|
When plan to buy property, whether you are buying the family home or an
investment, is one of life's most important financial decisions.
However, in buying an investment property, it is wise to remember that
you are making a business decision and be profitable in generating
income or return in future. You are not buying from the heart but from
the head. You are buying the property because you expect it to
appreciate in value.
Common mistakes made in investing are that people look for the same
things they would want in a home or buy in their local area so they can
'keep an eye on it'.
In searching for a residential investment property it is important to
consider eight aspects:
1. Look for a consistent streetscape;
2. Examine at your financial position;
3. Decide on your strategy plan;
4. Assess the financial capability of the investment;
5. Negotiate effectively;
6. Shop around for financing packages;
7. Obtain legal advice; and
8. Obtain professional property valuation services.
1. Look for a consistent streetscape
A mixture of conflicting building styles lowers the desirability of the
street. The property should be located within easy walking distance of
all amenities. The street should have potential. As a business and
financial investment decision, it is important to make your purchase in
a methodical way:
2. Examine your financial position
When doing real estate investment, it is important to assess your
current financial position. What are your cash reserves and what equity
do you have in your present home? Look at your long term objectives, for
example, will the property be part of your retirement financial plan?
Potential changes to your current situation should also be factored in
such as the birth of a child or the loss of one income. It is wise to
seek advice from an investment adviser or qualified financial planner to
help determine goals and strategies.
3. Decide on your strategy plan
Some properties provide good rental returns but have little potential
for capital growth; for some the converse is true. It is more difficult
to find the ideal of high yield and high appreciation potential. It is
important decide on your strategy before you start you property search.
4. Assess the financial capability of the investment
You should try to assess the soundness of your investment. Study the
capital growth history and the potential rental income.
If you are familiar with computer spreadsheets, try to analyze the
impact of an interest rate change or a potential vacancy period whether
would it affecting your daily expenses.
5. Negotiate effectively
Professional negotiation can help ensure that you do not pay too much
for a desirable property. Negotiation can also include structuring a
contract to allow items favorable to the purchaser such as access or
installation of tenants. You can consult or engage an Professional
Estate Agent to assist you on this issue.
6. Shop around for financing packages
The choice of your loan package can be just as important as the choice
of property. Some bank or lenders have a different (and higher) rate for
investment; others have the same rate. Some bank or lenders have a
package where your entire borrowings are just one big mortgage but with
different accounts with different features. In this competitive
environment, it pays to shop around. Just call up your nearby bank to
shop for the most comparative package.
7. Obtain legal advice
Sound legal advice will ensure that the contract is fully examined and
approved and that any changes are allowable. A good solicitor should be
an integral part of your investment strategy. Obtain all the property
title information such as free hold or lease hold, it would affect your
investment return and period of property transaction.
8. Obtain professional property valuation services
Professional property valuation frees you from dealing with over value
issues and gives you more accurate value on your property. The property
valuer is also up-to-date with changes to the market condition on
surrounding area and is better suited for you to bargain a better price.
|
