Investing in real estate is known to give a sense of security and comfort to buyers, as it assures the real estate investor that he/she is moving in the right financial direction. Real estate investors should constantly look for an investment property for sale. Finding the best real estate investment is easier than most people think, but you must be ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes along.
Everything begins with a thought, even when you decide to invest in real estate. However, finding the best investment property for sale requires more effort on the investor’s behalf than just thinking. You will need to research and collect information prior to taking any action.
So, how can real estate investors find the best investment property for sale?
A real estate investor must take certain precautions to be sure that he/she is making a wise financial decision. The following are steps to take before you buy an investment property:
Define what your needs are
Defining your standards for investment properties is an essential step when looking for an investment property for sale. By specifying a certain standard for your ideal real estate investment, you can narrow down your research and define it. This step includes defining the location of the investment property, whether city or neighborhood. It also helps to define how much space you need and what condition the investment property should be in.
A real estate investor interested in fix-and-flips is going to look for a house in a different position than someone looking to buy and hold.
Another standard that needs to be set is the number of units within your investment property. This is necessary as defining how many units you need out of a property helps you stay focused and waste less time looking at investment properties that don’t fit your needs.
Related: Investment Property Search: Dos and Don’ts
Conduct a real estate analysis
Conducting a real estate analysis is the next natural step to finding the best investment property. This step deals with the financial aspect of the investment as it is the most crucial in defining the profitability of your real estate investment. This does not only help you find and assess any investment property for sale, but also utilizes predictive analytics to find the most attractive real estate deal.
Using real estate analytics comes side by side with utilizing an investment property calculator. An investment property calculator can determine an estimate of the value of the property using analytical metrics, such as ROI (return on investment) and cash flow.
Using an investment property calculator gives an ease of mind to real estate investors through assuring them that they are making the best financial decision in regards to their investment. In addition to conducting a comprehensive real estate analysis, real estate investors must factor in real estate comps or (comparables). Real estate comparables help real estate investors as both buyers and sellers though determining that the asking price is reasonable compared to other investment properties with similar features.
This can be a very effective weapon for price negotiations.
Related: Investment Property Calculator: A Simple Guide on Using It
Study the rules of investment properties
There are a few rules that professional real estate investors use to give an investment property a quick evaluation. This saves the investor time when looking for the best real estate investment property for sale. If a real estate property doesn’t adhere to these rules, the investor can evaluate it and move on to a more attractive income property.
An important evaluation rule is the 2% rule. The 2% rule states that a real estate property should generate a monthly income that is equal to 2% of the property’s price. To simplify, a property purchased for $150,000 should generate $3,000 of monthly cash flow. This rule helps real estate investors assess the property’s situation and rotating income.
Another rule of the thumb that helps investors locate the best investment property for sale is the 50% rule. The 50% rule is a must when trying to find a rental property; it states that 50% of your monthly income will be used to cover expenses such as repairs, utilities, taxes, etc.
Related: How to Become a Smart Real Estate Investor
Know where to look for discounted real estate
Knowing where to look for the best investment property is the key to finding what you need in the real estate market. This is the next natural step to take after determining what your needs and search criteria are. Below are the most popular methods to look for investment properties in the housing market:
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Craigslist
Craigslist is a versatile tool that can also be used for real estate investing. It is a popular website that people use to buy and sell anything including real estate.
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Word of mouth and networking
This works by spreading the word that you are looking to buy an investment property and trying to find the best investment property for sale. This is an old-fashioned tool that still works today for many properties; just make sure you tell your friends, family and even coworkers that you’re looking for a real estate property for sale.
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Websites
Many real estate investors in the housing market find leads for future investments through websites.
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Driving
A simple drive-by in potential neighborhoods or even knocking on doors may be very effective as most people know if a property is on sale in their neighborhood.
Other methods real estate investors can use to locate an investment property for sale are:
Wholesale properties
Wholesale real estate properties are contracted properties that owners delegate to wholesalers. Such investment properties are usually undervalued, and the time frame makes the selling price lower than properties with the same aspects.
Foreclosures
Foreclosures are a great way for any real estate investor to find the best investment property for sale. Banks either sell foreclosures in bulk or list them with specialized real estate agents. The most common foreclosure sales are done through the bank itself and typically consist of a bunch of foreclosed properties for a discounted price.
Related: How to Buy Investment Property: Short Sale Vs. Foreclosure
Conclusion
Having a defined investment strategy and some form of search criteria can help real estate investors locate properties that bring the maximum potential to the table. It is well-known that real estate investors make their profit when buying an investment property and that ultimately happens through finding the best investment property for sale. So, always try to bargain to get the best deal you can, and always give yourself the time to calculate every decision financially to ensure a lucrative investment decision.
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