8 Steps From Searching The Net To Doing Online Real Estate Investing
December 20, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Does this sound like you? You’ve gone to craigslist.org, you’ve gone to realtor.com, you’ve looked at some of the beautiful homes on videos online, you’ve sent off some emails to realtors and owners; But, you still get cold feet about real estate investing. Part of you desires to make money in real estate. But, you’re tired of going through the same ritual and not following through. Here are some steps to move you out of your comfort zone.
First , you must realize that some of what you feel is real. Fear is real, skepticism is real. Often these feelings aren’t overtly apparent but are manifested by your inaction and “living out your dreams in your head”. The only way to move out of this zone is to take baby steps(but only for a while). Once you take a few steps your confidence will improve. Let’s begin.
To get over your fear of dealing with realtors, you will need to realize there are good and bad realtors in both small and large real estate companies. You will also need to realize that some realtors online do exploit those who are ignorant to real estate. But there are good realtors online as well. And the key is to find them.
Good realtors, just like you and other people in business, value their time. They are good realtors because they create quality time with their clients. Their clients appreciate the service they provide. If you want to become one of those clients, which is essential to building an investment strategy, you will need to do a few things.
First: Decide on what your goal is in real estate: do you want to move slowly? do you want to invest in several homes or just one begin with one ? how many homes would you like to invest in per year? or are you still at the stage where you only know a little and need help knowing what a realistic investment strategy is for you? Wherever you are: write it down. Wherever you want to be: write it down. You’ll be sharing this information with the realtor.
Second: Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses: are you ready, willing and able to invest in real estate? if so why haven’t you done it? write it down. If you’re afraid, write it down. If you lack money or have bad credit, write it down: You’ll be sharing this information with the realtor.
Third: Keep an open mind(Zen buddhism has an apt term called “beginners mind”) When you talk to the realtor listen to their words of wisdom. Stay aware of your feelings. Do you like this realtor’s ideas and input? Trust your intuition. Stay focused. Be humble . Be open to their advice. Trust your feelings and use your common sense.
Fourth: Demonstrate your commitment to working with one good trustworthy realtor. If you’ve followed the third step you will know who that is. Your commitment is shown by staying loyal. Most people run from one realtor to another: using these realtors to show them so many homes, because the average realtor can’t spend all day with you .(Realtors are aware of this strategy so don’t do this. It destroys your credibility.
Fifth: Think of working with a realtor as finding a partner to joint venture with, and also as a mentor who knows more than you do about the business. Take wise advice. Be aware: wise advice will benefit both “you” and the realtor.
Sixth: Realize that one realtor you trust is like money in the bank. Overtime, they will make your investing career easier. You will develop a trust for their decisions and advice. One more thing: if there is any property you want it only takes one realtor to access that information for you: because realtors can find access to all properties through Multiple Listing Services and share commissions with other realtors.So you need not feel that you must search out different realtors for each geographic area.
Seventh: Although email can instantly get you some type of information;it is only a first step. But, you’ll need to reach out and touch your realtor: the best way is through the telephone or face to face . You could email them first, better yet: call them and share those notes you jotted down.
Your first call could go like this: Mr. Williams my name is ——-and I saw your website and I want to find a realtor I trust to work me with on a real estate investment strategy. Do you have time in your day to talk to me, to mentor me, to help me find the right properties for my goals? I think I want to find a good deal to meet my income range and I’d like you to help me find the best location for my money. My credit is ————– but I’m ready willing and able to take your advice as to the best I can buy given my situation. If you don’t think I’d be a candidate for property investing, could you tell me why and what I can do to improve my situation? (STOP and LISTEN) Here is my address, phone number, email and would you add me to your mailing list and could you even send me some homes you think might work for me from your access to the multiple listing resource? When can I talk to you again so we can go over a strategy because I’m really dedicated to learning all that I can and to find out what resources you have available to help me with my real estate investing goals .(STOP and LISTEN)
Last Step: Relax and exhale. You’re on your way to becoming a real estate investor and finding a realtor partner who is looking out for you. If you have any other questions, comments or want advice please write or call me and I’ll answer.
|
Sandra G. Williams is the writer for Red Carpet Keim Will Cooperate Realty and believes in the company and realtor, Willie C. Williams, with over 50 years experience working with home buyers and investors ready willing and able to learn or do investing in Michigan or any another state or country . Our company is dedicated to working one on one with investors and establishing realistic strategies. Please visit our website (http://www.redcarpetkeimwillcooperate.com) for resources on investing and to get a glimpse of great deals available in Michigan. We’re not discriminating. We work with all people who are ready, willing and able to buy or invest in real estate. |
What is Preconstruction Real Estate Investing?
December 16, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Investing in pre-construction real estate is one of the most profitable investing opportunities available in the market today. Even though it’s a fairly old strategy, very few investors have a good understanding of it. Preconstruction real estate investing can be best explained with an example:
A developer is planning to build a 100 unit condominium development in a very popular location. The developer has already worked out the numbers and thinks that the project will make a handsome profit. Since he doesn’t have the required amount of capital to complete a project of such magnitude, he approaches banks to request financing.
But before banks lend out millions of dollars to the developer, they want to know that the project has the potential to sell after completion. Since there is no way to know the future and banks like to reduce risk as much as possible, they require the developer to pre-sell a certain number of the units (usually 25%-50%) before they will lend money. In this example a bank agrees to finance the developer if 40% of the units are sold before construction begins.
There are very few home buyers who are going to commit to buying something without actually seeing it with their naked eyes. So the developer has no choice but to approach real estate investors who understand the risk and reward of such ventures. In order to reward these investors for their risk, the developer gives them a 10% discount off the appraised value (after construction value) of the condos if they sign a purchase agreement (contract).
This creates a win-win situation where the developer is able to secure financing and the investors are able to get built-in equity by getting the property below appraised value. The investors who buy these condos before the construction is completed are called pre-construction investors, and this investment strategy is called preconstruction investing.
In this example it was a development from the ground up, but the term “pre-construction investing” can be used for any purchase made before the actual completion of a real estate development. The development may be from ground up or just a renovation project i.e. A condo conversion project where preconstruction investors buy before the renovation is complete is also an example of pre construction investing.
In general, pre construction pricing is 5% - 15% lower than the market value of the finished property. Sometimes the developer may offer other financial incentives instead of a price discount. Some examples include cash back after closing, closing cost credit, free upgrades, rental guarantee or lease back, paid property taxes, waive assessments waived, management fees waived, etc. However, in most cases the developer will offer a combination of a price discount and other financial incentives in order make the deal sweeter for preconstruction investors.
After the construction or renovation is complete, pre construction investors’ have two options to exit. Either they sell their property and make a quick profit, or they can hold the property as a long term investment and build equity. Sometimes investors can also profit by assigning the contract to a fellow investor for a small profit even before assuming title to the property.
Below is summary of the process of preconstruction investing:
The pre construction investor buys a house, condo or townhouse from a reputed developer in the preconstruction phase at a price discount and/or other financial incentives. The pre-construction investor waits for the construction or renovations to be completed. After completion of the construction or renovation, the preconstruction investor sells the property immediately for a profit. Or the pre construction investor holds the property to build additional equity due to appreciation and by paying off principal using the rental income. In some cases, exit by assignments is also possible.
For a current list of preconstruction opportunities Please visit http://www.PreConstructionFind.com.
About the Author
Working as freelance content writer.
Real Estate Investing Strategies
December 1, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Real Estate Investing Strategies
Investing in Real Estate
Investing in Real Estate is definitely one of the most lucrative methods available. The reason why people tend to do so well with Real Estate is that it’s a commodoty that people will never be able to live without. Even if we someday manage to find another habitable planet, Travel and Real Estate industries will thrive more than ever! Apart from being an everlasting market, investors can leverage borrowed money to turn an even greater profit. Further - if you invest at the right time, in the right property, you can turn profit immediately.
Market Knowledge - A Caveat
Please don’t jump into the Real Estate market with your eyes closed. Like any high margin investment strategy, it’s easy to lose money as fast as you can earn it. If you must realize one thing before jumping in, it’s this: Turning large profits in Real Estate is a full time job (at least to begin) and requires you to acutely train your mind to know the product intimately and watch for market trends. Here’s a simple example. If you know anything about computers, you’ll know that it’s a competitive market. However, there are still people that are able to profit by selling used computers to people who can’t afford new systems. A person who is intimately familiar with building computers will source all the used parts very inexpensively and insert them into a new case ($30), and add a new keyboard ($20). Buying a new case and a new keyboard can make all the difference. You’ve made your computer look new by purchasing some inexpensive value building aesthetics. The salesman then lists the computer in the paper at a reasonable price and turns a 15% profit if he or she is lucky.
Real Estate Investing is about Market and Product Knowledge. Figure out what people want. Figure out how to buy the parts at discounts and put them together to satisfy, with some aesthetic enhancements.
For the rest of the Article, please visit http://www.debts-gone.com/realestate_income.html
Thanks, and Good luck!
Jason Greenberg
About the Author
Jason Greenberg is a financial advisor in London Ontario Canada
How To Get Started In Commercial Real Estate Investing
October 15, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Commercial real estate investing can be very rewarding for those who take the time and effort to approach it wisely, but it can be a trap for those who rush in without doing their homework properly.
Too often, investors rush into buying a property for all the wrong reasons ? “it’s a good deal,” a “bargain opportunity” and the list goes on. Then they wonder what happened when the investment either goes pear shaped or becomes a full time job.
If you are serious about building significant wealth from commercial property investment, you must have a proper investment strategy. This is a get rich slow business that requires patience, planning and persistence.
The key elements to any property investment strategy are:
* Get your personal financial affairs in order and make sure they are geared towards building wealth, not paying off consumer debt. Also, check your credit rating to make sure it is in order.
* Draw up a list of your criteria for property type, size and location. Be aware that each type of property requires a different set of skills to manage and offers varying rates of return. It is much easier to fit the property to your strengths rather than you try and change to fit the property.
* Study your local market so you can quickly identify opportunities that are within your capacity to act on. It’s no use looking to invest in an area where you don’t have on the ground knowledge.
* Be prepared to study and learn. Once you’ve spotted a possible deal, you need to be able to accurately value a property based on its condition, your return expectation, and your borrowing power. You need to understand why “what is it worth” is the wrong question to ask, and how to answer the right question “what is it worth to me?”
* Last, you need to learn how to structure deals and make offers too good to refuse.
When you have done this homework properly, you will be in a position to act decisively, reap the profits and keep them. Of course, you will need to consult regularly with your accountant on tax planning and asset protection, which are cornerstones of any wealth building plan.
You also need to consider what your overall portfolio will look like. Don’t fall into the trap of buying all sorts of different properties and then end up with it being a full time job as you juggle dealing with evictions, skips, delinquencies, maintenance and bills.
Once your overall planning is done, the next step is to select your real estate team. You will need a good real estate agent, loan officer, tax advisor, and lawyer. These people are critical to your success because the investor with the best knowledge can quickly identify the properties to ignore and those worth considering.
Remember the old adage, “the quick and the dead” ? the speed at which you can close a deal will give you the edge in any type of market. In addition, your advisors can point you in the right direction regarding finance, tax and legal issues.
Also, there is a good reason behind the catch cry, “location, location, value”. You want a return on your dollar so you are looking for a property that requires some attention so you can add value.
One strategy is to buy real estate in up-and-coming area with new developments or renovated properties. This makes it easy to attract and keep good tenants and leads to greater returns.
Another tactic to add value is to buy properties in solid locations but require some maintenance or upgrading, such as improving the aesthetic appeal of the building, thus instantly improving its value with little outlay.
In regard to financing, banks are the most obvious first lender, but commercial loans are not quite as simple as the more commonly known residential loans and you should always seek professional advice from your accountant and legal advisor.
You should also understand the various methods of financing, such as double closing, lease options, and contract for deed.
Double closing has attracted negative publicity lately, but only because it is misunderstood. This is a perfectly legal, moral and ethical method of trading that has been around for 100 years or more.
A double closing is simply two back-to-back closings wherein the proceeds from the second closing are used to fund the first closing. Both closings are done in escrow, so the “middleman” can buy and resell a property for profit without putting up their own cash.
The main downside you have to be careful of is that the closing rarely goes to plan and there are delays of up to a few weeks, which can cause the plan to unravel. Make sure any contract allows for this and you should be covered.
Contract for deed is an agreement whereby the buyer makes installment payments on an arrangement similar to car financing. That is, the seller holds the title to the property while the buyer has the equitable title.
Lease options consist of two elements, the first of which is the lease. This is a contract for use and possession of the property, thus creating a lessor/lessee relationship.
The second element provides a purchase option, which is a unilateral agreement where the seller agrees to give the buyer the exclusive right to the leased property. This is NOT a sale.
Make the effort to prepare your own income and expenses pro formas from the beginning, or get your accountant to do it. Don’t rely on operating results or projections presented by the agent or the seller ? chances are the seller will overstate income and understate expenses, then claim ignorance if challenged.
The only way to know the investment value of what the property is worth to you, is to develop an accurate projection of income and expenses, which can only be obtained by researching the market and determining in advance what the cash flow will be once your investment and management plan is in place.
Also, you need at least a 20-25 % down payment to get access to the best financing terms. You can still get finance on a payment down to 10% but you will pay more interest, loan fees and private mortgage insurance.
Remember, borrowing to cover the majority of your acquisition costs can boost your rates of return, but too much debt expense can be dangerous if the market takes a downturn.
About the Author:
Specializing in commercial and investment real estate, Tony Seruga, Yolanda Seruga and Yolanda Bishop are always searching for new and profitable commercial properties across the U.S. Visit http://www.maverickrei.com for more great information
Real Estate Investing Strategies
July 21, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Real Estate Investing Strategies
Investing in Real Estate
Investing in Real Estate is definitely one of the most lucrative methods available. The reason why people tend to do so well with Real Estate is that it’s a commodoty that people will never be able to live without. Even if we someday manage to find another habitable planet, Travel and Real Estate industries will thrive more than ever! Apart from being an everlasting market, investors can leverage borrowed money to turn an even greater profit. Further - if you invest at the right time, in the right property, you can turn profit immediately.
Market Knowledge - A Caveat
Please don’t jump into the Real Estate market with your eyes closed. Like any high margin investment strategy, it’s easy to lose money as fast as you can earn it. If you must realize one thing before jumping in, it’s this: Turning large profits in Real Estate is a full time job (at least to begin) and requires you to acutely train your mind to know the product intimately and watch for market trends. Here’s a simple example. If you know anything about computers, you’ll know that it’s a competitive market. However, there are still people that are able to profit by selling used computers to people who can’t afford new systems. A person who is intimately familiar with building computers will source all the used parts very inexpensively and insert them into a new case ($30), and add a new keyboard ($20). Buying a new case and a new keyboard can make all the difference. You’ve made your computer look new by purchasing some inexpensive value building aesthetics. The salesman then lists the computer in the paper at a reasonable price and turns a 15% profit if he or she is lucky.
Real Estate Investing is about Market and Product Knowledge. Figure out what people want. Figure out how to buy the parts at discounts and put them together to satisfy, with some aesthetic enhancements.
For the rest of the Article, please visit http://www.debts-gone.com/realestate_income.html
Thanks, and Good luck!
Jason Greenberg
About the Author
Jason Greenberg is a financial advisor in London Ontario Canada
8 Steps From Searching The Net To Doing Online Real Estate Investing
July 3, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Does this sound like you? You’ve gone to craigslist.org, you’ve gone to realtor.com, you’ve looked at some of the beautiful homes on videos online, you’ve sent off some emails to realtors and owners; But, you still get cold feet about real estate investing. Part of you desires to make money in real estate. But, you’re tired of going through the same ritual and not following through. Here are some steps to move you out of your comfort zone.
First , you must realize that some of what you feel is real. Fear is real, skepticism is real. Often these feelings aren’t overtly apparent but are manifested by your inaction and “living out your dreams in your head”. The only way to move out of this zone is to take baby steps(but only for a while). Once you take a few steps your confidence will improve. Let’s begin.
To get over your fear of dealing with realtors, you will need to realize there are good and bad realtors in both small and large real estate companies. You will also need to realize that some realtors online do exploit those who are ignorant to real estate. But there are good realtors online as well. And the key is to find them.
Good realtors, just like you and other people in business, value their time. They are good realtors because they create quality time with their clients. Their clients appreciate the service they provide. If you want to become one of those clients, which is essential to building an investment strategy, you will need to do a few things.
First: Decide on what your goal is in real estate: do you want to move slowly? do you want to invest in several homes or just one begin with one ? how many homes would you like to invest in per year? or are you still at the stage where you only know a little and need help knowing what a realistic investment strategy is for you? Wherever you are: write it down. Wherever you want to be: write it down. You’ll be sharing this information with the realtor.
Second: Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses: are you ready, willing and able to invest in real estate? if so why haven’t you done it? write it down. If you’re afraid, write it down. If you lack money or have bad credit, write it down: You’ll be sharing this information with the realtor.
Third: Keep an open mind(Zen buddhism has an apt term called “beginners mind”) When you talk to the realtor listen to their words of wisdom. Stay aware of your feelings. Do you like this realtor’s ideas and input? Trust your intuition. Stay focused. Be humble . Be open to their advice. Trust your feelings and use your common sense.
Fourth: Demonstrate your commitment to working with one good trustworthy realtor. If you’ve followed the third step you will know who that is. Your commitment is shown by staying loyal. Most people run from one realtor to another: using these realtors to show them so many homes, because the average realtor can’t spend all day with you .(Realtors are aware of this strategy so don’t do this. It destroys your credibility.
Fifth: Think of working with a realtor as finding a partner to joint venture with, and also as a mentor who knows more than you do about the business. Take wise advice. Be aware: wise advice will benefit both “you” and the realtor.
Sixth: Realize that one realtor you trust is like money in the bank. Overtime, they will make your investing career easier. You will develop a trust for their decisions and advice. One more thing: if there is any property you want it only takes one realtor to access that information for you: because realtors can find access to all properties through Multiple Listing Services and share commissions with other realtors.So you need not feel that you must search out different realtors for each geographic area.
Seventh: Although email can instantly get you some type of information;it is only a first step. But, you’ll need to reach out and touch your realtor: the best way is through the telephone or face to face . You could email them first, better yet: call them and share those notes you jotted down.
Your first call could go like this: Mr. Williams my name is ——-and I saw your website and I want to find a realtor I trust to work me with on a real estate investment strategy. Do you have time in your day to talk to me, to mentor me, to help me find the right properties for my goals? I think I want to find a good deal to meet my income range and I’d like you to help me find the best location for my money. My credit is ————– but I’m ready willing and able to take your advice as to the best I can buy given my situation. If you don’t think I’d be a candidate for property investing, could you tell me why and what I can do to improve my situation? (STOP and LISTEN) Here is my address, phone number, email and would you add me to your mailing list and could you even send me some homes you think might work for me from your access to the multiple listing resource? When can I talk to you again so we can go over a strategy because I’m really dedicated to learning all that I can and to find out what resources you have available to help me with my real estate investing goals .(STOP and LISTEN)
Last Step: Relax and exhale. You’re on your way to becoming a real estate investor and finding a realtor partner who is looking out for you. If you have any other questions, comments or want advice please write or call me and I’ll answer.
|
Sandra G. Williams is the writer for Red Carpet Keim Will Cooperate Realty and believes in the company and realtor, Willie C. Williams, with over 50 years experience working with home buyers and investors ready willing and able to learn or do investing in Michigan or any another state or country . Our company is dedicated to working one on one with investors and establishing realistic strategies. Please visit our website (http://www.redcarpetkeimwillcooperate.com) for resources on investing and to get a glimpse of great deals available in Michigan. We’re not discriminating. We work with all people who are ready, willing and able to buy or invest in real estate. |
How To Get Started In Commercial Real Estate Investing
June 3, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Commercial real estate investing can be very rewarding for those who take the time and effort to approach it wisely, but it can be a trap for those who rush in without doing their homework properly.
Too often, investors rush into buying a property for all the wrong reasons ? “it’s a good deal,” a “bargain opportunity” and the list goes on. Then they wonder what happened when the investment either goes pear shaped or becomes a full time job.
If you are serious about building significant wealth from commercial property investment, you must have a proper investment strategy. This is a get rich slow business that requires patience, planning and persistence.
The key elements to any property investment strategy are:
* Get your personal financial affairs in order and make sure they are geared towards building wealth, not paying off consumer debt. Also, check your credit rating to make sure it is in order.
* Draw up a list of your criteria for property type, size and location. Be aware that each type of property requires a different set of skills to manage and offers varying rates of return. It is much easier to fit the property to your strengths rather than you try and change to fit the property.
* Study your local market so you can quickly identify opportunities that are within your capacity to act on. It’s no use looking to invest in an area where you don’t have on the ground knowledge.
* Be prepared to study and learn. Once you’ve spotted a possible deal, you need to be able to accurately value a property based on its condition, your return expectation, and your borrowing power. You need to understand why “what is it worth” is the wrong question to ask, and how to answer the right question “what is it worth to me?”
* Last, you need to learn how to structure deals and make offers too good to refuse.
When you have done this homework properly, you will be in a position to act decisively, reap the profits and keep them. Of course, you will need to consult regularly with your accountant on tax planning and asset protection, which are cornerstones of any wealth building plan.
You also need to consider what your overall portfolio will look like. Don’t fall into the trap of buying all sorts of different properties and then end up with it being a full time job as you juggle dealing with evictions, skips, delinquencies, maintenance and bills.
Once your overall planning is done, the next step is to select your real estate team. You will need a good real estate agent, loan officer, tax advisor, and lawyer. These people are critical to your success because the investor with the best knowledge can quickly identify the properties to ignore and those worth considering.
Remember the old adage, “the quick and the dead” ? the speed at which you can close a deal will give you the edge in any type of market. In addition, your advisors can point you in the right direction regarding finance, tax and legal issues.
Also, there is a good reason behind the catch cry, “location, location, value”. You want a return on your dollar so you are looking for a property that requires some attention so you can add value.
One strategy is to buy real estate in up-and-coming area with new developments or renovated properties. This makes it easy to attract and keep good tenants and leads to greater returns.
Another tactic to add value is to buy properties in solid locations but require some maintenance or upgrading, such as improving the aesthetic appeal of the building, thus instantly improving its value with little outlay.
In regard to financing, banks are the most obvious first lender, but commercial loans are not quite as simple as the more commonly known residential loans and you should always seek professional advice from your accountant and legal advisor.
You should also understand the various methods of financing, such as double closing, lease options, and contract for deed.
Double closing has attracted negative publicity lately, but only because it is misunderstood. This is a perfectly legal, moral and ethical method of trading that has been around for 100 years or more.
A double closing is simply two back-to-back closings wherein the proceeds from the second closing are used to fund the first closing. Both closings are done in escrow, so the “middleman” can buy and resell a property for profit without putting up their own cash.
The main downside you have to be careful of is that the closing rarely goes to plan and there are delays of up to a few weeks, which can cause the plan to unravel. Make sure any contract allows for this and you should be covered.
Contract for deed is an agreement whereby the buyer makes installment payments on an arrangement similar to car financing. That is, the seller holds the title to the property while the buyer has the equitable title.
Lease options consist of two elements, the first of which is the lease. This is a contract for use and possession of the property, thus creating a lessor/lessee relationship.
The second element provides a purchase option, which is a unilateral agreement where the seller agrees to give the buyer the exclusive right to the leased property. This is NOT a sale.
Make the effort to prepare your own income and expenses pro formas from the beginning, or get your accountant to do it. Don’t rely on operating results or projections presented by the agent or the seller ? chances are the seller will overstate income and understate expenses, then claim ignorance if challenged.
The only way to know the investment value of what the property is worth to you, is to develop an accurate projection of income and expenses, which can only be obtained by researching the market and determining in advance what the cash flow will be once your investment and management plan is in place.
Also, you need at least a 20-25 % down payment to get access to the best financing terms. You can still get finance on a payment down to 10% but you will pay more interest, loan fees and private mortgage insurance.
Remember, borrowing to cover the majority of your acquisition costs can boost your rates of return, but too much debt expense can be dangerous if the market takes a downturn.
About the Author:
Specializing in commercial and investment real estate, Tony Seruga, Yolanda Seruga and Yolanda Bishop are always searching for new and profitable commercial properties across the U.S. Visit http://www.maverickrei.com for more great information
What is Preconstruction Real Estate Investing?
May 27, 2009 by Kenny Santos
Filed under Real Estate Investing
Investing in pre-construction real estate is one of the most profitable investing opportunities available in the market today. Even though it’s a fairly old strategy, very few investors have a good understanding of it. Preconstruction real estate investing can be best explained with an example:
A developer is planning to build a 100 unit condominium development in a very popular location. The developer has already worked out the numbers and thinks that the project will make a handsome profit. Since he doesn’t have the required amount of capital to complete a project of such magnitude, he approaches banks to request financing.
But before banks lend out millions of dollars to the developer, they want to know that the project has the potential to sell after completion. Since there is no way to know the future and banks like to reduce risk as much as possible, they require the developer to pre-sell a certain number of the units (usually 25%-50%) before they will lend money. In this example a bank agrees to finance the developer if 40% of the units are sold before construction begins.
There are very few home buyers who are going to commit to buying something without actually seeing it with their naked eyes. So the developer has no choice but to approach real estate investors who understand the risk and reward of such ventures. In order to reward these investors for their risk, the developer gives them a 10% discount off the appraised value (after construction value) of the condos if they sign a purchase agreement (contract).
This creates a win-win situation where the developer is able to secure financing and the investors are able to get built-in equity by getting the property below appraised value. The investors who buy these condos before the construction is completed are called pre-construction investors, and this investment strategy is called preconstruction investing.
In this example it was a development from the ground up, but the term “pre-construction investing” can be used for any purchase made before the actual completion of a real estate development. The development may be from ground up or just a renovation project i.e. A condo conversion project where preconstruction investors buy before the renovation is complete is also an example of pre construction investing.
In general, pre construction pricing is 5% - 15% lower than the market value of the finished property. Sometimes the developer may offer other financial incentives instead of a price discount. Some examples include cash back after closing, closing cost credit, free upgrades, rental guarantee or lease back, paid property taxes, waive assessments waived, management fees waived, etc. However, in most cases the developer will offer a combination of a price discount and other financial incentives in order make the deal sweeter for preconstruction investors.
After the construction or renovation is complete, pre construction investors’ have two options to exit. Either they sell their property and make a quick profit, or they can hold the property as a long term investment and build equity. Sometimes investors can also profit by assigning the contract to a fellow investor for a small profit even before assuming title to the property.
Below is summary of the process of preconstruction investing:
The pre construction investor buys a house, condo or townhouse from a reputed developer in the preconstruction phase at a price discount and/or other financial incentives. The pre-construction investor waits for the construction or renovations to be completed. After completion of the construction or renovation, the preconstruction investor sells the property immediately for a profit. Or the pre construction investor holds the property to build additional equity due to appreciation and by paying off principal using the rental income. In some cases, exit by assignments is also possible.
For a current list of preconstruction opportunities Please visit http://www.PreConstructionFind.com.
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