Distressed real estate is the diamond in the rough that all RE investors are seeking. HOWEVER, without doing your research you may lose far more then you will gain.
A cautious and methodical approach is best in this decision making process. Keeping that in mind, here are some critical area's that must be considered when looking at real estate bargains for investing purposes.
Nothing on this list is really more important than anything else. Its just here to get you to think about what exactly you need to look for. While you may have an investment that excels in one area...it cant be problem heavy in another.
I give you...THE LIST:
KNOW WHY ON PRICE
Investors ALWAYS see the price first.
We are all looking for below market value. Buy for a little, sell for a lot. But why are they selling so low? Is it to solve one of the "3 D's"? (Debt, Death, Divorce)
Are there problems with the property that will cost a small fortune to fix? Out dated plumbing??? Poor electrical wiring? In older houses these problems are VERY common. Dont forget to consider holding costs.
My personal opinion is that the holding costs are the number one profit killer. YOU HAVE TO BUDGET THEM IN. Commissions to agents, mortgage, closing costs taxes, all repairs...and dont forget the gas and electric.
If youre not up on the market youre shopping in...Youre going to lose money.
Check out other property near the one youre looking at investing in. what prices are they pulling in? Are they the same size? Lot size close to the one youre looking at? Same style of structure?
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Price and location are important this is true. But dont forget about the financing.
In fact, used wisely, an investor can pay full price and use this positioning to negotiate lower interest rates or a smaller down payment. Over time, the rental cash flow will be in the black because of the terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller, combined with gradual rent increases and price appreciation.
KNOW THE LOCAL MARKET
Learn everything you can about the market your shopping in. What are the schools like? How close is the local hospital? Is there a local police station or sub-station? Also look at the floor plans of surrounding homes. How many bed/baths? Whats the average price in the area? What are the prices of the last homes sold in the area? Etc...Etc.
LOCATION IS NO TO BE OVER LOOKED
Most investors think location is the second most critical thing in the investment next to price. Truth be told...it is only critical if you are looking for a long term residence/renter scenario. If you can make a great profit on an ugly house in a less then great area. It may out shine the "perfect condo" by the beach.
FIXER UPPERS AND FORECLOSURES
Most new investors and some seasoned ones, seek out fix and flips and distressed foreclosures for the opportunity to increase the profit margin. If youre going this route make sure you have a good eye for the details and a solid understanding of basic home repair.
With small repairs such as painting, minor landscape, and basic flooring, profits may be available but not really worth the risk. More significant profits are found with extremely distressed properties. Plumbing is corroded, the roof needs replacing, and the interior needs to be gutted and remodeled, but the seller is asking 50% of the market value and you can repair it for much less. Always factor in the amount of work that you are looking at once you have a rough idea of the cost of the expense, add on another 5% as a buffer.
Understand the ZONE
Make sure you research the zoning for the property BEFORE you buy it. If you are thinking of adding a second floor or a granny flat...is the zoning available? Make sure you know before you commit to doing anything that will add or change the SQ footage of the property.
Understand that a single use zoned property is always cheaper than a multi use.
Garages converted without permits, Granny flats that get added...etc...etc. These are common examples. - 23309
A cautious and methodical approach is best in this decision making process. Keeping that in mind, here are some critical area's that must be considered when looking at real estate bargains for investing purposes.
Nothing on this list is really more important than anything else. Its just here to get you to think about what exactly you need to look for. While you may have an investment that excels in one area...it cant be problem heavy in another.
I give you...THE LIST:
KNOW WHY ON PRICE
Investors ALWAYS see the price first.
We are all looking for below market value. Buy for a little, sell for a lot. But why are they selling so low? Is it to solve one of the "3 D's"? (Debt, Death, Divorce)
Are there problems with the property that will cost a small fortune to fix? Out dated plumbing??? Poor electrical wiring? In older houses these problems are VERY common. Dont forget to consider holding costs.
My personal opinion is that the holding costs are the number one profit killer. YOU HAVE TO BUDGET THEM IN. Commissions to agents, mortgage, closing costs taxes, all repairs...and dont forget the gas and electric.
If youre not up on the market youre shopping in...Youre going to lose money.
Check out other property near the one youre looking at investing in. what prices are they pulling in? Are they the same size? Lot size close to the one youre looking at? Same style of structure?
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Price and location are important this is true. But dont forget about the financing.
In fact, used wisely, an investor can pay full price and use this positioning to negotiate lower interest rates or a smaller down payment. Over time, the rental cash flow will be in the black because of the terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller, combined with gradual rent increases and price appreciation.
KNOW THE LOCAL MARKET
Learn everything you can about the market your shopping in. What are the schools like? How close is the local hospital? Is there a local police station or sub-station? Also look at the floor plans of surrounding homes. How many bed/baths? Whats the average price in the area? What are the prices of the last homes sold in the area? Etc...Etc.
LOCATION IS NO TO BE OVER LOOKED
Most investors think location is the second most critical thing in the investment next to price. Truth be told...it is only critical if you are looking for a long term residence/renter scenario. If you can make a great profit on an ugly house in a less then great area. It may out shine the "perfect condo" by the beach.
FIXER UPPERS AND FORECLOSURES
Most new investors and some seasoned ones, seek out fix and flips and distressed foreclosures for the opportunity to increase the profit margin. If youre going this route make sure you have a good eye for the details and a solid understanding of basic home repair.
With small repairs such as painting, minor landscape, and basic flooring, profits may be available but not really worth the risk. More significant profits are found with extremely distressed properties. Plumbing is corroded, the roof needs replacing, and the interior needs to be gutted and remodeled, but the seller is asking 50% of the market value and you can repair it for much less. Always factor in the amount of work that you are looking at once you have a rough idea of the cost of the expense, add on another 5% as a buffer.
Understand the ZONE
Make sure you research the zoning for the property BEFORE you buy it. If you are thinking of adding a second floor or a granny flat...is the zoning available? Make sure you know before you commit to doing anything that will add or change the SQ footage of the property.
Understand that a single use zoned property is always cheaper than a multi use.
Garages converted without permits, Granny flats that get added...etc...etc. These are common examples. - 23309
About the Author:
Doc has been a investor since the early 90's. In 2006 he started a real estate investing information website. He hopes to help other investors by offering them the information on real estate services that will help them