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    Troia Team
    2700 Canyon Blvd.
    Boulder, Co. 80302
    303-541-2243

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    Tips On How To Find Your First Real Estate Investment


    I know…I know…how can I possibly be talking about buying investment property with the recent developments in the economy.  The truth of the matter is rates are still at historic lows and it’s a buyer’s market in Boulder Colorado.  With depreciating home prices and a rise in foreclosures, why not try investing in real estate?  Sure, it’s takes some experience but with these helpful strategies, you’ll be ready to close a deal in no time.  Read more to learn some steps to take for real estate investing and take advantage of the buyer market. 

    The first important part of this process is deciding on a location and strategy.  You have to choose an area based upon economic research and according to NuWire, this means finding the best neighborhood that suits your individual investment style.  Would you prefer a condo downtown or a single family home in the suburbs?  That decision also depends on the market.  Your agent can help you find the comparable properties and fill you in on what’s hot and what’s not.   Then, you need to decide if your strategy will focus on foreclosures, fix and flips, renovations, or rentals.  Each of which comes with its’ own pros and cons.  

    Secondly, when getting pre-approved, have a portfolio with your financial information.  This will include your employment history with past 2 months of W-2s, last 2 years tax statements, asset and liability sheets, current financial statement such as bank statements and retirement funds, and any information on a specific property if you have already chosen.  Be ready to make a small deposit called an earnest money check.  It’s usually about one to two percent of the asking price.
     
    If you haven’t, the third step is creating a checklist of property criteria.  I give my clients a checklist that includes the following; location, type of property, price, square footage, lot size if applicable, basement, garage, beds/baths, age, zoning, and repairs.  If rent is involved, the checklist also has rentals rates, vacancy rate, and potential return based rents.  What’s its’ minimum gross yield (potential rent x 12/purchase price x 100).

    Fourth, do a comparative market analysis.  As mentioned before, you need to analyze the market by comparing as many recent sales as possible.  I have never had a client who did this themselves, so it’s something your agent should assist you with.  If there are enough, use only the last three months but not more than six.  I suggest using at least ten comps and determining the days on market, list price, sale price, equal repairs, square footage, and location. 

    My last tip is to be careful.  I recently read that using inadequate forms can get you into trouble.  Real estate agents in Colorado have the correct legal forms and you need to have a lawyer review them.  William Bronchick is a real estate attorney who finds it amazing how short-sighted novice investors won’t commit to buying good legal contracts.  He explains that a real estate deal is only worth the paper it’s written on and buying from discount office supply stores or using website templates can be a big mistake.  So, while investing in a home, also invest in a good set of legal documents and again, have a lawyer review them. 
     
    It is one of the best times to buy.  Rates are low and prices are down.  If you are one of those who have managed to save quite a bit of cash this is the time to use it.  Cash is King in this market and this may help you leverage a much lower price with banks trying to unload their foreclosure inventory before the end of the tax year.  Find a great foreclosure property to buy and you will make money.  Don’t let this incredible opportunity pass you by! 

     

     

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