Investor's Corner - You have decided to invest in real estate, now what?

So you have been thinking about making the wisest decision of your life for some time - investing in real estate! Congratulations on your great decision. Becoming a real estate investor for the first time can be exciting, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks and challenges. Here are some key things to consider when starting your real estate investment journey:

1. Define your investment goals: Before investing in real estate, you need to identify your investment goals. Are you looking for a long-term investment or a short-term gain? Do you want to invest in commercial or residential properties? Determining your investment goals will help you make informed decisions about your investments and develop a solid investment strategy. You can go from an "assignment" sale to a more generational wealth-building approach. Once you decide to start investing in real estate, the sky is the limit!

2. Research the market: It's essential to research the real estate market thoroughly before investing. You should identify the current market trends, analyze the demand for properties, and evaluate the rental rates and property values in the area. This information will help you make informed decisions about where and what to invest in. Different markets have different outcomes; one market would be cashflow rich while another one would generate better appreciation on your investment.

3. Develop a budget: Investing in real estate requires a significant amount of capital, so it's important to develop a budget that includes all the costs associated with your investment, such as the purchase price, closing costs, property management fees, repairs, and maintenance costs. You should also consider the potential income from the property and the return on investment (ROI) you expect to receive. The more clear you are about all these aspects, the better informed your decision will be.

4. Understand the risks and challenges: Investing in real estate comes with risks and challenges, such as market fluctuations, unexpected expenses, and difficult tenants. It's important to understand these risks and have a contingency plan in place to mitigate them. Also, as with any other investments, you must be prepared for some of these unexpected events. Having a well-thought and well-documented course of action for these issues will be extremely helpful, especially in the future.

5. Find the right property: When searching for properties, you should consider the location, condition, income and potential upside of the property. It's essential to conduct thorough due diligence, such as inspecting the property, reviewing financial statements, and researching the property's history, to ensure that you make an informed investment decision. It's always a good idea to visit the planning department for a friendly chat too!

6. Network and build relationships: Networking and building relationships with other real estate professionals, such as real estate agents, property managers, and contractors, can provide valuable insights and opportunities to learn from experienced investors. Building relationships with potential tenants can also help you find and retain quality tenants.

7. Have a long-term perspective: Real estate investment is a long-term strategy that requires patience and a long-term perspective. It's important to have realistic expectations and focus on building a diversified portfolio over time, rather than seeking quick profits. Like any other business, real estate is cyclical meaning that it goes through highs and lows. Don't get too greedy when you make a few good choices and don't get disappointed when not everything is going as you hoped for.