http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/selling-tips-for-maximizing-real-estate-investment-returns.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/selling-tips-for-maximizing-real-estate-investment-returns.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:01:42 -0600
1)Objectivity

Many people overlook little things that may hurt their properties resale value, but this is also true for investment properties. What would you think if you were going through the property for the first time. What might be some turn offs? Are there things that could create concerns and how can you counteract them?

2)Curb Appeal

Statistics show that potential buyers decide in about the first 10 seconds of seeing the outside of a house whether they want to see the inside. Whether they drive by or see a picture of the property on the internet, you need to make a great first impression. Most buyers can not see past overgrown shrubs, weeds or dirty siding, and even if they can it is still a turn off because it may reflect how the rest of the house is taken care of.

3)Easy Move-In

Buyers will usually be looking at a lot of different real estate properties, so you want to make sure yours stands out. You want buyers to connect and see the home as their own. Remove or hide personal photos and belongings that could detract from its neutrality.

4)Profitable Improvements
It is rare, in a buyers market, that you will recoup expenses that would raise your properties price over 15% of the median house price in the area. For example, updating a kitchen with top of the line appliances, slate and granite counter tops may be nice, but if the property is in a lower class area where these features are rare, it will probably be difficult just breaking even with the added costs if you are not careful.

5)Frugality
A lot of times you don’t have to spend a lot to get a house cleaned up to make it appealing to buyers. Things can add up fast and most new investors go way over budget because they over do it and don't keep good track of expenses. In the event larger renovations like a new roof are necessary, get bids from several reputable contractors. Not only will this help you know what you’re really up against it will help you avoid inflated bids from contractors that would otherwise scam you. You can also determine what other options you may have.

Always look for creative ways you can provide value so your property stands out from other real estate properties on the market. In addition to the tips above, you can really limit your risk when applying the quick cash strategies like flipping houses or real estate wholesaling. Approach it right and you will find yourself getting a lot more interested and prospective buyers to work with!

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Matthew Sorensen is big on providing real estate investing training for that is straight forward without charging an arm and a leg for it. You can visit his website at: www.creativerealestatehelp.com to receive more information on profiting in today's new real estate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/making-quick-cash-through-wholesale-real-estate-investing.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/making-quick-cash-through-wholesale-real-estate-investing.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:56:19 -0600
Wholesaling or flipping real estate is a great way to get into real estate investing without needing cash or good credit to qualify for a loan. Since you are not taking ownership there are no closing or holding costs and you do no repairs or work yourself. This is one of the reasons it is a great low risk type of strategy.
One thing to keep in mind is it won’t necessarily work everywhere. For example, if you are in a very rural area you will have limited number of sellers, as well as buyers to wholesale the properties to. This means wholesaling will work best in larger towns and cities.

Traditional real estate investing methods typically require cash, credit, and/or other inherent risk. However with real estate wholesaling you can make an extra $5,000-$15,000 or more in a much shorter time frame, sometimes in as little as 2-4 weeks.

Some points to help as your starting is this strategy works best with properties that need repairs and or have a motivated seller behind it. Sellers cannot easily sell a property on there own without doing the necessary repairs if needed, so they are willing to sell at a discount. They may be other reasons the seller is motivated such as job loss, financial problems, divorce, etc, so they are more willing to do what they can to get rid of their problem.

Additionally, this investing strategy is about speed as much as anything. Not only to turn the property quickly but make cash quickly. So once you have an agreement with a motivated seller, you'll want to have networked with investors that would be interested in the types of properties you are tying up and arrange create terms that will work for you and the buyer correctly. There are effective real estate investing strategies that will allow you to systematically do this and avoid many mistakes beginning investors make. When you wholesale properties correctly, it will be quick cash for you and be worth several thousands more for the end buyer making it a great win-win strategy!

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Matthew Sorensen is big on providing wholesale real estate investing training for that is straight forward without charging an arm and a leg for it. You can visit his website at: www.creativerealestatehelp.com to receive more information on profiting in today's new real estate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/being-creative-no-money-down-investing-strategies.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/being-creative-no-money-down-investing-strategies.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:52:35 -0600
The term -no money down- does not mean no money is transacted, it just means that someone elses money is transacted. It does not come out of your pocket, piggy bank, or savings account.

In fact, people without a lot of personal cash or savings are sometimes better off because they have to approach the real estate investing business differently. They start off on the right foot to making money faster than those that use conventional methods such as a traditional bank loan and/or putting down a large chunk of their own money simply because they have to.

When you are starting out and don't have a lot of investment capital, you will want to target properties you can buy without having to get a loan in your own name. As a creative investor you will want to look for motivated sellers so they are willing to work with you using creative financing methods so you do not need to get a loan or put up a large down payment. This also allows you to create a win-win situation that will work for you and solves the sellers problems.

Sometimes having a lot of money is a detriment because those who are not forced to be creative miss out creative real estate deals. Even if you have a lot of money start being creative. No matter how much you have, if you keep tying it up in real estate purchases you will eventually run out. This is why you hear some real estate investors are "equity rich" but still "cash poor". They have all these assets on paper but they are still living check to check.

In addition to creative ways of getting money there are many creative real estate strategies that are essentially no money down methods. Some examples are real estate assignments including flipping and wholesaling, Subject to arrangements, and certain lease options strategies.

Especially if you are starting out and don't have a lot to work with, one of the best ways to make quick cash is to learn real estate wholesaling. This will allow you to eliminate a lot of inherent risks since none of your own money or credit is at risk and you never take ownership of property. With current real estate trends this is also one of the best routes to take and no matter how you define it, when done correctly it is a solid creative no money down real estate solution.

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Matthew Sorensen is big on providing real estate investing training for that is straight forward without charging an arm and a leg for it. You can visit his website at: www.creativerealestatehelp.com to receive more information on profiting in today's new real estate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/understanding-and-using-multiple-real-estate-investing-stratiegies-to-maximize-profits.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/understanding-and-using-multiple-real-estate-investing-stratiegies-to-maximize-profits.html Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
“Subject To” and Lease Options
You can gain control of a property using a subject to arrangement, then lease option the property for higher rents, more cash flow and a higher purchase price.

“Subject To” and Flipping
When you find a motivated seller you can gain control of the property using a subject to or other arrangement, then flip or assign the property to another buyer or real estate investor.

Foreclosures and Wholesaling
You can tie up a property in foreclosure by getting it under contract at a lower purchase price (and even negotiate an additional discount with a short sale) then assign that right to purchase the property to another buyer or real estate investor for a fee.

Other Strategies
You can use a number of different strategies in conjunction with one another. For example, you may find a property that needs a lot of work, then rehab the property and lease option it for a higher purchase price and rents. The same principle can also apply to single family homes by doing lease options instead of traditional rentals. These are some additional ways to increase profits, cash flow and long term investment growth.

If you are buying and holding properties make sure you’re in a market that supports it. You will not want to hold properties that are losing value because of a market decline (unless you’re getting enough monthly cash flow to justify it). This is why faster, lower risk, strategies like wholesale real estate investing are better to use for flat and down markets.

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Matthew Sorensen is big on providing real estate investment training that is straight forward without charging an arm and a leg for it. You can visit his website at: www.creativerealestatehelp.com to receive more information on how to maximize profits safely for todays changing real estate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/creating-an-effective-investment-team.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/creating-an-effective-investment-team.html Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
One of the biggest traps beginning investors fall into is that they try and do everything themselves. They think they will just get one deal done to make some money then build an investment team. Unfortunately, what usually happens is they get stuck trying to learn and do everything in a limited amount of time, then get discouraged by either getting no results, getting scammed or burned from doing it wrong then finally giving up.

It is important to understand you need to work smarter not harder. This is the only way to run a successful investment and real estate investing business. Not only will this make it more profitable but also more enjoyable!

Though you will not need everyone for investment strategy you are focusing on, here are the top ten you should establish relationships with when you are starting out (in no particular order):

1. Home Inspectors
2. Insurance Agents
3. Mentors
4. Mortgage Brokers
5. Property Management Companies
6. Real Estate Agents
7. Real Estate Appraisers
8. Real Estate Attorneys
9. Rehab Crews
10. Title Companies

When putting together your investment team, here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Make sure you work with those that have experience working with investors similar to yourself. For example, a real estate agent that primarily works with clients buying apartments when you are flipping or wholesaling single family homes will be probably not be a good fit.
   
2. Make sure they have experience working in the area where you are investing.
   
3. They should have at least 2-3 years of full time experience in the area you are hiring them for.
   
4. Don't depend on just one in each category. For example, having 2-3 agents, brokers and inspectors will give you more flexibility, a larger network of contacts, and more competitive options for different investing circumstances.
   
5. Always ask for referrals so you can expand your team using the best people.

The bottom line is: The more you utilize the expertise of those around you, the more lucrative and *easier* your business will be. Period. So whether you choose long term buy and hold strategies or quick cash real estate investing strategies, you will be well on your way to achieve the fastest and most aggressive results possible. Remember to work smarter not harder!

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Matthew Sorensen is big on providing real estate investment training that is straight forward without charging an arm and a leg for it. You can visit his website at: www.creativerealestatehelp.com to receive more information on how to maximize profits safely for todays changing real estate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/no-money-down-investing-strategies.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/investing/no-money-down-investing-strategies.html Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500
The term -no money down- does not mean no money is transacted, it just means that someone elses money is transacted. It does not come out of your pocket, piggy bank, or savings account.

In fact, people without a lot of personal cash or savings are sometimes better off because they have to approach the real estate investing business differently. They start off on the right foot to making money faster than those that use conventional methods such as a traditional bank loan and/or putting down a large chunk of their own money simply because they have to.

When you are starting out and don't have a lot of investment capital, you will want to target properties you can buy without having to get a loan in your own name. As a creative investor you will want to look for motivated sellers so they are willing to work with you using creative financing methods so you do not need to get a loan or put up a large down payment. This also allows you to create a win-win situation that will work for you and solves the sellers problems.

Sometimes having a lot of money is a detriment because those who are not forced to be creative miss out creative real estate deals. Even if you have a lot of money start being creative. No matter how much you have, if you keep tying it up in real estate purchases you will eventually run out. This is why you hear some real estate investors are "equity rich" but still "cash poor". They have all these assets on paper but they are still living check to check.

In addition to creative ways of getting money there are many creative real estate strategies that are essentially no money down methods. Some examples are real estate assignments including flipping and wholesaling, Subject to arrangements, and certain lease options strategies.

Especially if you are starting out and don't have a lot to work with, one of the best ways to make quick cash is by using these real estate investing strategies. This will allow you to eliminate a lot of inherent risks since none of your own money or credit is at risk and you never take ownership of property. With current real estate trends this is also one of the best routes to take and no matter how you define it, when done correctly it is a solid creative no money down real estate solution.

--
Matthew Sorensen is big on providing real estate investment training that is straight forward without charging an arm and a leg for it. You can visit his website at: www.creativerealestatehelp.com to receive more information on how to maximize profits safely for todays changing real estate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/creative-real-estate-investing-for-flat-and-down-markets-beating-the-bursting-real-estate-bubble.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/creative-real-estate-investing-for-flat-and-down-markets-beating-the-bursting-real-estate-bubble.html Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0600
I can understand where they are coming from; having little or no knowledge about investing and that is OK, because it just creates more opportunity for you and I.

Real estate is cyclical and will continue to be cyclical. There was a large national article published that stated Las Vegas real estate had completely capped out and there was no place for it to go but down. Does that sound familiar? If so, you may want to think again. That article was published nearly half a century ago! Has real estate gone up in value in Las Vegas in the last 50 years? You bet, and not just a little! Now does that mean real estate is going to keep going up like it has the last few years? I wouldn’t plan on it, particularly in the short term, however that’s what makes all this media coverage so invaluable.

*It creates fear that scares off a lot of people from investing (creating more opportunity).
*It eliminates aggressive scam investments (as we saw rampant with builders in Florida and Las Vegas the last few years).
*It makes people question the value of their properties (creating more flexible sellers).

Consider this: Do you know any highly successful real estate investor that is afraid of flat or declining house prices? Quite to the contrary, knowledgeable investors understand when markets are flat or down it just weeds out beginning investors, makes people panic and means more opportunity.

What's important to understand is just as real estate is cyclical, so are the amount of buyers and sellers in a given market. When markets are up, you will have to spend more time finding motivated sellers, but you have the benefit of appreciation on your side. When markets are down, you can not depend on appreciation, but you will have a lot more motivated sellers to work with. In fact, when markets are down, you usually have to let good deals go, so you can take advantage of the best deals!

We are not just buying properties and hoping that they will appreciate or go up in value. That is not investing, that is speculating! Your completely dependent on future growth that is entirely out of your control. That is a conventional mindset and will not work in flat or declining real estate markets especially in the short term. Like any business, you need to make well calculated decisions. In real estate, that includes making creative, risk free offers and setting up your exits appropriately for the specific circumstances.

There are better real estate investing strategies for down and soft markets like assignments, lease options(as a seller or a "sandwich"), foreclosures, short sales, wholesaling and "subject to" arrangements. But even when doing rehabs or fixer uppers (which are not typically recommended in down markets) there are still good ways to make a good profit with the right system and proper planning. There is really no issue with doing rehabs of fixer uppers in down markets, you just need to factor in depreciation accordingly. This is why faster, lower risk, more creative real estate investing strategies are better to use during market declines.

The point is market conditions should not determine your success; it is how you approach your market and do what is appropriate for the current trends. When you structure risk free deals and make calculated decisions, the market conditions will never be a determining factor of whether you make money or not!

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Matthew Sorensen is big on providing real estate wholesaling and investing training that is straight forward without charging an arm and a leg for it. You can visit his website at: www.creativerealestatehelp.com to receive more information on how to maximize profits safely for todays new real estate trends.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>