What to Consider when Investing in Real Estate.
Investing in real estate can be a great way to generate passive income and increase one's net worth. It can also be a way to support the local community and have a positive impact on the environment. However, it is important to consider several different factors before purchasing a property.
1 - Location: The first factor to consider is location. Where will the property be located? Is it close to amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and transportation? Or is it in a more rural, far-off area? The location of the property can have a major impact on the amount of rent a landlord can charge and the kind of tenants that the property will attract.
2 - Market Conditions: The next factor to consider is the current condition of the real estate market. Which type of housing market is prevalent in the area? Is it a seller’s market or a buyer’s market? Are home prices stagnant in the area or rising? These variables can play a huge part in the feasibility of renting out a property.
3 - Property/Investment Type: The type of property is also important to consider. Is it multi-family, single-family, commercial or mixed-use? Depending on the type of property, the expenses associated with its upkeep and insurance premiums vary drastically. For example, a commercial property may have higher taxes and expenses attached to it than single-family residences.
4 - Price & Capital Expenses: When considering the price of a property, it is important to examine the current value of similar properties in the area. Does the property have potential for appreciation? How much does it need to be renovated to bring it up to market value? Depending on the location and condition of the property, it can take years for an investor to recoup their costs.
5 - Income Potential: What kind of income can the property generate? Is there good income already in place? Is there room for growth? Is the building vacant, requiring a lease-up schedule? Creating an income plan is critical of any real estate investment.
6 - Operating Expenses: In addition to the price of the property, it is important to factor in all potential expenses associated with the property. What is the estimated cost of maintenance and common area utilities to the building? How much will insurance premiums and property taxes cost? Finally, how much will it cost to manage the property? All of these factors must be accounted for in order to determine the profitability of the investment.
Investing in real estate can be a great way to diversify a portfolio and potentially generate a good return on investment. However, it is important to carefully examine a wide variety of factors before investing in a property. Location, current market conditions, type of property, price, and management expenses are some, but not all of the considerations one must take into consideration when evaluating a potential real estate investment.
To see how Team Sobiko’s Realtors® may assist you, please visit our underwriting, commercial or residential service pages.
This publication was created with the help of artificial intelligence software, which was then reviewed and edited for accuracy by a Team Sobiko staff member.