Fixer’s and forclosure properties have always been the “jewels” that RE investors look for in order to make big profits. However if you dont do your home work before hand you may loose not only your investment but your profit as well.
A step by step approach is best in order to make a solid decision before commiting to the investment. Make a check list and use it. And dont forget to add these to your list.
Nothing on this list is really more important than anything else. Its just here to get you to think about what exactly you need to look for. While you may have a investment that excels in one area…it cant be problem heavy in another.
I give you…THE LIST:
KNOW WHY ON PRICE
Most investors focus on price first.
They search for properties they think are selling below market value. This makes sense?buy low and sell high right?? However think about the reasons behind the sales price? What is their motivation? Are they relocating or in financial duress? The 3 D’s come in to play here most of the time. (Death Divorce, Debt)
What problems does the property have if any? Old cracked and faulty plumbing? bad electric? If its a older craftsman style home those problems are very common. is the foundation in good order? Dont forget holding costs.
Holding costs are one of the biggest profit killers to investors. Taxes, mortgage, comissions to agents (both selling and buying) gas, electric…all theses things add up…and FAST.
If your not up on the market your shopping in…your going to loose money.
Check out other property near the one your looking at investing in. what prices are they pulling in? Are they the same size? Lot size close to the one your looking at? Same style of structure?
PAY ATTENTON TO TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Price and location are important this is true. but dont forget about the financing.
In some cases a full price purchase can allow you to leverage the terms to mean a lower intrest rate or smaller down payment.
KNOW THE LOCAL MARKET
Experienced real estate investors try to learn everything about the market they are shopping in. Sometimes its the small details that give the property youre looking at the best chance to appreciate. For example: How close is the nearest church? Is the area family friendly? What is the local crime rate… is it close to good school? Where is the closest Fire/police station? Does the neighborhood have a community watch program? Next factor in the local floor plans that surround your target property. Was the last owner primarily concerned with vacancy rates, so they keep prices low instead of upgrading the property? In contrast, your research shows that particular upgrades like air-conditioning, second bathrooms, or enhanced security allow for both lower vacancies and higher rental rates.
LOCATION. LOCATION. LOCATION.
Location is usually seen as the most critical component of finding a good deal next to price. In reality, this matters much more if you?re looking in terms of finding a long-term residence than it does for a quick sale. It’s more critical to focus on the potential profit margins than the area it’s located in. If the ugly home by the dump is more profitable than the fashionable condo downtown, then it’s a better deal, aesthetics aside.
FIXER UPPERS AND FORECLOSURES
A familiar area ripe for investment picking is distressed properties or fixer-uppers. Of course these are the houses that need repairs to some degree. And the investor?s job is to discount the costs of these repairs enough so that the profit is still suitable.
Distressed property is a gold mine. IF you know waht your looking at. How old is the roof on the property? How much will it cost to repair/replace? How is the plumbing? Is the foundation/slab sound? Once you have asked alot of the basic questions…and you have an idea how much it will cost to fix/correct, do your self a favor. Add 5% as a buffer.
Understand the ZONE
Sooo you want to add a third bedroom and second bathroom huh?? Is it zoned for that? worst thing in the world to have happen is to find out you could have made a pretty penny profit IF you had know what the land was zoned for. ALWAYS ASK.
These are often bargains because the price is based on current use. So the single unit residential is priced low while the double unit duplex could be sold higher or rented out. Harder to find as developers stay more aware of zoning allowances these days.
Garages converted with out permits, Granny flats that get added..etc..etc. These are common examples.
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