Real Estate Information

Real Estate Investment Requires A Team


I had a hard time at first with real estate investment. One of the reasons was that I tended to be a "lone wolf," trying to do too much myself. I've since learned that to really do well investing in real estate, you need to have a team of people you can trust and rely on. Here are some possible team members, and what they need to be on the team.

1. Real estate agent. A licensed agent with experience in the area you invest in and access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), can be a great help. If she is a seller's agent, she can still ethically bring the best deals to you once she knows you're a serious buyer.

2. Real estate attorney. This should be someone familiar with the laws and legal customs of your area, and have experience with the type of deals you intend to do (If you are buying rentals, she should be familiar with doing evictions, for example.)

3. Accountant or bookkeeper. Keeping proper books for real estate investments is getting more complicated with all the tax-law changes. Find someone that understands the law, and what you want.

4. Mortgage broker or banker. The first can offer many options, but the second can make the loan decision. Each has their advantages, and you could use both. In either case it's important that they understand what you want (fast closings, lower interest, corporate loans?)

5. Appraiser. Not only can a good appraiser give you an accurate valuation of a property, but they should be able to suggest ways in which you can raise the value of a property. Use someone that will talk to you.

6. Inspector. In some areas it is easy to become an inspector with little experience. It's best if you use one that is or used to be a contractor, so he can find the problems AND give you some idea of the cost of repairs.

7. Insurance agent. A good one will understand what you want, and find ways to save you money. Insure all your properties with one agent, and you're likely to have discounts available, and better service.

8. Escrow officer. They will usually be with a closing company. Look for someone that's efficient, and can explain things clearly to both sides. If he is confused by a slightly creative contract, he should educate easily or be replaced.

9. Cleaning person. Having a trusted person or crew ready means a fast turn around when you buy a rental or rehab project.

10. Property manager. Be sure that the company you hire has exerience, is responsive, and will have time when you call. A good property manager can tell you BEFORE you buy, what you should get for rent in a given area.

Real estate investment is less stressful and more profitable with a good team on your side.

Steve Gillman has invested real estate for years. To learn more, and to see a photo of a beautiful house he and his wife bought for $17,500, visit http://www.HousesUnderFiftyThousand.com


MORE RESOURCES:

German Stocks Drop; Hypo Real Estate, Continental, E.ON Fall
Bloomberg - 54 minutes ago
Hypo Real Estate Holding AG and Continental AG dropped at least 2 percent after Deutsche Boerse AG said the companies’ shares will be removed from the ...
Salzgitter, Beiersdorf to join German DAX-30 Index The Associated Press
Salzgitter, Beiersdorf to join Germany's DAX index Forbes
German Stocks Erase Gains; Hypo Real Estate, Continental Drop Bloomberg
Bloomberg - Bloomberg
all 80 news articles


Four Industry Greats Form National Real Estate Consulting Firm ...
MarketWatch - 3 hours ago
NEW YORK, Dec 04, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Real estate industry giants Henry Gallin, Michael Glick, Frank Sullivan and Ray O'Keefe announced the formation of ...


Cousins Properties to Present at the 12th Annual Wachovia Global ...
MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2008, Cousins Properties Incorporated is a leading diversified real estate company with extensive experience in ...


International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) to Host European ...
MarketWatch - 13 hours ago
Austria has developed into a major European centre of real estate and financial transactions. It seemed most appropriate for FIABCI to hold its European ...


StarPhoenix

China's CIC appoints real estate fund head -sources
Reuters - 12 hours ago
Besides real estate funds, Zhou's team is also responsible for CIC's direct investments and non-real estate private equity funds. ...
Israel stocks fall; Israel Corp., Discount in focus MarketWatch
Seabreeze's Kass favors US stocks over Treasuries Reuters
Developer Africa Israel posts steep loss in Q3 Reuters
Reuters - Reuters
all 1,892 news articles


ERA Pacesetter closes real estate business
Bizjournals.com, NC - 21 hours ago
One of Greater Nashville’s largest residential real estate firms — ERA Pacesetter Partners — is closing up shop, the latest casualty of tough economic times ...


Nokomis Real Estate Ventures LLC files bankruptcy petition
Bizjournals.com, NC - Dec 3, 2008
Nokomis Real Estate Ventures LLC filed a petition in Tampa federal court seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company does business as the Nokomis Inn ...


Real Estate Pain on Tap for Smaller Banks
TheStreet.com - 29 minutes ago
This is the second story of a two-part look at banks that could suffer from their exposure to commercial real estate and construction loans. ...


Neuberger Berman Real Estate Securities Income Fund Inc. Announces ...
MarketWatch - Dec 3, 2008
... in the markets for its portfolio securities, and in particular, common and preferred stocks issued by Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs"). ...
Marshall to raise $500m for Russian real estate PrivateEquityRealEstate.com
Marshall Capital Partners launches new $500 million fund for ... WebWire (press release)
all 9 news articles


Sify

Keepin' It Real Estate: Treasury Tries to Re-Inflate Housing Bubble
Minyanville.com, New York - 3 hours ago
A protracted period of stabilization will ensue, during which time the opportunity to purchase high-quality residential real estate below its long-term ...
The real estate industry gets a favor from Bernanke Todays Financial News
New Treasury Plan May Lower Mortgage Rates Washington Post
Mortgage rates drop to lowest level since January The Associated Press
Boston Globe - MSNBC
all 568 news articles

Real-Estate - Google News

home | site map
© 2006