (850) 392-1700
Fax: (850) 522-3697
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