Commercial real estate developers and investors stand to make a lot of money off their properties, especially if a property increases in value and builds equity. But if you’re planning to rub elbows with the top real estate investment companies, there are a few real estate don’ts you need to watch out for:
- Don’t rush in. There’s a lot of hype around real estate investment that implies it’s a get-rich-quick game. Top real estate investment companies won’t usually sell this myth, but plenty of infomercials will. Don’t buy into the hype. Play it smart and think about real estate investment as a long term commitment. If you don’t find an investment in your price range right away, it’s okay to wait until you do.
- Don’t go it alone. Investing in real estate isn’t cheap, and unless you have millions stashed away somewhere, it’s unlikely you can begin using out-of-pocket funds. Top real estate investment companies are always looking for interesting projects and can lend capital to promising investors. You’re also likely to need a team of appraisers, brokers, home inspectors and closing attorneys to run a really successful business.
- Don’t pay too much. People who are new to real estate investment often overspend on their first commercial property. When this happens, your funds are diminished and you’ll have less cash flow. Cash flow is what’s going to protect you if unexpected costs like taxes and maintenance come up, so you can’t afford to drain your funds on the initial purchase. Do your research beforehand and make sure you’re only spending what you can afford to spend. Otherwise you’ll be out of the race before the starting gun goes off.
- Don’t assume that bigger is better. Bigger properties mean larger risk, and while you should be willing to take on some risk, the choice to invest in real estate should also be personal. Invest in properties you believe in, not properties that seem high-profile or flashy.
Keep a level head and a tight grip on your finances and you’ll do much better in the realm of real estate investment.