Real Estate Investing

As a real estate investor, you can play an important part in reaching your goals of choosing the right investment property. When you take the following steps with your RE/MAX Sales Associate you can find the best investment for your portfolio.

Investing in Real Estate can provide great returns, upwards of 20% on your investment and providing a nice nest egg for retirement. Markets are cyclical and timing is important. Those who invested a short few years ago now find themselves in a declining market. Those who sold a year or so ago and are now sitting on cash find themselves in an opportunistic market.

Right now is an excellent time for the Real Estate investor to take advantage of the lower priced market. However, due to the high foreclosure rate and little disclosure that can be provided on these properties it is important to take extra care in choosing an investment property. Investigating key pieces of information prior to making a purchase can reduce those surprises that can reduce your bottom line.

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Before making the offer

• Get pre-approved for a loan.



• Your RE/MAX Sales associate can assist you in investigating rental rates in the surrounding area, amount of properties available and vacancy time.



• Check Association Dues and odd association rules, like owners can have pets however, tenants are prohibited from having pets.



• Pay attention to parking and investigate any restrictions.



• Consider the value of amenities.



• Talk to your Insurance Agent early.



• Run your investment property like a business, plan your operating budget and be prepared for emergencies.



• Discuss tax issues with your tax advisor. Are you considering a 1031 tax exchange?



• Rate properties and consider cost of improvements.



• Know the true cost of your investment property.



• Review loan and escrow cost.
• Review any owner paid utility costs.
• Review taxes.
• Is there any Mello Roos or other Community District fees?
• Cost of Insurance.
• Cost of improvements to get the property rent ready.
• Cost of future improvements.



• Once a property has been selected.



• Get a home inspection.
• Thoroughly review all disclosures, HOA CC&R's and title information.
• Consider hiring a RE/MAX Property Manager to handle screening tenants, collecting rents and handling maintenance issues.