Why Invest in Real Estate?

People just starting to research real estate investment should understand that there are many options available.

Investing in Real Estate - 5 Considerations

1. When you own houses, duplexes or condos, you’re purchasing a tangible asset.

2. Chances are your return on investment will rise over the years.

3. Significant tax advantages can reduce your tax liability and increase your net earnings.

4. As your investment appreciates, you can leverage the resulting equity to purchase another rental home.

5. Owning real estate over the long term is a proven way to provide for additional retirement savings

From the purchasing of land for different kinds of development or rental to participation in a trust, investors can decide which investment type is right for them.

Buying Land for Development and Sale

A lot of people get into real estate investment by buying a property, making some improvements and selling it at a profit as soon as it is ready. This form of investment is more commonly referred to as flipping. It is more popular in areas that are due for explosive growth, or in places with rapidly rising home values. Flipping houses is on the smaller end of this type, with the purchase and development of large commercial or mixed-use spaces on the larger end. People who engage in this kind of investment need to have the cash flow and liquid assets to make down payments and keep the mortgage in the clear until they can sell the property.

Purchasing Rental Properties

Many real estate investors buy a property, and decide to hang onto it for some time until they can get a larger profit from it. If they rent out the property. or units on the lot to tenants, they can preserve some of their cash flow while they accrue more equity. Investors need to purchase rental properties that are zoned for the type of use they want to own. These types include: Single-family homes, multi-family buildings (apartments), commercial properties, industrial properties, and retail properties. With this investment, the owner is required to get the building ready to rent, sign an appropriate lease with tenants, and arrange to receive payment and perform regular maintenance and upkeep of the property.

Real Estate Investment Trusts

The least involved and possibly the lowest-risk investment type is the real estate investment trust (REIT). With an REIT, a group of investors pool their money and create a corporation so that they can buy more lucrative properties, or a series of properties. Participants purchase shares in the corporation, and receive dividends as the corporate profits increase. Buying into an REIT spreads out the risk on any one property, so that one person is not on the line to sink or swim. However, this also means that several people share in the profits on a property, instead of all of it going to one investor.

Invest in Real Estate Today to Prepare for the Future

Real estate investment can be an excellent form of income security for an investor, depending on the type they choose. With an understanding of the basic obligations of each type, people can select investments that are best suited for their needs.