Researching Property for Real Estate Investing

Much is being said lately about investments. There are many investments that one could make: stocks, notes, gold, retirement plans, etc. However, one of the safest ways to invest is in real estate. Credit Union Rate is your source for information on the market and the investment potential it offers.

It is important to note that no investment is safe, and that all investments have risk. However, real estate investing tends to have less risk, as most property values go up rather than go down. And even when interest rates are in flux, the overall value of real estate tends to increase. It is a good idea to talk with your credit union financial adviser about current trends in your area, and how real estate investing can diversify your portfolio.

But like any good investor, knowledge is required to make a wise investment decision. You should have a good idea of what it is you are investing in, as well as what its potential worth is. Making investments blindly is a good way to lose, rather than make, money.

Here are some tips for more efficiently researching property with real estate investing potential.

Understand the neighborhood. Thoroughly research a neighborhood before purchasing a property there. Know whether mostly young couples live there for starter homes. These neighborhoods often see turnover as families grow and young couples upgrade. In order to know how to best market the property, you should know about the area's primary inhabitants. Is the neighborhood safe? And, of course, how is the location? The old saying "Location, location, location!" is a true one. If the neighborhood is near good schools, minutes away from shopping, and located away from main thoroughfares, it is considered much more desirable.

Determine the future prospects of an area. Like the previous tip, knowing whether the area has potential for growth is important. An area that is rundown and likely to end demolished to make way for a new highway or utility station is not a sound investment. However, if a developer is planning to open a high end shopping, dining, and entertainment plaza a few blocks away, you are likely to find that the area has great growth potential. If you are looking to buy land, check to see if the growth rate of a city warrants you buying a few acres on the edge, allowing you to hold it until developers need it for expansion.

Watch for new developments. Keep an eye on the newspapers and city council meetings. This will give you an "in" as to where ideal areas are located. Beautification projects in "rundown" areas are great things to keep in mind, as it usually means an influx of money and new attractions. Make sure the developer is reputable, however, or you may find that you have been taken in along with the rest of the city's residents when delays, scandal, and stoppages sink the entire project.

Don't forget the Internet. The Internet is a great place to look for potential real estate investing opportunities. Your range immediately widens beyond your immediate locale. In fact, you can search for opportunities across the country or even on the other side of the world. But, as with all things located on the Internet, you should be wary. The Internet is also a prime place for scam artists to find unwitting victims.

As with all investing, it is important to avoid something that looks "too good to be true." Real estate investing is not about making "easy money." Whether you plan to invest by buying and then actually using the space for a few years before selling, or whether you plan to rent or lease the property out to somebody else, real estate investing can be a lucrative proposition. By doing thorough research before making a purchase, you can be sure that you are making the best possible use of your investment dollar.

Nicole Soltau is the President and Founder of CreditUnionRate.com.

The Leading Credit Union Directory. Search, Find, Join. http://CreditUnionRate.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Real Estate: Choose a Realtor You Can Trust

Today's volatile real estate market involves complex laws and fluctuating... Read More

What Is a CMA

"CMA" is an abbreviation real estate agents use for a... Read More

How to Buy Fixers for Profit

Do you dream of becoming a multi-millionaire real estate investor?... Read More

Should You Accept A Full Purchase Offer For Your Note or Not?

You could be facing a dilemma when considering payout options... Read More

Budgeting Your Log Home: Where Do You Start?

The Log home industry has matured these last many years,... Read More

The Secret To Marketing Your FSBO Home For Sale

You're ready to put your home or land (house, townhouse,... Read More

Saving for a Home

So you want to buy a home? This is a... Read More

Ten Steps for Becoming a Successful Real Estate Investor

The secret to success in real estate investment is finding... Read More

How Not To Blow Your Build Budget

Most people who complete a self build will go on... Read More

Property Investors, Scrub Your Thoughts and Start Again - Brazil, Brazil, Brazil!

Brazil Property - FortalezaThe PlaceWhat to do in a place... Read More

Real Estate Investing ? Finding Cheap Houses

Real estate investing expertise can certainly accommodate the luxury home... Read More

How to Calculate Real Estate Rehab Profits

If you are investing in real estate you will face... Read More

Buy FHA HUD Homes

FHA HUD homes are those dwellings that have been acquired... Read More

Home Not Selling In Todays Hot Market? Tips and Ideas to Help You Sell

So, your selling your home. Prepare yourself both physically and... Read More

Investing in Real Estate Profitably: Eliminating the Need for Mortgage Insurance

In an earlier article, we presented various options for ensuring... Read More

Writing on the Wall - Are REITs a Better Investment for You?

When I was a young child I had many annoying... Read More

Where To Start In Looking For A Central Illinois Realtor

Central Illinois is an excellent location for families and businesses.... Read More

Residential Property Abroad

It is increasingly common for individuals to own more than... Read More

Real Estate Bubble: Fact or Fiction?

The real estate market buzz across the country these days... Read More

5 Simple Steps to Sell Your House Fast!

The decision to sell your house wasn't made on the... Read More

Buying and Selling Real Estate: Negotiating to Win-Win

You don't get what you deserve - you get what... Read More

Condos Vs. Condo Hotels For Vacaton Home Ownership

Condo hotels, also called condotels, are a relatively new concept... Read More

Foreclosure Home Deals

Did you know that you can save tens of thousands... Read More

Buying a Vacation Home

You'd like to buy a vacation home, but you're not... Read More

Using Color Psychology to Sell Your Home

When painting your home for resale, choosing the right colors... Read More

Will The Real Home Buying Guide... Please Stand Up?

Use Google right now and do a search on, "Home... Read More

Home Buying: Things To Keep In Mind

So you've decided you want to own a home and... Read More

Buying To Let Top Ten Tips

Buying to let is considered a serious investment and should... Read More

The Professional Investors Plan

The art of using high-leveraged activities.Here I would like to... Read More

Law & Logic of Homeowner Association Capital Reserves

In October 1999, Oregon was one of the first states... Read More

On the Crossing of Continents

Cyprus is situated in the north-east Mediterranean on the crossing... Read More

Real Estate Value: Knowing yours is Key to Mortgage Success

The value of the real estate you own, whether it... Read More

Build Your Retirement By Investing In Real Estate

Most people buy one or two properties. One is their... Read More