December 15, 2016
With a quick Google search, a novice real estate investor can find plenty of information on how to succeed. There are promises of quick wealth, fail-proof methods, and lessons and books on how to achieve your investing dreams. However, instead of increasing the noise, we are going to share some mistakes that beginners make. By avoiding these three common issues for novice real estate investors, you’ll have a better chance of long-term investment success.
Not Enough Research and Planning
The keys to success in any field are research, planning, and goal setting. Likewise, real estate investing is no different. Though, before you jump in, you need to understand the local market. Talk to local experts, property managers, and real estate agents about trends in the area. They’re also good sources for property values, market rates, and residents in your target community. Additionally, don’t forget the legwork – there is no substitute for seeing properties in person. You can never know too much, and knowledge is power. Going into an investment decision empowered with information will lead to stronger outcomes.
You also need to have goals for your investments. Setting income goals, calendar goals, and outcome goals will help you to better formulate a plan. Knowing where you would like to end up will make it easier to know how to get started.
Assuming You Will Get Rich Quick
There are hundreds of books, forums, seminars, and infomercials promising all the money in the world if you just follow their easy steps. That’s not how anything in life works. There are no secrets, no magic shortcuts, no perfect solutions. Real estate investment can be lucrative, but it takes time, patience, and hard work. The success will come when you have made smart decisions backed by knowledge and information.
Poor Money Management
Another aspect of the research you need to put in before getting started is learning just how much everything will cost, and what roadblocks you could stumble upon along the way. Budgeting for only the expected is setting yourself up for failure. There will almost certainly be unforeseen circumstances that lead to greater costs, whether it is extra maintenance or repairs, taxes, insurance, or a downward trend that wasn’t predicted. In addition, most projects take longer than expected due to permitting and building code issues, contractor delays, weather, etc. Be sure to include the additional carry costs that result from unplanned delays in project completion or sales marketing time. It is necessary to allow room in your budget for unexpected costs. Accurately estimating your costs and adding an amount for contingency items will ensure that you are protected from running out of money and halting your project.
Preparation is the most important key to success as a real estate investor. While no one can predict the outcome of any real estate deal, you can be fully prepared and armed with information that will lead you to success in both the short and long term.
About Bay Mountain Capital
Bay Mountain Capital has been in business for more than a decade, closing over 2,250 loans. We specialize in financing all types of residential and commercial property investments throughout Texas, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Georgia. Using a common sense and value-added approach, we strive to incorporate these principles into our underwriting and closing processes.
As a direct lender, Bay Mountain Capital can close a loan within one day after receiving a complete file and clear title. The process generally takes two weeks for a residential loan, but can we can accelerate this where circumstances require it.
We are primarily an asset-based lender, which means that qualification requirements are limited. Our rates, fees, and terms are among the most competitive in the industry.
Have you had a great experience with us already? Drop us a review and tell us about your experience.