How To Climb The Equity Ladder In Real Estate

Posted by Nick Niesen on November 8th, 2010

As one of the most secure investment areas, real estate is currently making more money for more people than almost any other area of investment. All you really have to do to see this is watch some TV, you will see any number of get rich schemes that are based on purchasing property. While most of these schemes are just that, the truth of the matter is that real estate makes money. In recent years real estate has made more millionaires than any other investment, and this trend is continuing. Smart investors continue to put their money where they know it will grow.

When investing in real estate one needs to make some important decisions before the purchase is ever made. You will have to decide if you are going to be a landlord or simply flip homes. Being a landlord can be a difficult undertaking. Remember that in being a landlord, one must deal with the negative aspects of the job. Kicking people out, collecting unpaid rent or having to fix things regularly can weigh heavily on a homeowner so don't choose the landlord route unless you are sure you can do it. If you choose to flip homes, then be sure to have money set aside for the renovations that you will no doubt want to do. This is the easiest way to ensure that you see a good profit on your investment.

In flipping homes, try to pick ones that are going to be easy to fix up. Location is also very important at this time, as a good location alone can sell a home. Purchasing homes in and around major commerce center or education district is good practice as these homes usually go for premium rates. Try to avoid homes that need extensive repairs or upgrades. These can cut into your profit margin and take precious time that could be better utilized by having the home on the market. Be sure to assess the risk involved with flipping a home. The renovations that you make must be able to justify the new asking price, so be careful and plan accordingly.