Friday 30 August 2013

Common Risks in Real Estate Investment and Speculation

People tend to think owning a house is a big asset, and if you speculate with real estate, you're sure to end up with lots of money. Not true. You're likely to earn a good profit only if you end up with the correct real estate transaction, at the correct time, and in the correct manner. This article discusses some of the risks involved with commercial real estate buying and speculation.

Common Risks in Real Estate Investment
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Rental Property


Investing in rental properties involves certain risk. Quite often homeowners think a rental property will undoubtedly bring in good profits, but if you really consider the practical aspects, the facts state otherwise. Of course, there is a profit involved. When you rent or lease your property, you will end up getting some money through the deal. The question is how much money are you getting out of it? Rental rates tend to vary according to the demand for residential homes, the area or location of the rental, and the condition of the property available for rent. As years goes by, the value of the property starts depreciating, and fewer tenants will be ready to pay a higher rent, especially if the property is not maintained properly. Another aspect is the type of tenant you are likely to get. Good tenants, which pay their monthly dues in time, are a bliss. Tenants who simply refuse to pay their rental fees for some reason or other are a liability, and chances are you might be forced to seek an eviction.

You need to really sit down and think about it. If the primary reason for investing in real estate is to earn a significant amount of profit, it's worthwhile looking into other investment options that involve a lesser degree of risk. If you've really set your mind to this endeavor, it's recommended you carefully think about the issues linked with your property rental such as how much the property is likely to appreciate over the years, how much maintenance the home requires, what kinds of taxes you will be required to pay the government, and how much it will cost you if you're required to seek legal help in case a tenant creates problems for you.

Flipped Property


Flipping a property means purchasing a run-downed property, or a revenue generating asset, and subsequently reselling it at a higher price for a substantial profit. Generally, real estate speculators prefer buying a property that has depreciated over time and is available at a low cost. The property is then remodeled or renovated so that its market value increases considerably, and is later resold at a high profit. The transaction can fetch high profits but has its own disadvantages and risk factors. If you purchase a property at a lower price in an up-and-coming neighborhood, you would expect the cost of real estate to climb over time, and subsequently invite higher-end homebuyers to invest in the luxury and amenities featured in the property offered for sale. It would indeed be a profitable venture. However, if something goes wrong, or if your timing is faulty, the neighborhood may fail to appreciate in value as predicted, or an upsurge in the local crime rate may put off buyers. You could well be stuck up with an investment that is difficult to realize, and a house that is difficult to get rid of.

The only way to avoid these types of issues is to do your homework properly and seek the advice of other professionals before investing in the real estate deal. Real estate transactions involve a lot of money and are serious matters, so if you're not properly trained or lack the knowledge required, it's advisable to get some experience before taking a chance with your money.

It's important to consider the pros and cons before starting your real estate business. As far as investment goes, all forms of investments are associated with certain risk, and real estate is not an exception.

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