Real estate can be one of the most profitable investments, but it’s also one of the most costly and complicated. Not only is a lot of money involved, but real estate tends to move in trends, for better or worse. When you decide to invest in real estate, you want to ensure that you choose a property that will pay off in the long run.
As an experienced investor, I’ve learned quite a bit along my journey. Friends and colleagues often approach me when considering investing in their first rental property.
In this article, I’m sharing the most common questions new real estate investors ask me.
Question #1: Is Now a Good Time to Invest?
Real estate is a tricky business. Knowing what’s in store for the market is extremely difficult, but there are a few key indicators to pay attention to that will give you an idea of which way the market is heading.
Those indicators are:
- Interest rates
- Tax rates
- Local market trends
In short, the answer is always yes. Now is a good time to invest.
As long as you are thinking long term, any market fluctuations occurring today will typically not impact an investment property down the line. Looking at the last few decades of housing prices, you would see that home prices have consistently trended upwards.
The exception to the rule is if you are looking for a short-term real estate investment or if there is a catastrophic change to the market in one way or another. It’s impossible to predict the future, but events like regulatory changes, war, or financial busts can all dramatically and suddenly impact the real estate market.
Question #2: How Can I Get My Finances in Order?
Before purchasing any property, do the math and make sure it’s something you can afford.
You should be looking at potential profit margins, mortgage rates, and the average rental rates for the market you’re investing in. Regularly monitor your credit score and…
