The Most Important Factors for Real Estate Investing
What's the most important thing to look for in real estate? While the location is always a key consideration, there are numerous other factors that help determine if an investment is right for you. Here's a look at some of the most important things to consider if you plan to invest in the real estate market.
Why It's Important
The adage "location, location, location" is still king and continues to be the most important factor for profitability in real estate investing. Proximity to amenities, green space, scenic views, and the neighbourhood's status factor prominently into residential property valuations. Closeness to markets, warehouses, transport hubs, freeways, and tax-exempt areas plays an important role in commercial property valuations.
A key when considering property location is the mid-to-long-term view regarding how the area is expected to evolve over the investment period. For example, todayโs peaceful open land at the back of a residential building could someday become a noisy manufacturing facility, diminishing its value. Thoroughly review the ownership and intended usage of the immediate areas where you plan to invest.
One way to collect information about what are the prospects of the vicinity of the property you are considering is to contact the town hall or other public agencies in charge of zoning and urban planning. This will give you access to the long-term area planning and make a determination of how favourable or unfavourable your own plan for the property is.
2. Valuation of the Property
Why It's Important
Property valuation is important for financing during the purchase, listing price, investment analysis, insurance, and taxationโthey all depend on real estate valuation.
What to Look For
Commonly used real estate valuation methods include:
Sales comparison approach: recent comparable sales of properties with similar characteristicsโmost common and suitable for both new and old properties
Cost approach: the cost of the land and construction, minus depreciationโ suitable for new construction.
Income approach: based on expected cash inflowsโsuitable for rentals.
3. Investment Purpose and Investment Horizon
Why It's Important
Given the low liquidity and high-value investment in real estate, a lack of clarity on purpose may lead to unexpected results, including financial distressโespecially if the investment is mortgaged.
What to Look For
Identify which of the following broad categories suits your purpose, and then plan accordingly:
Buy and self-use. Here you will save on rent and have the benefit of self-utilization, while also getting value appreciation.
Buy and lease. This offers regular income and long-term value appreciation. However, the temperament to be a landlord is needed to handle possible disputes and legal issues, manage tenants, repair work, etc.
Buy and sell (short-term). This is generally for quick, small to medium profitโthe typical property is under construction and sold at a profit on completion.
Buy and sell (long-term). This is generally focused on large intrinsic value appreciation over a long period. This offers alternatives to complement long-term goals, such as retirement.
4. Expected Cash Flows and Profit Opportunities
Why It's Important
Cash flow refers to how much money is left after expenses. Positive cash flow is key to a good rate of return on an investment property.
What to Look For
Develop projections for the following modes of profit and expenses:
Expected cash flow from rental income (inflation favours landlords for rental income)
The expected increase in intrinsic value is due to long-term price appreciation.
Benefits of depreciation (and available tax benefits)
Cost-benefit analysis of renovation before sale to get a better price
Cost-benefit analysis of mortgaged loans vs. value appreciation.
5. Be Careful with Leverage
Why It's Important
Loans are convenient, but they may come at a big cost. You commit your future income to get utility today at the cost of interest spread across many years. Be sure you understand how to handle loans of this nature and avoid high levels of debt or what they call over-leverage. Even experts in real estate are challenged by over-leverage in times of adverse market conditions and the liquidity shortages with high debt obligations can break real estate projects.
What to Look For
Depending upon your current and expected future earnings, consider the following:
Decide on the type of mortgage that best fits your situationโfixed-rate, adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), interest-only, zero down payment, etc. Note that each type of mortgage has its own risk profile and you need to study each carefully. For instance, ARM includes mortgage rates that can change at any time driven by capital market forces and the borrower must accept any rate changes during the loan term.
Be aware of the terms, conditions, and other charges levied by the mortgage lender.
Shop around to find lower interest rates and better terms.
6. New Construction vs. Existing Property
Why It's Important
New construction usually offers attractive pricing, the option to customize, and modern amenities. Risks include delays, increased costs, and the unknowns of a newly-developed neighbourhood.
Existing properties offer convenience, faster access, established improvements (utilities, landscaping, etc.), and in many cases, lower costs.
What to Look For
Here are some key things to look for when deciding between a new construction or an existing property:
Review past projects and research the construction company's reputation for new investments.
Review property deeds, recent surveys, and appraisal reports for existing properties.
Consider monthly maintenance costs, outstanding dues, and taxes. Costs such as these can severely impact your cash flow.
When investing in the leased property, find out if the property is rent-controlled, rent-stabilized, or free market. Is the lease about to expire? Are renewal options favourable to the tenant? Who owns the furnishings?
Quality-check items (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) if these are to be included in the sale.
Pruthvi Estate has a one-stop solution to all your problems, we are available for your queries.
snowghoul
kaledo-art
discoholicmusic
annaxmalina
turnnoffyourmind
jacobvanloon