The first thing you should consider before jumping into the housing market is your financial picture. Make sure your credit is in good enough condition to get a decent loan. If there are any negative marks on your credit, get them fixed as soon as possible. Those with extremely poor credit may have to use other creative means to obtain funds. But it is not impossible, it will just be a harder, longer process.
Once your financing is in order, you are now ready to hit the market. The key is to search for the best bargain. You essentially want to buy low and sell high. If you do your research, you can always get a good deal. Having your finances in place, ups your chances of being the first to grab a good deal. Home sellers are particularly favorable to buyers that are in a position to immediately close on a purchase. The more money you have upfront, the better the deal you will receive.
In order to make a good profit you must research the market. Investigate the various property types available and their locations. Think about what type of property you want to invest in; multiple dwellings, distressed property, fixer uppers, repossessions, direct sales by owners or condominium sales. You may find the best prices and overall deals in repossessed property or distressed property.
Beginning investors should also look into bank owned property. These are referred to as Real Estate Owned or REO houses. Depending on how bad the bank wants to get rid of the property the better your deal. Many banks offer financing on their repossessed homes and they generally offer very good deals. Learn the lending terms to give yourself a stronger bargaining position and lower your overall buying costs.
Multiple listings or MLS are another avenue to find property at a good deal. The longer the listing has been on the market the better your chances are of finding a motivated seller and getting a good price. The trick is to put out a low bid with a quick escrow. This gives the seller a quick out of a property they may be desperate to get rid of and you, the investor, a bargain basement deal.
As you grow more as an investor you may decide to get into flipping properties. Flipping involves purchasing a property, fixing it up then selling it for a profit. For beginners, it is best not to get a property that is too distressed. You want to keep your costs at a minimum. You also want to be able to turn it around at a fast past and make your profit.
Be smart, do your research and get the proper financing in order. If you decide to go with an agent, get a good, knowledgeable on that really knows the ins and outs of the market. There are many routes to explore when answering the question How Do I Get Started In Real Estate Investing. With time, experience and persistence a beginner can achieve a lot of success in this business.
