Real Estate 101: How to Start Investing in Real Estate

March 24, 2020

Wondering how to start investing in real estate? Click here to learn everything you need to know about how to start investing in real estate!

 

 

It’s no surprise that so many people want to get into real estate investing. There are many attractive benefits, including earning a passive income, building equity, and boosting the local economy.

However, you can’t decide to take up investing and get started the next day. There are several important steps you’ll need to take to get things off the ground.

Failing to prepare yourself could lead to financial loss. To help you avoid this, we’ve put together this real estate 101 guide. Keep reading to learn some key components you need to address when starting out.

 

Start Educating Yourself

Learning the basics of real estate markets and investing should be your first step. This may sound daunting, but there are plenty of ways to become knowledgeable.

Don’t let yourself get coaxed into signing up for expensive seminars or online courses. The information you need is available for little to no cost.

Look for real estate podcasts, free online guides, and books. There are many articles on the topic, like this one (if you're interested in Miami market): www.incomerealty.net/blog/buying-investment-property-miami. These are great resources that allow you to focus on the topics you want.

First, educate yourself on the different types of real estate out there. This will help you decide what you want to focus on.

You’ll also need to learn about property valuation, title insurance, closing on a piece of property, and inspections. All this information will come in handy during every transaction you make.

 

Financial Planning

When starting out in real estate investing, you’ll need to be very careful with your finances. The last thing you want to do is stretch yourself too thin and not have enough to live on.

You’ll need to create a detailed financial plan and budget. Start by setting long and short-term goals. This will allow you to keep track of your finances as you approach your first purchase.

Many investors choose to keep their jobs when starting out. This is a safe way to maintain a healthy income while you hone your investing skills.

If you plan on taking out a loan to purchase your first property, it’s important you talk to a financial advisor first. They can let you know if alternatives like hard money lenders are a good option for your situation.

If you want to save up some money before starting, you’ll need to make a plan to put a certain amount away each month. It’s helpful to decide on how much you’re willing to spend on your first investment so you can work towards that amount.

 

Start Building a Network

In the real estate world, doing things on your own is tough. That’s why so many agents and investors have a huge network to rely on.

A good network will provide you with essential resources once you get started. This includes professionals at all levels of the real estate industry.

Agents can help you locate new properties and close deals. Home inspectors will help you determine if a property is worth the asking price.

You’ll also need to know attorneys and accountants to help with legal and financial issues. Finally, other real estate investors can open up opportunities you wouldn’t get otherwise.

To build your network, start looking for real estate professionals on social media. Connect with them and start interacting.

You should also make it a point to attend local real estate conferences and conventions.

 

Decide on a Location

In the real estate industry, location is everything. You’ll need to start considering where you plan on buying your first property.

You may feel compelled to only look for properties close to you. However, because the market fluctuates within a city, this isn’t the best approach. You need to be willing to spread out.

When choosing a location, consider things like population, socio-economic factors, crime, and mortgage rates. It’s also important to consider property prices and rental rates in the area.

If you plan on renting your properties, take a look at vacancy and tenant occupancy rates. The last thing you want to do is buy a property and not be able to find renters.

If flipping homes is your goal, consider the real estate market trend for the neighborhood before moving forward. Failing to do this could result in a loss.

 

Find Your First Investment Property

After you’ve pinpointed the location where you want to invest, it’s time to find your first property. This is where things start getting exciting.

Your first property all depends on your investment strategy. For example, if you plan on renting, look for single-family homes or townhomes. These are safe choices for a first-time investor.

If you want to start flipping homes, look for a good price on a slightly distressed house. Renovating and selling it shouldn’t be hard if the problems are cosmetic.

Once you’ve found something promising, make sure you get it appraised and inspected. Don’t make the mistake of skipping these steps to save some cash.

If everything looks good, start the buying process.

 

Property Management

When renting out your new property, ongoing management is necessary. You’re a landlord now, which comes with many responsibilities.

You’ll first need to screen potential tenants. Once you find a renter, you need to provide a lease, collect deposits and rent, and arrange for maintenance when needed.

This may sound like a lot, but once you get the ball rolling, things get easier. Plus, you’ll make money each month, which will allow you to look for your next investment.

If you’d rather not handle the management of your property, you can hire a company to take care of it. This may not be financially viable at first, but consider it when you start buying more properties. Working with a property management company will allow you the freedom to concentrate on living the life you want to lead.

 

Remember This Real Estate 101 Guide

Investing in real estate can take you on a totally different career path. It’s exciting, lucrative, and allows you to learn through experience.

Keep this real estate 101 guide handy when starting out and make your first investment a successful one.

We hope this article has helped you out. Feel free to browse the rest of our site for more real estate content.

 

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I have always enjoyed writing and journaling and I am very pleased to be part of Urban Splatter's team!

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One comment on “Real Estate 101: How to Start Investing in Real Estate”

  1. Hii,
    I read this article it is very useful for us. Thanks for sharing great information,

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