12 Common Mistakes Made by Novice Investors in Real Estate and Experienced as Well!
Real estate investment has provided many investors with positive cash flow, tax benefits and the satisfaction of impacting others’ lives. However, like any investment, real estate has intricate nuances and market trends that, when ignored, can cause an investor heartache.
Unbelievably, many first-time investors are willing to part with their hard-earned cash without taking the time to study their investment.
They rely on traditional trends and gut feelings.
Before you risk your investment, take the time to learn all you can about your market. By aligning yourself with the right professional, you can avoid these 12 common mistakes, and you’ll ensure an excellent return on your investment.
1. Failure to Determine Your Time Need– Cash flow, capital appreciation, tax benefits, loss of management, equity pay-down and pride of ownership are just some of the things that need to be addressed before you make that investment. A service-minded real estate professional can be a tremendous asset by taking the time to evaluate your needs and making sure you’ve got all your bases covered.
2. Not Checking out the Seller or Seller’s Realtor’s Numbers– Claims of extremely high rates of return run rampant in real estate investment. Don’t get caught up in the excitement – check everything: rents, payment history, taxes, expenses, deposits, & future modifications! Make sure you have the right Realtor. It’s like having a good insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but vital details.
3. Forgetting You’re Buying a Business– Owning investment property carries the excellent potential for creating wealth and some potentially difficult decisions. Evictions, re-investment into the property and time management all need careful consideration. Remember, this is not a “hands-off’ business.
4. Avoid Negative Cash Flow– Property that eats cash every month can drain your working capital, creating stress and frustration and becoming quite painful. Predicting constant appreciation is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for the unseasoned investor. A strain on your cash flow may cause you to sell the investment before the benefits of ownership are ever realized.
5. Failure to do a Thorough Inspection– Look under every rock! Ask the tenants about pest problems, structural damage or recurring problems. Don’t overlook anything! A value-driven real estate professional will help you find the right inspector and can help you avoid costly mistakes. When investing your hard-earned money, be sure and use sound business judgment!
6. Failing to Have Adequate Insurance– Investment property brings liability. Tenants, cars, parking lots, and property liability- the list is quite extensive. Adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must!
7. Inspect, Approve, and Confirm All Documents- The list of documents that need to be proofed can be overwhelming to the first-time investor. Building permits, zoning laws, rental and lease applications, health licenses, laundry leases, underlying loan documents, by-laws, title policies, inspection reports, purchase contracts, insurance, don’t attempt to do it alone. The proper professional can remove most of the stress and smoothly conclude the transaction.
8. Get a Bill of Sale For All Property Involved– Many types of personal property (appliances, furniture, fixtures, etc.) can be involved in an investment sale. Be very detailed; know who owns what!
9. Charge Fair Rents– Vacancies, turnovers and lease terminators are your most significant expenses. Charge fair rents, treat your tenants with respect and respond as quickly as possible to their needs. It’s a lot less costly in the long run to take care of the minor problems before they become big problems. Vacant property is your Achilles heel.
10. Select Qualified, Good Tenants From the Start– Take the time to check references. Previous landlords, employers, financial references, credit, and judgments are vitally important. If there are any questions, investigate thoroughly. A little work up-front can save tremendous problems later on down the line.
11. Make Sure You get Tenancy Letters– Get letters from tenants confirming the status of a tenancy. Ensure their rental or lease agreement version corresponds with the seller’s interpretation. (If you are adopting tenants from a purchase)
12. Don’t Spend Positive Cash Flow– Most successful investors have free and clear properties. Be sure to re-invest your cash flow back into the property payment and speed up the amortization schedule. This decreases your debt load and increases your equity, which builds your net worth.
Investment property can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your financial portfolio. Before investing, be sure to have all your “ducks in a row” before.
Do your homework and, for goodness sake, work with a professional Realtor who knows income properties!
