Real Estate Articles

Articles about Real Estate Brokerages, Real Estate Investments, and Real Estate Markets.

Real Estate Articles

The Importance Of Due Diligence In Real Estate Investing

Sep. 7th, 2010
in Real Estate
by Tara Millar

Bookmark and Share

Subscribe

Benjamin Franklin once said “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Everybody discusses due diligence, but how many investors really understand what it denotes to perform thorough due diligence on a possible investment, much less do it? Due diligence is the method of scrutinizing every aspect of a transaction. In the case of a real estate deal, it entails a means of getting to know each facet of the property that you are planning to purchase. It additionally involves doing due diligence on yourself – knowing each aspect of your own investment endeavors!

Though every investor will have totally different requirements on the guidelines, the bottom line is still the same… Knowledge is Power! The more you could know regarding what you are buying, and the clearer you could see how an investment would bring you closer to your personal financial independence, the more triumphant your venture would be.

When you are assessing your next real estate property investment, allow me to share a few queries you must ask. If you do not know the answers, start asking.

1. Does the property meet your desired cash flow goals?

2. Do you have an exit strategy in place? Re-sell, re-finance, purchase and hold?

3. For how long do you desire to keep this real estate property (keeping in mind your exit plan)?

4. Does the area show signs of economic expansion? (Do you see any new developments, projects, et cetera. that will contribute to future appreciation?)

5. Is the price within market value? (Have you ever looked into the amount of comparable real estate properties previously sold within the same location. What are the conditions of the purchase and/or lease arrangement?

7. Have you verified the age of the real estate property, hence determining any possible improvement or repairs required at the present or within the near future (roof / electrical / plumbing / cosmetic)?

8. Have you ever viewed all the taxes involved? How about utility costs and zoning limitations?

9. Have you ever checked the title status / insurance?

10. Is the current rental income over / beneath market price?

11. Are all of the legal arrangements in order (signed by real tenant(s), not containing hidden clauses, and so on)?

12. Is the rental arrangement transferable to a new owner?

13. What are the lease revenues deposit agreements?

This is simply a preliminary list… I suppose you ought to double it, primarily based on your own criteria.

Remember, the secret is: Don’t be scared to raise queries until you get apparent answers! Scan all forms carefully, and last but not least, (hear the alarms on this one!) don’t offer any deposit away to the developer if it will not move through a trust account of a third party lawyer or notary!

If the whole thing meets your needs, the property ought to generate a great stream of passive income, and your new acquisition will be one that you may enjoy for many years to come. In the end, realty investment could reward like no other investment can. But you should construct your choices based on certain due diligence details – not feelings.

Make way for your investment to be an asset, not a liability; allow it work for you by gaining more information and, hence, power over your financial destiny!

Another great article by Edmonton Homes for Sale

Bookmark and Share     Subscribe