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Townhall...
Lose Money in Real
Estate Today
by Kathy Fettke
Real estate professionals often preach about all the ways you can make
money buying property. Rarely are we told about how we can lose money.
I’m a real estate professional, and I’m here to set the record
straight. Here are ten sure-fire ways to lose money:
1. Not Understanding the Deal
Never put money into something you don’t understand. Get advice from a
professional who does. My attorney is my best friend when it comes to
money, because he has been protecting real estate clients for 40 years
and points out things I would miss. An experienced real estate attorney
will protect you and is well worth the investment.
2. Not Understanding Tax Implications
Plenty of people are learning this lesson today. Anyone who did a short
sale or walked away from a property may be facing debt relief taxes.
Never make any financial moves without the advice of a CPA who
specializes in real estate.
3. Believing, Not Seeing
There’s wisdom in the old saying, “You’ve got to see it to believe it”.
Too many people are buying U.S. real estate today based on what they
are being told, without verifying it themselves. It seems obvious, but
never buy a property you haven’t seen - especially from someone you
haven’t met. Believe it or not, it happens all the time. Even hedge
funds were doing it - make sure you know who’s managing your money!
4. Saving $350 on an Inspection
It’s fairly easy to protect yourself in real estate by ordering an
inspection and an appraisal. It could be the best $350 you’ve ever
spent. Get a professional who represents you, not the seller.
Make sure there’s no connection between the two. Consider choosing from
associations like www.ashi.org and http://www.appraisalinstitute.org/
5. Trusting the Internet
This could be the #1 source of buyer regret. Just like on-line dating
services, everything looks better on the internet. Nothing beats a
real-life meeting where you can see the property, drive the
neighborhood and meet the neighbors.
6. Doing it Yourself
If you’re not a contractor, property manager, lawyer or accountant,
don’t act like one. Using the services of qualified professionals will
pay off in the long run. No one wants to inherit low quality
work, except the IRS. They thrive on your weaknesses. Anyway, how much
is your time really worth?
7. Confusing High Distress With High Profits
Money can certainly be made when purchasing distressed property for a
discount and then fixing it up. But when the entire area is distressed,
no amount of fixing will help. When the majority of properties for sale
in an area are foreclosures or short sales, you are no longer getting a
deal. You are buying at market value (like Las Vegas). And what will
you do with your property? If you plan to live in it for at least 5-7
years, you may be fine as long as the area doesn’t suffer from high
crime. If you plan to rent it or sell it, plan to have lots of
competition. Competition in real estate means lower prices.
8. Breaking S.E.C. Laws
If you are raising money to buy real estate, you may be entering into
the zone of securities. If you are lending money to someone who wants
to buy real estate, you may be entering the twilight zone. Always get
legal advice before borrowing or lending money to anyone (even family
or church members.)
9. Not Getting Enough Insurance
It’s no fun, but you’ve got to read the fine lines - or get an attorney
to do it. Get as much insurance as you can get. It doesn’t cost much
more but will cover things you may not be expecting.
10. Taking Poor Advice
Everyone seems to be an expert when it comes to real estate. Don’t
listen to your neighbors or your hairdresser, unless they are super
successful real estate investors. Get your advice from someone who’s
successfully done what you’re trying to do.
For more tips on how to protect yourself and make money buying real
estate as an investment today, visit www.RealWealthNetwork.com and
download the free report: “7 Steps for New Real Estate Investors.”
Read it with links at Townhall
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