Dianne Pajo
Investing in real estate can do wonders for your financial growth if you’re an investor looking to diversify your portfolio or you’re new to investing entirely. However, many real estate investors who are new to the process understandably have some trepidation; it can be nerve-wracking to break into this field. Let’s review some tips for first-time real estate investors if you’re hesitating to make your first property investment or don’t know where to start.
Don’t Be Afraid To Start Small
Investing in a large, expensive property can be tempting if you feel like you can get a good deal and make good money in the long run. However, keep in mind that the bigger you are, the harder you fall, and for first-time investors, starting off small can help you learn the ropes. You don’t have to invest in physical properties at all when you’re first starting out. You can easily invest in short-term REITs, allowing you to start with a small share of a specific property that you don’t even have to manage. Giving yourself wiggle room to make mistakes is always a good idea.
Research Your Local Market
Before you begin investing in any rental property, researching and becoming intimately familiar with your local market is extremely important. Researching and familiarizing yourself with the local market doesn’t mean you should only look at the prices of properties in your area. You should look into crime rates, school districts in the area, property taxes, and the amenities surrounding you, such as shopping malls and grocery stores, to know your local market. Doing so allows you to decide if investing in local properties is a good idea or if you should look elsewhere. It’s possible to invest in properties that aren’t within your vicinity, and you can even invest in out-of-state properties if you play your cards right.
Become Familiar With The Law
Becoming familiar with your local and federal housing laws is an absolute must if you ever plan to manage a rental property. You also need to be acutely aware of your and your tenant’s rights. The landlord-tenant laws in your area are among the most important laws you need to be familiar with, as they strictly govern the ins and outs of your rights and responsibilities. Also, many first-time real estate investors and landlords operate under the false impression that evicting a tenant is easy. Many rules and regulations surround the who, what, and why of the eviction process.
Build Professional Relationships
One of the best tips that every first-time real estate investor needs to hear is to not be afraid to build professional relationships. Working with other mentors helps you network. They can also give you access to professional, insider advice that you just can’t find on the internet. Looking at every other investor as your competitor will quickly isolate you, and you won’t learn as quickly as you could have if you reached out. However, steer clear of those who put their advice behind a huge paywall or don’t have recent experience working with beginners if you’re actively looking for a mentor. Turn the other way if you feel like they’re trying to make a buck out of you—a truly reliable mentor will be more than happy to share their knowledge with you.
