During the pandemic, people realized how crucial it is to have a roof over your head. We saw how many people struggled to pay their rent. Many people are expected to lose their homes after losing their capability to continuously pay for their mortgage. For some homeowners, this gave them more reasons to be thankful. But for the others, this sparked their interest in embracing real estate investing.
Indeed, the real estate market once again proved its resilience even at uncertain times. Even the pandemic did not stop people from buying their first homes. But since many can’t afford to pay for their own mortgage, they have no choice but to continue renting.
It is due to these reasons why many are now into real estate investing. More people are now applying for loans. They are trying to secure a second home purchase or are even planning to buy multiple homes that they can start renting out.
If you are a new real estate investor, know that there are certain financial dos and don’ts you ought to know early on.
Do buy a property you can comfortably support for six months
Many real estate investors take out a loan to pay for their investment. We are often told to invest in multifamily-homes when starting a real estate investing career. This enables us to live in one of the units while renting out the other to other tenants.
No matter what, make sure you choose a property you can comfortably support for at least six months. For example, you plan on taking out a loan for an apartment building. You need to make sure you can afford at least six months’ worth of your mortgage without putting yourself in a tricky financial situation.
Revisit your finances and check how much money you can set aside in case you lose your main source of income. Six months is usually enough time for you to sort out your finances and get back on track. If you can’t afford to pay for your mortgage, then it would be wise to move or look for other financing options to fund your investment.
Don’t make another investment until your first one is making money
One mistake real investors often make is prematurely collecting properties under their name. It is true that real estate often appreciates in value and that the more properties you own, the better. But there is no sense in buying another property if you haven’t enjoyed making enough money with the first.
Note that usually, your reason for investing in real estate is to create passive income. If you are still starting, you want to make sure you get enough return on investment before moving on and investing in another property. It is a good idea to study what you can do to make your first investment a success before you add another liability under your name.
Do invest in real estate with growth in mind
Your main reason for investing in real estate is to grow your wealth. It does not matter if your plan is to rent it out for the long term, hold it off until it appreciates in value, or intends to flip the property so you can sell it afterward. Your goal is to get more than what you paid for, and not the other way around.
So, in every decision you make, think and act as a real investor would. When renovating a real estate, focus on the things buyers in today’s real estate market wants. Your main goal should be about building property value no matter the type of property you invested in.
Don’t think it is wise to do everything on your own
Even the best real estate investors have a team of professionals supporting their every move. Since you are still a newbie, there is a need for you to have a go-to list of people who can assist you in making the right decisions. This can include your lender, real estate agents, and a property attorney.
If you own multiple units and you have no time or intention to manage all properties on your own, a reliable property manager is always a good investment. They can keep an eye on your property and keep your tenants happy. It is also a must that you have a list of professional contacts you can count on in keeping your investments in great condition.
When it comes to real estate, there is no room to make mistakes. You are investing your hard-earned money with an intention to grow your wealth. Being a newbie is not enough reason not to make the right decisions. Choose to be wise in everything you do and consider these financial tips as your guide.
