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FIND INCREDIBLE REAL ESTATE DEALS. EASILY.

Six simple tips to find better real estate, whether you’re looking for a property for your business, a home for your family, or getting into real estate investing. But remember, everything must begin with a great deal!

1.Foreclosed property deals What is foreclosure property – you may ask? Put simply, when an owner is unable to keep up with mortgage payments over a period of time, the bank (or lender) will ultimately repossess the home and if it occupied, the people living in it will be legally evicted. Once the home is empty, the lender will use the services of a local real estate to list it and sell it. Often at largely discounted prices. Banks, mortgage firms and other lenders are often quick to offer large discounts just to get the liability off their books. Buyers can negotiate further discounts if they are willing to rehab the home, depending on the quantity and value of repairs needed. Talk to the local real estate agents about the foreclosures in your area and start checking them out. Foreclosure properties make for some of the best deals, and often with a fat profit to make.

Also read: http://www.premierhomes4you.com/blog/invest-and-profit-in-foreclosure-property/

2. Pre-foreclosure deals So, you can get a great deal on foreclosed properties, but there is money to be made even with Pre-foreclosures. In the real estate business, it is possible to buy a home before the foreclosure is finalized and the homeowner is evicted. Buying a property during this period known as “pre-foreclosure”. It is a common enough practice employed by many real estate investors and can be a good way to find motivated homeowners.  Consider this – few things in life are more motivating for a homeowner than knowing they may likely be physically removed from their home.

3. Need for speed In real estate, quite often, it’s not the highest offer for a property that gets accepted, it’s simply the first offer. This may sound contrary to what you would expect, but if you are looking for a great deal, you may need to move quickly Get pre-approval from your bank. With a pre-approval you will have access to put up the funds quickly if a deal presents itself.  In some areas, a single house for sale might get a dozen or more offers in the first several days. If you spot a deal that checks out, make an offer the same day if possible. Remember, you are not the only one searching out great deals!

4. Contact potential home-sellers direct If you have the gift of the gab and are good at making genuinely convincing sales pitches, forget the multiple listing service and contact owners directly, asking them to consider selling their home. There is a chance a good percentage of potential home-sellers will entertain that option. Strike up a win; win deal before they list the home with a real estate agent, and there is better returns all around.

5. Target the fence-sitters Fence-sitters, or people who are simply un-decided about what they want to do with their current real estate are one of the best kinds of people to target. They could be absentee owners (someone who owns a property but doesn’t live there for one reason or another. Or they could be landlords, who are have not got any concrete plans for a property. Or even owners who may have inherited a property, and unsure of how to proceed.  Use online public records to look up owners of properties.  Or even consider using an aggregator like ListSource.com

 6. Follow the golden rule Remember the golden rule: You make your money when you buy. Whether you are looking to buy an investment property, purchase a home for yourself or buy real estate for other reasons, you must find a great real estate deals. And finding good deals is largely a “numbers game”.

Real estate deals follow a typical sales funnel. As they make their way down the funnel, the numerous leads that came in get filtered out, leaving just a handful of qualified and solid leads at the bottom. For example, your funnel might look like this:

  • Raw leads – 300
  • Leads remaining after fitting primary criteria (location, budget) – 150
  • Leads remaining after secondary criteria – 50
  • Leads remaining after viewing and analysis – 20
  • Offers made – 10
  • Offers rejected 9
  • Deals secured – 1

Notice that, in the above funnel, only one property deal was made out of the 300 raw leads that came in. So, if you are targeting more deals at the bottom, you need to improve each aspect of your funnel, starting with the quality and number of leads at the top.

Follow these six simple tips to find better real estate and start finding incredible deals today!

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HOW TO SPOT A WIN: WIN RENTAL PROPERTY

If you want to build up your property portfolio on the assumption that any rental property will fit the bill – you could be in for a shock! There are various factors to consider when investing in a specific rental property and you must move forward only after ticking all the boxes. Lucrative as some rental properties may seem at first glance, only after taking ownership will the realities surface. You will spend time dealing with property and tenant issues nonstop. They will present problems throughout the tenure of ownership and impact your bottom line, even as you try to liquidate them eventually. Buying the discount property a few towns over from where you live will no longer be the good idea it seemed at the time.

But the right rental property can completely change all that, generating handsome returns over the long-term. Use our tips to spot a winning proposition.

The difference between Deals and good deals A rental deal may look great when presented to you on paper but the realities could be very different. With rentals, Rentability is the first thing to consider, leading to the type of tenants the property will attract. A rental in a poor market will invariably generate poor tenants. A better property in a better area will get you the desired rental. Know the difference and be prepared to pay a little more if you need to.

 Negotiate the lowest purchase price Every dollar on a rental deal is important. Contrary to what some investors believe, purchase price is just as important on a rental property as on a rehab deal. If you will finance your purchase with a bank loan or mortgage, a higher purchase price will increase your monthly outgoings and lower your cash flow. If on the other hand, you can negotiate the price 5% lower than the market value, you will reduce not just your capital requirement but also your cash flow. Don’t cheap out on a good deal, but at the same time, try to negotiate the lowest purchase price.

Focus on rentals dollars Always shortlist properties with the maximum cash flow potential. With a flip, all you need is one interested buyer to make an offer, based on the property’s evaluation – and it is done. But it is a different ball game when it comes to rentals. A new kitchen or updated flooring may make the property look great but it may not convince prospective tenants to pay more than fair market value.  200 lost rental dollars every month will hit your cash flow by 12,000 dollars in 5 years! That could amount to 15% loss on a 100,000-dollar home.

Saleability Before making a decision, you need to consider where the property will be a few years down the road. Simply basing your decision on current market trends and sales trends is a risky way of going about building your portfolio. Against a backdrop of ever-fluctuating real estate trends, it is hard to predict when the bottom will suddenly drop out. What happens then? Are you going to be in a position to sell for a higher amount? Or atleast break even on your investment? Location, commercial development and overall land values will affect your property’s market value, but without upgrades your property won’t rent or sell for top dollar. Traditional home buyers will consider the same probabilities when evaluating your property, as potential renters. Budget the cost of maintenance and upgrades to your property in the interest of saleability.

Have an exit strategy Most buyers don’t think about the worst-case scenario but truth being told, the best of rental properties eventually run their course. Despite best intentions, you may face a situation where you may have to cash out on your property. Hopefully you will never get to that stage, but if your property is limited in its appeal to find the right buyer, a quick sale is highly unlikely. You will have limited rent flexibility and if you decide to sell, the market won’t allow you to get top dollar. Always have Plan B in place, based on the worst-case scenario.

All rental properties are not created equal, but knowing the difference makes all the difference!

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INVEST AND PROFIT IN FORECLOSURE PROPERTY

Florida ranked among the top 10 states for highest foreclosure rates in 2017 despite the number of foreclosures dropping by 45 percent compared to 2016. In Florida last year, there were 24,215 foreclosure proceedings filed, compared to 43,772 in 2016, according to ATTOM Data, a multi-sourced property database.

South Florida, still has the nation’s highest foreclosure rate at 1.3% and it stands to reason there are thousands of foreclosed homes to invest in. With the numbers reducing, the right investment may be harder to find, but savvy real estate investors are still finding them, and holding or flipping them profitably! The trick to turning a profit without falling prey to problems, is understanding what put these properties into foreclosure in the first place.

What is driving Foreclosures? Nationally, foreclosure filings for 2017 fell 27 percent compared to 2016, reaching their lowest level since 2005, according to the report. Foreclosures are a mix of new and legacy problems. Defaults on mortgages, delinquent property taxes, fraud, flawed court systems and banks still playing catch-up are all part of the problem. Though the situation is better today, property owners are still falling victim to a flawed system which hasn’t properly delivered. You still hear of properties that have fallen back into foreclosure as a result of lending criteria better aligned to interests of banks, mortgage providers and financiers.

Distressed property sales are no pushover. If you think, distressed property owners are all in the market to sell – think again. The decision to hold off a sale or foreclosure can be tied to various reasons. One reason is that property owners that have lost trust in parties that offer to ‘help owners out of foreclosure’ because of the dubious nature of transactions. Unscrupulous operators tend to tarnish the image of the lending business, delivering a setback to owners. Another reason is tighter controls, new rules and regulations to reduce turnover, making it harder for owners to sell, in the face of ready and interested investors. Yet other owners are not convinced they are really going to lose their properties, and delay taking action. Or they are bullish on their property value, delaying foreclosure.

Best practice. Today, investors need better strategies, more convincing arguments and smarter marketing tactics to win-over distressed property owners. Online foreclosure listings like Trulia foreclosures, foreclosures.com, Yahoo foreclosures, MSN real estate are a great start-point. Foreclosure auctions, Banks & Mortgage lenders, Real estate wholesalers and investor groups are all great sources of market information. Title companies mortgage companies, brokers and realtors are good for business based on referrals. Knowing where to look for distressed properties and foreclosure deals, is only one side to investing in the thousands of distressed properties in South Florida. Learning how to prospect and how to make winning offers is the key to sustainable long-term gains.  Invest in the right education, market knowledge, capital and financing, before investing in distressed property.

If sourcing, buying and recycling foreclosure properties for profit is your goal, practice due diligence first!

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NOT EVERY GOOD PROPERTY MAKES A GOOD RENTAL PROPERTY!

Real estate offers many investment formats, though the most commonly known are rehabbing and flipping. Building a portfolio by acquiring rental property is also a good investment strategy but remember – Not every good property makes a good rental property! When considering purchasing a rental property, it is important to focus on aspects that can make a rental property stand out.

Location. Location. Location. This is the gospel about any kind of real estate property, be it rental, residential, commercial, retail or investment. If a property does not have a favorable location, you can be sure, demand will invariably be compromised. Put yourself in your customers shoes. Since rental decisions are based on first impressions and perceptions, the smallest negative can set back long-term rental values. Unlike short term flips, with a rental property a five to ten-year horizon is ideal, meaning you need to have a long-term perspective for the area you are buying in. Talk to other owners in the area to see if they have insights on future development plans for the area. A planned new school, or medical center or even a commercial development will certainly bump up holding value over time.

Rental property goals. Before jumping in, it is advisable to have a clear fix on the short and long-term goals for the investment, since they will determine the level and kind of work you will put in and future upgrades you make. So, the question to ask is – Am I looking to generate monthly cash flow or long-term capital gains? If you only plan on renting out the property for two or three years, chances are you will keep away from expensive upgrades. On the other hand, if you are planning on renting until the property is free and clear, you may consider upgrades and repairs that will enhance curb-appeal and perceived property value. The right decisions will help maximize returns and most likely impact your future investing decisions. Sometimes a sudden jump in value can tempt you to sell before the anticipated ten-year horizon. Or an unforeseen financial circumstance can force you to liquidate. The best of plans can change along the way, but your goals will help you these changes.

Financial considerations. For a rental property, financial considerations are all important. New investors may not have an idea of all the costs associated but should take into account property management costs like utilities, landscaping, repairs and other items. Even the cost of vacancies, should be factored into the overall cost of ownership, which includes beyond loan financing, mortgage, interest amount, taxation and insurance costs. The more you know about comparable homes in the area, the better equipped you are for determining rental value for own property. Take time to talk to agents to get the lie of the land. And if you are planning on getting a property management company onboard, make sure they understand the scope of work involved in managing your rental. That way, you can come up with the real cost of ownership and yield.

Understand your market. Before finalizing a purchase, spend time to understand what investment into the property will yield the best return? Tenants will invariably seek out the most comfortable option, but not necessarily be ready to shell out the extra dollars! Take time to research what’s on offer in the area. Understand what it will take to keep your rental occupied with minimum vacancy gaps. People like to rent homes they are comfortable in, but not willing to pay the extra price for it. Not always! Renters will often place a premium on a driveway, and a garage. Consider investing in one if it will allow you to charge a higher rental and ensure your property retains demand. An outdoor patio may seem like a good idea, but if the cost of putting one in, does not justify the small rental gains, you’re better off without it.

A good rental property is indeed a good business proposition and can help grow your portfolio. But get to know everything about the property and the market to get the best return on your investment.

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IS THERE A “RIGHT TIME” TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE?

One can argue, times are tougher today, in the real estate business. At least tougher than what they were a few years ago, in a seller’s market. The real estate market has and continues to present its own unique set of challenges to investors, but let’s face it – there’s still money to be made in this business. If you are one of the fence-sitters in real estate investing, thinking about “the right time,” you need to think again! Because there really is no “Right time”! There are hidden opportunities in every market scenario and with the right approach, you can make a tidy profit from real estate investing.

Opportunities galore. Today, real estate investors can benefit from a greater number of opportunities than at any other time in the past. Why? Because there are a number of factors that has come together in creating these opportunities. Low mortgage rates, and interest rates mean it is still easy to find affordable financing. The inventory of homes is growing in single-family homes, duplex and multiplex homes, apartments, condos and investment properties. The buyer/seller interest remains robust across all these property scenarios. Add to that the home foreclosure rate, and it really is a good time to start investing.

 There’s no perfect time. The savvy investor will tell you, there really is “No perfect time” to get into real estate investing! Real estate investing, just like any other form of investment, comes with its own risks and no guarantees. Trying to time the market can create longer than necessary delays, as you wait for the right cues. And once you do invest against the backdrop of “Perfect” cues, other non-controllable factors can mar your investment plans. Stock markets, interest rates, global property trends and local developments all shape the market. Before taking the plunge, you need to know the market, evaluate the risk/reward scenario, be prepared to take a risk and complete your due diligence – these aspects go a long way in generating positive investment returns.

Investment income. Unlike fixed income, passive income takes time to accumulate, and the sooner one starts investing in real estate, the closer one gets to building up passive income through asset appreciation and related capital gains. The good thing is that you don’t even need to put more capital into a property that you have bought, other periodic funding for property management requirements. And the rental income it generates for you over time, contributes towards your passive income. Over time, this income can cover the initial outlay for a second property, helping to move closer to your goal of building up a sustainable and profitable property portfolio.

Depending on the nature of your real estate investment, you can generate a strong return on investment over time. Having said that, there are many a case, where a rushed decision brought about by lack of due diligence, legal issues, insufficient market research or poor investment advice has led to huge losses and erosion of capital. So, if have made the decision to enter this investment asset class, don’t wait for the magical “right time” to start. Do your research, take the services of experienced and qualified real estate agents, realtors, property managers, investment houses and housing professionals in seeking out the right opportunity for you.

Most importantly – get started today!

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SIMPLE TIPS TO INCREASE THE VALUE OF YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY. 

MAKE MORE MONEY ON RENTALS.

Enhancing the face value to a property is a proven means to justify a higher rent. Fancy upgrades, landscaping and major overhauls can cost a bomb, and do not really contribute to increasing short-term rentals. But these simple tips can add demonstrable value. Make sure to include them with your new leases, and the money will start to come in!

Exterior image: Just drive up to your property and notice the way it looks! A bad first impression can be the first thing to put off potential renters. Focus on the exterior to enhance visual appeal by visual elements like landscaping, patio, and the actual entrance. Front doors are often overlooked, but in fact are one of the first things people notice. Re-painting, oiling the hinges and re-alignment are things you can do yourself. A little detailing on the signage, lighting and frame can make a huge difference. A simple power-wash can take years of the exterior and you will be surprised by how the property looks. A fresh coat of paint to the shutters and windows can add the finishing touch. And make sure the shrubs are trimmed so renters can actually spot the garden hidden away…it is important!

Living area:  Brighten up the living area. Do away with pre-conceived notions of “Neutral is nice” and don’t be afraid to create a feature wall in earth-brown to set off the eggshell walls. A console table or a decorative mirror near the entry can add a nice touch. Invest in a nice light feature to lighten up a dark spot and bring out the hidden space. Consider lining up elegant planters, if you have steps leading up to the entrance. Shine up the window glasses and pay attention to molding. Replace the aging couch and get a couple of rugs to give your property a ‘Lived-in” feel! These will not set you back over a $1,000 but will completely change how a prospective renter views your property. Renters mostly have short-term needs and will go for a house that feels as much like home as possible.

Flooring: Flooring is one of the most noticeable items and its condition is often the reason why rental properties lose demand. Hire a cleaning crew to give the carpeting a professional clean-up. Work out the cost to see if hardwood floors may be an option though maintenance-free Laminated wood flooring can be a cheaper cost- efficient substitute. Hardly takes a couple of days to put in and can last for years! Often your home-furnishing store will offer a rebate on installation and even consider removing debris for you. Flooring should come across new as possible, as it can often be deal-breaker. Decide wisely!

Added extras:  Believe it or not, the condition of appliances can give a strong indication of the state of the property. A 15-year-old, noisy air-conditioner hardly builds up the comfort level, even though it may still work. Busted alarm systems and partially-functioning outdoor lights are not things you want potential renters to stumble upon. You see, renters like to feel they own the house they will live in and new appliances and equipment give that feeling. Make sure to get the pros to go over the HVAC, electrics and plumbing before concluding your next rental lease! You will be surprised at the additional dollars you can command for your rental property, together with peace of mind for both, yourself and renters.

If an “Ultimate Chill-out” pool is the BIG sales pitch, it needs be exactly that. Of course you will need to walk the fine line between thousands of dollars in a new pool, or cheaper repair alternatives, but in the end, your proposition must ring true. Last but not the least, be attentive as a landlord. Renters only want to feel at home, and being reachable is an important aspect of that. Happy renting!

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