investment propertiesInvestment properties can intimidating to the first-time investor. When done right however, real estate investment can be very rewarding, and a great source of income. There are several things to consider before purchasing your first investment property. The road to real estate riches is paved with obstacles which can affect your bottom line. Here are some of the things you should and should not do when it comes to purchasing investment properties for the future.

Do: Create a Plan for Your Investment Property

Are you ready to make the investment? In other words, do you have a well thought out plan in front of you? Creating a plan for your investment property can give you more of an idea on what needs to be done. You’re also able to learn whether or not you can afford this new investment. Have a solid plan, and make sure to have contingencies for any possible challenges and setbacks.

Do: Research the Neighborhood

The quality of the neighborhood will have an influence on the kind of renters it will attract. Check out and know the neighborhood you’re buying into. Talk to other renters in the area, as they will more likely give you their honest opinion about the pros and cons of their neighborhood. Desirable qualities in a neighborhood include access to good schools, low crime rate, parks, and shopping among others. You may be able to get a bit more out of rent if you’re offering all of the above, along with the home. Remember: happy renters are also most likely to become long-term renters.

Do: Assess your Finances

It's a good idea to assess your financial standing before diving into investment properties. This means being able to obtain financing, and knowing whether or not you have cash reserves on hand to cover your mortgage as well as other expenses like property taxes, repairs, and insurance. Speak with a mortgage officer and understand the options you have available to you. Your budget will also determine the type of property you will be able to afford.

Don't: Rent Out Luxury Homes

Avoid purchasing giant, fancy investment properties that are not going to provide a healthy investment when you rent them out. They generally cost more to maintain than the revenue they bring in. Keep in mind that rental properties experience a lot of wear and tear, and luxury homes are much more expensive to maintain and repair. For this reason, it's better to keep high priced homes as a residence as opposed to a rental.

Don't: Buy Until You're Ready

Every city has good neighborhoods, but not all properties are alike. Finding your ideal rental property takes a lot of research and legwork, in addition to a healthy financial standing. Keep your expectations in check, and don't make the mistake of underestimating the cost of repairs and maintenance. Investing in real estate doesn't start with the purchase of a property - it begins with a good financial standing, which allows you buy a rental property in the first place.

Looking to invest in Austin or San Antonio real estate? Contact JBGoodwin REALTORS® online or by calling toll free at 800.531.5207. Helping people is what we're known for.

Posted by Mary Ann Castro on
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Thanks for your wonderful information regarding investment properties. These thing are very important while selecting the investment properties.

Posted by Scott Hearne on Wednesday, October 8th, 2014 at 11:07pm

GRAY IS THE NEW BEIGE!!!

Posted by Leslie Thurman on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 at 4:54pm

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